At the front of the library at MOMA PS1, a flower installation stood in the style of Ikebana, an umbrella term for the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Amid exotic tropical flowers, branches, and recognizable produce, cannabis leaves were nestled into each arrangement. The new installation was the centerpiece of a panel discussion entitled “Hothouse: Flowers and Cannabis Culture with Broccoli Magazine.” The audience gathered to listen to the panelists speak on the role of cannabis in art, focusing less on its effects and more on its beauty and potential as a vessel for artistic expression.

The panel, attended by Anja Charbonneau, Editor-in-Chief of Broccoli Magazine, Amy Merrick, floral arranger and creator of the installation; Alice Grandoit, cannabis advocate and student of floral arrangement; and Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey, Mexico City-based cannabis grower, focused on the plant’s inherent beauty and potential for fostering community engagement.

Image courtesy MoMA PS1. Photo by Walter Wlodarczyk.

Moderated by Georgia Frances King, the panelists discussed the stigma of the “pot leaf” in mainstream discourse, with its connotations as an emblem of “stoner culture.” The installation mirrored a similar one by Merrick for a cover of Broccoli Magazine. Charbonneau described the cover choice as an effort to destigmatize the image of the pot leaf, reframing it as a beautiful plant similar to any other and worthy of inclusion and consideration within the Ikebana practice.

“an effort to destigmatize the image of the pot leaf, reframing it as a beautiful plant similar to any other”

In Ikebana, Merrick explained, each stem in any given arrangement has a distinct significance, and the resulting arrangement represents a cohesive message. By utilizing the emblematic pot leaf, the artist complicated its mainstream symbolism as part of the counterculture, highlighting its simple elegance instead. The panel focused on cannabis as more than an intoxicant or a subject of political debate; rather, it is a plant that requires love and nurturing similar to any other in order to grow, and an object of beauty and a subject of artistic exploration. She explained that flowers foster a collective community experience, and utilizing the pot leaf in this way can reframe it outside mainstream political discourse.

Image courtesy MoMA PS1. Photo by Walter Wlodarczyk.

The introduction of cannabis to New York’s fine art sphere was welcome, evidenced by the crowded space (on Superbowl Sunday, no less). The room was overflowing, and audience members squeezed in to find seats on the floor or wedge themselves into the standing room. Though the anecdotal evidence shows that New Yorkers are ready for cannabis in the mainstream, the question remains how to integrate marginalized and criminalized communities into these discussions.

Image courtesy MoMA PS1. Photo by Walter Wlodarczyk.

Charbonneau voiced her thoughts that the cannabis industry suffers from similar blind spots as any other large capitalist industry, and it is up to the consumer to demand ethical business practices from companies in their early stages, especially as it enters new markets. The panelists acknowledged the necessity of diversification within the cannabis industry. Though the thesis of the project is to normalize the plant by presenting it within traditional artistic frameworks, there remains an access gap for New Yorkers. I was left wondering how to open the dialogue and facilitate diversification by presenting work outside of a high-art, exclusive and ticketed space.

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The last thing anyone wants to do after a long work week is spent two hours staring at the bumper in front of them on the 405. And even if you take a couple days off to relax, the traffic alone can make you feel like you need another staycation from your staycation.

But it’s actually possible to unwind without needing to take a major trip.

There are numerous places in and around LA that provide wellness, relaxation, and detoxification to help get you back on track for the long work week.

If you’ve never experienced the rejuvenating properties of a sensory deprivation chamber or light therapy, you’ll want to check this out and give one a try:

The post Five Ways to take a mini-vacay without leaving LA appeared first on Flowertown.

“All the single ladies,
All the single ladies,
Put your hands up.”
-Beyonce

In an era of self love and empowerment, the traditional concept of Valentine’s Day seems pretty archaic. So as the holiday looms ahead, singles should echo Queen Bae’s celebratory anthem and toast to the pleasures of solitude. Whether you are pairing up with friends or have the calendar date circled for some serious self-care time, here are some products to get you started.

Chocolate of the Month by Godiva – CC BY

Chocolate Subscription

Who doesn’t love chocolate, especially on Valentine’s Day? There are plenty of chocolate subscriptions out there to choose from. The Godiva Chocolate of the Month Club Subscription, for example, delivers Godiva’s delectable, artisanal creations right to your doorstep every month for three or six months. Heck, why not go all out and get your chocolate-loving self a whole year?

Valentines Happy Hour Gift by Lush – CC BY

Anything From LUSH

Self care is the name of the game when you are living your best single life. Lush is all about their fresh, handmade cosmetics and they have a product for just about every self-pampering routine you can think of. From fresh face masks to bath bombs and everything in between, Lush does it all naturally and without harming any animals in the process.

Membership by Classpass – CC BY

Class Pass

The best part about being single is having extra time to learn new things or find new hobbies. Programs like Class Pass allow you to explore a variety of new activities to see which one sticks. Always wanted to take a pole dancing class? Want to know what the spin hype is all about? Use your free time to challenge yourself and try out new experiences. You might even find a new community along the way.

This Calls for a Drink! by Amazon – CC BY

This Calls for a Drink!

Not single voluntarily or dealing with recent heartbreak? If you’ve ever been in that situation and thought to yourself, I need a drink, then this book is exactly what you need to get them this Valentine’s Day. Author Diane McMartin literally wrote the book on what drinks pair well with certain life situations. From what to serve at your next Oscar’s party to even getting dumped, McMartin’s got a drink recommendation for you.

The post Treat yourself: A guide for feeling yourself this Valentine’s Day appeared first on Flowertown.

Research has shown that CBD helps reduce anxiety, inflammation, and pain. So, it only makes sense that spas have started incorporating cannabis oils and other products into their services. Wellness centers all over California offer massages, facials, and other treatments using CBD to maximize your relaxation and promote healing.

Amenities by Desert Hot Springs Inn – CC BY

Desert Hot Springs Inn

Desert Hot Springs Inn is a boutique resort with classic spa services lot hot mineral water soaks and private massages. Services include Swedish massages, deep tissue massages, combination massages, and lymphatic massages, all using a proprietary CBD massage oil. Skilled massage therapists help relieve tension, improve circulation, promote detoxification, and help your body heal naturally.

Remede Spa by The St. Regis San Francisco – CC BY

Remede Spa at the St. Regis

The Love and Haight treatment at the St. Regis Spa offers 60- and 90-minute hot oil massages using hemp massage oils. This upscale spa has 6,000 square feet of space, an indoor saltwater infinity pool, and magnificent views of San Francisco to make reaching the highest levels of relaxation even easier.

Mani by Bellacures – CC BY

Bellacures

The Canni-Mani and Canni-Pedi are two specialties of the Bellacures salon. This salon was one of the first to offer CBD-infused manicures and pedicures. Their exclusive Canna-Cure products include CBD bath bombs, hand and foot soaks, pain relief lotions, and chocolates.

Massage by Four Moons Spa – CC BY

Four Moons Spa

The Four Moons Spa in Encinitas is dedicated to healing and wellness. The Thrival CBD Massage is just one of its many offerings. Available in 60, 75, or 90 minute sessions, this treatment is a full-body massages that uses cannabis infused balms and tinctures to help correct imbalances in the body.

Space by The Green Tea Spa – CC BY

The Green Tea Spa

The Green Tea Spa specializes in the use of hemp for complete relaxation and reduction of inflammation in the body. Choose from a variety of massage packages that use CBD oil to reduce muscle aches and pains or CBD-infused facials, masks, and beverages.

No matter if you’re in San Francisco, San Diego, or somewhere in between, CBD spa services are popping up all over the state. Learn more about the therapeutic effects of CBD and book a session at a CBD spa today.

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Cannabis is well known for its natural healing properties. With all the research being done, you’ve got to wonder if there’s anything cannabis can’t treat. In addition to helping people suffering from chronic pain and PTSD, cannabis can also be used to treat dermatological conditions.

Eczema and rosacea are two of the most common conditions plaguing children and adults in the United States. There are treatments for both, but many come with a slew of unwanted side effects. Those in the cannabis industry have developed dozens of lotions, creams, and other skin products to offer a natural alternative. Take a look at how cannabis can help you overcome the dry, itchy, and red skin that goes along with these conditions.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that affects both children and adults. Their immune systems go crazy and cause the skin to become itchy and irritated. It’s a condition that affects nearly 30 million people in the United States. Doctors aren’t really sure what causes it, but there are certain triggers that make it worse. The triggers vary from person to person, but some of the most common are soaps, cleaning products, food allergens, and illnesses.

When it comes to treating eczema, the best course of action is to avoid triggers. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are the most common medications used to treat eczema and the itching that it brings on. People with eczema also use special moisturizers and soaps that don’t irritate the skin or cause a reaction.

How can cannabis help?

The best way to treat eczema with cannabis is with cannabis-infused creams. Applying cannabis topically and directly on the affected areas ensures that the therapeutic compounds go right where they’re needed. Cannabis is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which is key in treating eczema — a condition that is largely caused by inflammation. Additionally, cannabis has antimicrobial properties that help battle the Staph infections that are common in patients with eczema. Using creams and oils regularly help keep the skin moisturized and eczema breakouts to a minimum.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that affects more than 16 million people in the United States. It’s often misdiagnosed as adult acne. It appears as redness on the cheeks and nose, but can spread to the forehead and chin or even the ears, chest, and back if not treated properly.

Because rosacea appears with visible blood vessels, bumps, pimples, and redness in the face, its effects go beyond just physical discomforts. Many adults with rosacea develop depression and anxiety as a result of the change in appearance. Most patients experience a drop in self-confidence and self-esteem, which all affect other aspects of their daily lives.

There is no cure for rosacea, but there are a few standard treatments. Steroid creams and antibiotics help to control inflammation and infections that can make the effects of rosacea worse. Some people opt for laser treatments to help lessen the appearance of the blood vessels.

How can cannabis help?

Cannabis can help treat rosacea in several ways. The best way to utilize cannabis is topically. Creams and lotions keep the skin moisturized while the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis go to work at minimizing the appearance of rosacea. Vaporizing, smoking, or ingesting cannabis helps treat the psychological effects that go along with the condition. Both CBD and THC can help with relaxation and reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Eczema and rosacea are two of the most common skin conditions. Unfortunately, there is no cure for either one. The good news is that both are treatable to a certain extent with cannabis. Explore the different options for cannabis creams and get some relief from your dry, itchy, and red skin.

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Skincare has taken a major turn from the ‘80s when Noxema face wash was the holy grail staple in every acne-pocked teenager’s cabinet.

Since then, beauty brands have offered a plethora of products that promise to tighten, lift, and shrink unsightly signs of ageing.

We now live in a world where a 7-step Korean facial care routine and products that are all charcoal-based promise perfect skin. It seems like everyone is looking for a regime that includes ingredient-packed products or layering on a concoction of everything they own in their medicine cabinet.

But what if there was one key ingredient that these facial products were missing? One that can do de-puff and firm like no other on the market. It’s all natural and has multiple uses and benefits.

You guessed it. It’s cannabis.

There’s really no catch either. There’s a whole line of face creams that are incorporating either THC or CBD (sometimes both) into their ingredients to boost the benefits of their anti-ageing products.

What science says

Research on cannabis and skincare isn’t new. Back in 2008, a study found that endocannabinoids are responsible for the maintenance of healthy skin throughout our bodies. With that being the case, scientists began considering cannabis as a viable ingredient for treating skin conditions.

Since our bodies are technically making its own version of cannabis through the endocannabinoid system, then an extra topical dose could expand its benefits.

What many of these facial creams offer is a maximum dose of ‘the good stuff’ that is derived from cannabis mixed with other nurturing ingredients that we typically find in great facial cream products.

Long-term (canna)benefits

Cannabis has long been used internally to treat a wide range of ailments. Skin conditions such as dry-skin to wrinkles are being treated with THC and CBD-based products. Topical creams, balms, and lotions are popping up all over the market with active ingredients that promise to provide a long-term solution to aging skin.

So what’s this heavenly combination offering?

Both CBD-only and conventional cannabis strains are anti-inflammatory and lipid-rich (moisturizing!) which are two keys in targeting most of our ageing concerns.

At the base of all of the face creams on the market are products offering moisture, because moisture is what keeps skin plump and youthful looking. Cannabis removes the need for extra ingredients, which could be harmful to the skin long-term, and delivers on the moisturizing aspect.

CBD Line by Cannuka – CC BY

The bright, bright future of skincare

Research is still being conducted on the overall benefits of using cannabis for skincare. But the effect facial creams have explains why we are seeing so many of them on the market.

Interestingly enough, you soon won’t have to go to a speciality store to find face creams infused with cannabis. With more lines offering these products, it’s quite possible that the demand will continue to increase.

With all of the products on the market promising a ‘miracle in the jar’ it’s worth giving cannabis topicals a try. This is especially true if you’re also in need of arthritis, or other pain relief.

Additionally, companies like Cannuka offer a range of skincare products infusing cannabis and other natural elements. No more ingredients you can’t pronounce and better, brighter skin through cannabis.

The post The new anti-aging miracle? Cannabis facial creams appeared first on Flowertown.