Cannabis has quickly become one of the most sought-after skincare and body care ingredients on the market. From face oil to body lotion, bath bombs to eye cream, the potency of cannabinoids is changing personal care products. The team at Deep Roots Harvest, in partnership with Escape Artists, produces therapy-grade cannabis topicals and has shared everything you need to know about these botanical-rich options.

What are cannabis topicals

Cannabis topicals are external applications that are applied to the skin—bath oils, lotions, balms, salves, ointments, creams, patches—and infused with cannabis. Depending on how they’re formulated and applied, cannabis topicals can contain other cannabinoids and plant-based ingredients that may help facilitate outcomes, such as soothing skin irritation, promoting relaxation and providing localized pain relief.

How do they work?

As explained by the Deep Roots Harvest and the Escape Artists team, it’s important to understand how cannabis functions within the body. The endocannabinoid system includes chemical receptors in the brain, central nervous system and throughout the body’s organs that help regulate various systems. This can influence everything from mood, immune system function, inflammation, appetite and more. When cannabis-infused products are absorbed through the skin and by receptors, they may provide localized relief for inflammation and muscle soreness. 

Because cannabis topicals address a localized area, they are not likely to produce a psychoactive effect—fewer cannabinoids can reach the bloodstream and travel to the brain. This means that people can enjoy the therapeutic effects of cannabis without experiencing intoxication.

Everyone processes cannabis differently, but Escape Artists’ topicals are formulated with penetration enhancers for higher bioavailability and absorption of cannabis compounds. This includes water-based options that absorb more quickly and effectively into the skin than oil-based products.

Dosing cannabis topically

As with any cannabis product, the dosage dictates how pronounced the effect will be. The Deep Roots Harvest and Escape Artists team recommends approaching topical dosage as you would any other type of cannabis: low and slow. Use a smaller amount of cannabis topical than you would when applying noninfused lotions or balms. See how you feel and then increase the dosage as needed. For beginners, look for high CBD-ratio products. Escape Artists offers an 800mg CBD:40mg THC option, which is a 20:1 CBD/THC ratio and is recommended for individuals who are new to topical use. For high-potency, targeted relief, look for higher-dose THC and CBD products like the 800mg:800mg 1:1 product.

Who should use cannabis topically

CBD and hemp-based topicals are available in every state. Topicals that contain THC are under state regulation and available to anyone in Nevada 21 and older. Many athletes and active individuals use cannabis topicals for recovery, as the active ingredient may benefit tense and sore muscles, tendons and ligaments. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of cannabis also make it ideal for several skin conditions, including acne, dryness, itchiness and more.

Deep Roots Harvest 395 Industrial Way, West Wendover, Nevada | 775-418-5560 

The Kayenta Center for the Arts Brings World-Class Performances to Southern Utah

It’s a whole new era at The Center for the Arts at Kayenta. Led by Executive Director Miranda Wright, the performing arts center is ready to reach new heights and provide an arts experience unlike anything Southern Utah has ever seen.

With a brand new slate of nationally-renowned performances on the schedule, as well as the Kayenta New Play Lab set to begin its inaugural year in August, Kayenta is a must-see attraction for Salt Lakers who make a summer getaway in Greater Zion.

“We’re trying to bring some spice and new experiences down here,” says Wright, who assumed her role in 2022.

The pieces are all there for a memorable night, whenever you find yourself at Kayenta. The Center recently received an extremely competitive grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, a first for a St. George-based arts organization.

The validation and funding from the NEA will be seen and felt in big ways. Not only will the New Play Lab bring together six of the most promising playwrights in the country, but audiences will also be entertained by a dynamic staged reading to conclude and celebrate the program.

“Supporting the creation and development of new work is a vital piece of our vision at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta. Our New Play Lab aims to support artists—both locally and nationally – as they tell the stories of the past, present, and future, for the benefit of us all,  as we continue to learn and grow into the ever-changing world around us.”

A St. George native, Wright honed her artistic directing chops throughout an impressive career with stops in the country’s greatest artistic hotspots, Los Angeles and New York City. Now, her vision is to place and incubate those same boundary-breaking performers in her hometown.

An example of a ‘big-city’ performance set to take the stage at Kayenta’s intimate setting is Crossing Open Ground, scheduled for early November. A large-scale outdoor music composition by John Luther Adams featuring 40 musicians, Crossing Open Ground features Grammy Award-winning conductor Christopher Rountree and is co-produced by Kate Nordstrum and Liquid Music.

Crossing Open Ground performed at the iconic Lincoln Center in New York City in April. You’ll be treated to the same music first performed in the concrete jungle of the Big Apple in the shadow of St. George’s majestic red rocks this fall.

“Our upcoming program promised to bring world-class artists and performances to Southern Utah that will shift perspectives, provide adventurous experiences, and elevate the artistry of the region,” Wright says. “I have been so thrilled to introduce my creative network to the red cliffs of Kayenta, and to introduce this local community to fantastic art.” 

881 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins | 435-674-2787 | kayentaarts.com

Outdoor living made Easy and Luxurious at Madison McCord Interiors

You might call Madison McCord Interiors “heaven on Earth” for those in the market for high-quality outdoor furniture. As the weather turns, the massive showroom on Highland Drive pivots a large section of its store to outdoor living.

And just like with the enormous interior design selection at Madison McCord, the possibilities are endless for how you choose to fill your backyard or patio space at the store.

“We sell right off the floor, which is nice so our customers can have that immediate satisfaction,” says the store’s owner, Marsha Holfeltz. “Or we do special orders for custom upholstery that run just three to four weeks.”

That kind of speed at that kind of quality is an “anomaly” in the furniture business, Holfeltz boasts. Call it impeccable customer service.

But while Madison McCord’s prized offerings do come from high-end designers like Rene Cazares, Eicholtz, Interlude Home and Omnia Leather, there’s something for every budget at the store. According to Holfeltz, we also have a scratch and dent section of the showroom which is especially popular with folks who own or operate investment properties.

“People that have vacation rentals know that a piece of furniture is probably going to be ruined in the first week,” Holfeltz says. “They love that area because they can do well by furnishing the whole vacation rental for minimal cost.”

You can have it however you like at Madison McCord. If somehow, you can’t find what you want in the showroom, which also features the largest selection of pillows in all of Salt Lake County, you’ll be able to put together the arrangement of your dreams thanks to Holfeltz and her team. 

“Even if you can’t find what you want on our floor, we have a custom build side,” she says. “We have over 2,000 fabrics and leathers to choose from and our designers are top-notch.”

Chances are, you’ll end up with such a gorgeous outdoor living space, that you may never want to go inside.

3960 S. Highland Dr., SLC | 801-277-5555 | madisonmccord.com

Porsche Audi Lehi Offers EVs That Stay True to Their DNA

Simon Millican remembers the first time he showed off one of Audi’s EV offerings, which the maker calls an “e-tron®,” to a friend of his.

He was surprised by how similar the Audi e-tron was to every other car the luxury automobile brand puts out.

“‘Oh, so basically this is a normal Audi, it’s just electric,’” Simon, who works as the Service Manager at Ken Garff Audi Lehi, recalls his good friend saying. “And I laughed and was like ‘Yeah, that’s the point.’”

Folks who know and love the Audi and Porsche brands well know what they like. Many other makers who dip into producing EVs often make it a point to differentiate their electric vehicle models from the rest. Audi and Porsche don’t, Simon explains. Those two in particular stay true to their DNA.

“They don’t try to reinvent the entire vehicle, just the way it propels itself,” Simon says.

While electric vehicles are still somewhat new to the marketplace, Simon notes that the technology improves by leaps and bounds each year. That, along with the growing supply of charging locations across the Salt Lake Valley, puts more and more EVs on Utah roads by the day.

“I think it is easier and more friendly now to own an EV than at any other point in the past,” Simon says. “I think it’ll only continue on that trend.”

What sets Audi and Porsche electric vehicles apart from the other OEMs isn’t just their commitment to continuity with its traditional gas and diesel-fueled cars, but also to creating the most consistent performance possible. A climate like Utah’s can be hard on an electric vehicle’s battery but Simon explains that both makers do a great job with the thermal management of the batteries.

“To avoid the worst effects of the temperatures, I think they’re a much better option for Utah than whatever else is out there,” Simon says of Audi and Porsche’s EVs.

If you’re curious about the EV experience—maybe you’re asking yourself ‘Does an Audi e-tron or Porsche EV feel the same as all the other models?’—there’s no better place to find out more than either Ken Garff Audi Lehi or Porsche Lehi. For years, Ken Garff Audi Lehi has been rated as the top Audi dealer in the state by earning the Magna Society Award, Simon boasts. Porsche Lehi has earned similar credentials through the Premier Dealer distinction. Both dealerships have gained those honors through their customer service by carefully and kindly navigating clients through all their questions.

“We do a great job at personalizing the experience,” Simon says. “I empower all the service advisors to always do the right thing for the customer. Even with all these new EVs and some of the newer, complex issues they have, we take care of people and keep them at ease while we have their car.”

3425 N. Digital Dr., Lehi | 801-852-5400 | porschelehi.com
3455 N. Digital Dr., Lehi | 801-438-8495 | audilehi.com

Relax The Back Has Your Back When It Comes to ‘24-hour Support’

Locally owned and a Salt Lake City Community member for over 25 years, Relax The Back’s Holladay location is driven by the desire to keep you feeling your best.

An epicenter of ergonomic tools, Relax The Back is full of products designed to keep your spine comfortable and healthy.

“We’re really a unique concept when it comes to a retail store, especially in the wellness space,” says store owner Matt Dyson. “We’re not necessarily a mattress store, we’re not necessarily an office chair or furniture store. Over the years, we’ve evolved to a more total body wellness approach.”

Dyson describes this approach as “24-hour support.” Relax The Back doesn’t just want to provide devices for part of the day—like say when you’re sleeping or working at a desk, the store’s offerings are out to be there for you and your back all day long. 

What’s available at the store backs that up. Relax The Back has everything a healthy body could need. From zero gravity recliners with massagers and heat to ergonomic standing desks to all the latest and greatest in mattress technology, Relax The Back has a solution for any setting a back could be in.

The key to a healthy back, Dyson explains, is to keep in a neutral position as much as possible while focusing on the Three S’s: stretching, strengthening and stabilizing the spine. Dyson continues to say that his team is passionate about serving its customers. They’re not out to make a quick buck on a novelty item and the wellness consultants are not commissioned salespeople.

“Our job is to connect with customers on a more personal level to find what’s going to work for them and find them the best possible solution,” Dyson says.

The medical professionals in the area know and trust Relax The Back well. According to Dyson, a good share of his clientele is often referred to the store by doctors and physical therapists. Whether it is for a high school athlete, an older person with a debilitating condition, or somebody in search of preventative measures, they all receive personalized service at Relax The Back which you won’t get online.

“The unfortunate truth is that back pain does not discriminate,” Dyson says. “We see customers of all types that are struggling with pain. We’re not medical professionals and we don’t pretend to be but we go through extensive training so we can genuinely help the customers find what’s going to work best.”

4844 S. Highland Dr., Holladay | 801-278-4567 | relaxtheback.com