Consuming Happiness

Jessica Ginet December 20, 2017 Cannabis, Education, Strain

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 December 15, 2017 Business, Cannabis, Education, Family

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 December 11, 2017 Business, Cannabis

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 December 4, 2017 Business, Cannabis, Education

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.

Conversations with Grandma

Justin Reed November 28, 2017 Cannabis

How honest am I with my family about my cannabis use? As honest as Chris Christie and Jeff Sessions are about their experiences?

“Then why not legalize heroin? I mean, their argument fails just on that basis. Let’s legalize cocaine. Let’s legalize heroin. Let’s legalize angel dust. Let’s legalize all of it. What’s the difference? Let everybody choose”…

-New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie

“Good people don’t smoke marijuana.”

-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions

Recently I was talking to my Grandma (who lives in Florida), and the conversation found its way to my cannabis consumption habits. Gloria mostly understands my usage, but worries sometimes, which makes sense due to the information that was available when she was growing up (our deal is that she will worry less if I can use cannabis for two years without it becoming a gateway to illicit drugs). So when she asked me how much I use and spend on a day-to-day basis, I froze for a moment.

Part of me wanted to take the easy route. I wanted to tell her it was something I did sparingly as a way to relax after a hard week, but the more often we talk the more I find myself wanting to be completely honest with her about how cannabis has positively impacted my life, because if I’m not, who will?

So we talked about how sometimes I’ll use a tincture in the morning to help loosen my body up for physical therapy instead of taking ibuprofen. We talked about strains like Black Lime Reserve that I smoke when others would drink coffee. But most importantly we talked about how important a state of being is to people, and how people seek and attain those states of being in different ways. We aren’t there yet, but someday I hope she will smoke with me, because for me cannabis has been a “gateway drug” to more patience, love and acceptance of myself and others, and that’s something I see her cultivating in herself every day.

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

-Unknown

Adult Cannabis Consumption in Oregon

Adam Reed November 21, 2017 Cannabis, OLCC

“Marijuana has gone Mainstream”

-Congressman Earl Blumenauer

Cannabis has been legal in Oregon for over two years now. In that time some things have changed (possession limits, requirements for childproofing, and taxes), while others have stayed the same (where you are allowed to consume). Here is a quick reminder to get you up to speed on anything you might have missed.

Requirements to Purchase

Purchased through licensed recreational or medical dispensary
Possess Valid US Government ID
You must be 21 or above to possess, use or purchase any cannabis related products.
- OLCC Licensed Retail Stores are allowed to sell to recreational consumers or OMMP patients.
- OLCC Licensed Medical Dispensaries can only sell to OMMP patients.

Responsible Consumption Area’s

You can use recreational marijuana at home, or inside of a private residence or property. Public use and selling of cannabis is against the law.

Rules of the Road

While under the influence of marijuana, driving is illegal, Please be responsible.

Purchasing Limits

1 ounce of usable cannabis (i.e. dried flower)
- 4 ounces of usable cannabis if you are a registered Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) cardholder or caregiver
5 grams of cannabis concentrates or extracts
16 ounces of cannabis edibles in solid form
72 ounces of cannabis products in liquid form
10 cannabis seeds
4 immature cannabis plants

Possession Limits

1 ounce of usable marijuana in public (i.e. flower, joints, etc) -> 8 ounces In private
1 ounce of cannabis concentrates or extracts
16 ounces cannabinoid product in solid form (edibles)
72 ounces of cannabinoid product in liquid form
4 immature marijuana plants
10 marijuana seeds

Personal Agriculture

You can grow your own marijuana, up to four plants per household, regardless of occupancy.

Gifting Cannabis

As long as no monetary compensation takes place, you may gift up as much cannabis as you would like (within the legal limit)

States Rights

Bringing any cannabis grown in Oregon outside of state lines is illegal.

Exit Bags -> childproof / resistant

Oregon is committed to creating a well regulated industry and showing the example of great adult cannabis consumption. Using the child-resistant packaging while storing your product keeps it out of the hands of minors.

Continued Education

For more information regarding compliance please contact the OLCC at:

Phone – 503.872.6366

Email – marijuana@oregon.gov

Sources

http://whatslegaloregon.com/

http://www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/Pages/FAQs-Personal-Use.aspx

http://fortune.com/2017/04/19/420-marijuana-reform-earl-blumenauer/

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

What’s in a Name?

Justin Reed October 22, 2017 Cannabis, Phenotype, Strain

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”
-Shakespeare

If you asked me when I first started going into dispensaries what my favorite day time strain was I would say:
“Just about anything but Blue Dream”
Today its one of my go-tos to fire up my creativity and energy. What changed?

I think a big part of the problem early on came from how inconsistent the effects were. Every once in awhile the high was world class, but more often than not it was lacking and no matter how much I smoked I was left wanting more. The best way I’ve been able to describe it is like listening to my favorite song without any bass, and sometimes I would smoke myself into paranoia looking for the deeper notes.

Then I got a job in a dispensary and for the first time was surrounded by intelligent people who would tolerate a barrage of cannabis questions, and I learned a lot. I learned just how important the grower was to orchestrate the varying genetic and growing factors that can affect the final product. From this I started to understand that who grew the strain was just as important as what strain it was when you were looking for consistent results. My experiences started to become more positively consistent as I experimented, and stuck with, farms who could bring the plant to its full potential. My house was cleaner, my projects were charging forward, and I had a new daytime staple.

And that brings me to where I am today with Shadowbox Farms. What’s special about our Blue Dream?

“I’ve been growing the same cut of Blue Dream for nearly a decade. It perfectly expresses the best characteristics of its parents; The instant blueberry muffin mix aroma from the Blueberry and the heavy incense funk note from Hazes like the “Church” or “Piff” cuts, made famous in the Northeast.’
-Dani Jurman Founder of Shadowbox Farms

*The Piff/Church Haze
A world renowned Haze strain that was originates from New York City. On the range of Haze smells from astringent ammonia to incense, this varietal is solidly on the funky incense side. The more I listen to Dani talk about the Piff/Church the more I think my lack of interest for Hazes will soon be a thing of the past.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

1 2 3

November 2019
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
« Oct
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30