I can't believe I've been on this journey for ten years. Just feels like yesterday I was petitioning the city council in Gold Hill to allow me to open my apothecary that would carry local herbs plus cannabis for OMMP patients as well. We finally opened to the public on June 9th, 2014.  

Flash forward to 2024 and after a decade we can now serve all adults and we still carry 40+ other amazing botanicals from Southern Oregon. On Thursday this week the US Department of Justice, under Biden's direction, submitted a proposed regulation to reschedule cannabis to a schedule 3 drug from a schedule 1 drug under the controlled substances Act. Wow, how times have changed. Not exactly sure what this will mean for Oregon's dispensary program in the next decade or if I can hold on for the ride, but it will be interesting.

We wondered back in 2014 if Obama would legalize or if he would stop Oregon's new dispensary law. The Cole memo gave us some hope that Obama was going to allow states to operate a marijuana program as long as certain conditions were met. Was risky for us to support this wonderful plant, but I saw so many people living a better life because of the plant. I was convinced I was doing the right thing. Obama did not make any further move to legalize or reschedule. Then when he left office I wondered if Trump would work to legalize or reschedule as he was a proponent of individual rights and less regulation for business, but that did not happen. However, he seemed to take the stance that Obama took to allow states to develop their own cannabis programs. Now we are finally seeing some action under the Biden administration. This enormous decision represents a crucial period in federal cannabis policy, finally acknowledging the importance of the plant for our health, the economy, and society in general.

The rescheduling is an unknown for the Oregon cannabis industry.  It's just one step on a long journey that will continue as the nation works out what it means for the cannabis industry, the pharmaceutical industry, small business vs large corporations.  Will there be a place for small family cannabis farms or will big ag take over the production of this medicinal herb that historically has been grown by the people, for the people.  Will small herbal product manufactures like our vary own Sun God Medicinals be able to navigate FDA regulation and cGMP regulations?  In the near future, there will be an opportunity for everyone to provide public comments about the proposed rules.  There will be a lot of voices...I'm hoping Americans will stand up for small family businesses as Oregon once did when forming their recreational program.  I believe in small batch, artisan craft cannabis. Hoping America does as well.  

What I know for sure is that in the next two weeks we will be celebrating a decade of serving Southern Oregon.  A decade of generating taxes for our region, supporting Southern Oregon farmers, and supporting organic and natural plant medicine.  Feels good.  Please come celebrate with us at the Gold Hill store Saturday June 8th.  

Public Statements from Oregon’s Congressional Delegation

• Senator Ron Wyden: “It’s official, the Biden administration has taken a historic step toward ending reefer madness and bringing commonsense to federal cannabis policy. Now it’s time to follow the lead of 24 states and more than half the country by decriminalizing and putting in place smart federal regulations.”
  
• Senator Jeff Merkley: “I pushed the Biden administration to address the harms done by the criminalization of cannabis and move quickly to remove cannabis’ Schedule I status, and it’s great to see this action taken. I will continue to work to fully deschedule cannabis.”
  
• Rep. Earl Blumenauer: “We are one step closer to ending the failed war on drugs. Marijuana was scheduled more than 50 years ago based on stigma, not science. The American people have made clear in state after state that cannabis legalization is inevitable. The Biden-Harris Administration is listening.”
  
• Rep. Suzanne Bonamici: "Rescheduling cannabis is a step in the right direction toward ending a failed war on drugs policy that has ruined too many lives—particularly for Americans from communities of color and low-income communities. I applaud the Biden Administration for this needed action.”
  
• Rep. Val Hoyle: “This historic decision is long overdue! Let's keep the progress rollin' to end the failed War on Drugs by fully descheduling and regulating cannabis.”
  

Here are the official rules and information from the DOJ and White House:
White House Press Briefing on Cannabis Rescheduling
Justice Department Submits Proposed Regulation to Reschedule Marijuana (DOJ Press Release)
DOJ Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking
Office of Legal Counsel Memorandum Regarding Rescheduling Marijuana

INFUSED SKIN SALVE RECIPE
Makes about: 8 1-oz jars
Step 1: Making herbal infused oils
Materials needed:

• 8-10 tins or jars with lids: 1-2 oz sizes, depending on your preference
• Long wooden spoon
• Grater with large holes (for beeswax)
• Liquid measuring cup
• Double boiler (or makeshift double boiler)
• Cheesecloth

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups dried herbs (We used equal parts dried calendula, red clover, plantain, and cleavers). Of course we recommend using the organically grown herbs we have selected at Breeze Botanicals, free of synthetic pesticides or herbicides.
• 2 cups organic olive oil (or other carrier oil of choice: jojoba, avocado, apricot, etc.)

If you are using your own freshly harvested herbs, they will need to be dried first to avoid the growth of any mold from the moisture of the plants. You can dry herbs in a dehydrator if you have one, or in an oven at low temperature (start at 120°F, then reduce to 100°F after a few hours) to dry them completely. It’s best to process the herbs before drying by removing any large stems or parts that need to be composted. Here’s more information on storing dried herbs.
Directions:

1. Add water to the bottom pot of your double boiler until half full. Place herbs and oil into the top pot and place above.
2. Once water is boiling, turn to low heat, and let the herbs and oils infuse for about 60 minutes.
3. Take care to keep attended and not to get any water into your herbal oil.
4. Once infused, pour the oil through a cheesecloth into a glass jar.
5. Once drained, gather the cheesecloth with clean, dry hands and squeeze out the remaining oil, discard the herbs, and retain the oil.
6. Store in a dry place for up to 6 months, or use as we have in this spring salve.

Step 2: Making the salve
Ingredients:

• ¾ cup infused herbal oil
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1 oz beeswax
• Optional: 15-18 drops essential oils of your choice – we used geranium and orange essential oils for a fresh and grounded scent.

Directions:

1. Add water to the bottom pot of your double boiler, and then pour your infused oil into the top pot and place above. You can also create a ​makeshift double boiler if you don’t have one. The main goal is to provide non-direct and even heat without burning.
2. Bring your double boiler to low heat and grate in your beeswax; then add coconut oil. Once everything has melted, add your essential oils.
3. Stir the mixture, and then quickly turn off your burner.
4. Now you can put this mixture into a liquid measuring cup to make pouring your final product easy. Slowly pour into each tin, and allow the salves to cool for an hour or two.

​When the finished salve has cooled, generously apply the salve to the appropriate body parts needing relief, being careful not to get any in the eyes. To strengthen and cleanse the skin, we recommend rubbing the oil into the skin in circular movements, traveling in the direction of the heart.

Let's embrace our inner and outer beauty and be our best selves!

National Women’s History month is the entirety of March, and we want to highlight some of the amazing women in the cannabis industry. Whether it be starting national brands, aiding in research, or paving the way for the industry itself, the cannabis industry has made an effort to bring female cannabis enthusiasts to the front lines. Women in cannabis are doing everything they can to fight inequality, and one of the bigger issues women face today is the Gender Wage Gap.

When it comes to the wage gap, it is important to look at numbers and which industries and countries are doing their part. Though our overall gap in this country is not as high as countries such as South Korea, at 32.5% we are still in the top 10 at an overall 18.5%. More importantly might be how this number is broken down. In the U.S. 94.6% of CEO’s for Fortune 500 are male. This is an astronomical number because it means women may be working but they are not in positions of power where most of the higher paid positions are. In these same Fortune 500 companies 62.8% of their minimum wage workers are women. These facts lead to the assumption that if you are a woman looking to be in management, Fortune 500 companies are not the place to look for it.

Cannabis experiences a much different but equally difficult battle. First, people must acknowledge that the cannabis industry worker makes less than the average worker in every other industry. Dispensary managers in the cannabis industry make on average about $40k in Oregon, which is half of what men make in company management in other industries. Though a new industry, cannabis is on the forefront of closing the gender wage gap. Unfortunately due to this newness there is not currently good data on where the wealth lies when it comes to men vs women in the cannabis industry.
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Consider that you aren’t missing out on that fancy dinner. Perhaps you are missing out on paying for that expensive dinner! Cook an affordable meal from scratch and spend the extra money on a beautiful gift.

Maybe instead of going out, you break out some old nostalgic photos to look at from your life together. What a great way to rekindle the feelings from a time when your relationship was young. Sometimes what we immediately see as loss, is simply an opportunity provided for something new.

Instead of seeing a movie in theatres, rent a movie that means something to you both and re-watch it. Pick a campy not so serious movie from your favorite streaming service to laugh at. Or choose a movie you both loved as kids and watch it again - but together. Creating new memories is easier when you try something outside of the box.

Just because there is a pandemic, it doesn’t mean that Valentine’s day is a lost cause. Make the most out of the 14th, and use it as a chance to relax and spend time with loved ones. Life is too short not to enjoy the little moments!​

Speaking of little moments, how about a not-so-serious couple’s photo shoot that you make together. Recreate historical photos in a funny way, make cheesy over-posed couples photos that can be used for fun on social media, or simply dress each other as awkwardly as you can, by using clothes that you each select from the other’s closet. Think of it as a fun reverse makeover, where the goal is only to make each other laugh.

As for our last tip, may we suggest Sun God Medicinals hemp massage oils? These luxurious massage oils create an at home spa experience and are formulated with certified organic hemp and aromatic oils. With four scented selections our hemp massage oils each have their own purpose, ranging from mood and relaxation to muscle or body relief. Even if you have never tried exchanging massages, and feel like a beginner; your partner will always appreciate the intimate touch and the thought behind the gift.

If you still want something familiar, that feels a little more traditional to give - check out our infused candies and treats! We wish you a very memorable Valentine’s day, and we hope you truly celebrate the one you love!

​The word marijuana has a unique history here in the cannabis world and many of us choose not to use it for the racial implications it holds in the United States but let us take a look at the whole history. Give it a read and then you tell us, does this history give you pause to use the word marijuana? 

Throughout world history cannabis has been used for a variety of different things from the beginning of canvas to the current studies that are being done for cannabis use as an alternative medicine. In the 16th century during the Italian Renaissance. Venetian painters utilized canvas because it was easier for them to use in a humid environment than frescos or wood panels. Many also used cannabis to make sails as it is a more sturdy material when wet then the previously used cotton. 

During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s we begin to see cannabis become accepted within medicinal practices and treatments in the US and Europe, as pharmaceutical companies started capitalizing on cannabis extracts within medications. Multiple medications were produced that explicitly claimed cannabis aided in things like “restlessness,” pain, and nausea. 

As far as the origin of the word Marijuana is concerned we know that the Spanish brought cannabis to Mexico to cultivate it for hemp. One theory is that Chinese immigrants to western Mexico lent the plant its name as a combination of syllables that could have referred to the plant in Chinese (ma ren hua) later to become Spanishized into "marijuana." Another theory is that it came from a colloquial Spanish way of saying "Chinese oregano", mejorana (chino). Then there is even the history of the word that comes from Angolan slaves and African slaves brought to Brazil by the Portuguese who carried with them the Bantu word for cannabis: ma-kaña, who were allowed to grow crops cannabis to smoke.  Or maybe the term simply originated in South America itself, as a portmanteau of the Spanish girl's names Maria and Juana.

So how did all of this lead to the world we know today?

Simply put before the 1900s, the term “marijuana” simply did not exist in the English language. Prior to this time, the cannabis plant was primarily referred to as cannabis or hemp, with hash also being extremely popular for the upper-class in the late 1800s. Prior to this, as we established, cannabis was primarily utilized within medicinal practices and alternative medicines. The plant’s psychoactive properties were known; however, the idea of enjoying just for fun wasn’t seen frequently in the US just yet. In order to understand why we must first understand the climate of the United States at the time.

Between the 1910s and the 1930s immense change came to the US. During this time there were 4 key things affecting the climate in the US. The Mexican Revolution, the Birth of the Jazz Age, Prohibition, and the beginning of the Great Depression. For starters between 1910 and 1920 almost 600,00 Mexican immigrants traveled from Mexico to the United States, fleeing from the horrors of the Mexican Revolution. Jazz music began to take hold in 1918 as World War I ended and Jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Chick Webb began to travel from from New Orleans to major northern cities such as Chicago and New York, leading to a wider dispersal of jazz as different styles developed in different cities. This intern led to the increase in popularity of nightclubs. Women and Churches largely stood on the forefront of Prohibition in 1919 as the rise in evangelical Protestantism brought the idea that along with urban growth, saloon culture is corrupt and ungodly. 

It was during this time that cannabis, and the term marijuana, began to catch on. Some say its emergence was brought about by Prohibition and Jazz while others believed with the arrival of immigrants came an increased idea of enjoying cannabis recreationally. Its recreational use was largely restricted to jazz musicians and people in show business. “Reefer songs” became the rage of the jazz world. There were even some cannabis clubs called tea pads that sprang up in cities like Chicago. These establishments were tolerated by the authorities because marijuana was not illegal and patrons showed no evidence of making a nuisance of themselves or disturbing the community. Marijuana was not, yet, considered a social threat.

This is when we began to see reports that this drug, “marijuana,” caused superhuman strength, violent actions, and even a “lust for blood” incited panic, effectively blaming Mexican immigrants for the introduction of such substance and all brown people for it’s recreational use. Thus, the term “marihuana,” or “marijuana” was born out of hate. A campaign conducted in the 1930s by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics, now the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, sought to portray marijuana as a powerful addictive substance that would cause some users to become violent. This was largely fueled by a man named Harry Anslinger.
​
It would not be an overstatement to say that Harry Anslinger was one of the primary individuals responsible for creating the stigma surrounding cannabis as he was the first director of the newly created Federal Bureau of Narcotics in 1930. Anslinger launched a campaign against cannabis that would hold steady for the three decades he remained in office. He was known for testifying in front of Congress saying things like “Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind… Most marijuana smokers are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage.” In another statement, Anslinger stated, “Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men…the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.”
 
The term marijuana became a word known by Americans all over the country. Anslinger made a point to use the word specifically when making public appearances and crafting propaganda films such as Reefer Madness. He did this intentionally adding to the development of the herb’s new “foreign” identity. Cannabis was no longer the plant substance found in medicines and consumed unanimously by American’s all over the country. Cannabis was outlawed because various powerful interests (some of which have economic motives to suppress hemp production) were able to craft it into a bogeyman in the popular imagination, by spreading tales of homicidal mania touched off by consumption of the dreaded Mexican "locoweed." Fear of brown people combined with fear of nightmare drugs used by brown people to produce a wave of public action against the "marijuana menace." That combo led to restrictions in state after state, ultimately resulting in federal prohibition.
 
Today we have the clarity of truth, and also enough time has passed since legalization to statistically prove that this plant simply doesn't deserve the stigma, nor do the very people once demonized for using it. In fact, we should truly be thanking the cultures who first championed and helped more people to discover this amazing botanical. As a dispensary with the future in mind we want to make sure that all history is brought to light and that the root for words actions are brought to light. But what do you think about the word marijuana and will you use it now having read why it became popular in the United States.

Sources:
https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/07/14/201981025/the-mysterious-history-of-marijuana
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/where-did-the-word-marijuana-come-from-anyway-01fb 
https://e1011labs.com/blogs/news/history-of-the-word-marijuana 
https://www.narconon.org/drug-information/marijuana-history.html 
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ushistory/chapter/a-culture-of-change/

With the season changing and our minds on the future, it is a great time to think about a seasonal detox. The change from season to season provides us a good reason to start thinking about boosting our immune before cold and flu season is upon us. Assisting your natural immune defense is an investment in your wellness and it begins with removing excess toxins from the body.

Your body has a sophisticated way of eliminating toxins that involves the liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lungs. While this system is remarkably efficient, there are things you can do to assist your body and help it perform at its peak. 

Nature has given us some powerful herbal allies to help

Many herbs have the ability to fortify our bodies and help them keep up with daily life. Certain herbs however, may help your detox plan as they specifically offer support to our natural immune system. Sun God Medicinals uses many of these herbs in their Panacea product line, which is tailored to those looking for detoxification or immune support. Each of the following herbs grows naturally here in Oregon and can be sustainably harvested.

​In the Panacea Immune Defense Tincture they use:

LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) - May provide balance and support to the immune system, as well as the nervous system.* 

HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis) - May help the body fight off infectious bacteria and viruses, as well as support the respiratory system.* 

ECHINACEA HERB (Echinacea purpurea) - May provide support to the body’s immune system and may also support the body’s respiratory system.* 

CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis) - May be supportive in clearing out the lymph nodes. It may be useful when an individual feels worse in damp, heavy, cloudy weather.*
Herbs offer us such a wealth of amazing properties and provide us with a solid foundation on which we can build a proper detox plan. We encourage you to try these herbs and see if they work well for your body.
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Your diet matters more than you think

While herbs may be the foundation of your plan, you also must consider nutrition. Most detox regimens will require some dietary changes. The food we eat has a major role in how well all of our body’s systems perform. Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients all come into play as the body eliminates wastes and uses its various systems to keep us well. Giving your body the right fuel allows it to work efficiently. The following foods provide a natural path toward detoxification.

Lemons
Full of the vitamin C, this antioxidant is great for fighting free-radicals which can have a negative impact on the body. Additionally, lemons have an alkaline effect, helping restore the body's pH balance. A slice of lemon in hot water is a simple way to start your detox.

Ginger
Aside from settling your stomach, ginger can aid digestion, and may even reduce bloating and gas. It also contains a large number of antioxidants and provides a good boost to immunity. 

​Garlic
Garlic, despite its strong sometimes off-putting odour, is great for a detox. Garlic contains allicin which aids in white blood cell production and can help protect the body against infections. For maximum benefit, garlic is best consumed raw, so try adding crushed garlic to a dressing for a salad.

Beetroot
Beetroot supports liver detoxification, making it a great detox food. It also provides a great shot of nutrients in one hit as it is full of magnesium, iron, and vitamin C. To enjoy the benefits of beetroot add some to a salad or drink some beetroot juice.

Green Tea
While not strictly a food, green tea contains active ingredients which help support detox and provide additional health benefits. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and can help rid the body of toxins. It has been found to boost the performance of the liver and can protect the liver from diseases. To get the max from green tea drinking, brew it from loose leaves, as this will allow more antioxidants to be released.

Cabbage
Like many cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, kale, cabbage contains sulforaphane, a chemical which aids the body in the fight against toxins. Cabbage also contains glutathione; an antioxidant that helps promote the live function. 

Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruits are fibre rich and can play a key role in a detox diet. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants they can help improve digestion as well as your appearance (including skin and hair). Include in your diet a wide variety of fruit, but especially some of the acid fruits such as grapefruit, pineapples, oranges, and even tomatoes as these are all especially detoxifying. It is easy to include fruit in your diet; you could start your day with fruit smoothie and then snack on fruit when hunger strikes throughout your day.

Watercress
Watercress, perhaps surprisingly, is considered to be one of the healthiest food around and a great detox food. Containing antioxidants and several detoxifying nutrients, including B vitamins, zinc, and potassium.
Include the foods above in your detox plan and set your body up for success.

There are also six lifestyle choices which can hinder our body’s ability to cleanse itself
If you are serious about taking care of your immune and digestive systems, you may want to avoid these common things that prevent your body from performing as well. Falling prey to these common behaviors may hinder your detox efforts. Be aware of how these choices affect your body.

1. Drinking too much alcohol reduces your liver’s ability to carry out its normal functions, such as detoxifying. Consider limiting your intake or stopping altogether

1. Staying up too late and not getting enough rest can also tax your body’s abilities. Make getting good rest a priority by limiting caffeine before bed, and planning ahead to give yourself time to sleep. Adequate sleep allows your brain to reorganize, recharge, and eliminate toxins that accumulate throughout the day.

1. Not drinking enough water causes your body serious challenges when it tries to flush out harmful toxins. In addition to its many roles in your body, water allows your body’s detoxification system to remove waste products from your blood.

1. Eating too much salt can also have an impact on the body when it comes to eliminating waste. Too much salt increases water retention. This hinders the flushing of toxins and prevents the toxins in your retained water from flowing out of the body.

1. Lack of exercise does more harm than you may think. One easy way your body rids itself of toxins is through sweat. Without exercise or some form of physical exertion, the body is unable to utilize perspiration as a way to flush itself out. Regular exercise causes the body to perspire, and thus helps the body to remove toxins.

Here at Breeze Botanicals, we love teaching people about the power of herbs and how they can benefit our lives. Each of the herbs referenced above, are also available in single herb tinctures as part of the Ra Herbals line and are available in store. They provide you the ability to try one herb at a time and see how it works with your body and your lifestyle needs.
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Combining herbs, being mindful of your diet, and avoiding lifestyle decisions like the above will ensure your body has everything it needs to prepare for the seasonal change.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

​Panacea Cold and Flu Tea a gentle blend is that is a perfect companion for a sick day, as it may help ease the aches and discomfort associated with seasonal illnesses. Herbs like elderflower and mullein have been traditionally used by herbalists to support mucous membranes, while assisting the immune system. This formula may also help to soothe coughs and assist the body’s natural ability to expel phlegm.*

Mullein (click title for more information)

Mullein has been noted as the go to ear and lung remedy, especially when pollen is in abundance during those seasonal shifts. Luckily, this herbal ally has been used since ancient Egyptian times and has remained relevant ever since. Mullein provides a multitude of applicable uses, not limited to just respiratory and immune balance.*
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Echinacea (click title for more information)

Echinacea, also referred to as Cornflower, is well known for its immune-boosting abilities; having historical relevance in American folk herbalism dating back centuries. Its reputation as a cold and flu remedy is quite common, and has become one of the most available dietary supplements in health and food stores to date.*
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Elderflower (click title for more information)

The Elder tree has been used by herbalists and healers alike since the fifth century A.D, and has a rich folklore beyond its physical uses. The Elder tree is said to be the doorway to the underworld, inhabited by fairies who both heal and harm, and bring about mystical dreams onto all those who sleep under the canopy. The Elderflower is a powerful medicine with many modern day applications.*
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