August is National Wellness Month, and it’s just about our favorite month here at Caliva. Wellness being part of our DNA, it wasn’t unusual to see a group of Caliva employees in a downward-dog position in the middle of our courtyard. These days, our in-house shaman Shanny leads us in a weekly guided meditation via Zoom to help calm our nerves and destress. (Join us in our next session on Instagram Live!) We believe that wellness means something different for everyone, and we want to highlight a few of our favorite athletes, fitness gurus, outdoor enthusiasts and just very cool people in general on what wellness means to them, and how they use marijuana as part of their routine to aid in their physical and mental well-being.
(This is part 2 of our Wellness Month series. Click here to read part 1.)
EMilio Mils – @themilsedition
EMilio is an AcroYoga fanatic and creative introvert who loves connecting with people. He studied communication, art, design and digital media and uses his talents to bring joy and hope to the world. He became an Acrobatic Yoga Instructor to share his love of playful movement with others.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness means to exist in a feeling of good health.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
I discovered AcroYoga when I saw two girls playing at an outdoor music festival in Sacramento. I was doing a social media takeover and wanted to capture them for the feed. They invited me to play and one girl proceeded to lift me off the ground! I was sitting on her feet and my jaw was dropped to the ground as well as most bystanders. That day planted the seed that would later become the foundation to my physical well-being.
“I can be my own obstacle at times and it helps to have a little push in the “everything is gonna be alright” direction.”
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Cannabis is my go-to for relaxing after a long day of AcroYoga in the park. Even though it's fun, it's still work. My body can take a while to shut down afterward which can run into my recovery time so I like to get relaxed as soon as possible. Recovery time is also good for a cannabis muscle balm or massage oil which makes the recovery the best part of the workout. It also helps with focus. I can be my own obstacle at times and it helps to have a little push in the "everything is gonna be alright" direction.
Get acrobatic with EMilio on Instagram at @themilsedition.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
My happy moment feels like I've just hit the final loop of a rollercoaster on a 75 degree day during golden hour, sitting next to the love of my life, feeling giddy butterflies in my stomach and little to no gravity.
Any additional information you’d like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
I mostly vape. I use massage oils and rubs. I love edibles, especially gummies. I use Cannabis every day and leaving home without it would be a mistake for me.
Check out EMilio’s Top Picks
Caliva Fresh Flower Vape - Blackjack
DELI Nickels Sour Apple Sativa Gummy Rounds
Ciara Cray – @balanceandbolus
Ciara a twenty-something woman who balances life with a pinch of Type 1 Diabetes. She is currently studying to be a Registered Dietitian to combine her passion for food with a desire to help others dealing with the same illness. With an infectious laugh and smile, Ciara brings those qualities along as she travel to new places spreading positivity to everyone she meets. Her ideal day is bringing a book to a coffee shop or brewery and seeing where the day takes her.
What does wellness mean to you?
When I think of wellness, I think of spending time with myself. I believe that when we love ourselves, we can then give love to others. This is something I've definitely found difficult with in the past, as I've disliked my body for not working or looking the way it's supposed to. The best way to get there is to be okay with being with me, myself and I.
“By practicing my version of wellness, I can guarantee I’ll be the best version of myself for my friends, family and the world.
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What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
My wellness looks like reading in my most comfortable sweatpants or dancing to the songs of the 70's without a care in the world. There's something powerful about spending time on my own. By practicing my version of wellness, I can guarantee I'll be the best version of myself for my friends, family and the world.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
When using cannabis and I feel like I can be fully present in my wellness experience. I let down all worries of what others think, and I'm allowed to be my most creative and fun self. Cannabis nudges me in a direction that says it's okay to be you because you are great.
“By doing things like dancing around my room, falling into a good book, or taking my sweet time going through my skincare routine, my wellness routine has become very important.”
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
I've definitely been riding a rollercoaster of emotions since staying home consistently since March due to COVID-19. When we should be spending time with friends, we've had to stay home and spend time with ourselves instead. By doing things like dancing around my room, falling into a good book, or taking my sweet time going through my skincare routine, my wellness routine has become very important.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
Oh how I love the happy moment. This moment to me is when I can't stop smiling and feel the need to actually vocalize and tell whoever is around that I'm happy. I'm content and I'm enough despite my chronic illness! It's a moment where I am grateful for what I do have and remember what's truly important to me.
Follow Ciara’s journey on Instagram at @balanceandbolus.
Have you used Caliva products before?
Yes! I have been using Caliva products for two years now. My mom is a frequent customer to Well by Caliva and I just started using the delivery service this year.
Any additional information youʼd like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
A lot of people ask if I can use cannabis with Type 1 Diabetes. The answer is yes. Cannabis has given me a way to safely let loose after a long day of dealing with this chronic illness and I'm super grateful for that.
Check out Ciara’s Favorites
Caliva Blackjack Sativa Flower
DELI Nickels Mango Hybrid Gummy Rounds
DeJanae Evins – @greengoddessglow
DeJanae Evins is a cannabis educator, researcher and urban cultivator. She is the founder of Green Goddess Glow, an educational platform sparking culture-shifting conversations around cannabis and self-care as well as a community grow initiative. Green Goddess Glow emphasizes reclamation of the plant through intentional use, cultivating a deeper understanding of it and each other, and amplifying the stories and voices of women of color.
“Wellness for people of color has been rooted in survival for so long, and weʼre moving away from that by empowering ourselves with intention and right action to lead better, healthier lives.”
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is the art of being present. It is being authentic to who you are intrinsically. It is supporting your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual body so that youʼre operating from abundance. Wellness for people of color has been rooted in survival for so long, and weʼre moving away from that by empowering ourselves with intention and right action to lead better, healthier lives.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Drinking water is first and foremost. Second to that is deep breathing. I found that sound healing, yoga, meditation and choosing the right foods that have also been huge in keeping healthy and maintaining an overall sense of well-being.
“Cannabis is an amazing teacher, and a patient partner, as I continue to learn about myself and the many teachings of this plant. ”
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Itʼs usually a post-activity. Or during depending on what the activity is. Cannabis allows me to separate myself from my ego. It allows me to breathe and be more present in my breath. And cannabis is an amazing teacher, and a patient partner, as I continue to learn about myself and the many teachings of this plant.
Most recently, I have begun my yoga teacher training, and with that I have really been able to understand the poses and the intention of yoga at a core level. I have had the pleasure of attending many yoga classes with a brilliant instructor and friend, Minelli. But itʼs different when you are on your own and in your own flow. Cannabis has been beautiful in assisting my growth in this practice.
“One really great thing about being intentional about your wellness journey is [...] being nurtured by a strong community of people that want to see you be the best version of yourself.”
Join DeJanae in her garden of learning on Instagram at @greengoddessglow.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
Well, I discovered my yoga teacher training program through a dear friend of mine, Lauren. I can honestly say that I have some really solid and supportive, and thoughtful and inspirational friends. One really great thing about being intentional about your wellness journey is finding, nurturing and being nurtured by a strong community of people that want to see you be the best version of yourself.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
My happy usually looks like food (haha, but truely.) It sounds like a symphony of music to my ears. And it feels like waves of emotion that carry me out into a deep ocean of bliss. Iʼm not high right now by the way, just reminiscing!
Check out DeJanae’s Top Picks
DELI Twists Sour Diesel Lemon Kush Sativa Preroll
DELI Twists Alien OG Indica Preroll
Fun Uncle Sour Power Hour x Backseat Jack Preroll
Fun Uncle Shotgun OG x Banana Split Bruiser Preroll
Pixie Acia – @purposefulpixie
As a triathlete and a surfer, Pixie is no stranger to the gifts that lie in the medicine of movement within the body. She will lead you through a safe, inspiring and effective experience that will leave you feeling empowered and invigorated. Pixie is an advocate for cross-pollination within the fitness community and is a firm believer that “together we get stronger”. When Pixie is not teaching, she can be found hosting Surf Sweat Serve fitness, adventure and community service retreats.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is the ever evolving balance of being able to manage the mind, the physical body, and the emotional state. Wellness looks different on everyone and every body looks different when truly "well". I believe that rest, recovery and "bad days" are just as needed to be healthy, as the active, productive, and "good vibes only" days. One cannot exist without the other, and so it is important to dance the full spectrum of the human experience. From eating clean to enjoying a cheat day, from waking with the sun to chase adventure, to sleeping in on a lazy sunday, the balance of enjoying it all is key! Everything in moderation, including moderation.
“Surfing is my favorite medicine and seeing the ocean daily is a must.”
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
My morning routine is key. Wake, make bed, meditate, cold shower, hot matcha while journaling, THEN I check the phone and walk the dogs. Surfing is my favorite medicine and seeing the ocean daily is a must. 1 hour in the sun is a non-negotiable for me and eating a 98% vegan diet is how I fuel my body best. My evening routine has become just as important as my am routine: Work off by 8pm (whatever needs me can wait and I label that enough) phone off at 10pm in bed by 10:30pm.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
As a fitness professional who has exercise induced asthma it's very seldom that I inhale. I am a huge advocate of CBD and have recently been finding recovery and deep sleep with the help of THC + CBD edibles. Your girl is still a lightweight though so I have to cut 10mg in half!
Sweat it out with Pixie on IG at @purposefulpixie.
Tell me something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
My wellness activities are my life! I've created my own @surfsweatserve fitness, adventure, wellness retreat company that melds all the things I love into one! I am an instructor of many things, from my own online #DoItForTheDopamine rhythm based HIIT class, to my #YogaWithPixie, to being a teacher of The Class, and a Master instructor at SoulCycle, I have created a life around my wellness activities!
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
I am type A, and an 8 enneagram (the challenger) so I think I find the most relief when I am able to fully relax and let not only my mind, but my body relax and be at full rest.
Any additional information you’d like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
If cannabis is legal then I think everyone incarcerated for it should be set free.
Pixie’s Favorite Picks
Daniel Rice – @danielricefitness
Daniel is a fitness and wellness coach with over 10 years of experience competing in body-building and powerlifting competitions. From his own personal experience in the fitness world, finding a balance that truly works with your lifestyle is the ultimate long term goal.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me means finding a balance that becomes a long term solution for living a life optimally, stress-free and pain-free.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Submerging in nature, swimming, rollerblading, yoga, lifting weights.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Cannabis enhances my well-being all around. Depending on which product I use it can help me stay focused or relaxed. It can help regulate my moods and energy. It can help me with relief and sensitivity.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
My favorite wellness activities are rollerblading and biking. I find each of these activities great on and for the body. It’s a great activity that is done outdoors. It’s a great way to see the world on an intimate level while getting a great cardiovascular workout. It also enhances my performance in the gym.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
My happy moment brings me back to my child-like self. Where as a child we lived in bliss and forgivable moments. A world full of happy children is a world full of kindness.
Have you used Caliva products before?
Yes, I love the topical ointments.
Any additional information youʼd like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
I think if you don't have a relationship with cannabis you should give it a try. Be open to new experience and see if it works for you. Always start with half the recommended serving is and go from there!
Daniel’s Favorite Products
Jessa Houser – @jessanashville
Jessa is a creative and free spirit – some like to call her a jack-of-all-trades. She is a semi-pro golfer, singer/songwriter, interior designer, chef, and realtor. But her favorite job of all is being a mom to her little boy West, aka Wild West. Jessa also have 2 bulldog kids, Dallas and Arnie. A lover of life with an addiction to wanderlust, Jessa is originally from Houston, Texas, lived in Nashville for 13 years, and now reside in sunny Southern California.
“Golf for me is an escape. A little vacation where it’s just myself and nature and I can fully disconnect and focus...”
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
The world is super crazy and can be extremely stressful at times. Golf for me is an escape. A little vacation where it’s just myself and nature and I can fully disconnect and focus on being outside in such a beautiful place. Disconnect from stress, connect to nature and playing a challenging sport. Such a perfect combo!
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
Closing my eyes. Feeling my breath. Taking in all the beauty around me and feeling so grateful for being alive.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me means being in a healthy place body, mind, and spirit. Have the 3 in sync is key to feeling good inside and out.
“I love whipping out a pre roll mid-round. It takes me out of my head and lets me let loose a little bit more...”
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Golfing for me brings me so much life. It’s an activity that not only challenges my mind but also my physical body.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
I love whipping out a pre roll mid-round. It takes me out of my head and lets me let loose a little bit more and enjoy the gorgeous landscape and nature that surrounds me while I play. There’s really nothing better.
Hit the links with Jessa on Instagram at @jessanashville.
Casey "iCON" Billingsley – @icontips
A self-described southern boy with big city dreams, Casey is a creative force from Alabama now living in LA. A creative director and wardrobe architect, Casey draws inspiration from legends such as Dr. Dre and Andre Leon Talley. He combines his love for music, art and fashion, along with his fun loving and easy going personality which shines through in his work. In his downtime Casey enjoys travelling, being on the water and playing basketball.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me means peace of mind.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Jogging, music and creating.
“[Cannabis] opens up the mind and allows you to go further in it than you’d imagine.”
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
It’s always been a thing if mine to care about appearance and how creative one could be with theirs. It’s all about expression.
Get your drip on with Casey on IG at @icontips.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Usually during if I’m in a relaxed state. It opens up the mind and allows you to go further in it than you’d imagine.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
When everyone around me is smiling and happy.
Casey’s Top Picks
DELI Nickels Mango Hybrid Gummy Rounds
DELI Nickels Passionfruit Hybrid Gummy Rounds
Christopher Medina – @chris2activ
Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Christopher is an adrenaline junkie who loves extreme sports. He is an ambassador for multiple cycling companies and clothing brands, as well as a painter for the Union. He loves inspiring others to get out and ride bikes, and uses his platform to spread positivity and good vibes to the world.
“When I practice my tricks, I mess up here and there. Once I smoke a blunt I realize things and ways how I can land it.”
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is everything, be one with you mind and body and treat it very well.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
I ride my bike a lot so when I get to the top of the mountain I like to reward myself with a joint or two.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
When I practice my tricks, I mess up here and there. Once I smoke a blunt I realize things and ways how I can land it. Then later sure enough I land it, it helps me be open minded.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
A long time ago I rode my bike to the top of the mountain, and realized I didn't have a lighter to spark up my blunt. I saw some people hiking up and asked if they had a lighter. They did and lend it to me and we all smoked. They were very happy because they forgot their weed in the car. So it all worked out and we still hang out to this day!
Ride with Chris on Instagram at @chris2activ.
Have you used Caliva products before?
Now I have! I am very impressed with how fast they deliver and how good the products are.
Any additional information you’d like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
I love inspiring people to do better and never settle, stay away from hard drugs and and any negativity you encounter. We gotta spread the love and advice.
Check out Chris’s Top Picks
Timothy Bluitt – @timothyb_art
Timothy B is a groundbreaking multimedia artist who is recognized internationally for pushing boundaries with vibrant murals and afro-indigenous illustrations. Heʼs shaping the future of Oakland with work inspired by his afro-futuristic perception of reality along with his African ancestral background. His work creates an immersive experience empowering communities of color to embrace messages of peace and positivity that inspire change. The motivational words that guide him are that “anything is possible when love, faith, focus, and urgency is the foundation”.
What does wellness mean to you?
The meaning of wellness is to be in a state of good health.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Wellness for me looks like maintaining healthy bonds with friends, painting and drawing daily, exercise, nature walks, cannabis, great hygiene, good music, and positive vibes.
“I love how my thoughts becomes more vivid and more colorful [with cannabis].”
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
Before I were tattooing, I discovered my passion for the arts through drawing $25 tattoo designs for friends and family. During the time I was working as pool monitor, but not long after my recent discovery, I quit my job to become a tattoo artist full time. From there, I discovered my love for muraling and have been painting murals ever since.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Cannabis inspires me to focus and to stay off my phone! I love how my thoughts becomes more vivid and more colorful. Sometimes, I find myself over thinking but most times thatʼs exactly what I need to accomplish the task at hand.
Follow Timothy B on Instagram at @timothyb_art.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
That moment looks like me giggling with friends in nature, walking barefoot in the grass and smelling the fragrance of the trees while feeling like thereʼs no past or future, only the present moment.
Any additional information youʼd like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
Cannabis is one of my best friends. I look forward to trying new strains and jotting down my experience.
Timothy’s Creative Musts
DELI Fresh Tangie Sativa-Hybrid Flower
DELI Twists Sour Diesel Lemon Kush Preroll
Molly Green – @mollyg_fit
Molly is an athlete, performer and fitness trainer living in Venice Beach, California. She loves to create content using her acrobatic skills and background in photography to create dynamic images. Molly lives an active lifestyle and uses cannabis daily to help calm her mind after a hard training session and CBD to relax her muscles.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness means health and happiness. When your physical, mental, and emotional health are in balance you can achieve true wellness. Some of my favorite ways to balance my physical health are by playing.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
I live a very active lifestyle! Some of my favorite activities that bring wellness into my life are fitness, handstands and acro, skateboard rides, and long walks on the beach with my dog.
“I use cannabis at night to rest, digest, and chill after a long day of working hard and playing hard.”
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
My favorite way to use cannabis is for recovery. As an athlete I am always on the go. I use cannabis at night to rest, digest, and chill after a long day of working hard and playing hard.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
If you follow me on Instagram you know I love to practice handstands! One of my best tips for achieving your handstand is to practice for 5 minutes every single day.
Learn how to handstand with Molly G at @mollyg_fit.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
My happy moment looks like achieving a new skill or accomplishing a new goal. I live for progress and growth. Every single day I strive to improve the person that I was yesterday.
Any additional information you’d like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
As an avid cannabis user I greatly benefit from the stress relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits the plant has to offer.
Check out Molly G’s Faves
Caliva Z Cube Indica-Hybrid Flower
Caliva Reef Leaf Pre-ground Sativa Flower
