2 CULTURE • NOVEMBER 2012
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Chin-Win Situation Jay Leno reveals what’s made him the Titan of Tonight all these years
On the cover: Photo courtesy of NBCUniversal
features 12 A Clear Choice Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein stumps for sativa. 14 Paradigm Shift An effort to get cannabis reclassified picks up steam at the federal level. 20 Droppin’ Science Wu-Tang’s GZA name-drops Stephen Hawking as someone who matters.
6 Letter from the Editor It takes time and hard work to get to the promised land—but we’re getting there. 8 News Nuggets Cannabis makes headlines here, there, everywhere—and we give you the scoop—PLUS our latest By the Numbers 22 Legal Corner Attorney Ann Toney spells out the dangers lurking when the cops show up at your door. 26 Destination Unknown Explore end-of-the-world parties—the way our Mayan ancestors predicted. 30 Strain & Edible Reviews Our ever-popular sampling of amazing strains and edibles currently provided by your friendly neighborhood dispensary. 38 Profiles in Courage Our latest feature provides insight into the life—and struggle—of a medical marijuana patient near you. 40 Cool Stuff From Scrips CBD Capsules to Cloud Vapez, if it’s a cuttingedge product or cool lifestyle gear, we’re all over it. 42 Recipes Feel patriotic with this Veterans Day-Thanksgiving menu mashup. 46 Shooting Gallery Here are the green-friendly things we saw you doing around town. 48 Entertainment Reviews The latest films, books, music and more that define our culture.
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NOVEMBER 2012 • CULTURE 5
letter from the editor
Vol 4 IssUE 5
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A news items caught my eye the other day. I heard that opening arguments had just been made before the U.S. Court of Appeal in an effort to convince the federal government— unfortunately, MMJ’s staunchest foe—to re-schedule marijuana. Americans for Safe Access, a national patients-rights advocacy group that has been leading various pro-MMJ campaigns since its formation 10 years ago, is leading this charge. So why is re-scheduling marijuana a big deal? Marijuana, in the eyes of the government, is a Schedule I drug, which is another way for the feds (via the Controlled Substances Act—thanks, Nixon) to judge cannabis as dangerous as heroin and with no medical use whatsoever. Schedule III drugs include Vicodin, Schedule IV drugs include Valium and Xanax, Schedule V drugs include cough medicine. This is the basic reason why the feds say they can trump a state’s MMJ laws any day of the week; they say federal law (marijuana is illegal for any purposes) overrides state law (marijuana is legal to use as medicine). So if ASA is successful in getting marijuana rescheduled, then that could open the door, the argument goes, to ushering in a whole new
era for reform across the country. Imagine that—marijuana treated the same way as Robitussin (Schedule V). Or maybe considered a legal alternative to Temazepam (Schedule IV). Gone is the federal government’s ace in the whole. Gone is the whole “no medical use” propaganda. No more raids. No more abuse. No more nonsense. It’s what they call a “game changer.” Will this happen tomorrow? Of course not. These things take time. Months. Sometimes years. And this isn’t the first time we’ve tried this. Meanwhile, at the state and local levels, activists and advocates are pushing for similar goals: to get our government officials and law enforcement officers to open their eyes and free their minds; to view cannabis on the basis of science and research, not stigma and politics. And every victory we score for cannabis rights and access is a victory won because of the backbreaking labor and energy of millions of activists (like ASA), patients, caregivers, lobbyists, professionals, doctors, lawyers and advocates. And these people need support. So, support your medical marijuana community. Support your local dispensary. Support your caregiver. Support elected leaders with common sense. Most of all, let’s support one another. As we inch towards sanity, we’re going to need all the help we can get. c
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NOVEMBER 2012 • CULTURE 7
THE STATE Pro-A64 fundraising outpaces opponents 4-1
Activists supporting the Colorado marijuana legalization measure Amendment 64 have raised more than $3 million, nearly four times what opponents have managed to collect. The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol reported receiving in excess of $1.3 in monetary donations and $39,000 in in-kind contributions. That’s on top of a $400,000 loan and $830,000 in donations provided by the Marijuana Policy Project, based in Washington, D.C. Both the pro-A64 camp and Smart Colorado, which opposes the measure, say they received the lion’s share of funds collected from groups outside the state. By comparison, Smart Colorado has raised $433,000— nearly half that from the Florida group Save Our Society From Drugs.
Religious groups crusade on legalization
Colorado churches became a battleground in the war over Amendment 64 in October, as pastors both for and against the 8 CULTURE • NOVEMBER 2012
marijuana legalization measure spoke out in Denver. Some 10 pastors of various Christian denominations denounced the measure at an event organized by the anti-64 group Smart Colorado. That resulted in a chorus of pro64 remarks by other pastors, several of who said marijuana prohibition is a worse sin than marijuana itself. The development echoed the Mormon Church’s opposition to California’s Proposition 19 in 2010, which many observers cited as a key reason for the initiative’s defeat.
proposed major changes in public policy as a given election approaches.
THE NATION
Connecticut MMJ law takes effect
Opposition to amendment measure gaining in polls
While a majority of likely Colorado voters still favor Amendment 64, a Denver Post poll released in late October revealed opposition to the cannabis legalization measure rapidly gaining ground. The poll, conducted for the Post by SurveyUSA, showed support for the measure leading 48-43, with a four-point margin of error. That’s a dramatic change from the 51-40 lead Amendment 64 enjoyed in late September. Analysts suggested the shift may be due to what can be termed the “reality effect,” in which voters to tend to grow increasingly uneasy with
U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. Joe Elford, chief counsel for Americans for Safe Access, accused the DEA of ignoring 200 scientific studies when it refused to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I narcotic with no medical benefits to a less stringent category. Americans for Safe Access and other pro-medical cannabis groups want the court to reconsider its classification of marijuana.
U.S. appeals court considers reclassifying marijuana
In a case with enormous potential ramifications for the nation’s cannabis community, the U.S. appellate court in Washington, DC, is considering a major challenge to the federal government’s claim that marijuana is a dangerous drug with no redeeming medical value. Evidence in the challenge, stemming from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s denial of a cannabis rescheduling petition a decade ago, was presented in October to the
With a tick of the clock, Connecticut became the 17th star in the union allowing residents to legally use marijuana for medicinal purposes. The Palliative Use of Marijuana Act, which the state’s Democratic governor signed into law five months ago, took effect on Oct. 1. Physicians can now recommend
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cannabis is a therapeutic treatment for patients with certain serious illnesses, and patients can obtain a medical cannabis ID card by registering with the state. The state Department of Consumer Protection must submit a set of regulations by July 1 to the General Assembly for state-licensed dispensaries. Until then, qualified patients can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis at any one time for their medicinal needs.
officials to either come up with a plan for regulating cannabis gardens or allow patients to grow them anywhere in the city’s borders. The City Council delayed action on the requirement for 18 months, but has at last scheduled a workshop on the proposed ordinance for Nov. 19. If approved, the ordinance would allow patients to group as many as 45 marijuana plants for medicinal use.
Half Baked screening
THE WORLD Vancouver inches closer to cannabis gardens
Qualified medical cannabis patients would be allowed to grow cannabis for up to 10 people, under a proposed ordinance to be considered this month by the City Council of Vancouver, BC. A state law passed last year directed Vancouver
by the numbers square feet) leased to medical cannabis-related businesses in the Denver area: 1 million-plus (Source: 60 Minutes).
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Number of registered Montana medical marijuana patients in September 2009: 3,921 (Source: Great Falls Tribune).
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Number of scientific studies to conclude cannabis has medical benefits: 200-plus (Source: Americans for Safe Access).
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Number of these studies that the U.S. Justice Department admits meets federal criteria for valid studies: 15 (Source: Bloomberg Businessweek).
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Number of federally accepted medical uses for cannabis: 0 (Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration).
Annual revenue (in dollars) for Colorado schools if legalization measure Amendment 64 is passed: 40 million (Source: State Ballot Information Booklet). Colorado’s ranking in 2009 among the 50 states for dollars spent per student: 41 (Source: Denver Post).
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Decrease in dollars per student Colorado plans to spend in fiscal year 2012-13 compared to 2009-10: 600 (Source: Denver Post).
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Estimated annual tax gain (in dollars) to Colorado from the medical cannabis industry and businesses that support it: 20 million-plus (Source: 60 Minutes).
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Estimated commercial and industrial space (in
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Number of registered Montana medical marijuana patients in January 2011: 28,000plus (Source: Great Falls Tribune).
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Number of authorized Montana medical marijuana caregivers in September 2009: 1,403 (Montana Department of Public Health).
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Number of authorized Montana medical marijuana caregivers in September 2011: 4,833 (Montana Department of Public Health).
Number of ex-DEA chiefs who held a conference call in October demanding President Obama denounce pot legalization measures in three states: 9 (Source: Seattle Times).
We here at CULTURE take MMJ very seriously, and we encourage our readers do so as well. However, we also have to acknowledge that Half Baked is hands down one of the funniest postCheech & Chong movies about marijuana ever produced and that you owe it to yourself to watch it at The Oriental Theater this month. This film is everything you could want in a stoner flick: a character that is literally named Mary Jane Potman, flying dogs, beautiful and improbably named bongs and the most gut busting cameos from Bob Saget, Jon Stewart, Jerry Garcia and more. This movie was tailor-made for anyone and everyone who has ever said it was impossible to make a movie skewering every single stoner stereotype successfully . . . and end up a classic of cannabis cinema. The Oriental’s “Mile High Movies” series is bringing us all the classics. Half Baked is no exception. Ease up on the popcorn, though. (Joe Martone)
IF YOU GO
What: Half Baked screening. When/Where: Nov. 7 at The Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave., Denver. Info: Doors open and entertainment start at 8pm. Movie starts at 9:30pm. Go to www.theorientaltheater. com. Tickets $5.
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FLASH
The True “Green”Candidate
Green Party nominee Jill Stein stumps for sensible cannabis policy {By Tommy Purvis} Dr. Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee for President of the United States, says, if elected, her administration would reverse President Obama’s escalation of the cannabis war and quickly legalize the medical use of marijuana—a move already pioneered by 17 states (plus Washington, D.C.). Her administration would also move to permit general sales under a suitable regulatory framework. “Marijuana is a substance that’s dangerous because it’s illegal, it’s not illegal because it’s dangerous.” Stein told CULTURE in an exclusive interview on the campaign trail. The Harvard Medical School graduate and relentless public health advocate—who serves on the board of the greater Boston area Physicians for Social
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Responsibility—says her administration would end this ineffective and costly prohibition. Stein also said that her progressive policies would regulate marijuana in a similar way to alcohol, and begin to treat drug use as a public health problem, not a criminal problem.
Legalization would prevent billions of dollars in profits from pouring into the black market, Stein says. It would also greatly reduce violence associated with illegal sales, and reduce underage marijuana use. She says allowing commercial operations to pay appropriate marijuana taxes can bal-
Bush Strokes Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein doesn’t hold back when faulting our current president: “President Obama promised to use a science-based approach to public policy,” she said. “But when it comes to marijuana, he has continued the unscientific policies of George Bush, and has even gone far beyond Bush in his attacks upon medical marijuana clinics. He supports the irrational classification of marijuana in the most dangerous drug category, and he supports the ban on commercial hemp growing. This is mania-based policy, not science-based policy.”
ance budgets and fund programs to reduce drug abuse. Stein says it is offensive that taxpayers are paying up to $50,000 a year to incarcerate non-violent recreational drug users. “It’s just shocking how Obama has abandoned good sense, common sense and decency on this, and sought to criminalize people who are doing the right thing by serving an urgent medical need,” she says. In order to offer relief to hundreds of thousands of patients suffering from chronic pain and cancer who benefit from the availability of medical marijuana under state laws, Stein says that her administration would order the DEA and the Justice Department to immediately cease and desist all harrassment and prosecution of state-recognized medical marijuana dispensaries or other legitimate marijuanarelated operations. Stein says she would instruct the DEA to do something else even more “radical”—base the scheduling of drugs on science. There’s no reason for marijuana to be classified as a Schedule I substance, which essentially says it is considered as dangerous and without medical value like LSD and heroin, she says Stein says her administration’s policies would reflect marijuana’s standing is an important and critical resource that would also liberate hemp for commercial use. In a speech this past April to tens of thousands of marijuana reform advocates at a 420 rally in Denver, the environmental health pioneer took the Obama administration to task for raids on dispensaries and caregivers. The presidential hopeful also criticizes Obama for promoting a George W. Bush appointee (and rabid drug warrior), Michele Leonhart, as head of the DEA. “This crazy, racist, failed war on drugs starting with the criminalization of marijuana would be over. It would be over,” Stein says if she were to be elected. “The minute you legalize marijuana, and you stop the prohibition against it, then the danger goes out of it.” c
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BUZZ
Press Full Court
Reclassification: Medical Marijuana Gets Its Day in Court {By David Jenison} “While it’s difficult to tell from oral arguments how the court will decide in a particular case, the order for clarification on the harm sustained by plaintiff Michael Krawitz that the court issued directly after the hearing is a good sign. If we can reasonably show that Krawitz sustained harm by being denied services as a result of federal policy on medical marijuana, we will satisfy ‘standing’ which will allow the court to rule on the merits—whether marijuana does in fact have medical value.” Marijuana is classified as Schedule I, the most restrictive drug category, placing it alongside heroin, LSD and PCP as highly addictive drugs with no medical
Say What?
After nearly two decades, marijuana is back before a federal bench. An appeals court in D.C. heard oral arguments last month in the case of Americans for Safe Access v. Drug Enforcement Administration. Patient-advocacy group ASA seeks to reclassify the drug’s controlled-substances status, and their case comes with a compelling narrative. Michael Krawitz, a 49-year-old Air Force veteran, suffered serious injuries in a 1984 car accident. He’s undergone 13 surgeries and still suffers chronic pain, and the most effective relief comes from adding cannabis to his drug regimen. When the Veterans Administration learned this, it demanded a drug test, and denied further medical treatment when Krawitz refused. As a plaintiff in the suit, this military veteran puts a respectable face to the growing argument for the drug’s medicinal use. “We feel good about our chances in the DC Circuit because we have science on our side,” says ASA spokesperson Kris Hermes.
“[J]ust legalize it and tax it like we do liquor.” —Morgan Freeman
Control Freak
benefits. In contrast, cocaine and crystal meth claim enough medical value for Schedule II status, while opioid-based Vicodin is Schedule III. The ASA wants cannabis moved to a Schedule III status or higher (up to Schedule V), and several medical groups support them, including the American Medical Association (AMA). The government itself appears divided on the issue considering the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes on Health (NIH), recently added cannabis to its list of Complementary Alternative Medicines. “By placing marijuana in any other schedule, the application process for conducting controlled studies on the medicinal benefits and obtaining researchgrade marijuana with which to perform the studies would not be as problematic as they currently are,” explains Hermes. “Research on Schedule I substances must undergo a stringent approval process overseen by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which prioritizes studies
We can thank Nixon for the Controlled Substances Act—the statute he pushed Congress to approve that pretty much paved the way for the War on Drugs. According to the act, a drug in the Schedule I category has a “high potential for abuse” and “has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.” No prescriptions can be written for Schedule I drugs. This is the government’s way of saying marijuana is as dangerous as heroin, Ecstasy and date-rape drug GHB.
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on the supposed negative effects of marijuana.” In essence, a new schedule allows for more in-depth medical research, and doctors would be able to prescribe marijuana in the 17 states that allow for medical use without fear of federal reprisal. In 2010, a national ABC News/ Washington Post poll found that 81 percent of the country supports legalizing medical use, yet the government stubbornly resists. “Part of the resistance is to maintain and increase law enforcement budgets; part of it is the stated role of the so-called drug czar; and part of it is the moral righteousness that drives much of the federal policy on marijuana and obstructs the development of a sensible public health policy,” Hermes adds. A three-judge panel heard the case, and the decision will be issued in the coming months. Regardless, the case could ultimately land in the Supreme Court. c
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BUZZ
Seventeen states—and Washington, D.C.—have legalized medical marijuana. This annoys the daylights out the DEA and Office of National Drug Control Policy, who refuse to acknowledge marijuana has any medicinal properties and work hard to maintain a state of complete prohibition. This month, voters in three U.S. states—including Colorado—will decide whether or not to legalize marijuana for adult use (recreational or otherwise). For some, a constitutional amendment that would allow adults 21 and older to possess (up to one ounce), consume (for non-medical or other uses) and grow (up to six plants), authorize the cultivation, sale and processing of industrial hemp and establish a regulatory and taxation system like the one set up for alcohol is a no-brainer. Others see many problems with the proposed amendment. Here are some of the arguments and claims being made about Amendment 64 and its goal of relaxing our state’s drug laws. Note that some arguments are coming from members of the medical marijuana community while others come from pot prohibitionists:
Would still allow cities to ban marijuana sales.
Fails to prevent federal intervention
Private citizens will still be allowed to cultivate and possess cannabis. They can also simply drive to an area that isn’t under a ban.
Amendment 20, which ushered in Colorado’s MMJ landscape, also failed to prevent all federal action. Additionally, there is nothing that can be written into state law that can trump the federal government’s Controlled Substances Act.
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Amendment 64 conflicts with federal law. Federal law will continue to ban the production, manufacture, transportation and distribution of marijuana in Colorado regardless of the voters’ decision on Amendment 64. If the measure passes, Colorado’s recreational marijuana users will believe they are operating under the protection of Colorado law while, in reality, they would be subject to federal criminal prosecution.
Colorado voters approved Amendment 20 in 2001 with little to some federal reaction since. Additionally, states have traditionally led the way in fighting prohibition on a number of levels, including alcohol prohibition and minority rights. If more states vote for legalization, Colorado could be shown on the right side of history.
Would increase impaired driving. According to recent statistics, between 2006 and 2010, more than 400 people were killed in Colorado from car crashes involving a driver who was on drugs. Smoking pot reduces coordination and impairs decision making which will lead to a significant increase in the number of crashes and deaths due to people who are driving under the influence of marijuana
Marijuana stays in the system for weeks, making it hard to conclude that a driver was impaired at the time of the accident. A recent study by the University of Colorado Denver that looked at medical marijuana states also suggests that traffic fatalities have decreased because more adults are choosing to use marijuana at home instead of driving to a bar to drink.
Marijuana is an addictive drug.
A University of Cambridge study shows that marijuana is less addictive (9 percent) than either cigarettes (32 percent) or alcohol (15 percent), and has extremely benign physical side effects for those who quit. A John Hopkins study revealed that 13 percent of people who quit drinking coffee have “clinically significant distress or impairment of function.” Nicotine and alcohol are the true gateway drugs.
The more available cannabis is, the more likely young people are to use the drug.
A recent study done by the Center for Disease Control shows that between 2009 and 2011, when medical marijuana dispensaries flourished, usage of marijuana decreased amongst Colorado youth. Further regulating marijuana may deal a severe blow to the black market, where most kids acquire marijuana. Also, Amendment 64 would decrease the likelihood that teens would have access to marijuana by placing it within the confines of a well-regulated system where customers would be required to show valid identification, as opposed to the black market, where no protections for children are in place. Selling cannabis to minors would have strict penalties that would deter business owners from losing their enterprise.
Amendment 64 will devastate or destroy the MMJ industry.
The MMJ industry has proliferated to the point where attrition is inevitable. Centers that remain open will be ones that focus on giving patients better care services, as opposed to appealing to recreational users with licenses. Additionally, patients with conditions that aren’t approved by Colorado’s health department could start treating their illness via the adult-use market.
A64 won’t prevent patients from losing their jobs, government benefits, student loans, etc., as it won’t be recognized by employers, the courts, etc., as a defense.
These problems all exist in the status quo and, in some cases, are the result of harmful federal policy or pressure. In other words, even under Amendment 20, some patients have lost their jobs, housing, etc., because of their medical use. NOVEMBER 2012 • CULTURE 17
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TUNES
Ties That Bind
Space
Baller
Photo by Kai Reagan/ALLDAYEVERYDAY
Solo tours aside, GZA says the bond between him and the rest of Wu-Tang’s members is unbreakable. He brushes off the subject of infighting. “We’re family,” he says. “There’s no separation. Of course every group is going to have problems. And there’s been stuff in the air. There’s been stuff online. It happens, man. Sometimes you just gotta go through it and deal with it.”
Wu-Tang lyrical swordsman GZA prepares a “galactic adventure” {By Liquid Todd} With a spacy new album set to drop early next year, Wu-Tang Clan founding member GZA is looking towards the future, but on his current tour The Genius is performing songs that came out when most of the people in the club were still learning to crawl. “I’ve been doing the Liquid Swords, mostly,” he explains. “Promoters are hiring me to do that album. The interesting thing about it is the album is 17 years old, and a lot of the times most of the audience is 17 years old. And knowing every word.” When it was released in late 1995, GZA’s second solo album shot
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up the Billboard Hot 100 chart— peaking at No. 9—and was certified gold a few months later. Universal recently reissued a two-CD box set version of Liquid Swords, complete with a mini chess set and an instrumental version of the album. “One of the good things about performing the Liquid Swords album I have every single (Wu-Tang) Clan member on that album, but when I perform it they’re not really missed even if they’re not there because off that album I have nine solos.” As his fans are well aware, besides the occasional WuTang member GZA shuns guest appearances on his solo albums, and his forthcoming release, Dark Matter, is no exception. “I’m used to that,” he says. “Knocking out albums. I come from that era. Nowadays artists have so many guest features that it doesn’t really even seem like it’s their album.” According to GZA, Dark Matter isn’t designed to be performed in clubs—but is instead more of a “listening album.” “It’s a cosmic journey through the universe,” he says. “A galactic adventure. A real interesting story.” But GZA explains that his new album is inspired more by Stephen Hawking than Luke Skywalker.
“I’m not really into science fiction, but I’m into science. I’ve always been fascinated with science. Since I was young,” he says. “On this album I’m not studying it. I’m not coming at you like I’m an astrophysicist. It’s just like me telling cold world stories. It’s just very descriptive.” As you’d expect from an artist often called the “spiritual head” of the Wu-Tang Clan, GZA has an enlightened view on medical marijuana. “Keep hope alive. That’s what’s up. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with marijuana. Even if you smoke too much all it does is make you lazy and laid-back. From what I hear it helps people—as far as medical purposes,” he says. Although he’s currently on sabbatical from the herb (“Every now and then I take breaks.”) he is clearly a man who enjoys the medicine. And when the subject of edibles comes up GZA gets animated. “Man they got brownies and lemonades and teas and velvet cakes! All kinds of stuff,” he says. “And when it kicks in . . . it kicks in. You won’t know it until you’re putting the remote control in the refrigerator. It may not even be anything that extreme. You may just be using the remote from the TV to turn on the radio.” c
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legal corner
By Ann Toney, P.C.
What to Avoid when Law Enforcement Comes A-Knockin‘ In the State of Colorado, a patient with a current and valid Department of Public Health and Environment Medical Marijuana Card (“red card”) may possess up to six marijuana plants for his or her own use. Some physicians will write a recommendation for a number of plants over the six-plant count. Let me tell you what has been happening with some regularity based on the numerous telephone inquiries I receive: The patient gets a knock at his/her door from law enforcement. The officer states that either a neighbor has complained about marijuana being grown there (or the smell of it), or the officer/neighbors have seen plants in the backyard. Inevitably, the patient lets the officers into the house as the patient wants to show the officers that he or she has a valid “red card” and that any cultivation at the house is legal. You do not have a duty or obligation to let law enforcement into your home unless they have a search warrant. It is important to talk with the officers, but you can do that by talking through the door or going outside through another door to talk with them. Don’t open the front door to talk. Once the law enforcement officers get inside the house they may say, “We just want to check and make sure you are legal,” etc., and often given permission by the patient. The patient thinks they are being
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aboveboard and transparent. Here is the rub: Routinely, officers see the grow, take clippings and pictures and then say there is something illegal about the grow. If it is outside, the officers invariably say that it can be seen from the street and, therefore, is in public view, which is not in compliance with Colorado state law. The officers then take the patient to the police station, and then fingerprint, photograph and release them—now your fingerprints are “in the system” although you may never get charged as the officer may not have a case against you. Just because law enforcement comes to your door does not mean they really have a legitimate reason to be there. Don’t invite them in. Please know it is your right to wait for the search warrant before you let them in. You may be inviting problems which you have the power—and right—to avoid. c Ann Toney, P.C. is a Denver-based law firm that focuses on medical marijuana business law and marijuana defense; and defending people charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs (DUI/ DUID). Ann Toney can be contacted via phone or web at (303) 399-5556 and www.medicalcannabislaw.com.
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destination unknown
By David Jenison
Final Countdown? Over 3,000 years before cannabis probably helped inspire the Book of Revelation, the Mayan calendar began its long count to the 21st of December 2012. On that day, the calendar ends . . . some say so does the world. If you enjoyed partying like it’s 1999, imagine the Mundo Maya parties as the 5,125year calendar counts down its final hours. Sure, anthropologists say the local governments are whoring out their sacred sites to irreverent tourists, but if the Mayans didn’t want a party, why did they schedule doomsday for a Friday night? If you’re prime to act like a Mayaniac, here are the five best places to do it. Palenque, Mexico
Do you save your old Phish ticket stubs or remember when Burning Man was free? If so, Palenque should be your new second home. This jungle-clad town boasts magic mushrooms in the fields and locals who smoke scorpion tails. Early birds can board the Space Mother Ship: Popul Vuh party (Dec. 14-16), but everyone else can turn on, tune out and drop fungi at the Mayan temples.
Copán Ruinas, Honduras
As early as last year, the Honduran government promoted Copán as the place to be in 2012. At present, the tourist-hungry locals are unhappy with the lack of largescale events, but that certainly makes the city more appealing to culture seekers. The so-called “Athens of the Maya world” is rich in architectural splendor, and local attractions include the Mayan-themed Luna Jaguar Spa Resort.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The tourist mobs invading Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum will probably make the locals hope this really is the end. Spring break is about to look tame on the Yucatán
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A Mayan Party 5,125 Years in the Making
Peninsula! With beautiful beachfront ruins, Tulum will host the Mayan Holidaze party and the 48-hour Time and Space Festival, while Cancún can expect frat-house beer bonging by dudes in Quetzalcoatl tees. In Playa del Carmen, the UK’s Crosstown Rebels will host the Day Zero party with 24 straight hours of dance music at a lakeside Mayan temple. Break out the glow sticks!
San Ignacio, Belize
The Cayo District in Western Belize offers a celebration amidst vast forest, canoeready rivers, thunderous waterfalls and stunning caves. A special event is planned at the Xunantunich ruins, and jungle lodges like duPlooy’s offer Apocalypto specials. San Ignacio is also the reason why Guatemala didn’t make our list. Tourists visit the country’s breathtaking Tikal temples on daytrips from Flores, but San Ignacio also offers daytrips, and the Cayo is a more beautiful place to stay. In fact, the area has been called “a slice of Eden,” so why not end it all in a place reminiscent of where it all began.
Chichén Itzá, Mexico
In 2007, the towering El Castillo temple was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it is the birthplace of the Mayan calendar. Make no mistake, this place is going to be NYE-in-NYC packed. Guatemalans and Salvadorans might complain that Mexico landed
Photos courtesy of the Mexico Tourism Board
three spots on this list while their countries got none, but Mexico simply produces better tourist-fleecing events. Speaking of which, the Synthesis 2012 party is a hippie-yuppie mashup with DJs, folk music, drum circles, a yoga village and a Friday night party at the temple. The event costs $500 a pop, but don’t be jealous if you can’t go. Chichén Itzá should be ground zero for a Mayan apocalypse, so take comfort in knowing these partiers will get lit up first. c
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strain & edible reviews GET YOUR CLICK HERE
www.iReadCulture.com
White Fire If Walter White and Jessie Pinkman from AMC’s Breaking Bad ever decided to go a more Weeds route, they’d probably end up with something like White Fire. And they’d—spoiler alert!—probably have to kill fewer people. The cross of Fire OG Kush and The White we picked up at Humboldt Care and Wellness Center in Colorado Springs would at least elicit a “Yeah, science!” from Jessie, as it’s a truly unique hybrid popularized by OG Raskal Seeds. Thick colas that grow abundantly resemble desert cacti more than tumbleweeds, so it’s a great find for patients that are looking for more density than wispiness. This strain is definitely an OG to the nose—cracking open a jar is like RV tires burning rubber to evade the authorities with a slightly sweet Chem finish. This potent sativa-dominant strain is great in moderation for early in the day and, unlike what the Breaking characters are doling out, provides excellent appetite stimulation. Muscle spasms were also ameliorated quickly, owing to the strength of The White. Overall, Walter White would have been better off with a little of The White when going through cancer treatment.
Strawberry Cough Crunch Oh the Cough, how Colorado loves thee! From Fort Collins to Strawberry, Cough goes way back. That’s one of the reasons we love Incredibles’ homage, the Strawberry Cough Crunch bar (Available at compassionate Pain Management in Denver and Louisville), so much. Also, it’s ridiculously tasty. Using a method called decarboxylation—which basically means heating THC oil to activate all the cannabinoids—what you get is a super clean oil made in-house that helps reduce the medicinal taste in the 100 mg bar. We also appreciate the precision in labeling, with nutrition facts on the back for those on strict diets . . . diets that include a candy bar every once in awhile. The bar is also split so you can conveniently rip a smaller piece and medicate all day long—and you’ll want to. The strawberries and cream love affair is well documented, and you can taste the quality in the silkiness of the white chocolate. Texturally, we found the addition of Rice Krispies very palate-pleasing, providing a little crunch with every bite. A recommended dose will put you between roughly 8 mg and 16 mg, and we found this accurate for a great body high without mental discomfort or what can only be described as “that bad edible feeling” where you start reminding yourself to breathe.
Joker’s Grin There’s little excitement like that of seeing truly purple buds in a jar, like a bunch of tiny Grimaces trapped in glass. We just can’t help ourselves, and we couldn’t either on a trip to Med Ex + Altitude Organic Medicine in Denver. Joker’s Grin, a combination of TGA’s Vortex and a particularly purps-ish OG Kush cut, definitely jumped off the shelf at us. Chunky trichome-covered calyxes reminded us even more of our giant, plush friend, with almost burnt orange tufts of hair jutting out. The smell and flavor—almost all of which come from the Vortex side of the family—are overwhelmingly sweet, but not grape like the Ape. No, this is closer to the fruit cup in your Happy Meal for sure. The grin definitely comes out with a puff or two, as a quick head high spreads to the body within minutes, alleviating deep muscle and tissue pain like only an OG can. We wouldn’t recommend jumping in the ball pit, however, as you may never claw your way out. Plus, the ball pit is filthy.
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Blue Dream While it may sound closer to an ’80s mash-up of New Order and the Eurythmics, Blue Dream has actually won many awards in the cannabis arena, though we wouldn’t put the former past Girl Talk. Total Health Concepts in Colorado Springs was nice enough to let us sample this strain, and the results definitely didn’t trainwreck. An 80-percent sativa, the Haze genetics tend to dominate over the Blueberry in overall effect, but there is definitely a euphoria that sets in that one reviewer compared to “runner’s high.” The flavors reminded us of a fancy cheese plate at the end of dinner: dark fruits, a hint of spice and the funk of some well-aged fromage. Once you get to the club, you’ll be able to spot the bright orange hairs from across the dance floor—almost like it’s covered in glow sticks. A great strain for relieving anxiety, you’ll feel like getting out there and busting a move like no one is watching. Blue Dream can also help with migraines caused by speakers that are just too damn loud. Oh man, the ’80s are getting old.
Mountain High Suckers Caramel Apple Sucker One of the oldest names in the game, Mountain High Suckers has endured while so many infused product manufacturers have shuttered for one reason: the company keeps it simple. This company makes suckers, and fine ones at that, with an exceptionally long shelf life. Not afraid to be bold, they’ll infuse spiciness, mango or even coconut into treats, too. It’s also a pioneer in the CBD market, providing edibles that have less of a psychoactive effect and yet still provide a host of benefits, with anti-cancer properties being aggressively researched—many call CBD the “future of MMJ.” With 15 mg of CBD, 1 mg of CBN and 24 mg of THC, most patients will be able to get several doses from a single stick. The new Caramel Apple Sucker we tried was a delicious balance of tart Granny Smith with rich, smooth caramel that melted in the mouth. Splitting one four ways, each reviewer noted a great calming effect after 30 to 45 minutes, with anxiety and stress simply disappearing. While THC was definitely present, this is a different type of high, and one we highly recommend patients to check out.
Island Sweet Skunk If Pepé Le Pew symbolized the French as an amorous, if sometimes creepy, bunch of smokers, the Island Sweet Skunk would be his much-cooler cousin from Hawaii, puffing a little and letting the ladies come to him. Known commonly as I.S.S., it’s one of the most distinctive strains out there, and the pheno we picked up at Colorado Wellness Center in Denver is no exception. Generally lighter in the leaf and longer on the stem, the color scheme of this strain consists of an almost lime green hue against peach colored hairs that dominate the nooks and crannies. Like other crops grown on the big island, big whiffs of grapefruit and Meyer lemons mask the skunky undertones perfectly, like a fine perfume. One of the most sativa-dominant punches out there, this 90-percent zinger will definitely get you out of the hammock and onto the beach. Try this mood elevator when pain isn’t as big an issue as pleasure, but some reviewers found that the pleasant distraction was more than enough to get them through the day.
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Photo courtesy of NBCUniversal
by Liquid Todd
Jay Leno has had a long history with late night television. Beginning in 1987, Leno was only substitute hosting for Johnny Carson on the show that would become synonymous with Leno’s name. Five years later, Leno began his reign over The Tonight Show sparking up controversy with David Letterman, then host of Late Night with David Letterman. This story would then forever be embedded in television history through a book and movie. In 2009, Leno’s contract with NBC for The Tonight Show expired and he was succeeded by Conan O’Brien, former host of Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Leno went on to host a new show The Jay Leno Show, which debuted later that year.
Then when ratings weren’t as expected for both shows NBC began changing timeslots, which prompt O’Brien to issue a press release stating, “I believe that delaying The Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting.” In January 2010, O’Brien left The Tonight Show and Leno once again took the throne. Despite this long—sometimes convoluted—relationship with late night television . . . it was always his love of the stage that kept him going. In 2008, Leno was quoted saying that he was living solely off of his income as a stand-up comic. Now, he’s hitting the road once again and, just kicked off a series of standup gigs in Las Vegas, part of The Mirage Hotel Casino’s “Aces of Comedy” events through November 2013. CULTURE got a chance to talk to Jay about performing live, his love of standup and how it all relates to rebuilding automobile engines . . .
How are you? Tell a few jokes. Try to make a living. You spend a lot of time on the road and I noticed that most of your gigs are in casinos. I’m on the road about 160 dates a year and probably about 100 of them are in casinos. Well, that’s where the shows are; that’s where the theaters are. Are there any special challenges to doing casino shows? Are the crowds any different? Actually the great things usually about casinos is they have the best sound, the best lights. You
“You know, when I started out I was never dirty enough to be a ‘dirty comic.’”
know a lot of times when you do—you know—the function room at the local Holiday Inn you walk out there and say “Hi [feedback noise] my name is [feedback noise]. Hey, can we fix this mic? [feedback noise]. They have terrible sound. You know when you play theaters—that’s what they do. They’re usually union guys. They know what they’re doing. They got sound. They got lights. That’s the best. The nightmares are the outdoor shows. You know you’re in the half shell someplace and it’s windy and some people can’t hear . . . so you look forward to casinos. They’re the best. Considering you also host The Tonight Show, doing 160 dates a year isn’t exactly a light schedule . . . It’s not hard. I mean . . . when you’re trying to carry a couple hours of material in your head you have to do it, like you can’t just run a marathon once a year. If you’re going to run a marathon you gotta run every week. Sure, but isn’t being the host of The Tonight Show and doing NOVEMBER 2012 • CULTURE 35
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that famous monologue every weeknight to an audience of millions of people practice enough? The stage is not a normal place to be. The more you’re on stage and the more you’re in front of people the more normal it seems. Like I always read these studies that say most people would rather swim in shark-infested waters than stand in front of a crowd or whatever . . . you always hear those things. And that always sounds so bizarre to me because it seems like the easiest thing in the world. But if you’re not on stage for two to three weeks at a time and suddenly you walk out there it seems very foreign. You get thrown by someone coughing or someone heckling . . . but when you do it every day it becomes second nature. That’s why you do it every day. So do you think you’ll ever hang it up and stop doing standup or are you gonna keep going out there right up until the end? No, that’s what I’ve always done. You can stop doing TV, you can stop being in movies—you can stop doing all those things—but you really don’t stop doing . . . I mean I started out as a standup and that’s what I’m going to end up as. Do you feel like you have a responsibility to keep it clean and family-friendly when you do stand-up because of your position? I’m sort of a big-tent performer. My attitude has always been I try to appeal to the most people possible. And sometimes it works to your benefit, sometimes it doesn’t. You know, when I started out I was never dirty enough to be a “dirty comic.” So why have “f@#k” and “sh*&” in your act when it doesn’t add that much to it. Because if you just take it out you’ll appeal to another whole side of the audience. Do you have anything special planned for your live shows coming up? Dancing girls? Pyrotechnics? Jungle cats?
“The stage is not a normal place to be. The more you’re on stage and the more you’re in front of people the more normal it seems.” Or are you going to do it old school—just you and a microphone? Me and a microphone. Yeah that’s pretty much what it is. You know it’s just sort of pure standup. That’s what I like. When I go see performers that’s what I like: one-man shows . . . you know, there’s so much gimmickry in movies and stuff. I know all these big action films are exciting, but to me they’re not as good as a tight little movie where it’s two people just . . . just acting. And when I see a comedian I like to see . . . you know we very rarely use our human one-on-one skills anymore. Everything now seems to be involving the Internet or texting or whatever it might be. And the idea of having one-onone communication with people in a room where it’s very intimate . . . I like that. There’s definitely something magical about seeing someone perform live—like seeing a band create music out of thin air. Yes, that’s right. You know looking in the window of a nightclub and seeing a band and hearing it through the window is totally different that being on the other side of the window and being in the room and absorbing it. In both instances you’re hearing the music—you’re just hearing more when you’re on the other side of the glass because you’re sharing it with other people. And that’s basically, hopefully, what comedy is. You’re a legendary car and motorcycle collector. Do you have any favorites? Well if I had a favorite I wouldn’t
have so many cars. I like restoring cars—fixing them up—and I enjoy the mechanical process. You know, when you’re a comedian somebody thinks you’re funny, and somebody doesn’t. And they’re both right because it’s subjective. But when something’s broken . . . when an engine is apart and you put it together and you make it run people can’t say it’s not running. ’Cause, look it’s right there. It’s running. It’s a clear-cut, yes-or-no answer. ’Cause there are people who say, “Oh, I love Jay Leno,” and there are other people who say, “Oh, I can’t stand that guy, he sucks.” Well okay, I can’t argue with either one of them. You both have your own opinion and you’re both correct. But the guy who says I suck can’t say the car isn’t running, you know? Let me ask you a few current events questions. What do you think the biggest news story of the year has been so far for comedians? Hmm. There’s not just one, you know. The story changes every day. The gay rights thing is pretty good. You can [get] a lot out of that. Obviously conservative vs. liberal is really funny. There’s a lot of material there with Romney and Obama. It’s hard to pick one because yesterday’s jokes are just gone. They’re not funny at all because you did them yesterday. But anything involving men behaving badly. Everybody knows a brilliant, yet fatally flawed progressive congressman? Most people don’t know anyone who has nuclear weapons in their backyard or anything like that, but everybody knows a guy who behaves badly. The guy’s in a position of authority—it’s even better. c IN CONCERT Appearing at The Mirage Hotel Casino Nov. 23, and Feb, 8, April 12-13, June 14, Aug. 13 and Sept. 20, all 2013 dates.
Lighting Up A
Jay
In this interview, Jay Leno seemed pretty noncommittal to the medical cannabis cause (When pressed on the issue, he said, “Ah, I don’t care one way or the other. I mean anybody who wants marijuana can get it, so it’s not an issue I have any interest in.”), but that hasn’t always been the case. Just two years ago, with pro-pot pundit Bill Maher (the cover boy for our January 2012 issue, by the way) as a guest, Leno did opine about efforts to legalize marijuana “Here’s my thing on the issue,” Leno told Maher in March 2010. “I’ve nothing against legalization.” Leno went on to say, “I say decriminalize it,” he told Maher. “But once you bring in Philip Morris, once it become a business, and advertising and all that nonsense starts . . . If you want to grow it in your backyard and you want to smoke it, you get it from your friend, that’s fine. I just don’t want to see it in stores and don’t want to see the guy saying [mimicking a television commercial pitchman], ‘This is the best high you’ll ever have.’”
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profiles in courage
WHY DID YOU START USING MEDICAL MARIJUANA? I started using MMJ because it minimizes the amount of pain killers and muscle relaxers that I’m usually supposed to take. My doctor’s prescribed daily dose is four hydrocodone/Norco, four tizanidine, one Norflex and one omeperazole, along with on Xanax and other psych meds.
Patient:
Majli Escobar
AGE: 29
Condition/ Illness:
DID YOU TRY OTHER METHODS OR TREATMENTS BEFORE MARIJUANA? I have tried treating my extreme anxiety with relaxation therapy upon request from my psychiatrist. I was also given numerous physical therapy and chiropractic sessions, which only took the edge off for the time being.
2009
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Photo by Kristopher Christensen
Sprained neck and lower back, gastrointestinal problems, herniated discs, anxiety and depression
Using medical cannabis since:
Are you an MMJ patient from Colorado with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE OR PROBLEM FACING MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS? The biggest issue we can face as MMJ patients is that somehow, even in the 21st century, we are still frowned upon for choosing to medicate naturally. WHAT DO YOU SAY TO FOLKS WHO ARE SKEPTICAL ABOUT MARIJUANA AS MEDICINE? All I can say to those that are skeptical about using MMJ as a form of medication is, “Don’t knock it till you try it!” c
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cool stuff Irie Nation T-Shirts Ever since Irie Nation Radio launched with a mission to expose any and all people to conscious reggae music, the positive vibrations have been echoing in the dancehall ever since. Show your pride by wearing one of these beefy Irie Nation T-shirts. They’re colorful, comfy and ital to your fashion sense. ($14.20-$20) www.irie.fm/shop
Scrips Concentrated Hemp CBD Extract Capsules Call it medical marijuana . . . like you’ve never seen it before. Made from CBD oil extracted naturally from the hemp plant, Scrips CBD capsules deliver powerful relief from anxiety, spasms, nausea and other ailments—but without any psychoactive effects (they’re THC-free). New and older patients, as well as those that want to skip the head change, have a new groundbreaking choice. ($22 for 2-pack, $230 for 30-pack, $420 for 60-pack) dixieelixirs.com
Cloud Vapez With all the vape pens flooding the market, Cloud made sure to design a vaporizer that stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s advantages—besides being discrete and travel-friendly—include its ease of use (you’ll be medicating in 10 seconds flat) and—this is the dealmaker—you can refill it with your own medicine. Vape technology just underwent a major paradigm shift. ($75) cloudvapez.com
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By Aunt Sandy
With Veterans Day and Thanksgiving nearly upon us, CULTURE decided to give these holidays a special twist this month. Inspired by classic military grub (“chipped beef” or “shizzle on a shingle”) and opting for a creative use of Turkey Day leftovers, Aunt Sandy has come up with this innovative menu to share with our loved ones as the holidays approach.
Menu:
Beef Bourguignon Stew Sweet Pear Tamales Beer Nuts à la Cannabis Waldorf Salad Apple Cider Beer
Sandy Moriarty is the author of Aunt’ Sandy’s Medical Marijuana Cookbook: Comfort Food for Body & Mind and a Professor of Culinary Arts at Oaksterdam University. She is also the co-founder of Oaksterdam’s Bakery.
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Beef Bourguignon Stew MAKES 6 servings Families love to cook together for the holidays. Here is a yummy recipe they can make together and also give as an appetizing gift for Christmas! 3 cups Canna Butter* 12 small onions 2 lbs. of lean boneless stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 1/2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon salt 4 pepper corns 1 bay leaf
2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon thyme Red wine 1/2 cup water 1 cup sliced carrots 1 cup cubed potatoes 1 cup sliced mushrooms Chopped parsley
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Add 2 cups of Canna Butter to sauté pan. Peel and add onions. Remove onions and set aside. Add the stewing beef and sauté until light brown. Sprinkle meat with flour. Place all ingredients, including onions, in an ovenproof baking dish. Add salt, pepper corns, the bay leaf, garlic and thyme. Add enough liquid to cover the meat, using a 3:4 ratio of red wine to water. Cover and simmer for about two hours. To make the stew liquid, add water, 1 cup of Canna Butter, carrots, potatoes and mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
Sweet Pear Tamales Makes 8 servings 8 large dried corn husks 1/2 cup Canna Butter* softened 2 cups masa flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 2 cups pear nectar 2 firm but ripe pears, peeled, pitted and diced Place corn husks in a large bowl of hot water. Place a plate on top to keep them submerged. Let stand for at least 15 minutes. Beat all remaining ingredients, except pear nectar and pears, in a large mixer bowl. Slowly beat in pear nectar, adding enough to make a fluffy masa dough, stir in pears. Drain husks and pat dry. Spread equal amounts of the masa dough down the center of each. Fold in the sides, then the pointed end of each husk. Place open side up in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Cover and steam for 1 hour. Best served immediately. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Waldorf Salad Makes 6 servings 1 cup diced celery 1 cup diced apples 1 cup grapes, halved and seeded
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil**
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve NOVEMBER 2012 • CULTURE 43
Apple Cider Beer
1 ounce of Cannabis Infused Simple Syrup***, chilled 2 ounces of apple cider, chilled 5 ounces of your favorite beer, chilled In an 8-ounce glass, pour and mix all ingredients. Thirst quenching!
Beer Nuts à la Cannabis 1 can beer nuts 1/2 cup Canna Butter* Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour beer nuts onto a cookie sheet. Using a pastry brush, brush Canna Butter all over nuts. Place in the oven for 4 minutes. Remove and repeat process a second time. Cool and serve as an appetizer.
Canna Butter* 1 cup unsalted butter 1 ounce low to average quality dried leaf marijuana or 1/2 ounce average dried bud 4 cups water Bring water and butter to boil in a small pot, lower heat to simmer. Simmer gently for about 1 1/2 hours. Mash and stir frequently to extract all THC from the plant material. After cooking, use cheesecloth to strain the butter/water mixture. Pour about 2 cups clean boiling water over the leaves in the strainer to extract every last drop of butter. Squeeze plant material well to remove as much liquid as possible. Chill the butter/water mixture in the refrigerator until the butter has solidified (1 to 2 hours). Separate butter from water and keep butter in the refrigerator (or freezer for longer storage) until needed.
Cannabis Simple Syrup*** 1/2 oz cannabis buds 1 cup sugar 1 cup water In a saucepan, sauté the buds in sugar and water over medium heat for 20 minutes. Strain the buds. Pour the remaining green-colored syrup into a glass container. Let it cool and refrigerate. Pour over fruit or fruit salad and let the syrup fully absorb. 44 CULTURE • NOVEMBER 2012
Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil** 1 cup olive oil 1 1/4 ounces low to average quality dried leaf marijuana or 3/4 ounce average dried bud Place cannabis in a slow cooker. Add oil. If necessary, add a little extra oil in order to just cover the cannabis. Cook on low for six to eight hours, stirring often. Strain through cheesecloth to remove plant material. For further purity, strain through a coffee filter. Store in the refrigerator for up to three months.
Legal Disclaimer
Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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Shooting Gallery Binary Star Show at Cervantes’ Masterpiece (Photos by Jake Browne)
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entertainment reviews Until the Quiet Comes Flying Lotus Warp Records Until the Quiet Comes is an electronic jazz journey that confirms the literal Coltrane DNA running through FlyLo’s veins. On his followup to 2010’s Cosmogramma, the artist-producer imagines musical dreamscapes with cascades of irregular drumbeats, fuzzy basslines and atmospheric tones. The album paints an ethereal setting yet embraces motion, tension and texture. Psychedelic touches move the music between a dream and a trip, but the shifts are smooth and emotive. Guest vocalists—Erykah Badu and Thom Yorke— add fragile nuance to tracks without overpowering them or trying to create a radio single. More jazz than hip-hop, Until the Quiet Comes could be the score to Inception if it were a silent film. Critics, hipsters and yoga gurus gush over FlyLo like tween girlies at a One Direction concert, but don’t hold it against him. His freeform expressions are more urban-Paris chic than Starbucks-barista crusty. (David Jenison)
Cannabis Indica Vol. 2: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains S.T. Oner Green Candy Press Once again, the bud brainiacs behind Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa have ushered in a whole new reference work that’s worth its weight in Acapulco Gold (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun). Cannabis Indica Vol. 2 comes jam-packed with detailed descriptions of some of the most lung-expanding, visually stunning examples of God’s perfect plant. Offering tidbits of advice for growers (Cherry Hemingway can explode with 10 feet of growth if cultivated outside), but also providing helpful suggestions to the medically infirm (Cripit is excellent for strong pain relief and fighting nausea), this is a well-rounded book whose cumulative info is only surpassed by its stunning full-page photography. Whether you’re patient or just a cannasseur, let’s hope this witty reference book lands on your coffee table soon Highly recommended. (Matt Tapia).
Clearing the Smoke: The Science of Cannabis Montana PBS Dir. Anna Rau Governor Romney put the bull’s eye on Sesame Street, but Big Bird wouldn’t be the only casualty of a defunded Public Broadcasting Service. Last year, PBS Montana produced Clearing the Smoke, arguably one of the best modern documentaries on cannabis science. Many people roll their eyes when longhaired hippies talk about medicinal benefits, but this documentary looks to the doctors, researchers and scientists doing the actual lab tests on how cannabis’s unique chemical compounds affect the brain and body. The latest studies show potential to treat some of the worst diseases, including cancer, yet the government inexplicably goes out of its way to hinder further research. The documentary also shares personal stories of cannabis-related relief, which reminds viewers of all the suffering that takes place while Capitol Hill plays political games. This is the perfect DVD for that skeptic in your life. (David Jenison)
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National Marijuana Business Conference 2012 We’ve all been to Kush expos and cannabis cups of one stripe or another, and they’re fun. But the National Marijuana Business Conference coming to Denver this month is strictly business. Literally. It’s a national event that’s catering to the muchneeded questions and concerns of our medical marijuana community—but from a business, legal and financial perspective. There are workshops and panels a-plenty (“How to Find Startup Money and Secure Investments” and “State Marijuana Legalization: How Could it Affect Your Business?” for example) and a who’s who of speakers such as the Marijuana Policy Project’s Rob Kampia, Sensible Colorado’s Betty Aldworth, Cannapages.com co-founder Micah Johnson as well as Harborside head and Weed Wars star Steve DeAngelo. If you’re a dispensary professional, a concentrate producer, an entrepreneur, a lawyer or just an investor looking for solid info, you need to be here. Bring your suitcase and tie, and let’s talk business. (Matt Tapia)
IF YOU GO
What: National Marijuana Business Conference 2012. When/Where: Nov. 8-9 at the Sherman Street Event Center, 1770 Sherman St., Denver. Info: This is a business event and not applicable to patients and consumers. For more info (and there’s tons!) go to www. nationalmarijuanabusinessconference.com.
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event listings
Our picks for the coolest things to see and do around town. John Brown’s Body, Nov. 2
Nothing satisfies like a little bit of everything. John Brown’s Body is one of those bands that have it all: reggae, funk, ska, hip-hop, electronic and more. Though they use the term “Future Roots Music” and were once described as “more Massive Attack than Marley,” you should hear them live and decide for yourself. Cervantes’ Masterpiece, Denver www.cervantesmasterpiece. com
High Ground Gala Movie Premiere, Nov. 2
A documentary about war veterans scaling Mount Everest as a coping mechanism? Pretty eventful in and of itself. Meeting the filmmaker and the actual vets who were in the movie after seeing it? Beats the heck out of deleted scenes. American Mountaineering Center, Golden highgroundmoviepremier. eventbrite.com
Loves Shadow album release party, Nov. 8
New album? Multiple bands playing? Free entry? Why am I typing and why are you still reading this? This should be a top priority. Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver www.cervantesmasterpiece. com/event/176788/
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Colorado Indulgence Festival, Nov. 10
The logo has three words listed under the event heading: food, chocolate and wine. That should be warning enough for any dieters who may get lost in the vast deliciousness of this party. Leave your limits behind. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Colorado Springs indulgencefestival.com
“Dana Schutz: If the Face Had Wheels.” Nov. 10-Jan. 13
A traveling art exhibit that has finally found its way to the West, Schutz’s surreal images should feel at home in Denver. Consider her work something like a 21st century Picasso: you may not quite understand it but you can tell there’s depth there. Then again, that’s almost a universal statement on art. Denver Art Museum, Denver. www.denverartmuseum. org/exhibitions/danaschutz-if-face-had-wheels
Bikes for Africa screening, Nov. 13
Title’s pretty self explanatory. A film about people in Africa getting your old bikes. Try to leave your non-minority guilt at the door. Oriental Theater, Denver www.theorientaltheater.com
“Mud to Masterpiece: Mexican Colonial Ceramics”, Thru Nov. 13
Look at the beauty history of a civilization that Columbus almost wiped out. He gets a holiday, they get a museum exhibit. Fair? Not really. Worth a look? Totally. Denver Art Museum, Denver. www.denverartmuseum. org.
Video Games Live, Nov. 17
As it turns out, fans of full orchestra music and fans of video games do crossover. This event rejoices in the music to set a childhood to, with state-of-the-art video and special effects to accompany them. It’s like you never left your mom’s basement. Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs www.videogameslive. com
The New Mastersounds in concert, Nov. 17
A British boy band that won’t drive you insane with repetitive yet catchy lyrics? Yes, The New Mastersounds might be the last chance to show us across the pond that The Beatles weren’t the
last good act they had in store. See them and judge for yourself. Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver www. cervantesmasterpiece. com
“Potters of Precision: The Coors Porcelain Company.” Thru Nov. 18 If you just thought of the obvious puns we could employ from the title of this exhibit, we recommend you get some actual culture in your life (that one not intended). Try not to break anything. Denver Art Museum, Denver. www.denverartmuseum.org
“Sleight of Hand” Thru Nov. 25
Some of us took a look at those Magic Eye books and tossed them aside after straining our sights. The 14 artists of this exhibit applied the principle of the puzzles to real life materials while upgrading the optical illusions. And what have you done with your spare time lately? Denver Art Museum, Denver. www.denverartmuseum. org Compiled by Joe Martone
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Road Work Alright, this one is a treat for our older readers and those that have some taste. Name someone who redefined a decade and created a literary movement unlike anything else before or since. Yep, Jack Kerouac is right at the top of the list when it comes to recent examples. He’s the progenitor of the Beat movement, challenged preconceived notions of spirituality and was a big fan of the bud. Yes, it comes as no shock that the man at least partially responsible for hippies smoked with both Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs (and if you don’t know who either of them are, please drop everything and Google the day away). But as is the case with most prolific artists, Kerouac died young at 47 with so much left unsaid about his autobiographical works, especially what had yet to be published. However, a new documentary, Whatever Happened to Kerouac?, is attempting to put the pieces together. The documentary aims to put viewers into Kerouac’s mindset to explore who the man truly was before his passing. It comes complete with interview footage of not only the man himself, but of Ginsberg, Burroughs, Timothy Leary, Abbie Hoffman and more. A must-have for counterculture lovers exploring a movement’s literary roots. (Joe Martone) c
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Trichomes
Many of CULTURE’s strain reviewers will wax poetically about milky trichomes or gush about leaves bejeweled with forests of glistening trichomes . . . but did you ever wonder what a trichome exactly is? Trichomes are basically hair-like or bristle-like structures that can be found on marijuana as well as many other plants (plus certain microorganisms). They serve various important functions, such as helping plants with water absorption or as a defense against insects (lots of “hairs” prevent bugs from infesting). Some glandular trichomes, which secrete chemical compounds, can also provide a chemical defense. Here are some more trichome talking points:
The sticky coating of trichomes contains very important cannabinoids such as THC and CBD—some of marijuana’s active ingredients. While a thick layer of trichomes may indicate a potent plant, it’s not a guarantee. Cannabinoids are produced inside the heads of trichomes. Concentrates, such as hash, consist of compressed trichomes harvested from cannabis plants. That’s why it’s called a “concentrate”—it’s concentrated marijuana. There are three types of marijuana trichomes: bulbous, capitate-sessile and capitate-stalked. Bulbous trichomes are the smallest (they’re made up of only a few cells) and consist of a “foot,” a “stalk” and a “head.” Capitate-sessile trichomes are larger, have a globular “head” and a spherical shape. Capitate-stalked trichomes are the most abundant and form during flowering. The color of trichomes (white, milky, etc.) can indicate if a plant is ready to be harvested. c
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Chuck Shepherd
News of the
Weird LEAD STORIES
; For September’s Digital Design Weekend at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, artists Michiko Nitta and Michael Burton commissioned soprano Louise Ashcroft to sing, altering pitch and volume while wearing a face mask made of algae. According to the artists, since algae’s growth changes with the amount and quality of carbon dioxide it receives, Ashcroft’s voice, blowing CO2 against the algae, should vary the growth’s “taste” as to bitterness or sweetness. After the performance, the audience sampled the algae at various
stages and apparently agreed. The artists said they were demonstrating how biotechnology could transform organisms. ; Modern Warfare: China, Japan and Taiwan each claim ownership of the uninhabited South China Sea islands of Senkaku or Diaoyu, and the controversy heightened in September when Japan announced that it had formally “purchased” the islands from a private company that reputedly owned them. China countered by “launching” its first-ever aircraft carrier (a vessel junked in 1998 by Ukraine), which it hopes will
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intimidate its neighbors even though it is useless to planes. Days later, patrol boats from Taiwan and Japan had a confrontation near the islands—drenching each other in a military-grade squirt-gun fight. (Japan won.) ; For some reason, South Korea (with about one-sixth the men that America has) is the world’s largest consumer of male cosmetics, with its leading company approaching $1 billion a year in sales. According to a September Bloomberg Business Week dispatch, South Korean males became fascinated with the country’s 2002 World Cup soccer team’s “flower men,” who had smooth, flawless skin, and the craze took off from there. Said a male college student, “Having a clean, neat face makes you look sophisticated and creates an image that you can handle yourself well.” Makeup routines include drawing “thicker, bolder” eyebrows and, of course, expert application of lipstick. Said one admiring woman, “I feel like I have more to talk about with guys who use makeup.”
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THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
; Jordan and Bryan Silverman’s start-up venture, Star Toilet Paper, distributes rolls to public restrooms in restaurants, stadiums and other locations absolutely free—because the brothers have sold ads on each sheet. (Company slogan: “Don’t rush. Look before you flush.”) Jordan, with 50 advertisers enlisted so far, told the Detroit Free Press in August that he came up with the idea, of course, while sitting on the can at the University of Michigan library. ; First-World Problems: After an international trade association reported that women bought 548 million pairs of shoes in 2011 (not even counting those used exclusively for sports), the manufacturer Nine West has decided to start its own cable TV channel with programming on “various aspects of footwear,” according to an August New York Times report. Programs will feature celebrities rhapsodizing about their favorite
pair, women who hoard shoes (purchasing many more than they know they’ll ever wear even one time), tips on developing one’s stiletto-walking skills and shoe closet designs. It’s about a “conversation,” said a Nine West executive, “not about a shoe.” ; Habersham Funding of Georgia and its competitors make their money by buying terminally ill clients’ life insurance policies for lump sums, then continuing to pay the policies’ premiums so that they collect as beneficiaries upon death. The companies’ business model therefore depends on those clients dying quickly; a client who outlives expectations turns the investment sour. Thus, according to an August report by The New York Times, the companies run extensive background checks on the illnesses and lifestyles of potential clients and employ sophisticated computer algorithms that predict, better than doctors can, how long a client will live. Supposedly, according to the report, the companies are nonchalant about erroneous predictions. No company, they claim, has an official policy of hoping for early death.
LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS
; Scorpion antivenom made in Mexico sells in Mexico for about $100 a dose, but for a while over the last year, the going rate in the emergency room of the Chandler (Ariz.) Regional Medical Center was $39,652 a dose, charged to Marcie Edmonds, who was stung while opening a box of air-conditioner filters in June. She received two doses by IV and was released after three hours, to later find a
co-pay bill of $25,537 awaiting her (with her Humana plan picking up $57,509), according to the Arizona Republic newspaper. The Republic found that Arizona hospitals retailed it for between $7,900 and $12,467 per dose—except for Chandler. Following the newspaper’s report, Chandler decided to re-price the venom at $8,000 a dose, thus eating a $31,652 “loss.”
THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
; The ongoing feud between two Warwick, R.I., households has intensified, according to an August complaint. Kathy Melker and Craig Fontaine charged that not only has neighbor Lynne Taylor been harassing them with verbal insults and threats, but that Taylor has now taught her cockatoo to call Melker, on sight, a nasty epithet (which rhymes with “clucking bore”). ; At least two teams of Swiss researchers are developing tools that can improve farmers’ efficiency and reduce the need for shepherds. The research group Kora has begun outfitting sheep with heart rate monitors that, when predators approach, register blood-pressure spikes that are texted to the shepherd, summoning him to the scene. Another inefficiency is cow farmers’ frequent needs to locate and examine cows that might be in heat, but professors at a Bern technical college are testing placing thermometers in cows’ genitals, with text messages alerting the farmer that a specific cow is ready for mating. (Since most insemination is done artificially, farmers can reduce the supply of bull semen they need to keep in inventory.)
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