Sarah Russo
Writing Samples
Fueled by lifelong wanderlust and a reverence for the natural world, Sarah’s path as an herbologist evolved into a career as a writer, editor, and communications strategist. For more than 13 years, her work has focused on research, environmental advocacy, and ethical considerations in health and science. She fuses creative vision and thoughtful strategy to help readers feel connected to the stories being told. With a love for both the deep science and creative expression, she has collaborated with medical and technical teams as well as and artists and creatives across six continents.
Scroll down to explore writing samples and view examples of her editing here.
Science, Medical, and Technical
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Synergy with Cannabis and Other Herbs: Thinking Beyond Plant Constituents
Explore plant synergy, different herbs that combine with cannabis, and the healing properties that science cannot fully explain.
Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)
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Cannabis as a Multifaceted Treatment Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease
An overview of emerging research on cannabis as a tool for managing Alzheimer’s symptoms and quality support for patients.
Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)
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Cannabis and Yoga: Connecting History, Science, and Current Potential
Trace the historical ties between cannabis and yoga that includes scripture references, scientific perspectives, and modern trends.
Heylo (2019)
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Mothers Give Insight on Navigating Medical Cannabis for their Children with Autism
Through conversations with two mothers, this article highlights the role medical cannabis has played in their children’s care and outlines the broader medical context.
Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)
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Psychedelic Integration: Book Unifies Clinical Practice, Spirituality & Scientific Fundamentals
Reviews Marc Aixalà’s guide to psychedelic integration, exploring the intersection of clinical insights and spiritual frameworks to support healing after mind-altering experiences.
ICEERS (2022)
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Genetic Testing Kits: Unprecedented Privacy Risks
Highlights privacy vulnerabilities in direct-to-consumer genetic tests and the hidden trade-offs for users sharing their DNA.
The Technoskeptic( 2018)
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Genetic Testing Kits: Fueling Historical Discrimination?
Considers how genetic testing can unintentionally reinforce historical biases and social hierarchies. A reminder that technology often reflects the history of its makers
The Technoskeptic (2018)
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Molecular Mimicry: The Role of Cannabis in Healing Autoimmune Disease
Explores how the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties of cannabis may support holistic approaches to autoimmune conditions.
Fundación Canna (2017)
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Weed Power: Milk Thistle, Liver Disease & The Endocannabinoid System
Examines the therapeutic potential of milk thistle and cannabis, emphasizing how they interact with the endocannabinoid system to support liver health.
Alternet (2017)
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Consciousness, Alternative Healing, and the Medicine of Psychoactivity
An interview with Dr. Dustin Sulak explores how psychoactivity and shifts in consciousness can expand health paradigms and support systemic healing.
Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)
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Is Cannabis Psychedelic? Let’s Go Deeper
Investigates whether cannabis can be considered psychedelic or exists in a class of its own, combining scientific and etymological evidence.
Heylo (2020)
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Indigenous Empirical Plant Knowledge Meets Cannabis Science
Addresses how Indigenous people with deep traditional plant knowledge are often excluded from participation in the cannabis industry despite their extensive expertise.
Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)
Herbalism & Holistic Health
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Our Symbiotic History with Mushrooms & Our Right to Use Them
Traces humanity’s ancient bond with fungi, emphasizing ecological connections, cultural traditions, and their role in expanding the collective consciousness.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2020)
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Sage Wisdom: Medicinal Benefits & Reverence for Salvia Species
Details the therapeutic benefits and psychoactive properties of sage species while highlighting the importance of sustainable harvesting and cultural awareness.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2020)
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Lemon Balm is the Bee’s Knees
A glimpse at a few of the ways the plant has demonstrated significant healing potential and its enduring role in herbal medicine.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Terpenes: Exploration of Scent and Medicinal Attributes
A deep-dive into how terpenes shape plant aromas and influence user experiences. There's a link of chemistry, ecology, and sensory insight.
Treadwell Farms (2020)
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Holy Smoke: Frankincense & Cannabis As Medicinal Incense
Explores how frankincense has been revered throughout history and its parallels to cannabis.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Plant & Mushroom Remedies for Fire Season
Discover six herb and mushroom remedies that support the lungs and protect the body from smoke exposure and related issues.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Is Cannabis Just The Beginning of a Botanical Medicine Movement?
Reflects on how cannabis has reshaped the landscape of plant medicine and sparked wider interest in botanical healing.
Heylo (2020)
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Moonlight Cactus
Examines the San Pedro cactus, highlighting its multiple therapeutic compounds beyond mescaline and the plant’s potential applications for mental health.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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What the Rose Knows
Rose has coevolved with humanity and become iconic in societies worldwide. Beyond a beautiful aroma and appearance, it is a treasure trove of healing potential.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Examining Medical Cannabis Models Worldwide: Access Amidst Lockdown
What would we envision as the best cannabis model for international patient access? This question was explored at a collaborative event in Barcelona just before the COVID-19 lockdowns swept the world.
Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)
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Yarrow: Building Strength & Resilience
Profiles Achillea millefolium, showcasing its role in human healing and its benefits to surrounding plants.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Buds & Brews: The Healing of Hops
Details the historical and medicinal workings of hops, from traditional herbal remedies to its role in brewing.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Hyssop: From Health to Libations
Hyssop is a botanical garden ally, and a valuable source of pollen that attracts bees. Hailed since the days of old, this member of the mint family holds significant healing wisdom.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Calendula: Healing from the Inside Out
Often revered for its beauty, Calendula officinalis has the potential to fight antibiotic-resistant infections, regulate the immune system, and more.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Turmeric: Root of Gold
Traces turmeric’s 6,000-year cultural and medicinal significance as a healing remedy, culinary spice, and dye.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Passionflower: Therapeutic Influence Through Colonization to the Present Day
Highlights passionflower’s cross-continent adventures and its enduring therapeutic value.
Emerald Pharms/Herbs for the Apocalypse (2019)
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Marijuana, Not Monoculture!
Companion planting, a method of cultivation where plants are grown together to promote a flourishing ecosystem, offers many benefits for cannabis cultivators.
Project CBD (2016)
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In or Out? Sungrown vs. Indoor Cannabis Cultivation
A comparative look at growing methods, weighing the pros and cons of sungrown, indoor, and greenhouse approaches.
Project CBD (2017)
Ghostwriting
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Intercultural Health: Bridging Traditional and Western Medicine
Explores how healthcare can evolve through the respectful integration of Indigenous traditional medicine and Western biomedical models.
International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service (ICEERS) (2023) -
Defending Coca Leaf Traditions in Court
An overview of legal challenges surrounding traditional coca leaf use in Spain, highlighting advocacy to protect cultural rights and address flawed toxicological assessments.
ICEERS (2022)
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Clinical Trial on Ibogaine for Opioid Dependence is Underway and Recruiting
Details of a pioneering Phase II clinical trial investigating ibogaine’s safety and efficacy for methadone withdrawal and its integration with harm reduction strategies.
ICEERS (2022)
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Report Highlights the Legal Status of Ayahuasca in the Netherlands
An in-depth analysis of the evolving legal landscape for ayahuasca in the Netherlands that examines the intersection of religious freedom, public health concerns, and international drug laws.
ICEERS (2023)
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Swiss Public Health Professionals Explore Barcelona’s Cannabis Social Club Model
An account of a Swiss public health delegation’s visit to a Barcelona Cannabis Social Club, highlighting lessons in harm reduction and the potential of community-led models to influence policy.
ICEERS (2023)
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New Research Indicates Ayahuasca May Support a Healthy Lifestyle
A study of 377 participants in Dutch ayahuasca ceremonies notes improved physical health and decreased reliance on prescription medications among regular users.
ICEERS (2022)
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Italy’s Recent Decision to Schedule Ayahuasca
Reporting on Italy’s classification of ayahuasca’s core plants as Schedule I substances, with discussion of broader cultural and legal implications.
ICEERS (2022)
Creative Writing
Herbs for the Apocalypse is a women-crafted, botanically-infused indie graphic novel. The story weaves medicinal plant knowledge into a tale of resilience and resistance. Sofia, a misanthropic Luddite with a love for punk rock, starts work at an apothecary while hiding her ability to hear the voices of plants. As their guidance grows louder, she navigates uncertain global times and finds allies who have been rooting for her all along. You can dive deeper below and listen to the audio herbal monologues here.
