2024: A Year of Growth, Education, and Community at CannaMoms of Spotsylvania

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible year filled with progress, connection, and advocacy. This year has been nothing short of transformative for CannaMoms of Spotsylvania, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing members, sponsors, and community partners.

Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from this year:

Educational Events and Advocacy

• Virginia Department of Social Services Presentations: We proudly hosted not one but two presentations with the Virginia Department of Social Services to educate and break the stigma surrounding cannabis use.

• Cannabis Education Classes: From edible workshops to senior-focused cannabis education, we’ve prioritized creating safe spaces for learning.Festivals and Outreach

• Spring and Fall Festivals at Whole Greens VA: These vibrant events brought together vendors, live music, and community members, showcasing the best of what we stand for.

• Orange Street Festival: We were thrilled to connect with even more people during this incredible event, spreading awareness about CannaMoms and our mission.Giving Back

• Fredericksburg Food Bank Volunteering: Together, we packed over 240 meals to support local families in need.

• Christmas Parade: Walking with our banner in this year’s parade was a proud moment, showing the community who we are and what we represent.Community Connection

• Open Houses and Yard Sales: These events brought people together, helping us raise funds for our mission while strengthening bonds within our community.

• Facebook Live Sales: Our online events gave members and supporters a chance to shop while supporting our cause.Thank You to Our SponsorsA huge thank-you to our incredible sponsors who helped make this year so successful:

• Whole Greens VA: The best smoke shop in Virginia and a cornerstone of our community events.

• The Snack Shack

• The Anvil Tattoo

• Peaceful Easy Healing

• Hexes and Healing

• Cyanide Sisters

• Serial Art Creations

• Seven Vibes Syndicate

Your unwavering support has been instrumental in helping us grow and thrive.Looking Ahead to 2025The momentum we’ve built in 2024 is carrying us into 2025 with even bigger plans: • Two Lobby Days in Richmond: On January 20 (MLK Day) and late February, we’ll fight for cannabis reform and a retail sales market that works for Virginia families.

• New Educational Events: Expanding our reach with more classes and workshops.

• Building Community: Continuing to create safe spaces for like-minded women to connect, learn, and grow.Mark your calendars and stay updated at CannaMomsVA.org. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible journey.

Thank you for an amazing 2024. Let’s make 2025 even better—together!

Join Us for Our Winter Welcome Event📅 January 25, 12–4 PM📍 Whole Greens VALearn more about what we have planned for 2025, meet other members, and see how you can get involved. We can’t wait to see you there!

Wednesday Wellness: Cannabinoid Breakdown

🌱Let’s dive into some of the amazing cannabinoids in cannabis! Cannabinoids are the natural compounds in cannabis that work with our body’s systems to bring various wellness benefits. Here are some key players and how they can support your health:

💚 CBD (Cannabidiol) • Benefits: Known for reducing anxiety, easing pain, and calming inflammation without any psychoactive effects. • How to Use: Try CBD oils, capsules, or topicals for daily relief. Great for daytime use!

🧡 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) • Benefits: The primary psychoactive cannabinoid. THC can help with pain relief, nausea, and sleep, and it’s often used to manage symptoms of PTSD or stimulate appetite. • How to Use: Choose flower, edibles, or tinctures for a range of options. Start low, go slow!

💙 CBG (Cannabigerol) • Benefits: Known as the “mother cannabinoid” because it’s a precursor to others. CBG may help reduce inflammation, support digestion, and has neuroprotective properties. • How to Use: Found in tinctures, capsules, and CBG-dominant strains for targeted relief.

💜 CBN (Cannabinol) • Benefits: Often known for its sedative effects, CBN is great for relaxation and improving sleep quality. • How to Use: Common in nighttime tinctures, gummies, or capsules—perfect for unwinding after a long day!

Cannabinoids offer unique benefits for different needs, so explore and find what works best for you! Remember to consult with a trusted professional, start with low doses, and monitor how your body responds. Happy wellness journey! ✨

Annual Harvest Festival

🎉 Join Us for the Whole Greens VA & Canna Moms of Spotsylvania Annual Harvest Festival!

🎉Celebrate the season with us at our Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, November 2! Hosted by Whole Greens VA and Canna Moms of Spotsylvania, this year’s event promises to be our best yet. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop, enjoy live music, explore unique products, and connect with the community. Here’s everything you need to know

:📅 Date: Saturday, November 2⏰ Time: 10 AM – 4 PM📍 Location: 7309 Patriot Highway, Spotsylvania, VA

What’s in Store: •

🌟 Local Vendors Galore: Over 30 local artisans and makers, offering everything from arts and crafts to unique oddities and gifts. •

🎶 Live Music: Groove to performances by 7vibe Syndicate and Big Rob Music throughout the day. •

🎨 Fresh Ink by The Anvil Tattoo VA: Check out live tattoo artistry and get some fresh ink while you’re here! •

🧑‍⚕️ Meet Mellow Fellow: Connect directly with Mellow Fellow to learn more about their wellness products and their benefits. • 💚 Peaceful Easy Healing: Discover beautiful handcrafted items and holistic wellness products. • 🍦 Pleasurable Treat: Enjoy delicious snacks and treats from our concession stand.

This is a 21+ event, so please bring a valid ID for entrance.🌟 Toy Drive for Spotsylvania County Public Schools

🌟Let’s spread some holiday cheer! We’re hosting a toy drive to benefit local children, and we welcome donations of new toys, games, and puzzles for kids ages 2-10. You can drop off donations anytime from now until December 12. Help us make a difference this holiday season by bringing joy to children in need!Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at WholeGreensVA@gmail.com. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!

Ladies in Bloom Meet and Greet Open House

Cannamoms Shirts and Hoodies Fundraiser

Understanding Terpenes: Unlocking the Secrets of Cannabis Aromas and Effects

Cannabis enthusiasts often talk about THC and CBD when discussing their favorite strains, but there’s another critical component in the mix: terpenes. These aromatic compounds are responsible for the distinct smells and flavors of cannabis and play a significant role in the effects of different strains. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the most common terpenes, their effects, and why they’re essential in choosing the right strain for you.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are organic compounds found in various plants, including cannabis. They serve multiple purposes, such as attracting pollinators, deterring herbivores, and protecting the plant from environmental stressors. In cannabis, terpenes are produced in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Common Terpenes and Their Effects

1. Myrcene

• Aroma: Earthy, musky, with hints of cloves
• Effects: Known for its sedative properties, myrcene is often found in indica strains and is believed to help with relaxation and sleep.
• Importance: If you’re looking for a strain to unwind after a long day or to help with insomnia, choose one high in myrcene.

2. Limonene

• Aroma: Citrus (lemons, oranges)
• Effects: Limonene is known for its uplifting and mood-enhancing effects, making it popular in sativa strains.
• Importance: For a daytime strain that can boost your mood and energy, look for those high in limonene.

3. Pinene

• Aroma: Pine needles, rosemary, basil
• Effects: Pinene has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties, and it can promote alertness and memory retention.
• Importance: Strains with high pinene content are ideal for those seeking mental clarity and focus.

4. Linalool

• Aroma: Floral (lavender)
• Effects: Linalool is known for its calming and anti-anxiety effects, often found in strains used for stress relief.
• Importance: If you need a strain to help with anxiety or stress, look for one rich in linalool.

5. Caryophyllene

• Aroma: Spicy, peppery
• Effects: Caryophyllene is unique because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system similarly to cannabinoids, providing anti-inflammatory and pain-relief benefits.
• Importance: Strains high in caryophyllene are excellent for pain management and reducing inflammation.

6. Humulene

• Aroma: Earthy, woody, spicy
• Effects: Known for its appetite-suppressing properties, humulene also has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Importance: For those looking to manage appetite and inflammation, strains with humulene can be beneficial.

The Entourage Effect

One of the fascinating aspects of terpenes is their role in the entourage effect. This phenomenon occurs when terpenes and cannabinoids work together synergistically to enhance the overall therapeutic effects of cannabis. Understanding the terpene profile of a strain can help you better predict its effects and choose one that aligns with your desired experience.

Choosing the Right Strain

When selecting a cannabis strain, it’s essential to consider its terpene profile in addition to its cannabinoid content. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right strain based on terpenes:

1. Identify Your Needs: Determine what effects you’re looking for—relaxation, energy, pain relief, etc.
2. Research Strains: Look up the terpene profiles of different strains and see which ones align with your desired effects.
3. Experiment: Everyone’s body chemistry is different, so try a few strains to see which ones work best for you.

Conclusion

Terpenes play a crucial role in the cannabis experience, influencing not only the aroma and flavor but also the effects of different strains. By understanding the most common terpenes and their effects, you can make more informed decisions when choosing cannabis strains that best suit your needs. Whether you’re looking to relax, boost your mood, or manage pain, there’s a terpene profile out there that’s perfect for you. Happy exploring!

A Successful Meeting with the Virginia Department of Social Services

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our recent presentation with the Virginia Department of Social Services. This was a monumental event for CannaMoms of Spotsylvania as we advocated for responsible cannabis use in parenthood. The engagement from attendees was remarkable, with many insightful questions asked and a genuine interest in understanding our message. It was evident that minds are being changed, and the conversation around cannabis and parenthood is evolving.

Our presentation resonated so well that multiple districts have expressed interest in hosting similar sessions in their locations. This is a significant step forward in our mission to educate and promote safe cannabis use among parents. However, with this progress comes new challenges and expenses. To meet the growing demand for our presentations, we need to enhance our resources, including improving our presentation materials and producing high-quality printed materials for distribution.

We are ramping up our fundraising efforts to support these initiatives and ensure that we can continue to make a positive impact. We are immensely grateful for the support we have received so far and want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to our cause. Your support is making a real difference, and we could not do this without you.

As we move forward, we invite you to continue supporting us in any way you can. Whether it’s through donations, spreading the word, or attending our events, every bit helps us advance our mission. Together, we can create a more informed and supportive community for parents who use cannabis responsibly.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved. Thank you once again for your unwavering support!

Cannamom house – Call to Action

🌿👩‍👦‍👦 Calling all Spotsylvania CannaMoms! 📣 Are you tired of just lurking in the shadows of our group, chuckling at memes while the world around us needs a little TLC? Well, it’s time to put those giggles to good use and get your hands dirty… literally! 🧹💪

Next week, we’re turning the spotlight from memes to making a difference with our *Canna Mom House Cleanup Extravaganza!* 🏠✨ Join us on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday for a day of camaraderie, cleaning, and maybe a bit of laughter (because let’s face it, cleaning mishaps are the best source of comedy)! 🤣

We’ve got multiple time slots available to fit even the busiest of schedules because we know you’ve got a lot on your plate… and we’re not just talking about those leftover edibles from last week’s bake-off! 🍪 So whether you’re a morning person, an afternoon warrior, or a nighttime ninja, there’s a spot for you!

Let’s show Spotsylvania what CannaMoms are made of! 💚 Sign up now, and let’s make OUR HOUSE sparkle brighter than a freshly rolled joint on a Friday night! 🌟 #CannaMomCleanup #SpotsylvaniaSquadGoals 🌿🧽

https://m.signupgenius.com/?mibextid=NOb6eG#!/showSignUp/10C094EABA92AA3FBC61-49047694-canna

Celebrating Women in Cannabis History

### 🌿✨ Celebrating Women in Cannabis History ✨🌿From ancient times to modern days, women have played a crucial role in the history of cannabis. Their contributions to healing, activism, and change have paved the way for the growing acceptance and understanding of this powerful plant. Today, let’s honor some trailblazing women who have significantly impacted the cannabis community.####

1. Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria, one of the most powerful figures of the 19th century, was known to use cannabis to alleviate menstrual cramps. Her use of the plant highlights its medicinal benefits, which were recognized even in her time. Her doctor, Sir J. Russell Reynolds, who prescribed it, was a strong advocate for the therapeutic potential of cannabis, further cementing its place in medical history.####

2. Dr. Lester Grinspoon

While Dr. Lester Grinspoon is widely recognized for his contributions to cannabis research, his work was deeply inspired by his wife, Betsy Grinspoon. Betsy was a passionate advocate for the therapeutic use of cannabis, which motivated Dr. Grinspoon to explore and champion cannabis reform. His groundbreaking work has had a lasting impact on cannabis legalization and medical research.####

3. Mary Jane Rathbun (“Brownie Mary”)

Mary Jane Rathbun, affectionately known as “Brownie Mary,” was a pioneer in the medical marijuana movement of the 1980s. She gained fame for baking and distributing cannabis-infused brownies to AIDS patients in San Francisco, providing much-needed relief during a time of crisis. Her compassionate activism helped lay the groundwork for the modern medical marijuana movement.####

4. Maya Angelou

The celebrated poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou openly shared her positive experiences with cannabis. She used the plant as a source of creativity and introspection, contributing to her profound literary works. Angelou’s openness about her cannabis use has inspired many to consider its potential benefits for personal and creative growth.####

5. Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg, an acclaimed actress and comedian, co-founded a cannabis company focused on products for menstrual pain relief. Her advocacy for women’s health and the therapeutic benefits of cannabis has brought attention to the plant’s potential to improve quality of life. Goldberg’s work continues to break down stigmas and promote the acceptance of cannabis in mainstream society.

These remarkable women have demonstrated the diverse ways cannabis can positively impact lives. Their stories remind us of the importance of sharing our experiences and supporting the cannabis community. Let’s continue their legacy by advocating for the benefits of cannabis and celebrating the trailblazers who have come before us.💚#WomenInCannabis #CannabisHistory #Trailblazers #HerStory #CannabisCommunity—

By acknowledging and celebrating these pioneering women, we not only honor their contributions but also inspire future generations to explore and embrace the potential of cannabis in various aspects of life. Their stories are a testament to the power of advocacy, creativity, and compassion in driving change and improving lives through cannabis.

Calling all media wizards!

📢 Calling all media wizards! 🎥 CannaMoms of Spotsylvania needs your expertise for an upcoming presentation in June. We’re seeking help with video editing and PowerPoint presentation skills. If you’re passionate about breaking the stigma against plant-based medicine and want to be part of this monumental project, please reach out to myself or Sarah. Your support is invaluable in growing our community and spreading awareness. Together, let’s make a difference! 🌿💪 #MediaHelpNeeded #CommunitySupport #PlantBasedMedicine