Breaking the Stigma: Stevie Kaye
After a series of injuries ended her volleyball career at 22, Stevie Kaye turned to cannabis for relief. She has now been a cannabis activist and advocate for close to a decade, and we are excited to feature her first in our new Breaking the Stigma interview series.
LS: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SITTING DOWN WITH US!
SK: My pleasure! It is an honor to have the opportunity to express my truth through Lightshade’s conscious effort to break the stigma.
LS: LET’S START WITH YOUR ATHLETIC BACKGROUND. CAN YOU GIVE US A BASIC RUNDOWN OF YOUR HISTORY?
SK: I started playing sports at age 8 but got into volleyball at the age of 11. I dropped playing basketball and softball to focus on high school and club volleyball. I then played NCAA Division I volleyball on athletic and academic scholarship for 3 years until I decided to transfer to the NAIA where I continued to play on both athletic and academic scholarship. Now that I am no longer competing I still find ways to get better on the court or on the field as a way to continue the evolution of my human potential.
LS: AND WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT PROFESSION?
SK: My professional life has become a trinity of roles. First as a healer. I work with people who are interested in using holistic alternative medicine and spirituality instead of conventional western medicine. Between giving massages and consulting everyday life conflicts I am honored to help inspire and bring health and happiness to my clients lives. Just recently I was able to help a client find a new job at one of the top CBD companies in the world while also removing the knot out of her back.
My second role is being a volleyball coach. I’ve coached high school and club teams, but now I specialize in 1 to 1 coaching for skills development as well as active play therapy. A parent might come to me and ask to help improve their child’s skills, or prepare them to tryout for a club team, and other parents might come to me and ask me to help improve their child’s overall behavior and health through their passion and focus in volleyball.
The passion of my professional life is wrapped around advocating for cannabis and assisting people that might be interested in including it in their lives. Clients, strangers, friends and family come to me but never know where to start. I help guide them to what kind of products or strains might be a good fit for their health and lifestyle. Given my athletic background I find myself helping a lot of college and professional athletes or retired college and professional athletes interested in trying CBD products for recovery or sports-related injuries. Or it could simply be helping someone that’s canna-curious and just doesn’t know where to start. I help whoever I can, whenever I can.
LS: HOW DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER CANNABIS?
SK: I was introduced to cannabis when I was in high school and was strongly against it. After I graduated I dabbled a handful of times but didn’t feel the need to smoke cannabis until I started taking adderall to study. I wouldn’t be able to handle the adderall unless I also smoked cannabis. l didn’t make a connection between cannabis and my health until I was 22 when it lowered my blood pressure and released me to play from being medically ineligible. But even then, after losing my scholarship for failing a drug test I was ashamed of how it made me feel. It wasn’t until I was 24 and met a western medicine pediatrician with a license to prescribe cannabis that I discovered the truth about my cannabis use. I discovered that it was helping me heal from the damages of prescription drugs I had been given throughout my injuries and health issues. Now I use cannabis for my emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health.
LS: HOW WOULD YOU PERSONALLY DESCRIBE THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH CANNABIS USE?
SK: It’s like a dark cloud of shame and punishment that you have to carry around for no reason. Being a volleyball coach and having a passion to work with kids I walk in the door feeling judged by some of the parents and coaches. And yet those same coaches and parents are out excessively drinking with each other when they travel for tournament games. Then wake up the next day in a bad mood, hungover, and taking it out on the kids. All the while I was enjoying cannabis and a nice quiet night of sleep so I could wake up and be present for the kids. It’s a stigma that haunts me and is incredibly hard to shake while pursuing a place coaching kids. I guess this is how Batman must feel.
LS: WHAT CAN CANNABIS USERS DO TO HELP BREAK THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH CANNABIS?
SK: Be honest about your cannabis use. It makes people feel uncomfortable, but to me it provides me the boundaries and limits to the people and things I choose to include in my life. If you’re an adult and have authority to speak up, it is your social responsibility and divine honor to be honest with who you are even if it makes people uncomfortable, including your family. Some of my family used to be closed off and uncomfortable with my cannabis use but over the years our conversations have evolved along with their perception because I am an educated patient of cannabis. In the end, I know way more about the benefits than they know about the negatives. It has just takes courage, faith, and integrity to keep the conversation going.
LS: WHAT’S YOUR PREFERRED METHOD OF CONSUMPTION?
SK: There’s so much we don’t know, so it’s still hard for me to say! Until then I have always smoked flower throughout the day depending on how much pain I have that day. I have just included taking edibles throughout the day along with smoking. In a perfect world I used consume cannabis orally for medicinal use and smoke cannabis for social and creative use, for now I smoke for medical until I find the same instant and consistent relief.
LS: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE STRAIN OR PRODUCT?
SK: For flower, I prefer hybrids of OG’s and a good CBD with a 1:1 ratio. I’ve also really fallen in love with the Wana brand. I am having great results with their edibles.
LS: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE NEW TO CANNABIS AND MIGHT BE INTIMIDATED ABOUT MAKING THEIR FIRST VISIT TO A DISPENSARY?
SK: Take somebody that you trust and love and go with them. Having somebody that cares about you that can walk you through the process will really help. Be open with the budtenders by telling them it’s your first time and you aren’t really sure what you’re doing. They’ll joyfully guide you towards mellow, low-dose products that are good for beginners. Also remember, you don’t need to commit to buying anything, you can just go and have a conversation about the products and enjoy the experience. The feedback I get about first time visits is always a positive experience for everyone in large part to the wonderful professional and educated budtenders.
LS: STEVIE, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US!
SK: My pleasure! Always great to connect with the team at Lightshade!
Cannabis and Weight Loss: An Unlikely Combination
Cannabis consumption might help you maintain a healthy weight
New research finds that cannabis has the potential to help consumers maintain a healthy weight. Are you surprised?
People associate many things with cannabis – weight loss isn’t one of them. And while scientific evidence supports the Doritos-ravaging stoner stereotype, new research shows that cannabis consumption might help you maintain a healthy weight.
The International Journal of Epidemiology studied more than 30,000 participants to learn if they are less likely to gain weight through cannabis consumption. Their findings are a surprise, even to those of us steeped in cannabis education. In short, people who regularly consume cannabis are less likely to become obese or overweight when compared to those who don’t.
The study, conducted over three years found that while all participants put on weight, those who consumed cannabis experienced a lower volume of weight gain than those who abstained. The researchers think that cannabis might create cellular changes that influence weight gain. Other studies offer similar findings. 2011 research conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that while cannabis is shown to stimulate a person’s appetite, cannabis consumers are less likely to be obese than non-consumers. Similar studies have also found that, in contrast to popular belief, cannabis lovers have smaller waistlines than those who abstain, and they have lower cholesterol levels.
Scientists think THC, the compound responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects, is also responsible for the belly-busting attributes of our favorite plant. Researchers at the University of Calgary put this theory to the test by giving fat mice – and trim mice – a daily dose of THC, and compared the results. They discovered that while THC had no impact on the size of the mice who started the study at a healthy weight, it caused the fat mice to slim down. Researchers hypothesize that THC changes the gut microbiome in such a way that it helps to regulate weight loss and digestion.
Additional studies backup the University of Calgary findings, leading many scientists to conclude that there is indeed a correlation between cannabis consumption and a reduction in body weight. The results hold across genders, age groups, and reasons for use (recreational or medical).
Researchers are quick to point out, however, that we are in the early phases of understanding how marijuana impacts weight. Evidence suggests the effects of cannabis on weight fluctuations are, like everything else surrounding this historically misunderstood plant, complicated. Every cannabis consumer knows consumption often leads to the munchies, and if you eat a bag of Doritos or a pint of ice cream, you will gain weight. Still, this new research suggests that consumers who avoid post-smoke munchies might enjoy a reduction in overall body fat.
Of course, other habits are essential for maintaining a healthy weight, and consumers shouldn’t assume they can smoke-off their extra baggage. If you don’t exercise regularly and have less-than-ideal eating habits, consuming cannabis won’t help you lose weight. It will probably have the opposite effect.
It’s also essential every person pays attention to the quality of their food sources. Fast food, processed food, and foods with hidden fat and sugar are the enemy of healthy weight. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to avoid these kinds of foods, and when you factor-in stressful lifestyles and anxiety, you’ve got the perfect recipe for weight gain.
We should mention cannabis is helpful for general stress and anxiety relief. Emotions influence how our bodies metabolize calories. Controlling your stress levels with cannabis is a positive way to reduce the metabolic impact of daily stressors.
It’s also worth noting that CBD is known as an appetite suppressant, making it an excellent option for consumers battling a compulsive desire to eat. CBD alone does not get you high, meaning it can be consumed during the day without hindering your ability to work or run errands.
Cannabis is no substitute for an excellent diet, but it helps maintain a healthy weight, and even more-so when included as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Relieve your body and mind with an ancient natural remedy.
Drop by one of our medical dispensaries or recreational dispensaries to pick up your favorite cannabis products and start to explore new ways to incorporate cannabis into your lifestyle.
4 Creative Ways to Enhance Your Cannabis Consumption Experience
There’s nothing wrong with consuming cannabis just for the high, but with a world of new products and consumption methods, it’s not your only option.
If all you do is smoke and watch sitcoms that’s cool, you do you. But know that you’re missing out on the full breadth of cannabis possibilities in the modern era.
Consider trying these new and accessible ways to enhance your cannabis consumption experience.
Four creative ideas to enhance your cannabis consumption experience
1. Cooking with Cannabis
In Colorado, cooking with cannabis has moved beyond dried-out brownies that taste like sub-par weed. Today, cannabis cuisine is a legitimate culinary specialty, and if you enjoy time in the kitchen, you should give it a try!
There’s a variety of cannabis cookbooks to help get you started. We love Bong Apetit from the editors of Munchies, and Wake and Bake by Corinne Tobias, where you’ll find recipes for every diet, including meals that are vegan and gluten-free.
If sweet treats are your guilty pleasure, check out Stephanie Hua’s Edibles: Small Bites for the Cannabis Kitchen. This tasty collection contains over 25 bite-sized, starter-dosed recipes for canna-bakers of every skill level.
Not into cooking? We get it. But that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying edibles. We keep a full stock of cannabis-infused culinary delights at each of our eight Colorado dispensary locations.
Additional reading: we polled Lightshade team members to discover their favorite edibles. Click here to find out what they said.
2. Canna-centric Journals
The variety of strains available today is astounding, and new strains are showing up all the time. Modern cannabis strains are grown to highlight specific terpenes or profiles, offering a broad range of diversity in taste, effects, and aroma.
Keeping a written record of your experience with each new strain is a great way to refine your tastes, keep track of what you’ve tried, and bring focus to your consumption experience.
Not everyone wants to write a complete journal, but some type of scoring system gets the job done. Need some inspiration to get started? Look no further than the Cannabis Taster Notebook, from Goldleaf. This pocket-sized journal is designed for cannabis enthusiasts. It’s guided entry pages, graphics, tips, and tricks help you document the effects, flavors, aromas, and experiences of your favorite cannabis strains.
While you’re admiring all that Goldleaf has to offer, check out our collaboration with them that benefits Project Sanctuary. Click here to see our custom cannabis illustrations.
3. Self Care
New cannabis product categories continue to emerge as people discover unique applications for our favorite plant. Because of this, cannabis is now a popular ingredient in spa and skincare products.
We keep a full-stock of Mary’s Medicinals products at Lightshade, including tinctures and patches that contain THC. Mary’s recently developed a skincare line, Mary’s Methods. The product line includes bath bombs, body scrubs, moisturizers, and more. Each product is infused with hemp-derived CBD and is the perfect way to treat yourself after a rough day (or any day). We also carry some amazing products from Coda Signature, including bath bombs and massage oils.
If you enjoy DIY projects, why not craft your own cannabis skincare products? Sandra Hinchliffe’s The Cannabis Spa at Home includes easy-to-follow instructions to help you create more than 70 canna-spa products, including bath salts, emulsions, and lotions. Each recipe is designed for the cannabis enthusiast to craft in the comfort of their own kitchen.
4. Fitness
Fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes recognize the therapeutic attributes of cannabis. And today, there are infused products for smoothies (like Stillwater’s Ripple) and cannabis supplements designed to help with recovery after hard workouts.
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Colorado found that eight out of ten cannabis consumers say they dose just before, or after exercise. Of those who participated in the study, most reported extra motivation, enhanced enjoyment, and improved recovery. As always, experimentation with dosage is critical, and we recommend that you start low and go slow. Don’t ruin your motivation to sweat by getting too high.
Legalization has kicked open the doors to new and innovative ways of enjoying cannabis. Drop by your favorite Lightshade location to learn more.
An Interview with Umphrey's McGee
In anticipation of their triumphant return to Colorado for a 3-night run at Red Rocks, we had a chance to sit down with Umphrey’s McGee lead singer and guitarist Brendan Bayliss, keyboard wizard Joel Cummins, and longtime band sound-caresser and manager Kevin Browning.
Umphrey’s enters their 21st year touring the nation and is known for pushing the boundaries in the jam scene and innovating creative ways to engage with fans. They gave us the inside scoop on their relationship with cannabis, their two new limited-run cannabis vape pens “Day Nurse” and “Night Nurse” (available exclusively at Lightshade in Colorado), and how both Denver-based MedPharm and Lightshade got involved.
So, you’ve got 3 days at Red Rocks coming up. What makes performing at Red Rocks different from other venues?
“Red Rocks is simply the most incredible place for music in our country, for both the musicians and the fans. It’s awe-inspiring, just the coolest place to stand on a stage and let the music flow.“
— Joel Cummins | Keyboards Umphrey’s McGee
Cannabis has been legal here in Colorado for a long time. Does that make your shows feel different when compared to other states that haven’t legalized adult-use, for example compared to when you perform in Indiana?
“They definitely smell different!“
— Brendan Bayliss | Lead Singer/Guitarist Umphrey’s McGee
“I think the fans can relax and enjoy themselves a little more when they know security is not trying to bust them. So, in a way it just makes the shows a little more fun for everyone.“
— Joel Cummins | Keyboards Umphrey’s McGee
What role does cannabis play in your music, in all aspects from songwriting to performing?
“It’s always been a source of inspiration; it can help you to lock yourself into a zone and be focused or get lost in the woods.“
— Brendan Bayliss | Lead Singer/Guitarist Umphrey’s McGee
“It’s definitely a boon in both creativity and focus. There aren’t many things in life that can simultaneously allow you to relax and focus. So, it’s nice to have as an option for those who want to get on the path.“
— Joel Cummins | Keyboards Umphrey’s McGee
When did cannabis first become a part of your lives, and how were you introduced to it? What were your initial reactions?
“I was in a forest in South Bend in what is now the Eddy Street Commons. I didn’t think it was working so I took a bunch of hits. I was suddenly 50 yards to the left in a bush. I also thought the traffic helicopters knew what we were up to. So I went into a Notre Dame football game and promptly burned the roof of my mouth on some hot chocolate. It was kind of intense. But I grew to love it.“
— Brendan Bayliss | Lead Singer/Guitarist Umphrey’s McGee
“I went to see Bob Dylan at The Chicago Theatre as a sophomore in high school. I and my band mates at the time had a dugout with a metal bat that we fired up in a car in a parking garage. I got a couple good hits but didn’t really understand what I was doing and blew the cherry out on the third try.“
— Joel Cummins | Keyboards Umphrey’s McGee
You’re doing something new with the Day Nurse and Night Nurse pens. What made you decide to take a step beyond being cannabis fans to creating and promoting an actual cannabis product?
“It’s a very natural concept for us to do something with cannabis. We’ve made a Nothing Too Fancy Pale Ale and a couple other short run beer projects in the past, and we know many of our fans enjoy cannabis as well as beer. Day Nurse & Night Nurse are of course two much-loved Umphrey’s McGee songs, the naming process made lots of sense to us.“
— Joel Cummins | Keyboards Umphrey’s McGee
“The stigma that has long surrounded cannabis in the U.S. has finally, and sensibly, began to lift. We’ve discussed it for years and feel like the conditions are finally right, there is no putting this genie back in the bottle. American lawmakers seem to have finally realized that maybe having access to taxed and regulated marijuana won’t result society crashing down up us.“
— Kevin Browning | Sound-Caresser/Manager
And what can fans expect from the new, limited-edition Day Nurse and Night Nurse vapes?
“With the Day Nurse vape you have the energizing, uplifting experience of a sativa blend and the Night Nurse indica oil will be more of a deep, relaxing buzz. You’ve got two great options depending on which direction you’d like to go.“
— Joel Cummins | Keyboards Umphrey’s McGee
“Everything you need and nothing you don’t. We feel great about the two profiles we’ve put together with “the nurses,” one for your daytime go get ‘em needs and another for your dial it down desires.“
— Kevin Browning | Sound-Caresser/Manager
Why did you decide to partner with MedPharm/Batch?
“Tim has been an acquaintance of ours for many years and has always been someone who wanted to reach out and help, whether it was needing backline keyboards or an entirely new venue for a show. So, when he approached us with this idea, we were of course intrigued.“
— Joel Cummins | Keyboards Umphrey’s McGee
“My father has forever instilled in me that when you do something, do it right the first time. We’ve passed on a handful partnerships when we didn’t feel the confident about the operation from soup to nuts. With MedPharm/Batch, we saw a partner as detail oriented and self-contained as UM. From an in-house chemist to ensure the highest possible quality to a killer design team and everything in between, this felt like the fit we’d been waiting for.“
— Kevin Browning | Sound-Caresser/Manager
Why did you partner with Lightshade?
“Lightshade was a natural extension of the MedPharm/Batch partnership. Their quality reputation as one of Colorado’s most trusted dispensaries mirrored our desire to keep the expectations high. Killer service, knowledgeable staff and an eye towards community and philanthropic support feels like a good for The Nurses.“
— Kevin Browning | Sound-Caresser/Manager
Do you have a favorite strain?
“My personal favorites include Cali Star, Chocolope, Strawberry Cough & Green Crack. They’re all very similar in that they are motivational, uplifting and delightfully tasty strains as well as being consistent.“
— Brendan Bayliss | Lead Singer/Guitarist Umphrey’s McGee
How about a favorite way to consume?
“Pax 2 or 3 with flower because you can specific with your flavor profile and it’s a healthier option than combustion for a singer. The different settings vary from pure vape to smoke and in between.“
— Brendan Bayliss | Lead Singer/Guitarist Umphrey’s McGee
“I still prefer flower when possible. The taste and the buzz are unparalleled, especially with all of the industry advancements over the years.“
— Joel Cummins | Keyboards Umphrey’s McGee
Any additional comments you’d like to make to the Umphree’s fans out there?
“I’m just pleased to see the evolution on the thinking of cannabis in our society. Legalization is an idea that overdue. The fact that you can pick up an AR-15 and a case of Bourbon on the way home but could land in jail for “having a little grass in your pocket” (as my mom would say), doesn’t strike me as particularly sensical. Like any cognitive or conscious altering substance, it needs to be treated with caution, respect & moderation but let’s make sure we’re talking apples to apples. Legalization is a criminal justice issue, a racial issue and a class issue and while so many problems in our society are exceedingly complex to solve, this doesn’t isn’t one of them. I’m pleased to see we’re making some progress in this country and approaching the issue with a little more common sense.“
— Kevin Browning | Sound-Caresser/Manager
Click here to find out more about the limited-run Umphree’s McGee Day Nurse and Night Nurse vape pens. Don’t hit snooze on this one- these will go fast, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good!
The Cannabis + Music Connection
The Cannabis + Music Connection—A Legacy of Inspired Sounds
Consumers understand the connection between cannabis and music—but do you know how deep the relationship goes?
Cannabis has a deep relationship with sound. Looking back at the beatniks of the 1950s and hippies of the 60s, we can see that both groups found influence and inspiration from cannabis.
Beat generation author and cultural icon Allen Ginsberg wrote, “Marijuana is a useful catalyst for specific optical and aural aesthetic perceptions.” Jack Kerouac, arguably the most recognizable of the “Beats” in 1969 (the year of Woodstock) wrote, “I smoked more grass than anyone you ever knew in your life.”
Beatniks and hippies consumed cannabis to enhance the experience of music and to inspire creativity. Whether they were rolling one joint (or many) to enjoy at Birdland during a Charlie Parker session, or at El Chapultepec, Denver’s legendary Jazz bar and Beat hangout (yes, Denver has always been cool), the Beats were the original supporters of cannabis culture.
The musicians themselves also consumed cannabis (#Duh). Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix (and many, many more), openly discussed their cannabis consumption. Citing the transcendental effect THC has on the creative mind, musicians, spanning genres and generations continue to find inspiration in cannabis.
HASH AND POT…THEY JUST BEND YOUR MIND A LITTLE. I THINK EVERYBODY’S MIND SHOULD BE BENT ONCE IN A WHILE.—BOB DYLAN
Our beloved 420, the officially unofficial cannabis holiday, exists because a few hippie high school students needed a place and time to consume, and that time/code, 4:20, made its way to the entourage surrounding the Grateful Dead (we wrote a blog about it that you can read here). The rest, as they say, is history.
Regardless of your preference in music— Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock, Goth/Industrial, Punk, Jam Bands, EDM, Noise, etc.—consuming cannabis before or during the act of enjoying (or playing) music can enhance each note and every rhythm.
YOU NEED MUSIC, I DON’T KNOW WHY. IT’S PROBABLY ONE OF THOSE JOSEPH CAMPBELL QUESTIONS, WHY WE NEED RITUAL. WE NEED MAGIC AND BLISS, AND POWER AND MYTH, AND CELEBRATION AND RELIGION IN OUR LIVES AND MUSIC IS A GOOD WAY TO ENCAPSULATE A LOT OF IT.—JERRY GARCIA
When it comes to seeing live music, there is almost no better way to pre-game than to consume cannabis (sorry, booze). A show at Red Rocks is one of the classic Colorado sound-centric activities. Take a rideshare to Red Rocks (or designate a sober companion), and before heading out the door, pregame with an edible, joint (shareable), or your preferred method of cannabis consumption. Of course, you can take this same approach to every show you see in Denver, at Red Rocks or any other live music venue.
Announcing Night Nurse and Day Nurse by MedPharm and Umphrey’s McGee—Available exclusively at Lightshade.
Colorado is obsessed with music and cannabis, and since the two are practically made to be enjoyed together, Lightshade is collaborating with Jam Band legends Umphrey’s McGee and MedPharm, on a limited-edition line of cannabis vape cartridges. Packaged in a two-pack of one sativa strain and one indica strain vape, Day Nurse and Night Nurse will be available exclusively through Lightshade. Hey, the band is even making an appearance, so stand by for more details!
Learn more about this exciting and exclusive new product release from Batch Extracts and Umphrey’s McGee.
Cannabis Edibles We Love: Lightshade Staff Picks
Lightshade Staff Members Love Edibles (As Do Our Customers) – Here Are Some of Their Favorites
A few times each year, we like to poll Lightshade staff to learn about their favorite cannabis products. If you’re a close follower of this blog, you might recall this piece from last October discussing our manager’s favorite Vape Pens and Cartridges, or the blog published in February of 2018 covering Lightshade store managers favorite Concentrates.
Edibles continue to be a popular consumption method for Colorado cannabis lovers. It’s been a while since we asked Lightshade staff what they love, so we thought it’d be fun to learn about their favorite edibles.
Keep reading to find out what they said.
Favorite Cannabis Edibles at Lightshade
Wana Yuzu CBD 2:1 Sour Gummies
Amanda
Lightshade Dayton (Denver Dispensary)
I really love these gummies because I am huge fan of CBD edibles in general, and the 2:1 ratio really make these stand out. They are euphoric and relaxing all at once and they taste amazing. It’s a very unique edible to have on the market right now, and I get these as often as I can based on how universal they are for both daytime use and how they help me sleep through the night. 10/10 – would definitely recommend!
Mauro
Lightshade 6th Ave (Denver Dispensary)
My favorite edible is the Wana Yuzu 2:1 CBD to THC gummies. I really enjoy them because I like the taste of the yuzu and they don’t have a hashy taste to them. I also like the amount of CBD because I usually dose 20mg of CBD. The effects are always consistent and I generally feel a nice buzz but also feel relaxed. I always recommend them to people new to edibles because it has CBD and THC. They are also vegan and gluten free, so it is a good choice for those with food restrictions.
Stillwater Ripple
John
Lightshade (Aurora Dispensary)
I really love these gummies because I am huge fan of CBD edibles in general, and the 2:1 ratio really make these stand out. They are euphoric and relaxing all at once and they taste amazing. It’s a very unique edible to have on the market right now, and I get these as often as I can based on how universal they are for both daytime use and how they help me sleep through the night. 10/10 – would definitely recommend!
Doug
Lightshade Corporate
I’m more of a savory edible kind of guy. That’s why my go-to edible of choice is the Ripple line from Stillwater. These water-soluble pre-dosed dissolvable packets make it easy to create personal, custom food choices outside the typical sweet zone of most edible offerings. The powder is easy to mix into foods like salsa, guacamole, and queso dip. A bowl of infused awesomeness coupled with your favorite chip help create a relaxing weekend patio chill out session.
Dixie Sour Smash Gummies
Heather
Lightshade Corporate
My favorite go-to edibles are the Dixie Sour Smash Gummies. These brightly colored, sweet and sour gummies come with three delectable flavors in every bottle: Sour Apple, Sour Cherry, and Berry Lemonade. Infused with distillate, there’s no hashy flavor to these tasty treats! They are also fully infused, super potent, and always a consistent experience for the edible lover!
Coda Signature Coffee & Doughnuts
Krista
Lightshade Corporate
I am not typically an edible consumer, however when I do, my go to is ALWAYS Coffee & Doughnuts by Coda Signature. Not only is a 10mg serving a perfect high for me, this product is genuinely one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted. It tastes EXACTLY like coffee and doughnuts, which happen to be 2 of my very favorite things! Not to mention, Coda Signature as a company is made up of some of the highest caliber of people I have had the pleasure of meeting in the cannabis industry. Happy to support them!
Altus Tablets
Chris
Lightshade Corporate
My favorite edibles are the Altus line of tablets. They really have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a micro-dosed THC edible or a CBD:THC ratio product, Altus has it. My preference are the ratio tablets that range from a 1:1 all the way to 50:1 with a high CBD content. This lets me take full control of the effect I am going for and keeps me feeling balanced. Definitely recommend trying these.
Edibles are a delicious, discreet, and mellow way to consume cannabis. While there are specific guidelines for safe edible consumption (start low and go slow is our number one piece of advice – learn more here), Edibles, for both new cannabis consumers and aficionados, represent a growing and attractive product category. If you are new to edibles, we recommend starting with a low dosage of 5mg. Also, keep in mind, it may take 60-90 minutes to feel the effects.
Who makes your favorite edibles? Drop by and tell us! And if you’re new to edibles (or cannabis in general) pay a visit to your nearest Lightshade location and ask our Budtenders for their recommendations—we are always happy to help.
Setting the Record Straight on Edibles
Cannabis Edibles – Keys to Safe Consumption
Edibles are a fun alternative for people who’d prefer not to inhale cannabis, but consumers (and the media) need some education around safe consumption.
Edibles are the consumption method of choice for many fans of cannabis. You love them, we love them, and for consumers who’d prefer not to inhale cannabis, edibles are a great alternative.
Still, there are specific guidelines for the safe consumption of cannabis edibles that need to be discussed. We’ve noticed an uptick in stories, from both local and national media outlets, citing studies that show an increase in Emergency Room visits related to the consumption of edibles.
Before we move on, let’s set the record straight
Lightshade supports the SAFE consumption of cannabis edibles—but we DO NOT support their misuse, abuse, or the consumption of edibles by people who are not yet educated on safe consumption guidelines (or minors).
Now that we’ve cleared the air it’s time to dive into the problem and the solution.
A study published this month in the Annals of Internal Medicine examined roughly 10,000 patients at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital for four years—from 2012 to 2016. The study, as is typical of studies and media coverage related to cannabis (yes, even in Colorado where cannabis is legal), is designed to portray cannabis and cannabis consumers, in a less-than-favorable light.
The media is quick to point out the dangers of edibles as a growing concern but fails to highlight the inadequate and skewed data set from which this study draws its conclusions.
What is not reported by this study, is the fact that the data set used represents less than one percent (.57 percent) of the total ER visits. The .57 figure used was informed by coding in a patient’s chart indicating partial attribution to cannabis.
A statement issued by the Marijuana Industry Group explains, “Of the ER visits partially attributed to cannabis, 62.7 percent were discharged, none were admitted to the intensive care unit, and none died. Consistent with other examinations on the issue, the majority of cases presented nominal health issues and patients went home.”
The study used data gathered during a period in which Colorado was transitioning from a strictly medical cannabis system to a system where both medical and recreational cannabis is legal. The intake data used in this study doesn’t segment between regulated and unregulated sources of product, and those differences in the product are significant. Because of the limited data set—and the skewed perspective from which the study was conducted—the findings are suspect. Regardless, we’d rather focus on education and changing the narrative around cannabis in the media, and less on studies and coverage that only serve to perpetuate a longstanding stigma.
What you need to know about edibles
We’ve said this before, and we will repeat it: start low and go slow.
Edibles are different than other consumption methods, primarily in their time to onset. When you consume an edible, it has to pass through your digestive tract before it has an opportunity to produce its effects. Where consumers get into trouble is when they eat an edible, assume it isn’t the appropriate dosage, and consume again in rapid succession (and perhaps again after that).
It’s that simple.
When you’re starting out, you should consult with our budtenders on safe consumption guidelines. We’d typically suggest that you select an edible with a low dosage of THC, and DO NOT re-dose until at least four hours later. We don’t want to see anyone wind up in the ER for something as easily preventable as an edible-induced freakout.
If you have over-indulged in edibles, don’t panic. Research suggests that CBD can counteract some of the anxiety-inducing side-effects of THC.
AS EARLY AS 1982, THERE WERE INDICATIONS THAT THE PSYCHOSIS AND ANXIETY-INDUCING EFFECTS OF THC CAN BE SUPPRESSED BY CBD. SEVERAL OTHER STUDIES HAVE FOUND SUPPORT FOR THE ANTIPSYCHOTIC EFFECTS OF CBD.
– US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
In addition, Dr. Dustin Sulack from healer.com, a leader in cannabis medicine, has a few ideas for you:
IF YOU FIND YOU’VE INHALED OR INGESTED TOO MUCH CANNABIS AND DON’T WANT TO FEEL HIGH, DON’T DESPAIR. THERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE THE FEELING OF INTOXICATION GO AWAY FASTER. DR. SULACK SUGGESTS YOU TRY LEMON ZEST. SIMPLY GRIND A LEMON PEEL AND SPRINKLE IT ON SOME FOOD – OR HAVE A CUP OF CHAMOMILE TEA TO HELP YOU RELAX AND RELIEVE THE PSYCHOACTIVE EFFECTS. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THC IS NON-TOXIC AND WON’T HARM YOU, EVEN IN HIGH DOSES, SO JUST HYDRATE, TRY ONE OF THESE EFFECTIVE ANTIDOTES AND WAIT IT OUT. YOU’LL SOON BE BACK TO NORMAL.
The education pages on our site are packed with information around various methods of consumption and include tips for the safe use of edibles. As part of our commitment to combatting the misinformation presented by mass media and the resulting stigma, Lightshade WILL ALWAYS be available to answer questions surrounding all areas of cannabis, from consumption guidelines, and various methods of consumption, to information around the latest products and exciting industry news.
At the end of the day, we want you to have a safe and pleasant cannabis experience. Please reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Additional reading: PotGuide.com recently published an article packed with great information around what you can expect to feel if you’ve gone overboard with an edible, and what you can do to mitigate the side-effects. Click here to read the article.
Lightshade’s Tips for Celebrating the Greenest Day of the Year
420 in Colorado
Make the most of this green holiday with tips and activities hand-selected by Lightshade.
Sure, St. Patty’s Day is green, but the greenest day of the year is 420. The roots of 420 are vague (and change depending on who you ask). Here’s what people say:
- 420 is the number of active chemical compounds found in cannabis.
- 420 somehow relates back to teatime in Holland.
- 420 was born from Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35”, the song in which Dylan famously sings, “Everybody must get stoned”—because, 12 multiplied by 35 equals 420.
- 420 is a code used by law enforcement for “marijuana smoking in progress.”
- 420 is the birthdate of a particular figure in history who we’d rather not mention by name (it is, in fact, his birthday).
So, what’s the real story? As with many stories related to cannabis, the tale of 420 involves music—and it’s hazy.
Let’s roll back the tape (or papers) to Marin County, California, 1971. Five local high school students decide to meet at 4:20 pm near a statue of the legendary chemist Louis Pasteur for a toke. The group, known as the “Waldos” (they met next to a hidden wall near the statue), used 420 as code for cannabis when making plans for their next session.
Later, one of the Waldos found work with the Grateful Dead as a roadie. He brought more than just his skills at handling bassist Phil Lesh’s gear—he brought the notion of 420 too.
On December 28, 1990, a collection of Deadheads who were familiar with the then-underground code, organized a gathering of people to smoke “420” at 4:20 pm. We can thank those Deadheads for envisioning a day each year where people gather to enjoy cannabis at the same time. The rest, as they say, is history.
Fast-forward to 2019 and 420 in Colorado has become a yearly ritual for local cannabis consumers and canna-friendly tourists. And we love it.
Tips to help you make the most of the cannabis holiday.
Denver is ground-zero for our favorite cannabis-themed holiday. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it.
TIP #1
Despite appearances, it’s still not legal to consume cannabis in public. We recommend that you stay true to the underground spirit of 420 and consume discreetly and with caution. Denver will be packed with elevated revelers—and law enforcement. It’s always best to stay on the right side of the law.
TIP #2
The only thing cannabis shares in common with alcohol (aside from its past prohibition), is the legal age to consume. You must be at least 21 years of age. Don’t leave home without your identification, and if you’re not of legal age, do us all a favor and don’t consume—until you’re legal.
TIP #3
There are a ton of events happening throughout the 420 weekend. We suggest that you create a strategy to hit as many events as you can. Another reason to strategize for the holiday weekend? Transportation. DO NOT CONSUME AND DRIVE. Plan properly and use a rideshare or designated driver. We want you to be safe, and we want everyone else on the road to be safe, too. Don’t be the one to make cannabis consumers look bad—just don’t.
TIP #4
Cannabis moves quickly through the bloodstream, as does alcohol. Consuming both simultaneously makes it difficult for you (and your body) to regulate consumption levels. It’s best to stick to one or the other.
TIP #5
420 is a marathon, not a sprint. As we’ve said time, and time again, start low and go slow. We typically use this phrase in reference to edibles, but for the sake of having an enjoyable 420 holiday, it’s a good mantra to use throughout the weekend. Pace yourself, it’s that simple.
A few of our favorite 420 events this year in Colorado.
Not sure what to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. The Lightshade team has hand-selected a few events to help you build out a roadmap to 420. Of course, we’d suggest that you start your weekend with a visit to one of our eight Colorado dispensaries. We have some amazing specials in store for local and visitor, alike.
Snoop Dogg & Ice Cube at Red Rocks
This isn’t technically on 4/20, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to kick-off the holiday than seeing Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube live at Red Rocks. The two take the stage together on Thursday, April 18th, at 7pm. Just remember, it’s not legal to consume in public (as we said above)—plan accordingly.
The Mile High 4.20K
Celebrate the official start of 4/20 with an elevated run surrounded by hundreds of like-minded fans of cannabis and fitness. The Mile High 4.20K starts at 8 am at Sloan’s Lake Park. The event is designed to raise awareness of how cannabis consumption can be an integral part of promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Mile High 420 Festival
We’d be remiss not to mention the classic Denver 420 event: The Mile High 420 Festival. Held each year at Civic Center Park, the Mile High 420 Festival draws cannabis-consumers and advocates from across the globe. This year the event organizers aim to reimagine what the holiday represents, to fight the longstanding stigma that surrounds cannabis while celebrating our healthy (and growing) local cannabis industry. Celebrate our favorite plant with over 50,000 like-minded revelers.
Secret Stash Yoga: Sunday Gentle Flow
Start 420 Sunday (ok, technically it’s 4/21) on your mat with Secret Stash Yoga: Sunday Gentle Flow. Secret Stash Yoga wants to enhance your yoga experience in an environment that encourages relaxation, spiritual awareness, bliss and inner self-reflection—a perfect entry into the final day of the 420 holiday.
420 is a time for us to join together as a community and celebrate the past, present, and future of our favorite plant (and the industry). Be safe, be smart, and most importantly—let’s show the rest of the nation that Colorado cannabis consumers (and tourists) are happy, healthy, and working to tear down the misconceptions that have far too long, plagued this beautiful plant.
Beat the lines at Lightshade locations this week by placing your pre-order online for faster pickup!
Women In Cannabis
Updated 3/28/2019
Inspirational Female Leaders Making an Impact in Colorado and Beyond
As National Women’s History Month draws to a close, Lightshade would like to recognize the impactful women of cannabis.
Last year, we published our first edition of Women in Cannabis. It was—and still is—our goal to highlight the extraordinary women working each day to make a difference in our community. In this year’s edition, we’ve included a few more women making a difference in the cannabis industry, alongside the amazing women featured in last year’s article.
Women historically have struggled to achieve equal footing in the professional world and as recent social movements #MeToo and #TimesUp illustrate, in society and the larger business community, women still have a long way to go. Last year we pointed out that experts estimate the time it will take for women to achieve equality in the workplace at 217 years—sadly, this figure has not changed.
Cannabis is an outlier in the professional world and as our rebellious past suggests, we continue to defy expectations. Our industry is populated with inspirational and empowered women who are changing the world of cannabis and leading the way toward the transformation of the larger business landscape.
March is National Women’s History month. As our nation celebrates the achievements of women across a range of fields and industries, Lightshade would like to highlight a handful of the inspirational women making waves in our budding industry.
We are proud to hold space in the same field as the women discussed below.
Dahlia Mertens, Owner, Mary Jane’s Medicinals
Dahlia Mertens founded Mary Jane’s Medicinals in 2010, after being introduced to a cannabis-infused massage oil while in the mountains of Northern California. Filled with inspiration, she returned home to Colorado and set out to start a line of her own cannabis-infused topicals.
The MMJ movement was in its infancy, making it the perfect time to experiment with new products. Given Dahlia’s background in massage therapy, it only made sense that she start by using her oil on trusted clients. The feedback was outstanding and inspired her to invest her time, money, and energy in building Mary Jane’s Medicinals.
Given the newness of our industry at the time of Mary Jane’s Medicinals founding, Dahlia had to contend with a seemingly insurmountable stigma, and a lack of available research to help inform the creation of her products. Still, she didn’t skip a beat. Dahlia persevered and has built one of our industry’s most beloved brands. Today, Mary Janes Medicinals is a cannabis industry leader in healing topical products.
“When I first started this business and would broach the subject of what I did for a living, I never knew how people were going to respond. I got a lot of judgmental looks in the beginning.”—Dahlia Mertens to PopSugar, 2018
Kendal Norris, Owner, Mason Jar Events
Who doesn’t love a great event? And why shouldn’t our industry have its own unique canna-centric events company?
We don’t know if Kendal Norris, founder, and owner of Mason Jar Events was asking herself these questions when she started the company, but it’s easy to recognize her importance within our growing community.
Since 2014, Mason Jar Event Group has created experiences with a focus on high-end (seriously) cannabis culture, music, and dining. Known for their exceptional dinner affairs, resplendent with crystal glassware, banquet tables, and beautiful (and unique) floral arrangements, Kendall and her team craft elevated experiences like no other.
As a passionate cannabis consumer, with a history of hosting private cannabis-themed dinners in her own home, Kendal decided to start the company as a way to tell a new story about our favorite plant. Speaking to Dining Out magazine she said, “I became inspired after personally meeting with cannabis industries, discovering how they got started, and how they’ve tried to maintain a positive image. I wanted to do a series of celebrations to showcase this niche community.”
To keep pace with this ever-evolving industry, cannabis-themed events have started to crop up state-wide, but most pale in comparison to the luxurious soirees planned and executed by Kendal Norris and her team. We encourage you to keep up on all that Kendal and her team have planned—show your support for our community—join a cannabis-themed dinner party or yoga class organized by Mason Jar Event Group.
The next event is Yoga With a View and Cannabis Pairing Brunch on April 20, 2019, in Denver, CO. To receive an invitation to attend, send a Direct Message to @Masonjareventgroup on Instagram or Facebook, or reach out directly at masonjareventgroup.com.
Shannon Fender, Director of Public Affairs, Native Roots
Our friends at Native Roots (yes, we are friends) are inspirational counterparts in this now saturated marketplace. We respect their leadership and commitment to the cannabis community at-large. When they hired Shannon Fender as Director of Public Affairs, they made an outstanding choice (to put it lightly).
Shannon, as Director of Public Affairs, oversees Native Roots global government and community relations initiatives. She works in both the company’s established and new markets, gathering support from community members and stakeholders, to move the cannabis industry forward. She hustles every day to support the Federal legalization of cannabis in our country and to remove the stigma that has for too long plagued this beautiful plant.
Her work in the cannabis industry stretches back to her time working as a contract lobbyist in Colorado. She collaborated with cannabis industry leaders to solve major challenges until arriving at her home with Native Roots in 2016. In addition to her daily work with Native Roots, Shannon is a founding Officer of the Board of the Cannabis Trade Federation, the preeminent organization working to create a professional, credible, and unified industry in Washington D.C.
We are lucky to have a cannabis advocate like Shannon Fender working inside of the political space for the rights of cannabis consumers and businesses nationwide.
“What I have really tried to do in my role, both within the company and as well as reaching out to other organizations and setting that standard of excellence is organize and be better about talking about what we are doing as an industry and a community.”—Shannon Fender speaking to the Seed to Sound podcast
Karson Humiston, Owner & CEO, Vangst
At only 25 years old, Karson Humiston is the youngest female cannabis entrepreneur on our list, but her impact is immeasurable. In 2015, seeing a gap in the cannabis workplace, Karson founded Vangst—a platform designed to connect cannabis employers with potential employees.
Vangst was founded in a flash. Humiston, during a cannabis trade show in New York City, on day one, formulated her business concept—she returned for day two with a stack of homemade business cards and a load of ambition. Earning enough leads to prove the viability of her concept, Karson made the move to Denver and hasn’t looked back.
Fast forward to the present and we find Karson and Vangst in a vastly different space from where she began. With over 12,000 candidates, more than 53 companies, and an estimated 200 job openings on the platform, Vangst has grown to become an integral part of the Colorado cannabis community.Last year, Karson was selected to Forbes 2018 Top 30 Under 30 list for Enterprise Technology. As an advocate for removing the stigma associated with cannabis Humiston is outspoken and inspired.
Speaking to CNBC in 2017, Karson explained, “Convincing people to leave being a manager at Neiman Marcus or Chanel to manage a dispensary is a transition, and people aren’t exactly comfortable with the industry yet, so as a company, we have an obligation to educate our candidates on the industry, on where the industry is going, and where the opportunities are.”
Nancy Whiteman, Founder & CEO, WANA Brands
Nancy Whiteman, a relative veteran in the growing field of cannabis, is a powerhouse. A former marketing executive, Whiteman defies the stereotype of what people think of when they picture cannabis entrepreneurs.
“A 58-year-old mother of two, Whiteman presents as more sales rep than drug lord: russet hair in a sensible bob, a sly sense of humor tucked beneath a Northeaster reserve and the professionally tidy business casual of someone who started her career in suits.”—Inc.
Whiteman has adeptly navigated the entirely too-complex world of cannabis regulations, building Wana into one of our industry’s most beloved brands. How did she do it? She’s made it this far because of her ability to persevere against the odds, her grit, and her talent for improvisation.
Wana has grown considerably since Nancy founded the company in 2010, and as the industry grows, female cannabis entrepreneurs continue to look to her for inspiration. We know we do.
Dani Fontaine, Founder/Co-Owner, Colorado Hemp Project & Nature’s Root
Dani Fontaine’s hemp farm situated just outside of Pueblo, Colorado, was the first of its kind to operate legally in our country since the prohibition of cannabis. Dani, an outspoken advocate of hemp, founded the Colorado Hemp Project to demonstrate to the world the value of this sustainable and renewable, multi-use crop.
“This plan was taken from us and I plan to give it back to the people.”—Dani Fontaine to Fox & Nug, 2015
Since starting her cannabis career in 2008, Dani has been instrumental in bringing organic edibles to market, creating awareness around cannabis use for health, and fights as a fierce advocate for hemp and traditional cultivation practices. Fontaine is an inspirational woman, working for the greater good by helping to provide global access to this healing plant and is outspoken on topics related to cannabis and the industry overall.
“I think the cannabis industry as a whole is developing in my eyes a little slower than what it should be. It’s usually after three to five years you really start to see the fruits of your labor, and then, that’s when the big money wants to come in and not recreate the wheel, but help you build the wheel. It’s evolving nicely but with where we used to be in the late 1800s and early 1900s with cannabis here in America, we are really behind.”—Dani Fontaine to American Spa
Kristi Kelly, Marijuana Industry Group
Kristi Kelly is a vocal advocate for cannabis in America, an industry veteran, and all around cannabis renaissance woman. She’s been working to legitimize our industry for over a decade and has been instrumental in raising the profile of women in cannabis, having been named one of America’s 50 most powerful women in cannabis, and one of the top 100 political cannabis influencers. Kristi is prominently featured in the book Breaking the Grass Ceiling: Women, Weed and Business, and as the Executive Director of the Marijuana Industry Group, she provides consulting services for aspiring businesses and entrepreneurs in the cannabis space nationwide.
Kelly Perez, CEO, & Founder, & Courtney Mathis, President & Founder, KindColorado
Kelly Perez is passionate about cannabis and the community. As CEO and Founder of KindColorado, she is instrumental in creating awareness around issues surrounding cannabis and social justice—working tirelessly to join together businesses, nonprofits, communities, and projects.
Cannabis businesses have recognized the importance of philanthropy and responsibility as key initiatives and work with Kelly (along with Courtney) and KindColorado to bring these initiatives to life because breaking the stigma associated with cannabis and the drug war is critical if we want to bring this beautiful plant to the world legally.
“One of these days it won’t be cannabis and the community—it’ll be cannabis IN the community…what we get most excited about is the opportunity for communities (those disproportionately impacted by institutional neglect) that happens to be where many grows and processing facilities are located, to be served by the growing cannabis industry that gets to define itself as a business for good—people, profit, community. Working to change the cannabis narrative from the War on Drugs to a force for social change is pretty damn cool.”—Kelly Perez to the Cannabist, 2016
Courtney Mathis came from the nonprofit space giving her a unique perspective on the cannabis industry. She has a singular take on business and community involvement, which has helped to shape the mission of KindColorado. Courtney coined the phrase “cannabis doing good” which makes perfect sense as it’s representative of her core values and commitment to showing the world what our industry is capable of.
“I know the cannabis sector is capable of changing the world for the better. I also know that motivating a new industry to think about social responsibility and sustainability is a really hard ask when it’s painted as a “should” rather than an opportunity.”–Courtney Mathis for MJBizcon in 2018
At KindColorado, she has been instrumental in creating opportunities for cannabis businesses to engage with nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and other sector leaders. She’s worked with cannabis businesses of every size, and alongside her work at KindColorado, Courtney is also the co-founder of Conscious Cannabis Co. and works in partnership with Grasslands Content Agency to produce inspiring cannabis events.
At Lightshade, we continue to work with Kelly, Courtney, and KindColorado on projects related to our own Corporate Social Responsibility efforts and have found her insight, experience, compassion, and commitment to the community instrumental in bringing our CSR efforts to life.
Shannon Brooks, VP of Marketing & Corporate Social Responsibility, Lightshade
We’d be remiss not to mention Lightshade’s own Shannon Brooks. Shannon is committed to bettering our community, eliminating the stigma surrounding cannabis, and changing the cannabis conversation within the media. She is instrumental in all that we do at Lightshade and is part of what makes us unique within this growing community.
Shannon is committed to giving back for the right reasons. Speaking to the Cannabist in 2017, she explained, “Some businesses like to make donations so they can write it off, those giving back from cannabis organizations are really doing it for the right reasons. I do think the public needs to know this is the case.”
In addition to the hard work she does at Lightshade, Shannon serves on the Board of Directors for the Cannabis Trade Federation (CTF). The CTF is a national coalition of cannabis-related businesses that represent all aspects of the industry. They are focused on creating a professional, credible, and unified organization for our industry, and promote social responsibility, sensible cannabis policy, and the ongoing professionalization of this highly regulated and increasingly organized community of businesses.
At present, the CTF is lobbying for the State’s Act, which will alleviate many of the challenges facing the cannabis industry, such as banking, credit card acceptance, and unfair tax laws.
Shannon also serves on the CDOT Task Force for Drunk and Impaired Driving. In order to create awareness around the dangers of impaired driving, Lightshade is actively involved in helping to shape the message of this critical public safety issue. Shannon helps to ensure that cannabis has a seat at the table and is properly represented in this important conversation.
At Lightshade, we are committed to giving back to our community. Shannon is involved in forging partnerships with local nonprofits, organizing staff volunteer days, and is a fierce advocate for corporate social responsibility within the cannabis community at-large. It is through our work in the community we are able to demonstrate Lightshade’s absolute commitment to doing good.
This list is only a fraction of the hard-working, inspirational, and empowered women involved in the world of cannabis. Through the remainder of this month, as Women’s History Month draws to a close, Lightshade will continue to honor the women making an impact in our industry and encourage you to do the same. Show support for the women in your life who are making a positive impact each day.
The Cannabis Industry Has Environmental Challenges—Here’s How Lightshade Is Working to Overcome Them
We need to take a hard look at what our industry is doing to the planet and make a change—today.
With Earth Day approaching (Monday, April 22nd) and the global conversation around climate change heating up (no pun intended, seriously), we need to talk about the impact our industry has on the planet—and more essential—how we can change it.
The growing cannabis community is diverse. Most, if not all of us, are woke, earth-loving people, but we’ve got a challenge that must be addressed. The cannabis industry is facing a sustainability issue that threatens to tarnish the already tenuous reputation of our favorite plant. Introducing the benefits of cannabis to the planet is difficult if we are simultaneously doing harm to it.
“UNLESS ACTIONS ARE TAKEN SOON, THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY’S SKY-HIGH ENERGY USAGE AND WASTEFUL PACKAGING WILL UNDERMINE ITS GREEN SPIRIT AND BEST INTENTIONS.”—SPENCER J. WARD, ROOSTER
In a report released last year, New Frontier Data found that energy consumption by the cannabis industry is predicted to increase as much as 162% by 2020. At the time the report was published, also according to New Frontier, our industry consumed a staggering 1.1 million megawatt hours of electricity annually. To put things into perspective, that is enough energy to power over 92,000 homes for a year.
Despite cannabis being an industry based around agriculture, there are no clear guidelines for how to make it sustainable. Due in large part to the history of cannabis prohibition and resulting stigma, we have limited data to help inform industry-wide best practices specific to sustainability. And, in contrast to nearly every other industry, there has been scant publicly-funded research to define how we can produce and package cannabis in an effective, efficient, and sustainable way.
But that doesn’t mean we aren’t trying.
Some points you should consider:
- The Denver area is home to 300 grows that account for four percent of the city’s total electricity demand.
- As of today, Colorado gets most of its energy from coal-fired plants, making cannabis grown in our state the most carbon-intensive in the U.S.
- We won’t know how best to approach the issue of sustainability in cannabis until we have sufficient research and data.
What Lightshade is doing about engrained environmental issues in the cannabis industry
We’re not perfect. Despite our sustainable practices, Lightshade has been called out more than once on social media. We aren’t afraid to put ourselves under the microscope. Lightshade is committed to reducing our carbon footprint to ensure a better, more sustainable future, and still adhere to local regulations.
Here’s how:
- We recently completed construction of a 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art greenhouse. This new cultivation facility uses natural sunlight for the entire year, with artificial light added to supplement the process for 6 months out of each year. The greenhouse is cooled through water evaporation, cutting our power usage in half. Additionally, every drop of water in our new greenhouse is recycled, which enables us to decrease our nutrient and water consumption by 50 percent.
- Our existing cultivation facilities have always and will always use organic pest control methods.
- At each Lightshade retail location, we use LED lighting and high-efficiency climate control systems. And, our retail locations make use of single-stream recycling containers to house every piece of waste produced.
- This year, we are switching our packaging to bags that use 85% less plastic than the drams in use today. Until we make this switch, Lightshade has partnered with Green4Green to drop recycling bins at each location, allowing customers to return their spent drams to be cleaned and reused.
This is a call to action. The time is now.
As an industry and a community, we are green for green (pun intended). We are leading the charge in developing programs and habits to support the planet and show the commitment of the cannabis industry to be a positive force for change.
Lightshade is devoted to identifying sustainability issues and taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. Will you join us in the fight to save our planet?
Get in touch if you’d like to know more about the sustainable practices of Lightshade.