Dear Sarah,
This Valentine’s, I want to do something special for my husband, but times have been tough with money so a lavish trip or gift is out of the question. Do you have any suggestions for a romantic night for two on a budget?
~ Lover in Lake Elsinore
Dear Lover in Lake Elsinore,
Valentine’s Day can be really romantic, especially when you’re not worrying about giving expensive gifts. With my “Three-Step Guide to a Romantic Night for Two,” your husband will be thoroughly satisfied, and I promise you will be too!
The gift: Create a coupon book on a computer or just draw it with love. The coupons can say fun things like “Good for One Full Body Massage” or “Good For (fill in the blank).” You can get pretty creative with these so I’ll leave the rest to your imagination (wink, wink).
The Dinner: Make dinner only wearing your favorite heels (apron optional). A simple dinner idea: pasta with premade sauce and a bag of salad. Plus, as a gift to you, he can do the dishes.
The Dessert: Have your husband lie down in bed and close his eyes. Light some candles around your bedroom and turn off the lights. If you wore an apron during dinner, take it off but keep your favorite heels on. Now tie a red bow around your waist and ask your husband to open his eyes. The rest you can figure out from here.
Dear Sarah,
The holidays were so lovely, and I really enjoyed them. Unfortunately, so did my stomach! I guess it’s true what they say about the “holiday bulge.” What can I do to lose these extra pounds and feel healthier again?
~ CULTURE Reader in Corona
Dear CULTURE Reader in Corona,
Even as a vegan, I tend to overeat during the holidays (or anytime I’ve eaten an edible for that matter). A couple of years ago, I was an edible taster/tester at an L.A. collective for over a year, and I gained a couple of extra pounds. Cutting out the meat helped, but eliminating dairy seemed to just make the weight fall off. Fast food, soda and alcohol can add a lot of unintended sugar and calories to your daily intake. Instead, I drink eight glasses of water a day and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Snack on apples and peanut butter instead of a candy bar. No more late night pig-outs either. Also, take the stairs, park far from the entrance and walk or bike somewhere once a day. Just try these tips for one week to feel the difference for yourself. You’ll be really surprised how good you feel, and perhaps you might even continue on this path to a healthier new you.
Dear Sarah,
I’m still a little confused as to how confidential your status of being a medical cannabis patient really is. Please explain. Can you join the military with that status?
~ Confused CULTURE Reader
Dear Confused CULTURE Reader,
A doctor’s recommendation to use medical cannabis is protected by doctor/patient confidentiality laws like any other medical record. In California, unless you voluntarily apply for the state ID card program, your status as a medical cannabis patient will only be on file at your doctor’s office and any collective you provide the recommendation to. However, federal and state policies are very different and your doctor’s recommendation doesn’t protect you against federal drug laws. According to the Department of Defense Manual for Court-Martial by regulation, each military member must be tested at least once per year, usually by random testing. Members do not have the right to refuse random testing.
Hi Sarah.
I just wanted to know how would one open their own collective? How much does it take to start one?
~ Dedicated CULTURE Reader
Dear Dedicated CULTURE Reader,
As far as how much it takes to start one, a whole lot of dedication and energy. Start-up capital aside, your collective should be formed to serve the needs of the patients, not your business plan.
The process to open a collective will drastically differ from state to state, and even within those states, from city to city. For instance, in New Mexico collectives can apply for a permit from the state, but they have to serve their entire patient base from 96 plants. One of the collectives actually ran out of medicine for a month waiting for nature to take its course! Maine has already finished soliciting applications for all six of their collectives. Here in California, if there isn’t already a citywide ban or moratorium, there’s probably a lawsuit in the works.
When I consulted my attorney, Meital Manzuri (manzurilaw.com), she said, “Opening a collective is a delicate process that requires attention to detail and professionalism. It is important to note that every collective is different and should not be formed or operated without consulting a legal professional and an accountant first.”
Got a burning question about love, life and/or the pursuit of medicine? Ask Sarah Diesel, medical-marijuana advocate and L.A.’s Countess of Class and Cannabis. Just keep your questions short, straightforward and obscenity-free, and email them to AskSarah@freeculturemag.com.
