CANNABIS By The Sea Magazine
Winter 2021 Vol 2 Issue 4
“Growing Relationships”
Robin Karlsson
Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce Large Business of The Year 2019
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Table of Contents
Winter 2021
FEATURES
11
Cannabis farmers and neighbors reach a plan of peace
14
Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne: Working to Launch Cannabis Contributions to City’s Coffers
Earlier this year, cannabis farmers and neighbors angry about odors signed an agreement that outlines how to farm cannabis in a manner considerate to the community. The pact is between CARP Growers and the Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis. It took almost 12 months to finalize, and binds 10 cannabis growers at 23 properties to new standards of excellence.
Jenelle Osborne was loud, clear, and transparent on the subject of how cannabis tax revenue could enrich the city, financially and culturally when campaigning for mayor of the City of Lompoc. She won the seat and now is serving her second term. Read up on Lompoc and the mayor who revitalized the downtown.
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2
Blunt Advice Barbara’s back! Answering all the questions most of us are afraid to ask. Ever wonder about “California Sober” or cannabis to help those menopause woes? Maybe you’ve been pondering replacing the nightly pint(s) with cannabis. Barbara’s got you covered. In her gently yet firm manner, she dispenses the straight dope about navigating some of life’s head-scratching moments.
Cannabis by the Sea Winter 2021
TLF Consulting Helping to build stellar community relationships tinafconsulting@gmail.com
The podcast dedicated to taking the mystery out of cannabis and hemp. Hosted by Alex Robles, new shows drop on Sundays Follow the the links below to watch the “In My Grow Show” podcast on YouTube or listen to it on all the major podcast platforms. https://www.youtube.com/inmygrowshow http://inmygrowshow.libsyn.com/
GROW | LEARN | TEACH Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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IN EVERY ISSUE
6
From the Publisher
7
and Here’s Why . . .
9
Cannabis 101
14
Welcome letter from the Publisher
Big Canna and Small Town Farming
Dosing the THC edible
The Cannabis Lifestyle Recipe, Blunt Advice, and To Grow or Not to Grow
21
Resources and References
23
We’d Recommend It
25
Pet Project
26
Marketplace
27
Last Look
Where to Learn More, How to Do More
Products and services to enhance daily life
Cats and Dogs
The Laws of Texas
Cover Shot Local professional photographer Glenn Dubock, captured our cover photo on one of his daily Ebike rides. “I’ve found that with the mobility of my new bike, I can wander far and wide with my camera on my back and the fresh Carpinteria air in my face.” This photo was taken in the fading winter light in Carpinteria State Beach, at Tar Pits reef. More of Glenn’s work can be seen and purchased at his website dubock.com. CS 4
Cannabis by the Sea Winter 2021
Amy Steinfeld
Find it, Offer it, Sell it
CANNABIS By The Sea Bie & Bie Productions, Inc. 1072 Casitas Pass Rd., Suite 286, Carpinteria, CA 93013 (805) 881-1218 | info@cbtsmagazine.com Publisher — Bie & Bie Productions, Inc. Editorial Director — Amy Marie Orozco Creative Director — Melinda Bie Contributors — Dianne Armitage, Peter Bie, Peter Dugre, Naked Mary Jane, Alonzo Orozco, Alex Robles, Amy Steinfeld and Barbara Verde Published seasonally four times a year by Bie & Bie Productions, Inc., Cannabis by the Sea is a lifestyle magazine dedicated to information on the health and wellness properties of cannabis. Cannabis by the Sea makes every effort to ensure the published information is correct, informative, and practical. Editorial content is not intended to replace the advice of medical professionals. Cannabis by the Sea advertisements do not imply endorsement of products or services. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to info@cbtsmagazine.com Send product samples to Cannabis by the Sea, 1072 Castias Pass Rd., #286, Carpinteria, CA 93013. All submissions, editorial and otherwise, become the property Bie & Bie Productions, Inc. Bie & Bie Productions, Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited materials. COPYRIGHT © 2021 Bie & Bie Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the publisher.
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Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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From the Publisher
Welcome to the Winter issue of Cannabis by the Sea magazine!
As we close the books on our second year, we look back at some of the amazing people we have had the opportunity to meet in these pages. We hope that you enjoyed meeting them as well. With a look back also comes a look forward and the anticipation of what lies in store for us in 2022. I personally hope that 2022 brings us all good health, common sense, and a desire to embrace peace with each other. We started our holidays by sponsoring a tree at the Carpinteria Lions Club Festival of Trees. This annual event is supported by businesses and organizations all over town who decorate a tree and then fill it with gifts of their choice. The community is invited to purchase raffle tickets for a tree or trees and winners take home the decorations on and the gifts under the tree. The event raised a record $47,000 this year, all of which is being donated to the Carpinteria Skate Foundation to help build a new skate park. The theme of our tree was “Comfort and Joy”, and we were overwhelmed with support from some of our favorite vendors who provided amazing gifts for the lucky winner! 805 Buddha Bliss, Katie the Facial Lady, Marcel Hemp of Santa Barbara, Skin Essentials, Photographer Robin Karlsson, Tornado Tumblers and Holly Griffin Yoga to name a few. We are so grateful for their support and to all of you who purchased tickets for a chance to win all the goodies. 2021 hasn’t been an easy year … it hasn’t been the worst year either. I am trying to look at 2022 as a clean chalkboard inviting me to be creative and patient, busy and calm, optimistic and careful. Thank you for your support of Cannabis by the Sea magazine … we look forward to our third year and introducing you to some more amazing people, and, of course, providing you with more information on this amazing plant that we call cannabis. Wishing you a Happy New Year and nothing but the best of everything in 2022!
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- Melinda Bie
Cannabis by the Sea Winter 2021
By Naked Mary Jane
We have five years of full-blown cannabis legalization under our belt here in Carpinteria. And oh my! How it has changed our little bit of paradise. Our town delighted in a prominent cut flower industry just a few short years ago. Our green valley grew many more acres of avocado and citrus, with a smattering of hoop houses growing flowers, lettuce, and orchids. The arrival of our new cash cow industry changed that. Now, as I hike up the mountain trails and look down on our small valley, I see the significant changes cannabis has made to our landscape. The reflection of acres of added greenhouses that cover our agricultural land is blinding. I wonder when the greenhouses will merge with the sea and become one mass of silver-blue as the sun magnifies the reflection of stainless steel, glass, and plastic.
Brent Flaaten
Big Canna, Little Carp
And Here’s Why
giant MSO- multi-state operator) are just a few of these operating in the Carpinteria Valley. These companies are not headquartered in California, and only one has its corporate offices in the United States. These are multistate, multi-national cannabis companies growing marijuana right here in our valley, using our resources to dominate the industry. These big canna companies partnered with some of Carpinteria’s most prominent family flower growers to convert existing agricultural operations to marijuana crops a few years ago. This created a massive financial foothold for Big Canna to play in our small valley. It gave way to the birth of Carpinteria’s new Cannabis Industrial Complex, edging out smaller farmers. According to Leafly, one of the cannabis industry’s leading news sources, marijuana has become the 5th largest cash crop in the United States, worth an annual production of 6.175 billion dollars (Leafly Report: Cannabis Fifth Largest U.S. Crop, 11-4-21). This puts the crop ahead of cotton and peanuts, and only corn, soybeans, hay, and wheat top cannabis’s cash crop numbers. In other words, this industry is a cash cow for cannabis companies who do business here in our valley with large-scale agribusiness eclipsing small farm businesses.
My family farmed the lower hills and valleys of Carpinteria and Ojai–avocados, lemons, walnuts, apricots, and plums. The scenery was green, the air smelled of soil and sage. Strawberries were sweet to the taste, and avocados were dense and buttery with their oil. Locally grown produce was sold in our grocery store. Traditional practices like dry farming and outdoor cultivation were the norm. Greenhouses in our valley were few. So the arrival of Big Cannabis Industrialization to Carpinteria is not the change I had envisioned when I I did not vote for some major corporations with Canadian cast my vote to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2016. Turns exchange-backed budgets to take over our farm community. out, it’s nothing like my little brother’s grow from the seventies. I voted for the wellness solutions the plant has to offer all of us. I voted for a new, legal industry in Carpinteria that would What is Big Canna? Companies like Cresco Labs (publicly embrace new businesses in our ag community. And I had traded CRLBF: OTC US), Glass House Farms (publicly hoped that these newly formed enterprises would be led traded, OTC: GLASF), and Calyx Peak Companies (a by local, diverse groups of people traditionally left behind Continued on Page 10 Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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CANNABIS By The Sea Magazine
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Cannabis by the Sea Winter 2021
@Pour.Choices Brent Flatten
www.pourchoicesbartending.com |
Cannabis 101:
Dosing the THC Edible
Edible forms of cannabis, including food products, lozenges, and capsules, can produce effective, long-lasting, and safe effects. These forms of cannabis are also most likely to produce unwanted effects and overconsumption symptoms, which can be very unpleasant. The difference is, of course, the dose.
• 30 – 50 mg THC edibles Effects include: Strong euphoric effects, significantly impaired coordination and perception. Good for: High tolerance THC consumers; consumers whose GI systems don’t absorb cannabinoids well.
• 50 – 100 mg THC edibles Every person has a unique internal physiologic makeup Effects include: Seriously impaired coordination and and can therefore experience different results with various perception, possible unpleasant side effects including medications. One person’s response to a dose of edible nausea, pain, and increased heart rate. cannabis can vary greatly from the next, even more so than Good for: Experienced, high-tolerance THC consumers; other medications or herbs. patients living with inflammatory disorders, cancer, and other serious conditions. The ideal edibles dose depends on a lot of things, including tolerance, individual body chemistry, and the experience The first rule with edibles is patience. It typically takes 2 hours you’re looking for. But there are some basic guidelines that for an individual to feel the effects of an edible and the can help you find the right dose of marijuana edibles, which most common mistake in cannabis dosing occurs when a are measured in milligrams (mg). person doesn’t feel any effect from an edible after 1 hour and decides to take another dose. Two hours later, both • 1 – 2.5 mg THC edibles doses come through and the individual experiences the Effects include: Mild relief of symptoms like pain, stress, and unpleasant effects of overconsumption. anxiety; increased focus and creativity. Good for: First-time consumers or regular consumers looking The second rule is micro dose. Every edible is different. You to microdose. may have taken a 2.5 edible and been happy with the outcome, only to take 2.5 of a different type and have an • 2.5 – 15 mg THC edibles entirely different reaction. Always start a new edible slowly – Effects include: Stronger relief of pain and anxiety symptoms, take ½, wait 2 hours and then, judging by your feeling, add euphoria, impaired coordination, and perception. or stay the course. Good for: Standard recreational use, persistent symptoms not addressed by smaller doses, people looking for a good We could go on and on, but your best source of information night’s sleep. and guidance is going to be the budtender at your dispensary. They can provide you with great information! CS CBTS Staff Report
Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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Continued from Page 7
in our economic growth; in particular marginalized farmworkers and their families who made Carpinteria a productive revenue-producing town. And the local women who lack a competitive advantage in our traditional, white male-owned farm operations. I voted to legalize the plant so that small family farms could grow and sell their specialty craft cannabis products to our nearby communities. I wanted to see organically built generational wealth develop from this industry for our Carpinteria families, who lacked the financial resources to participate in owning and farming our land—not wealth created by past industries that excluded minorities and women in leadership positions and who were subsequently bailed out by Big Canna to hold on to their wealth. It is true that our local and state governments failed us by over-regulating and taxing the cannabis industry. These regulations did not support the “small” cannabis businesses that should be the backbone of local economies, just as the cut flower businesses were (and those that have survived still are). Now, hundreds of thousands of dollars are needed to start a licensed cannabis company in Carpinteria, much of which must be an indoor operation. It’s less expensive to cultivate cannabis outdoors with a good climate like ours than in most other markets around the State.
Amy Steinfeld
We don’t need more indoor cannabis grows. We need to be lighter on our soil. Our charming town, productive valley, and coastal mountains can’t bear any more concrete and steel. Besides, that’s not the industry we voted for back in 2016. The passion for the marijuana flower that exists in this industry—for the plant, its healing potential, and righting the wrongs of past social unfairness is what we voted for. So beware of Big Canna in Little Carpinteria. And remember the past, when our farmers had a personal connection with the plant, the soil, the sun, and the collective environment. Everything smelled better, looked better and tasted better. Happy Trails! CS Editor’s note: Naked Mary Jane a pseudonym. The author has requested anonymity, which was granted after proper vetting.
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Winter 2021
Cannabis Farmers and Neighbors Reach a Plan of By Peter Dugré Cannabis farmers and their one-time foes signed an historic agreement in 2021 that outlines how to farm cannabis in a way that’s aligned with the Community of Carpinteria. The agreement was brokered between CARP Growers, the local farmers group, and the Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis, the watchdog group that traditionally has advocated for Santa Barbara County to enforce even tighter rules on the new industry. The private
Peace
agreement took nearly a year to finalize and binds 10 cannabis farm operators at 23 properties to new communitybased standards of excellence. What’s in the agreement It’s all about fixing odor through a community partnership built on transparency and accountability. The Coalition historically appealed all cannabis farm permits in Carpinteria Valley but now will support CARP Growers member farms who have signed on to follow enhanced community standards laid out in the agreement. Cannabis farmers now work in lockstep with the Coalition on a Work Plan that includes a commitment to advancing odor control technology, installing a network of weather stations to identify likely odor sources and launching a platform for community odor incident reporting and response. The ultimate goal for each side is to have no cannabis nuisance odors in the valley and to get there from a foundation of science. Cannabis farmers continue to invest millions of dollars in new odor abatement technology and into studying the anatomy of cannabis odor in a way that leads to better odor control techniques. Why it’s important Cannabis became legal in California—the world’s biggest market— in 2016, but five years later, some of the state’s most productive cannabis companies still are trying to get land use entitlements to legally grow cannabis in Santa Barbara County. Continued on Page 13
Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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Cannabis by the Sea Winter2021
Commemorating the signing of a private agreement guaranteeing excellence in local cannabis are from left, Rob Salomon, board member of SB Coalition for Responsible Cannabis; Tristan Strauss, VP CARP Growers; Autumn Shelton, President CARP Growers; and Lionel Neff, board member SB Coalition for Responsible Cannabis. Photo by Fran Collin.
Continued from Page 11
Most CARP Growers member farms operate as legal nonconforming while navigating new requirements of the strict local cannabis ordinance. Legal nonconforming is a precarious status for valuable farming companies who need to make long term investments to remain competitive. These preexisting farms could grow virtually any other crop without new land use permits, but cannabis operates by a stricter set of rules. Without permits, farms would have to close. Community groups like the Coalition have been able to hold up the county permitting process with appeals. In most cases, cannabis farms make significant investments in infrastructure upgrades to comply with the county ordinance. This process plays out over several years and involves both local and state regulatory bodies in the areas of fish and wildlife, water resources, fire safety, air quality, building, and transportation, among others. Once farms complete the process, county staff will recommend issuing permits, but neighbors will appeal, launching hearings at great expense to taxpayers and business owners. The agreement between CARP Growers and the Coalition is designed to set clear community-based standards for Carpinteria Valley farmers in a way that shows county staff and representatives that projects are locally compatible. How does it change the future of local cannabis farming? This historic agreement signifies that the cannabis industry is sustainable in our area. The watchdog group looked more closely at how cannabis was farmed locally and learned more about local operators who make up CARP Growers. The result was the building of trust and the formation of a partnership between two groups that were formerly light years apart. All parties are now following through to build a lasting cannabis industry that represents the gold standard for the state of California and the world. CS Editor’s note: Peter Dugré is the Executive Director of CARP Growers. Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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Jeremy Ball, Bottle Branding
Lompoc Mayor
Jenelle Osborne Working to Launch Cannabis Contributions to City’s Coffers By Dianne Armitage
When Jenelle Osborne and her husband Jason moved from Texas to Santa Barbara, in 1999, they began looking for a place to put down roots. They fell in love with Lompoc, making it their permanent home in late 2000. Jenelle explains her affinity for this community saying, “We grew up near air and naval bases, so it was exciting to be so close to Vandenberg. Living in Lompoc has been a gift in so many ways.” As a small business owner, Jenelle recognized the importance of civic stewardship. “While serving on the city’s Economic Development Committee as vice chair and chair, I spent a great deal of time out in the community trying to better understand our successes, failures, and needs. When I was appointed to the Economic Development Committee, I had no intention of running for city council. I had joined to give back and help improve the city that had become my home,” she shares. “Our economy was stagnant, our city was stuck in the past, and we were struggling to recover from the 2008 recession. As chair I presented committee recommendations to the city council on a regular basis.” When people in the community started asking her to consider a run for council, she began to examine how being on the council could impact change, improve the city, and enrich people’s lives. She decided she wanted the challenge of doing more for her adopted hometown. Lompoc Mayor, Jenelle Osborne
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Winter 2021
“As I began to campaign for city council in 2016, I was asked how we might fund needed improvements in our infrastructure, such as a new fire station and fire trucks. I took a risk and told the room that I might lose support for saying it, but that if California voted to legalize cannabis, then we should regulate and tax cannabis in Lompoc. The idea gained more support than it lost.”
The Cannabis Lifestyle
Before supporting cannabis in Lompoc, she read as much as she could on other places that had adopted legal cannabis programs. She visited Denver and other California cities that were ahead of the curve and found most studies showed that crime was reduced in and around dispensaries and other cannabis businesses due to the required security measures of cameras and guards.
She elaborates that these jobs enable residents to buy homes, cars, clothes, etc., which improves our sales tax. Sales tax is part of the general fund, which provides the revenue for public safety, parks and recreation, the library, and streets. It will also allow the city to invest in newer technologies in many of these areas, so it is one of the innovative solutions to our budget woes.
The same forces propelling Jenelle to run for city council, were responsible for her decision to consider the position of mayor. Running on a platform whose goals included creating a business-friendly environment, investing in technology, empowering those addressing social concerns with progressive policies — as well as seeking innovative solutions for budget, parks, and public safety issues — while providing an ethical and respectful voice for the community, she was elected mayor in 2018 and re-elected in 2020.
She continues, “I also requested, and council approved, setting up a city 501(c)(3) to provide opportunities for the community to support general fund programs and needs. This also provides the cannabis industry an option to support public safety or other programs, while not creating federal funding conflicts.
When asked about higher political aspirations, Mayor Osborne quickly points out, “My current political ambition is to deliver on as many of the campaign promises I have When asked how the cannabis industry plays a role in been making since 2016 as possible. Hopes and dreams the goals she set during her campaign, Jenelle says, “The are important, but I, and the rest of our residents, are ready cannabis industry is an important new economic driver in for the joy of a safe and supportive community — and the Lompoc. It provides jobs with good pay and benefits, success of a recovering and expanding economy, sustaining whether it is a budtender at the dispensary, the lab tech an improved quality of life for all in Lompoc.” CS at the testing facility, the chemist at the processing and manufacturing facility, or the farm worker working year-round instead of seasonally.”
A cannabis technician at work.
Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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Recipe
Bradley Murray
The Cannabis Lifestyle
Joline Rivera changed the trajectory of the male-dominated, fast-growing $10 billion cannabis industry in 2017 as the only minority woman to launch a media brand, beginning with the launch of Kitchen Toke and reporting on culinary cannabis for health and wellness. Food & Wine magazine tapped her to develop culinary cannabis content for its 7 million readers. Soon she became the go-to for creating and curating culinary cannabis events in the lodging, retail, and music arena. Her work with Kitchen Toke rang her trend alarm bell when she discovered an infusion method unlike anything on the market – instead of the standard methods that rely upon lab-created infusions.
Joline Rivera
Today, Joline awaits the social equity lottery draw in Illinois hoping to create the first health-focused culinary cannabis dispensary aimed at leveling the playing field for underrepresented minorities. CS
ABOUT KITCHEN TOKE Kitchen Toke is the first media company dedicated to teaching people about culinary cannabis for health and wellness. The website and magazine cover cooking and entertaining seasonally with cannabis along with the chefs and individuals teaching how to use the plant as part of a regular health and wellness regimen. The website also features recipes and stories told through video and additional on-trend topics where food and cannabis converge. 16 Cannabis by the Sea Winter 2021
The Cannabis Lifestyle
Iced Turmeric Latte INGREDIENTS: 6 Tablespoons organic ground Turmeric 2 teaspoons freshly grated cinnamon 2 teaspoons organic ground ginger 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon freshly ground cloves ¾ cup organic coconut milk ¾ cup organic almond or oat milk 1 teaspoon Red Belly Honey* (or CBD honey of your choosing) Ground turmeric to garnish Toasted coconut flakes to garnish
RED BELLY HONEY This hemp honey made by California honeybees is all-natural, nutrient-rich with CBD and antioxidants. These bees freely pollinate and gather food from plants and flowers but they also eat a patented blend of hemp nectar to produce this one-ofa-kind honey. Because the bees are in charge of all the mixing and infusing through their belly enzymes, the honey is naturally water-soluble and allows for optimal absorption.
DIRECTIONS: To make the turmeric latte mix, place a small pan over a medium Available online at redbellyhoney.com heat. Add the turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and cloves and toast the spices stirring constantly about 2 minutes, until aromatic. Set aside to cool, then decant into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Store in a cool, dark pantry.
To make an iced latte, heat the coconut milk and almond milk into a medium sized pan over medium heat. Whisk in the 1½ teaspoons of the turmeric latte mix and continue to whisk until the milk comes to a simmer. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Red Belly Honey, set aside to cool.
Eva Kolenko
To serve, fill two tall glasses with ice and pour in the latte and finish with a light dusting of turmeric and toasted coconut flakes.
Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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The Cannabis Lifestyle
Blunt
By Barbara Verde
Advice
Dear Barbara, I heard through the grapevine that a friend of a friend is using cannabis to help her through menopause. Can cannabis even do this or is she just using it as an excuse to get stoned? Please enlighten me. - Flashing Hot in Santa Ynez Dear Flashing Hot in Santa Ynez, Is it me, or do I detect some snark in your query? No matter, you bring up a good question about cannabis as it relates to menopause.
“
“Also, take note: using cannabis as medicine does not always equate with getting high. Products such as suppositories that contain THC bypass your digestive system and are able to offer relief without a head high.”
“
While research into whether cannabis helps with menopause is lacking, in a recent study from 2020, a whopping 27 percent of all participants reported trying cannabis for menopause symptom management while an additional 10 percent expressed that they wanted to try cannabis to cope with symptoms in the future.
Cannabis products have begun to appear that have been created for the express purpose of combatting menopause symptoms, such as night sweats and insomnia. One of these was developed by two women and is called “Beyond Hello.” It’s a vaginal cannabis suppository and is available at licensed dispensaries in California. Also, take note: using cannabis as medicine does not always equate with getting high. Products such as suppositories that contain THC bypass your digestive system and are able to offer relief without a head high.
So clearly, your friend of a friend is not alone in trying cannabis to take the edge off of menopausal symptoms. Rather than judging her, why not cheer her on? And maybe try striking up a conversation to learn more about her cannabis use … it sounds like it wouldn’t hurt you to learn about things that take the edge off. 18 Cannabis by the Sea Winter2021
The Cannabis Lifestyle
Dear Barbara, I was recently on a dating site and noticed a really cute guy I want to get to know better. He referred to himself as “California Sober.” What does that even mean?! Should I run … or contact him? - Curious in Carp Dear Curious in Carp, Well, one thing’s for sure, this cute guy is definitely on the leading edge of sobriety descriptors! There is no official definition for “California Sober,” and there are slightly different meanings depending on who you talk to. In general, this term is understood as a lifestyle that includes moderate use of some substances, like cannabis and/or psychedelics, but no alcohol or hard drug use. Some who use the term still drink alcohol, but in limited quantities. Obviously, there are those that argue that “Cali Sober” is not sobriety at all, while others contend that all or nothing is too black and white to be a good fit for everyone. The new term allows for a more nuanced description of sober living. For those who consider cannabis a healing medicine in their lives, rather than a problem, but choose to stay away from substances they consider less desirable, like alcohol, etc., one can see how the term makes sense. It sounds like you need more clarification about this fellow’s definition of “California Sober.” If it’s compatible with your own lifestyle, keep the conversation going … if not, burn some sage and let him go — good luck!
Dear Barbara, I like to have a few beers after work to unwind, but want to change it up with something cannabis infused instead. Can you give me some ideas to get started? - Thirsty Thursday in Los Alamos Dear Thirsty Thursday in Los Alamos, Props to you for looking into trying something new! Cannabis infused beverages are very on-trend right now as an alcohol replacement and increasingly available at licensed dispensaries. One of my biggest tips, always, is to start low and go slow. A popular pre-mixed brand that I really like is CANN because of its low dosing—2 MG of THC and 4 MG of CBD per drink. Billed as a “microdosed social tonic,” it has a fraction of the calories of beer, but still offers a pleasant, relaxing experience. And just like beer, it comes conveniently packaged in a can! If you want to try making your own infused concoctions, I recommend picking up the book “Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD and THC Beverages at Home” by Jamie Evans. Give that a read and you will be well on your way to mixing things up, literally! CS Barbara Verde lives in Santa Barbara County and adores all things green, from avocados to Kermit. When not working on her fledgling roller skating skills, she loves to answer questions about cannabis—send yours to barbara@cbtsmagazine.com. Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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The Cannabis Lifestyle
To Grow Or Not To Grow
Part Four/Four-Part Series: Making Cannabis Infused Foods By Alex Robles Well my fellow cannabis enthusiasts, it looks like our time together here at “To Grow or not To Grow” is coming to an end. It’s been a fun time for me and I hope this series helped you understand cannabis a little better. Before we say good-bye, let’s do one more fun thing with our beautiful home-grown cannabis. Let’s make some cannabis infused foods.
DOSING MATH The formula below is the easiest way I know to explain how much THC is in one cup of infused butter/oil. 1 gram of cannabis = 1000 milligrams if the cannabis has 25 percent THC
25percent of 1000 milligrams is 250 milligrams, i.e., 3.6g (⅛ We understand how to cook with cannabis better today oz) of cannabis = 3600 milligrams than we did 25 years ago. Back then, it was more like wizardry than science if you could make a good batch of 25percent THC of 3600 = 900 mg THC (3,600 x 25percent= edibles that weren’t too strong. Luckily we now live in the 900) future and the home chef can get pretty sophisticated with cannabis. Infused into 1 cup (8 oz) of butter, the butter will now have 900 mg of THC. Before we get into cooking, I want to encourage you to have a high CBD tincture on hand when you’re eating food When you use 1/2 cup of that butter (4oz) to make 36 infused with THC. CBD will help dampen the intoxicating cookies, then that batch will have 450 milligrams of THC. effects of THC. t’s easy to overdo it and forget when we’re Divide 450 mg by the number of cookies. For 36 cookies eating THC in delicious food. CBD won’t bring you to there will be about 12.5 milligrams of THC in each cookie. “sober,” but it will help lessen that “high” feeling. Also, THC that’s passed through our liver into our bloodstream is going DECARBOXYLATION: to be more potent and intoxicating (11-hydroxy-THC) than WHAT IS IT AND WHY DO WE NEED TO DO IT? smoked THC. Always double check your math. Every cannabinoid molecule made by the cannabis plant starts its life with an extra carboxylic acid ring attached to the end. This means that in the raw plant THC is first THCA and CBD is first CBDA and so on for all the cannabinoids. HCA is non-intoxicating and won’t give us that euphoric high 20 Cannabis by the Sea Winter 2021
Continued on Page 22
Resources and References
Resources and References
“Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD and THC Beverages at Home” As recommended by CBTS advice columnist Barbara Verde, “Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD and THC Beverages at Home” by Jamie Evans is a combination primer and advanced how-to guide for crafting cannabis infused drinks. The basics of infused mixology are covered and there are CBD-only recipes and THC-only ones. Beverages include smoothies, teas, coffee (lattes anyone?), cocktails, and more. As pretty as it is informative, “Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD and THC Beverages at Home” is written in a clear and inviting tone that engages and inspires the reader. theherbsomm.com
“Pilgrim Soul Journals” Self Care may be the best investment one can make, and journaling is considered a Blue Chip stock in the Self Care world. May we introduce Pilgrim Soul Journals? “Conceived to be used while you are high - however you get there. This guided journal is filled with over 50 creative thinking exercises that will provide hours of fun, increase your creativity, and build more productive habits” is how the website describes the benefits of this twist on diaries. The exercises are designed to challenge your imagination in order to discover possibilities and solutions. Brush up your creative thinking and have fun while doing so. pilgrimsoul.com/journals
“A Guide to Cannabis Home Decor ” Goodbye blacklight posters and hanging bead room dividers, hello upscale and sophisticated home furnishings. Self-described as The Definitive Online Cannabis Resource, cnbs.org has a tab devoted to Home Decor. “One of the most noticeable things about cannabis decor is how it’s able to highlight the inherent beauty of nature,” the website explains. “From close-up portraits highlighting the rainbow of colors and crystalline trichomes on cannabis buds to the graceful flow of marijuana leaves, there’s plenty of fodder for artwork in the world of cannabis.” It’s not all wall art, though. How about hemp furniture? Or 420-inspired bedding? Objet d’art include holiday ornaments and stash boxes. Here’s a plus: Independent and/or small crafters, artisans, and C businesses are featured. cnbs.org/cannabis-101/cannabis-home-decor............ S
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because it’s the precursor to THC. According to science, THCA isn’t considered pharmacologically active (some of its effects aren’t activated) until it loses its carboxyl ring at the end of the molecule. Losing that carboxyl ring is known as “Decarboxylation.” Think of it this way, that acid molecule is holding back the intoxication and high feeling of THC. When we smoke cannabis, decarboxylation happens pretty instantaneously because the evaporation or conversion of that acid molecule starts to happen between 140° - 230° F. But since we’re cooking with our cannabis today, we need to decarb our bud without setting it on fire. HOW DO I DECARBOXYLATE MY FLOWER? Some of you may be thinking “If I turn up the oven I can decarboxylate for less time.” That is correct, but please understand that the boiling point for THC is about 315° F. That means at that temperature your THC is evaporating into the ether and away from your flower. Also, terpenes are mostly alcohol based and have a very low boiling point. Some of them will start to evaporate away at about 100° F. This means your cannabis is decarboxylating, your house will smell like you smoked a joint, so be prepared. Preheat the oven to 250° F. While the oven is warming up, break up the cannabis flower by hand into smaller pieces. I don’t grind it up because the clean-up seems to take longer with ground up weed. Once it’s broken up, spread it evenly on a shallow baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. When the oven reaches 250° F, slide the cannabis in and set a timer for 25 minutes. I don’t set the oven higher than 250° F because most home ovens aren’t calibrated to exactly what the oven dial reads, sometimes they run a little hotter. After the timer goes off, turn off the oven, take the cannabis out and let it cool completely before you use it. IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW When I infuse butter, I make sure to use clarified or Ghee butter. It’s a little more expensive, but well worth it. Regular stick butter has water in it, not a lot, but it’s still there. Since oil and water don’t mix very well, it can cause that butter to blend unevenly with the cannabis oil. If it blends unevenly, it can throw off your dosing calculations. Something else I add to my butter and cooking oil infusion is Lecithin, an emulsifier used for binding ingredients in fats (lipids). It helps to increase the bioavailability of plant compounds in high fat infusion. 22 Cannabis by the Sea Winter 2021
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We’d Recommend It
Products for You Gummy Making Kit
“Gimme some gummys!” That’s what they’ll be saying after trying your homemade gummys. Jeff the 420 Chef makes it easy to create your own infused treats. The sharing is up to you! Each kit contains a Zen Finger pack with flavor or your choice, a 50 ML bottle of infused olive oil, a dropper, and a mold. The mold has 50 cavities. (We had no idea that was what they are called.)We also like Jeff’s pricing and marketing; his cannabis leaf-shaped cookie cutters sell for $4.20. Browse the website, jeffthe420chef.com, but don’t forget to check out the Gummy Making Kit.
fl Inflammation Soother CBD Inflammation is a bitch! The cause of so much discomfort and seemingly caused by stinkin’ everything. Humboldt-Apothecary has done an excellent job of providing relief from minor pain and mild inflammation with its Inflammation Soother CBD. Part of its Botanical Tincture Line, the Inflammation Soother CBD is whole flower, gluten free, fast acting, and has a 3:1 ratio of CBD to THC. Suggested uses include using it in water, tea, or juice. Available at dispensaries in California. humboldt-apothecary.com
Safeport King Sized Cones COVID certainly put the kibosh on passing the ol’ cannabis ciggie around at a party, didn’t it? That doesn’t mean you need to trim things down. At all. Safeport has things taken care of with its King Size Cones. The cone is where the cannabis flower is put. No rolling expertise or contraption needed. There’s a filter, too, for smoother ingestion. Available online. safeportclothing.com C.......... S
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If possible, make a tea bag with the decarbed flower and some cheese cloth. This will make the straining of butter and the clean up a lot easier. Infusing Butter & Cooking Oil Skill Level: Easy | Cook time: 2hrs Ingredients & Tools: 2 cups butter 7g of decarboxylated cannabis flower 2 tablespoons of lecithin (1Tbls per cup of butter) Saucepan, double boiler, or crockpot Candy thermometer Wooden spoon or chopsticks Butter molds Cheesecloth to make a tea bag and strain the butter Tongs Small strainer Mixing bowl On very low heat, melt the butter and turn off the flame when it’s fully melted. Add the cannabis, the lecithin and mix it all up. Once it’s all mixed together put the candy thermometer in and turn the stove back on. Slowly bring the mixture to 160° F. The infusion will take 2hr, so set a timer but remember to revisit it every 15-20min or so to check the temp and give it a quick stir. Get your butter molds, tongs and mixing bowl ready. Put a few layers of cheesecloth over your strainer to help catch any plant material that will be floating around in your butter. CAREFULLY take your pot of hot butter and slowly pour it through the strainer into the mixing bowl. Use tongs or chopsticks to push the plant material down to squeeze all the butter out. If you’re working with a crockpot spoon the butter into the strainer, crockpots can be heavy and awkward. After straining, pour the butter into molds and let them cool. The butters are ready when they are cool and solid. Again, I hope our time together helped you understand cannabis a little better. I hope that understanding helps you get more comfortable with the idea of growing some cannabis in your garden next season. Always remember to grow, learn and teach. CS Always remember to check local laws and regulations about growing cannabis at home. You need to know your rights and limitations. Always. Alex Robles has been using cannabis to celebrate and medicate with for the past 30 years. In 2016 he began sharing what he’s learned when he started Inmygrow.com. After California legalized cannabis sales and possession for adults 21 and older, he launched a weekly podcast, In My Grow Show. This year, he helped produce segments for Tiempo de Cannabis, a Spanish language TV show in Mexico City.
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Pet Project
Fido & Fluffy
A Review of the Basics By Amy Marie Orozco True, it’s raining cats and dogs with the medical cannabis available for pets, but why just for cats and dogs, not hamsters or birds? The underlying reason is because any medical research on cannabis was illegal, or highly regulated and top secret at best. As more and more states are legalizing recreational and medical cannabis research has increased. Not surprising, oftentimes research — cannabis or otherwise — is profit driven. With cats and dogs being the favored pets in households, they are the first beneficiaries of the nonhuman animal research. It should be noted that state laws legalizing cannabis use for people do not apply to other animals.
Seizures: As CBD has proven to be successful in treating epilepsy in humans, veterinarians and pets’ people are investigating trying it for pets. Much of the research evidence is anecdotal at this point; consultation with your veterinarian is necessary.
While we wait for research to catch up let’s look at cannabis basics for cats and dogs. Always check with your veterinarian, and we recommend purchasing products at a legal dispensary.
Pain: Most likely the #1 reason people investigate cannabis as medicine is to alleviate pain, whether chronic such as arthritis or (hopefully) temporary due to an injury. And so it goes with pet owners. Pharmaceuticals side effects include stomach problems, sedation, and wear and tear on the organs, among others. THC can be toxic to pets, best to stick to CBD for helping with pain and inflammation.
Cannabis can be helpful in treating these pet conditions.
Loss of Appetite: A furry loved-one’s loss of interest in the food bowl is a sure sign that something is amiss. A pet needs to visit a veterinarian right away. Ask your vet about CBD, which has been shown to lessen nausea and increase appetite. Yes, THC is famous for bringing on the munchies, but CBD is a safer option (at this point according to research).
Anxiety: Nothing like a neighbor’s complaint about nonstop yapping or shredded upholstery to fuel the search for a As most pet owners know, administering medicine to dogs is calming device. CBD is believed to be an effective sedative, much easier than to cats. Fortunately, CBD comes in the forms without lethargic and heavy-eyed side effects. of oils, tinctures, and edible treats. Your veterinarian can share some tricks of dispensing meds in a non-combative way. CS Winter 2021 Cannabis by the Sea
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Marketplace
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TORNADO TUMBLERS Custom order tumblers. www.instagram.com/tornadotumblers.com
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Last Look
The Laws of Texas
Long before Texan Ted Cruz took office as a United States Senate in 2013, El Paso, Texas was the first in the United States to outlaw cannabis in 1915. The country’s first regulation was the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 outlawing cannabis for any use. Funny thing: In 2020 Texas inadvertently decriminalized cannabis. According to The Spokesman-Review in an April 2021 article, “Texas law was simple in its intent. Cannabis was simply banned — and had been — for over 100 years. But last year, lawmakers decided that they would allow their farmers to begin cultivating hemp. It is useful to remember that hemp is a non-intoxicating plant that makes CBD oil, fiber and roughly 25,000 other consumer products. When legislation was written to allow hemp production, the law stated that cannabis with a THC content of less than 0.3% could now be grown.” So how do you prove an illegal cannabis possession? Have it tested, that’s what, resulting in a backlog at Texan labs, which maintained “they would not test in cases where 7 grams or less were involved. And it was their stance that essentially decriminalized minor cannabis possession. No test, no conviction.” CS CBTS Staff Report
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meet your neighbors at carpgrowers.org
Do you Love Carp? We Do, Too!
Established in 2018, the Cannabis Association for Responsible Producers, has 13 member farms in Carpinteria Valley, all dedicated to making cannabis farming on the Santa Barbara South Coast even better through community involvement & sustainable practices.
