With all the stress in today’s hustle economy, it’s easy to take your own wellness for granted. Often, it’s something that can be overlooked, both mentally and physically. Breaking the mold and starting the new year off strong, Culinary and Cannabis, who are educators and event specialists in the cannabis space, took it to the next level with CannaSpa Wellness Lounge, a luxury experience centered on plant medicine, mental health, and community.
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Combining two of my favorite things in life, the brainchild behind Culinary and Cannabis and CannSpa is Tamara Anderson. Tamara is a pastry powerhouse who is also a registered nurse and medical marijuana patient who helps educate consumers on whole plant use and how traditional medicine and cannabis can be combined. With brands like Sugar and Spyked in her portfolio, Tamara is all about making consumers happy, and vendors feel comfortable working with cannabis in all the vast wellness applications available.
Stepping Inside the CannaSpa Experience
After getting checked in by Tamara herself, I was whisked off on a tour of the CannaSpa and all that was on offer. Heading up the tour was none other than the Canna Businessman, Miko Ware, all dapper and suited up with blinged-out buds around his neck. On the tour, we were introduced to each section of the venue and what was in store for the day, including panel discussions, live music performances, and more, before being let go into the wild of what would be a wholly interactive wellness experience.
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One booth that stood out immediately to me was The Cookie Dip. It’s a concept that’s so genius it makes you wonder why you didn’t think of this? The concept is simple: it’s like chips and dip, but with cookies. Flavors like Milk Chocolate Horchata, Banana Cream, and Mango Chile, infused with cannabis for this event, blew me away. Zakiya Ellick, founder of the company, was on hand offering samples with a smile and even letting guests take home a box.
With an interesting take on influencer cannabis, Zatix, a California-based cannabis and lifestyle company, was present, offering samples and a potential partnership opportunity to the right individuals. Soy-based candles by the Haus of Mean Ager were on scene with scents meant to uplift and enlighten those who might feel down. Inspired by classrooms and meant to combat teenage angst and depression, it’s a unique company supporting a super meaningful cause. Rounding out the education side, Dr. Paulette S. Smith of CannaHeals brought documentation and pamphlets to help users better understand their relationship with the plant, something that can often be stigmatized.
Flavor Meets Function
Fresh press is my favorite to dab and to drink, and Ankh Juice of Life brought the heat with their offerings. Possibly one of the few non-medicated things on offer, it didn’t matter that these juices were legit fire. If you are in Long Beach, definitely check them out. The other drink spot was in the bus, presented by Weedmaps, parked outside, offering some medicated sips, sodas, and something smokable to those willing to sign their waiver and climb the steps of the bus.
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Tucked in the back corner was some delicious food being offered up by Sumthin For Ur Mouth Catering. Three options were available to try for your culinary delight, which included: Melon Salad, Infused Mushrooms, and Duck Tacos. While I skipped on the duck, I probably shouldn’t have. I can confirm the salad and mushrooms were a great snack to keep me going while bouncing between booths and activations, and left me wanting to try more from them in the future.
Sound Baths, Terpenes, and Touch
As someone who was once a total non-believer in sound medicine, my ways have definitely changed. So when I saw that being offered as one of the activations, I had to give it another go. With a combination of sound and energy healing by Devon Cunningham, I was in a combined state of ease and comfort. After the session ended, I was surprised by a question about some discomfort I may have been having, and it was spot on with advice on treating the issue. I can’t say enough about Devon and her work, definitely something to experience.
H20 bars are not a new concept, but I had never tried one because they just didn’t excite me enough. How do you take a concept meant to be relaxing and crank it up to ten? Elle Marie Spa knew just what to do, creating a unique Terpene Air Bar. Pushing the benefits of fresh oxygen to the max with the inclusion of relaxing terpene smells that hit you within the first minute of breathing normally. Handling all the bookings amongst the massage therapists with class and ease, the team at Elle Marie kept people engaged while moving between activities.
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When it comes to infused massages, I would say I have some experience. Even covering some internationally in Bangkok. So while I have tried a few variations like Thai or Swedish, one I had not tried before was Tantric. With Martin Huey of Stay At Your Home Massages as my guide, he explained the combination of the spiritual mixed with the physical to release tension was only heightened by the use of cannabis tinctures and oils. With words of affirmation and more back pops than a bendy straw being pulled, I walked away from Martin’s area feeling amazing.
A Reminder to Put Your Wellness First
It’s easy to get lost in the world today and lose focus on what really matters. The CannaSpa Wellness lounge helped to re-center that focus on what is important, and that’s yourself, your community, and those who help provide the energy and motivation to keep doing what you are doing, which is being an amazing person. Don’t lose focus on what is important; your wellness, both physically and mentally, can only take a backseat for so long. Treat yourself, and enjoy.
*This article was submitted by an unpaid guest contributor. The opinions or statements within do not necessarily reflect those of GreenState or HNP. The author is solely responsible for the content.