Potcast 89: Find Your Peak
Enjoy this candid conversation recorded during the Cultivation Classic at Revolution Hall in Portland, OR, with the co-founders of Peak Extracts. We chat about edibles, topicals, cannabis extraction, Crohn’s disease, taking control of your health, Portland culture, and being women starting a business.
‘After the Show’ Notes
L to R: Katie Stem and Kate Black, co-founders of Peak Extracts.
Explore Peak Extracts and where to buy Peak’s products in Oregon.
Connect on social: @peakextracts
Kate Black and Katie Stem are partners in life and business. They launched Peak Extracts in 2014 which has matured into one of Oregon’s most respected cannabis brands.
When Kate and Katie brought Peak to market under Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Program, Katie Stem had been a medical marijuana patient for nearly ten years. She steadily crafted single-strain chocolates in her home kitchen to control symptoms of her Crohn’s disease. Katie drew from her pre-med educational track and degree in traditional Chinese medicine, herbalism, and acupuncture while perfecting the recipes.
She discovered specific strains of cannabis were producing incredible benefits while other strains fell flat or created unwanted side effects. After years of hard work, combined with Kate Black’s experience in design, chocolate making and culinary management, Peak’s line of vegan, gluten-free single-strain ˌko͞ovərˈCHo͝oər chocolates was born.
Kate and Katie transitioned Peak Extracts to the Oregon adult-use market in 2016 receiving the first edibles processing license in the state. Today, Peak holds a position as the #2 cannabis chocolate manufacturer in Oregon. They stand out for producing Single Strain chocolates that offer versatile experiences. Kate and Katie also do their own extraction based on a process they’ve honed over many years. They personally choose the best cannabis and strive to retain as many terpenes, flavonoids and nuances of the original flower as possible.
Katie got her growing inspiration and beginner know-how from reading books by cannabis OG, Ed Rosenthal.
CANNABIS & CROHN’S DISEASE
Crohn’s disease may affect as many as 780,000 Americans. Men and Women are equally likely to be affected, and while the disease can occur at any age, Crohn's is more prevalent among adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 35.
The causes of Crohn’s disease are not well understood. Diet and stress may aggravate Crohn’s Disease, but they do not cause the disease on their own. Recent research suggests hereditary, genetics, and/or environmental factors contribute to the development of Crohn’s Disease.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract. While symptoms vary from patient to patient and some may be more common than others, the tell-tale symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
Symptoms related to inflammation of the GI tract: Persistent Diarrhea | Rectal bleeding | Urgent need to move bowels | Abdominal cramps and pain | Sensation of incomplete evacuation | Constipation (can lead to bowel obstruction)
General symptoms that may also be associated with IBD: Fever | Loss of appetite | Weight Loss | Fatigue | Night sweats | Loss of normal menstrual cycle
Even if you think you are showing signs of Crohn’s disease symptoms, only proper testing performed by your doctor can render a diagnosis.
Explore cannabis research from the CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATION HERE!
CASUALLY BAKED AT THE CULTIVATION CLASSIC
