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What a year for hemp in this country. From state after state banning hemp-derived THC to a federal hemp ban quietly inserted into the government’s 2025 appropriations funding bill, this plant and its people have faced an uphill battle. It’s easy to feel exhausted—but I urge every reader to remember: the fight for wellness has been going on for generations, and we are still here. Still standing. Still fighting.  A Long Road of Activism Cannabis activism has always been an uphill, slow-paced battle. Reformers have worked for over fifty years to ensure that Americans have safe, legal access to the medicine they need. This was never supposed to be easy—and 2025 has proven that again. The players may change, but the resistance remains. Despite that, progress has been undeniable. Over the past few decades, we’ve watched states boldly end prohibition, defying outdated federal policies. We saw the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD—opening the door to a new era of natural wellness. That victory didn’t happen overnight. It came from decades of tireless advocacy and education.  My Story: Healing Through Cannabis I started using cannabis flower long before the 2018 Farm Bill—not for recreation, but for relief. I live with endometriosis, a chronic pain condition that can make daily life unbearable, as well as gastroparesis, which affects my ability to digest food, and autism, which I manage by regulating sensory overload and anxiety. Traditional medicine offered only partial relief. Cannabis, however, helped me reclaim my body and my peace.  When hemp-derived CBD oil became widely available after the 2018 Farm Bill, I added it to my daily THC-A flower regimen. The balance of cannabinoids gave me my life back. For the first time in years, I could function, work, and live without constant pain and distress. Cannabis also became instrumental in healing my PTSD and helping me process daily triggers. It’s not an exaggeration to say this plant saved me. That’s why I take this fight personally. I—and millions like me—am living proof that these products are wellness tools, not threats.  The Real Agenda Behind the Ban Let’s be clear: this has nothing to do with public safety. It has everything to do with corporate lobbying. Hidden deep in the recent federal appropriations bill—meant to fund and reopen the government—is a provision that would effectively ban hemp-derived THC nationwide. (Source: Marijuana Moment) This move didn’t come from doctors or scientists. It came from big alcohol and pharmaceutical lobbyists who have watched Americans turn toward safer, plant-based wellness. Rather than adapt to consumer demand, they’ve chosen to pressure Congress to legislate their competition out of existence. It’s a corporate bailout disguised as public policy. The result? Millions of Americans would lose access to safe, tested, and legal hemp products they depend on—and thousands of small businesses could be forced to close overnight. According to MJBizDaily, the hemp-derived cannabinoid market represents a $28 billion industry—most of which would be wiped out by this amendment.  History Repeats Itself I’ve been doing cannabis activism for twenty years, and I can tell you—the arguments being made now are the same ones we heard for over 50 years. Then, as now, prohibitionists hid behind the language of “public safety,” claiming cannabis was too dangerous, too untested, too unregulated. We proved them wrong then, and we will prove them wrong again. Repeating falsehoods doesn’t make them true. Calling a plant “dangerous” doesn’t erase decades of real-world wellness stories or the science that backs them.  Our Rallying Moment So many Americans—veterans, patients, parents, caretakers, and everyday people—rely on hemp and cannabis products to live their lives. This isn’t just about business or politics. It’s about health. It’s about autonomy. It’s about the right to choose what wellness looks like for each of us. The Farm Bill, which regulates hemp, was already extended until December 31, 2025. (USDA Source) There was no reason to sneak this language into a temporary government funding bill. That kind of legislative manipulation is unacceptable—and we have every right to say so. Call to Action This is our rallying moment. Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives and tell them you are not happy that hemp-banning language was snuck into a bill meant to fund the government. The future of accessible, safe, hemp-derived wellness is at stake—and your voice matters.  You can send your message directly through advocacy portals such as the Texas Hemp Business Council’s Federal Action Center.
Tell Congress that you oppose Section 759, that you support American hemp businesses, and that wellness should never be sacrificed for corporate greed. We’ve come too far to back down now. The world is watching—and this time, we’re not just fighting to survive. We’re fighting to be heard. -Skye Weatheread Director of Marketing and Compliance ZAR Wellness
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 We at ZAR Wellness are profoundly grateful for the community of service members who not only built our nation but now lead our company; ZAR Wellness: Where People Come First. "Veterans Serving Veterans," is powered by the integrity, sacrifice, and firsthand understanding of those who have worn the uniform.  We know what it means to win the fight for wellness access. Just months ago, Texas veterans and small businesses mounted a fierce campaign to defeat the hemp ban championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who backed the measure relying on misinformation and despite widespread protests from veterans. We cheered when Governor Greg Abbott sided with veterans and Texas farmers by vetoing that destructive bill (SB 3), securing the continued legal access to CannaTherapy that has proved life-saving for so many. However, our gratitude must be tempered by a fierce urgency. As we celebrate the leaders who offer vital CannaTherapy solutions, the very products that bring them and countless others relief are under severe threat from legislation currently advancing in the U.S. Senate. The time to act and defend the right to access these life-changing options is right now.  Asad Shalami: US Army - Specialist 68 W, Combat Medic Founder, CEO ZAR Wellness Asad Shalami is one of the founders and driving forces behind ZAR Wellness, a veteran-owned Texas brand dedicated to helping people live better through the power of compassionate CannaTherapy. A proud U.S. veteran, Asad brings the same integrity, discipline, and commitment to service that defined his military career into his mission to make wellness accessible for all—especially those who’ve sacrificed for their country. After serving his nation, Asad saw firsthand the challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life—chronic pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, and trauma that traditional medicine often fails to address. Determined to find a better way to combat his insomnia, he began exploring natural, hemp-based solutions that could support both mind and body. What began as a personal search for healing soon became something greater—a vision to create a trusted space where education, empathy, and quality care come together. That vision became ZAR Wellness. Under Asad’s leadership, ZAR has grown from a single idea into one of Texas’s most respected hemp retailers and wellness advocates, known for its unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and community impact. Through ZAR’s Mission 22 initiative—offering veterans 22% off every day—Asad continues to honor the fallen, uplift the living, and build a support system for those navigating post-service life. Alongside Asad he wife, Razia Shalami, has played an essential role in bringing that vision to life. While not a veteran herself, Razia’s personal health journey with rheumatoid arthritis was a defining influence in the creation of ZAR Wellness. Her firsthand experience living with chronic pain and seeking natural relief helped shape the brand’s core mission: to empower people to take control of their wellness through education and access to trusted products. Her insight continues to guide ZAR’s client-centered approach, ensuring that every product and conversation is rooted in compassion and understanding. Together, Asad and Razia built ZAR Wellness not just as a business, but as a movement—one that challenges stigma, prioritizes community, and redefines what true wellness can look like. For Asad, it’s about giving back to his fellow veterans and ensuring that no one feels alone in their healing journey. For Razia, it’s about showing that strength comes in many forms, and that healing begins when people are given the tools and support they deserve. Asad’s vision continues to expand across Texas and beyond, carrying a simple but powerful belief: Wellness is not a luxury—it’s a right. Through his leadership, advocacy, and unyielding dedication to both veterans and everyday individuals, Asad Shalami is redefining what it means to serve—this time, through healing. As Asad founded ZAR with an unwavering sense of duty, the this generation of veteran leadership is carrying that mission forward, ensuring every service member finds the holistic relief they need.  John Price: Marine Lance Corporal SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) Gunner Store Manager, ZAR Clearlake John Price proudly served in the United States Marines from 2002 to 2006. During his four years of service, he learned that knowledge is continuous—and that life’s unexpected moments often teach the most valuable lessons. Those experiences shaped his outlook on perseverance, humility, and growth, instilling the belief that every obstacle can be overcome with the right mindset. For John, being a veteran means carrying the lessons of service throughout life. “It’s something that follows us,” he says, “and it forms who we are today.” His journey eventually led him to ZAR Wellness, where he found a community that truly honors and supports veterans. “Most places don’t appreciate veterans like ZAR does,” he shares. “Here, I feel seen and valued.” Through CannaTherapy, John has found a renewed sense of peace and balance. “It makes me whole again,” he explains. “My past trauma once made me feel disconnected from the world—but with these products, I feel human again.” His go-to ZAR favorites include the Anytime Tincture, Wellness Gummies, and the Bud Bar, each playing a role in his daily wellness routine. John believes education and access to hemp-based products are vital for veterans’ healing journeys. “Without it, we’re trapped in a dark place with nowhere to go,” he says. “But with knowledge and support, we can find the light that guides us forward.” His life philosophy is simple but powerful: Carpe diem—seize the day. And his message to fellow veterans? “Keep at it day by day. Don’t let the speed bumps in life stop you from finding the CannaTherapy that’s right for you.”  Adam Peterson – U.S. Army, Salvage Diver Director of Logistics, ZAR Wellness Adam Peterson served four years in the U.S. Army as a Salvage Diver, stationed in Hawaii with deployments to Kuwait and Iraq. His time in the military gave him “a strong sense of duty, honor, and integrity.” The rigorous training that came with his position taught him a lesson he carries to this day: “I can do anything I want. It only takes perseverance.” For Adam, being a veteran means “helping your fellow brothers and sisters in arms and always trying to be the best version of myself.” That mindset eventually led him to ZAR Wellness. “I came to ZAR Wellness first as a customer looking for relief from pain, PTSD, and help sleeping,” he says. “I really enjoy seeing people new to CannaTherapy finding the relief they need and really making a difference in people’s lives.” Over time, CannaTherapy has reshaped how Adam approaches wellness. “It has taught me so much about the cannabis plant and the importance of the use of the entire plant,” he explains. “It has decreased my dependency on THC because I use the oils which help with the things that I use THC for, so now I can enjoy my THC use and not depend on it solely for relief.” Today, as ZAR Wellness’s Director of Logistics, Adam continues to lead with the same perseverance and integrity that defined his service—helping ensure that ZAR’s mission of healing and support reaches veterans and communities across Texas. The Combat Medics of the ZAR team continue their mission of healing, using their medical training to guide veterans and civilians alike toward natural relief.  David Munoz - U.S. Army - 68W Combat Medic Store Manager, ZAR Selma David Muñoz served in the United States Army from 2007 to 2011 as a 68W Combat Medic, stationed at BAMC Level 1 Trauma Center’s emergency room. His time in service taught him invaluable lessons about life, leadership, and purpose. “Appreciate every moment with loved ones and friends,” he says. “Too much is taken for granted.” Those years on the frontlines of care shaped not only his career path but his character—instilling in him a deep sense of resilience and fulfillment in helping others heal. For David, being a veteran is deeply personal. “It means everything to me,” he shares. “It’s a badge of honor I carry every day and a reminder of the importance of sacrifice and duty to our country and neighbors.” That commitment to service continues through his work with ZAR Wellness, where he’s found a new way to give back to his community. “The community and respect for our brothers and sisters in arms first and foremost brought me to ZAR,” he explains. “I believe in our purpose and mission to serve that same community and continue to spread awareness of the importance of alternative resources that can impact so many lives.” CannaTherapy has had a profound impact on David’s own life and wellbeing. “Since educating myself and beginning my regimen of Rise Oil, Shine Gummies, and Rest Oil, I’ve had the best sleep I’ve had in 19 years,” he says. “I’ve also been able to stop taking my propanol for anxiety, Adderall for ADD, and duloxetine for depression. It feels amazing.” His experience is living proof of what he now helps others discover every day—the power of education, access, and an open mind. David believes it’s essential for veterans to have access to plant-based wellness options and the knowledge to use them responsibly. “I’ve seen the failure of our medical system finding proper and long-term solutions to an increasingly concerning and complex problem affecting active-duty members and veterans,” he explains. “Any alternative resources available would greatly aid those in need.” When asked about his life philosophy, David lives by a simple but powerful saying: “Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.” It’s a mindset he carries into every part of his work at ZAR Selma—steady, thoughtful, and focused on results that last. His message to other veterans is one of compassion and connection: “Always keep an open mind, love your brothers and sisters in arms, and remember ZAR is always here for you.” Our dedication to service extends across the country, led by strong female veterans who understand that their service never truly ends.  A Critical Threat to Veteran Wellness: We Must Act NowThe life-changing relief shared by these heroes is once again under direct assault. While Texas veterans found success after the long-fought fight for hemp in Texas…the fight has moved to the national stage. Language was included in the bill to re-open the government after the longest shutdown in history- redefines hemp in a way that would effectively ban nearly all hemp-derived cannabinoid products that are currently providing relief. This ban would destroy the very industry that gave Asad back his life and allowed John to feel "human again." It would wipe out the legal, safe access that our veteran staff depend on to find relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD. We are profoundly grateful for the stand taken by Senator Rand Paul. The senator showed immense bravery by introducing an amendment to strip this disastrous language from the bill, loudly advocating for the rights of American farmers and, more importantly, for veterans everywhere to maintain access to their preferred healing therapies. While his amendment was ultimately rejected, his fierce defense highlighted the urgent threat to this vital industry, and veterans across America. This fight is not over. We urge every customer, veteran, and supporter to contact your representatives immediately and demand they strike the hemp ban language from the final bill. The health and quality of life for our veterans depends on it.   Have you been curious about integrating cannabis into your self-care routine—to melt away stress, boost focus, or improve sleep—but felt overwhelmed by the options? You’re not alone. Building a cannabis wellness routine is about crafting a personalized, holistic practice. It’s not about "getting high," but about intentionally using its therapeutic compounds, like CBD and, cautiously, THC, to support your unique mental, physical, and emotional health goals. Think of it as adding a powerful, natural tool to your existing self-care toolkit.  This comprehensive guide offers a clear, step-by-step roadmap for beginners to confidently incorporate cannabis into their daily rituals. I. Why Cannabis for Wellness? Unlocking Your Inner Balance The foundation of a cannabis wellness routine lies in its interaction with your body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This intricate system acts as a master regulator, maintaining internal balance (homeostasis) across vital functions like mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and stress response. Cannabinoids from the plant interact with the ECS to help optimize these functions.  For those dedicated to a holistic lifestyle, cannabis offers a compelling natural ally that aligns seamlessly with practices like mindfulness, yoga, and healthy eating, providing tailored support:
II. Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Cannabis Wellness Routine Step 1: Define Your Wellness GoalsBefore choosing any product, reflect on your primary needs. Are you seeking stress relief, better sleep, pain management, enhanced focus, or mood management?
Start simple and prioritize products that align with your goals and comfort level:  Step 3: Master Dosing Basics – Your "Sweet Spot" Discovery The single most important rule for beginners is "start low and go slow."
 Step 4: Integrate Complementary Practices Cannabis is not a standalone solution; it enhances your existing self-care rituals by working synergistically with other mindful activities:
 Picture this: Laughter fills the air, conversation hums, and a sleek vape pen passes smoothly among friends, weaving a subtle thread of camaraderie. Cannabis, at its best, sparks connection and deepens bonds. But like any social ritual, good etiquette makes these moments shine. Ready to master mindful sharing?  As cannabis becomes a staple in social settings, understanding its unspoken rules is key. This isn’t just about passing a joint—it’s about creating inclusive, respectful experiences for everyone, from curious newbies to seasoned enthusiasts. This guide covers the do’s and don’ts of sharing cannabis, from passing mechanics to respecting preferences, ensuring every gathering fosters connection and joy. Think of us as your friendly wellness host, blending practical tips with the science and social dynamics that make cannabis moments special. Let’s dive in!  Why Cannabis Etiquette Matters Research, like studies in Frontiers in Psychiatry, shows cannabis’s cannabinoids (THC, CBD) reduce social anxiety and boost mood, fostering ease and bonding. But this potential shines only with thoughtful etiquette. Without it, sharing can lead to awkwardness, undermining the vibe. Mindful etiquette aligns with holistic values, championing community, respecting boundaries, and supporting emotional well-being. It elevates cannabis from recreation to a conscious social tool, resonating with plant-based wellness lifestyles.  With legalization growing, cannabis is now common at dinner parties, game nights, and BBQs. This shift brings opportunities but also challenges; navigating diverse comfort levels and legalities requires nuance. Etiquette ensures every gathering feels harmonious, making you a considerate “social stoner.” Benefits of Good Cannabis Etiquette
 Cycles and Seasons: How Nature’s Rhythms Mirror Spiritual Growth  Ever felt a full moon stir your soul or autumn’s falling leaves spark quiet reflection? Nature’s speaking! Its cycles, moon phases, seasons, day and night, mirror spiritual growth, offering lessons in acceptance, renewal, and connection. Tuning into these rhythms fosters emotional balance and aligns you with your inner journey. As your wellness guide, we’re here with warm, reflective vibe to explore how nature’s wisdom, backed by ancient traditions and modern science, can guide a spiritual path. Let’s dive into the cycles that shape your soul!  Spiritual Significance: Cycles reflect spiritual themes of growth, release, and renewal, rooted in religious, indigenous, and secular wisdom. For example, in Christianity, the liturgical calendar guides believers through seasons like Advent and Lent, marking times of preparation, reflection, and renewal that mirror life's cyclical nature. Indigenous traditions honor seasons as a sacred circle and use moon phases for intention-setting. Even secularly, these cycles mirror our inner journeys; teaching us to grow, let go, and rest- deepening our spiritual connection. Holistic Appeal: Aligning with cycles is a non-pharmaceutical practice nurturing mind, body, and spirit. It calms through mindful observation, supports biological rhythms, and uplifts by linking you to Earth’s wisdom; holistic balance without tools, just intention.  Scientific Basis: Cycles influence biology, per NIH research on circadian rhythms regulating sleep via light exposure, and studies on seasonal affective disorder linking seasons to mood. Syncing with these; like waking at sunrise or resting in winter—boosts mental and physical health, grounding spiritual growth in science. Cultural Context: Urban life, screens, and artificial lights disconnect us from nature, leaving us ungrounded. Tuning into cycles is a powerful reconnection, reclaiming our place in the natural world and its spiritual lessons.  |
