As cannabis becomes increasingly legalized in the States and, therefore, accepted for both its health and recreational benefits, a situation has developed that historically has never been an issue.

As more people come out of the proverbial “green closet,” so, too, are more conversations about cannabis.

Which now includes how to talk to your kids about your own cannabis use, as well as theirs.

Having these discussions is never easy, and this is especially true when you’re the one getting caught with a pre-roll in your pocket that you can’t justify as “holding it for a friend.” So rather than lie to your children about enjoying a plant that has remarkable health benefits, tell the truth.

But that’s easier said than done. We know just as much as anyone how hard telling the truth can be, and that telling your kids about your use of something considered an illegal substance by the government may not go well, especially if their own teachers preach the same form of prohibition.

So we sat down with Melissa Brohner-Schneider, LMFT, a licensed family therapist and host of the popular podcast, The Other F Word-Conversations About Failure , to help us get into the nitty gritty on talking to your kids (and other family members) about cannabis.

Q

What are great ways to talk to my kids about cannabis?

A

Start by sharing some clear facts. This will be helpful in clearing up any misconceptions.

Explain why cannabis is now legalized, for both medicinal and recreational use, and talk about the difference between use and abuse. Educate about the difference between adults obtaining cannabis legally from a licensed dispensary vs. the black market, where they can get unsafe products that haven’t been tested for their safety by accredited laboratories and organizations.

The culture surrounding cannabis has often been glamorized in pop culture, but emulating certain behaviors can be risky. It’s important to stress how crucial responsible use is.

Talking about misconceptions is also imperative.

Take the time to be curious and listen to what your children perceive cannabis is. Odds are it will be a mixed bag of misconceptions and truths. Children are often misinformed, due to peers or social media, so try to clear up any confusion and educate, educate, educate!

As far as talking to teenagers who may be starting to rebel, you’ll want to foster a sense of safety and trust in your relationship. Come from a a place of curiosity. Listen to their ideas. Try to be open and non-judgmental.

This might be one of the biggest challenges as a parent, especially if you are worried about their safety and judgement out in the world.

It is okay to tell your teenagers that you don’t want them to use, but help them understand why. If you just tell them it’s unacceptable and that’s the end of the story, you risk shutting them out of an important dialogue. It’s best to cultivate the ability to talk about these hard topics and help your teen to think for themselves after having more facts.

Some parents worry that just by talking about cannabis, you’re giving your teen permission to use, but this isn’t true; you’re helping to educate them so they can make smarter choices as they navigate their adolescence.

That’s our job as parents.

Not to control, but instead to guide in hopes of building critical thinkers and good problem solvers. This is new territory to traverse, so be open to hearing their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Once they feel heard, they will hopefully be more open to hearing you, trusting your guidance, and feeling less of a need to rebel against your wishes and rules.

We want our teens to have the tools to navigate life, and this is a brand new world for all of us.

Of course, if your child is misusing or abusing any substance, you should do everything you can to get them the help they need.

Watch for warning signs, such as changes in academic functioning, peer isolation, mood instability, unusual secretive behavior, not caring about their usual interests or relationships, and erratic behavior, just to name a few.

Remember some of these symptoms are typical for adolescents not abusing a substance, so work hard to get more information before making accusations. Communicate concern and care, not judgement or shame.

Therapy and drug treatment is readily available for teens and families in need.

Q

How do I talk to my own parents about cannabis?

A

A good question to ask yourself is why do you want your parents to know?

Is it to share an important part of your life to bring you closer? Or is it that you believe cannabis can help that family member and you hope to share your experience and insight to expand their thinking on the medicinal benefits? Or perhaps you want their approval?

We all have family dynamics that impact how vulnerable and transparent we want to be, so do some self-exploration to better understand your motives.

Know that we can’t control how other people think or react, so prepare yourself for different outcomes of the conversation. Be sensitive to your parents, who were probably raised in a different generation, and how difficult it might be for them to reverse the stigma they have always known. This may require some patience and extra understanding on your part.

Ask for that, and model it as well.

Also, if addiction runs in the family, this might be a more loaded conversation, so try to approach it with empathy and compassion.

The most important part is the communication, so be clear from the beginning that you are sharing something important and would hope it can be the beginning of a more open conversation, free of judgement or shame.

Additionally, it might take a while for acceptance to come, so hang in there! Get support from friends who may be struggling with the same issue, or other challenging family conversations.

And, if the shift in perspective happens, enjoy the fact that you can bond with your parents in a new way.

Q

What steps can parents take to be responsible cannabis consumers?

A

The most important step is to have clear boundaries about usage and always remain in control. Don’t burden your child to have to worry or take care of you.

You’re the adult. Be responsible and moderate.

Because cannabis is now legal, it might feel like a free-for-all in terms of when and how much to use, but it is still important to be safe and know your limits.

Always keep safety in mind and model that behavior for your children, so don’t drive under the influence and stick to the prescribed dosage if used for medical purposes.

Additionally, store your cannabis in a safe place, away from children. Something like edibles can easily be mistaken for candy, so it’s imperative to take strong precaution to avoid this from ever happening.

Q

How can parents caution their children about cannabis when they themselves are consumers?

A

This is a tough question, and probably one of the newer issues. But by just acknowledging this discrepancy, it helps validate this mixed message.

It’s important to make the distinction between an adult brain, which is fully developed, and a child’s brain, which is not fully developed until the age of twenty-five.

Adult brains have the capacity to make sound decisions, solve problems, and control emotions (ideally), while children are still learning these skills as their brains develop.

This is similar to the thinking behind alcohol use. Keeping a child’s safety, health and well-being in mind is the primary goal for parents, so helping a child understand that this is at the root of the issue is quite important.

While there is new research about the effects of cannabis on the developing brain, and on specific medical issues such as childhood epilepsy, it’s still a growing field with limited information.

So it’s best to be more cautious and prioritize the child’s development when talking to them about your cannabis use and even their own.

Keep in mind, there is still a stigma associated with using cannabis, regardless of whether it’s medicinal or recreational. One way to help fight this stigma is to carve time and space in your own personal life to help educate your peers and family members, as well as learn as much as you can about the plant and its benefits so you can speak confidently and authoritatively.

The post “The talk”: a family therapist weighs in appeared first on Flowertown.

Drive about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and you’ll find El Monte: an unsuspecting seven-mile stretch of town that has played captain to San Gabriel Valley’s shifting cultural tides for decades. In the 1950s, El Monte was one of the only cities in the LA area to initially welcome Rock n’ Roll shows. This prompted Frank Zappa to write “Memories of El Monte” for The Penguins—an ode to those mythical nights at Legion Stadium. On a recent Saturday, we took that drive east to talk with Andre Quintero, the mayor who hopes cannabis will renew El Monte’s claim to fame as the “cultural beachhead” of the San Gabriel Valley.

A city’s history, a city’s struggle

Like many cities in the country, El Monte is defined by its economic fluctuations. In the early 20th century, the core of their economy was made up of fruit orchards, walnut groves, hay and vegetable fields. When farm profits plummeted during the Great Depression, the community transformed from an agricultural haven into a sleepy residential town with a robust industrial sector. Expansive buildings housed big brand distribution centers or manufacturing facilities in place of those famed walnut groves.

Those industries came and went. Now, it’s a city comprised of hard-working families and first-generation immigrants. For a long period, El Monte received most of its tax revenue from the famous dealership “Longo Toyota,” the largest Toyota dealer in the U.S.A. Then, 2008 hit. The city lost 12 million in expected revenue from the Toyota dealership that year because “when people lose money, they don’t buy cars.” This economic hit made it clear that the city needed to diversify its industry profile if El Monte were to thrive again.

Facility by Longo Toyota – CC BY

A mayor evolving

At least, this was obvious to the incoming mayor Andre Quintero. At the time of his first election in 2009, he never thought improving El Monte would mean including cannabis. Raised by Colombian parents, he quickly absorbed the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding the plant. A criminal prosecutor for over 11 years, Quintero saw cannabis users as criminals and sought to put them away. As mayor, he remained a staunch opponent to cannabis legalization. When we spoke to Quintero, he laughed recalling one conversation he had with the mayor of Coachella in early 2016: “I remember we were on completely opposite sides of the fence when it came to cannabis in our community. I couldn’t imagine being as open as he was.”

It wasn’t until the November 2016 elections that Andre Quintero reconsidered his position on cannabis. Proposition 64 had not only passed in California but was supported by 54.49% of El Monte’s residents. When Quintero looked at the numbers, his first thought was, “if my community supports legalization, I need to reevaluate my decision on it.”

“If my community supports legalization, I need to reevaluate my decision on it.”

To be an adequate representative to the people who elected him, Quintero decided to re-educate himself about cannabis quick.

Welcoming cannabis (with a few conditions)

Fast forward to this year: on January 1, 2019, El Monte officially began accepting applications for medical marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution facilities. Even with his dramatic shift in opinion in recent years, Quintero says he’s taken a conservative approach to introducing the cannabis industry into the city. He’ll be the first to admit, “there’s a big brother aspect to it all.” For instance, the El Monte Police Department will have 24/7 access to security cameras in and outside of every manufacturing facility.

A cash business, cannabis-related facilities will be allowed to have a maximum of 200 dollars on site to curb any possibility of crime. They also must provide a 24/7 contact number for nearby residents and business owners. Of course, each property must adhere to all the strict regulations outlined by California (particularly when it comes to odor control and ventilation) on top of the regulations outlined by the city council. Recreational manufacturing, retail stores, or any customer-facing cannabis facilities are still not permitted in the city. In other words, dispensaries are still outlawed.

One property at a time

When we met up with Quintero, he was eager to show us his number one reason for taking the leap of faith with cannabis: 4350 Temple Boulevard. The lot used to be a silver and gold plating facility in its heyday but has since been in and out of bankruptcy for over a decade. According to Quintero, “they did some serious damage to the environment and contaminated the soil.” One step onto the property and you see eroded pavement, holes in ceilings, and graffiti everywhere. The dilapidated building sits next to another dilapidated building: two giant eyesores hiding behind a Home Depot.

For this property alone Quintero thought, “what industry can I get here that would be willing to spend money to fix up the property, clean it up, and improve the area? I needed an industry that was willing to take the high-risk, high-reward strategy. Sure enough, it was cannabis.”

“I needed an industry that was willing to take the high-risk, high-reward strategy. Sure enough, it was cannabis.”

One property at a time, Quintero hopes welcoming medical marijuana facilities will help “activate the industrial sector again and build thriving local businesses that will pay taxes and clean up the neglected properties.” When he showed us the neighboring property that had recently been taken over by canna-business, Quintero was pleasantly surprised: “it already looks better than the last time I was here.”

Cannabis and the community

Currently, there are about nine applicants in line to be considered for various properties in the newly designated “Green Zone” of El Monte. In the application, Quintero has incorporated ordinances to ensure the community benefits most from the deal. For example, “part of [the] city ordinance is that applicants should sign a Labor Peace Agreement–so if employees want to unionize, they’ll be able to.” While the city cannot force applicants to agree to terms like these, it does mean a better application score. Since the application acceptance is based on a point-system, agreeing to these terms give your application a better chance of acceptance.

Applicants must also promise to hire residents of the San Gabriel Valley to populate the jobs at their new facility. Since Andre Quintero became mayor, the town has seen 15.5% unemployment drop to 5%, but as he says, “there’s still more work to do.” Quintero is excited about the new employers because “it could mean a lot of new jobs that will pay above minimum wage.” These new jobs will likely look mighty appealing compared to existing opportunities in the area. When we visited 4350 Temple City Boulevard, the property was operating as extra parking space for a nearby Amazon fulfillment warehouse. The starting wage there? 12 dollars an hour.

Quintero is excited about the new employers because “it could mean a lot of new jobs that will pay above minimum wage.”

Another unique aspect of El Monte’s requirements for medical marijuana facilities is a “Community Benefit Fund.” Quintero says applicants must pledge to donate a minimum of $50,000 for community benefit, the funds of which will be allocated by the city council in conjunction with a committee comprised of residents who can push back on the council’s decisions. According to Quintero, “the money could fund drug education awareness programs in the city or help clean up our public parks.” If it were up to him, Quintero would use that money to educate El Monte’s youth on the dangers of consuming any substances underage. If all goes as planned, Quintero says the Community Benefit Fund should result in over $100,000 annually for community benefits.

Misinformation and miseducation

The city council decision to legalize medical marijuana cultivation and manufacturing facilities in El Monte faced staggering backlash and protests. Surprisingly, most of these opponents are not residents of El Monte, but neighboring towns like Temple City. Opponents of the change said they are most worried about endangering children and declining property values. However, Quintero and local pro-cannabis advocates believe the real reasons for opposition are based on outdated stigmas and stereotypes, which are especially strong amongst the conservative Chinese-immigrant community that makes up much of the San Gabriel Valley. According to Quintero, “there is still a lot of ignorance related to marijuana in general. It’s not a chemical; it is a plant with so many incredible properties.”

“there is still a lot of ignorance related to marijuana in general. It’s not a chemical; it is a plant with so many incredible properties.”

To quell safety concerns, Quintero plans to use a portion of the revenue from the new medical marijuana facilities to help fund law enforcement against any black market operations that would result in more crime. According to Quintero, the city of El Monte “seized about 16,000 plants in the last few years, so we’re very conscientious about making sure that for the legal market to function, you have to clamp down on the illegal market.” He is hoping part of the new revenue will go to El Monte’s police force to continue squashing the black market.

While many are concerned about declining property values, Quintero says this claim is unfounded when you look at the studies on how cannabis affects real estate. In fact, a study conducted for Economic Inquiry in Colorado found the opposite to be true: when cities legalized cannabis businesses, property values went up (in this particular study, the increase was 6%). While there are currently no studies about how the legalization of industrial medical marijuana facilities affect property values, the study on retail stores demonstrates that nearby cannabis is considered a local amenity (not a drawback) for house buyers and real estate agents alike. Regardless, everyone can agree that a functioning facility is better than a bankrupt and decrepit building. The question is if cannabis is not allowed to revive these properties, who will?

Another factor Quintero’s critics refer to is that Quintero himself and other city council members have received numerous political donations from some of the same companies applying for a space in El Monte’s new “Green Zone.” Fitting to his personality, Quintero had a straight-forward response to this: “when you are one of the only officials openly discussing cannabis in the San Gabriel Valley, yeah. You are going to get contributions from cannabis companies who want to be here.” For Quintero, the donations he’s received by developers are inevitable and have no impact on his decision making.

Pushing forward

Despite what his opponents’ claim are significant contributions from cannabis companies, Quintero spent less money on his last campaign than ever before and was still elected to serve El Monte. For this reason alone, he feels confident about moving forward. The facilities are still several months out; once accepted by City Council, applicants still need to obtain state licenses and renovate the building before they begin operations. For Quintero’s opponents, the “war” is far from over.

As we finished our conversation with Quintero, he chuckled at how this new industry parallels the history of El Monte: “funny enough, the two sectors that made El Monte thrive (agriculture and industry) are coming back in the form of cannabis.” His vision of revitalization is likely just a seed of what is to come for cannabis in struggling communities. As federal legalization looms, it’s possible that Quintero’s vision could multiply to thousands of cities across the nation, rejuvenating areas abandoned by old industries. After all, if a criminal prosecutor with no affinity for cannabis can change his mind and welcome the new industry, can’t anyone?

The post Growth in El Monte: the unexpected story appeared first on Flowertown.

Now that Turkey Day is officially over (although I’m sure the leftovers in your fridge say otherwise), it’s time to gear up for that magical time of the year where fake snow blankets outdoor malls, Christmas lights criss-cross backyards, and that Mariah Carey song never stops playing.

It’s holiday season, y’all!

As it gets into full swing, the way you unwind at the end of a long day or on a lazy weekend might change with the season. In fact, we’ve got some suggestions for great ways to enjoy the colder weather and the presence of your own company. Or how to share the time with some close friends and loved ones.

Take a look below at some of our favorite products, brands, and ways unwind during what is, usually considered, the most stressful time of the year.

Christmas Prince by imrosemciver – CC BY

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding

The sequel to last year’s smash hit, A Christmas Prince, Netflix hopes to ride the royal wave into 2019 with this follow up. Will they get married? Or will they let it all slip through their hands like melting snowflakes?

Love Actually by Youtube Movies – CC BY

Love Actually

A classic Hugh Grant vehicle, follow along multiple plot lines and stories as Colin Firth tries to speak Portuguese, Liam Neeson tries to be a dad, and Keira Knightley has a conversation via cue cards.

A Very Murray Christmas by Netflix – CC BY

A Very Murray Christmas

This off-beat holiday variety show has just the right kind of nostalgia and charm. Bill Murray has to put on to a show during a blizzard on Christmas Eve in Manhattan. No one comes but it must go on, featuring George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, Michael Cera, Maya Rudolph, and directed by Sofia Coppola.

Nailed It! by britishbakeoff – CC BY

Great British Baking Show: Holidays

The title should tell you everything you need to know. Impress everyone at the holiday party with something that Paul Hollywood himself would fawn over. Or, just enjoy the soothing sounds of British people politely supporting one another and saying “butter” a dozen times every half hour.

Nailed It! by Netflix – CC BY

Nailed It! Holiday

The red-headed step sister to GBBS, Nailed It! Is the American version hosted by comedian, Nicole Byers, where contestants just simply do the best they can to make a remarkable cake. This often concludes in astounding failures that are actually delightful and fun to watch.

The post Flowertown Recs: Movies & brands for the holidays appeared first on Flowertown.

This past Veteran’s Day, we took the time to be thankful for those who serve and all they’ve sacrificed for our country. One particular veteran, Ron Vineyard, is no stranger to that sacrifice and the perseverance it takes to be a vet.

In fact, living with HIV and the debilitating brain virus, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (otherwise known as PML), he’s also no stranger to the everyday battles of life itself – and what it takes to get the most out of his.

But how does he do it?

With help from cannabis.

Nature’s pharmacy, right outside a national park

Ron lives just outside of Yosemite National Park, where he frequents a diner called The Forks. Most patrons are either locals to the small mountain town, which shares a zip code with one of America’s most prestigious parks, but many are passersby. Climbers, hikers, skiers, tourists on road trips.

While the benefits of using cannabis with HIV are well known – it can be a way to stimulate appetite or curb pain – it’s a lesser known reprieve for veterans (who may experience PTSD) and for those with PML (whose brains are under attack).

But in Ron’s case, it only proven beneficial.

I use cannabis when my medicine doesn’t really work.

Ron says from his patio outside of Yosemite. “When my feet are throbbing and everything. The effect did happen right away because I didn’t notice the pain in my feet. I was able to sleep.”

He goes on to explain how, “it wasn’t a build up or anything – it was almost immediate.”

One step at a time

Ron’s arrival to cannabis came from a friend with AIDs at San Francisco General. Cannabis was adopted early as part of their treatment program and Ron’s introduction – framed within the context of medicine – became something of an adaptogen. His first experience with cannabis was medically beneficial, almost apothecarian.

But, after a debilitating stroke caused by PML, he was worried that he may never be able to walk normally again.

While pharma may be the foundation of his medications, cannabis is the glue that holds it together. When the pills don’t work, the plant steps in.

He may have to rely on a cane, but Ron is still mobile, spry and inviting. Not only is he walking, but he often enjoys fishing and gardening and the gorgeous land that surrounds him.

Cannabis has been a source of productivity and freedom for him rather than something that initiates couchlock and the munchies. It’s a powerful plant that provides the relief necessary for him to “enjoy everyday activities.”

Because it’s often in our mundane that we find the most joy.

As with Mimi’s story, regaining the ability to walk the dog or hold your coffee cup can feel triumphant when faced with medical issues that rob you of the ability to perform some of the simplest tasks.

So, too, with Ron who just wants to be able to sit out, cast a line, and reflect on all the places he’s been, where he is, and and where he may be headed.

The post Cannabis success stories: Ron’s journey appeared first on Flowertown.

Is there any better way to celebrate fall than by spending an afternoon in the shade of an apple orchard and coming home with a basket full of sweet, autumn fruit?   

We certainly can’t think of one. And while we’re proponents of living an active lifestyle, that also includes picking your own seasonal produce. 

So without further ado, here’s our list of the best ten apple-picking farms in California.  

As always, make sure you check in with the farm before you go for hours, rates, cash-only, and other housekeeping needs.  

U-pick season doesn’t start and end on a set calendar day. It starts when the apples are ripe and ends when the trees are bare. 

1. Calico Ranch Orchard

Julian, CA

At Calico Ranch, apples and ciders are serious business.  

Their resident, head cider maker has a degree in pomology, the study of fruit, and oenology, the study of wine. A degree which, incidentally, sounds so cool it makes us question why we also don’t have that hanging on our walls.

2. Riley’s Farm

Oak Glen, CA

Riley’s is a popular spot for kids’ field trips, with historic reenactments spanning from the Colonial era to the Gold Rush.  

But you don’t have to be a school kid to embrace your inner history nerd. Check out their special events page, or go “glamping” in a colonial style tent in the middle of the orchard.

3. Brian Ranch Airport 

Llano, CA

If you have the means to do so, you can fly in and taxi right up to Brian Ranch’s orchard. Depending on the time of year you’ll find apples, pears, peaches, and more. They even have a pumpkin patch every year, just in time for Halloween.

4. Los Rios Rancho 

Oak Glen, CA

If you’ve got little apple pickers, this may be the place to go. At their Little Seedling Ranch, kids can take a hayride, pet barnyard animals, or playhouse in their pint-sized log cabin. 

5. Parrish Pioneer Ranch 

Yucaipa, CA

Parrish Ranch got started back in 1866 when Enoch Kidder Parrish traded four mules and a wagon for 160 acres of land. These days they specialize in unique apple varietals like Vasquez, Arkansas Black, and Pink Pearl. 

6. Snow-Line Orchard  

Yucaipa, CA

Apple picking is great but you know what makes it better? Booze.  

Snow-Line has a winery where they make wines and hard cider. They’ve also got jams, mini cider donuts, and a fresh pressed cider they claim is the best in Oak Glen (but you should really try them all just to be sure).

7. Volcan Valley Apple Farm  

Julian, CA

 Volcan grows seven varieties of apple, all ripening at different times. They’re mad about sugar content and check their apples daily to make sure they’re at maximum sweetness before they let you go pick them. 

8. Willowbrook Apple Farm 

Yucaipa, CA

Pick your own Stayman Winesap apples and then squeeze them into cider on Willowbrook’s old-fashioned press. Be sure to save room for a caramel apple, and say hi to their miniature horse and a miniature donkey. 

9. Peacefield Boutique Orchard 

Julian, CA

Great for botany enthusiasts! Peacefield offers guided tours of their orchard and farm that take “fifteen to forty-five minutes, depending on interest.” They also have farm-to-table events, and classes on grafting, pruning, composting, and more. 

10. Windy Ridge Ranch 

Leona Valley, CA

Besides crisp Gala apples, at Windy Ridge, you can pick your own Bing and Rainier cherries, Asian pears, and plums. Park down at the base of the hill and enjoy a tractor tram ride up to the orchard. 

The post SoCal’s best kept secret? Great apple picking appeared first on Flowertown.

Standing in the eye of a hurricane has always been that go-to metaphor for being calm under pressure. Peacefulness in the midst of chaos. Ironically, having only days to pack up your life because of hurricane Florence requires that same level of stillness, that same ease under stress.

Boarding windows, packing valuables, moving kids are all Herculean tasks only made harder (nearly impossible) by a physical ailment.

I have a mild case of scoliosis; a sideways curve in my spine that makes it easier to balance babies on my left hip than my right. I also have a bad case of kyphosis, which is another kind of spinal disorder.

The impolite term is “hunchback.”

It’s a genetic condition that causes me daily pain. I have “good pain” days and “bad pain” days. There are no “no-pain” days. But with a combination of physical therapy, wine, higher than recommended doses of ibuprofen, and laying on ice packs, I manage.

Mostly, I manage because of my very supportive husband, who’s there to handle my share of the housework on days I can’t and carry heavy things like our son, or (on particularly ugly days) my purse. It’s worse when I overtax my body — like when I do a lot of lifting, bending, or walking, and it’s worse when I’m under stress.

So when hurricane Florence showed up on our forecast, I was certain that I was doomed.

Forecasting Florence

There was a category four hurricane barreling towards my island home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and it just so happened to be the same week my husband had undergone a minor surgery.

Now he was the one downing ineffective painkillers and laying around with an ice pack. Everything was on me. Securing everything outside of the house. Boarding up the windows. Shopping for emergency hurricane supplies.

Packing and preparing to evacuate two adults, a three-year-old, a cat, and a dog. Gathering up everything irreplaceable and carrying it downstairs to the car, and dealing with the stress of the distinct possibility that all of my possessions, which didn’t go into the car, might be destroyed.

Including the house itself.

Categorical relief

The same day I began to prep and panic over hurricane Florence, I got a package in the mail. Since I don’t live in a state with dispensaries, I had thought that any kind of cannabis products were unavailable to me.

North Carolina allows for medical CBD oil to be prescribed, but only in the cases of intractable epilepsy – spinal disorders need not apply. But a week before that I’d discovered that a few companies who make CBD oil products from hemp have online ordering and will deliver to all 50 states.

Because the product is made from hemp and contains no THC it is legal everywhere. Just the same, I ordered myself a disposable, microdose CBD vape pen from Select CBD. I pulled it out of the box, took a little puff, and started packing up the photographs.

My pain was gone.

Not diminished. Not manageable. Gone.

It didn’t come back when I carried the heavy ladder into the house so I could retrieve my great-grandfather’s mandolin from the attic. It didn’t come back when I spent hours outside in the heat, prepping the house. It stayed gone through the agonizing discussions with my husband about if we should stay or go. And it stayed gone for the nine hours I spent evacuating in traffic once we decided to leave.

Between the stress and the physical exertions, it should have been the worst “bad pain” days ever. Instead, it was the best. I felt like a fully functional human capable of moving through life without pain for the first time in my life, and all it took was two to three 2.5mg doses of pure CBD a day.

It felt like a miracle. I cried from happiness like it was a miracle.

The new miracle drug

As of this writing, my family and I are well out of harm’s way in Reston, Virginia while we watch The Weather Channel and wait and see what will become of our home. It looks like we might be okay, although it feels ghoulish to cheer when the forecast indicates that our neighbors to the south will be far from okay themselves.

We might go home in a few days after the mandatory evacuation order is lifted. Or Florence could turn, and we might find out there’s no home left for us to go back to. It’s a lot to deal with.

But today I took a little dose of my vape pen, and then I walked to the park with my little boy. We played on the slides and chased frogs through the trees. I don’t have any control over what the weather will bring, but for once in my life, I have control over pain, and that right there, is a blessing.

The post CBD saved my family:<br> Escaping Hurricane Florence appeared first on Flowertown.