2 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 3
46
Punk to the Core
Hardscrabble icon Henry Rollins tells it like it is. Just stand back. Photo by Heidi May
5 PG. 5
16 End of an Era The latest scandal to hit Colorado’s state crime lab is unsettling. 18 Pump Up the Volumes We’ve got your compassionate summer reading list ready for you. 22 Creeping the Faith Mindless Self Indulgence pushes the envelope. And then some. 24 Leave a Tip Extreme concentrates call for extreme heat—but please take precautions.. 25 Bite This! Discovering new kinds of edibles . . . one restaurant at a time.
4 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 5
departments 8 10
Letter from the Editor
Concentrates might be the latest trend . . . but they’ve been around for centuries.
30 36
Morocco’s magic includes the (in)famous “Hippie Trail.”
34
Profiles in Courage Our latest feature provides insight into the life—and struggle—of a medical cannabis patient near you.
Healthy Living
Research shows . . . it’s time to change the conversation about cannabis, Dr. Alan Shackelford explains.
Strain, Edible & concentrate Reviews Our ever-popular sampling of amazing strains, edibles and concentrates currently provided by your friendly neighborhood dispensary.
Cool Stuff
From Apothecanna’s Extra Strength Pain Creme to the eRoll Vaporizer Pen and Get Loose Juice, if it’s a cuttingedge product or cool lifestyle gear, we’re all over it.
66
28
Destination Unknown
News Nuggets
Cannabis makes headlines here, there, everywhere—and we give you the scoop—PLUS our latest By the Numbers.
62
60
Recipes
Whether you rock the gas, the charcoal, the electric (George Foreman, anyone?) or the portable, fire that grill up!
Entertainment Reviews
The latest films, books, music and more that define our culture.
let’s do this
Our wrap-up of some of Colorado’s coolest events.
71
78 | NEWS OF THE WEIRD 6 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 7
Vol 5 IssUE 1
letter from the editor Publisher
Jeremy Zachary
GET YOUR CLICK HERE
www.iReadCulture.com
Roberto C. Hernandez Editor-In-Chief
Editor-in-Chief
Roberto C. Hernandez
Managing Editor Byron Graham
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Ancient Medicine One of the things that strikes me about medical cannabis is that it is—to quote an old song—“a manysplendored thing.” No matter what your condition, no matter what your ailment, no matter what symptom or disease is affecting your quality of life, there’s a form of cannabis for it. For many patients, smoking flowers is the go-to medicating method. For others who can’t or don’t want to inhale smoke there are edibles. Those who want to keep cannabis’ psychoactive properties at bay can turn to topical creams or perhaps CBD-rich strains that are high in body relief, low in head change. But what about patients who are seriously suffering from heavy-duty ills and conditions, such as neuropathic pain or that down-to-thebone pain from cancer and/or chemo? What then? Patients who need to reach for the big guns also have something to turn to, something that, when all is said and done, has been around for centuries actually: concentrates, glorious concentrates. You see, while budder, wax, oil, shatter and other forms of concentrates seem to have exploded in popularity in our community over the past couple of years . . . really, they are all just new forms of ancient medicine. Hash (or hashish) is the original concentrate . . . or to put it another way, concentrates are the refined, new-school versions of the stuff Nepalese workers have been hand rubbing for centuries. Yes, I said “centuries.” We started with temple balls . . . now we have globs and dabs. In fact, the history of hash being used for medicinal (as well as recreational) use goes back to at least the 3rd millennium BC, according to some scholars. Don’t assume that the popularity of concentrates is something new—it’s not. Consider this: During the 1840s in Paris, a group of writers, aesthetes, poets and similar types would gather to experiment with hashish. And the group was far from shy when it named itself— what else—The Club of Hashish-Eaters (these guys were ingesting edibles!). French writer Charles Baudelaire wrote a book in 1860 that
Evan Senn
Editorial Contributors
Dennis Argenzia, Omar Aziz, Ngaio Bealum, Sarah Bennett, David Burton, Michael Carlos, Grace Cayosa, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, James P. Gray, Victor Hussar, Lillian Isley, David Jenison, Robin Johnson, Carl Koslowski, Liquid Todd, Kevin Longrie, Meital Manzuri, Sandra Moriarty, Damian Nassiri, Keller O’Malley, Tommy Purvis, Paul Rogers, Jeff Schwartz, Lanny Swerdlow, Arrissia Owen, Simon Weedn
Photographers
Steve Baker, Gregory Cannon, Kristopher Christensen, Michael Gifford, John Gilhooley, Khai Le, Ryan Mazrim, Kim Sidwell
Interns
Kim Johnson, Derek Obregon
Art Director
Steven Myrdahl
Graphic Designers
Vidal Diaz, Tommy LaFleur
Director of Sales & Marketing Jim Saunders
Regional Manager Kim Cook
Account Executives
Jon Bookatz, Gene Gorelik, Shane Harms, Justin Marsh, Beau Odom, John Parker, Dave Ruiz, April Tygart
detailed his experiences with hashish. American writer Fitz Hugh Ludlow, in 1857, wrote The Hasheesh Eater. In the U.S., roughly between the 1860s and early 1900s, legal hashish smoking parlors (a Turkish influence) became the rage. At one point, hashish was so revered in Arab lands, that one poet lavishly praised its fabulous properties: . . . its intoxicating aroma conveying to you by way of your nostrils its exhilarating effect. No wine or tonic could generate Such a heavenly sensation. “Heavenly sensation.” I like that. We’ve come a long way, concentrates . . . but in a sense, we’re right back where it all started, no? For patients, concentrates (which are just another form of MMJ, remember), offers us relief, healing and the quality of life that no wine or tonic could generate. Enjoy our 710 Issue!!!! c
Office Manager Iris Norsworthy
Office Assistant Jamie Solis
Social Media Manager Evan Senn
IT Manager
Serg Muratov
Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes 40,000 papers at over 1,000 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark of Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. 300 Center Drive #220 Superior | Colorado | 80027 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
8 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 9
Aurora, Glendale mayors: Back off, federal government!
THE STATE “Charlotte’s Web” meds radically reduces girl’s violent seizures
So opponents of MMJ think letting people have access to medical cannabis poses a danger to kids? Try telling that to the Figi family living near Colorado Springs, who say the cannabis medicine made a vast improvement in their violently ill daughter, The Gazette reports. Paige and Matt Figi, from Black Forest, told the paper that they had done all they can to try to help their daughter, 6-yearold Charlotte, who suffered from terrible seizures multiple times a day, the result of a rare genetic, epileptic disorder called Dravet Syndrome. The Figis tried everything—dietary changes, pharmaceuticals—but it was cannabis that made a world of difference and radically reduced the seizures and other problems. A Teller County grow business came up with a custom, low-THC, highCBD strain (“Charlotte’s Web”), extracted certain cannabinoids and infused them into an olive oil solution that is given to the young girl twice a day. “That plant is worth everything to me,” Paige Figi said. 10 CULTURE • JULy 2013
Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan and Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon recently joined the US Conference of Mayors in urging the federal government to respect local cannabis laws, according to Westword. The conference passed a bipartisan resolution, with 18 co-sponsors, saying “that federal laws, including the Controlled Substance Act, should be amended to explicitly allow states to set their own marijuana policies without federal interference; and that until such time as federal law is changed, The United States Conference of Mayors urges the President of the United States to reexamine the priorities of federal agencies to prevent the expenditure of resources on actions that undermine the duly enacted marijuana laws of states.” “The bipartisan resolution we passed [last month] simply asks the federal government to give us time to implement these new policies properly and without interference,” Hogan said in a statement accompanying the resolution, according to Westword. “Cities and states across the country are enacting forward-thinking reforms to failed marijuana prohibition policies, and for the federal government to stand in the way is wasteful and contrary to the wishes of the American people.”
THE NATION
THE WORLD France takes the first step in clearing the way for cannabis-based medicines
Vive la France! The country that gave us the Statue of Liberty and saved our butts during the Revolutionary War has found its compassionate side. France recently modified its public health ACLU: Cannabis-related arrests and enforcement is code to allow the use of cannabisbased medicines, including racially biased the plant itself. Up until now, Arresting people for having cannon-industrial uses of cannabis nabis wastes billions in taxpayer money and discriminates against had been prohibited. However, African Americans—even though cannabis-based medicines must blacks and whites use cannabis at still be approved by the country’s roughly the same rate, according National Medical Safety Agency. The changes allow “the producoriginal research by the ACLU. tion, transport, export, possesMore than half of all drug arrests in this country are related to can- sion, offering, acquisition or use of specialty pharmaceuticals that nabis, according to the group’s research. Of the 8.2 million arrests contains one of these (cannabisbetween 2001 and 2010, nearly 90 derivative) substances.” percent of them were for simply possession. The research also indicates that, despite the roughly same rate of usage, blacks are nearly four times more likely than whites to be arrested for cannabis. In Iowa, Washington, D.C., Minnesota and Illinois, African Americans were 7.5 to 8.5 times more likely than whites to be arrested. The ACLU estimates that about $3.6 billion was spent on enforcing cannabis laws.
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 11
But even with these changes, observers and cannabis medicine proponents expect it will be some time before such medicines made their way into the hands of patients and the sick. “The law allows us above all to unblock the process of launching research into cannabinoids,” Philippe Gaertner, a spokesman for a French pharmacists union, told English-language French news site The Local. “I’m not sure we’ll have these medicines on the market quickly.”
“Nick Cave: Sojourn” art exhibit
Former Mexican president Vicente Fox supports legalization, regulation
Mexico’s former president (and former Coca-Cola executive), Vicente Fox, publicly announced his support for legalizing and regulating cannabis, arguing that it would deal a blow to violent drug cartels by taking away their profits. The former head of state even suggested he would consider cultivating once the plant was legalized. “I am a farmer,” Fox told reporters at his Fox Center in central Mexico’s Guanajuato state. “Once marijuana is legitimate and legal, I can do it.”
Fox was president of Mexico from 2000 to 2006 for the conservative National Action Party. Roughly three years ago, he joined several other former Latin American leaders to advocate for cannabis decriminalization. “Marijuana with adequate controls and with legalization can perfectly well be an operating, legal industry [in Mexico] that would take millions of dollars away from the criminals,” Fox said.
by the numbers violence: 70,000 (Source: The Huffington Post).
10
The amount of money (in millions) that former Microsoft manager Jamen Shively raised to create a cannabis business and brand in Washington state: 10 (Source: CBS News).
1
The number of mayors (including those from Aurora and Glendale) who signed a procannabis resolution at the recent U.S. Conference of Mayors: 18 (Source: Westword).
11
The amount of monthly profit (in dollars) Shively’s business plan says each of his “pot stores” would generate: 120,000 (Source: CBS News).
2
The number of U.S. cities represented at the conference: 1,309 (Source: U.S. Conference of Mayors).
12
3
6
4
7
The total number of U.S. cannabis arrests (in millions) since 1965, cited by the conference: 22 (Source: NORML). The total number of U.S. cannabis arrests (in millions) since 2011 alone: 757,969 (Source: Marijuana Majority).
5
The number of lawsuits Colorado regulators faced when trying to implement severe restrictions on magazines that cover cannabis: 2 (Source: The Denver Post). 12 CULTURE • JULy 2013
The amount of money (in billions) spent on raciallybiased cannabis arrests: 3.6 (Source: Sacramento Observer) The percentage of drug arrests in 2010 that were for cannabis: 52 (Source: ACLU).
8
The number of people (in millions) arrested for cannabis between 2001 and 2010: 7+ (Source: ACLU).
9
The number of lives lost in Mexico due to drug cartel
The estimated amount of money (in billions of dollars) that U.S. states spend every year on enforcing cannabis laws: 3.6 (Source: Yahoo News).
13
The length (in months) of the relationship that a qualified patient from New Hampshire would need to have with a physician before being approved for cannabis: 3 (Source: ConcordPatch).
The Denver Art Museum’s newest exhibit will impress and inspire. “Nick Cave: Sojourn” is taking visitors on a journey through the artist’s imagination. “Sojourn” will feature approximately 40 new artworks including more than 20 new Soundsuits. Cave’s multi-sensory, immersive installation will transport visitors to a magical world of color, texture, sound and movement. In the exhibition, visitors will see a passageway constructed of thousands of buttons; large-scale, imaginative sculptural objects made out of found objects; and more than 20 new Soundsuits. Described as textiles-meetmodern dance, Cave’s colorful, larger-than-life sculptures have been displayed in museums, and many of his Soundsuits have been worn by Cave and other professional dancers as part of performances. The Soundsuits consist of a wide variety of materials and are designed to make noise as the wearer moves. As if stepping into a surreal dream designed by Salvador Dali and Guillermo Del Toro, Cave explores mystic and magic.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Nick Cave: Sojourn” art exhibit. WHEN/WHERE: On view through Sept 22, at Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver. INFO: Admission $5-$15. Free for members. www. denverartmuseum.org.
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 13
14 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 15
FLASH
Putting It to the Test Alleged state crime lab testing screw-ups might give patients cause for concern {By Byron Graham} During the November campaign, Coloradan legalization proponents emphasized the benignity of cannabis compared to alcohol. Though rightfully legal and widely enjoyed by free American drinkers, alcohol is quantifiably more harmful on and individual and societal scale. House Bill 1325‘s recent ratification has resulted in a regulatory framework that addresses medicated driving through the prism of existing DUI laws for drunk driving, a system where blood levels are a more reliable gauge of a driver’s intoxication. The blood tests mandated by HB 1325 will penalize any regular cannabis user, including law-abiding patients, regardless of their current level of impairment. Recent revelations about Colorado’s state crime lab have given patients further cause for concern. In a development that undermines voters’ confidence in not only the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, but the entire state legal system. The reportedly understaffed toxicology lab has been charged with inadequate employee training, negligent storage of DNA samples that led to possible corruption of defendant evidence and, most
damningly, a demonstrable bias. While state officials claim that the deviations from procedure were limited to one lab where bloodalcohol levels are tested, the scandal has resulted in hundreds of retested DNA samples and a flood of appeals to overturn wrongful convictions. In the meantime, cannabis-using drivers are vulnerable to dysfunctional enforcement of an ill-conceived policy. In other news, Dixie Elixirs’ managing director, Vincent “Tripp” Keber, was arrested for possession of marijuana in Baldwin County, Alabama, a decidedly prohibitionist state. Keber, who described the incident as “a situation during some vacation where I made an error in judgment,” pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession and agreed to terms of probation that include random drug tests. In perhaps the worst punishment of all, however, Keber must remain in Alabama for two years to check in every day at the Baldwin County probation office. As such, Colorado cannabis patients would be advised to avoid our union’s less enlightened states whenever possible. In another example of MMJ entrepreneurs running afoul of the law, a Colorado grand jury issued 12 different indictments.
The defendants—which include Conley Hoskins, the proprietor of the Higher Health Medical; Jane Medicals; and All Care Wellness Center dispensaries—are alleged to have engaged in illegal cultivation and distribution of cannabis, tax evasion, forgery, racketeering and securities fraud. An investigation by the Department of Revenue has culminated in 71 charges filed before the Denver District Court. Hoskins’ attorney, Steve Peters, dismisses the charges as “recordkeeping issues, but certainly not any acts of racketeering,” a contention that may have some validity as dispensary owners face a litany of legal and accounting challenges. As Peters himself argued, “Mr. Hoskins is essentially unable to maintain banking relationships.” The months ahead will reveal the validity of these charges, but whether or not they are proven to be valid, the case
demonstrates the need for sensible, concrete legislation and the reform of banking practices. Regardless of the eventual verdict, the indictments effectively tarnish the reputation of the medical cannabis industry, and yet again prove that federal action is needed to create a workable regulatory model for cannabis in the state. In more hopeful news, a bill attempting to regulate cannabisthemed print publications like pornography, effectively removing them from eye-level magazine racks, failed to get off the ground last month. In a laudably levelheaded decision, a federal judge issued a permanent injunction on the ban, ruling the attempt unconstitutional. It’s a welcome development, not just for your humble CULTURE staff, but for our nation’s foundational principles of free speech as well. c
Hustler & Flow The magazine industry is no stranger to battling free speech issues, especially when the content in question is cutting-edge or controversial. For example, when Hustler magazine published a parody of television evangelist Jerry Falwell in 1983, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the publication was engaging in protected free speech. Sure, Hustler isn’t everyone’s bedside reading, but it was on the right side of the law this time.
16 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 17
BUZZ
PaGE aGainST
MaCHinE
THE
ConSIdeR TheSe must-reads foR YoUR summer reading list {BY MATT TApiA}
The Marijuana Papers edited
The Books of Hashish
An out-of-print classic, this collection of documents, reports and articles from the mostly earlier half of the 20 century showcases how cannabis-related issues—including its medical use—were just as pertinent decades ago as they are now. A highlight is the famous, but now largely-forgotten La Guardia Committee report which— assuredly to the delight of the Anslinger crowd—determined that cannabis and its use posed no danger to the people of New York City.
Before “nug porn” became the new cannaficionado meme, Laurence Cherniak was the world traveler who blazed a trail for—wait for it—“hash porn.” Cherniak traveled to every hash-making corner of the world and captured every step of the way. You’ll never look another guy’s temple balls the same way.
by David Solomon
A Child’s Garden of Grass by Jack S. Margolis
You might call this dated, but we call this a timeless tome from the bell bottom era. From tips on using a waterless glass pipes (“steamboats”) to stern advice about not becoming the best joint roller among your circle of friends (otherwise you’ll become every party’s official joint roller) this handbook still informs . . . and amuses.
by Laurence Cherniak
Medical Marijuana 101
by Mickey Martin, Ed Rosenthal and Gregory T. Carter MD
Simple, to-the-point and easy to understand, Medical Marijuana 101 is for those who ever wished there was an MMJ for Dummies or The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Medical Cannabis. Great for new patients, it contains all the basic, introductory MMJ stuff .
Smoke Signals by Martin Lee
High Times Pot Smoker’s Handbook
Martin Lee dissects the tangle web of cannabis chronicles that have marked our social, medical and scientific culture. Highly recommended.
For decades High Times informed the masses on getting high and getting stoned. We present to you its Tokers Talmud.
Ed Rosenthal’s Marijuana Grower’s
by David Bienenstock and High Times editors
Marijuana Reconsidered by Lester Grinspoon
This unmitigated classic was begun by a writer—and a psychiatrist at that!— who sought out to prove that cannabis was a danger. Lester Grinspoon realized that there was no evidence to back that up. If ever a book needed to be read by the Obama administration, this is it.
The Emperor Wears No Clothes by Jack Herer
The Jack Herer classic that goes beyond being a mere must-read. This is a rite of passage for anyone that gets involved in anything under the rubric of “marijuana activism.” Whether or not you agreed with his methods, you definitely could say that Herer had more passion and drive than 10 activists put together.
18 CULTURE • MAY 34 JULy 2013
Handbook by Ed Rosenthal
Look up “growing marijuana” in the dictionary and you’ll see a picture of Ed Rosenthal. From the man who knows one end of the plant from the other to his take on how to be an exquisite cultivator, Ed’s words have guided and mentored many a novice thumb.
Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink? by Steve Fox
For those, like me, who wonder why much of Western culture is OK with alcohol—which has great potential for harm and destruction and death—but not with cannabis—which is a benign plant that can be used holistically—Steve Fox clears the air on the subject, debunking every damn myth you ever heard about the plant. c
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 19
20 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 21
BUZZ
The Secret
Stash
Wicked Fun Insight, jokes and reflection with Mindless Self Indulgence
{By David Jenison}
“That body of Christ, man, it gave us a lot of crackers,” says Mindless Self-Indulgence frontman Jimmy Urine, who talks at a faster pace than Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam. “We’re still eating ’em.” The band is on tour promoting its new Kickstarter-funded album How I Learned to Stop Giving a Shit and Love Mindless Self Indulgence—which came out May 14—but our interview took place on Good Friday, which brought a flurry of puns, references and humorous antics from Urine. As religious folk around the globe commemorate Christ’s crucifixion, the NYC-born Urine admits to growing up a Catholic schoolboy. “How do you think I got so beautiful?” jokes the singer, then known as James Euringer. “I got into a lot of trouble because I was very Bart Simpson in Catholic school,” he says. For those of you who know Mindless Self Indulgence, this fiercely independent, genre-bending band has always had a gift of being aggressively fun—like an Easter egg hunt on fast-forward. The fun
22 CULTURE • JULy 2013
they have making music reaches through the speakers and grabs you by your scruff and forces you to have just as much fun as they are. “My parents allowed me to see R-rated movies, but they were like, ‘We would rather you go see Animal House or Smokey and the Bandit or The Blues Brothers and learn ‘f@$k’ and ‘shit’ than go see Apocalypse Now and be traumatized.’ Most of my classmates didn’t see these movies, and to avoid getting bullied, I would be class clown. Fortunately, the Euringers were not overly concerned with little Jimmy’s potty mouth. “We were not a religious family at all,” he explains. “It was just cheaper to go to the Catholic school, and you got those wicked uniforms. It was like being in prison, but it was one of those fun prisons. You just had to know how to
Jimmy Urine is no stranger to cannabis, and told CULTURE that when he was younger he discovered his father’s secret stash. He began pinching small amounts to mix with tobacco, but his brother ultimately got them caught. As an adult, Urine says he only partakes once every few years. Still, he seems incredulous that MMJ is not yet fully legal. “Whether we are talking about medical marijuana or gay marriage, this is 2013,” he says emphatically. “Let people do what they want as long as it doesn’t hurt others . . . How are we still talking about it? How is it an issue? We just need to legalize the whole thing.” work the system.” While others might also compare Catholic school to jail, Urine can make the analogy based on personal experience—and has on more than one occasion. Dressed to the nines in all pink, he once spent the weekend in a Detroit jail after exposing himself on stage and lighting his pubic hair on fire—just one of many shocking acts Urine’s done in the past (hint: one of the acts involves, well, his last name). And while Urine may not have made his alma mater proud with this Good Friday interview, he is quick to point out an MSI fan who also made angels gasp on this special day. “We are in Tempe tonight,” he recounts. “A guy came to the show dressed as a giant penis and did a stage dive, but he didn’t make it and busted his nuts. It was great.” c www.mindlessselfindulgence.com
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 23
Combustion Junction A powerful, glass-powered flame is just the thing to help you season that brand new T-nail and sample that new crumble wax . . . but it’s also a tool that can scorch the bejeesus out of you if you aren’t careful. Be careful. Ingesting concentrates shouldn’t involve burns or injuries. Here are a few tips and suggestions when it comes to using a torch.
Illustraions by Vidal Diaz
1
Read the instructions. Make sure you know how to shut off the blowtorch before you use it the first time. Ideally, use a torch with a safety toggle or a similar feature to prevent unnecessary ignition.
3
Always ignite the torch when the device is pointed away from the body. Hold on to the torch tightly— avoid accidentally dropping it on the floor.
24 CULTURE • JULy 2013
2
Keep anything and everything flammable away from the area you are medicating in. Especially items made out of paper or fabric. If it can burn or go up in flames, keep it away.
4
Lastly, treat the blowtorch like a loaded gun. Don’t put your hand (or any other body part) in front of the torch. Don’t point it at anyone else, either.
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
Le Central When selecting a reasonably priced restaurant, French is usually near the bottom of the list. Between the hors d’ouvres, the wine, the entrée and the inevitable dessert, it’s a recipe that empties the wallet more than it fills the stomach. But Le Central, a casual, subtly hip bistro in Denver’s Golden Triangle, is different. Sit down, and take a look at the menu. Sure, it looks great. Duck Confit, Onion Soup and Bouillabaisse—everything you’d expect. But look closer and you’ll find the revelation. See those little numbers next to the items? That’s the price. A three-course tasting menu which would ordinarily run at least $60 magically shrinks to half that cost. No matter what else you order, get the Moules Frites. A colossal bowl of mussels cooked with white wine, garlic and shallots, accompanied by crisp, perfect, bottomless fries. It’s only $11.95, and enough to share. Which means you’ll have money left over for one of their delightful desserts to cap off a fantastic, affordable meal. (Aaron Urist) www.lecentral.com
Little Carmine’s If you’re a Denverite, there’s a good chance you already know about Carmine’s on Penn. The old-school Italian institution has been serving family-style southern Italian plates for years. But in the recent months, they’ve added a petite sandwich annex—Little Carmine’s—right next to the original restaurant. The menu is inspired by the fare served next door. Spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, veal caprese, the kind of dishes you would be fed by an overbearing yet kindly Italian grandma, only nestled inside of a buttery, garlicky roll. The sandwiches are outstanding. Unfortunately, there’s a small problem. The cheapest sub on the menu is $10. But to achieve perfection you have to spring for the best ingredients and treat them with care. So, yes, it’s a little pricey. But the sandwiches are enormous. The Spaghetti and Meatballs Hoagie (with noodles!) is wonderful, and the Short Rib Sandwich is really something special. The final analysis: really, really, really good $10 sandwiches. (Aaron Urist) www.carminescolorado.com/little-carmines JULY 2013 • CULTURE 25
26 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 27
destination unknown
By David Jenison
Blazing a Trail The “Hippie Trail” and Rif Mountains are just a few examples of Morocco’s magic Back in the day, Paul Bowles, Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Tennessee Williams and the Rolling Stones all spent time in Morocco, a popular stop on the infamous 1960s Hippie Trail. William S. Burroughs, who heavily indulged in the ancient cannabis confection majoun while living in Tangiers, even made the Moroccan city a main setting in his epic novel Naked Lunch. Instability during the so-called Years of Lead caused setbacks, but the African country regained its footing in the ’90s, and the New York Times declared “A ‘Hippie Trail’ Stop Goes Mainstream in Morocco” in 2006. The country’s popularity is on the rise, and cannabis culture is a major attraction. Lonely Planet: Morocco writes that the U.S. is the only country to produce more cannabis, and the United Nations says Afghanistan only recently surpassed Morocco as the largest producer of hashish. Today, travelers walking Morocco’s magical streets will repeatedly hear offers of kif or kief, which is local slang for cannabis and hashish. Those who medicate often head to Chefchaouen in the northeastern Rif Mountains, which is where the bulk of the cannabis is grown. Hikers can trek past enormous kif fields, though the response from cannabis cultivators can range from
28 CULTURE • JULy 2013
direct sales to throwing rocks. Production in the Rif region dates back to the 15th century and was tolerated up through King Mohammed V, who took the throne following independence from France and Spain in 1956. Cannabis became illegal in the 1970s, and the U.S. and European Union continue to put pressure on the government to eradicate fields and punish offenders. In 2003, the U.K. Guardian claimed that cannabis is unofficially Morocco’s top foreign-currency earner, so that annoying Starbucks hipster will probably shave his crusty beard before the Moroccan government seriously cracks down on kif. Still, what crackdown does exist can adversely affect careless tourists. Here are the kif-related rules for tourists: Absolutely do not try to take cannabis out of the country, even on boats to Spain, as the international pushback from border seizures forces Morocco to punish “smuggling” with severity. Inside the country, only carry enough that can be easily tossed at the first sign of risk. Police officers tend to excuse tourists with a fine, but jail time is a possibility. Try to avoid buying from city street vendors as they often overcharge or inform the police, and do not buy while already medicated because hustlers like to take advantage of the potentially paranoid. Instead, be proactive in connecting with
like-minded locals (taxi drivers do not count) who can provide assistance in purchases or invites to partake in safe settings. Cannabis culture is huge in Morocco, and locals might even smoke publically in bars, but tourists should always exercise caution and common sense. The Rif Mountains will be high on many readers’ list, but where else should an erstwhile traveler visit? Film buffs might enjoy Rick’s Café in Casablanca, while fans of the Beat Generation should hit Tangiers. Riad-filled Marrakesh is the country’s international tourism calling card and the inspiration for Crosby, Stills and Nash’s “Marrakesh Express,” while the rock archways of Legzira make it the country’s most beautiful beach. Several national parks also dot the Atlantic coastline, but those willing to get really sandy can head south to experience the Western Sahara desert by camelback. Just as Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, Morocco is a gateway country for Europe and Africa, and its resurgence continues to attract Western tourists. Moreover, it is an excellent place to experience the kif that inspired many of the 20th-century’s most brilliant literary and musical minds. c www.visitmorocco.com
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 29
profiles in courage Patient:
Gina Garcia
AGE: 39
Condition/ Illness:
Anorexia, chronic pain and severe nausea, panic/anxiety disorder
Using medical cannabis since:
Photo by Kristopher Christensen
April 2007
30 CULTURE • JULy 2013
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.
Why did you start using medical cannabis?
First and foremost, I’m not someone who wants to take pharmaceutical drugs for my issues. I feel more comfortable using Mother Nature’s gifts of herbs to aid me in my illnesses. I feel grateful to have this alternative to prescription medications, and it has wonders for me and my health.
Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis?
Yes. For many years I was taking prescription medications for my illnesses. I had a negative reaction and horrible side effects to all of them. Twentyseven medications later—and feeling like a guinea pig—it was suggested by my psychiatrist to become a patient. So glad I did!
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I would have to say the federal government and [its] regulations.
What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine?
I always go back to my teenage years when my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I watched her in so much pain and agony as this disease slowly took her life. With all the meds she was put on, the cannabis was the only thing that allowed her to hold down her food and help her to sleep a little more comfortable. I am grateful cannabis was available to her while she was here. c
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 31
32 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 33
healthy living
By Alan Shackelford, M.D.
Research? Yes, please . . .
Part 1
June 20, 2013: According to the website ClinicalTrials.Gov, maintained by the FDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH), 147,537 human, or clinical, research studies are underway in 184 countries around the world on everything from new treatments for cancer, pain and schizophrenia to skin rashes. 360 of them are on cannabis; 247 of those are being conducted in the United States. Worldwide, 56 of the 360 studies are on pain, 42 on multiple sclerosis, 29 on malignancy. Four are on Alzheimer’s disease and 2 on ALS. Of the 247 studies being conducted in the US, 27 are on pain, 22 on multiple sclerosis, 22 on malignancy—or cancer— and 2 on Alzheimer’s disease. Many of the studies are on Sativex, the prescription cannabis extract now undergoing Phase 3 and 4 clinical trials in the U.S. pending FDA approval. Of the remaining 176 trials, 100 are on are on treating cannabis dependence or the symptoms of withdrawal after stopping cannabis use. Twenty of the 113 trials being conducted outside the U.S. are being done by Israeli researchers, making Israel No. 2 in the world in research on cannabis, followed by France, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, the Czech Republic and other countries. The 360 clinical trials on cannabis total 0.00249%—not even one tenth of one percent—of those 147,537 clinical trials. It is a very odd situation, made even stranger when we consider that a great deal
34 CULTURE • JULy 2013
of information on cannabis and its effects on a variety of different medical conditions and problems has accumulated that strongly indicates that cannabis could be an extremely beneficial medical treatment. Take Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for example. ALS is a motor-neuron disease that causes progressive paralysis and death, usually within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis, with only a very few people living much beyond that.
“In areas where it is legal to do so, marijuana should be considered in the pharmacological management of [Lou Gehrig’s disease].” — American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, 2001
However, a number of people with ALS who use marijuana to help with their symptoms have survived for more than 15 years after they were diagnosed. A few animal studies and such anecdotal reports led researchers at University of Washington School of Medicine to suggest in a 2001 paper published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care that “In areas where it is legal to do so, marijuana should be considered in the pharmacological management of ALS.” Unfortunately, it’s cannabis we’re talking about. And because it’s cannabis, the amount of research investigating observed effects like those has been limited at best. We have also seen an astonishing
reduction in life-threatening seizures in children who have failed every prescription anti-epileptic medication, in some cases completely eliminating them using low-dose cannabis extracts. Videos of their responses as well as a Washington Post report on cannabis as a treatment for seizures can be viewed at www.amarimed.com. The successful use of cannabis as a treatment for intractable seizures will be the subject of a CNN special report hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta in early August, highlighting the Colorado patients who have benefited so greatly from cannabis as a treatment. We think this report will fundamentally change the national conversation on medical cannabis. Stay tuned for more. This is going to get very interesting. c Alan Shackelford, M.D., graduated from the University of Heidelberg School of Medicine and trained at major teaching hospitals of Harvard Medical School in internal medicine, nutritional medicine and hyperalimentation and behavioral medicine. He is principle physician of Intermedical Consulting, LLC, and Amarimed of Colorado, LLC. He can be contacted at amarimed.com.
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 35
strain & edible reviews GET YOUR CLICK HERE
www.iReadCulture.com
Sweet Mary Jane Mint Chill Brownie Pleasantly minty with the satisfying base of real semisweet chocolate, Sweet Mary Jane Mint Chill Brownies are a sweet treat—even without the medicine—which is always nice to say about any medible. Containing only all-natural ingredients, including 150mg of THCinfused cannabutter, the brownie, while temptingly delicious, is intended for incremental consumption only. Provided by Infinite Wellness Center in Lakewood, the brownie’s potency is verified by Rm3 Labs testing, a move that should reassure any patients.
Carnival Generously provided by Alive Herbal in Denver, the strain known as Carnival is a delicious 30-percent indica, 70-percent sativa hybrid. The expected sativa effects dominate upon first medicating, with pain relief from its partial indica composition kicking in as the effects fade. With its wispy, trichome-speckled flowers, Carnival is perfect for grinding up and rolling. Carnival’s seeds originate in Spain, a nation with sensible decriminalization laws and a formidable cannabis cultivation scene that is often overshadowed by its Dutch competitors to the north. Dutch phenotypes tend to dominate shelves in Colorado, where growers have found great success developing various spin-offs of Kush and Haze strain families. Hopefully, Carnival and its festive notes of fruitiness will inspire the importation of more Spanish seeds.
Power Kush True to its moniker, Power Kush is a remarkably potent strain. Boasting all the trademark characteristics of the Kush phenotype, which reportedly originated in the Hindu Kush mountain range, this 80-percent indica, high-CBD strain offers persistent pain relief for the both the seriously afflicted as well as the footsore. This particular Power Kush—available at Briargate Wellness Center in Colorado Springs—is comprised of densely clustered buds clinging to snappy stems. The strain’s also released pungency when broken apart. Like so many strains, tightly rolled joints are perhaps the ideal method to unlock the power of Kush.
36 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 37
38 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 39
GET YOUR CLICK HERE
www.iReadCulture.com
Mile High Chai Cereal Start your morning off right with this sweetened gluten-free cereal which is spiced with real chai and cinnamon, and made using non-GMO whole grains. While straying from established cereal flavors is a chancy move for Denver-based Standing Akimbo, the spice notes of black tea overwhelm any medicinal taste while providing a slight caffeine boost. The recipe is delicious enough to have patients wondering why Kellogg’s hasn’t already tried this sort of thing. Be sure to eat it with milk, as the cannabinoids bond to the fat cells in the moo juice for increased effectiveness. Each 3.5-oz. bag of Mile High Chai Cereal contains about 60mg of THC derived from an ice hash extract.
Kush da God Hot off the shelves from North Boulder Wellness, Kush da God ably represents the dispensary scene of our cannabis enthusiast neighbors to the north. This variation of the Kush phenotype is a 90-percent indica ass-kicker, the sort of cannabis that results in postponed plans, unless your plans include hours of BioShock followed by couch naps. A great tasting and photogenic strain, Kush da God’s powerful indica sensations are unlocked by smokers’ promethean fire. Kush da God is the sort of strain that is best enjoyed in a glass pipe or an old-school vaporizer; smoked slowly and incrementally over the course of a hazy afternoon. Definitely recommended for patients seeking enduring pain relief from chronic ailments ranging from residual neck-injury pain to the side effects of chemotherapy. Head up to Boulder to stock up on this godly Kush.
Deep Purple Smoke on the water! Kindly furnished by Today’s Health Care (acronym pun presumably intended) in Colorado Springs, Deep Purple is a wonder to behold. With its thick nuggets of trichomedusted violet loveliness, Deep Purple looks so pretty it’s almost a shame to break it apart and smoke . . . it until you break it apart and smoke it, thus discovering its delightful medicinal properties, which include pain relief and appetite stimulus. With a lingering aroma of skunk and plums, this 80-percent indica is a solid choice. But be careful: Deep Purple is known to prompt epic couch-locked sessions. Fire in the sky!
40 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
South African Durban Poison Wax While the name “Durban Poison” sounds like something a sexy masseuse would use to try and kill James Bond, it refers to a cannabis strain that originated in the Durban region of South Africa. This crumbly wax (from Advance Medical Alternatives with two Denver locations), derived from the potent and earthy-smelling sativa buds of its namesake, offers the expected cerebral dreaminess. Wonderful for use in vaporizers, wax pens or even melted over buds in a glass pipe, this is versatile wax that tastes sweet upon exhale, and sticks to your fingers when you pick it up. Lovely to look at, too.
Bakked Headband Hash Oil Cartridges This is a refined CO2-extracted cannabis oil infused into a proprietary blend with propylene glycol. No polyethylene glycol, PEG400 or vegetable glycerine is used in the process. The oil, derived the Headband strain, is refined in-house at Bakked’s Denver facilities, and injected into cartridges designed for use with O.pen Vape pens, which are seemingly the most prevalent vape pen design. The oil cartridge vapor’s effects are comparable to those the Headband strain, whose lineage includes Sour Diesel and Master Kush and OG. Patients may find that Bakked cartridges are superior than their murkier competition.
JellIt Orange Kush Jelly Hash Fresh off dispensary shelves from Canyon Cultivation, which recently expanded its line of popular “drop-it” tinctures and ventured into various other cannabis extractions. The most recent venture is JellIt Jelly Hash, Canyon Cultivation’s endeavor into the concentrates marketplace. It is likely they will find success because, oh boy, this is some fantastic hash. Made from pressed kief and CO2 oil, the JellIt Orange Kush Jelly Hash we sampled had a sticky, resinous appearance, and smokers can taste hints of marmalade upon a tasty exhalation. If you’re an utter madman— like this reviewer—you’ll get yourself some peanut butter hash for a deliciously decadent PB&J bowl.
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 41
Vader Kush Budder
GET YOUR CLICK HERE
www.iReadCulture.com
The force is strong with this one. Appropriately melty for a concentrate called “budder,” Vader Kush is available on the shelves of the highly popular Urban Dispensary in Denver. The budder smokes better sprinkled over a bowl than most other types of concentrates. Hold your flame a few inches above your bowl and the budder will gently melt over your buds like, well, butter on toast. Adding a little hash will make a bowl last longer and inspire stronger sensations in the smoker’s brain. So load up and enjoy, for the Vader Kush Budder is impressive, most impressive.
Atomic Orange Hash Oil A dabber’s delight, Atomic Orange Hash Oil may have a name that sounds like two different types of war crime, but it generates nothing but peaceful benevolence in its users. Kindly provided by the Tree of Wellness Medical Marijuana Center in Colorado Springs, this 50/50 hybrid balances pain relief with cerebral headiness, while offering the potent and immediate effects of hash oil. Atomic Orange is best enjoyed in a proper hash oil rig with the assistance of an experienced rig-wrangling friend.
LSD Earwax Concentrate With a name like LSD, this earwax had better deliver on its promise of trippy cerebral sensations. Fortunately, this wax from the Earth Group Colorado in Denver delivers a sativa wallop commensurate with expectations. For those who enjoy indulging in cannabis-fueled creativity, this wax works perfectly. Whether melted over a bowl, crumbled into a slowburning hash joint or vaporized, LSD has a sweet flavor that lingers on the lips and tongue.
Legal Disclaimer
42 CULTURE • JULy 2013
The publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical cannabis concentrates. The reviews listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only when medical cannabis is not a violation of state law. Please consume responsibly. Under Colorado Constitution’s Article XVII and the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code, “medical marijuana” is considered any “usable form of marijuana” which is defined as “any mixture or preparation” from “the seeds, leaves, buds and flowers of the plant (genus) cannabis” that is appropriate for medical use. (Colo. Const. Article XVIII, Section 14)
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 43
44 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 45
46 CULTURE • JULy JULY 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
Ever since the death of Mark Twain in 1910, the country has been in constant need of homegrown, brutally honest authors to gaze upon our world with X-ray perception and tell us the real truth of how we are doing things right or wrong, regardless of who we are or the extent of the backlash. Henry Rollins is a musician, performer and writer that has been doing just that with his regular journalistic contributions to magazines such as Details, LA Weekly, Vanity Fair and The Huffington Post. Along with his stand up comedy, spoken word performances and YouTube series, “WordswithMeaning!” Rollins’ critical observations have been the perfect vehicle for a sustained, uncompromising assault on hypocrites, idiots and pundits on both the left and the right at a time when everyone else seems to be lining up to kiss a large amount of corporate and/or government ass to make a buck. Although the term has been used so many times it is nearly a cliché, “Renaissance Man” is the best way to describe the modern American philosopher known to the world as Henry Rollins. He’s been the lead singer of the legendary hardcore punk band Black Flag, and was the frontman for the critically acclaimed, commercially successful Rollins Band. He’s also performed alongside Robert DeNiro in Heat, played a cop hunting down Charlie Sheen in The Chase, appeared on David Lynch’s cult classic Lost Highway, and held his own as a central antagonist on the cable TV epic outlaw biker series Sons of Anarchy. While Rollins was doing all of that he also won a Grammy for Get in the Van: On the Road with Black Flag, and authored the spoken-word classics Black Coffee Blues and Think Tank. After getting his start in radio in 2004, Rollins had been heard many times over the airwaves, where he combines knife-sharp analysis with cutting-edge music for the massively perceptive. What’s next for a man with a career as intricate, illustrious and revolutionary as Henry Rollins?
I am sure you have a lot going on right now. What projects are keeping you busy? The super boring job of proofreading and editing a lot of material. One of the books I have coming out is easy to wrap up, but the others will take a lot of surgery. Editing books takes a lot of time in between working, meetings and auditions. That’s what I do when I’m not touring. I’m also looking for employment. It’s hard to imagine a person as prolific as yourself looking for a job. It’s a non-tour year. Last year I did nearly 190 shows. It gets to the point where shows are still coming in, but the tour is booked so your calendar gets pretty marked up. Now it’s a non-tour year, I’m in this interesting position of having some solid jobs, I have a lot of contract stuff to do, but I still have to look for employment.
That necessitates pitch meetings and auditions. Yesterday I was in a line 30 people long auditioning just for a microscopic role on a television show. We’ve mostly been pitching ideas for shows that I might be plugged into. It is an interesting position, one year you are the guy, you are on the billboard, the marquee and the next year you are in line hoping some casting person who doesn’t know you will throw you a bone. It’s good, though. That it keeps you humble. What kind of show would you want to do? I could easily imagine you as the History Channel equivalent of Anthony Bourdain. I’d like to do a show that tells you where and how the history books got it wrong—just an entire series where we point out the facts and reveal how history is written by the winners, so of course the winJULY 2013 • CULTURE 47
white area. It’s always in the grey. That’s obviously the case in a lot of places. Since we are already there, why not just legalize it? It’s stupid how someone with cancer pain has to worry about being arrested. If marijuana can help, why wouldn’t you want them to feel better? Why would you be okay with them being in pain? If you can help someone, right now, why won’t you? We are supposed to promote the general welfare; it says so in the Preamble to the Constitution.
ners give themselves a white hat. For example, if you tell a person in rural American that we lost the Vietnam War, you’ll be eating your dinner through a straw in your neck because he’ll break your jaw. But if you go over to Vietnam today, the Vietnamese have moved on. They are very sure they won that war, because they survived it. That’s how they think. “We are still alive, so you didn’t beat us.” What I mean is . . . there are a lot of ways to look at any historical event. You don’t touch cannabis, but you support its legalization. What is your honest opinion about this controversial topic? Smoking marijuana, in my opinion, is a monumental waste of time, but I’m not going to slap it out of your hand. But I not only want it legalized, I want it decriminalized. At least then you won’t go to jail for smoking it. I see marijuana as just another stimulant. I fear alcohol. It fuels a guy up so he punches his wife and drives his car into a tree. I’m afraid of a person buying two AR-15s and shooting up a shopping mall . . . that guy should get marijuana. I fear stupidity in America more than I fear someone buying weed. My question is: Will the states 48 CULTURE • JULy 2013
have the intestinal fortitude to retroactively free the black prisoners who are unfairly incarcerated for using marijuana if it’s legalized? Why is it that cannabis is still illegal in America? Because brown-skinned people grow, sell and use it. A lot of those Fox News assholes smoked it in college, but now they use coffee and martinis, so it’s only for faggot hippies. “I’m a responsible chemical dependent. I use booze. It’s just five martinis.” Pot, by comparison, is messy. You are buying a plant from someone that is not in a vacuum sealed, federally-approved package at the local 7-11. Besides, everyone out there is buying weed right now, anyway. Why not just legalize it? What is the cannabis legalization movement doing wrong? [T]he reason why the legalization movement is such a clusterf#@k is because there is no clear political plan. The first time I saw medical marijuana, I was at a friend’s house. His mother would smoke these government-approved medical marijuana cigarettes. My friend would steal them. Medical marijuana is never in a black or
What is your best advice for proponents of cannabis legalization? As a non-smoking, marijuana decriminalization proponent, I would go at in as sensibly and legally as I could. Take into account the people who oppose you. They count on you to be unkempt, sloppy, illegal and high. Don’t go into an intellection battle high. Go in with your facts and figures and stats tattooed on your brain pan. When you do that, an opponent will still have to respect you for it. Fortunately, the world is changing. The President actually mentioned the word “gay.” That set a precedent. In 100 years they will talk about Barack Obama and how he said, “Gay brothers and sisters.” That took a lot of brass. In a political world, if you say that you smoke cannabis you might as well be say you like to make it with little kids and sheep. All the other side has to say is,
“My opponent wants your son to get high at school.” Why can’t someone say, “My opponent likes wine so he wants your son to get drunk at school.”? But they are elected officials. They are in a very precarious position. I get a second chance, if I screw up. They don’t. If someone loses an election, he doesn’t get to come back. You can say you back gay marriage, but that is as red hot as you get. Saying yes to marijuana has to no longer be seen as “He said what!?” Your country is changing very rapidly, though. If I was writing for a cannabis-based magazine, I would be showing that marijuana smokers are not the funny characters the media always depicts, but that they are doctors and lawyers . . . professional, responsible people, just like the people who drink four beers and watch the game after working at the office all day. In this transition to a weed economy, there is going to be a drunken sailor syndrome. When you take a sailor off the boat he’s going to drink his paycheck. There’s going to be a transition. As Joseph Stalin said, “When you cut wood, chips fly.” Someone will abuse weed. It’s going to happen. They are going to drive recklessly, have THC in their blood, and a bunch of people will overreact because of it. But let’s face it, cannabis is already out there. Legalizing it will not change it too much. c henryrollins.com
Henry Rollins activism knows no bounds. Whether it’s championing for gay rights—he once hosted a “WedRock” benefit concert in support of same-sex marriage—to helping out with veterans causes, Rollins is passionate straight down the line. The writer/performer took up the cause of the “Memphis Three”—a case involving the unjust imprisonment of three young men accused of murder. The “Three” were finally released in 2011, after 18 years in prison, with Rollins saying, “My joy at hearing the news is however tinged with frustration that it took so long and that there is a person or persons who still need to be brought to justice.” V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 49
50 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 51
In a 2005 interview with the Great Falls Tribune, Henry Rollins noted that the root of his compassion and active status in contributing to benefits and charities is a medley of anger induced rage and discontentedness with seeing the bad guys prevail . Guided by the notion that it simply and unequivocally makes sense to help when and where you can, let’s see how the former Black Flag singer played a role in more than a few worthwhile causes. By Kimberly Johnson
2004
2005
Four months after the release of his spoken word installation Talk is Cheap: Vol. 4, Rollins executed four shows in two days, performing at guitar shop. Proceeds from the performances went to an agency that helps youth with mental health issues, a cause he still contributes to today.
Rollins took part in a benefit event for the University of Baltimore’s Students for Public Interest (UBSPI.) UBSPI is an organization whose efforts are geared towards helping the underprivileged get a fair shake in the justice system
2008
Rollins lent his time and attention to war veterans by teaming with the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Here, he launched a campaign to rally more assistance for veterans integrating back into their communities.
52 CULTURE • JULy 2013
2011
The spoken-word artist hosted a benefit concert for the organization Drop in the Bucket, a fundraising and awareness effort focused on the deadly water shortages faced in Sudan and Uganda. It was the biggest fundraiser to date, according to The Huffington V I S I TPost. U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 53
54 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
Simply Dab-ulous
One of the fortunate things about the world of medical cannabis is that there is something there for everyone: flowers, edibles, tinctures, topicals . . . and concentrates, glorious concentrates! In honor of this potent, centuriesold form of medicine that patients are turning to in droves, CULTURE presents our inaugural “710 Issue.” While the names, consistencies and types vary, let us never lose sight of one critical fact: concentrates are medicine. Enjoy.
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 55
ISSUE The Traits of a Good Concentrate A Patient’s Guide to Hash, Wax, Budder and Beyond By David Downs Hundreds of thousands of patients across the country are using more and more hash, kief, “wax,” “shatter” and other forms of concentrated medicine. The explosion of concentrates’ popularity is only equaled by how unregulated the market is. As a service to CULTURE readers, we consulted experienced concentrate buyers from leading dispensaries nationwide—as well as the best hash makers and lab managers testing the stuff—to develop a “Patient’s Guide” for determining the traits of a good ‘trate.
+ ANCIENT FUTURE
Hand-rolled hash (charas) as well as dry-screened (kief) and watersieved (bubble hash) concentrates have existed for millennia, historians note. But over the last three years hash-makers have adapted for cannabis industrial processes similar to those used to extract vegetable oil, as well as vanilla or essential oils found in coffee and other food items. These methods all use some medium (a solvent, cold water, C02, etc.) to strip off cannabis’ external glands—called trichomes. Trichomes contain the plant’s psychoactive and therapeutic molecules, like THC and CBD, plus aromatic molecules called terpenes. Terpenes give OG Kush and Grand Daddy Purple their distinctive smell. Concentrates are divided into non-solvent (kief, bubble hash) and solvent. The names of solvent types of concentrates come from their consistency (and, to an extent, appearance): wax, budder, shatter and oil. Patients add concentrates to joints or bowls, or vaporize them on a health stone, nail, skillet or in a vape pen. Ideally, trained chemists in a lab-grade setting are using safe, Class 3 edible solvents like n-butane or isopropyl alcohol to strip trichomes from the plant. Then, controlled heat and atmospheric pressure is used to purge all residual solvent from the concentrate. But the field is unregulated, so in reality, “this stuff is so all over the place,” says Dave Hodges, owner of All American Cannabis Club in San Jose. Hodges buys hash for the 3-year-old collective and uses about a gram of wax a day. “The best concentrates start with the best herb,” notes Rhett Jordan, owner of Native Roots Apothecary, as well as Rasta Bubble and Native Roots Extracts in Denver, Colorado. That means fresh trim or bud that is free of pesticides, fungicides and other contaminants. 56 CULTURE • JULy 2013
+ FLAME TEST
Most club buyers use a flame test to see how a concentrate reacts. The best solvent hash vaporizes in a “smooth boil,” says Jordan. Sizzles, pops and crackles indicate water, residual solvent or other issues. Concentrates should not catch fire—or spark. “I call it fireworks,” says Moore. “That is a bad sign,” Jordan adds. V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
+ SKUNK FUNK
+ FOLLOW THE LIGHT
Even with a great strain, shoddy hash-making can lead to mold. It’s a plague on bubble hash, says Josh Wurzer, owner of SC Laboratories, which tests thousands of California concentrates per month. Mold on hash is often white, furry and appears in a main patch. The smell is a dead giveaway. “It smells like sour milk,” says Paul Moore, manager for The Healing Leaf Collective Garden in Lake Stevens, Washington. Solvent-based concentrates don’t have the same mold problems as bubble hash, says Wurzer, but wax, budder, shatter and oil can come with their own special baggage. “Light color, dry texture and good smell,” is Hodges’ short-hand for good solvent hash.
Pure THC-A is a crystalline solid that is translucent white, amber or cream, and crumbly—and the best waxes are just that. Wax and budder should be as light as possible, and semi-translucent. “Lighter is better,” says Hodges. Strain type and the trichome color can influence a concentrate’s hue, experts say, but if it’s a “dark, black blob,” Wurzer says, something is off. The color may be plant pigment, leaf, dirt, the effect of excess temperature or—worse—mold. Shatter should be as clear as stained glass and have “no bubbles,” says Jordan. “No bubbles, definitely not in shatter,” says Moore. Bubbles mean water or residual solvent, experts say. “And water equals mold,” says Hodges.
+ NOSE KNOWS
The best-made concentrates will “capture the essence of the flower,” says Wurzer. Waxes and budders are the most aromatic and shatter is the least, but will smell like its source strain when vaporized. Shoddy solvent hash makers use cheap butane or propane contaminated with sulfur, mercaptan and other chemicals whose telltale smell is a dead giveaway. “It just stinks like a leaky heater,” Wurzer says. “That smell is an indication that it’s toxic.”
+ GHOST OF THE FLOWER
Great hash should taste “strictly like the strain it came from—whether it be an OG or a Haze, you can tell,” says Moore. Sub-par product can taste stale, bitter, burnt or chemical-laden. And solvent hash should never be stored on wax paper, Hodges notes. “It’ll taste like a f*#@ing candle.”
+ MORE THAN A FEELING
Wax should be dry and crumbly, experts state. Gooeyness or wetness in a wax, budder or shatter indicates the presence of something other than trichomes. Shatter should generally behave like glass at room temperature and shatter or snap. The consistency of different types of oil varies widely. Hodges examines oils by smearing a dab out on a piece of white paper, looking for light color and zero particulates. The best oil is Clear Concentrate, says Rick Pfrommer, manager of Harborside Health Center in Oakland. Totally seethrough with zero residual solvent, “Clear is just phenomenal,” he says.
+ WHERE AND HOW TO GET
Read online reviews of concentrate sellers on Yelp, WeedMaps, StickyGuide and elsewhere, Pfrommer says (CULTURE’s concentrate reviews are also an excellent source of information). Patronize established businesses that test for residual solvents like Harborside Health Center does. And grill your budtender, says Moore. “If you’re asking a lot of questions and your budtender doesn’t know, maybe they should,” says Pfrommer. c
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 57
ISSUE
Concentrates 101 By Charmie Gholson As “dabbing” builds in popularity, concentrates have become more widely available. Many patients find high potency medical marijuana concentrates particularly effective in treating chronic and debilitating conditions. One “dab”—or small glob of concentrate— vaporized in the morning can alleviate the symptoms of Crohn’s disease or multiple sclerosis, for example, for a good part of the day; whereas smoking flowers would be required much more frequently to achieve levels of relief. Throw in the added benefit of a delivery method that offers folks fast, powerful relief without having to combust plant matter and it’s no wonder patients across the country are turning to these highly potent cannabis extracts instead of smoking flowers. Concentrates are produced by separating the active ingredients, trichomes and resins, from the cannabis plant. Three common methods for doing so are dry sift, solvents and solvent-less methods.
+ TYPES
Dry sift methods have been used for thousands of years. Trichomes are extracted by filtering cannabis through silkscreens and collecting the crystals. This substance is called kief, which can be pressed together to form hash. Bubble Hash (a solvent-less method) is made by churning or blending flowers, trimmings and leaves in a large container with ice and water. The cold temperature and vigorous mixing separates the cannabis resin from the plant. Then it’s filtered out, collected, dried and cured. Bubble hash can be vaporized, rolled into a joint or smoked out of a pipe. Solvent extracts: Use of solvents such as alcohol, CO2 and butane to chemically extract cannabinoids. Butane Honey Oil or BHO is one of the more widely available and popular solvent extracted concentrates. According to Dablife.com, BHO is a “concentrated cannabis extract made by pushing liquid butane (which liquefies easily) through a tube packed with frosty buds. The resulting solution is a mix of oils, waxes, cannabinoids, terpenes, and sometimes chlorophyll.” (Note: this procedure is complex and we’re very much over simplifying, so please don’t try this at home without proper instruction and ventilation. Also, in some MMJ states, BHO is illegal to make, but not to possess) BHO can be dried and whipped into “budder,” which is waxy and dry. Wax is made using butane gas as the extraction solvent. Texture and
58 CULTURE • JULy 2013
color are key factors in determining the quality of the wax—the more golden and crumbly, the better. Wax that’s dark and contains liquid may contain leftover solvent and plant matter. In CO2 extraction or Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) the solvent is pushed through the plant matter at a high pressure and separates the matter precisely, which isolates only the purest essence of the cannabis. The result is pure, transparent, amber oil.
+ DABBA DO
Once the concentrate is made, you can now “dab” which is the term used for dropping or dabbing small amounts of the concentrate onto an astronomically heated surface, and then inhaling the vapors. The special glass pipes used for dabbing are known as oil rigs. The oil is dropped onto a nail (typically made of titanium) heated with a blow torch until it reaches the perfect temperature, then the concentrate is vaporized and smoked. You may also use a vaporizer pen (or vape pen) which is more convenient and easy to use than an oil rig, although both methods produce roughly the same effect. Concentrates do carry some concerns such as: safety during processing; ensuring the product is tested and free of solvents; legality issues, but by taking proper precautions with ventilation while producing the concentrates, as well as ensuring the solvents are all removed from the material, the use of concentrates can provide health benefits and relief to the folks who need it most. c
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 59
cool stuff Apothecanna Extra Strength Pain Crème In the world of cannabis-infused skincare, Apothecanna stands out in a crowded market. Made to tackle inflammation, sore muscles, skin irritation and nerve pain, this crème comes packed with THC and CBD. We tested it on our arthritic hands and sore backs—and came back asking for more. (MSRP: $18 for 2-oz. bottle) apothecanna.com
Magical Butter Think you need to be a chemist or a cook to create some powerful concentrates? With time-tested power of the Magical Butter botanical extractor, you’ll be at the top of the class creating your own homemade oils, tinctures, lotions and more. Open the lid, put in your botanical ingredients, press a button, let it cycle and pour out the good stuff through a filter. Done. It doesn’t get easier than this. ($174.95) magicalbutter.com
eRoll Vaporizer Pen and Get Loose Juice Ideal for discreet medicating. The eRoll comes encased in a batterycharging mechanism that resembles a second generation iPod nano. The Get Loose Juice, a very sticky hash oil glycol concentrate, produces tasty vapors with tangible potency. Manufactured and distributed from Steamboat Springs, the eRoll (available in 250mg, 500mg, 750mg and 1,000mg strain-specific dosages) can be found at various dispensaries across Colorado. www.rmrmmj.com
60 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 61
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.
Menu:
Grilled Shrimp Makes 4 servings 25 large uncooked shrimp, unshelled, slit and deveined 3 cups dry white wine Juice of two lemons Black pepper to taste 6 shallots, chopped 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1/4 cup Cannabis Infused Olive Oil* 6 skewers, soaked in water for two hours Combine all the ingredients (except for skewers) in a medium-size bowl. Stir to coat the shrimp thoroughly. Let marinate at room temperature for about three hours. Skewer about four shrimp per skewer. Place on the grill, over medium heat. Turn when sides are pink. Baste with the remaining liquid (marinade) to keep shrimp moist. They are cooked when firm and pink in color.
Cannabis Infused Oil* 1 cup cooking oil 1 1/4 ounces low to average quality dried leaf cannabis 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. 62 CULTURE • JULy 2013
Grilled Shrimp Cheesy Polenta Barbeque Broccoli
By Aunt Sandy
Cheesy Polenta Makes 4 servings 6 cups water 2 teaspoons salt 1 3/4 cups yellow corn meal 3 tablespoons Canna Butter** 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add salt and gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook until mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender. Stir often for about 15 minutes and turn off the heat. Add the butter and cheese and stir until melted. Serve immediately.
Barbeque Broccoli Makes 6 servings 3 heads of broccoli 1/3 cup Cannabis Infused Olive Oil* 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1/4 onion, finely chopped Juice of 1 lemon Cut off broccoli stems 1 inch below the florets. Starting at the stem end, slice each broccoli head lengthwise into 3 slabs. In a large baking dish, whisk together the Infused Oil, garlic clove, onion and lemon juice. Coat the broccoli on both sides with the mixture. Let marinate at room temperature for one hour. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove broccoli from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Grill covered for about 3 minutes on each side, until lightly charred and crispy-tender.
Canna Butter** 1 cup unsalted butter 1 ounce low to average quality dried leaf cannabis 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. 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.
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
For our complete recipes go to ireadculture.com.
Gas or charcoal, sauce or dry rub—no matter what your preference, it’s always a good time to fire up the ol‘ barbecue this time of year. If it’s grillin, expect your weekend get-together to be thrillin‘. Try out this scrumptious, backyardfriendly smorgasbord of delish dishes, courtesy of your neighborhood friendly briquette.
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 63
64 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 65
entertainment reviews The Transplants In A Warzone Epitaph After eight long years, punk rockers Tim Armstrong, Travis Barker and Rob “Skinhead Rob” Aston return with their long awaited third Transplants record, In A Warzone. While the project has always been characterized by a blending of punk rock, hip-hop and at times, dub and reggae, In A Warzone sees the band making more of an attempt at a straight forward punk album by the trio. While the band’s self-titled debut and follow up Haunted Cities could at times be a little heavy-handed with conventional hip-hop’s topics of excess and the high life, Transplants seem to have little time for that on In A Warzone. The record’s style and delivery are more urgent and each song seems to be more about the group’s worried views on society and world events than the guns, girls and drugs that were common themes on previous releases. The music itself is heavy-hitting, insistent and at times a bit abrasive, easily bringing to mind the wars—both literal and metaphorical—that the band sings about. All in all, this is a record that will most definitely appeal more to the fan of the punk rock side of The Transplants’ music. However, fans of its hip-hop flavor need not be disappointed, there are still several tracks that incorporate their brand of rack, just a bit on the heavier end of things. (Simon Weedn)
Protect Your Garden: Eco-friendly Solutions for Healthy Plants By Ed Rosenthal Quick American Publishing When Ed Rosenthal talks, people listen. And when Ed writes a book, naturally, growers sure as hell pay attention. And they should. Rosenthal’s been schooling the masses on how to grow the best cannabis and his latest tome, Protect Your Garden, offers novice green-thumbers an effective tool to keep pests, diseases and environmental stresses from mucking up your lovely crops. As scientifically grounded as a biology textbook, yet easy to follow due to its airy layout, large print and an abundance of photos, protecting your green without harming Mother Nature just got ridiculously easy. Moles messing with you? Try predator urine or castor oil. Want to keep your plants free of the tobacco mosaic virus? Keep cigarette butts far, far away. Say “later days” to toxic pesticides and “hi” to natural solutions for your indoor, outdoor or greenhouse grow. (Matt Tapia)
Swimming to Cambodia Cinecom Pictures Dir. Jonathan Demme Finally, after many years of waiting, Shout!Factory have made writer, actor and monologist Spalding Gray’s masterpiece Swimming to Cambodia, available on DVD. Directed by Jonathan Demme (Philadelphia, Silence Of The Lambs), the film version of one of Gray’s most famous monologues was originally shot in 1987 and features an interesting score by renowned experimental performance artist and musician Laurie Anderson. The monologue itself revolves around Gray’s stories and observations about his experience acting in the role of U.S. Ambassador’s Aide in the 80’s masterpiece, The Killing Fields. The stories see-saw between humorous adventures with a zany film crew, Thai marijuana, prostitutes and deep, heavy, emotional observations and history lessons about the bombing of Cambodia, the rise of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, and the ensuing Cambodian Genocide. At times, the film can get a bit tedious and confusing with Gray’s delivery of this material which comes in his slightly manic, East Coast, mile-a-minute talking style. However, Gray manages to always hold it together, giving breaks and beats at appropriate times to allow the audience to soak in the massive amounts of information he puts out. For the average person that has never seen a one-man show, Swimming to Cambodia might take a bit of getting used to. However, for the patient viewer, one is rewarded with a gripping, captivating story delivered with unparalleled craftsmanship by one of the world’s great monologists. (Simon Weedn) 66 CULTURE • JULy 2013
Mac Miller in concert Hip-hop heads nationwide checking in on Billboard’s Top 200 album sells a few weeks ago had a juicy dish to digest. No surprise from top spot holder Kanye West, with his eagerly awaited album Yeezus. There was also triumphant applause for runner-up J. Cole and his second release Born Sinner. But heads are turning in the direction of a presumed underdog on the hip-hop agenda—the one and only, incredibly dope Mac Miller. The emcee’s latest release, Watching Movies With the Sound Off, debuted at No. 3 this past week, selling over 100,000 units. Such accomplishments from this 21-year-old rapper have made him well deserving of a celebratory shindig—not unlike the ones he’s known for throwing that bring in the likes of Miley Cyrus or Tyler the Creator. But the Pittsburg powerhouse, beginning his career in 2007 on independent label Rostrum Records, has more than album sales to be stoked on. When branching out on his first tour at the age of 18, Miller managed to sell out every last one of his tour dates. Kudos, Miller. Hopefully we will see an inkling of this success on your current endeavor, The Space Migration Tour, going nationwide now.
IF YOU GO
What: Mac Miller in concert. When/Where: July 30 at the Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. Info: With Action Bronson, Chance the Rapper and Vince Staples. Visit www.ogdentheatre. com.
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 67
liner notes Though their early career, all pop and Liverpudlian smiles, was mostly love songs, THE BEATLES wrote many narrative songs and created characters like Rocky Raccoon, Eleanor Rigby and lovely Rita that have left a lasting impression on American musical consciousness. But publishing house Simon & Schuster have decided to sidestep those and adapt Octopus’s Garden as a children’s book instead. Ben Cort, the man responsible for Aliens Love Underpants, will illustrate the book. It will also come with an exclusive CD that has unreleased Ringo tracks and, one would think, “Octopus’s Garden” itself. Mr. Starr himself has said that he’s excited about the project and hopes that Simon & Schuster finally make good on their promise to release him back into the wild where he can relax calmly in the shade of the aforementioned garden. It’s where he’d like to be. Once, long ago, giant lizards walked the earth. (Their decedents, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, still roam through the murky morass of modern America.) Scientist have recently paid tribute to one dead “Lizard King,” JIM MORRISON, by naming an extinct lizard species native to South East Asia after him. Dead for 35 million years, the newly named Barbaturex morrisoni was the largest plant-eating creature on earth, over six feet long when it was alive. No information on whether or not this means that high school sophomores across the nation will have glow-in-thedark posters of extinct lizards in their room or sweat-stained shirts that say “South East Asian Poet” on them. Carl Sagan is famous for calling Earth a “pale blue dot,” pondering our ultimate insignificance in the great, wide universe. Now, as a planet, we’re sending our most
68 CULTURE • JUNE JULy 2013 2013
By Kevin Longrie
insignificant member into space to even things out. JUSTIN BIEBER and his manager, Scooter Braun, are going to space on Virgin Galactic. In a tweet announcing the news, Richard Branson, the owner and awesome billionaire behind Virgin Galactic, called the two “future astronauts.” Generations of Americans have held astronauts in high regard; now the term means next to nothing. Bieber, however, wants to do what one man has done before: “Let’s shoot a music video in space!” he tweeted at Branson. Other celebrities like Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher and Leonardo DiCaprio will also be ascending to the heavens when Virgin Galactic launches. Hanks will show them all the ropes; he’s been there before. Apple recently announced iTunes Radio, a streaming music service in the vein of Spotify and Pandora. It will be free to use with advertisements. As many commentators have pointed out, this is not an innovative or new move by Apple, but instead they are trying to gain back some of the market for this kind of music delivery that has been eroded as its competitors have gained market dominance. Steve Jobs was famously against subscription services; but new CEO Tim Cook seems to think that
now is the perfect time for iTunes Radio. iTunes also has the benefit of having a built-in store through which to sell users songs. No one brought up the fact that there is already an actual digital radio in iTunes already. MUMFORD & SONS bassist Ted Dwane underwent a surgery recently to remove a blood clot from his brain. The band had to cancel a number of shows in the U.S. to get Dwane looked at and worked on after he was feeling ill. Mumford & Sons have released statements saying that Dwane is making a swift recovery and will be up bassing again soon. There is no current scientific data on whether or not being English and pretending to be from the American South during a bygone era leads to clotting of any kind; nor has their been any headway made into the 10-year study on the possible negative medical effects of spending a large amount of daylight hours in close proximity to folk instruments such as the banjo and the mandolin. c
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 69
70 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
let’s do this Our picks for the coolest things to do around town Vegfest Colorado 2013, July 6-7
Calling all vegans, vegetarians, the health conscious and families—Colorado has a special meatless and dairy-free treat for you to snack on this month—Vegfest Colorado 2013. It’s bringing you the best cooking demonstrations, speakers, performances and kid-friendly activities to meet your every dietary need. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Golden jeffco.us
73rd Annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, July 10-13
Yee-haw! Nothing is more exciting than watching a professional bull rider get thrown around by a bull weighing well over a ton! There’s also Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing and something called Wild Cow Milking—sounds like a dangerous good time. Norris-Penrose Event Center, Colorado Springs www.norrispenrose.com
Colorado Burlesque Festival, July 11-14
These sassy and seductive women have all the right moves to keep you entranced and engaged throughout the long weekend. Don’t miss the beautiful Miss Fannie Spankings or the Boss of Burlesque herself, Foxy Tann. All these ladies and more will be defying gravity in their nearly-not-there couture. Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret, Denver coloradoburlesquefestival.com
The Dirty Heads w/The Expendables, July 12
This popular rock/reggae/hip-hop band brings positive vibes with guest stars like Matisyahu and Rome (from Sublime with Rome), and is currently touring in support of recent album Cabin By the Sea. Paired with The Expendables—bringing you hits from Getting‘ Filthy—we assure you it’ll be chill, dirty fun. Exdo Event Center, Denver www.exdoevents.com
Kottonmouth Kings, July 13
You’ve got D-Loc, Daddy X, Johnny Richter, The Dirtball, Lou Dog and DJ Bobby B—and no, these are not Santa’s new, high-as-hell new reindeers—these are the kings. Don’t be ashamed to bump, bump, bump their tunes in your ride. The Summit Music Hall, Denver thesummitmusichall.com
Cinema Q Film Festival, July 18-21
Hooray for queer motion pictures! Celebrating the best in
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 71
72 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
film for the LGBTQ community, the Cinema Q Film Festival does its best to connect all humankind through a unified experience of understanding and acceptance. SIE FilmCenter, Denver www.denverfilm.org
Mile High Station, Denver milehighstation.com
Eddie Griffin, July 19-20
Close your eyes and it will feel (and sound) like Bradley Nowell and Anthony Kiedis are right there. You should love at least one of these bands (at the very least a song), but if you don’t . . . we’re going to revoke your music-cred card. Cervantes’ Masterpiece, Denver www.cervantesmasterpiece.com
This man can do it all. He acts, he’s funny—but did you also know he can dance? Before he got into comedy, he was a choreographer for the Kansas City Chiefs half-time shows . . . that’s in the past and the only thing he choreographs now is a ton of laughs. Improv, Denver denver.improv.com
Open Arts Fest, July 20-21
Local and national artists are bringing the whimsical and sophisticated to an event that’s free to attend. Look at and buy anything you want: sculptures, paintings, jewelry, furniture, photographs, textiles and more. Downtown Boulder www.boulderdowntown.com
Summer Brew Fest, July 26
Over 125 of the best hand crafted beers from more than 45 breweries want to give you a taste of their delicious suds. Live music will be provided by The Congress and 22 Kings, plus the food from local vendors will (hopefully) prevent that afterfest hangover.
40 Oz. to Freedom (A Tribute to Sublime) with Pipin Hot Ghost Peppers (A Tribute to The Red Hot Chili Peppers), July 27
Jen Lewin: It’s Electric, thru July 27
This electric artist has created some interactive light and sound sculptures that can’t be complete without you. Feel the excitement as you’re encouraged to experiment and collaborate with both the people and the art around you. CU Art Museum, Boulder cuartmuseum.colorado.edu
2013 Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, July 27-28 Feast your eyes on the majestic and mysterious wonders of Asian culture. Check out exhibits, taste Asian cuisine, watch live performances and cheer on the teams as they compete in the dragon boat race. Sloan’s Lake, Denver www.cbdf.com
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 73
74 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
HEAD COUNT
?
Time to rev up your brain cells, folks. Take this official CULTURE quiz and test yourself to see how much you know about cannabis. For each question you answer correctly, give yourself 5 points.
A South Carolina lawmaker has recently proposed legalizing medical cannabis—true or false?
Democrats tend to favor 3 Do pro-cannabis legislation
more than Republicans?
is the name of the 4 What author of The New Jim Crow
who is pro legalization?
cannabis be effective to 5 What is Dronabinol? 2 Can treat diabetes?
1. True, state Rep. Todd Rutherford. 2. Possibly, according to recent British research. 3. Yes. 4. Michelle Alexander, associate law professor at Moritz College of Law, Ohio. 5. Another name for Marinol, a synthetic form of THC.
1
?
?
Now Rate Yourself: 5 points: A few classes at Oaksterdam University won’t even help you. 10 points: Are you even a patient? 15 points: Keep medicating. 20 points: Impressive. Almost ready for the big leagues. 25 points: What do you want—a prize?
ANSWERS
CULTURE Quiz
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 75
The godfathers of “stoner metal” are back in action! Black Sabbath—the band that single-handedly helped bring metal to the masses—recently launched its world tour studio album, 13. The band is sporting its original line up of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, and the new release picks up immediately where the band left off with eight sprawling songs (five of them are over eight minutes long) that will get fists pumped and devil-horns thrown. “God Is Dead?,” the lead single from 13, includes some of Osbourne’s most probing and controversial lyrics to date. He drills deep into questions about God’s place in the order of things as troubled times give way to terror attacks in the name of religion. This reunion could not be sweeter—for them or for us. c www.blacksabbath.com
76 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 77
Chuck Shepherd
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY— EYE OPENER
; Chengdu, China, barber Liu Deyuan, 53, is one of the few who still provide traditional “eyeshaving,” in which he holds the eye open and runs a razor across the lids’ inner surfaces. Then, using a thin metal rod with a round tip, he gently massages the inside of each lid. Liu told a reporter for the Chengdu Business Daily in April that he had never had an accident (though the reporter apparently could not be enticed to experience the treatment himself, preferring merely to observe), and a highly satisfied customer
78 CULTURE • JULy 2013
reported afterward that his eyes felt “moist” and his vision “clearer.” A local hospital official said eyeshaving can scrape away scar tissue and stimulate the eyes to lubricate the eye sockets.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
; One of April’s most popular Internet images consisted of face shots of the current 20 contestants for Miss South Korea—revealing that all 20 appeared eerily similar, and Westernized. Commented one website, “Korea’s plastic surgery mayhem is finally converging on the same
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 79
face.” Wrote a South Korean commenter, “Girls here consider eye surgery just like using makeup.” Wrote another, “I loved this episode of The Twilight Zone.” The country has the highest rate of cosmetic surgery per capita in the world. ; Michinoku Farm of Tokyo finally agreed in May to withdraw its whale meat dog chews, but only after angering environmentalists for having favored the country’s pampered canines over endangered North Atlantic fin whales, which were the source of the chews. The meat was purchased from Iceland, which openly defies the international moratorium on whale meat. (Japan officially disagrees with world consensus on which species are endangered.) ; A marriage-encouraging initiative in the Sehore district of India’s Madhya Pradesh state awards gifts and financial assistance to couples agreeing to wed in mass ceremonies, but the country also suffers from a notorious toilet shortage. Conse-
80 CULTURE • JULy 2013
quently, the district announced in May that to qualify for the government benefits, the groom must submit to officials a photo of himself beside his own toilet to prove that he and his wife will have home sanitation.
LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES
; Recurring Theme (People Purporting to Speak for Islam): (1) A Saudi judge ruled in April that it was finally time for Ali al-Khawahir, 24, to suffer for stabbing another boy in the back when Ali was 14. The victim was paralyzed, and under Saudi justice, Ali must also be struck with paralysis or else raise the equivalent of about $260,000 to compensate the victim. (2) Saudi cleric Abdullah Mohamed al-Daoud in May urged his 100,000 Twitter followers to “sexually harass female cashiers” to discourage them from working outside the home. (He is the one who urged in February that babies be veiled to protect them from sexual harassment.)
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 81
; Closer to God Than You Are: (1) Crystal McVea, author of a recent book chronicling her near-death experience, told a Fox & Friends TV host in April that among her most vivid memories of the incident was getting so close to God that she could “smell” him. (2) In May, Anna Pierre, a candidate for mayor of North Miami, Fla., announced on her Facebook page that she had secured the endorsement of Jesus Christ. That would be doubly fortunate for her since a month earlier, she had complained that unknown people had been leaving bad-luck Vodou-ritual feathers, food scraps and candles on her doorstep. (Jesus’ stroke is apparently not what it used to be: She finished seventh in the race.) ; Religious Messages From All Over: (1) A catering company in Leicestershire, England, became a holy site in May after the Hindu owner found an eggplant that resembles the elephant-headed Lord Ganesh. He said that he prays to it now twice daily and has so far welcomed about 80
82 CULTURE • JULy 2013
visiting worshippers. (2) As part of his recent U.S. tour, the Dalai Lama, introduced to a University of Maryland audience by Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, greeted the governor on stage by rubbing noses with him.
QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENTS
; Expectant North Carolina parents Adam and Heather Barrington (who is due in July) have disclosed that they will accept underwater midwifing from the Sirius Institute of Pahoa, Hawaii, which arranges for the mother to swim with dolphins pre- and post-natally. “It is about reconnecting as humans with the dolphins so we can . . . learn from one another,” said Heather. Said Adam: “Dolphins are very intelligent and healing, which . . . calms mother and baby . . . “ Biologists writing for the Discovery Channel, however, reminded readers that underwater births are extraordinarily dangerous and that dolphins are “wild animals” that gang-rape female dolphins and “toss, beat and kill
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
small porpoises.” Said another, the Barringtons’ plan is “possibly the worst idea ever.”
LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS
; Dennis Gholston, 45, with outstanding traffic warrants in Pennsylvania, decided in May that, even though alone in his car, he could not resist using a high-occupancy vehicle lane (HOV) on the New Jersey Turnpike near Carteret. His decision was even more unsound because, according to the officer who stopped him for the HOV violation, Gholston was hauling about $4,000 worth of heroin in the car, and he was charged with intent to distribute.
A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (DECEMBER 2009)
; But What If the Device Falls Into the Wrong Hands? A 55-year-old British man whose
bowel was ruptured in a nearly catastrophic traffic accident has been fitted with a bionic sphincter that opens and closes with a remote controller. Ged Galvin had originally endured 13 surgeries in a 13-week hospital stay and had grown frustrated with using a colostomy bag until surgeon Norman Williams of the Royal London Hospital proposed the imaginative operation. Dr. Williams, who was interviewed along with Galvin for a November 2009 feature in London’s Daily Mail, wrapped a muscle transplanted from Galvin’s leg around the sphincter and attached electrodes to tighten or loosen its grip.
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
; As recently as mid-May, people with disabilities had been earning hefty black-market fees by taking strangers into Disneyland and Disney World using the parks’ own liberal “disability” passes (which allow for up to five relatives or
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 83
guests at a time to accompany the disabled person in skipping the sometimes-hours-long lines and having immediate access to the rides). The pass-holding “guide,” according to NBC’s “Today” show, could charge as much as $200 through advertising on CraigsList and via word-of-mouth to some travel agents. Following reports in the New York Post and other outlets, Disney was said in late May to be warning disabled permit-holders not to abuse the privilege. ; “Ambulance-chasing” lawyers are less the cliche than they formerly were because of bar association crackdowns, but fire truck-chasing contractors and “public adjusters” are still a problem—at least in Florida, where the state Supreme Court tossed out a “48-hour” time- out rule that would have given casualty victims space to reflect on their losses before being overwhelmed by home-restoration salesmen. Consequently, as firefighters told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in May, the contractors are usually “right behind” them on the scene,
84 CULTURE • JULy 2013
pestering anxious or griefstricken victims. The Sun-Sentinel found one woman being begged to sign up while she was still crying out for her dog that remained trapped in the blaze.
UNCONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS
; Researchers writing recently in the journal PLoS ONE disclosed that they had found certain types of dirt that contain antimicrobial agents capable of killing E. coli and the antibiotic-resistant MRSA. According to the article, medical “texts” back to 3000 B.C. mentioned clays that, when rubbed on wounds, reduce inflammation and pain. ; Researchers writing in May in the journal Pediatrics found that some infants whose parents regularly sucked their babies’ pacifiers to clean them (rather than rinsing or boiling them) developed fewer allergies and cases of asthma. (On the other hand, parental-cleansing might make other maladies more likely, such as tooth decay.)
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 85
86 CULTURE • JULy 2013
V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
JULY 2013 • CULTURE 87