Tonight, Saturday, August 10 from 6-9pm, you can try a "mocktail."

What is a mocktail?

Blossom Bar is coming to the salon to provide drinks -- water, non-alcoholic, alcoholic and "infused" mocktails. You can ask for a bit of CBD or THC or both added to your drink (each one costs a little bit). You decide what to add and tell the bartender. They provide hemp-derived, non-alcoholic cocktails infused with adaptogens and nootropics, catering to a health-conscious audience seeking an elevated social experience.

Dr. Bridget Williams of Green Harvest Health, who has spoken at a Free Press salon in the past, runs Blossom Bar and will be speaking about mocktails to tell us more about them.

The August Free Press Second Saturday Salon is tonight from 6-9pm at the Columbus Botanical Depot's event spacee at Pacemont and High Street in Clintonville. The actual address, 14 W. Pacemont is a dispensary which will be open tonight until 8pm.

There is on-street parking and you can also use the Sherwin Williams parking lot that is catty-corner across High Street from the event space.

We will have middle eastern food catered by Lavash - mujadara (lentils, rice, onions), chicken shwarma, rice, falafel and hummus. There will be a bit more food and desserts.

Our speakers are Dr. Williams, Mary Jane Borden talking about her book "Courage in Cannabis" and Lynn Stan on Simply Living.

Courage in Cannabis is a compilation of stories written by doctors, lawyers, patients, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and activists including Mary Jane Borde, Dr. Williams and Joe Brennan, owner of the Columbus Botanical Depot. Each story is unique and written with the hope of inspiring others. In these times, anyone that chooses cannabis or enters the industry has a story of courage. This is truly simply because a very short time ago, cannabis was illegal everywhere in North America.

Simply Living's mission: 

when money stays local it creates jobs, and keeps money local – so seek local options instead of chains & big box stores. 

when one recycles, reduces (best practice), repairs and reuses its own items and is also open to buying new and underused items previously owned by others. 

when we Reduce the energy used by seeking transportation options like bus, bike, car share, EV vehicles and rideshare. At home: turn out lights, unplug tech when not in use, minimize HVAC use and look into energy efficiency and alternatives like solar. 

when we Eat healthier and grow a local food system that support local farmers and community gardens. 

when we are all responsible citizens of this earth and country by voting regularly, learning about social and environmental justice issues, and be mindful and practice compassion. 

This Free Press Salon is co-sponsored by Simply Living, the Columbus Botanical Depot.