1000 Watts Magazine Issue 45

Let’s GROW!

State Rules and Regulations for Growing

Indica vs. Sativa for symptoms PLUS:

Medicated Recipes Product Reviews Strain Reviews Patient Stories Caregiver of the Month and more! $4.20 Series 6 | Issue 45 www.1000wattsmagazine.com

www.ocannabiz.com FeAtured keynote sPeAkers:

melissA etHeridge singer/songwriter, entrePreneur, etHeridge FArms

CHuCk underwood tHe generAtionAl imPerAtive inC

Hugo Alves

PArtner - CorP./ CommerCiAl, Bennett Jones llP

BruCe linton

Ceo, CAnoPy growtH CorPorAtion

mAyA elisABetH

dr. deidi meiri

Ceo wHooPi And mAyA PrinCiPAl investigAtor owner & Founder oF teCHnion isrAel om ediBles institute oF teCH.

Greetings Patients and Readers! (a few words from Uncle Henry)

With 2017 well under way we are now able to take a step back and look at some of the laws and guidelines related to growing medical marijuana. The ballot questions from 2016 in some states are causing changes in the way we, as patients and caregivers, are allowed to grow our medicine.

Fortunately, here at 1000 Watts Magazine, we have access to some amazing resources for information. In this issue we have BOTH Mark M. Ward and JoAnne Leppanen contributing to that very subject. We also have a great informational article from Ellen Lenox Smith to help choose the right strain and further the discussion on Indica vs.

Sativa and when it is a good choice for either.

The 1000 Watts Magazine Crew:

Founders: Uncle Henry unclehenry@1000wattsmagazine.com DJ Stone djstone@1000wattsmagazine.com

Office Manager: Lucy Watts lucy@1000wattsmagazine.com

Executive Assistant: Cindy Lou cindylou@1000wattsmagazine.com

Our featured patient story is from Jennifer Sidman.

Jennifer shares her story on how a work related accident eventually led to her to find relief in medical marijuana and eliminate her need for Big Pharma medication. We always like to hear that!

Sales and Marketing:

Jon Friedman shares his unique story with our readers on how his personal attitudes about marijuana changed and eventually became his livlihood. Good stuff.

Margo margo@1000wattsmagazine.com

Our strain reviews this month are 8 Mile Orange Float (413) and a Diesel x OG cross. Both, very nice. Our product reviews are focused on 2 edibles: one from The Good Stuff Tonics and one from Haum Remedies. Our good friend John Dvorak is back (wearing a different hat for this issue) and submitted a product review and shout-out to Kushley Organic Products. All 3 of these great companies are worth checking out.

Herb and Earth Organics is back, as is Team Feel Good, to share some delicious and fun medicated recipes to try out.

Let’s not forget our furry friends. Shelly B. talks marijuana and our pets and how the veterinary field may be moving closer to at least looking into cannabis as an option for treatment for some conditions.

We’re also supporting our friends Robert Platshorn and Ed Rosenthal. Both of these guys have important announcements as well. Ed has a new book out, “This Buds for You”, and Robert has a big event planned for the middle of March. Mark your calenders.

With all the good that we try to publish and share, we sometimes have to look at life and the reality that some patients and their families go through. It is with sadness that we are also including a rememberance for young Nora Skye who left this earth on February 2, 2017 at the age of 12 after a long battle with Batten Disease. It is always sad to see our cannabis warrior moms have to go through that. Thoughts and prayers to Jessica Montville and her family during this tough time and we will always remember Princess Nora - she was a very brave little girl.

Thank you for reading, keep up the conversation, keep medicating and spreading the word. Enjoy!

Peace,

1000 Watts Magazine PO Box 2071 Pawtucket, RI 02861 401 305 5530

#1000wattsmmj

Sales Team sales@1000wattsmagazine.com

Project Manager:

e-Marketing & Creative Services: Victoria Lee victorialee@1000wattsmagazine.com Katrina katrina@1000wattsmagazine.com

Contributors to Issue 45: John Dvorak Cindy Lou Herb and Earth Organics Team Feel Good Shelly B. Victoria Lee 1000 Watts Magazine Strain Review Team Jon Friedman Jennifer Sidman Ed Rosenthal Robert Platshorn @BrightBuds420 Mark M. Ward Margo JoAnne Leppanen Ellen Lenox Smith Copyright 2017 by 1000 Watts Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form.

All designs and illustrations are property of 1000 Watts Publications (unless otherwise noted with permission from original author) and may not be used without prior permission.

1000 Watts Publications does not endorse illegal activity in any form. It’s up to you to know and follow your state’s laws.

This publication is proudly printed in the USA.

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sales@1000wattsmagazine.com

margo

JoAnne Leppanen

18 Legal Weed: Are We Good to Grow Yet? Mark M.Ward

16 FEATURED: MMJ Patient Story

Whi Marijuana Strain Works Best for Pain?

Ellen Lenox Smith

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CONTENTS

Legally Growing Medical Cannabis in RI

Jennifer Sidman

6

Remembering Nora Skye

PLUS:

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Strain Reviews 11

Margo, 1000 Watts Magazine

Pets and Marijuana Shelly B.

12

Caregiver of the Month @BrightBuds420

20

8 Mile Orange Float (413) & Diesel x OG

Medicated Recipes 13

Baked Mac & Cheese, Powdered Canna Doughnuts

Product Reviews 14

The Good Stuff Tonics: Ginger Apple Kombucha Haum Remedies: Medicated Superfood Energy Bar Kushley Organics: Fine Mist Spray

How I got into Medical Cannabis Jon Friedman

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5

Another MMJ Patient Success Story!

by Jennifer Sidman

M

y name is Jennifer. I’m a 46 year old disabled mother of 2 boys. This is my story of how I got into Medical Marijuana and how it helps me.

As a kid I was very active. I played sports, rode a bike, kickball, everything a kid does. In my last job I unpacked trucks for a million dollar company. It was there on the job that my life changed for the worse. But it does get better.

May 4, 2010 is the day that my life changed forever. My boss decided he wanted to take a fixture down, but not one piece at a time. He thought it would be a good idea to put a dolly under a 20 lb base and have me on the other 20 lb base ready to pull as he pushed. Now in between these bases were 5 foot long metal bars with peg hooks on them. So, being the good employee that I was, I was ready to pull on the base. As soon as the dolly was pushed under the first base, everything, and I mean everything, came crashing down on my head and neck. If you can imagine this, I’m holding a base, and looking at flip-flops, peg hooks, and these huge bars in a big pile up to my knees. I couldn’t believe I didn’t lose consciousness or worse!

crumble them up and put it on my food to eat it. I tried to smoke it but couldn’t do it. I have no idea how to smoke.

After getting my MMJ card, I was given websites to check out to find a caregiver. I posted on one of those sites that I was looking for someone who made medibles. Within 25 minutes I got a PM from Krystal Lopez Cote. She saved me!!! She explained to me everything I needed to know and answered all my questions I had, and still does. I have been going to her for a few years now, and her medibles are the best thing that have happened to me! All I need is a small bite of a cookie and I’m good to go. The pain decreases and it helps with my attitude so much. I’m actually pleasant to be around, and even I can see a difference when I’m on it.

Medical Marijuana has saved me from pain and helps with the anxiety and depression better than any pill and I’m happy to be off them!!

After a few days, when my symptoms worsened, I went to the doctor. I was diagnosed with a severe concussion. When things didn’t improve I saw another doctor. He diagnosed me with the severe concussion and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). After seeing multiple doctors and multiple tests and scans done, over a 3 year period, my final diagnosis was severe concussion, TBI, PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and disc protrusion in the neck with impingement on the spinal cord. I couldn’t walk straight, I would hit myself because I would feel tingling in my legs, arms, stomach and face. The hitting is the only way the tingling would go away. 3 months of my life has been erased. I can’t remember them at all.

To this day I still have memory issues, don’t sleep a full night, have movement restrictions on the neck, tingling sensations, and my emotions are like a roller coaster. Some days I’m nice, others I’ll rip your head off for no reason.

Needless to say, I’m a totally different person since the accident.

My PCP prescribed me Vicodin and Naproxen for the pain.

For years I would take pill after pill after pill. No relief as my body became immune to it. I suffered with the pain for years.

About 2-3 years ago I talked to my PCP about MMJ. She said, “Go for it!” I was surprised, but when she said she would rather have me on that than on the Vicodin, I was ready to go for it. My only problem: I’ve NEVER done marijuana.

I became distraught because I didn’t know anyone who sold it or anything. A family member saw I was in such agony that they got some for me. They were buds, so I would

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1000 Watts Magazine Series 6 | Issue 45

Jennifer Sidman is finding relief through the use of medibles to treat her symptoms after being diagnosed with TBI, PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and disc protrusion in her neck and is currently off of Big Pharma pain meds like Vicodin and Neproxen.

R

emembering Nora Skye

by Margo, 1000 Watts Magazine

daily basis. However, at the time, Nora was doing well. When we published the story she was down to approximately 10 seizures a day (as opposed to nearly 100) and was off the prescribed overload of Phenobarbitol (and other seizure meds) which had been suppressing her breathing and causing other complications.

Jessica became well known in the MMJ community and studied at NEGRI to learn anything and everything that she could about the cannabis plant and we would frequently see her at events like the Boston Freedom Rally advocating for patient’s rights along with the rest of the MMJ voices for education and reform.

Nora Skye Montville, April 21, 2005 - February 2, 2017.

B

ack in the Summer of 2015, a co-worker from the magazine and I set out to interview a cannabis warrior mom who was treating her daughter with CBD oil for Batten Disease. We met at New England Grass Roots Institute just outside of Boston on what was one of the hottest days of the year. Our trip was certainly less than smooth with an overheating car, no AC and the best of Boston traffic in the mid day heat. When we arrived we were informed that Jessica Montville and her daughter Nora were running late on their hour plus ride to meet us. Once they did arrive, I fully understood why they may be running late. There was Nora, her wheelchair, her equipment, her PCA and anything and everything they would need to step out of the house and spend a day. Not an easy feat and this was their day to day, every day. It made our trip up to NEGRI look like just a slight inconvenience.

We published Issue 36 in the late summer of 2015 and included the story that we put together about Jessica and Nora and the struggles they were going through with obtaining CBD. There was the sheer reluctance from the medical community to recognize the positive effects that the CBD oil was having and a mind blowing list of other legal and political obstacles that would challenge them on a

I recently had a second interview with Jessica which was an hour long phone call that took place on Valentine’s day 2017. Unfortunately, this interview held a slightly different tone. I called Jessica to ask her if we could publish a story about Nora’s courageous battle with Batten disease and how the last year had been going for her. We were following up to write an article entitled “Remembering Nora Skye”. She had lost her fight with Batten Disease just before her 12th birthday on February 2, 2017. She passed away at home from heart failure; unlike most Batten Disease victims who succumb to seizures or pneumonia. As mom Jessica said in our interview, “Something has to fail.”

For the past year, Nora had been doing well. Physically, she was seizure-free, continuing her CBD treatment, doing well in school and had recently fought her way back from a sinus infection and pneumonia which had landed her in the hospital. She was a brave little girl that communicated with with her eyes and smile, had a sense of humor and a strong disposition to tolerate everything that her body had gone through. She was also a sister to Alicia, Thomas, Marcus and Lucius. We are remembering you Nora Skye. Both you and your mom are a force to be reckoned with.

The Staff at 1000 Watts Magazine would like to extend our sincerest support to not only Jessica, but all families battling debilitating conditions like Batten Disease. We are committed to supporting patient and family advocacy, education and research so that we can continue to find relief through the use of cannabis as an alternative to traditional treatment.

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1000 Watts Magazine Series 6 | Issue 45

Meet the Experts V, B2B Spring Break Unique East Coast Cannabis Conference

West Palm Beach, FL - The first business conference designed for states that have recently adopted medical and recreational marijuana, will be held on March 18th and 19th at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City. National and regional experts will advise on licensing, regulations, growing, medical recommendations, extracts, edibles, labs, delivery systems, taxes and banking.

Event producers Rhory Gould and Robert Platshorn brought together a roster of outstanding cannabis professionals to speak, advise, meet and network for two full days. Key Note speakers include award winning Denver Relief Consulting and Discovery Channel’s Master Grower, Mike Boutin. Attendance is limited to a maximum of 450. All ticket sales benefit The Silver Tour, a non-profit teaching seniors the benefits of cannabis.

These conferences are common in Colorado, and California. But east coast states are relatively new to the industry.

According to producer Robert Platshorn, “States from Florida to Maine passed new cannabis laws in 2016. Most are just now writing their regulations or have just announced licensing opportunities. Confusion about who can do what or who can be licensed, is rife. Doctors need guidelines. Growers want information on legal growing. Labs, labeling and packaging are new to many aspiring entrepreneurs. Meet the Experts will focus on this information void.”

This is the fifth Meet the Experts conference. Prior conferences sold out and drew praise from attendees and industry leaders. “I have to say I’ve been to hundreds of conferences as a psychologist and that was the best most rich in content, meaningful conference I’ve ever been to. Right up to all the details of the meals, the networking, and discounted accommodations.

Really well done! “Kelly Sachs-ASA.

According to producer, Rhory Gould, Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City is the perfect venue for a Business to Business Spring Break. Easy to reach from most cities. Harrah’s has made a hundred rooms available to ticket holders at a deep discount.”

Information and tickets at http://www.meetexperts.org.

For photos and interviews contact: Robert Platshorn at meettheexperts@gmx.com Cell: 954-773-6967. Website: http://www.meetexperts.org.

by Veda Sorbet

The DEA published a rule in the Federal Register (December 2016) clarifying that certain marijuana extracts notably CBD - are indeed Schedule 1 controlled substances and just as illegal under federal law as whole-plant marijuana itself.

The rule drew attention for its use of the archaic spelling of “marihuana” -- with an “H” instead of a “J.” The rule is entitled “Establishment of a New Code for Marihuana Extract,” and uses the H spelling throughout.

Some marijuana legalization advocates speculated that this spelling was used to be sneaky, “so the article wouldn’t pop up under any searches for changes in marijuana policy.”

Others asked “when the DEA will step into the 21st century and stop using the archaic version of the word ‘marihuana.‘” In the early 20th century “marijuana” or “marihuana” were primarily colloquial terms borrowed from Mexican Spanish, as the Brookings Institution’s John Hudak explains in his book Marijuana: A Short History.

“During and especially after the Spanish-American War,” Hudak writes, “American resentment toward Mexicans and Mexican immigrants exploded.” Authorities who wanted to prohibit use of the drug soon discovered that associating it with Mexican immigrants was an effective propaganda tool.

The word marijuana - with both “H” and “J” variants - was

“popularized in the United States during the 1930s by advocates of prohibition who sought to exploit prejudice against despised minority groups, especially Mexican immigrants,” explained journalist and medical marijuana advocate Martin Lee in his book Smoke Signals. NYU’s Kleiman said that “if the drug could be made to sound Mexican it would seem more dangerous.”

The “h” variant is what eventually made its way into the Marihuana Tax Act of the 1930s, the federal government’s first crack at regulating the drug. That spelling was again used in the Controlled Substances Act, passed in 1970.

Starting in the 1960s “marijuana” began to be adopted as the preferred spelling in popular usage. “Marihuana” declined precipitously in the 1970s shortly after the passage of the Controlled Substances Act. The cause for the switch between the “h” and the “j” isn’t clear. Kleiman attributes it to “people learning how to pronounce Spanish words,” but stresses he doesn’t know for certain. Today, “marihuana” is rarely used and “cannabis” is making a comeback. Many in the drug reform community advocate doing away with “marijuana” altogether due to the term’s racial baggage. A number of researchers prefer using “cannabis” as well, as a simple matter of precision.

DEA spokesman Russell Baer said they use “marijuana” and “marihuana” interchangeably. He said “there’s no clear dividing line” between the two. The spelling used in any given document usually comes down to the preference of whoever’s writing it, he said.

Indeed, a perusal of the DEA’s federal register notices turns up numerous results for both “marijuana” and “marihuana.”

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This Bud’s for You: Legal Marijuana - Selecting, Growing & Enjoying Cannabis - Out Feb. 14th

By Ed Rosenthal Pub. Date: March 14, 2017 Contact: Darcy Thompson, publicity 510.533.0605 x 3# / darcy@quicktrading.com This election season, America witnessed an unprecedented step forward in pro-cannabis legislation.

Four states, (California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada) passed recreational/adult use laws, while another four states approved medical marijuana laws, bringing the nationwide total to twenty-seven states plus the District of Columbia.

(See reverse page for greater detail.) Much of the coverage of this issue focused on the social and political movement surrounding legalized cannabis, while another side of the story is often overlooked. Years from now, 2016 will be viewed by historians as a free market study in consumer demand, with cannabis on the front lines.

Americans voted for greater choice and policy makers responded—taking a multi-billion dollar industry out of the shadows, in some cases, overnight. This is a time of greater choice than ever before. This Bud’s for You celebrates that choice.

fifty elite strains on in the market today, along with beautiful full-color images.

There is no one better positioned to talk about the new changes coming in the cannabis industry than Ed Rosenthal—an original contributor to High Times and owner of one of the longest operating marijuana-based businesses in the US. If you would like additional review copies or would like to interview Ed for a piece in connection with the book, please contact darcy@quicktrading.com. More information can also be found at www.Edrosenthal.com.

Legal Marijuana State-By-State: Marijuana Legalized for Medical & Recreational Use: Alaska, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Washington.

Marijuana Legalized for Medical Use Only: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wyoming THIS BUD’S FOR YOU LEGAL MARIJUANA: SELECTING, GROWING & ENJOYING LEGAL CANNABIS ED ROSENTHAL | MARCH 14TH, 2017 | TRADE PAPER ORIGINAL | 224 PAGES | $26.95 978-1-93680-730-7 | POPULAR CULTURE/GARDENING | QUICK AMERICAN PUBLISHING

Other books by Ed Rosenthal: Beyond Buds: Marijuana

Extracts—Hash, Vaping, Dabbing, Edibles and Medicines (with David Downs).

Peek behind the curtain into the new legal era. This Bud’s for You covers industry trends, from the emerging CBD market and the revival of artisanal hash-making techniques, to the evolution of scientific extraction methods.

It’s a book filled with tips and ideas from expert insiders, technical advice from premier breeders, ways to compare strains, as well as insights on how dispensary buyers make their selections. This Bud’s for You also includes analysis of

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1000 Watts Magazine Series 6 | Issue 45

Marijuana Harvest: How to Maximize Quality and Yield in Your Cannabis Garden (with David Downs).

Strain Name: OG x Diesel by 1000 Watts Magazine Freelance Contributor Here at 1000 Watts Magazine we would like to inform you that in doing strain reviews we test certain strains grown by many different growers all over the US. We get medicine from dispensaries in the Bay Area, MA, RI and also from caregivers and patient growers. We recommend that you know what you are using for medicine so our strain reviews are to teach you how to best make that decision. We want you to know what to look for in smell, clean taste, look and feel of flower, the effects and how the flower was flushed and cured. For example, black ash and a harsh taste may mean your medicine was not flushed well.

Strain Name: 8 Mile Orange Float (813)

That being said, OG x Diesel includes one of my favorite strains, OG, so I thought this would be an interesting cross.

Visually, it was a bag of small bright green buds that were full of crystals and sparkled in the sunlight. I am intrigued.

It tastes a little like Diesel but not as strong, and mixed with the familiar OG lemony taste – it was nice and smooth. I only took three hits and was instantly lost in space. I forgot what I was doing and got distracted. This would be a great medicine for anxiety and for complete relaxation. Highly recommended for it’s smooth taste and it’s great space ship high. This strain is best enjoyed when you don’t have any plans since it does have a definite couch lock effect. Perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.

by Victoria Lee Company: True Humboldt 8 Mile Orange Float is a Sativa-Indica hybrid strain brought to us by a company out of Humboldt County, California called True Humboldt. True Humboldt is a brand supported by The Humboldt Sun Growers’ Guild. This group of farmers is dedicated to cultivating premium sun grown cannabis and it shows with this strain. 8 mile Orange Float is crossed between Orange Velvet and Jack the Ripper. This light green beauty is frosted with trichomes and contains bright red hairs which are spread throughout the bud. I also want to point out that the packaging for this product is quite clever as it resembles that of a tuna can. Once I opened the metal lid I could hear the vacuum seal break much like the sound of cracking a beer and as soon as I cracked it, the aroma immediately started seeping out.

When smelling this strain, the first thing I noticed were the citrus terpenes which smelled delicious. I sensed a hint of orange and lemon, but I feel the stronger fragrance resembles that of a mango only with a more piney tinge at the end. The smell and taste of this strain are very refreshing and uplifting, it tastes almost like an orange sherbet. After medicating with it my body was relaxed and I felt a heady high. I also noticed I was energized with a very mood enhancing feel. Overall, I really enjoyed every bit of this bud, from the smell and taste, to the after effects, it was all very nice. I think 8 Mile Orange Float is perfect for daytime use because it uplifts you while giving you the energy to go about your day. Make sure to check out True Humboldt for more info on this bud.

A little about OG: The term “OG” can often lead to confusion. But when it comes to True OG, those letters stand for “ocean grown.”

That’s because this strain originated on the legendary coasts of southern California.

From its coastal home, True OG has spread throughout the U.S. Known for combining interesting floral notes with a smooth earthiness, True OG delivers long-lasting body highs.

You’ll be feeling relaxed but mentally sharp after hitting this one.

And to show you just how beloved this strain has become here’s a little fun fact. True OG has locked down 2nd place in pretty much every Medical Cannabis Cup since 2010.

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Pets and Marijuana

by Shelly B.

D

o you have a pet? I know that many of us have dogs or cats, or both. Have you ever thought of using medical marijuana for their health issues? If you haven’t, this would be a great informational article to read.

Medical marijuana has been used successfully in pets to treat behavior based disorders, including separation anxiety and noise phobia, as well as, irritable bowel syndrome and feline immunodeficiency virus infection. It has also been used to manage pain, nausea and seizures, as an appetite stimulant and even topically to treat tumors. Are you surprised?

A California veterinarian named Dr. Kramer, known as the “vet guru”, has studied in depth the use of marijuana to aid animals. He became interested after a client treated her terminally ill dog who had untreatable cancer. Her dog did not respond to steroids or regular pain medication and she felt that there was nothing to lose by trying to treat her pet with medical marijuana. The veterinarian saw firsthand how marijuana helped decrease the tumor size, increase the dogs appetite and allow him to walk and play again. This sparked the veterinarians interest and led him to become an advocate for more widespread acceptance in the legalization of the plant for veterinarian purposes. Kramer learned that the therapy could be applied to so many conditions and used safely without causing harmful side effects. All mammals respond the same way that humans do to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, one of the primary ingredients in medical cannabis, that helps alleviate chronic pain, reduce nausea, spur appetite and generally improve quality of life.

After trying many different ways to dose animals, Kramer found that glycerin tincture is the optimal way to administer for the greatest accuracy in dosing. You could use butter or oil, or even cook homemade treats for your pet. Another client had described using cannabis infused butter to treat her sick horse who was suffering from a foot condition. The

The main pathways for marijuana’s effect are cannabinoid receptors, Dr. Kramer explains. “Dogs and cats have that like people, which is why we’re starting to use it medicinally for them.”

cannabis not only helped ease the swelling, but allowed him to function normally. Another client used medical cannabis to treat chronic arthritis in their cat with success. Kramer proved that other animals including pigs, chickens, monkeys and rats also benefit from this medicinal therapy. Based on the way cannabinoid receptors respond to the physiology of mammals, it may be beneficial to use the plant as a preventative measure. It is not about getting your pet high, it’s about improving their quality of life! Glycerin tincture of marijuana is already being sold as a pet medication at dozens of dispensaries throughout Los Angeles. It is a safe, natural and effective alternative to “man-made” drugs.

It is the hope of many that more veterinarians become advocates for less-restrictive regulations on marijuana research for animals. Many veterinarians already believe there has been enough documented cases that prove marijuana has been helpful in aiding pets, that they believe that there should definitely be further studies and advancements in the use of cannabis. Just like humans, some strains of marijuana have less intoxicating properties and higher pain-relieving properties. Identifying these will be important in selecting the proper strain for the pets ailments.

I hope this guides all pet owners to consider the use of medical marijuana for their animals, either as a preventative measure, or to help aid in the healing of many different issues the animal faces. I will end with one more pet owners documented report. This person claims to have cured their dog’s brain tumor with cannabis oil. After only 3 1/2 weeks, the dog’s seizures and hallucinations stopped, and after six months, there were no recurring episodes. This is another way to show lawmakers that the use of marijuana has additional benefits. I know first-hand how important our pets are in our lives. We should be able to treat them with any medication that improves their life.

Pet Edibles on the Market

Medical marijuana may be an option for pets with a variety of illnesses. Keep your pets healthy and happy like Nico and Vito here enjoying the fresh snowfall.

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1000 Watts Magazine Series 6 | Issue 45

Specially made CBD products for pets can be found, including Treatibles which are CBD pills and Canna-Biscuits which are cannabis based treats for dogs that also contain pumpkin, coconut oil and other supportive ingredients for dogs. Medical marijuana is still in the early days of research but so far the results speak for themselves.

Baked Mac and Cheese INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp. medicated butter 1 tbsp. all purpose flour 2 cups infused milk 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. dry mustard 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1 (8oz.) package macaroni 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 cups shredded gouda DIRECTIONS: 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in flour. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard, pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.

Powdered Canna Doughnuts INGREDIENTS: mini doughnut pan, greased

2) Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package directions.

3/4 cup canna flour

3)To the thickened milk and flour mixture add the cheeses, stirring until they melt. Reserve some cheese for the top.

Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2 quart baking dish. Top with reserved cheeses and breadcrumbs.

1 tsp. baking powder

4) Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

½ tsp salt

1/4 cup pastry flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 3 tbsp. canna coconut oil 1/2 cup canna milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup powdered sugar DIRECTIONS: 1) Preheat the oven to 295 degrees.

2) Cream together the butter and the sugar. Add the canna milk, vanilla extract and egg. Stir until combined.

3)Mix in the canna flour, pastry flour and baking powder.

Add cinnamon and salt. Mix well.

4) Spoon mixture into mini doughnut pan, filling each doughnut cup about 3/4 full.

herbandearth

www.herbandearth.com

5) Bake doughnuts in preheated oven until doughnuts are a light golden brown. Usually 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown or stick pulls out clean. Watch closely. Let doughnuts cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

6) Roll each doughnut in powdered sugar.

#teamfeelgood420

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The Good Stuff Tonics: Ginger Apple Kombucha

by Victoria Lee

T

his month, the product we present to you for review is a product called Ginger Apple Kombucha from a company named The Good Stuff Tonics. Kombucha, which, for those of you that are not familiar, is a probiotic drink with many medicinal properties. Kombucha and probiotics are excellent for pH balancing, immune health and digestive health among other things. Mixing these supplements with cannabis is a great way to utilize not only the medicinal properties of cannabis, but also the beneficial properties of the product as a whole.

I must say I was very excited to try this product because it is not just any edible, it seems there are different benefits in using this type of cannabis infused product. Before tasting Ginger Apple Kombucha my first impression was that it smelled a lot like ginger and apple cider vinegar. I’m not going to lie, after smelling it I was a little nervous that it might also taste like apple cider vinegar, which does not seem like it would be the best tasting thing to take a shot of.

Although I was apprehensive, I dove right in and took a big gulp. To my surprise, it didn’t taste like apple cider vinegar at all! It had a mild apple taste with the ginger being the stronger flavor and a fizzy consistency. It reminded me of an apple ginger infused sparkling water. The cannabis taste was mild and went very well with the other ingredients.

After drinking this 2-fluid ounce shot of the kombucha with 20mg THC I noticed that it kicked in right away, I was surprised at how quickly I began to feel it. I did get a bit of a light-headed sensation at first, but not in a bad way, almost like the sparkling bubbles went straight to my head.

I immediately started feeling a heady but relaxed high. I also noticed my body had a very stress relieving feel to it which eased the pain I had in my neck and back, as well as settled my stomach. I love the fact that unlike many other cannabis infused products, it did not give me that couch lock feel and I still had enough energy to go about my day normally. Overall, I really like this product. I think the people at The Good Stuff Tonics nailed it with this Ginger Apple Kombucha. I love the fact that they took into consideration the medicinal properties of the product as a whole, not just the cannabis side. I would definitely recommend it to others.

To find out more information on The Good Stuff Tonics check out their website at: http://goodstufftonics.com.

Ginger Apple Kombucha from The Good Stuff Tonics.

was going to be more of a crunch to it like a granola bar, but to my surprise, it was not. It smelt like figs and raisins (due to the dates that were in it) and it tasted like sunflower seeds and hemp seeds. I do like that it was not extremely sweet and did not taste artificial. The middle of the bar was more of a gooey consistency because of the dates and it almost seemed like the center of the bar was rolled in the sunflower and hemp seeds. After eating this bar I did feel very relaxed but at the same time it did give me a lot of energy. I like how the creators of this bar chose their ingredients. Although I am not a huge fan of how vegan things taste, I do like the healthy aspects of them and as the company’s website says, the bar “combines the medicinal properties of cannabis with the healing properties of superfoods”. I was quite surprised with how much energy this bar gave me and I think it was definitely due to the hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, and other superfood ingredients it had.

- Victoria Lee

by Victoria Lee and Cindy Lou

First time trying and felt the texture was very mushy yet nutty…Center resembles the texture of a “fig newton”, due to the dates which make up the center of the bar. The outer coating was very nutty but not crunchy. I know that everyone reacts to edibles differently so I decided to taste a portion at a time. The first time I tried the bar it was at room temp, and I felt that it was a very warm, mushy feeling which I was not a fan of. At this point I felt that I needed to try again to give this product a chance. I had refrigerated the bar and it made a huge difference to me. I not only was able to taste it but I thought, “It’s not bad”!!!! Now, let me tell you that this bar is vegan, which I am not, so the taste was very different to what I was used to.

he Haum Remedies Medicated Superfood Bar is a 75mg Edible. It is a Vegan ,gluten free, granola free edible with no refined sugars or preservatives, and is high in protein and fiber. As I ate this bar I did think there

I proceeded to eat the bar and I had the feeling of a very relaxed state but could concentrate, focus, and get some work done without much distraction!!! I also found that I felt a bit more energized which I am sure is due to all the natural

Haum Remedies: Medicated Superfood Bar

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ingredients, which is a good thing!!! Within a few hours, I did feel the need to take a siesta!! Upon awakening, I still felt very relaxed and still able to focus and get things done. I will honestly say that this an edible to try!!!

- Cindy Lou

Medicated Superfood Energy Bar from Haum Remedies. Vegan. Gluten free.

Granola Free. No refined sugar or preservatives. High in protein and fiber.

This energizing blend of goji berries, cacao, blueberries, almonds, chia, hemp, sunflower seeds, pepitas, and cannabis coconut oil combines the medicinal quality of cannabis with the healing properties of superfoods. Sweetened only with dates and coconut nectar, this low glycemic bar is high on energy.

www.haumremedies.com

haumremedies

Kushley: Clearing the Air

putting themselves through the rigors of standing for hours at festivals and trade shows, their love for the cannabis community and their desire to help others strengthens their resolve.

Kushley’s cornerstone product is a water-based misting spray handcrafted in America. While the exact combination of ingredients is a trade secret, peppermint, lemon and eucalyptus are among the 37 natural botanical oil extracts that biodegrade any organic odor on contact. It can also be poured, sponged, mopped or squirted anywhere needed.

There are times when being discreet is an absolute necessity. People in public housing can be evicted for using or growing marijuana. Veterans have lost their benefits simply for self-medicating to treat their PTSD. Parents can lose custody of their children for using this safe and effective medicine and courts have ruled that you can lose your job for failing a drug test for marijuana. These are all reasons to keep Kushley nearby.

So, whether you need to hide the smell of your best skunkweed or your dog gets “skunked,” Kushley will clear the air! (For the later, bathe Fido in full strength Kushley, use cotton balls to dab around the eyes and rinse thoroughly.)

Shop for Kushley products, which also include candles, soaps and lotions, online at http://www.kushley.com and at many “hemp friendly” establishments. Happiness is just a spray away!

by John Dvorak

M

arijuana prohibition stinks! It reeks to high heaven.

One’s nose curls from the smells emanating from our putrid, Reefer Mad justice system. Hundreds of thousands arrested each year merely for possessing this fragrant flower. Patient’s screams for relief are met with a smelly wall of denial as our government blocks access to medical marijuana, a proven natural treatment for myriad ailments.

While many love the smell of cannabis and the happy, healthful connotations it is associated with, a large swath of the public is stigmatized and reacts with disdain when confronted with the unmistakably pungent odor of those funny looking cigarettes. In addition, serious legal and personal repercussions can result from the tell-tale odor.

Fortunately, change is in the air as a new line of Kushley organic products blows through the reform movement.

For over a quarter century, Colleen and Jim have worked in the environmental odor control industry, creating and marketing products to companies that need to eradicate noxious smells, including nursing homes, hospitals and sewage treatment plants. In 2014 a good friend of theirs was stricken with cancer. While undergoing chemotherapy she discovered that cannabis eased her nausea and helped her sleep. Unfortunately, she had to hide her cannabis use from her family. This is when Colleen and Jim realized that their spray was also really good at eliminating the smell of marijuana. Their friend was so grateful for this and Colleen wondered to herself “how many hugs did she miss?” So, they came up with the Kushley brand name and embarked on a new crusade. While they don’t need to be

Kushley fine mist spray is water based and contains 37 proprietary natural botanical oil extracts to eliminate odor on contact.

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Legal Weed: Are We Good to Grow Yet? (Part I)

by Mark M. Ward

that down, there are 40 states with general medical cannabis laws, 23 states that grant patients access to the cannabis plant, but only 15 states allow patients to grow their own medicine. But why such a dramatic difference in state to state medical cannabis laws if a medicine is a medicine in either state? Why do some states not allow patients to home grow? Would anyone gain from denying our citizens and patient’s right to grow one’s own medicine?

Possession limits for patients vary greatly from state to state with no apparent correlation. Alaska has a patient possession limit of 1oz, while Oregon has a 24 oz limit. State plant count differs just as considerably between states, seemingly with no rational influence on possession limit.

California and Colorado’s medical cannabis patients are permitted to grow 6 mature plants, but California boasts an 8 oz possession over Colorado’s 2 oz limit. To further illustrate how irrational the plant to possession counts are, Rhode Island patients can have 12 mature plants yet still may only possess 2.5 oz’s usable harvest. It seems either law makers didn’t comprehend basic cannabis cultivation, or they made a system designed for patients to fail, thus keeping cultivation a commercial institution.

S

o we have fought for cultivation legalization in recreational and medical cannabis states and we have it… well, sort of. There are 40 states with medical marijuana laws enacted; among these are 16 states with laws specifically about legal non- psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD). Several states have passed laws permitting use of CBD extract, typically in oil form, containing insignificant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and often utilized for treatment of epilepsy or seizures in critically ill children.

For my purposes I will not consider CBD-specific laws to be the equivalent of approving medical marijuana, because these laws do not legalize use of the cannabis plant itself for medical purposes and these states do not allow home cultivation.

There are a total of 23 states with actual state-level medical legalization that permit patients to possess cannabis. Out of the 23 Medical cannabis states, there are 8 that do not authorize home growing for patients. To break

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In many states that authorize patients to grow, state laws will not allow cultivation in a home that is zoned closely to a dispensary, in some cases within 25 miles such as in Arizona.

There are even instances such as in Rhode Island, where lawmakers have proposed a tax on every plant a patient grows. “The $350-per-plant fee that Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo wants to impose on growers is an extreme, regressive taxation on this life-saving drug. Moreover, this tax will be exclusively levied on the most vulnerable Rhode Islanders amongst us…cancer patients, sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis, paralysis, etc., this is perhaps the most disgusting exercise of raw governmental power that I’ve seen in my time as a political activist” -Tony Jones (Libertarian Party of RI/Gary Johnson 2016). (End of 1st Installment)

Mark M. Ward is an activist. He will petition, protest, and lobby for immediate change in marijuana regulatory policy, and for the adult access to safe, quality Cannabis. “I work to move public opinion sufficiently, to legalize responsible cannabis use of adults and serve as an advocate to assure access to safe, quality cannabis.”

DID YOU KNOW? From 1631 until the early 1800s that you could pay your taxes with hemp and grow for the Queen?

It has been well documented that Queen Elizabeth used cannabis for the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Vaporizing is a vasodilator (opens your airways) and smoking is a vasoconstrictor (closes your airways).

Placing a leaf covered in trichomes under your tongue may provide relief from a MIGRAINE.

About Jack Herer (June 18, 1939 - April 15, 2010): “Jack was very good at using a yo-yo. He could make it ‘walk the dog’ and a lot of other neat tricks. He loved Ms. Pac-Man so much that he got carpal tunnel from playing it. He loved to watch old Westerns on TV. He loved to sing—one of his favorite songs was ‘Horse Right Here’ from Guys and Dolls. - Jeannie Herer.

Refusing to grow hemp in America in the 17th and 18th centuries was against the law. You could be jailed in VA for refusing to grow hemp from 1763 to 1769. (Hemp in Colonial Virginia, G.M. Herdon).

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Legally Growing Medical Cannabis in Rhode Island

by JoAnne Leppanen

Patients and Caregivers

by April 1.

N

ew laws have changed cultivation in Rhode Island.

This is an overview of the current categories of growers with important changes. Among the changes are limits on wet cannabis, new equivalencies for concentrates and edibles (see charts B and C) and a requirement for all patient and caregiver plants to have tags

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Patients may still grow up to 12 mature plants and 12 seedlings. However, they may still only possess 2.5 oz of dried usable (which includes dried leaf ). Caregivers may grow and provide cannabis for as many as five patients.

There are no independent caregivers in RI. They are appointed by the patients. A patient can no longer appoint two caregivers, but can still appoint one caregiver to grow for them. Caregivers can be compensated by patients to cover the costs associated with growing. A caregiver with one patient may grow up to 12 mature plants and 12 seedlings. A caregiver who is also a patient may have 24 mature and 24 seedlings. A caregiver with 2-5 patients may have a maximum of 24 mature plants and 24 seedlings, even if the caregiver is also a patient. Patients and caregivers can no longer sell excess cannabis to the compassion centers Caregivers can accept compensation only for those patients who register them as their caregiver. Otherwise, caregivers and patients may give cannabis to patients if they do not accept anything (money, a service, or donation of any kind) as a condition of the gift. A caregiver with one patient can only possess 2.5 oz of dried usable cannabis for their patient (including dried leaf ). A caregiver with 2-5 patients can only possess a total of 5 oz of dried usable cannabis.

New regulations also limit the amount of wet cannabis for patients and their caregivers based on the assumption that wet cannabis will lose 80% of its weight in the process of drying. Please see Chart A for new limits on wet cannabis.

By April 1, all plants grown by patients and caregivers must have tags purchased from the Department of Business Regulation(DBR). Tags are sold in sets and cost 25 dollars each. A set consists of one tag for a mature plant and one for a seedling. Patients and their caregivers can both receive free tags if the patient is low income and qualifies for the discounted application fee with the health department (SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, railroad disability, disabled veterans).

Caregivers must purchase at least one set of tags for each patient who does not qualify for free tags. Please go to the DBR website to order tags: http://www.dbr.state.ri.us/

divisions/ medicalmarijuana/index.php#medtags.

Inspections of patient and caregiver gardens? One of the most frequent questions is whether or not patient and caregiver gardens will be subject to routine or surprise inspections by the DBR or health department. The short answer is no. There is a provision in the new DBR regulations for inspections but they will not be routine or surprise. If the DBR has reason to believe there is non-compliance, they can send a letter expressing those concerns to the patient or caregiver. If no response after 10 days, they can send another letter. If still no response they can call or possibly email. Only after that can they even attempt to schedule a visit to the garden. DBR does not have the right to just show up and demand access to anyone’s garden.

Co-ops

Co-ops must now be licensed by the DBR. There is a 50 dollar application fee and annual license fee of 500 dollars for non-residential and 250 dollar fee for residential co-ops.

Co-ops exist wherever two or more MMj patients and/or caregivers are growing together. There are two types of coops: residential and non-residential. Both are subject to DBR regulations including registering with the state police. Nonresidential co-ops must have the approval of the city/town zoning and building inspector and may have 48 mature plants and 48 seedlings. Residential co-ops must have an affidavit from a licensed electrician stating compliance with building and zoning codes. Residential co-ops may have 24 mature plants and 24 seedlings. Both types of coops have a possession limit of 10 ounces of dried usable (including dried leaf ). All co-ops should be familiar with the DBR regulations at page 62 of the regulations: http:// www. dbr.state.ri.us/documents/rules/medical_marijuana/ DBR_Medical_Marijuana_Regulations_Final.pdf. Co-ops must have tags on all plants in accordance with the rules for patients and caregivers.

Licensed Cultivators Licensed Cultivators are a new category of growers. They

are the only individuals or entities than can sell cannabis to the Compassion Centers. They are licensed by the DBR to sell only to the Centers. They cannot be caregivers or sell to patients. There are five categories of cultivator licenses ranging from a micro license with up to 2,500 sq. feet to a class D license with up to a 15,000 sq.feet. The annual license fees range from 5,000 dollars for a micro-license to 80,000 dollars for a class D license.

Cultivator regulations can be found at page 40 of DBR regulations http://www.dbr.state.ri.us/documents/rules/ medical_marijuana/DBR_Medical_Marijuana_Regulations_ Final.pdf.

Compassion Centers Compassion Centers are now licensed by the (DBR) and are the dispensaries in Rhode Island. Only the three compassion centers are permitted to sell to all licensed patients and a patient is free to purchase from all or any of the three compassion centers. Compassion Centers may grow as many plants as they deem necessary for patients.

They can use only food grade pesticides but never on flowering plants. We are awaiting the new state regulations that will govern testing. The centers can no longer purchase from patients and caregivers. As of January 1, they can only purchase from licensed cultivators. New DBR regulations for the compassion centers can be found on page 4 of the regulations: http://www.dbr.state.ri.us/documents/rules/ medical_marijuana/DBR_Medical_Marijuana_Regulations_ Final.pdf About the author: JoAnne Leppanen is the executive director of Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition (RIPAC). Please visit the RIPAC website for information about the RI Medical Marijuana Program and information about RIPAC meetings.

RIPAC

www.RIpatients.org.

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We are totally pleased to introduce you to an awesome new caregiver to get to know, thanks to our own Cindy Lou. Check out @BrightBuds420 on IG and read on to get some great insight on his grow and dedicated patient care.

What is your name?

Most people call me Bright Buds, same as my Instagram name… @BrightBuds420.

How many years have you been a care giver?

It’s been 5 years or so since I started caring for other patients. I was growing for myself for a couple of years prior to taking on any patients.

How many patients do you currently have?

At the moment I have two incredibly inspiring patients.

What is your motivation for being a caregiver?

Well, cannabis saved my life when I was in my late teens. I was a pissed off kid who had no clue what to do with his life. I knew I wanted to help others but didn’t want to put myself in debt by going to college like many my age had been doing. When I was younger my grandmother, who was an amputee, used to take me to see new amputees who had no hope to show them they could live a normal life and have great things in their lives like grandchildren who loved them unconditionally. I think that’s where it all stemmed from. When I was about 21 I started playing around with growing and recognized that there was so much more to this wonderful plant. That’s when I set out to find someone I could truly help. Sure enough a family member connected me with an amazing lady who saw the potential in me and gave me all the reason in the world I needed to shine, helping someone who was in a similar situation my grandmother was.

State of your operation?

I was born and raised in the little state of Rhode Island. I’ve never left and probably never will.

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What do you use for nutrients? Why that product?

I am using Emerald Harvest nutrients. I truly love this company, they use no animal by products and are doing things that no other nutrient companies have, like using hemp seed flour in their PK Booster King Kola. Their products are simple to use, cost effective and produce superior flowers.

What would you say are your favorite strains? Why? Now that’s a tough one… at the moment I’m really in love with a couple different strains. First is Lemon OG Kush from DNA Genetics. The citrus flavors from her are amazing, the high is uplifting and is great for back and nerve pain. The other strain I’ve recently become obsessed with is Lucky Number Seven from Moxie Genetics. This one is a short stocky plant that is a pleasure to grow. She stinks like fuel and grapes. The high has a very heavy sedating effect, great appetite enhancement and is amazing for insomnia.

What do you find to be the most useful piece of equipment you have purchased and why?

I really think that my Hydro Halos are the best price of equipment I own. No more days of getting on my hands and knees and breaking my back to reach the plants in the back. Now it’s drop the pump in the nutrient mix and hit the switch. It’s a beautiful thing. Plus it made my flushing process about 6 hours shorter. Anything that can save time and pain is well worth the investment.

What specific illness do your patients have? (please do not include names) Between my two patients there is a laundry list.

Patient #1: Double amputee, Brett cancer, Stenosis, a sleep disorder, anxiety, and all the horror that comes with cancer and chemo.

Patient #2: Fibromyalgia with M.S. type symptoms, Muscle spasms from head to toe on the right side of his body, chronic pain in his hands, shoulders and neck, insomnia, ADHD and PTSD.

How do feel that you have helped your patients illness/ailment?

Well with both patients I have seen a dramatic improvement in their overall quality of life. My patient with breathtaking cancer has reported much less nausea, aching and better sleep. She has also reported a reduction in her anxiety. My other patient has reported the same improvements, better sleeping habits, less pain that is more manageable, more focus, less anxiety and more social drive. It’s an amazing feeling to see improvements in my patients and to see them be able to live normal lives without being loaded up on prescription pills.

Do you prefer to grow Indicas or Sativas?

Why? I prefer to grow mostly Indica’s due to my patients needs and my own… every once and a while I like to throw a saliva in the mix, but there are so many great Strains these days that are heavy indica, it’s tough to branch off.

What process do you use to grow?

I run drain to waist using Promix in Smart Pots that sit on flood tables with a reservoir beneath to catch the waist.

As I stated before I also use Hydro Halos for my irrigation.

Everything on those flood tables are held in place with a scrog net. I really love the sea of green method for maximizing yields and minimizing loss of light.

What type of lighting do you use to grow?

I have always stuck with the classic Hortilux Eye Super HPS bulbs in Raptor air cooled reflectors with Phantom 2 digital ballasts. You just can’t go wrong with that setup. It’s an efficient setup and very reliable.

Do you grow from seeds or clones? Why? I mostly grow from clones to keep consistency and to hold on to my genetics, but about once a year I plant seeds to pheno hunt for something new to throw in the mix.

What are the most difficult challenges you have faced as a caregiver?

I truly believe the most difficult thing to do as a caregiver is staying within my veg plant count. It’s not easy keeping a good genetic library wile preparing the next round for flower. In Rhode Island caregivers with 2 or more patients are allowed 24 flowering plants and 24 veg plants. So with anything more than 4 or 5 different Strains and a perpetual grow it becomes difficult to keep a solid genetic stock while always searching for the next strain to add to the library.

Do you prefer hydro or soil? Why? I prefer right in between, soilless. You get the benefits of hydro like yields without the headaches of hydro. It also

21

allows for total control of your plants nutrient necessities unlike soil.

Do you flush your plants before you harvest? And if so, for how long?

Of course I flush… that’s the most important step to ensure clean meds. I like to do a 2 week flush to be sure that the plant has used up any leftover nutrients in the root zone and in the fan leaves. It also provides a foundation for the natural terpenes of the plant to shine without any leftover flavors from your nutrients.

How do you feel about compassion centers and dispensaries?

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Very strongly… I truly think that they are the worst thing to happen to this state’s medical marijuana program. Between over charging and taxing patients for medicine, bad grow practices in their own grows and strong arming caregivers, who provide meds for them, into accepting bottom dollar for better meds than they can provide, while simultaneously swaying the laws in their favor and pushing the grassroots of the movement out. They are something we all need to take a step back and look at the facts and make changes in legislation to benefit the patients and not their pockets.

@BRIGHTBUDS420

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How I got into medical cannabis…

by Jon Friedman

I

t’s interesting, when I look back at my teenage years, you can say that there is a part of us that is always with us, born inside of us. I feel this way about the cannabis plant and everything amazing it can help us with. I didn’t always feel or think this way. But, a few moments in my life changed that forever. It was interesting because growing up and going through high school, I had no desire to experiment with what I was taught were “drugs”, but I felt a strong connection to what I guess you would call “hippy culture”. I loved Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Velvet Underground, Zeppelin, and I loved psychedelic patterns and color schemes and designs. I believe in peace and compassion and that we all have a right to be free and live peacefully as who we are. It seems as if I was drawn to the culture, but with out being able to ever experience it.

So anyway, I was 17, and again, I actually even said to my friends, you know, when we had that cliched conversation about trying drugs? I didn’t even have a desire to do any drugs really. And I say drugs, because back then, that is what I was taught to see them as. (Perspective is a very interesting thing. Two people can literally see the same thing differently.) So anyway, this was my mindset at the time. I thought pot made people act stupid and laugh and become insanely hungry. I never really thought more of it. That was until I did something I am not proud of, and since this is an article I can conveniently evade this fleeting sentence and go on to say that my girlfriend broke up with me and I was destroyed. Literally destroyed. It was spring break of my senior year and so I did what every smart teen age kid going through immense heartbreak does. I said “screw it.” I threw all my preconceived notions out the window. During that interesting break I tried cocaine, cannabis and cigarettes. It was a very mind opening couple of weeks. To quickly follow up, I did not like cocaine and would not recommend it. I only

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tried it cause I had weird dreams about my parents coming into my room and giving it to me while I was sleeping. I have no idea where this came from, I swear :) I did like cannabis though, and as far as cigarettes are concerned…not for me either. When I say I liked cannabis, I mean just that. I liked it. I love to be creative and it felt like cannabis really let those juices flow. It was different than I thought it would be. It was fun to laugh, it was fun to feel a release from this seriousness. It opened up doors of myself I didn’t know existed and I began to explore them. I loved how music sounded and the feelings I once felt seemed to be that much more intensified and real. I attribute part of me being in the food industry to my cannabis use.

After that spring break my girlfriend and I managed to patch things up. I became a casual pot smoker and thus began my relationship with Mary Jane. It wasn’t until after I graduated high school and went off to college that I truly evolved. After I graduated, I spent the summer in LA and then went off to San Francisco State University. I remember being there as a freshmen and thinking about all that “college” stuff you hear about. It was awkward, because I had not been smoking cannabis for that long, so my etiquette was still dry and uncomfortable. But I found a way and learned as went along. So this is where it all changes magically for me. Synchronicity at it’s finest. I went downtown to look for a fake ID and ended up on Market Street. At the time, that was the extent of my “illicit behavior.”

I got to a point on the street, and there is this guy standing there on the sidewalk, halfway between the stores and the curb, and he does this half mumble kind of thing and starts talking to me asking me if I want to get weed. I told him no, but I am looking for a fake ID. He said, “Sure, I can get that.” We went through all these motions which I felt made sense and seemed normal. Although, don’t get me wrong, the whole time I was aware that this guy could just take my money, I wasn’t being stupid, it’s just that in a situation like that, you don’t really have a choice. Anyway, he took my 20 bucks and the info I told him I wanted on the ID card. He then pulls out a gram bag of weed and tries to hand it to me “as collateral.” I didn’t feel comfortable doing a “drug” transaction in the middle of Market Street, so I said , “No, no, man. It’s cool. I trust you” and off he went into some adult sex shop….he said he’d be right back. So anyway, I waited outside, and I waited, and waited. While I was waiting a police officer strolls by, I pretend I am waiting for someone, that isn’t doing something illegal. After about 20 minutes I feel like I have a pretty good idea what happened so I decide to go into the shop anyway and just see. I walk in, and it’s super dark with red lights, like how a photography dark room would be. I went down this corridor and to my right were these booths with women, sort of trapped inside.

One of them stares at me and does this grinding motion while smiling. It was pretty surreal and cool for me because I absolutely enjoy when life gets weird. So, I continued down

towards the back. I get to a room where there are videos.

It’s still somewhat dim but I can see two older men standing behind a video rack. Seeing me looking around aimlessly and out of place they ask if everything is ok. I ask, “Did a guy come through here?” And the one gentleman says, “Did that guy on the street take your money?” Feeling a bit let down that it didn’t work out I answered, “Yea, is it that obvious?”

And he asked, “Now what are doing giving your money to people like that?” “I was trying to get fake ID.” That was pretty much it. I left the shop, never ended up getting a fake ID, ever and just chalked it up to be an interesting story.

A couple months go by and I end up going down to LA to visit my girlfriend and family. On a nice Sunday afternoon we decide to hang out down on Venice Beach. While we are walking around I see a table for Medical Marijuana and there were some people there talking about something, so I wanted to go check. So we walk over and start talking with the guys there. I can’t remember the exact conversation but the man I met that day was Dennis Peron. I mentioned to him that I was studying in San Francisco and he said that when I get back, I have to come by his Medical Marijuana shop down on Market Street and that I was invited and when I get there to let the security know to get Dennis. I did not really know at the time what I was in for, so I casually and sincerely thanked him and then we left. The rest of my trip back home went well. I was excited to get back to SF and on my way back I realized something that wasn’t siting right with me since meeting Dennis in Venice Beach. Then it hit me, Dennis was the man I met in the sex shop!

Within a week or so after getting back, I decide to check out the invitation I had received.

First thing, you can smell the place from at least a block away. I laughed because of how even more surreal it was all becoming. I thought, “No way. Is this for real?” There is a line out the door and I just sort of went up to the guard who was checking the patients and mentioned that I was there as a guest of Dennis’. They did their thing on the walkie talkies and then after a moment, let me in. I still could not believe that this was happening. So, this is where it all changed for me. What I witnessed when I made my way to the common areas of the club and what I witnessed while Dennis was giving me the tour changed the way I see cannabis.

What I experienced is hard to explain. It was beautiful. The patients that usually would hang out at the club were there because they did not really have a safe place to go and they needed to consume their medicine somewhere. This place gave them that freedom. All while some were chronically ill. It was something I had never been close enough to understand. I saw these people who who were terminal; some with only a short time left to live, and I saw them singing and playing guitar, and laughing. I saw them living, not dying. This is what cannabis is to me. I felt what this plant was helping them achieve in their final days here, which was life. From that moment on, I saw the world and cannabis differently. This is a plant that I was taught was something evil and dangerous. A plant, that had such a propagandized stigmatism attached to it, and I had the veil pulled from my eyes, It was weird to “see the truth” but it felt right and it made sense. I wanted to be more involved. At the time

I was not sure how. I started helping Dennis campaign for governor while somewhat going to school. It was interesting to be in San Francisco, and to be within a brewing force that had resonating since the 60’s. A compassionate force that was gaining momentum. As the bliss of this new revelation set in, the yang crept quietly in the room as well. I realized all the lies and pain people go through are for reasons I feel are based in insecurity, fear, control, and greed. I’m not sure how else to describe this feeling and experience other than it is similar to being certain about a fact, only to look it up and be wrong and then to actually be relieved that it wasn’t true, and then to be sad that people you were supposed to trust, have been lying to us for years. Those moments and the time and attention Dennis gave me at that club forever changed me and reinforced a feeling within me that said, “I am not crazy, and there are other people out there who share the same views on compassion and our rights as I do.” I will always be grateful to Dennis for sharing with me his vision and I am equally grateful to life for it’s synchronistic ways of making things happen.

Throughout my life I have continued to benefit from cannabis, one of which was to counter my lack of appetite during an intense period of situationally brought on depression where basically whenever I ate, it felt like I was already full and like I had just eaten a bunch of burning rocks. It really helped me. During that time, cannabis helped me find my way back to my positive self. cannabis helped me laugh again, it put life back into the perspective I once had and cherished. It had brought me home. When I was 22, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and the first thing I did was ask her to at least let me make her some cookies. I knew she perceived cannabis completely differently than me, still with her eyes obstructed, but I believed in it that much. So I pretty much insisted that she at least keep them on hand just in case. Eventually she did end up having some. She fought back and won, and she has been cancer free since.

Always believing in the right to compassion and freedom and sticking up for the defenseless has been what has led me here. I did not come to this way directly, I could write a whole lot more, but I did end up here, and though everything I have been though until now, I finally feel like I am back where I belong. As shocking as 2016 was for a lot of people, I had one random opportunity which just happened to be at the right time. This opportunity gave my partner and I the resources we needed to start our edible company.

From the get go, we have always been about providing something your body can use and benefit from. As hard as starting a business from scratch (with a very limited budget) is, I am very humbled to be in a position to help people and I could not see all the pieces making sense at the time, but a lot of what I have gone through has prepared me for what we are doing now and that is why through it all I have always and will always trust life. I don’t know where this is going, but I am doing as I have always done, which is put forth my best effort, driven from my heart.

My journey with medical cannabis is still being written and I am so excited to see what happens next. I love this plant and I love how it helps everyone who needs it.

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Which Marijuana Strain Works Best for Pain?

by Ellen Lenox Smith, Columnist

THC included. So do not become discouraged if you don’t have success at first.

Please know that THC and CBD levels don’t mean that every plant ever produced of a specific strain will always have the same percentages and ratios. Due to different growing methods, those levels can vary. So, always make sure what you are buying has been tested by a reputable testing facility if cannabinoid levels are important to you.

One successful thing I would like to pass on to you is a trick we discovered making our sleep inducing pain relief oil and day tinctures.

U

nfortunately, “one size does not fit all” when it comes to using medical marijuana for pain relief. You and I could have exactly the same medical condition and use the same strain, but we will not necessarily react in similar fashion.

Because of that, it may take time to find your effective strain. This process will require patience and holding onto hope that you will eventually succeed. I was lucky. The first time I tried some Indica oil, I literally slept the entire night.

However, we have had patients who sampled numerous strains before they found what works for them.

There are two strains of marijuana plants, both of which provide pain relief: Indica has a calming and soothing effect that can help you sleep, while Sativa helps stimulate the brain and body so you can have a more productive day.

The other thing you have to pay attention to is the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) content of the strain you are selecting. THC is known to provide the “high” sensation that people refer to when marijuana is used recreationally.

Those of us who use marijuana for pain generally do not have that experience, unless we take too high of a dose or just react wrong to a strain.

CBDs are believed to be responsible for the therapeutic and medical benefits of cannabis. They don’t make people feel “stoned” and can actually counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. The fact that CBD-rich cannabis doesn’t get you high makes it an appealing treatment option for patients seeking anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, and/or anti-spasm effects, without the troubling side effects of lethargy or depression.

However, we don’t all experience pain relief without a higher content of THC. In fact, we have seen some patients be more successful in reducing seizures with more of the

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We now mix all of our five types of Indica strains or Sativa strains together to create the oil or tincture. We make it from the small clippings around the bud, instead of the whole bud. Patients seem to prefer it made this way. You are exposed to the benefits of each plant, along with it being very gentle and less expensive.

In conclusion, remember that you may have to test several strains of medical marijuana to find the right match for your personal needs. It is worth the time and effort, because the pain relief is gentle, non-invasive, and allows you to return to a more productive life without worrying about organ damage from pharmaceuticals.

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represents the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.

Medical marijuana is legal in 23 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, but is still technically illegal under federal law.

Even in states where it is legal, doctors may frown upon marijuana and drop patients from their practice for using it.

About the author: Ellen Lenox Smith suffers from Ehlers Danlos syndrome and sarcoidosis.

Ellen and her husband Stuart live in Rhode Island. They are co-directors for medical marijuana advocacy for the U.S. Pain Foundation and serve as board members for the Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition. For more information about medical marijuana, visit their website: ellenandstuartsmith.squarespace.com

Photo credit: Ryan Smith

1973

CANNABIS TIMELINE

Afghan government makes hashish production and sales illegal. Afghani harvest is pitifully small.

1975 FDA establishes Compassionate Use program for medical marijuana.

1976 - 1977 Quality of Lebanese hashish reaches zenith.

1978 Westerners make sieved hashish in Nepal from wild Cannabis.

Late 1970s Increasing manufacture of “modern” Afghani hashish. Cannabis varieties from Afghanistan imported into Kashmir for sieved hashish production.

1980s Morocco becomes one of, if not the largest, hashish producing and exporting nations.

1980s “Border” hashish produced in northwestern Pakistan along the Afghan border to avoid Soviet-Afghan war.

Early 1980s Quality of Lebanese hashish declines.

1983 - 1984 Small amounts of the last high-quality Turkish hashish appear.

1985 Hashish still produced by Muslims of Kashgar and Yarkland (NW China).

1986 Most private stashes of pre-war Afghani hashish in Amsterdam, Goa, and America are nearly finished.

May 13, 1986 Dronabinol is placed into Schedule II by the DEA. 1987 Moroccan government cracks down upon Cannabis cultivation in lower elevations of Rif Mountains.

1988 DEA administrative law Judge Francis Young finds after thorough hearings that marijuana has clearly established medical use and should be reclassified as a prescriptive drug. His recommendation is ignored.

1993 Cannabis eradication efforts resume in Morocco.

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1000 Watts Magazine Series 6 | Issue 45

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1000 Watts Magazine Series 6 | Issue 45

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