Epsilon

12/01/2017

New Epsilon website is under construction...We will be integrating photos and stories from the Epsilon family around the globe, so feel free to share your photos and story with us if you'd like to be featured!

Message us if you're interested!

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10/14/2017

Hello Epsilon Family, just a quick note...we are still alive, just not all that well. Pain and the damage of years of nerve injury have made the hurdles in life a bit higher, but that will not stop the eventual progress.

While some of our bigger plans and research projects are on hold, we continue to dream...

Good news to come!

06/28/2017

Hi everyone, long time! I hope you're all well...I've been gone for a while from FB trying to stay well and give quality attention to my personal condition. A number of you good folks really helped me be comfortable with the idea of going away for a bit and you especially made sure I put my health first...thank you for that.

I must say though, I have not let me eyes stray from the goals and research that Epsilon started long ago. It is quite an amazing feeling to be so close to giving the community something very beneficial again...what's coming will far outweigh the impact the of the 1st Edition of the Epsilon Guide. Please do not forget about us, because we've never forgotten about all of you.

You all know that this work is time and finance consuming, so for those who can donate either/or, we thank you. www.gofundme.com/cancer-fears-us

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SNEAK PEEK OF OUR PROJECT!

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to pick an amazing strain for your specific set of therapy challenges, with only a lab report to look at? Many people believe it's possible, based solely on the potency levels of a select few neutral phyto-cannabinoids...when in fact, it's nowhere near that easy and to even come close to picking that amazing strain, you'd need to analyze dozens of chemicals or more in countless strains.

But simply knowing what's in a strain does nothing to find an ideal match for your needs...unless you think about yourself. What you need is to do: analyze your therapeutic demands by thinking outside the basic cannabinoid box...and Epsilon is creating just the system to help you all do this. Imagine if you will, having the ability to select cannabis that works FOR your system in the most efficacious manner, by simply completing an at-home test kit. Sound interesting?

Fortunately, Epsilon received equipment and material donations this past year, from both Resin Seeds and MyDx, which we have put to great use. As a result, we are closer than ever to sharing with the world the fruits of our labor from the last decade.

The Epsilon team is going to be hard at work this 2017 summer working on another important project, the results of which will be shared with the world. Just as the 1st Edition of the Epsilon Guide did, this new project will yield priceless information to anyone who wishes to access it, for free....

10/18/2016

Many of you know that I recently asked for one last donation push with Epsilon...I did so because I have to attend to my own health and needed to bulk up on supplies, etc.

But what does a donation to Epsilon really do?

I'll break down for you all, what the last 3 donations made possible:

-Work supplies. Epsilon is truly an old school apothecary realm, however, unlike the days of old we utilize newer methodology and especially modern sanitation and sterility measures. That means we are constantly in need of certain supplies.

-Materials...from organic alcohol to botanicals, EOs, and more...this is a very costly aspect of the process.

-Contrary to certain beliefs, we have to spend lots of time researching methodology and formulation specifics prior to jumping into any case. With that said, there's been lots of attention to detail in the last few weeks...this isn't a hobby, it is literally a "career by karma."

-New and continued case work, including pro-bono work...and here is where it gets interesting.

READ about a few of the cases that YOUR donations are directly helping right now ------>>

-An individual who is recovering from major heart surgery, who lives with diabetes, battles a serious case of RLS that disrupted him and his wife every night...an individual who was skeptical about using cannabis due to both stigma and a history of addiction...someone who needed help. Within a few weeks, significant reduction of symptoms was noticed and this was accomplished with a small weekly dose. Most important, his recovery was not compromised and he's able to lead a more comfortable life.

-Two individuals, both living with chronic pain, both dependant on pain meds...are now living without those pain meds for the first time in years and will only get healthier as their organs repair from years of opioid use.

-Another individual, this time in their own words...
"The treatment plan Epsilon provided for my husband's genetic disease has been the saving grace in a rather trying year. With this treatment, my husband is able to wake up without nausea/stomach pain in the mornings. He doesn't need his cane because the pain in his feet lessens dramatically. His evenings/sleep are much better and more restful. Without treatment, these symptoms return full force and his quality of life goes downhill. Nothing prescribed by his numerous doctors has provided anything close to the Epsilon treatment. We are truly thankful and grateful for everything he has been able to do for us.

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I consider it a blessing to be able to do what I do, but the reality is that without the help of so many of you who donate, my work would never have the chance to make a difference. So thank you all for proving time after time that the Epsilon Family is truly amazing...because you give, others can live a better life.

www.gofundme.com/cancer-fears-us

08/29/2016

Hello folks, I hope everyone is doing well. 2016 is nearly 3/4 through and there's loads of research that still needs to be done...that should have been done...by now. I would love to tell everyone that it's just a fluke, that I'm going to get back up and moving tomorrow, but sadly I cannot.

So it's with a heavy heart that I wish to inform you all that I'm going to be doing my last fundraising effort for the current state of affairs with Epsilon. I am fighting an illness that requires much more of my time than I care to admit and is the reason why I've lessened my role with Epsilon. The upside is, I'm only working a few pressing cases at the moment, but that is also the downside...I should be doing more. There's no shortage of need for assistance, I'm overwhelmed with requests for help, but it is not in anyone's best interest if the helping party is not physically as sound as the party being helped.

With this last fundraising effort, I hope to raise enough money to purchase new supplies for the current case load. Alcohol and sterile work supplies and more, it is all very costly.

***PLEASE note, I have no intention of giving up, nor do I plan to pass the torch. I'm simply going to get some physical "issues" growing inside my body to go away, re-center, then come back strong and determined as I ever once was.

If you have it in your heart, but not in your budget, please leave us a note below. But if you have it in both, please consider a contribution.

www.gofundme.com/cancer-fears-us

06/06/2016

Hello Epsilon Family!

Welcome back the EPSILON ABSINTHE TINCTURE!

No matter what your preconceived notions may be about absinthe, this stuff is absolutely worth your time...learn about it today! (More info in the comments)

Take a moment to read NOW!

06/03/2016

This summer (2016) marks the tenth anniversary of Epsilon Research (formerly Epsilon Apothecaries) and in celebration, we will be launching a new website and offering services so unique, they are literally one of a kind. With YOUR help over the years, Epsilon has been able to tackle real problems with real solutions.**

With your help, we will push forward! OUR NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHES THIS JULY!!! You can help us strive towards being better at what we do, by donating: www.gofundme.com/cancer-fears-us

** For several decades, the cannabis industry pushed in very different directions when it came to how best to treat age-related conditions, cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, and more...there was the heated extract movement and the juicing movement. Many people who supported one or the other were VERY vocal that their way was the best, no question. As you all are aware, nearly two years ago, by bringing together the efforts of Mark Heinrich and myself, we were able to clearly define the role of the RAW/COLD extract in cannabis therapy. Out of our work came the Epsilon Guide Vol. I, a publication which has been downloaded over ten thousand times worldwide...providing the average individual with above average potential in their therapy.

World-renowned cannabis professionals, physicians, and scientists alike have weighed in on the Epsilon Guide Vol. I and we could not be happier with the feedback.

As a result of YOUR support, Epsilon is able to provide assistance to folks from around the globe. It was with your support that we were able to train a little group in Chile who at one point may not have been that recognizable...but now has become the MOST recognizable of its kind in history. Fundacion Daya is the only group of its kind in Latin American HISTORY to be granted full government approval to operate a large scale cannabis plantation, laboratory and extraction facility, and treatment operation...which is slated to provide care to well over 6,000 patients this year. When the group was first granted approval for the project, the number of patients was 300. This is simply proof of commitment to their cause and with the tools they were provided, they will become a cannabis legacy.

I don't know much about much, but I do know that whenever you are given an opportunity to teach someone about botanical nutrition and therapeutics using cannabis, that might just be the one time your decision to help can have a far greater reaching impact than you ever imagined. Put it this way...when I was asked to help a friend of a friend who happened to need to learn extraction methodology and cancer therapy...I figured that the idea of getting government approval to grow hundreds of cannabis plants on top of being able to treat 300 cancer patients, in a region that was not known for its open policies towards cannabis as medicine...well that was pretty far fetched. But, I did it...the rest is history.

We can never let these opportunities pass...to educate and as a result...to create. In a decades time under the Epsilon brand, we are proud to say that our education has led to creation of some of the most inspiring events in modern cannabis times. Its all because of YOUR support that this trend continues year after year.

From everyone at the Epsilon family, THANK YOU!

Please consider a goodwill donation, so that we can start on the path towards an even more successful ten years. www.gofundme.com/cancer-fears-us

04/21/2016

This is a call out to the Epsilon Family!

For years I've been able to work with individuals, families, caregivers, doctors,scientists, researchers, writers, and more...from around the globe. The impact that's made outwardly is tremendous, but equally so as tremendous is the impact being made on me by all of you. That is why...

I'm asking for any and all of you who I've worked with in one form or another, to submit a photo of yourself (and/or the person you care for if you are not the patient) to Epsilon. If you'd like, hold up a sign with a message in the photo, be creative, do whatever comes to mind even if it's a simple smile.

With our new website on the way, new consulting services around the corner, I'd love to incorporate a bit of love from around the globe into the mix!

PS, please include a photo release statement (i.e., "I give Epsilon Research and Dave Mapes permission to use the attached photo in their social media, website, advertising, and various publications). Should you wish for the photo to be used only in a specific way, then by all means let me know. Send all photos and releases to epsilonapothecaries@yahoo.com

We love you all!

03/25/2016

EPSILON RANT! But I have to admit,this is worth the read...

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Most common question I am asked by folks nowadays: "What got you into this work?

Rather than address that at the moment, let me explain WHAT I am:

I am a new world apothecary.

"New world" because I operate with a broader sense of the needs of modern mankind, from the conditions and diseases that plague us to the numerous therapies utilized to treat said problems...in a nutshell, unlike the apothecary of old, I utilize a network of professionals (from MDs to naturopaths, etc) and implement care through a multidisciplinary approach. But WHAT IS AN APOTHECARY?

Folks, I don't normally go to Wikipedia for valuable info, but whomever shared their definition of this there is my hero!

"Apothecary /əˈpɒθᵻkəri/ is one term for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses materia medica to physicians, surgeons and patients. The modern pharmacist (also colloquially referred to as a chemist in British English) has taken over this role and in some languages and regions the word is still used to refer to a retail pharmacy or a pharmacist who owns one. The apothecaries' investigation of herbal and chemical ingredients was a precursor to the modern sciences of chemistry and pharmacology.

In addition to dispensing medicines, the apothecary offered general medical advice and a range of services that are now performed by other specialist practitioners, such as surgeons and obstetricians. Apothecaries often operated through a retail shop which, in addition to ingredients for medicines, sold to***co and patent medicines."

------------->> So...that's what I am, who I am, what I do...to a degree.

What I am not...is a person who makes MEDICINE that is regulated by the govt/FDA...I'm not a pharmacist, not a chemist, and I'm not working with synthetic ANYTHING. I prepare nutritional therapeutics using botanicals (let's just call them that, because that's what they are).

Why do I need to make this clear? Because I want everyone to know where I stand. So many "newbies" call into question the safety, efficacy, consistency, etc of what I do and make...yet they know little about the true role of an apothecary. A TRUE APOTHECARY creates reliable therapeutic applications from botanical sources and maintains a line of study on everything they do along the way. That "research" being done is all based in anecdotal findings...yes...anecdotal folks. Its then their job to w**d out the reliable feedback from the bogus, to keep consistency and safety the name of the game, and to ensure that those who use the materia medica prepared at the apothecary's hands are treated with absolute respect. That has always been the way of the Epsilon Family. Keep in mind, this job is extremely challenging, in great part as it is not blessed with all the gadgetry of modern science.

Let's compare ^^ the apothecary way to the way of the agency that is tasked with ensuring Americans pharmaceutical medicine/devices are safe, consistent, reliable, and thoroughly tested before being marketed. In fact, let's just use my history as an example...

-Over a dozen medical devices led to adverse events, which were later discovered to be directly linked to faults in design. Many of these devices had warning history against them from the FDA, but still made it on the market. Some of the devices were issued full recalls in foreign markets, but allowed to remain in the US market....same devices, treated differently by the FDA, why? What was the ONE thing that the FDA ignored and continues to ignore, that led to these devices remaining on the market? Anecdotal findings...held in high regard. If the FDA actually listened to and believed patients rather than accepting big money for big results, those devices would never have made it to US market sales.

-How about the drug that was only meant to be prescribed for 2wks max, but was instead prescribed for two years? Convenient that the FDA did not issue that standard in prescribing until WELL after the RX was approved for market sales. What's worse...overuse of this medicine was proven to lead to nervous system complications and did in fact do so with me, creating what is now a permanent convulsive disorder. Again, convenient that the FDA issued the warning YEARS after the medicine hit the market, but placed zero responsibility on the manufacturer.

-How about the fact that MDs in America are not held responsible for damage that occurs to a patient when it's caused by a dangerous pharmaceutical (under most situations)? Doctors are not requires to report adverse events with medicines...that job is left to the patient. Doctors are not required to inform patients of ALL the warnings of a pharmaceutical either. The FDAs relationship to doctors and pharmacists is quite a conundrum. There is a whole lot of nothing when it comes to responsibility...and why? Let's just call it plausible deniability.

-Who's protecting who? Isn't the FDA supposed to protect the consumer? Look at the track record...why do so many drugs that should never have even made it to the market approval stage end up going on the market for years, decades even, leading to countless deaths and disabilities? Why?...because the administration is not there to protect you and I. (Trust me, I worked for the largest med decide manufacturer in the US. I wish that I hadn't learned about what goes on behind their closed doors...wish I hadn't discovered how the relationship to their on site FDA agents works...quite the mess)

I could keep going folks, but you likely get the point. If you don't, let me pose this last question:

IF YOURE SEEKING CONSISTENCY, EFFICACY, AND SAFETY OF YOUR PRODUCT...do you feel comfortable dealing with an organization who upholds the principles of an apothecary and listens to reason while only working with botanicals with a safe track record of centuries+...OR...do you feel more comfortable dealing with an organization who is regulated by the FDA? Before you answer, think long and hard about your reason for answering either way. I'm not here to make anyone feel bad for answering differently than myself, I just felt like you should all know a bit more about what "drives me."

03/23/2016

While the rest of the world believes that modern medicine/science/politicians are creating a better future filled with hope for cannabis users, the Epsilon Family knows the reality...

The only people who have shown, continue to show, and will show true promise for full spectrum cannabis therapies are those living in the "grassroots".

Epsilon has always been grassroots...you might say that we've been the info center for the people, created by the people, and benefiting only the people. Epsilon Research turned down proprietary process buyouts in 2008 (processes that are all now public domain), turned down complete takeover interests in 2011, and rejected too many buyouts and corporate investors to even recollect...in the past 3yrs. Why? Well,when you keep people who CARE about the work they do, at the helm, then your ship sails with strength...determination...and your crew morale is high.

I've experienced such amazing "crew morale" from all of you, I simply cannot thank you enough. With the exception of the frequent crazy folk, even those of us who don't see eye to eye, end up coming together for the benefit of everyone else.

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With that said, I'd like to invite you all to help me reshape the Epsilon Research operations for 2016...starting with our site. I'm looking to share your feedback on the website, whether I've consulted with you, helped with your care, etc. I'm also looking for quotes that would simply be unique to share with the world, from the perspective of the average cannabis user.

I'm going to be entering a very important stage of research this year (research that I began nearly 15years ago), so many of you may be invited to participate.

Thank you all for the continued support!

03/04/2016

So I'm approaching the 15year anniversary of the day when I decided to start researching why plants therapeutic values have aromas...

Why do they smell? What does that smell represent...is it just for show...is it there for a more unique purpose? Is there something important I need to know about these unique compounds that are responsible for the way things taste and smell?

As you all know by now, I put heavy value on terpenes and flavanoids, as much so as I do on cannabinoids. But I also appreciate the fact that as unique as cannabis is, so is the human body...there is, by all accounts, a specific cannabis regimen that works for everyone...but that doesn't imply it's the SAME regimen.

I DONT put value on a "magic pill", in other words...I'm not a person who sees fit to put my faith in a single strain or a single cannabinoid or a single provider (even if that provider is me). Why not? Because when it comes to plant based supplements and therapies, there is no such thing as a magic cure, magic pill, magic component/chemical...the magic lies in the unique and individual formula that each and every person must discover.

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So how does one go about discovering that little secret?

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My good friends proved to a nation...to the world...that the power of determination, education, and discovery...are the best route to figuring out that ^^ secret ^^. Christy Shake and family did a load of research before coming to me, they were very prepared, had more questions in one hour than my groups compile in one week, but that was all very important!

Do yourselves a favor and read her interview. What I can appreciate is that Christy did not have to adhere to every single one of my guidelines...she took what I said (especially regarding the individualized approach) and molded it to her family's needs.

http://www.marijuana.com/blog/news/2016/03/making-thca-at-home-an-interview-with-a-mother/

Suffice to say...a drastic reduction in devastating seizures happened once Christy took control of her own fate...of her family's fate. SHE DID THIS...AT HOME...WITHOUT SOME MAGIC EXTRACT FROM A MAGIC SOURCE. The proof is in the putting here...500 days...1 seizure...since starting use of the extract SHE MADE.

I would say I'm speechless...but obviously I've got a lot to say! Way to go Christy, we love you with great open hearts.

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PS...Epsilon does this work, day in/day out, without...the help of a massive staff, without giant greenhouses, without politicians on our side, without magic products that "cure what ails ya", without fancy advertisements, without TV specials, just plain "without".

We do it WITH the support of people like you! We've been doing it since 2006 through the simple support of small donations, be it for consults or formulation work, etc. So THANK YOU ALL for showing the media, the cannabis industry, and mankind...that the REAL MAGIC happens through access to information, not through profiteering off the sick.

Christy Shake is a 52-year old woman with the lean lines of a life-long swimmer. Competitive since childhood, she doesn’t have much time for swimming these days as her hours are spent mainly taking care of and advocating for her severely disabled 12-year old son Calvin.

02/15/2016

Hello Epsilon Family!

For 2016, we are doing things a bit differently. Rather than continuing to be any part of an industry that could care less about our contribution, we've decided to separate ourselves even more.

As the director of Epsilon, I am focusing solely on research which will result in helping the AVERAGE individual be more informed in their decision making, help the average cannabis user better understand how to individualize their regimen, help the everyday...non-wealthy...non-professional...complete newbie to complete veteran...cannabis user; to be self-sufficient in making their own highly therapeutic, highly consistent, highly efficacious, highly safe products at home. Don't get me wrong...the Epsilon Family is made up of several top notch cannabis product providers and many of them make products I couldn't hold a candle to. I'm not discounting the value of these well made products...

But for the majority who don't have access to those products, for those who want to have complete control over their regimen from seed to supplement; Epsilon is cranking into high gear to help you all out. How so? Via a brand new consultation program and the upcoming 2nd edition in the Epsilon Essentials guide series.

The consultation program is offered to individuals who need evaluation of their case that includes an individualized approach to anything from supplement production to dietary essentials to synergistic factors to formulation basics/advanced techniques and more.

WHY CHOOSE AN INDIVIDUALIZED CONSULT? It's simple...if you rely on info that is provide to the masses, let's call it general info; you'll find that your body will provide a general response...might be good, might be bad, but in no way will it be predictable. You are an individual and cannabis is an extremely diverse and unpredictable botanical...your body will respond unpredictably unless you CUSTOMIZE the type of cannabis products you use and how you use them, it's that simple. The customised info I provide to "person A" does not apply to "person B" and so on. That is why the info you typically see provided through my guides, in posts, and through my personal profile...is all basic info, stuff to build a strong foundation for success off of. But true success is attained through the individualised approach!

The 2nd Edition of the Epsilon Guide Series will feature quite an amazing array of beneficial tips in addition to some never before discussed research findings (from research piloted by Epsilon for what was going to be a published ICRS study).

Soooooooooooo...couple of fun things in the works...I'll post about them separately, but for now, keep hope alive my friends and thank you as always for keeping our momentum strong!