The Symphony

Mac Zivney ,

Dressed to the nines and excited for a wonderful night at the symphony, you’ve picked your favorite suit or fanciest dress, and couldn’t be more excited for what you are about to experience. You’re smiling the entire drive to the theater, hopefully sharing in that excitement with a loved one. You got the best seats you can afford and had a glass of wine before the auditorium opened to the public. You’ve just sat down eagerly awaiting the show to start. It’s going to be a perfect night.

The lights flash on, the stage is bright and you start to survey all the different sections of the orchestra and their instruments. The show is about to start! You ease into your seat and get ready to enjoy the smooth classical music you’d so been looking forward too. Leaning back, eyes softly closing, and with a big exhale, you expect to be enveloped in the sounds of music… Cue the crickets. It seems the Maestro didn’t show up for the performance, and the sound engineer fell asleep at the helm. They struggle to get things in order, and you sit through a disorganized and far too quiet concert.

If you were the person who attended that concert you would feel like you didn’t get the full value of your purchase. You could say you went to the symphony, but you only received about a third of the orchestra experience. You would feel like you missed out on what the experience could have been, and you might not want to go back to another symphony again.

Cannabis consumption is like that symphony: Many of us are attending, but few notice how bad the concert is. For some reason we have accepted a third of the cannabis experience as being good enough. We are constantly missing our Maestro, and our sound dude is lazy as can be.

In this scenario, the THC is the instruments, always present, and to a lot of consumers, the most important ingredient. CBD is the sound engineer: You need him to make sure the microphones, acoustics and speakers are setup to enhance the experience of the instruments (THC). Terpenes are the Maestro, important for organizing the instruments (THC) and providing a unique experience and twist to the performance. The Maestro (terpenes) works alongside the sound engineer (CBD) to enhance the experience provided by the instruments (THC).

This relationship is known as the entourage effect.

I am going on an educational journey to understand the ins and outs of this relationship. This will be the first in a series of blog posts where I delve deeper into the specific effects of the main cannabis terpenes, CBD, THC, the entourage effect, and how to help identify the strains with the right chemistry for you!

If you don’t want to do your own research, check back here regularly to follow my journey. However, if you are like me, and want to educate yourself on the intricacies of cannabis, I encourage you to visit my sources below:

Chemistry database for raw information on Terpenes: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
List of terpenes found in Cannabis: https://www.sclabs.com/terpenes//
Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946

You can follow mac on instagram @mckennleyz

Classic Consumption

Adam Reed ,

Smoking a joint has always been a special form of consumption for me. It reminds me of how my family gets together in the summer for a week every year. I look forward to sitting around the campfire as the day turns into night (leaving the younger ones down in the cabins). Those late nights have become a routine for us that I have come to treasure. We are all getting older and so much happens in the time between our yearly reunions, it seems like there is no way to keep up with it all. We talk late into the night telling stories of our victories and struggles, all while passing a joint around the circle.

Since smoking a joint has such a special place in my life, I was beyond excited to hear that our team at the farm in Williams was reimagining an old favorite. From filter to tip, they have considered every touchpoint of this classic. As our Post Production Manager, Chelsea Olearain said, “It’s all about the grind!”

Shadowbox Pre-Rolls
The Grind. If you can get this part right, it’s all smooth smoking from here. Too fine and it can cause clogs; too coarse and the paper tends to “run” (burn faster on one side vs. the other). Find the middle ground for what is just right.
The Crutch. A new common practice for the recreational market, the crutch gives you some space for your flower to cool down before you inhale it. The cooler the smoke, the less harsh it will feel. We gave our crutches some extra length for the ideal temp. Think Audrey Hepburn!
The Width. Rolling the ideal width for a joint depends on how long you have for your smoking session and how much smoke you would like per hit. A skinny roll will provide a longer, slower smoke while a thicker roll promotes higher consumption per draw with a quicker burn. We opted for the skinnier side, giving you time to dig deep into conversations.
The Tip. We found, through our internal research and experiments, that packing the tip of the joint paper down into a “crown” allowed for the most consistent cherry and fewer runs while smoking. This also leaves a cleaner appearance when showcasing the product.

Establishing a Foundation

Tim Winner 0 comments ,

Early in my tenure at Shadowbox Farms, the company was embarking on the difficult task of establishing its mission, vision and values. I was lucky enough to be invited to help guide the process. We first brought the whole team to together to brainstorm what was important to our young company. Then we formed a committee that ultimately owned the responsibility. The experience was rewarding as the team worked hard and gave the process the respect it deserved. After all, this would be the foundation for the company going forward.

Last week we introduced our newly crafted mission, vision and values during an all-staff meeting at our farm in Williams, Oregon. It felt the like the appropriate setting for such an important moment in our company’s history. That day we established that we would be “stewards of the cannabis industry,” guided by values, and driven to create a world-class company that would lead the industry and set new standards.

Our Mission

Stewards of the Cannabis Industry

Our Vision

As stewards of Oregon’s craft cannabis industry, we are committed to building an inclusive, transparent and innovative community. In the process, we intend to foster career opportunities in an ethos that embodies love and respect—all while crafting high-quality products.

We demonstrate thought leadership with responsible business practices, willingness to collaborate, and a commitment to cultivating equity and trust within the industry. Through advocacy, education and normalization we are building the future of cannabis we believe in.

Our Values

  • We value Curiosity and Thinking…ideas are a good thing.
  • We always strive to Assume Positive Intent.
  • We demand Operational Excellence.
  • We believe in Being Present…show-up.
  • We welcome Honest Candor.

Sexualization of Cannabis

Jessica Ginet 0 comments , ,

Sigh. We’re still doing this? The old adage ‘sex sells’ is in full swing in the cannabis advertising sector. I was leafing [pun intended] through my High Times magazine the other day. I started paying special attention to the ads. If I generalized based on the ads in the magazine, only dudes are buying cannabis-related items.

One was a full page advertisement for a grow light company with the catchphrase ‘We turn you on’ and featured a woman in a tight, full length gown. Best part? The ad featured no image of the company’s product. Interesting.

Another, for a well-known nutrient company, features different images of nearly naked women with strategically-placed bongs and bags of weed. Classy.  And completely outdated.

 

Are males the only ones that purchase and use cannabis growing supplies and equipment?

 

I hate to burst any bubbles, but get this: I’m a female that buys growing supplies. Gasp! And, spoiler alert, I’m not the only one out there. As states continue to legalize cannabis, it is time for more integrity and thought in cannabis industry advertising. Those companies that objectify women as part of their marketing efforts are companies that I won’t buy from, and I doubt I’m the only one with that opinion.

Haven’t we moved beyond the clichés, with images of skanky women posing with bags of bud and smoking accessories? Are guys seriously swayed in their purchasing behavior based on  such a lame marketing ploy?  I don’t recall seeing any ads featuring shirtless men with six packs. If things are going to be equal between the sexes, then let’s be equal.

Companies need to move away from the trashy, underground black-market stereotypes and move to more accurate depictions of their products – namely their features and benefits, not bene-tits. I choose to support companies and businesses that have a real interest in moving the industry forward, not back.

Info Overload

Justin Reed ,

Whether you are new to the cannabis industry or just trying to brush up on your knowledge, you can quickly become overwhelmed by the amount of information out there on the OLCC website, industry podcasts and news articles.

 

To combat this my suggestions are twofold:

  • Don’t feel like you need to know everything, sometimes a depth of knowledge can be more important than shallow breath.
  • And with that in mind, let technology help you.

 

Here is a list of some of the tools I have found to be extremely helpful lately (no affiliation):

 

Sprint Powered by Spritz

Spritz is a technology that displays words one after another in the same place, allowing you to read without moving your eyes. It sounds weird, but I can usually double my reading speed using this app.

 

PDF Voice Reader

Sometimes I reach my limit staring at a computer pouring over documents, and it’s nice to take this app for a walk. If you hear something that you need to dig into further, PDF Voice Reader allows you to easily send the page to your email for further investigation.

 

Tape-A-Call

As simple as it sounds, it’s a great app for recording a phone conversation for later analysis (make sure you get permission first). It’s especially convenient when you need to call into a meeting, but are double-booked.

 

RSS Radio

This is hands-down my favorite podcast player. It has a section where you can build a “to-listen” list; it allows you to speed up or slow down the audio (it took a bit of getting used to but I now listen to most things at 1.5x-2x speed); and it also has a feature to remove dead space in between words. (Check out the Periodic Effects Business Podcast.)

 

Audible

And don’t forget about a little self-care now and again. Even if I’m busy, I’ll make time to listen to something fun. For example, I’m currently listening to “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, the book the movie “Blade Runner” was loosely based on. I can do that during my commute, while walking my dog or doing household chores. A knife that only cuts will eventually become dull.

 

“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”

― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Drug Policies for Cannabis Workplaces

Sarah Sackett , ,

Everyone who works at Shadowbox has their own reason for finding their way into this industry, but we all really come together for our love and passion for cannabis. Let’s be honest, though, cannabis can make you intoxicated just like alcohol and prescription drugs can make you intoxicated. Cannabis can be a great thing. Many of use use it for our own reasons, such as dealing with medical issues or just relaxing after a long day of work. But being intoxicated at work or driving under the influence just isn’t safe, and it isn’t legal. So how do we balance the love of plant with the need to be safe and professional? First, we hire great people and we trust them. Next, we create thoughtful policies that keep us all on the same page.

 

Drafting a drug policy for a cannabis company was much harder than we thought. Part of our mission as a company is to break down some of those big stigmas attached to cannabis use, so our challenge was to create a thoughtful policy that would balance that mission, the laws, and the safety of our employees. We are really proud of what we’ve come up with, and I’m happy to share it with you here!

 

At Shadowbox Farms we strive for a safe and rewarding work environment. Employees who misuse controlled substances, prescription or illegal drugs, or alcohol pose a risk both to themselves and other staff. This behavior can have far-reaching implications, from potentially life-threatening safety incidents, to productivity issues and damage to our reputation.

 

We love marijuana. We can’t imagine a better or more interesting industry to work in. This passion fuels our growth and innovation. We love that our employees love growing marijuana. What we don’t love? Drug use in the workplace. Shadowbox Farms maintains a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs at work, and this includes weed.

But I Work at a Pot Farm

Being a cannabis company doesn’t mean we can be lax on safety. We proudly adhere to the same high standards of safety set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which are required of any business, as well as the strictest OLCC Compliance Rules. We also provide Workers’ Compensation coverage which requires we take all necessary measures to minimize risks in the workplace. Farm work can be inherently dangerous. Employees are more likely to make mistakes, cause accidents and end up injured when they are high. To stay safe, productive and remain the Best Team in Cannabis, at Shadowbox, we stay sober at work.

Intoxication or Use While on Duty

Employees should not be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or drugs while on duty, while on company premises, or while operating any company vehicle (including operating a personal vehicle while conducting company business).

 

Employees should not possess, use or sell drugs on company premises or while traveling on company business.

 

Employees who are visibly intoxicated at work will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

 

Visible Intoxication

Visible intoxication is when a person’s physical and mental abilities are diminished by alcohol or drugs to a point that it can be observed by others. There are many signs of a visibly intoxicated person. Please see the OLCCs guidance on how to recognize the signs. If an employee shows a combination of several of these signs, or exhibits a significant change in behavior, that could be a strong indication that the person is intoxicated.

Drug Testing

Employees are required to cooperate with drug screenings as a condition of employment, and also following situations such as accidents or reports of visible intoxication. At this time it is not a policy of Shadowbox Farms to test for THC for potential new hires.

 

Prescription Drugs

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are not prohibited when taken in standard dosage and/or according to a physician’s prescription. Any employee taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications will be responsible for consulting the prescribing physician and/or pharmacist to ascertain whether the medication may interfere with safe performance of his/her job. If the use of a medication could compromise safety in any way, it is the employee’s responsibility to alert their manager or HR who can help determine the best way to avoid unsafe workplace situations (e.g., call in sick, use leave, request change of duty, etc).

 

Medical Marijuana Cardholders

In the state of Oregon, an accommodation can be made for medical marijuana cardholders. An employee who has a valid medical marijuana card (issued under ORS 475B.415) may consume marijuana during his or her work shift on the licensed premises as necessary for their medical condition, as long as the employee is alone, in a closed room, and not visible to others outside the room.

 

What does your drug policy look like at work? How has cannabis legalization changed that policy?

Consuming Happiness

Jessica Ginet , ,

Harvesting happiness? How about consuming happiness? Cannabis (especially outdoor grown) is a source of pure, unadulterated happiness for me. I love the unpredictable sensory experience that sungrown cannabis provides.

SIGHT: I like to keep different strains in small glass mason jars, and that way I can peek at bud structure when I’m still on the fence in terms of what to smoke that day. Am I in the mood for a loose, less dense bud that will break apart easily? Or do I feel like a sticky, compact little nug that’s coated in trichomes? Do I feel like smoking a beautiful purple bud or a bright green one?

FEEL: The joy begins when I pick out a bud and give it a little squeeze – I love feeling the bud’s density – how a nice, dank, dense bud smooshes down and then bounces back when I release it. I love how the different shapes (round, conical, oval) feel between my fingers.

SMELL: I love the smell of cannabis, from the citrus notes in an Agent Orange strain to that wonderful, stanky-danky note in a Sour Diesel. I’m admittedly not nearly as practiced as some of my co-workers in identifying phenotypes, but it’s something I’m working on. One day I want to be what I call a ‘cannabis-sommelier’. I admire the hell out of those that can quickly identify notes of lime or grape without the slightest bit of hesitation.

TASTE: I’ve tasted all sorts of interesting flavors that range from floral to culinary herb to dirt (that particular strain was called Dirty Girl and the ‘dirt’ in the name of the batch I consumed definitely applied). Right now my favorite stains have more of an herbal/floral flavor. Next month my tastes might change, and I could be searching for a more citrus or resinous flavor.

SOUND: There have been claims (unsubstantiated, I might add) that cannabis can improve hearing. So, while cannabis doesn’t improve my hearing ability per se, it does raise levels of dopamine. I love how cannabis enhances my reaction to audio stimuli. 

The effects of cannabis on the mind and body are just starting to be understood. As more states legalize cannabis, more research and data will be available to dissect the influence cannabis has on the senses. I’m excited to learn more about the benefits of consuming happiness.

Why Do You Consume Cannabis?

Katherine Losoya , , ,

From storing bombs to cannabis, one Air Force Veteran’s story of how cannabis is helping him transition to the civilian world after twenty-five years of service

John Livesay, a.k.a. “JT,” lived a life in a controlled, high-stress, structured environment for more than two decades. Since 2012, JT, a proud U.S. Air Force Veteran, has continuously worked on adjusting to the “civilian world.” The life JT built for twenty-five years in the Air Force was his security blanket and once retirement hit, he found it challenging to cope with the transition. His stresses had accumulated over the years. To ease his temperament, he explored a newly-legalized plant, cannabis. Out of curiosity, I asked JT his primary reason for consuming cannabis and, without hesitation, he responded “emotional stability.”

JT left his Tennessee home when he was eighteen years old to join the Air Force. Bombs, bullets and missiles were his career. He was responsible for testing, storing, assembling and hauling bombs for the majority of his life. He was then offered a remote, one-year assignment to Korea. In the military, when given an assignment, you have seven days to think it over to make a final decision. In JT’s case, he could either take the assignment or opt for retirement, and he chose the latter for family reasons.

JT then moved into an Equipment Specialist role for the Department of Defense. There he was responsible for the full supply chain management for everything that protects an aircraft from attack. It wasn’t until he left his role as an Equipment Specialist that he started his job search in the cannabis industry. He looked for opportunities in legal states such as Washington and Colorado, and after eight months of searching, he applied for a position as a Gardener at Shadowbox Farms in Southern Oregon. During the interview process, JT’s skill set was noticed, and he was immediately hired for a new opening position: Inventory Manager.

Not only is JT in a state where he can legally consume for his emotional health, but cannabis also provided a career opportunity to learn and grow in a new industry. Prior to cannabis, JT’s physical and emotional issues were being treated with prescriptions, but now he enjoys the freedom to choose his own pathway to wellness. JT likes a good uplifting strain such as Shadowbox’s very own Cookies and Cream to relieve stress. His favorite method of consumption is smoking as he enjoys the flavor profile cannabis has to offer.

In the emotional realm, cannabis opens JT’s ability to see someone else’s perspective which gives him an understanding that his way is not always the right way. This enhanced ability to contemplate a situation and help him look inward has improved his family’s life. His family sees a positive difference in his overall patience, and JT knows he wouldn’t be here without their full support. His wife of twenty-eight years and two teenage boys reside in Utah. The separation from his family is similar to their lifestyle when he was on assignment, but being just a state away means he is still able to see them regularly.

JT encourages people to do their own research and look into the benefits of cannabis for themselves. Knowing there is undiscovered potential, JT hopes one day we will be able to extensively and legally research what cannabis can do for us. He encourages more people to share their stories of success with cannabis.

Right now, JT is learning everything he can to help Shadowbox grow with the hope one day cannabis becomes legal in Utah. Under current Utah law, possession of an ounce or less of marijuana can result in a six-month jail sentence.1 Right now, signatures are being gathered in the state of Utah for the 2018 ballot to legalize medical marijuana.

JT hopes for Utah legalization so he can be reunited with his family, consume his medicine of choice, and do what he loves with his family by his side. Overall, a humble man of service feels like a better man because of cannabis.

With more and more brave and bold individuals such as JT coming forward to share their stories, the stigma of cannabis can eventually be abolished. On behalf of Shadowbox Farms, we thank you for your service to your country, then and now.

Former Oregon Technology Executive Joins Fast-Growing Cannabis Company

shadowboxfarms ,

Tim Winner brings a growth mindset and learnings from the tech industry to Shadowbox Farms, plans to grow the company through world-class farming operations, education and a product-line expansion aimed at new customers

PORTLAND, Oregon (December 11, 2017) — Shadowbox Farms, one of the largest recreational cannabis growers in Oregon, today announced that Tim Winner has joined the firm as president. He will lead Shadowbox Farms’ growth as it expands its product offering and educates the consumer market.

Winner brings more than 20 years of business leadership to the craft cannabis grower. He joins Shadowbox Farms from software development firm Metal Toad, where he served as chief operating officer, and earlier served as the senior vice president of operations at School of Rock music schools as well as the chief operating officer at Hollywood Video.

In moving to the cannabis industry, Winner sees a significant opportunity to legitimize and grow a formerly underground industry by implementing business practices that have been effective in the tech industry, nonprofits and more. Though many growers around the state have seen success following the legalization of recreational marijuana, managing Shadowbox Farms with an eye on quality, people and standard business practices presents an opportunity for growth. Winner aims to grow the market for cannabis consumption by reducing the stigma against it through education and awareness. He plans to expand the available product line, focusing on cartridges, edibles and concentrates targeted to new recreational cannabis consumers. As the industry evolves, long-term plans include the introduction of tours at the cannabis grower’s 35-acre farm in Williams, Oregon, and a guest chef program to educate visitors on the craft of consumption.

“Oregon is primed to be the national model for the cannabis industry, and our local cannabis businesses have the potential to lead the way for growth nationwide,” said Winner. “With its commitment to craft cannabis, a focus on sustainable farming, and a passionate team of gardeners, move-makers and designers, Shadowbox is well positioned to change the industry both in Oregon and beyond.”

About Shadowbox Farms

Shadowbox Farms is one of Oregon’s largest recreational cannabis growers, offering high-quality, sustainably grown cannabis with a commitment to craft. The company is a leader in cannabis-growing innovation, powered by passionate teams of business and agricultural leaders who are dedicated to pushing the industry forward. Shadowbox Farms is located in Portland with growing operations in Williams, Oregon.

You should never judge a book by it’s cover.

Tim Winner , ,

Well, it’s been a month since I have joined Shadowbox Farms. And what I have found is a smart robust company facing all the challenges that any start-up in an emerging industry deals with. Many have been trying to catch the wave and capitalize on this new exciting market. Some will succeed and many will fail. The single most important factor will be the people involved. I think outside the industry there is the belief that it’s just a bunch of stoners growing weed. That could not be farther from the truth! I have found some of the smartest people I have ever worked with. Committed to the craft and with an abundance of passion and love for the product and each other.

“That could not be farther from the truth! I have found some of the smartest people I have ever worked with”

The excitement for helping to educate and break down some of the barriers is a big motivator for many in the industry. This is a tough business with tons of regulations and societal bias. Building any successful business is difficult, doing it with a stigma, governmental pressure and ignorance requires smart committed people. Luckily at Shadowbox Farms, we have many. I have been so impressed with the talent of the people in both our Portland office and the farm in Williams, Oregon. I’m excited by the future and all this industry can and will be. I know we have the right people to get us there.

“This is a tough business with tons of regulations and societal bias”

Committed to being Stewards of the cannabis industry, the people at Shadowbox see beyond the current hurdles. They are working hard to ensure that we are operating a world-class company producing authentically crafted sun-grown cannabis. Which requires much more than a bunch of stoners.

1 2 3

About

Founded in 2016.

Follow us →

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

January 2019
M T W T F S S
« Sep    
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
© SBF 2019
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.