Staying healthy and healing naturally always have been important to me.
I eat well (locally, seasonally, and organically whenever possible). I try to exercise regularly. I avoid pharmaceuticals as much as I can, opting instead for natural solutions. I use CBD daily for sleep, mood, and aches. I even give CBD oil to my dogs for joint pain and anxiety, and I take those lucky mutts for acupuncture treatments and chiropractic adjustments.
So presenting a health- and wellness-focused edition is perfectly aligned with my sensibilities, as well as this magazine’s mission (to celebrate and support local, sustainable, natural, and healthy products and the business owners who create and serve them).
With the recent legalization (and huge popularity) of CBD products, I was curious to see what was happening here in the great world of hemp. Thus, we present a fascinating story about life in the green lane, in which you’ll meet local hemp farmers and learn about their industry. Hemp Business Journal reported that the CBD market is projected to become a $2.1 billion business by 2020, and locals hope to cash in on the trend. You’ll see a story on local CBD product efforts, too, including the trials and tribulations that can come with being pioneers in a new market.
Continuing with our theme, meet local herbalists who share their passion for the field. Fermented foods have been staples in our diets for centuries, and they possess healing qualities. Then meet the founder of one of the nation’s most popular fermented food brands, Farmhouse Culture, who just co-authored a book on the topic and happens to call Reno home. Korean fare is well known for its kimchi (a fermented food), and we’ll introduce you to a wonderful restaurant, Arario, in Reno, as well as its owners.
Also in this issue, we present a health and wellness section in which we profile an integrative medicine practitioner, Thrive Integrative Care; a cutting-edge dental practice, Sierra Smiles; and a local physician, Charles P. Virden, who is an innovator of natural hormone replacement pellets, which patients say are “game changers” in their lives.
This is my favorite part of year, when the season’s bounty is overflowing and the weather is cooler. It’s a great time to drop by the Great Basin Community Food Co-op or The Urban Market in Reno to pick up local produce or meat for dinner. Or visit one of the many local restaurants, bars, breweries, and distilleries that use local ingredients in their products. Don’t forget to support local businesses, especially those contributing in a meaningful way.
Happy autumn!
Amanda
About the cover Mark O’Farrell of Hungry Mother Organics farm and Sierra Nevada Hemp in one of his Carson City greenhouses. He grows and produces USDA-certified organic and pharmaceutical-grade hemp containing high amounts of CBD, as well as his own topical and smokable CBD products with his grower and handler licenses. Photo by Asa Gilmore
