Ask Sarah Diesel
Dear Sarah,
The patient consultant (bud-tender) at my local collective told me about something called a vaporizer that is supposed to be healthier than smoking. I’ve heard about these, but I don’t know what they are or how they work. Can you clear the haze?
–Healthy and Hazy
Dear Healthy and Hazy,
Cannabis has wonderful therapeutic value, but smoking it may create respiratory problems for some people. Vaporizers are a good alternative. Vaporizers work by heating the cannabis to a temperature between 365 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit. This is just below the point of combustion where smoke and toxins are generated. Through this method, THC and other active cannabinoids are released with little or none of the toxic gases and carcinogenic tars found in smoke. Many medical-cannabis patients with respiratory problems find relief inhaling through vaporizers. Also, regular users of joints, pipes and water pipes might decrease respiratory symptoms by switching to a vaporizer. I highly recommend you implement vaporizing into your daily medicating regiment. Your lungs will thank you.
Dear Sarah,
I read that you are vegan and eco-friendly. I have two questions for you: First, what are some of your favorite vegan places in L.A.? Second, do you know any nail salons to get a manicure and pedicure without all the harsh chemicals?
–Natural Girl
Dear Natural Girl,
First, being vegan in L.A. is much easier than you think. Plus, the great thing about being vegan is the chicken is always boneless! (Just a little vegan humor) There are many wonderful vegan places in L.A. that are among my favorites. Some of them include M Cafe de Chaya, Real Food Daily (RFD), Fiore, Native Foods, Vegan Glory and Cruzer Pizza and Pasta. Yes, pizza and pasta. They even have vegan pepperoni and sausage! Check out this really cool website called www.happycow.net for more vegan places.
Second, I know of a few organic, chemical-free nail salons, but my favorite is Recess on Beverly Boulevard and Orlando Street. The staff is really friendly and the atmosphere is very chic and relaxing. Plus, it’s across the street from Vegan Glory, which is an awesome combo for a beautiful sunny afternoon in L.A.
Dear Sarah Diesel,
I’m taking this really cool girl out for this first time. It’s been a while since I’ve even gone on a date. Things may have changed since I was on the dating game. What do girls like and not like these days?
–Distressed Dater
Dear Distressed Dater,
Dating isn’t like it was in the ‘50s, a time when the men were chivalrous and the women were ladies. But all in all, dating hasn’t changed too much. Here is a list of some dating dos and don’ts:
Do. . .
1. Arrive on time, looking sharp and ready. Teeth brushed, hair combed. Forget about that “messy look that takes 3 hours and $60 to make it look like you didn’t do your hair.” Girls don’t even take that long!
2. Wear nice clothes, appropriate for where you are going. This is a sign of respect to your date. The real question is, “Birkenstocks or Oxfords?”
3. Be polite and act appropriately for the setting you are in. You do not need to be the center of attention. Focus on your date.
4. Compliment her for real, not just because you think you have to. Girls know when you’re faking it.
5. Open the doors for her. Hold out your hand if you have a really big truck and she has a skirt and heels, etc. Little things go a long way.
6. Pull out the chair for her.
7. Wait to start eating once she takes her first bite (this is such a 1950s thing, but very respectful).
8. Walk your date to their front door or wherever you are dropping them off. This way you know that your date is safe. Plus, this is usually where the kiss goodnight happens.
9. Be yourself, be yourself, be yourself. Did I mention “Be yourself”?
Don’t . . .
1. …show up too medicated or stone-cold sober. Medicating may help ease your nerves, but don’t overdo it.
2. …discuss previous relationships. Keep them tucked away for another time.
3. …swear or use vulgar language in the conversation.
4. …try to make any uninvited physical advances.
5. …turn your date into a therapy session.
Albert Einstein once said, “Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That’s relativity.”
Spring Showers and May Flowers,
Sarah Diesel
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 [email protected].
