As restrictions have lifted and both therapeutic and recreational benefits have become more widely and gratefully known, more folks are choosing cannabis as a way to unwind. Dabble confidently with local service Herb & Board. Be it infused edibles, curated dining experiences or elevated wellness events like outdoor yoga, you're in good hands. Owner Skye Greene explains her offerings.
How It Started
As with so many recent endeavors, we have the pandemic lockdown to thank for Herb & Board's inception. Whiling away these uncertain days, Greene and her husband, Kevin, speculated on what they'd do entrepreneurially if the sky (pun intended) was the limit. As COO of Faces International and Vice President at Ohio's Cleveland School of Cannabis, Kevin makes an above-average sounding board.
“He told me he had a cooking class I could take online,” Greene says. “So, I could get all the info, understand it and do something.”
And do something she did.
How It's Going
Customers clamor for Greene's delta-8 or CBD-infused honey and vegan gummies made from organic coconut oil. These products help customers frustrated with pain and sleeping
issues treat their complaints gently and effectively. Herb & Board also offers elevated experiences, be it for a private event or a public yoga class.
“I can course out a meal with guests over,” Greene says. “I can infuse anything that has butter or oil.” It could be a girls' night charcuterie, a brunch with chicken and waffles, even popcorn. It could be a high-end evening or a casual hang.
Greene can set up at clients' homes or a venue and stick around to mingle and make sure guests know what to expect.
Along with the therapeutic effects, cannabis can help with feelings of emotional well-being and stabilize mood. “With CBD there aren't any psychedelic effects going to your head or feeling loopy,” Greene says. “Whenever I get to a certain point and ask people how they're feeling, the feedback is: mellow, relaxed and happy. ‘I feel good!'”
Research & Development
Sourcing hemp flower from Whole Plant CBD in Ohio, Greene has close control over the quality and dosage of her products.
“After having my son and having some crazy postpartum depression and anxiety,” Greene says, “my doctor said, ‘if you don't want to go on antidepressants and sleeping aids, try medical cannabis.'” Learning through this process about the effects of various strains and how to microdose on her own terms, Greene brought that experience and her cannabis cooking skills to bear as an expert on how to perfect her products and sidestep negative side effects. “I have machines to tell me how many milligrams I'm infusing,” she says.
Everyone has a different tolerance and various cannabis strains can have various effects, but Greene works with uplifting varieties that are relaxing without sluggishness.
Enhance Your Activity
Pairing yoga with cannabis has long been a hit on the West Coast and Greene's been teaming up with local yogis to bring that vibe to the Valley. Outdoors or inside, male and female, old and young, people are loving it, like the scores attending a yoga class under the trees in Allentown's West Park for an elevated flow.
“Cannabis actually helps with focus and motivation during exercise,” Greene says. “It won't make you want to sit still.” Exercise like walks and bike rides, meditative breathwork and mindfulness practices all can feel enhanced.
“A woman with lupus recently reached out to me to say that Herb & Board honey has helped so much with her nerve pain that she's able to start the day without taking a bunch of pills,” Greene says.
Whether it's easing chronic pain or mellowing out someone's yoga session, Greene is grateful to be part of making life a little lighter.
Cannabis Key
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They have different effects on the body:
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it doesn't cause a “high.” Often used for its potential therapeutic benefits, CBD products are widely available and legal in many places.
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the “high” people experience when using marijuana. It can also have therapeutic effects, such as pain relief and appetite stimulation. However, its psychoactive nature can lead to impaired cognitive function and altered perception.
Delta-8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a variation of THC that is structurally similar to delta-9-THC but with a few differences in its molecular arrangement. It's also psychoactive but generally considered to be less potent than delta-9-THC. Some users report experiencing a milder high and fewer feelings of anxiety or paranoia with delta-8-THC.
The legal status of these compounds can vary by location. While CBD is often legal and widely available, the legality of THC (both delta-9 and delta-8) depends on local laws and regulations. Always check the laws in your area before using or purchasing these compounds.
Published as “Ask the Expert” in the October 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
