Weed over Wine: Top Three Health Trends of 2020.

I have mixed feelings about health trends. They have both the ability to rise to the level of outrageous and bizarre (urotherapy or vaginal sunbathing, anyone?) or introduce something that has the power to change our lives (prioritizing self-care and more sleep!).

As the health and wellness industry continues to grow exponentially, here’s a list of the top three trends we can expect to see in 2020. And, I’m happy to report, I can get on board with these.

Prioritizing Mental Health

After generations of being kept in the dark, the discussion around mental health has FINALLY made its way into the light. In the last decade, prioritizing a positive mental health state has become the primary focus for those on the path to well-being. In a recent NBC article, mental health advocate and reporter Nicole Spector shared her insight into the cultural shift she’s witnessed. “…I’ve seen the advancements up close and personal and can say with certainty that in 2010 I wouldn’t have dreamed of writing pieces like “How to talk about mental health issues at work” or “A mental health check-in: 14 questions to ask your child” for a national news outlet. Such topics just weren’t so, well, topical back then.”

Weed over Wine

If there’s one thing you can say about millennials, it’s that they are quite health conscious and many are opting to stay out of bars and are instead hitting the dispensary for something to take the edge off. As scientific research continues to dissolve the stigma around marijuana, the largest generation in the U.S. is choosing cannabis over alcohol as a means to improve health (no nasty hangovers) and overall quality of life. This shift will ultimately reduce alcohol-related deaths and medical issues, allowing people to function and thrive on higher levels (no pun intended).

Carnivores Go Plant-Based (or, are more willing to try at least)

Look, veganism or vegetarianism isn’t for everyone; however, it’s hard to deny the science behind the fact that consuming processed animal protein can negatively impact our health and environment. But, it looks like they’ve finally found a way to sway the unswayable and get die-hard on board with the meatless Mondays movement. With the recent boom of plant-based alternatives like Beyond Beef and Impossible Foods making their debut on historically meat-dominated fast food menus, those meat-eaters are giving plant-based a try. Who says you need meat to have fun??

Every year, as these wellness trends peak and fizzle, it’s ultimately up to us to decide what works best for our unique mental and physical needs. The rise of the wellness movement is a testament to the fact that most of us are on a journey to finding the secret to maintain, sustain and support a positive state of well-being–and if that means vaginal sunbathing for you–then go on, girl. You do you!

Article originally posted HERE

Mamacitas Blazing the Way

In our first installment of Women, Weed & Wellness: CBD is the answer to reclaiming our health. 

Let me start by being totally honest: My experience with cannabis until the last year has mostly been from my days as a teenager—and that was many moons ago. I have been on a personal wellness journey, which eventually led me to cannabis. I do a lot of research on the natural products that stock our shelves, but it can be a bit overwhelming. I started simply, finding products that were safe for me and my family to use. In no uncertain terms, CBD is where I landed. 

As I write, my house is in the throes of a butt-kicking flu virus—body aches, headaches, and inflammation are just a few of the symptoms. Instead of reaching for the NyQuil to suppress them, I’m turning to CBD. Like many other women I know, I am looking to steer clear of the synthetic pharmaceuticals of yesterday and replace them with natural homeopathic substitutes. CBD is in my arsenal because when my family and I need relief, whether it be for the common cold, the flu, or pain management, CBD is the best recourse. 

Women are establishing a place at the forefront of the booming cannabis industry from a wellness standpoint. The majority of those women are mothers. In a recent article in The Atlantic, Lindsey Hunter Lopez reports that as cannabis becomes more socially acceptable, mothers are turning to the plant’s many derivatives to deal with stress, anxiety, aches, pains, and more. Cannabis marketers have taken notice of the increasing popularity among the mom demographic and are expanding their efforts from what was a predominately male target demo to include women and children. 

As part of that precise demographic, I was initially motivated to research cannabis for its wellness and non-addictive properties. But I have also been inspired to hear from women directly in the business, to find out what drives them to pursue this dynamic and unsteady industry. 

I recently spoke with Katie Hernandez, CEO of the cannabis startup Elevated Greens. As a mother and longtime supporter of the movement, she has developed a line of cannabis products that are beneficial for the whole family, including 100 percent vegan, all-natural baked goods, teas, salves, and oils. Personal experience inspired Hernandez’s jump into the cannabis industry. In a joint statement with co-founder Gloria Memije, Hernandez said, “We have children who cope with eczema and have tried numerous products, prescription and over-the-counter—none of which provided relief. With that being said, we decided to create a product that we were comfortable using on our ourselves and on our families. Thus, we created Elevated Greens.” 

These ladies are among many who are on a mission to raise awareness and reduce stigma around cannabis, particularly among women and the elderly. As this movement is still in its infancy, these women are motivated by three things: passion, ambition, and an opportunity to see each other thrive in the cannabis space. Elevated Greens has hit the ground running, and you’ll find the line at various the women-in-cannabis events around LA, Orange County, and the Inland Empire (updates on Instagram @ELEVATEDGREENS_EST2019). 

As I immerse myself more and more into the cannabis industry, documenting the stories of ambitious women who are driven by passion and a better way of life, I look forward to witnessing—and experiencing—firsthand how women blaze the way in cannabis, especially as it pertains to wellness and overall quality of life. Whether you’re down for the count from the flu or ready to tackle the day, light it up, ladies! A revolution is afoot. 

Originally posted in Sensi May 2019