Beat the blues with Medical Mondays at Local Roots

Michigan is one of 38 states that have legalized medical cannabis. However, only 18% of Michigan medical marijuana patients describe their primary care physician’s knowledge about medical cannabis as “very good” or “excellent,” according to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research. Although most participants disclosed cannabis use to their primary care physician, their perceptions of their physicians’ knowledge ranged widely, and many patients obtained medical cannabis licenses from an outside physician.

“A big part of the consumer population is using cannabis for well-being,” Dr. Evan Litinas said. When patients feel they’re unable to discuss cannabis with their doctor, many visit local cannabis dispensaries in hopes that a budtender may have an answer for what ails them.

“Some dispensaries are excellent and try to help customers and consumers, but some don’t provide the right information about a very powerful medicinal plant,” Litinas said. “It can create a gap between the customer’s perception of cannabis and the expectations of products.”

Litinas hopes his new collaboration with Local Roots Cannabis, Medical Mondays, will help answer any questions consumers may have about cannabis. Every Monday throughout September and October, Litinas will visit the dispensary from noon to 4 p.m. to address questions people may have about THC, CBD and more. He won’t be offering individual medical advice but rather a general overview of the medical use of cannabis. From teaching customers how to analyze and understand lab results to discussing how specific conditions can be affected by cannabis, Litinas hopes to bridge the gaps in each customer’s knowledge base. He also hopes that his conversations with customers will encourage them to discuss cannabis with their own primary care physicians.

Litinas has been working in the medical marijuana industry since 2011. He has more than a decade of experience, including past and present cannabis research with the University of Michigan. He was also the chief medical officer for the Ann Arbor dispensary Om of Medicine, now Mission Ann Arbor, until 2020. For years, according to his website, he was the only active chief medical officer of a dispensary, focusing on educating patients and consumers on cannabis products and their uses. His ultimate goal is to empower people through education and for them to feel confident using cannabis as medicine.

While attending an event sponsored by the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, Litinas met the owners of Local Roots, Roy Liskey and his mother, Ronda Liskey. The trio connected over their shared interest in educating consumers about cannabis. When talking about their initial meeting, Litinas said he couldn’t deny there was a “synergy.”

“The Liskeys are wonderful people who are trying to help the community in their own way,” he said. “By working together, we can help educate the consumer about cannabis.”

In a recent press release, Roy Liskey said, “Though there are no guarantees or promises that any products will for certain cure or help a medical situation, there is a lot of evidence from research that can be shared, and people can decide for themselves if they wish to try a protocol. Dr. Litinas’ offering is a gift to our community, and we are grateful for his knowledge and contribution!” 

GMO Crasher by Redemption Cannabis | $25/2g at Local Roots Cannabis

Redemption Cannabis’ GMO Crasher is a heavy-hitting indica with a sweet and gassy flavor. A cross between Wedding Crasher and GMO Cookies, this strain is sure to become a fast favorite of anyone looking for deep relaxation or even full couchlock. I love a good GMO strain, but Redemption’s GMO Crasher surpassed my expectations. Upon opening the package, I was greeted by a gorgeous golden live resin and an aroma of garlicky goodness.

As someone who struggles with disordered eating habits, I really appreciate how GMO strains seem to kickstart my appetite. GMO strains tend to contain high amounts of myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene, terpenes that are known to cause hunger. After one dab of GMO Crasher, I felt less overwhelmed by the idea of putting food into my body. After dinner, I took another dab and was able to settle into my couch and devour the entire first season of “The Other Black Girl” on Hulu, which was a great way to kick off the beginning of the Halloween season.

Medical Mondays

Every Monday through Oct. 30

Noon-4 p.m.

Local Roots Cannabis

120 W. Grand River Road, Laingsburg

517-881-0585

www.localrootscannabis.com