A Day in Salem

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By: Justin Reed

“Well begun is half done.”


– Cited by Aristotle as an ancient proverb in his treatise, Politics

In 2014, Oregonians voted to pass Measure 91 and legalize the recreational use of cannabis, and everything was great. The end.

Just kidding.

After 91 passed the the real work started of transitioning a robust black market out of the shadows. In late 2015, consumers were allowed to purchase limited amounts of cannabis from medical dispensaries. Then  2016 saw recreational dispensaries open as well making a variety of new products (vapes, edibles, capsules, etc.) available to consumers 21 and over. Packaging rules have been overhauled to better align with FDA guidelines, and rules have been established for mixing hemp and cannabis products.

All of these changes started out as bills at the Oregon legislature. Our Finance Director, Brian Johansing, and I had the opportunity last month to visit the state Capitol as a part of the Oregon Cannabis Association Lobby Day. After a quick tour and preparatory meeting, we were off to meet with our representatives and their staff to talk about the following bills:

HB 2233

  • This bill would permit social consumption sites for cannabis such as lounges and temporary events. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) would regulate both lounges and temporary event functions similar to alcohol.
  • We are very excited to see steps towards social consumption. Not only is this a stigma issue for us to be treated more like alcohol, but a socio-economic one. Low income individuals disproportionately live in apartments that don’t have to allow consumption.

SB 420

  • Directs the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) to expunge the criminal charges on the record that would no longer be considered a crime under current law.
  • -This is a no-brainer for us: legalization was as much about criminal records as it was about access.

SB 582

  • Allows the Governor to enter into an agreement with other states that have legalized cannabis to coordinate enforcement of cannabis businesses conducting business across those states.
  • We support this bill as a great first step towards federal legalization.

HB 2382

  • This legislation permits counties to expand venues they can tax licensed cannabis producers to ‘production sites’. The proposed fees are $1 per square foot of licensed recreational canopy and $50 per plant in medical grows.
  • We strongly oppose this bill. While we understand the idea of redirecting funds from Portland (where the majority of cannabis products are purchased) to southern Oregon (where the majority of cannabis is grown), we do not believe adding a tax (that is reflected in no other industries) to already beleaguered producers is the answer.

My biggest takeaway from the trip was how hard our politicians are working to understand these issues, and how important it is for us to educate and advocate on the issues we care about.

Justin Reed | Compliance Specialist

The Wild West of Cannabis

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Last summer I received a message from a former leader at the company where I worked: “Do you know any good finance people who might be interested in working in the cannabis industry?” I felt a surge of excitement and jumped at the opportunity. After all, cannabis is the “final frontier” of business. After decades of lobbying, cannabis enthusiasts finally influenced legislation and public opinion to create meaningful change. What was once the pastime of hippies and stoners crossed over into the realm of big business, attracting huge amounts of investment capital and no small amount of media attention. Of course, that’s where I wanted to be: In the middle of the action, on the forefront of social and political change, and living off the land on a pot farm in Southern Oregon.

Six months later, I can report that some of that dream came true. I’m now the only finance person I know who can speak intelligently on the differences between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived CBD. I know more about terpenes and cannabinoids than I’ll ever know what to do with in polite conversation.

I spent time on the farm in late summer, watching the plants grow and learning how a sungrown cannabis farm operates. I helped with the harvest, learned how to identify ‘A’ buds and witnessed the process of curing flower. I rode along with our sales reps, learning the ins and outs of the dispensary scene.

It turns out that working in finance at a cannabis company is a little less like Goodfellas and little more like Office Space. And a few months in, I’ll admit I experienced some professional disillusionment.

Yes, I get piles of cash dropped on my desk, but most of our customers have transitioned to paying with checks and wire transfers. Yes, our production consists of rolling joints and trimming flower, but in the meantime, I’m still filing payroll tax returns, approving purchase requests, reconciling bank statements, and paying bills.

Although it can be a source of pop-culture zeitgeist and countless news clips, legalized cannabis is still just business as usual when all is said and done. Our calendars are filled with compliance and safety committee meetings, awkward networking events, sales scrums and one-on-one meetings with direct reports. For the most part, the core functions of our cannabis jobs are eerily similar to what we would be doing at any other job. Occasionally, I’m overcome with a sense of irony that we’re working in a federally illicit industry, while a visitor to our Portland office might at first suspect we’re a tech startup.

This is not to say that I find my job boring or mundane. On the contrary, working in cannabis is challenging and exciting precisely because of the ironies and contradictions that exist. Our marketing team must be constantly vigilant that our message does not appeal to minors. Our post-production team is prohibited from moving product from one licensed premise to another. (They’re 30 feet away from each other.) On a quarterly basis, I’m required to provide a stack of documentation to our bank, simply for the privilege of having a checking account. We have found that our regulators, the good people of the OLCC, are some of our most trusted advisors, helping us carefully navigate the maze of laws we are required to comply with.

Sometimes it feels like we’re doing business blindfolded, with one arm tied behind our back and a small child kicking us in the shins. These setbacks and restrictions force us to do our jobs with innovation and efficiency, and I’m filled with gratitude because of it. I get to work with people who are passionate about removing the stigma from a product that shouldn’t be treated any differently than alcohol or tobacco. And yet, I’m aware that at any moment the feds could shut us down, or the state could rescind our license.

Cannabis is indeed the wild west of business: Opportunity abounds and danger persists, but more often than not, we’re just trying to steer clear of any outlaws and keep our business running. Sh#!, the printer is out of ink again.

Brian Johansing | Director of Finance

Capsules and the Holidays

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“The true crimefighter always carries everything he needs in his utility belt, Robin.”
— Batman (Adam West)

Staying healthy during the winter holidays can be a challenge. It’s easy to over-indulge when we’re swept up in the spirit of the season. Now the holidays are over, and I am once again grateful for our low-dose vegan capsules. I loved how they took the edge off without knocking me off my feet and discreet enough for get-togethers that weren’t necessarily cannabis friendly. After stuffing myself with ham, potatoes and pumpkin pie, I really appreciated that I didn’t have to add any more food (the usual infused options like gummies, chocolate, caramels, etc.) to my already bursting belly.

It was also super easy to share with friends and family (21 and over) who have food sensitivities and were avoiding sugar, grains, and dairy. One of my favorite parts of legalization is all of the options available. It makes me feel like I have my very own Batman utility belt.

Here’s to a healthy and happy new year!

Justin

Living with Fires and Smoke in Southern Oregon

Lucia Bartscher ,

Gray skies. Thick, smoky air. A diffused, orange sun. These are becoming the telltale signs of summer on the west coast. Southern Oregon was hit especially hard last summer by the Chetco Bar Fire which burned approximately 190,000 acres in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. After the most expensive fire season on record in 2017, Oregon is having catastrophic fire damage once again in 2018, and this summer it came early. On July 8, a lightning storm ignited approximately 100 wildfires in the Rogue Valley. Some of these are still burning, most notably the Klondike Fire, which was recently upgraded to a megafire. Most of the summer the air quality index in the area has been at unhealthy levels.

It’s hard to talk about natural disasters without considering climate change. Folks who grew up here in the Rogue Valley say this is not normal. Most recall the Biscuit Fire of 2002 as a bellwether event in southern Oregon and say the fires since then seem more intense and frequent. If it feels hotter, that’s because it is hotter. According to the National Weather Service, the five hottest months of July ever recorded in Medford have all taken place in the last six years. And eight of the 10 hottest Julys have occurred since 2000.

It’s easy to throw up our hands at the prospect of making a difference in such a gargantuan problem. The ongoing saga between the Department of Forestry, the timber industry and environmental advocates has a long and complicated history. But the politics of forestry notwithstanding, the fact remains that humans are directly responsible for starting the vast majority of forest fires, nearly 84% by some estimates. Oregon felt that loss firsthand last summer with the Eagle Creek Fire, which was ignited by fireworks, and which burned nearly fifty thousand acres in the historic Columbia River Gorge.

The human impact is something we can easily help by being more careful, educating ourselves and looking for alternatives. For example, some cities in the western U.S. have even opted to celebrate Independence Day using a drone light show instead of fireworks.

Here are some things we can all do today to reduce the risk of forest fires:

  • Be aware of the fire danger level. If you live in a fire-prone area or are visiting one, there are very specific parameters for certain outdoor activities depending on the season. Before you ignite that burn pile or even mow the lawn, check the rules on your city or county’s website for what is allowed. Keep in mind that sometimes the rules can change from one day to the next in extreme weather.
  • Learn about campfire safety. Heading to the great outdoors? Some national parks and national forests may not allow campfires at certain times of year. Know before you go, and if campfires are allowed, learn the safest ways to ignite and extinguish them. Follow those same protocols wherever or whenever you make a campfire.
  • Consider celebrating without fireworks. Not only have they sent thousands of people to the emergency room, but fireworks are also a trigger for veterans and PTSD sufferers. If you must blow things up, it’s best to pass on the riskiest types of fireworks such as roman candles and bottle rockets, or even better, to choose the kind that do not get airborne. If you do light fireworks, do it in a wide open space and stay away from fire fuels such as dry grass. Make sure to have a hose or wet towels nearby to fully extinguish all sparks and flames. Carefully check the area for embers before you leave.

When fires do occur, we are forever grateful to the firefighters, support staff and volunteers who help contain and manage the fires, often at great risk to themselves. This year, the efforts in Oregon include more than 6,000 personnel across multiple agencies handling firefighting, evacuations, air traffic control, prevention, containment and communications. We can show them even more appreciation by doing our part to mitigate fire danger where we can easily make a big difference and by helping to educate others.

OLCC Update

Justin Reed , , ,

“Think it over, think it under.” —Winnie-the-Pooh

After almost a year as compliance specialist at Shadowbox Farms, I’ve gone to OLCC meetings, read updates and interpreted rules. I wanted share a few key concepts that have become important to me, both on a personal and professional level.

Don’t try to solve undefined problems

The full scope of a project isn’t always apparent in the beginning.  It’s important to take a deep breath and an intentional pause, especially before jumping into the complexities of a compliance situation.

For my first go at our license renewal I was filling out paperwork. I thought I had a snake of a problem tidily wrapped up, only to find out it was actually the trunk of a rather large elephant.  Turns out I had a lot more paperwork to complete than I thought. If I had just reviewed the scope of the project first and outlined the steps (and any potential hurdles) before diving in, I could have saved myself a ton of stress. Lesson learned.

Alternatively, I have let compliance-related emails affect me emotionally, which quickly ruins my productivity. Defining the problem, taking a few deep breaths and talking it out with a colleague has helped me keep perspective and avoid turning a molehill into a mountain.

Get things in writing

Initiating an exchange (whether a phone call, email, or face-to-face meeting) depends on a multitude of things, including how time sensitive the question is and the other person’s schedule. No matter what, I always close the loop with a summary email.

The industry is moving and evolving so quickly that it is always worth the time to confirm (in writing) that everyone is on the same page whenever anything compliance-related is discussed. A second benefit to this process is that an email will serve as a reference a year from now while my memory might not recall all of the details. Nothing is more frustrating than having to ask the same question twice because you forgot the answer or thought it was a problem that wouldn’t come up again. Never make assumptions. Close the loop.

Here’s to another year of tightening up my thoughts, my process and my work. Cheers!

Using the Whole Plant : The Entourage Effect

Sarah Sackett ,

In cannabis, we often talk about the “entourage effect” to explain the whole picture of a plant’s makeup. It’s a simple idea to explain a very complex chemical process. Basically, when we talk about the “entourage effect,” it refers to the idea that the whole plant has more to offer than the sum of its isolated parts (such as THC) offer on their own.

To understand this effect and the potential of whole plant medicine, we can look at the history of how aspirin was adapted for our modern pharmaceuticals. Aspirin actually comes from the willow tree. Its bark has been used for thousands of years, and is well documented in ancient Greek and Egyptian societies as a pain reliever and fever reducer. It was not until the late 1800s that scientists began to isolate the chemical properties of willow bark and discovered salicylic acid was the key component to relieve pain. Unfortunately, when salicylic acid was isolated and given to patients, it caused horrible intestinal side effects and even put people into comas. It wasn’t until 1853 that chemist Charles Frédéric Gerhardt discovered a symbiotic compound in the raw willow bark that protected patients from the side effects of salicylic acid. By combining multiple compounds that individually were not effective and administering them together, he was able to create the foundation for a safer pain reliever while mitigating the negative side effects.

This same idea is the foundation of what we call the “entourage effect,” the idea that multiple individual compounds create a greater and more impactful end result. Cannabis is made up of not only THC cannabinoids, but also a collection of other cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, CBC, THCV and so on. It also contains terpenes, which give the plant its unique scent and help drive the effect of the THC.

In a 1974 study at the University of Chicago, researchers found in a double-blind study that cannabis with equal or higher levels of cannabinoids CBD and CBN to THC created effects two to four times greater than expected with THC alone. This study supports the idea that whole plant extractions can create a different outcome than THC isolates alone and is a great example of why the entourage effect can be a critical consideration to get the most out of your cannabis!

Post-Prohibition Parenting

Lucia Bartscher , , ,

Being a parent who also happens to be a cannabis consumer can be tricky or even risky in some places. Although 30 states allow some form of legal cannabis, there is still a great deal of misinformation and stigma associated with the plant, especially for parents. We know that many people already use it as a medicine. In fact, the FDA just approved the first cannabis-based medication designed to treat two rare and severe types of epilepsy. And although a 2017 Gallup poll showed that 64% of Americans support federal legalization, we are often up against the deadbeat “stoner” stereotype. As a parent, how do you tackle this conversation with your children? As an adult child, how do you help educate your parents and grandparents, some of whom came up in the era of “Reefer Madness”?

Honest Candor is one of our core values at Shadowbox Farms, and it’s the first step in starting those healthy conversations with your loved ones. Now that more Americans are able to safely access cannabis, consumers are starting to share their stories. That is helping ignite a national conversation where people feel more free to ask questions without fear or judgment. Speaking the same language is also important in having meaningful discourse so one party does not feel left out of the loop. Do your homework. Be prepared to answer questions, and back them up with information from trustworthy sources.

Candor is not only about transparency; it’s also about connection. In order have a meaningful discussion, it’s important to assume positive intent and show the person you care. How you go about it may look differently when you are having an age-appropriate conversation with your child or when talking to your elders. Making an effort to understand their fears and address their concerns will make them feel heard, and it will help you identify where education is needed.

Lost in Translation

There’s no shortage of nicknames for cannabis—weed, pot, ganja, marijuana—but those come with stigma and political baggage. Overcoming black market stereotypes is crucial to the success of cannabis as a regulated product, but sometimes even the slang associated with it can be a barrier to the conversation. Pair that with new research on the different components of cannabis—THC, CBD, terpenes—and the new ways to access it—vape, dab, edibles, tinctures—and it can be overwhelming. Before we can make strides in normalization, we first have to speak the same language and create a judgment-free zone where people can ask, “What the heck is CBD?”. And although the common name “marijuana” is still widely used, we should strive to reclaim its latin name, “cannabis,” as part of this cultural shift. That keeps the conversation in the realm of facts and helps remove clandestine associations. Having a common language is key to education and effective communication with family and friends.

Safety in Numbers

Sharing stories is a huge part of normalization, and thankfully there are smart people doing just that on websites such as Splimm, a “pot and parenting newsletter.” It’s equal parts education, community and lifestyle advice. Having some sort of support network is crucial for parents as we navigate raising kids in the post-prohibition era. For example, many of us see no difference in the experience of having a glass of wine to relax at the end the day versus consuming a cannabis edible or vaping. And yet, many parents still feel the need to hide their consumption from their children. I get that. I’ve been there. Having a forum to talk through those fears with other parents helped me tackle the conversation with my own family, and it was a game-changer. Need more practical tips? Check out this very thoughtful blog from Habu Health.

As pioneers in the relatively new industry of regulated cannabis, it’s so important we get this right. The more we talk about it, the more we chip away at the mystery and taboo associated with it. The more we share our individual experiences, the more we strengthen our collective voice. And the way we get there is through openness, community and education.

Coming Out in Cannabis

Sarah Sackett ,

When I was 16, I told my mom I would be going on a date with a girl. It was my queer coming out story. I lived in a suburb full of closed minds and bad words for what I was about to do, but I needed to be honest, to tell my family the truth and discover my own identity. My parents didn’t skip a beat or make it a thing: My mom even went out and bought me some rainbow gay pride socks with “mom” in a heart stitched into them. I was lucky. And my queer identity is something I’m proud to call my own.

Seventeen years later, I found myself facing another “coming out” moment when I entered the cannabis industry. Sure, it may not have been the same kind of coming out as before. I knew the implications were safer, but it still felt like hurdle to jump. I felt strong in my convictions that this was the right place for my career, and it was also a product I believed in because it had a positive impact in my own life and in the lives of my loved ones. Still, there was that taboo and stigma around cannabis. And in a world of social media oversharing of life details, was I ready to attach those to my name? Would there be fallout?

When I considered this, I came back to the reason I “came out” all those years ago. It was what I felt in my heart. I choose to be open and share my cannabis experience and participation in the industry because I believe that people have the right to choose the life that makes them most happy and healthy. Cannabis is safe, and it makes my life better. In being open, I discovered a beautiful community of people who share my passion. I may have alienated a few of my more conservative family members, but I’m really grateful to live in a place where I can be openly proud of who I am and who I choose to love as well as the career I choose. I’m proud to be part of an effort to remove this sigma and bring normalization to cannabis consumption!

Harvesting Happiness

Jessica Ginet 0 comments , ,

The Roots of Cannabis

The cannabis industry is rife with competing theories on the right way to grow the best plants. This year has been a learning opportunity for everyone on the farm. At Shadowbox Farms, our knowledge trickles down from Wayne Becker, our Director of Horticulture. Wayne is a Fulbright scholar and brings decades of experience from the agricultural industry. With this series, we hope to “dig in” to what craft cannabis looks like at each level of the process. In this blog post, we’ll focus on what we grow our plants in.

Growing in Pots

We currently grow our plants in pots for better cultural control. What does that mean, better “cultural control”? To clarify, one advantage of growing outdoors in pots is the ability to control the growth rate and eventual size of the plants. Containing the plants in pots means that vegetative growth will stop once the plant has run out of space for the roots to occupy.

And would you believe it if I told you that the mix inside our pots actually contains zero soil? It’s true! You might be surprised to learn that what we generally think of as soil (the earth under our feet) is made mostly of rock. Actual soil is weathered rock—clay, silt, sand—combined with decayed organic material, which can support plant growth. When plants die and are decomposed by earthworms and fungi, what’s left behind is an organic material called humus. (When humans simulate this process the result is compost.) A potting medium made mostly of organic material with little sand or clay is called peat.

At Shadowbox Farms, we use a combination of materials:

  • Peat moss and coco fiber promote root growth
  • Pumice provides aeration
  • Calcium carbonate corrects pH
  • Mycorrhizae, or beneficial fungi, encourage roots to forage for nutrients  

This combination of materials makes an ideal potting mix for us because:

  • It drains well;
  • It re-wets easily;
  • It has suitable pH (between 5.0 and 6.5);
  • It is free of pests;
  • And it is able to be stored for short periods without significant changes to physical or chemical properties.

How do you grow your plants? Do you use a custom potting mix or an off-the-shelf product like coco fiber? Leave a comment below!

The Perfect Pairing

Jessica Ginet , ,

It was a no-brainer. Shadowbox Farms wanted to support an amazing community event that promoted advocacy, education and normalization. When the opportunity arose to partner with the Pride Northwest organization as a sponsor for its Portland Pride Waterfront Festival, Shadowbox Farms leapt at chance (and high-fived a ton). We were excited because we realized that we share a similar mission of advocacy and inclusivity. In essence, Shadowbox Farms + Portland Pride Festival =  the perfect pairing. Let’s explore that.

Shared Mission & Values

Shadowbox Farms is much more than a cannabis farm; it is a mission- and values-driven company. What does that mean exactly? It means all our decisions and actions as a business align with our core principles. Together, our mission and values are the magnetic force that points our compass towards our “true north.”

Likewise, Pride Northwest is much more than a non-profit organization serving the LGBTQ community. In addition to welcoming summer to Portland with the amazing Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade, Pride Northwest works every single day of the year to celebrate and support the entire Pacific Northwest’s LGBTQ community. We support that one hundred percent.

As stewards of Oregon’s craft cannabis industry, Shadowbox Farms is committed to supporting organizations with shared values, so we knew we could not miss the chance to partner with Pride Northwest. Let’s look at our core values:

  • Curiosity and thinking. We value new ideas and curiosity. No innovation ever came without curiosity and risk taking. We applaud those curious enough to think outside of the box and bring the Portland Pride Festival to fruition.
  • Assume positive intent. This one is a game-changer. Perspective is key. We always strive to see the positive side of things first, and isn’t that a beautiful thing? We believe the world would be a better place if issues could be resolved from a place of empathy and love. Enough said.
  • Operational excellence. We push ourselves everyday to be better than “good enough.” The volunteers who make the Portland Pride Festival happen every year are a fine example of this, as they donate their time, love and energy to this event.
  • Being present. There’s more to being present than just showing up. We put this value into practice through proactive problem solving, and by giving each day our all. Pride Northwest is present for the LGBTQ community 24/7, and that unwavering dedication is powerful.
  • Honest candor. We must be open to feedback and in turn give thoughtful feedback. Honest candor is how we grow and how we challenge fear and stigma. The individuals who identify openly as part of the LGBTQ community have had to exercise honest candor, and Pride Northwest works to build trust through education and advocacy. We support that.

A Partnership for Change

To create meaningful change, we must carefully cultivate an atmosphere of equity and trust as a solid foundation. We must assume positive intent and focus on education; these building blocks are true for any community looking to have a positive impact.

Shadowbox Farms is excited about our involvement with this year’s Pride Northwest Festival. Being a Pride festival sponsor gives us the opportunity to live our vision of creating advocacy, education and normalization in an ethos of love and respect.

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Located in Southern Oregon, nestled in the Applegate Valley. Shadowbox Farms brings a boutique craft product to the market at industry prices.

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For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children. Cannabis can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.