Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Pisces🌝

Tomorrow, in the early morning hours, we have our first eclipse of 2024, a Full Moon Eclipse in the sign of Libra. Full Moon Eclipses amplify the energy of a Full Moon so that you can think of them as Full Moon energy times ten! For that reason, they are said to be incredibly powerful and believed to open portals to higher states of consciousness. The portal that opens under this Libra Lunar Eclipse is one of endings. It seems that we are being guided to bring something to a close. Perhaps it’s a thought pattern, a belief, or perhaps something more tangible, like the ending of a job, relationship, or chapter of our lives. Eclipses affect us all on different levels and at varying degrees, but they always leave their imprint and always put us where we need to be. And, because this eclipse is in the sign of Libra, in all likelihood, you will be given opportunities to learn about how you show up in all your relationships. At its core, Libra energy reminds us that everyone we meet is a teacher and is really just a reflection of a deeper part of ourselves. We are all One; we are all fragments of each other. What we see and struggle within others is a powerful lesson for us, too. Overall, this eclipse will make you aware of any relationship imbalances. This eclipse will help you to move into a dynamic new phase of your life. But first, you must let go of what no longer benefits your highest good, even if it makes you sad or frightened.  Furthermore, this eclipse will change the way you feel about your relationships by allowing you to recognize what you value and how balanced your flow of giving and receiving is. While you may not have all the answers under this Eclipse, it will be your task to listen, learn, and keep growing from whatever comes up for you under this magical moon. Today, set your intentions to let go of any resistance that you’ve been holding onto, which keeps you attached to people, places, things, and beliefs that no longer serve you. Today, surrender and be willing to see where imbalances remain in your life and then let the eclipse energy give you the courage and the power to finally let go so you can move forward into the next chapter of your life.

Just for today, I am willing to change.  I am willing to let go of everything and everyone that no longer serves any purpose in my life. I am willing to learn my lessons, and I trust that everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

It's another New Year!

The New Year always brings hope, aspirations, and a sense of renewal until February hits. Then, you realize that you’re living the same shit as you did last year, despite your greatest hopes. And then, it’s Chinese New Year, and lucky for us, we can begin again, for real, this time.

Today is that day! And I realize I can’t slide through the muck I’m stuck in. I can’t ignore how I am wasting my life in a job that sucks with people that suck! That’s just sliding through won’t cut it any longer, and I’ll need to extricate myself from where I am.

That, my friends, is easier said than done, mainly because I am a unicorn and don’t fit anywhere anymore. However, I have been here before and always find my way out of this place of not knowing.

I don’t know where I go next, but here are the things I can no longer accept in my life or my work:

• Severely messed up people who think it is their right because they are messed up to treat me like shit.

• I will no longer be disrespected by people who disrespect themselves, so they must disrespect me.

• I will no longer do work that bores me, serves no purpose, and benefits awful people.

• I will no longer be a ghost! People will see me and listen to me.

Today, with the energies of the New Moon and the Wood Dragon behind me, I will set my intentions to get out and move on! If you feel like me, I hope you decide to do the same thing. Get out and move on!

What is a friend?

Recently, since everything has changed, I’ve been wrestling with the notion of what is a friend. I often refer to people I know as my friend. But, using that term in reference to so many people has left me confused and often disappointed.

So, I decided to start with what my definition of a friend was, is and what I would like it to be. First a disclaimer that I get attached quickly to people and almost instantly assume that people are my friend and therefore would have my best interest at heart, which we all know is not the truth.

All that being said, my definition or casual use of the word friend is rather juvenile and immature and always leads to my disappointment and hurt. My definition includes so many assumptions and expectations. So today, I set my intentions to consciously change the way I look at people in my life and become very discerning who I refer to as my friend!

Today, I begin a new way of defining a friendship by first recognizing that not all friendships are created equal. Friendships are not a “one size fits all” kind of affair but rather come in different shapes and forms. A friend doesn’t have to cater to all your needs. It’s more natural to have friends for different areas of your life. That doesn’t make any one friend “less than,” but it feels much healthier than placing undue expectations on one person. Once I am able open my mind to what friendship can look like, I will be able to gain access to connections that would have otherwise gone under my radar.

Next, I recognize that what I have been missing in all my friendships is balance-the balance of giving and receiving. I often over give and frequently do not get in return. And as a result, it is a pattern that I often over give and am left feeling resentful and angry at myself for doing so. Balance seems to be one of the most important aspects for me in defining a friendship.

Finally, I want to let go of the people who I have outgrown and now just hang around trying to connect with the old me, who had no self esteem, no boundaries and an insatiable need to be loved. Now that I have grown and changed, I set my intentions, no matter how lonely it feels, to let go. I set my intention to clearly communicate my needs so my new friends can hear them and meet them. I set my intentions to begin anew with new rules for how I define a friend. I set my intentions to forgive when I can and to let go when I need to. Today, I remember that connections in whatever form add immeasurably to the quality of my life. So, today, I set my intention to open my heart and mind to experience more of them!

Learn your lessons and forgive yourself.

We are in a time of great awakenings, if we allow ourselves to remain awake, learn our lessons and let go of our past. And, if you have been alive as many years as I have been, then you have shadows that you have hidden within yourself that need to be healed. They need to be healed because you have been selling yourself short your entire life, accepting less from the people, places and things in your life.

You have been accepting too little from the people in your life and yet you just didn’t know it. You have allowed many people in your life to take from you without ever expecting anything in return. But, now you are exhausted and those people have gone on their way, searching for love in all the wrong places and people. Today set your intentions to once and for all let go. They have taught you so much about loving yourself. They have been invaluable to your life’s journey since you have hung onto them for so long. Today, make a list of all the people that you know you need to let go of and then burn that list. Thank them and consciously let the thoughts of them go.

I can no longer watch or facilitate other people’s lessons or journeys. Forgive, say goodbye to them forever and then fill that space with new love, new friendships and new beginnings.

Weed wedding

Since the legalization of recreational cannabis, I have made it my mission to incorporate legal cannabis into upscale dining events, parties and now I’ve included it into a formal wedding.

As cannabis slowly has become legal in states across the country, more and more couples are including “weed” in their weddings in the same way that alcohol has traditionally been a part of these celebrations. The trend is becoming so popular, in fact, that cannabis wedding expos are popping up around the country.

In my case, my friend, who was a part of my cannabis paired dinners, asked me to be a part of her daughter’s wedding. My friend knew that cannabis could easily be added to the wedding in a safe and yet really fun way.

It is really easy to include cannabis into almost any event, if cannabis is recreationally legal in your state. But, it was truly very easy to incorporate it into my friend’s wedding event space. In that space, I had an outdoor, secluded area, which was away from the many wedding venue. And, even though it was separated from the hustle and bustle of the seating, dancing and eating areas, somehow lots of the invited guests were able to find me and my cannabis bar. Having a secluded area, allowed me to be able to monitor who entered and left-making certain that everyone who entered was of legal age.

Next, I determined that the size of the group who would be consuming. From that number, I could ascertain how much legal product I would need to purchase from my local, licensed dispensary. One thing that is very important, do not give out cannabis products for later consumption, unless they are part of a goody bag. My cannabis bars are for consumption in the designated cannabis bar area and not to be taken home for another event. In that way, it is easier to control the amount of cannabis that is consumed during your event. After all, people usually do not ask if they can take booze home with them for later consumption.

At this event, I determined that it was not a dab kind of crowd or party. So, I went for the basics-joints, micro-dosing edibles, fine quality hash and cbd edibles. I purchased sativa and hybrid strains only to avoid any of the party goers becoming locked in the couch. And made certain that the edibles were individually wrapped micro-dosage cbd:thc gummies and mints, which I gave out to monitor the consumption of the guests. I was also lucky to have my cannabis florist friend join me.. She created a floral joint display and helped me roll joints and keep our bowls filled all night.

And, then we both did a bunch of education all night. Most of the guests knew very little about cannabis nor about licensed, legal products. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to education them on all of it. Our cannabis bar ran during the cocktail hour, which ended up to be a couple of hours. I closed it down when the sit down dinner began. Allowing those that did consume to eat and sober up.

The next day I was contacted by three of the guests asking me if I could do the same thing at their wedding! Weed at weddings are a real thing. Like anything else, if you do them safely, tastefully and legally then everyone has a good time. I am over the moon that cannabis is beginning to be included into more social events, and I am more than thrilled to be the one doing those events.

Got any questions? Email me!

Where were you on 420?

Only recently since I’ve worked in the cannabis industry have I become aware of the 420 “holiday” and how large a celebration it has become since cannabis is legal for recreational use here in California and in many other states. But I truly didn’t know what the meaning behind the 420 was.

So, I did some research and found out that there are a lot of theories as to why that particular number was chosen, but most of them are wrong and have been discredited. Some of those myths include:

• That 420 is police code for possession, or maybe it’s the penal code for marijuana use.

• There is a California Senate Bill 420 that refers to the use of medical marijuana, but the bill was named for the code, not the other way around.

Both of those are false. As far as I can tell, the phrase 420 actually was coined by a bunch of high school students. The story goes that back in 1971, a group of kids at San Rafael High School in San Rafael, California had a habit of meeting at 4:20 to smoke reefer after school. Somehow, the phrase caught on—and when the Grateful Dead eventually picked it up, "420" spread through the greater community like wildfire. What began as a silly code passed between classes is now a worldwide event for smokers and legalization activists everywhere—not a bad accomplishment for a bunch of high school stoners.

Now that you the real deal about 420, here’s how I spent the day:

It was quite a jam packed day. What most impressed me, is the diversity of the people choosing to include cannabis in their lives whether it is for medicinal or recreational purposes. We have come a long way baby and it is my sincere hope that I’ll continue on my path in the every emerging legal cannabis industry. I have high hopes for my future!

The Ultimate CBD Guide, my version

The Ultimate Guide to CBD

Unless you have been living under a rock or haven’t had any access to the internet, television or your phone lately, you have definitely heard a lot about CBD and its proposed healing powers. Whether it be the traditional oil, CBD capsules, CBD bath bombs, CBD coffee or even CBD mocktails, the compound seems to be everywhere, claiming to treat a myriad of health conditions.

Why the rise in CBD popularity?  Although the medicinal use of cannabis and its compounds can be traced as far back as 2900 BC, today’s meteoric growth of the CBD industry ,  in part , can be attributed to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill on December 13, 2018.  With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill , hemp and all of its elements, were removed from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Previously, officials used the CSA to control the cultivation and distribution of hemp, treating the plant and its components, including CBD, no differently than illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. The 2018 Farm Bill removed all restrictions on production of the hemp plant, which is defined as a cannabis plant with a THC level of no more than 0.3 percent. Now, farmers are free to grow hemp and manufacturers are free to make products. Thus, today’s CBD boom was born.  

The CBD boom will only continue to get bigger according to the analysts from Forbes, who predict the cannabis market is on its way to growing by more than 700% by the end of 2020. That being said, there is still a lot of controversy, confusion, and even stigma around the topic of CBD’s. This guide aims to clear up some of that confusion and to help you to navigate through the ever-growing number of CBD products, which are popping up everywhere you look.

First things first-Hemp vs The other Cannabis plant (Marijuana)! Very first thing first is that I am aware that I should not be mentioning marijuana in this ultimate guide to CBD for fear that you the reader may be scared off by the word. Or by the mere mention of it, somehow CBD will be confused for its evil twin THC and lest shed bad light on its exulted brother, CBD. However, this is my blog, no one pays me and therefore, for the sake of clarity, I do mention marijuana every now and again.

After that brief editorial, the next important thing to understand is the difference between the other cannabis plant (marijuana) and hemp.

Fundamentally, both hemp and marijuana are the same plant: Cannabis sativa. However,  Marijuana, is the flower part of the cannabis plant, which is often smoked or otherwise used for recreation and medical consumption. Hemp, on the other hand, is also part of the cannabis plant, but it is the tough, fibrous stalk which is used for industrial uses.

The other major differences between marijuana and hemp are:

·      

• THC Content: Marijuana has very high THC content, while hemp has a very low THC content. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that causes people to get high.

• Appearance: Marijuana plants are typically female and contain large budding flowers, while hemp plants are male and consist primarily of leaves and a stalk. .

•   Growing Conditions: There is a huge difference in the way hemp and marijuana grow.  Hemp can basically grow in any climate and doesn’t require special attention. Marijuana, however, requires a carefully controlled warm and humid environment. So basically, hemp is way easier to grow and to cultivate.

• Uses: Marijuana and hemp are used for vastly different things. Obviously, marijuana is mostly used for consumption, whether to get people high or for its medical benefits. Hemp is mostly used for industrial purposes to make building or crafting materials, fuel, clothing or more, in addition to CBD oil and CBD products.

Now that you clearly understand the difference between Hemp and Marijuana. Let’s look at what gives the cannabis plant its “medicinal” properties, let’s  take a look at CBD’s.

What is CBD? Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a chemical extracted from the cannabis plant(from both Hemp or Marijuana). Unlike its sibling tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is  non-psychoactive and won’t get you high. It is one of some 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, accounting for up to 40% of the plant's extract.  CBD’s are said to give you all the health benefits from the Cannabis plant without the side effects of “getting high.”

Furthermore, industrial hemp plants usually contain only .3% THC and 99 % CBD’s. Marijuana plants, in contrast,  have  10% or more THC and  have less than 1% CBD’s.  CBD’s derived from marijuana are usually sold in licensed dispensaries and most of the CBD products that are sold over the internet and in other retail shops are derived from industrial hemp.  

 How does CBD work? The human endocannabinoid system is to thank for CBD’s health promoting properties. Unfortunately, since cannabis research was essentially banned until very recently,  that system is still largely misunderstood.  However, what we do understand about the endocannabinoid system is that it is a biological system, which plays many important roles in the human body and it seems to bring homeostasis to every part of our body

How does the endocannabinoid system work? An easy way to understand how the endocannabinoid system works is to think of it as a lock and key mechanism. The cannabinoid receptors are the locks, and the endocannabinoids are the keys. When the endocannabinoids bind to the cannabinoid receptors, they are able to produce physiological responses necessary for keeping cells alive and healthy.

Additionally, cannabinoid receptors are found all over the body. They are everywhere – the brain, the spinal cord, the immune system, the internal organs, the peripheral nervous system, and even on the skin! In fact, the endocannabinoid system is the most widespread receptor system in the human body. The cannabinoid receptors we currently know the most about are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. But, you can be certain that there are many other cannabinoids that are yet to be discovered.

Although receptors can be found throughout the body, the CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the central nervous system – your brain and spinal cord and CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune system, specifically the white blood cells. When CB1 receptors are stimulated a myriad of effects occur, regulating many physiological processes, such as sleep, memory, emotional responses, mood, appetite, temperature, among others. CB1 receptors are said to even regulate the sensation of pain. Logically, when you consider the effects of THC, it then makes sense that THC is the cannabinoid that primarily binds with CB1 receptors-resulting in what is normally called “getting high”.

 On the other hand, stimulating the CB2 receptors produces widespread anti-inflammatory effects since they are mostly located in the immune cells. CB 2 receptors mainly are bound to CBD’s and thus, give CBD’s their anti-inflammatory properties.

Through the stimulation of those receptors, CB1 and CB2,  the endocannabinoid system has been shown to regulate:

• Gastrointestinal activity

• Cardiovascular activity

• Pain Perception

• Modulation of neurotransmitter release

• Maintenance of bone ma

• Protection of neurons

• Hormonal regulation

• Metabolism control

•   Immune function

• Inflammatory reaction

• Inhibition of tumor cells

To put it simply: the endocannabinoid system is our body’s system of endocannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoids that interact with them. It is a system that regulates almost every system in our bodies, bringing homeostasis to each and every system.

Since you now know how the endocannabinoid system works perhaps you can better understand the health benefits of CBD’s , which have been scientifically proven.

Health Benefits of CBD’s: While the majority of research done into the effects of CBD oil has been based on animal studies and anecdotal evidence, some pretty clear benefits have been proven through scientific research. Health Benefits such as:

•  Pain relief: One study found that multiple sclerosis sufferers experience increased mobility, reduced muscle spasms and reduced pain when treated with a combination of CBD and THC for one month; while another study demonstrated CBD and THC improved pain management for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

•   Anxiety relief: Several studies have found that the use of CBD oil is helpful in reducing anxiety. A 2011 study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that when people with generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) were given 600mg of CBD oil prior to a public speaking test. as opposed to a placebo, they experienced significantly less anxiety during their speech.

• Control of Epilepsy: Clinical trials have found CBD to be highly effective in the treatment of certain types of epilepsy. There is also growing evidence to suggest it could help more types, although further research is needed to fully understand safe and optimal dosing.

• Treatment of Depression: Many studies have examined CBD oil’s antidepressant-like effects. It’s also been shown to safely improve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children.

Additionally,  as mentioned previously there are many anecdotal stories of people using CBD’s to successfully treat cancer, skin diseases, sleep disorders and a myriad of other physical ailments.  Hopefully with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill , the stiff regulations around cannabis research will loosen up,  so we can have more definitive research-based information on CBD’s.

Ways of consuming CBD’s: With the variety of CBD products on the market, it can be difficult to know which is right for you, and which method is the best way to consume CBD for optimal results.

Here are the five primary ways you can get CBD’s into your body:

• Oral Ingestion: Capsules & Edibles: One of the easiest ways to consume CBD is by eating it. Many edibles come in high-CBD or even full-CBD form. You can find Hemp CBD chocolates,  gummies,  drinks and a lot more, just by googling Hemp CBD edibles  or walking into your local health food store. However, easiest is not always the best way! For you see, when CBD’s are ingested, they enter the digestive tract  and before being absorbed in the bloodstream,  they must travel through the portal vein into the liver, where they are metabolized. The result of this passage through the liver is  a reduction of the concentration of  CBD’s that can actually get into your bloodstream. One reported only a 6% bioavailability when CBD was ingested through the GI tract.   

• ·Sublingual: Concentrates, Tinctures, Lozenges & Sprays: Sublingual administration is when an isolate, tincture, or spray is administered and absorbed under the tongue. Usually the CBD is held under the tongue for 60-90 seconds before being swallowed. When CBD oil is held under the tongue, some of the hemp extract compounds are directly absorbed into the mucous membranes. The remaining CBD’s that are swallowed, then pass through the liver as any swallowed product does. The CBD’s absorbed by the mucous membranes absorb more rapidly and effectively, reaching the bloodstream without being broken down by first pass metabolism. This method carries with it a slightly higher bioavailability than simply swallowing the CBD compounds.

•  Inhalation: Vaporized, Smoked & Dabbed: Inhaling CBD is becoming one of the most popular methods of consuming CBD thanks to its quick time to onset and high effectiveness. Today there are a growing number of products available including CBD-specific vape products, hemp flower, and concentrates used for dabbing.

• Inhaling CBD has up to a 5x higher bioavailability than oral ingestion thanks to the large, highly permeable surface of the interior of the lungs. Inhaling also has a consistently quick onset in only a few minutes. Inhaling CBD has a faster onset but also has a shorter period of effectiveness. Though this method of ingesting CBD’s is highly effective, it still carries the same risks associated with regular vaping and may not be suitable for all users.

  High-CBD cannabis strains – While cannabis strains are mainly used for their THC content, you can also find high-CBD strains which are ideal for medical use. You will still get high, but the high is much less intense and you also get strong medical effects of the CBD-fast. Indica cannabis strains are generally higher in CBD than sativa strains, making them ideal for medical use. Other CBD strains that are becoming more commonplace in your local dispensaries are Harlequin, Cannatonic and Canna-Tsu.

  Moreover, today you can find  100% hemp joints and hemp shatter at your local and unlicensed CBD shop. The most popular and well known being Charlotte’s Web, a strain that was cultivated to help reduce the seizures of a young girl named,  Charlotte Figi.  

• Topical: Lotions, Balms, Salves & Patches: Administering CBD’s directly to the skin is another popular way to utilize the health promoting properties of CBD. There are a wide variety of lotions, balms, patches and salves available on the market today. These products are designed to alleviate symptoms including aches, pains and skin issues. Topicals are a viable way of getting CBD’s into your body because there are cannabinoid receptors found in the skin

•   Suppositories: This final method is by far the least popular of all the others that were previously covered. Despite the fact that most people will not choose this route right off the bat, suppositories have been proven to be highly bioavailable and thus a highly effective means of using CBD. Using a CBD suppository has the best of both worlds when it comes to onset and length of effects. Suppositories will show noticeable effects after less than 15 minutes and the effects can last for nearly 8 hours - longer than all other forms of taking CBD.

Which one is right for you? Due to the lack of extensive research, the choice of what CBD product is right for you really depends on you and your willingness to try a couple of routes of administration and see what works for you.  Although there is not one CBD product to fit all, there are several important factors to consider when you do choose a CBD product.  

The first factor to consider is what form of CBD was used  in your product.  Most products contain one of the following forms of CBD:

• CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is 99.9% pure CBD. During the CBD isolate extraction process, everything contained in the plant matter is removed, including any traces of THC, terpenes, waxes, oils, chlorophyll and more. What you’re left with is pure CBD and nothing else.

• Full Spectrum Oil: Full-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, contains everything the plant contains. Full-spectrum CBD is full of all the terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids found in hemp, all of which have therapeutic value of their own and help create what’s known as the entourage effect. There are many who think that without the presence of even a small amount of THC, that CBD’s do not act optimally and just aren’t as effective. Of course, there are other folks that have found the results they are looking for without any THC being present in their CBD products.

•   Broad Spectrum:Broad-spectrum CBD is a little bit of both. Broad-spectrum CBD is full-spectrum CBD without any THC. It offers all the entourage benefits associated with full-spectrum CBD, without any chances of THC being ingested into the body. Broad-spectrum CBD is an excellent choice for individuals that can’t have any traces of THC is their system, whether for legal purposes, passing a drug test, or anything else.

Other important factors to consider when choosing a CBD product are:

• Lab Analysis: Knowing the lab analysis of your CBD product is the most important thing. So, just make certain that your product is tested and that you can access the results of those tests. Lab testing is essential to ensure you are getting a pure product. Any legit company will have its batches tested by a reputable third-party lab. If they don’t respond to questions or can prove that they have been lab tested by an outside party—and tested often—keep looking.

• Look at the ingredients of the product and what the company adds to its product, including other flavors and sweeteners.

• How the hemp is extracted:  Hemp CBD oil is typically extracted by two methods: CO2 or ethanol. While CO2 is the more difficult extraction method of the two, it is the preferred method for those wanting a purer end product. Most CBD enthusiasts prefer the CO2 method, as it is considered the cleaner of the two, and ethanol can destroy some of the plant’s health benefits, according to this extraction guide by Project CBD.

• Read Customer Reviews: You wouldn’t buy anything online without reading at least a few customer ratings, so why would your hemp CBD purchase be any different? Read the reviews and always ask questions, even if it means sending an email or getting on your cell.

 Which dose is right for you? CBD does not have an official serving size or  standardized dosage. Again, the lack of research and our Western medical system’s reluctance to accept cannabis as a viable option for treatment, has left us a dearth of dosing standards.  The right CBD dosage is unique to each individual. What works for one person may not be enough for another person.

So, there is no one size fits all with CBD’s  but it is always wise to start small and gradually increase your dosage, until you have achieved your desired effects.

 Fortunately, there have been  no known reports of fatal overdose from CBD or CBD oil. In fact, it appears close to impossible for someone to have a fatal overdose from CBD. According to the National Cancer Institute “Because cannabinoid receptors, unlike opioid receptors, are not located in the brainstem areas controlling respiration, lethal overdoses from Cannabis and cannabinoids cannot occur.” So, if too large of a dosage is ingested, the excess CBD’s that are not utilized will be excreted in your urine.  The bottom line is that if you take too much, you’ll just be wasting the CBD’s in your products. You are not going to overdose!

Is CBD Legal? The 2018 Farm Bill legalized a lot of CBD, but not all of it. Most importantly, it redefined what hemp and hemp products are by federal law. Hemp is legally defined as a cannabis plant or part of the cannabis plant that has a THC concentration “of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.”  If the THC concentration is higher, however, then it’s classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. That means the US Drug Enforcement Administration believes it has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Other than the 0.3 percent THC rule, there’s one other major stipulation as to whether a certain CBD product is federally legal: It has to be derived from hemp grown by a licensed business that is approved by the federal and state government. The marijuana plant itself is now legal in 30 states plus Washington D.C. for medicinal or recreational purposes. However, it is federally illegal, so in theory, the government could decide to arrest everyone who sells or possesses weed.

One last question that many CBD users have asked is whether it is legal to fly with CBD products. The answer to that question is also not cut and dry.  The TSA currently doesn’t  have an explicit  stance on CBD, except that “you should not carry marijuana nor marijuana infused products because they are federally illegal.” That TSA statement continues on to say “however TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but in the event a substance that appears to be marijuana or a cannabis-infused product is observed during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”  Translation-TSA is not looking to bust you for your edibles and vape pens. They are however asking you to be a reasonable and prudent traveler, if and when you travel with your CBD products.

What’s the future of CBD? Even though there are some murky legal issues surrounding the legality of CBD’s, the CBD market is thriving. Now that it is freed from the legal red tape, it can be expected to become one of the fastest growing markets on earth! 

Hemp farmers have begun planting as much hemp as possible because demand is only expected  to escalate! The hundreds of thousands of people, who  wanted to try CBD’s but were afraid of prosecutions are now free to do so. Now, with the legalization of hemp, there is nothing stopping anyone who want to try CBD’s as an alternative treatment modality for their health conditions. And, therefore, the sky seems to be the limit for the sales of CBD products. The future of the hemp industry looks very bright indeed and  you can bet that you will continue to see CBD’s make their way into your day through web and at your local hang outs and coffee shops too. Good thing that you know now the real deal about CBD’s.  

Keywords: CBD, Benefit, Element, Cannabidiol, Health, Non-Psychoactive, Cannabis Smoke

Winter Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice! The Winter Solstice for us in the Northern Hemisphere marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. It is a time that we all enter into a new direction of energy and start moving towards a phase of completion. It is at this time that we begin wrapping up the year and start reflecting on the lessons that the cycle of this year has brought us. It is the beginning of an energy shift for all of us.

Spiritually, the Winter Solstice is said to be about “honoring both light and dark”. It is said to be a time to go within, reflect and to honor the darkness so that you can know that light will return, once again. It is a time for you to see the duality of life and that in truth, everything is one and the same. In truth you cannot perceive light unless you have seen the darkness; you cannot understand summer unless you have seen the winter. Both of those concepts need one another to be real, to exist. The Solstice teaches us that no matter how dark the night, the light will always return. And no matter how light the day, the darkness will always return. We live in a world where we can be happy one moment and sad the next. In an instant, your life can change. In a moment, everything can change!

This Winter Solstice allow yourself to see that in truth we come into this human life to suffer, to thrive, to find joy, and to find pain. We come to experience it all because we know it is what makes us whole. This Winter Solstice honor the cycles of nature, of life. Honor both sides of yourself-the light and the dark. Begin to the understand that it is not about how often you venture into the darkness or into the light, but how you allow these states to move you, to change you, to soften you, and to awaken you to wholeness, to the love, which resides within and all around you, and me.

It's back and everything is backward!

Mercury goes retrograde for the last time in 2018 tomorrow until December 8th in the signs of Sagittarius and Scorpio. Mercury retrograde often gets a bad wrap and is blamed for causing delays, miscommunications, and mishaps. While Mercury Retrograde can cause things to go haywire for a period, it is important to look at these moments as powerful messengers rather than annoyances.

Mercury is the planet associated with communication, and it is his divine mission to take messages from the gods and higher realms and to deliver them to earth so, we can become wiser and more attuned to our highest purpose and destiny. As the messenger of the gods, when Mercury is in retrograde, it is even more important to stop, look, and listen to what areas your life are being stirred.

The interesting thing about this November-December Mercury retrograde period and what makes it so pertinent, is that it happens a few hours after Venus moves out of retrograde. Venus retrograde reminded us of how we treated our romantic partners and friends in the past and how those past experiences may have bled into our current relationships. For many of us, it has been a period of hard-learned, sometimes painfully slow lessons, but one that ultimately will make all of us more caring and considerate lovers — to our partners and to ourselves. I revisited almost every significant relationship in my life so far and learned so much about myself and my relationships.

Tomorrow, we move into another retrograde teaching us more about ourselves. Although it may be a bit unnerving, in fact you can ease out of Venus retrograde and into Mercury retrograde by keeping one thing in mind: patience. Just about every planetary retrograde is associated with delays and holdups in one area of our live or another. Your challenge is to keep your life on track even with all those astrological roadblocks in place.

So, when Venus goes direct tomorrow transfer the open-mindedness, patience and self-restraint that you've (hopefully) been showing all your relationships for the past six weeks to your every day interactions. You've been practicing it for the last six weeks, so you should have your retrograde coping strategies down pat. And if you're still feeling uneasy at the thought of another Mercury retrograde, just remember to breathe — and read every text and every email twice before hitting "send."

For most of 2018, we have had many pivotal planets in retrograde and that energy has created a stop-and-go type of year. You may have even felt held back, delayed, or sluggish when it comes to getting ahead or trying to make plans. While you may feel thwarted and frustrated on the outside, on the inside you (and me) have actually been very busy clearing out and letting go of old outdated beliefs, uncovering wounds, mending heartaches, and tuning into the softer, stiller voice of our hearts. Although you may feel that not much has changed on an external level, on an internal level it is likely that you have been doing a lot of growing, changing and transforming.

As we prepare to wrap up 2018, since Mercury goes retrograde right after Venus, it seems like a clear sign that we all have a little more growing to do. Uggh! Mercury wants us to dive in, uncover more from the depths of our soul, to clear away more of our past and begin to really question our path and progress forward. The Universe really wants you to be certain of how you are moving ahead, and what you are giving our energy to. The Universe wants you to pause and get really be clear on what your path ahead may be.

This is not to say that you need to have it all figured out, but what these retrogrades have been doing is helping you and me to pause, and really think about what is important to us. They have been guiding us to take it slow and to question our actions rather than just forging ahead on autopilot.

By pausing, taking things slow, and not rushing ahead, you will be more open to hearing the path that our soul is calling to you. You will also be more open to receiving signs, clues, and guidance from the Universe. Ultimately, this Mercury Retrograde is not a good time to start new things, but, it is a good time to go back over things, it is a good time to revisit the past, it is a good time to question your actions and motives moving forward, and it is a good time to dig into your soul and work out how you are communicating with yourself, with others, and the world.

Because Mercury is the planet of communication, this Mercury retrograde will give you the opportunity to improve how you communicate your message, your energy, and your vibrations into the world. It also will show us, collectively, that we are all responsible for creating life on this earth and that our collective vibrations shape the entire planet. It will show us that it is ultimately our responsibility to take charge of our vibrations and ensure they are harmonious, loving, supportive, and authentic to who we really are. Use this last retrograde of 2018 as a time of self-exploration, and a time to pause and breathe before you and I welcome in the new energies of 2019!

What's in a Name?

What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. William Shakespeare.

As I sat down to write my weekly “cannabis strains of the week”, I started to think about all the times that I purchased a strain that had a name that “inferred” that it would be like a sativa strain and yet, upon consuming it, I was knocked out and locked into the couch.

Moreover, I have found out the name of a cannabis strain can in fact be misleading and sometimes just plain wrong. Here are some other reasons why cannabis strain names are not as helpful as some may think:

• Cannabis quality varies widely depending on the cultivator and garden environment

• A particular strain at one dispensary may look completely different at another dispensary

• Cannabis strain fraud still occurs in the industry, albeit less than in the past since cannabis is fairly highly regulated here in California.

• Industry regulations require testing labeling, but not accurate strain labeling

• Many strain names are being banned, with Oregon being a great example

• Cannabis strain names do not convey potency levels.

Just because a strain name is on the jar on the shelf at one place doesn't mean that the terpene profile, potency, look, taste, and cannabinoid levels will be the same at other dispensaries, even though it's all the same strain name. This can create challenges for anyone, including myself, who needs or desires a consistent effect. I like almost everyone else gets side swiped by a mislabeled strain, although it happens less and less with all the California regulations.

What is a better way to classify cannabis than by strain name?

As time goes by, a heavier focus will be put on other attributes of cannabis products, ones that are more reliable and a better indicator of quality than strain names.

The measurement of two other attributes are based much more on science, and less on subjective measurements. They are:

1. Cannabinoid testing result levels.

2. Terpene profiles: Terpenes are what give cannabis its smell, and each terpene is associated with certain effects and wellness benefits. So, terpenes do much more than give cannabis it’s smell, they also modulate the effects of THC and CBD’s.

   Therefore, it is the amount of each particular terpene present in a given harvest, combined with quantity of cannabinoids present in a strain that provide a much more reliable way for consumers to know what to expect from what they are purchasing.

3. Not only will strain names matter less as time goes by as terpene profiles become more common, indica and sativa designations will become less relied upon over time. The two category indica/sativa system is very broad, and in reality, many strains are just a hybrid strain-a combination of two opposing strains.

Here are two strains that I purchased this weekend-Chronic Narnia and Fruity Knockout- both strain names prove my point about names being unreliable about the effects and flavors of a cannabis strain. Upon researching Chronic Narnia, I found conflicting information. Some websites said that it was a sativa leaning hybrid. Other websites, describe it as a rare indica strain. Oddly enough, for me this strain started as a sativa but finished up like an indica. Not a strain I recommend partaking in all day or you may end up on your couch pondering the legends of Narnia.

Fruity Knockout on the other hand, was described as a sativa leaning hybrid on several of the websites that I searched. And yet, it turned out that upon consuming this strain it was a heavy handed indica and just like it’s name, it knocked me out!

Ultimately cannabis strain names are just fun and sometimes even funny! They probably will never entirely go away in the cannabis world, but they will be less relied upon as cannabis science continues to evolve and more about the plant is known. So the moral of this story is that never just a book by its cover and never choose your weed strain just by its name!

New Moon

New moons are a time for planting seeds, both literally and metaphorically. But before you get your gardening gloves on, it’s always good idea to put some thought into what you want to plant and why. After all, we reap what we sow and this idea is especially important to remember during this September 2018 new moon in Virgo, which is all about purity not in a sexual sense, but in the sense of maintaining personal integrity and keeping intentions pure.

Furthermore, what really matters to Virgo is service and this September new moon invites you to be of greater service to others by honing your craft or learning some useful new skills. The more practical, the better! And for health-conscious Virgo, nothing could be more practical than caring for the body, mind, and spirit.  However, this is not just about nursing others back to health and becoming the caretaker of the world. Instead,  Virgo can help teach you that you are able to serve a lot more effectively when you take time to practice self-care. Another words-you cannot help another, without helping yourself first! 

And yes, “practice makes perfect” at this new moon. But in your quest for perfection, do not focus so much on the flaws that you miss out on the bigger picture. Don't get caught up in “analysis paralysis". Virgo energy is best expressed by simplifying things, not complicating them.

So when you  are planting your own seeds during this new moon, it’s important to make sure the intentions behind them line up with your highest values and ideals. Sometimes, the gap between who you are and who you would like to be can feel painfully wide at times, but there is always something you can do to narrow it.  The trick to to not become overwhelmed by what your mind perceives to be impossible or improbable and just to take things one small step at a time—an approach that comes naturally to thoughtful, meticulous Virgo.

Every new moon you and I have another opportunity to begin again with clear intentions for what we want our future to look like. On this new moon, allow yourself to be inspired by the possibilities and just let go of what is weighing you down.  Let go of the fear! Let go of the old; let go of your past and release all that no longer serves you.  And, let love, joy and peace guide you as you walk your authentic path in alignment with love and your highest good.  Listen to your intuition and follow your heart, not your mind.  You will not be lead astray! So much good awaits you, set your intentions today!

Grounded in gratitude

Life is a series of phases, of changes and new chapters that ultimately shape and create our lives. With each change and new phase comes a time of transition — a time of unrest, general questioning and discomfort.

However, as jarring as the feeling of not being settled may be, the fact remains that growth doesn’t come from a place of comfort. Those rocky transitions can leave you feeling stripped of familiar comforts in the face of unexpected challenges. It can make you question your abilities. And, that is where I found myself yesterday-wanting to fall back on my old patterns but hearing my intuition telling me that I now know a better way of dealing with stress and challenges.

In fact, the entire month of August certainly showed me and you our shadows; how we keep ourselves limited through false beliefs and destructive behavior patterns and how we give away our power to people, places and things . So, as we end this month of transition and "growing pains", take a moment to reflect on how much you've learned and how the Eclipse season shifted your perception of your life.  Even if you are still fighting some demons, recognize that you have learned so much about boundaries, self respect, creativity and what is truly in your heart.

Today, take time to consciously ground yourself in gratitude. Be grateful for it all! Be grateful that you are making positive changes in your life, even if you aren't perfect, yet. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else because "comparison is the thief of joy.” . Not only is comparison the thief of joy, but also of gratitude. Today, let yourself be-be loved, be understood,be enough, just be grateful! You are becoming the best version of yourself!

Just for today, I look at all the positive things in my life and I am grateful for them all. All of my needs are being taken care of, for which I am grateful. I accept my good with joy and pleasure. I am centered and focused and feel more secure each day. I am grateful. And so it is.

Retrogrades and eclipses-oh my!

We're just a few days away from our THIRD eclipse in a row, and as of tomorrow we'll have six planets in retrograde!  A planet is said to be in retrograde, when the vantage point of Earth, it appears to be spinning backward. But, what is really happening is that the Earth is completing its orbit around the Sun faster than other planets outside its orbit. Periodically, the Earth will outpace the other planets—and that’s when retrograde mayhem breaks loose.

Much like a speeding car or train passing a slower one, the planet that’s being passed will appear to stop and move backward—which is the apparent retrograde period. Then, once the Earth completely passes this planet in its orbit, the motion appears normal again, and the planet is said to be “direct” or “prograde” (to use the scientific term). Chances are, you’ve been in a vehicle that felt like it was moving in reverse when it was passed, so you know the feeling!

Each retrograde cycle has a “shadow period”—the awkward adjustment of the retrograde planet from apparent backward to forward motion…and vice-versa. For that reason, you may feel the stirrings of a retrograde cycle for several days, even weeks, before it officially begins.

While retrograde planets are just an illusion, astrology followers or spiritually sensitive folks can attest to experiencing their effects. The areas that a retrograde planet rules can become weak, challenging or troublesome during this cycle.

Since all planets go retrograde periodically, it is important to embrace these inevitable cycles as a fact of life, and an opportunity to build character. As the Buddha said, “No mud, no lotus.” Sometimes, it takes a challenge for us to develop the inner strength and self-knowledge we need to evolve as humans.

That being said, eclipses and retrogrades are the Universe's way for you to go deep within to tune into your intuition, and reclaim your truth.  You can use this intense healing energy to move your life forward, and let go of the people, places, things, beliefs and habits that no longer serve you.

During retrogrades, the most  paramount thing to do is to SLOW DOWN. If you want to make any changes in your life, it's vital to transform your life from the inside out. To begin to listen to that small still voice that is within all of us, which we usually ignore and which leads us into "struggles".

So, instead of hiding in your house or spending this entire month whining about how tough you have it, why not instead  make the most of these retrograde energies and focus on the  RE words-Revisit your intentions and revise your goals;  Remember what makes you happy and do more of that; Release yourself from relationships and circumstances that no longer benefit you and most importantly Reconnect with your soul which wants to help you know what your next steps are on this incredibly amazing journey that you and I are both privileged to be on together.

Listen to that small still voice within you; Be willing to let go without struggle or suffering and trust that you are always divinely guided and protected!

It's always about YOU!!

For the past months, I've watched the women around me try to fill their emptiness within themselves with new romances, new relationships. Despite them being in true self crisis, they still look for another being to heal that part that keeps them feeling alone and in despair, even when they eventually are partnered up.  Somehow they believe although they are lonely, depressed and withdrawn, that they will be able to find Mr. Nice.  Alas, the law of attraction tells us otherwise.  You will attract what you give out. 

It is so exasperating to watch someone grasp onto the idea that a "man" will be the solution to all their current perceived problems.  Despite being morbidly depressed, they search endlessly for someone to help them forget about how frightened they are in their own life. They choose to give away their power to what they describe as a "nice guy", when  they truly have no idea what a nice guy is.  Their definition of "nice" is that the guy wants to be with them. It does not matter who or what he is because in truth, those women are incapable of being a part of a real relationship, since they refuse to even look at the relationship that they have with themselves. 

It breaks my heart to witness one of those women, who was clearly suicidal a few month ago,   instantly change into a happy camper when a "nice" guy looked her way.  All is well until this nice guy, who can't possibly really be nice since he is just reflecting her fear, insecurity and self loathing, walks away because he was never really into her, which she choose to remain blind to. I've watched really smart women choose to remain blind to most of the truths in their lives. They frequently are awakened by the truth. Never understanding why the people around kill themselves, "hide" from their negativity, treat them like shit and always have the same experience where they just don't see "it" coming.  The truth is they just don't want to see the truth.  The truth that these women just have decided to give their power and their life to a man, in order to feel alive. They take no notice of anything or anyone else but their man. Until....

My friends refuse to listen.  They are convinced that their happiness is dependent on being with someone. They will not listen to the fact that they need to be happy within themselves and then, they will find a truly authentic Mr. "Nice".  It is frustrating to watch what happens when Mr. Nice suddenly reverts into a jerk. Then, those women  will return to their cocoon of despair, blaming the world and even god for their pain and suffering. Always with the refrain that it was "complicated".  And that my friends is bullshit.

I write this blog knowing that the ladies who need to read this will never read it!  But, by some chance, someone who has come under the same spell that a man or woman can bring you happiness, will read this blog and awaken to the fact that no one can bring you true happiness but YOU.  Accept that fact and reclaim your power.  You can because I did. 

I must let these people go.  It is my journey to heal all those who are in my presence.  However, many of those people do not want to be healed or helped.  I send blessings to the women who haven't learned their value and may never. Today, accept your life as it is. Accept that you always have a choose.  Choose to love yourself and then you'll find the real Mr. Nice, right in front of you, right inside of you.

Transform your fate into destiny

It's a Full Moon tomorrow and I'm sure you can feel the intensity of the energies.

Tomorrow's Full Moon is in Capricorn - this is the sign that encourages you to build your dreams step by step, even when it feels like you are climbing a steep mountain. You must have patience and perseverance. It's not a time to give up on yourself! Rather, it's a time to remember that your dreams are worth the effort and that YOU are truly the creator of your life's journey.

Many people use the words fate and destiny interchangeably. Yet, they are very different. Fate is what occurs if you let life happen to you. Life deals you a hand and you can accept those circumstances as seemingly inevitable. Destiny is choosing to be a deliberate creator of your life, fulfilling your potential for greatness. If fate is the hand you are dealt, destiny is how you play it.

Fate is your karma. Destiny is your dharma.

You make choices every day. You can choose to live by the rules you were taught, or you can choose to do what's truly in your heart. It's up to you!  Today, focus on what you want your future to look like;  let go of all the stuff that's holding you back and keeping you stuck. Then, move forward with love in your heart.  Create the life you desire!

Gracefully let go!

As I have aged, I have come to learn that setbacks and disappointments are all part of life! Things that once seemed to be a perfect fit in my life, no longer feel that way and the goals, which I dreamed of accomplishing seem to not matter at all, replaced by new visions for my future.  It seems as if suddenly I find myself completely changed-feeling a stranger in my own life. Not recognizing nor relating to the "old" people in my life but not having anything to replace them with.

That feeling disconnected spans from my job to my friends. Sometimes it is hard for us to admit when we've grown apart from someone, especially if that person once fit perfectly into our lives.  This person could be anyone-a friend, your family, or your past co-workers. I have tried to think my way out of my present uneasy feelings.  But, the Universe would not let me.  Each and every person has shown me, who they are-suffering, narcissistic and broken.  They all secretly wanted me to save their souls, while they continued to let their ego run their lives, remaining empty and unfulfilled.  They take and then they are so shocked when the faucet of compassion is turned off.  One thing they all have in common is that they all only took from me, never capable of returning any of my compassion.  I gave my power to each and every one of them.   I choose all those people so that I could learn to love and respect myself more! To learn how to stick up for myself and to stand in my own power. 

Perhaps, you too are living in the same present day "uncomfortable fit" that I am experiencing.  If so, know that this uncertainty is caused by Life itself. Life changes us, if we let it. We can certainly fight it or we can let go gracefully to make room for people, places and things that are more in alignment with who we are right now. 

And, that is the key to all of this.  We only truly live in a sequence of present moments.  The past is done. The old thinking is done.  And, now it's time, as always to begin again.  To listen more closely to your heart and to tightly hold onto to your power.

Recently, I've done a series of letting go of childhood trauma.  Trauma that since no one ever believed me, I buried deep within myself. It has now been uncovered, recognized and released.  I have been released to love and honor myself for the person I have become and for the person who I am becoming.  I encourage each and every person, to stop fighting to stay the way you were and embrace the new. 

Be willing to let go of all the things that do not serve you to create space for better things to enter your life. Express gratitude for all the wonderful things in your life and for all the wonderful things that are coming to you. Sit back and watch the beautiful un-foldment of your life with joy and delight. This is the only real moment and YOU are exactly who you were meant to be. Let go!

Be willing!

“Most of our troubles are due to our passionate desire for and attachment to things that we misapprehend as enduring entities.” ~Dalai Lama

Last week we collectively were awakened by the suicides of two famous and wealthy celebrities, which most of us never knew but nonetheless were floored by their self-destructive actions. It was inconceivable that these seemingly blessed people still couldn't find peace in their lives. Even more incredible is the stories that we created around each of those senseless deaths just to make ourselves feel better.  

Both suicides were senseless to me and made me more aware of how much struggling and suffering there is on this blessed planet of ours.  I've heard this week over and over how hard life is and how everyone is "trying". In fact, they are not trying, they are either doing or not doing.  Trying is when you struggle and suffer because you are truly unwilling to change.  So by saying I'm trying, you give yourself an out just in case you fail.  In fact, you are probably doing, just not up to your expectations or the expectations of others. 

What I also realized is that pretty much all of our struggles, from frustrations to anxiety, from anger to sadness, from grief to worry, all stem from the same thing …

The struggles come from being too tightly attached to something.

When we’re worried, we are tightly attached to how we want things to be, rather than relaxing into accepting whatever might happen when we put forth our best effort. When we’re frustrated with someone, it’s because we’re attached to how we want them to be, rather than accepting them as the wonderfully flawed human they are. When we procrastinate, we are attached to things being easy and comfortable (like distractions) rather than accepting that to do something important, we have to push into discomfort. In trying to hold on to what’s familiar, we limit our ability to experience joy in the present.

Moreover, it seems as if we pin our happiness to people, circumstances, and things and then hold onto them for dear life. We stress about the possibility of losing them when something seems amiss. Then we melt into grief when something changes—a lay off, a breakup, or the awakening to a friendship that never was. An awakening to how we gave so much of our power over to people, places and things that in reality meant nothing and who never had the capability to give us what we wanted. 

When you stop trying to grasp, own, and control the world around you, you give it the freedom to fulfill you without the power to destroy you. That’s why letting go is so important— letting go is letting happiness in.

I recognize that it is not so simple to let go of attachment. It is not a one-time decision, like pulling off a band-aid. Instead, it’s a day-to-day, moment-to-moment commitment that involves changing the way you experience and interact with everything you instinctively want to grasp.

Today, accept the moment for what it is and let NOW be enough. Become your own best friend. It is difficult to let  go of people,  when you depend on them for your sense of worth. Believe you’re worthy whether someone else tells you or not. This way, you relate to people, not just how they make you feel about yourself.

Finally, experience, appreciate, enjoy, and let go to welcome new and wonderful experiences and people. You are enough and it's time to let go of all the people, places and things that you no longer need. It's time to welcome in the new you who you are becoming. 

Can the can't!

I've spent the last couple weeks listening to the words spoken by the people around me.   And, it struck me how much self-limiting and negative words, which routinely people used to talk about their lives.  The most glaring one was "I can't".  Yesterday, I heard a very capable women say over and over again that she "can't help" being afraid of heights, of birds, of weird looking fruit" among the many other things that she'd decided that she just couldn't face or deal with.  

What was troubling to me was that this woman is a psychotherapist, working with eating disorder and deeply and profoundly damaged people, usually other women. She looked way older than her age. She looked as if she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.  She, of course, was unaware of how haggard and broken she looked or how sad she sounded each and every time she approached anything that might be out of her comfort zone, repeating the same refrain-I can't...I can't...I can't!  Imagine that this broken woman is treating other broken people...thus perpetuating the same cycle that we are victims of our experiences.  I have a long history with "therapy" in my past so I know how common it is to have broken people go into mental health to try to fix themselves. They are usually as sick or sicker than the patients, who they are treating. They perpetuate pathology through their version of helping.

I gave up "talk" therapy a long time ago, after spending too much time lying to my therapists and almost going broke while I remained broken. I am here to tell you today that you are not a victim of your life circumstances!

  I am certain that you are now arguing with me that I could not possibly understand how hard your life is or has been; how much you suffer and how uniquely challenged you are....the most challenged of anyone you know. You may even trump everyone with your suffering by adding addiction, alcoholism and a hefty dose of self pity-all conditions that you have mastered and you alone suffer, no one has it as hard as you do!  I have listened to a litany of why people suffer.  The one thing, I haven't have heard is how they, in reality, have created all their own suffering from the start.  

Today, wipe the word can't out of your vocabulary! Begin to say I choose, I chose to and I am choosing to.... Begin to hear how your words limit your experiences.  Do not become your pathology.  If you have a chronic disease, do not become your disease.  Do not become attached to your suffering and let it define who you are.  Focusing on everything that is wrong with you life, over and over again on social media, by repeating your old stories does not make anything better .  You are more than your illness, disability or past history.   You always have a choice and you are not your disease nor are you defined by the tragedies in your life.

Step out of your comfort zone of getting your needs met by getting sick, having accidents, struggling with physical or emotional illnesses or holding onto limiting beliefs? You are a blessed child of God and you deserve more.  Cut yourself a break and cut out the word can't from your life! 

Girls Scout Cookies never tasted this good!

Some weeks, a good weed strain story can be the force that gets you through! This week was one of those weeks and the weed story that I'm fixin' to tell is about a strain that outshines all strains in the world of cannabis and has parented countless offspring.  That strain is Girl Scout Cookies. 

Girl Scout is a hybrid strain that is said to be a blend of OG Kush x Durban Poison, or OG Kush x Cherry Pie (GDP x Durban Poison). But in truth, after researching this strain, the real lineage of this strain is really unknown, according to it's creator Jigga, the legendary breeder behind Girl Scout Cookies. The only certainty is it was bred in San Francisco, California, sometime in the last couple of years; perhaps 2011 or 2012. The strain was developed by a Nor-Cal group of associates known simply as the Cookie Family. From there, different phenotypes have been distributed throughout the United States.  Some of its notable offspring include Gelato and Sherbet – as well as all the offshoots like Thin Mint or crosses like Blueberry and Strawberry Cookies.

Girl Scout Cookies was the parent of at least four of the last strains that I consumed so, I'd say it made it's way onto my hit parade.  Those strains included Sugar Cookies, a heavy indica strain, Sunset sherbert a happy, balanced hybrid, Grape Cookies, a really aromatic, tasty indica hybrid, Birthday Cake and Wedding Cake, both balanced and happy hybrids and the list could go on and on. 

So what makes this strain so popular is that it is a beautiful, relaxing and tasty strain that no matter what you pair it with the hybrid turns out bright and happy.  Cheers to the Jigga and now I'm told to Berner, the rapper, who is fabled to have taken the Girl Scout Cookies strain to the next level.  Whoever created it and then lovingly crafted it, has my gratitude.  This week their skill made even the most tedious of times seem tolerable.  It is my hope that you found something or someone that shone the light in your life to remind you that Life loves you and gives you everything you need to get through too!

Pink April Full Moon

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anais Nin

Last night was the April Pink Full Moon, called the "Pink" Full Moon. It is called a Pink Full Moon because of the many spring blossoms opening up during the time of this Full Moon. As in the theme of April's showers brings May flowers, it’s time to for you to connect to this powerful activation for April, opening you up for the transformations to come in May. 

Not only are the flowers emerging, but so is love! Love is the emerging energy, which wants to express through you and your life. Anything that has felt hidden, unseen, unknown, fuzzy, held back and stuck is now making a massive long-lasting shift. It is a shift for showing up, being seen, and being known. 

 Now is the time to shine your light within and to stop comparing yourself and your life with everyone around you!  Now is the time to stop playing it safe. Do not shy away from opportunities to connect, grow, and try something new. Put yourself out there and you'll learn more about yourself!Now is the time for letting your protective layers dissolve into the light. Let the promise of something fresh and new blossom in your life.  Spring has sprung and if you let it, so is your soul ready to soar!