Dope Magazine - August 2016 - The Hemp Issue - Southern California by DOPE Magazine

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Steve DeAngelo

A New Era of Cannabis, A New Era of Progress

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SEATTLE HEMPFEST ® REFLECTING ON 25 YEARS

DOPE BICYCLE TOUR T R E K F R O M S E AT T L E TO L O S A N G E L E S

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AU G U S T 2 0 1 6 | T H E H E M P I S S U E

NCE UPON A TIME, five years ago, DOPE Magazine printed its first 15,000 copies and descended upon Seattle’s iconic protest festival, HEMPFEST®. This set in motion our involvement in an industry that was on the verge of experiencing revolutionary milestones and unprecedented progress. Reflecting on the plot line, it barely seems real. The surface of the national cannabis conversation suggests enormous progress. We’ve witnessed states push for more progressive laws and seen individuals realize new wellness-based treatments. However, despite the great strides that legalization has taken in states like Washington, acknowledging the challenges that we as a larger community still face is imperative. One must admit, the plethora of vape pen options now available to consumers in Washington state sits awkwardly beside news of individuals facing incarceration for possession of a joint in Oklahoma. The investment opportunities available in certain states only further degrade the dollars being spent incarcerating cannabis-related offenses elsewhere. Progress, indeed, can be misleading. The notion of misleading progress is found in more than one conversation in our culture. As we’ve witnessed the summer months of 2016 in the United States marred by violence, we’re reminded that hatred and discrimination are still very real in our country. Mass shootings aimed at the LGBTQ community and racial tensions boiling over in the streets are indicative of recurring cultural themes that’ve yet to be extinguished, and find themselves fueled by viral videos that guarantee a visceral and widespread reaction. While it goes without saying that we’ve won many battles in the name of equality—if the cell phone videos and headlines are true—the mission is far from over. And as divisive dialogue remains, one can’t help but wonder if the real win will be found when we realize that what we’re fighting for isn’t all that different. Nonetheless, as we soldier on together through these revolutionary times, it is essential to celebrate the victories along the way. For us, DOPE Magazine turning five years old falls into that category, and we appreciate you picking up this issue and taking part in the progressive festivities with us. Together we’ve blazed quite the trail, but make no mistake, we have a long way to go. Stay DOPE, Abigail Ross Content Director

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DOPE MAGAZINE is a free monthly publication dedicated to providing an informative and wellness-minded voice to the cannabis movement. While our foundation is the medical cannabis industry, it is our intent to provide ethical and research-based articles that address the many facets of the war on drugs, from politics to lifestyle and beyond. We believe that through education and honest discourse, accurate policy and understanding can emerge. DOPE MAGAZINE is focused on defending both our patients and our plant, and to being an unceasing force for revolutionary change.

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S AU G U S T 2 0 1 6

THE HEMP ISSUE 12

DOPE EVENTS Summer Cannabis Events

F E AT U R E What Would Coleman Want?

BRANDING BUD The ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S of CBD

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SEATTLE HEMPFEST REFLECTING ON 25 YEARS

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EVENTS

DOPE EVENTS SUMMER 2016 WRITER / JENIKA MAO

SEATTLE HEMPFEST ® August 19–21 Seattle, Washington

he Seattle HEMPFEST is the world’s largest annual cannabis policy reform event and is celebrating its 25th year. Held in downtown Seattle’s waterfront, HEMPFEST features six stages of world-class music and speakers; 400 arts, crafts, food and information vendors; and is staffed by 1,000 volunteers. Performing acts such as Everlast, Rehab, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Hed PE, The Accused, Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs, Lucero, 7 Year Bitch, Donald Glaude and over 1,000 other performers have graced HEMPFEST’s stages over the last 25 years. Info on vending, sponsorships or volunteer opportunities can be found at HEMPFEST.org

OREGON CANNABIS GROWER’S FAIR August 13–14 Portland, Oregon

F THE 7TH ANNUAL CLINIC CHARITY CLASSIC August 26 Denver, Colorado

or the past few years, The Clinic Colorado has been a supporter of the National MS Society, a great non-profit organization. Through Walk MS Team and their annual golf tournament, they have raised $40,000 for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society. We are expecting yet again another successful turnout! What makes this event different than the rest is the strength in its community bonds and its genuine mission to find a cure for MS. Join us on August 26 at the beautiful Arrowhead Golf Club and be sure to swing by the DOPE booth!

or the first time ever, the cannabis industry will be presenting a Live Cannabis Plant Award Ceremony on August 13 and 14 in Portland, Oregon. Many producers will display live contestants and give attendees the opportunity to explore crafted plants of Oregon and meet the growers themselves. This event will vary from licensed producers all the way down to those who are just plain curious and looking to learn more about the industry from a grower’s perspective. Whether you are licensed to grow or a patient limited to just four plants at home, this event is for you. Purchase your fair ticket today!

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F E AT U R E

WRITER / MEGHAN RIDLEY

PHOTOS / COURTESY OF THE WHITING FAMILY

HEN THE WHITING FAMILY gathered on the evening of May 24, 2016, they were overwhelmed by the sudden death of their son and brother, Coleman. At only 24 years of age, he was simply gone too soon. Through their shock and grief, they consoled themselves with one question:What would Coleman want? Diagnosed with epilepsy in adolescence, Coleman had spent much of his life under the care of neurologists—which included being prescribed numerous pharmaceutical

ILLUSTRATION / TENHUN (TENHUNDREDART.COM)

seizure medications over the years. By the age of 20 however, cannabis was emerging as a legitimate option for the treatment of seizure disorders. His decision to invite his dad, Jerry, to lunch and toss his medical marijuana authorization on the table was a timely turning point in not just the conversation surrounding Coleman’s health, but the beginning of a beautiful business opportunity. As Jerry said to Coleman, “I don’t know much about it, but Marty Lee is staying with us during HEMPFEST® in a few weeks.”

F E AT U R E

“WE’RE WATCHING IN UTTER AMAZEMENT AS COLEMAN LIVES ON THROUGH THE LOVING EFFORTS OF THOSE HE LOVED. HE WAS MY SON, MY BUSINESS PARTNER AND MY BEST FRIEND.” -JERRY WHITING

Father Jerry Whiting and son ColemanWhiting

Having Marty Lee, aka Martin A. Lee, who happens to be the author of Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana, give you a six-day crash course on the ins and outs of CBDs will get you up to speed on the medical cannabis movement right quick. Thus began a personal and professional endeavor that would lead Coleman and Jerry into their next relationship: business partners. Over the coming years, the two would found LeBlanc CNE, a medical cannabis company with an emphasis on CBD genetics. Meanwhile, Coleman’s presence in the medical cannabis community in Seattle was growing—when he wasn’t busy running CO2 extraction units at Green Lion, he was a well-known face in organizations such as the Coalition for Cannabis Standards

& Ethics and The Cannabis Alliance. Working as a budtender and manager at Herban Legends only furthered his reputation in the industry, where his style and spirit never went unnoticed. And then, amidst so much joy and progress, Coleman unexpectedly lost his life. Following a regular appointment with his neurologist, he returned to his car and suffered a fatal seizure known as SUDEP—sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. While the shock traveled through Coleman’s large circle of family and friends, outpourings of love and hope nonetheless began to shine through the tragedy. It’s safe to say that’s exactly what Coleman would want.

While Coleman is no longer here with us, it now feels as if he’s everywhere. Posters and t-shirts throughout the community keep his uniquely stylish look fresh in our minds. Shoutouts at concerts all over Seattle keep his name in our conversations. And the Coleman Whiting Memorial Fund through Project CBD keeps his beautiful spirit alive and well—where all donations made will go to support economically disadvantaged patients who are in need of CBD-rich cannabis treatment. When the Whiting family gathered together the evening that Coleman passed away, and found the strength to ask, “What would Coleman want?” they may have not realized just how quickly answers would start to appear. As Jerry concluded, “We’re watching in utter amazement as Coleman lives on through the loving efforts of those he loved. He was my son, my business partner and my best friend.” Rest in peace, Coleman. Your spirit shines on.

WWW.PROJECTCBD.ORG/ COLEMAN-WHITING-MEMORIAL-FUND

BRANDING BUD

T H E A B C’S O F C B D CLARIFYING TH E CONCERNS AROU ND CBD WRITER / DAVID PALESCHUCK, MBA, CLS

TH ERE ARE THREE TYPES OF CANNABIS:

INDICA, SATIVA & RUDERALIS

HILE ALL THREE PRODUCE cannabinoids including THC and CBD, Cannabis Ruderalis—known as hemp—doesn’t contain them in high enough concentrations to produce therapeutic effects. Hemp and its derivatives are legal to import into the United States and ship from state to state—while growing hemp remains federally illegal. Manufacturers are harshly processing large amounts of hemp to derive enough CBD to call their oil a ‘CBD product.’ This creates a few concerns. Mainly, there are no ‘CBD Product Safety Standards,’ and there is no required testing to confirm the amount of CBD in the product is equivalent to what the makers claim. The process of extracting CBD from plant matter requires the use of harsh chemicals. The more plant matter needed to extract the CBD, the greater the likelihood trace amounts of those chemicals remain.

Department of Health and Human Services warning letter sent out.

TH E FDA & CBD

WHAT IS CBD? CBD—or cannabidiol—is one of more than 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. CBD is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. And because it doesn’t deliver the high of THC, it’s being researched as an effective medicine. CBD has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-depressant qualities. Because CBD is non-psychoactive, it works for people seeking relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, spasms and other condi-

tions without feeling ‘stoned.’ According to a 2013 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, CBD reduces, suppresses and combats: • Nausea and Vomiting • Seizure Activity • Psychosis Disorders • Inflammatory Disorders • Neurodegenerative Disorders • Tumor and Cancer Cells • Anxiety and Depression Disorders

The FDA, considers CBD an, “unapproved new drug”—continuing—“many companies are misbranding the products and issuing false claims to consumers. Often these products do not even list their ingredients on the product label.” What’s worse, the FDA conducted tests on many CBD products and found that in most cases, the products contained very little cannabidiol—if any at all.

BRANDING BUD

CBD-ONLY LAWS

Accordingly, in late February 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to companies that manufacture and market hemp oils claiming to be “rich in CBD.” By promising cures for conditions such as cancer, autism and epilepsy—none of which have been tested by the FDA—they appear to be violating food and drug labeling laws. While CBD seems to have therapeutic properties in cell and animal studies, there have been no FDA approved, double-blind, placebo controlled trials of CBD for humans— which is the only avenue to drug certification and legal medical claims. A work-around for companies selling CBD is to simply make no medical claims and link to outside independent research; then let buyers draw their own conclusions. While the FDA is focusing on medical claims by CBD processors, many experts remain concerned about a bigger issue: Where exactly is this hemp CBD coming from and what’s actually in it? Today, hemp is mainly grown in China, Eastern Europe and Canada for industrial use as fiber or seed oil—and contains trace amounts of CBD. Some industrial hemp is grown for bio-remediation, as the plant helps leach heavy metals out of tainted soil.

Laws allowing for the use of CBD, but not whole plant marijuana, for medical reasons provide a shield for politicians trying to blunt marijuana reform. After Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s CNN Special, Weed, in 2014, the United States saw a new restrictive type of medical cannabis law pass in Utah—one that only legalized cannabidiol (CBD) and only in the form of oil. Soon after, Alabama, Kentucky and Wisconsin all passed their own versions of the bill. There are now a total of 16 states that have legalized CBDrich oil but no other forms of cannabis use. New York passed a restrictive cannabis law that allows more than just CBD, but smoking is still illegal. New York is one of the 23 states, plus D.C., to have legalized whole-plant medical cannabis. That said, while NY law is very restrictive with a pro-CBD bias, it does allow access to more than just CBD medicine. With 23 states and D.C. passing whole-plant medical cannabis programs and another 16 having CBD-only laws, nearly three-quarters of America has medical cannabis laws on the books in some form. Thanks to this massive surge in medical cannabis programs, Congress and presidential candidates are finally beginning to view cannabis legalization as a voting issue. Senator Rand Paul was the first to openly court the cannabis industry for donations, and has won many friends within the industry for his political perspective. Now, conservative politicians in conservative states can support medical marijuana, but with the caveat that it is CBD-only, without any psychoactive THC. Regrettably, this is also without the numerous medicinal benefits of THC and other cannabinoids, such as lowering ocular pressure in people with glaucoma, helping trigger apoptosis and appetite in cancer patients, helping combat PTSD, anxiety and more.

A DRUG IS MISBRANDED UNDER SECTION 502(F) (1) OF THE ACT [21 U.S.C. 352(F)(1)] IF THE DRUG FAILS TO BEAR ADEQUATE DIRECTIONS FOR ITS INTENDED USE(S). “ADEQUATE DIRECTIONS FOR USE” MEANS DIRECTIONS UNDER WHICH A LAYPERSON CAN USE A DRUG SAFELY AND FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH IT IS INTENDED (21 CFR 201.5). PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 503(B) (1)(A) OF THE ACT [21 U.S.C. 353(B)(1)(A)], CAN ONLY BE USED SAFELY AT THE DIRECTION, AND UNDER THE SUPERVISION, OF A LICENSED PRACTITIONER.

BRANDING BUD

“CBD IS EXTRACTED AND SEPARATED FROM SPECIFIC VARIETIES OF CANNABIS, OFTEN KNOWN AS HEMP. CHEMICALLY, CBD IS ONE OF 85 CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES KNOWN AS CANNABINOIDS, WHICH ARE ALL FOUND IN THE CANNABIS PLANT. CBD IS THE SECOND MOST ABUNDANT COMPOUND IN HEMP, TYPICALLY REPRESENTING UP TO 40% OF ITS EXTRACTS.”

A SOBERING SUMMARY

Aceso: Calming Spray (335mg CBD)

The cannabis plant, and everything in it, is illegal under federal law. And even in states where it is legal, it is not legal to ship cannabis products from state to state, or to leave the state with such a product. With the presidential election around the corner and Congress actively debating cannabis legalization, it is critical that our elected representatives understand the importance of whole-plant medicine and why single molecule CBD-only laws are not the right approach. Current legislation contains an inherent pro-CBD bias and would completely remove CBD from the Controlled Substances Act, while leaving whole-plant cannabis in Schedule II, and Marinol (synthetic THC) in schedule III. Even with its anti-THC bias, legislation should be passed to allow for better access to cannabis for research purposes, paving the way for scientific study and data that will allow for and bring clarity and balance to the discussion.

David Paleschuck, MBA, CLS is a Seattle-based writer, entrepreneur and marketing expert. He has had a long career in marketing, branding, licensing, and partnership development. He has worked for world-class consumer brands, including American Express, MasterCard, Pepsi and Branding Bud: The Commercialization of Cannabis, available in late 2016. Contact him at david@newleaflicensing.com or on twitter @dpaleschuck. Molecular structure of CBD

Aroma and Resin Enricher

H E A LT H

U NITING IN TH E FIGHT FOR LEGALITY WRITER / BIANCA FOX, SURFER AND TOKER

NE THING IS TRUE of the surfer, skater and toker. We are all addicts who have found our perfect high. We are truly addicted to nature. A session on land or sea reaps increased health and happiness. The same occurs for tokers and those who solely partake in CBD medicine. The highs of surfers, skaters and tokers are Earth’s gifts. Personally, I like to call it “Nature’s Prozac.” It’s also a pure form of meditation. Those who meditate say the goal is for the mind to be clear. For on the water or the concrete, time stops—the mind becomes clear. Surfing provides athletes with a cocktail of adrenaline, endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. Partaking in CBD? It’s a double dose of feel good mechanics. For four decades, beginning in the 1960s, the stereotype that surfers were lazy, wasted burnouts was commonly accepted. That misconception

has since seen scrutiny. Times have changed. “These days, the cool thing for pro surfers is to be healthy, and perform better and longer in life,” pro surfer Tom Rezvan told DOPE Magazine. “They are out eating organic. Now, longevity is all that matters. Kelly Slater is 44. He’s the blueprint.” As pro surfers actively seek out and adopt healthy lifestyles, negative stereotypes that once proliferated are slinking back into the dark holes from whence they came. A few of today’s top titans of the sea and concrete voiced their support for medicinal cannabis. DOPE Magazine had the pleasure of talking with pro skater Charlie Blair and pro surfer Tom Rezvan.

“I’VE ACTUALLY USED THE CBD OIL SPRAY ON AN ANKLE SPRAIN INJURY AND IT WAS A FREAKIN’ MIRACLE WORKER. IT WAS SO COOL BECAUSE I WASN’T PUTTING IT ON MYSELF TO GET HIGH, I WAS DOING IT TO HEAL MYSELF.” -BRAD DOMKE, PRO SURFER & SKIMBOARDER

PHOTO / DYLAN PALMER

BRAD DOMKE Famous in the surf and skimboard world is a fearless man who is always pushing the limits. Known for making the impossible possible is pro skimboarder Brad Domke. He calls his greatest feats, “waves of consequence,” and drops into them on a skimboard (yes, a skimboard) at hot spots including Puerto Escondido, Nazare, Portugal and Jaws. He’s also known as part of the Jackass Surf Crew, known for its righteous feats. “Whether dropping in on a skimboard is right or wrong, I just want to do it for my own mental sake,” Domke shared with DOPE about big wave skimboarding. Following a string of contests for the past decade, Domke is now focusing on creating content highlighting his skimboarding accomplishments for an action sports television channel in Brazil called The Brad Domke Show. Domke, 27, currently resides in Dana Point of Laguna Beach. “The last five years of my life have been just going for broke on waves that no one would even care or dare to go on,” Domke explained. “Now I am into testing out my equipment.”

Speaking of righteous, Domke’s opinion on medicinal CBD oil topicals certainly is—he trusts them to heal athletic injuries. Although Domke does not toke, he does believe in the magical healing powers of topicals. “I’ve actually used the CBD oil spray on an ankle sprain injury and it was a freakin’ miracle worker,” Domke said. “It was so cool because I wasn’t putting it on myself to get high, I was doing it to heal myself.” Domke has voiced his support of other surfers’ use of the natural plant. “I see surfers, some who feel that they need to smoke upon waking and before they surf all the time,” Domke shared. “You are not going to argue with their surfing because they kill it.” As a child, Domke witnessed the alluring, albeit addictive, power of pharmaceutical pills. He grew up the son of a pharmacist. “No one knows what is really in pain relieving pills,” Domke said. “I’d much rather use an oil topical on an injury than pop a bunch of Advil.” “To each his own,” Domke said in closing. “If toking medicinally helps you, then continue on.”

CHARLIE BLAIR It is undisputable that this professional skateboarder rips all types of bowls hard. Charlie Blair is also out and outspoken on everything cannabis. Blair, 25, skates pro for the famous Powell-Peralta Skate Team, a highly respected crew. The locals of his current residency in Corona, California are lucky witnesses to Blair’s skating feats. “I got my board coming out right now, it’s actually sold out,” Blair explained to DOPE. “We are obviously going to make more, but I am fuckin’ hyped and that’s all right! The team is treating me good and I am keeping up with everyone else.” The news sounded too good to be true. A board produced in his honor, carrying his name. “I told the guys they better not be lying to me! But it was true.” Blair loves the world of skateboarding, one of the few places where smoking weed out in the open is accepted. Sponsored skaters toke and openly admit it without repercussions. “Most skaters you would think don’t smoke weed,” explained Blair. “Everybody does. It helps out with our pain and stress. Our managers don’t care that we smoke bowls.” Blair prefers a traditional bong with an OG strain and enjoys edibles—cookies over other sweets. He witnessed the powerful healing properties of topicals after watching a friend recover from injuries he sustained in a severe car accident using them. As a worshipper of weed, Blair sees it as both recreational and medicinal. It eases the severe pains that go hand-inhand with being a skateboarder. “It eases my pain and also makes me forget about it,” he admitted. “My team smokes bowls. When we get hurt we just smoke a blunt or a bong. It helps us a lot.”

Photo by: Deville Nunes

TOM REZVAN Worshipped for shooting recent El Niño barrels is Tom Rezvan. The world renowned pro surfer is proud to now call himself 40. Tom has no quarrels conquering big waves, which can be credited to his years of experience and good health. The Huntington Beach local is an integral part of a respected crew that grew up together. Rezvan does not rip the bong like the barrel, but he utilizes hemp in his health and wellness protocol. He is currently enjoying Nature’s Flavors CBD Water. “The combination of keeping the diet healthy helps,” he explained. “I’m in better shape than I was ten years ago. I follow an alkaline diet with raw vegetables and a wheatgrass shot upon waking in the morning.” Staying in shape has its rewards. Rezvan was the first surfer to ride the Snowdonia Wave Garden in Wales, UK last July and the first American pro surfer to ride the Al Ain Wadi Adventure Wavepool in the United Arab Emirates near Dubai. Rezvan looks forward to experimenting with additional hemp and CBD foods to further his longevity. “I’m stoked on my age and taking care of myself,” he said in closing. “I don’t want my retirement years to be sitting down.”

Photo by Jackson Cozad

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STRANGE VACATION TO INNOVATIVE FASHION WRITER / JOSH TAYLOR

PHOTO / CHRIS RYAN

NEWS

HERE ARE RARELY TIMES I think, “I would like to be a 5’4” woman of small frame.” I began to rethink that thought upon being given a jacket to review by Strange Vacation. Although designed for a woman, by women, I was jealous of the eventual recipient of this piece of artisanal leather. Strange Vacation is one of a select few leather brands whose designs cater to women that ride. They’ve launched their first collection and a piece from this series would be the ultimate gift for the woman in your life who rides. Buttery soft, strong and built to last, these jackets aren’t just for show. The company is owned and operated by two women. Jenny Czinder, who has a highly popular Instagram feed, @Hookersandpopcorn, which catalogues both her brave cycle-based stunts and some seriously sexy NSFW shots where her leathers may be the largest piece of clothing featured. Kelly Wehner is the other

half of the company. She honed her love of design and fashion innovation while working as a designer for Nike. The partners sought to fill a gap in the market—stylish yet protective riding gear for women. At its core, the collection relies on classic silhouettes with a modern twist. Forget cheap cow skin from unknown origins, Strange Vacation’s leather pieces are manufactured back on that other coast in Massachusetts by Vanson Leathers—a leader in the industry who’s been making motorcycle leathers and racing suits for over 40 years. The knit pieces in the collection are made right here in Portland by Columbia Knit, established in 1921. The company lists four guiding focuses: Authenticity, Quality, Functionality and Aesthetics. They believe, “Any woman who gets on a bike is a warrior, by testing her limits and freeing herself. Strange Vacation is here to protect her, make her look good and unleash her power.” Worthy goals that we should all seek to support, motorcycles or otherwise.

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

“The underground tribes who have carried this plant through the long and dark years of prohibition. The dreadlock warriors, the wise earth mothers and the radical fairies, and the revolutionaries, all the underground tribes who for decades and decades have nurtured this plant, we gave her a home when nobody else would. We protected her, we watched her grow and develop, we fought ferociously for her inspiration, and we suffered to do that-in ways I don’t think most people who are entering the industry can even begin to grasp. We made some of the biggest sacrifices humans can make, we took the biggest risks. We had our property seized, our bank accounts seized, we had our kids seized. We’ve been arrested, we’ve been put on trial, and locked up in jail and torn away from the people that we love. Families have been destroyed, people’s health has been ruined—people have even died. Fortunes and lives and families, many many many many have been lost carrying this plant to the place we’re at today. Those sacrifices have been huge and for the most part they didn’t occur because people wanted to get rich, they occurred because people believed that this plant was a good thing, that it was a necessary thing. It made us—helped us—be more like the people that we wanted to be.”

C O V E R F E AT U R E

S THE CANNABIS COMMUNITY gains revolutionary ground, it remains divided. This great divide holds a significant amount of individuals. It’s somewhere between the terminally ill and the stoners, the patients and the potheads. And it appears to be a wellness-based conversation that we’ve forgotten to have. When Steve DeAngelo first acquainted himself with cannabis as a young person, he was trying to get high. That’s what smoking weed was all about after all. “I was introduced to cannabis as an intoxicant because that was the paradigm for cannabis use. But then over the years, I started learning there are all these other things about how cannabis was used. It had been used as a sacrament, it had been used as a raw material to make textiles and paper, it had been used as a medicine and helped cure various things; that there were thousands of different products that you could make out of it. Then, I end up in California and in 2006, I opened up Harborside Health Center. And when I opened Harborside, I knew in my own mind that there was a lot more to cannabis than just getting high, but I didn’t have the words to really express what it was at that point.” DeAngelo’s pondering would soon develop into an entirely different context for the conversation. He knew that 25-30 percent of the patients visiting Harborside were using cannabis for legitimately therapeutic purposes, leaving the rest in a group that were apparently just getting high. Or were they? “I also knew that there were people coming into Harborside, large numbers of people, who weren’t medicating for anxiety or depression, or for any drastic medical condition; they were using cannabis for other purposes. I didn’t feel that those purposes amounted to just getting high, but I didn’t really have another name to call it. I think about the ability of cannabis to extend your patience, or wake up your sense of play, or spark your creativity, or enhance the sound of music or the taste of a meal or the touch of your lover’s skin. So I started thinking about this to answer the reporters, and they were like, ‘Why are those people really getting high?’ and I came to the realization that no, no those things aren’t just

about getting high. All the wellness uses of cannabis, whether it’s killing tumors; or reducing or alleviating seizures; or alleviating anxiety; or extending your sense of creativity, we’re not talking about getting intoxicated, we’re not talking about getting so out of it that you lose touch with reality. What we’re really talking about is enhancing, optimizing the most valuable and precious experiences that life has to offer human beings. And so, that was when I came to understand that the use of cannabis is a wellness use, rather than intoxication.” While DeAngelo is a clear opponent of boxing cannabis in as an intoxicant, he is careful to not discredit the issues surrounding highness and personal freedoms. “I undeniably and absolutely believe that human beings have the right to get high. I think that overwhelming ecstasy and joy are normal and desirable parts of the human experience. But just because we have a right doesn’t mean that the smartest thing to do is exercise that right to the point of absurdity.” Amidst the emerging road to wellness that DeAngelo is paving, regulatory frameworks continue to keep the systems of medical and recreational cannabis at odds—as well as a large population confused as to what their cannabis use is in actuality. As DeAngelo concluded, “Unfortunately, because of the still-stigma wrapped around cannabis use, we have this bizarre regulatory situation where the cannabis market has been divided into ‘medical’ and ‘recreational,’ when everybody who uses cannabis knows that people who are at recreational shops are using for medical purposes and people at medical shops are using for recreational purposes. So it’s absurd, what has happened is that stupid elected officials have put in a regulatory paradigm which divides our community one side to the other. We should not buy into that, what we should do is we should unify and demand regulations that understand the plant as we understand the plant, it is one plant. You can use it for wellness; you can use it for ecstasy; you can use it for therapeutic purposes; you can make paper out of it; you can feed yourself with it and grow it in a variety of different ways. It is infinitely malleable, but it is one plant and we are one people.”

“I UNDENIABLY AND ABSOLUTELY BELIEVE THAT HUMAN BEINGS HAVE THE RIGHT TO GET HIGH. I THINK THAT OVERWHELMING ECSTASY AND JOY ARE NORMAL AND DESIRABLE PARTS OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE. BUT JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE A RIGHT DOESN’T MEAN THAT THE SMARTEST THING TO DO IS EXERCISE THAT RIGHT TO THE POINT OF ABSURDITY.”

C O V E R F E AT U R E

bringing cannabis culture and corporate america together “It’s very simple, this plant has been around for thousands and thousands of years and never done anybody any harm, but corporate culture has been around for a few hundred years and taken us to the brink of planetary extinction. There’s no question as to what needs to happen, but the paradox doesn’t happen without us allowing newcomers into the industry. Our arms aren’t long enough in the cannabis legacy and community to reach all around the world, to create the kinds of production and distribution, and political and regulatory infrastructure that a legal industry is going to take. We have to welcome in people who have just recently heard the same call we’ve been hearing for years and years. And it’s not just a question of letting it go, it’s a question of sharing it generously and insisting at the same time that the lessons that this plant teaches us be taken seriously, and be incorporated into the business models and industry that we’ve built. We all know that the world that we are living in does not work unless there is change, so let’s build something that we can really be proud of—that really unleashes all of that change potential that is latent in the cannabis plant and our relationship with it.”

I N T E RV I EW

QU E S T I O N S AN INTERVIEW WITH H EMPFEST® CO-FOU NDER VIVIAN McPEAK WRITER / MEGHAN RIDLEY

HEN HEMPFEST FIRST TOOK root in the Emerald City, we lived in a vastly different time. Iconic and unwavering in its stance, the broad message of freedom that has defined this protest festival has rendered its ethos timeless. Standing up, opening eyes and pushing boundaries encompass the HEMPFEST spirit. Over the previous 25 years of advocacy, HEMPFEST has occupied an integral space in the cannabis movement. It witnessed the dawn of medical marijuana, as well as the first breaths of legalized recreational cannabis. Alongside this have been peaks and valleys in involvement from the public, leaving the event organizers contemplating how to continue to put on a donation-based weekend of peaceful protest amidst crowds of hundreds of thousands. In order to grasp the long-standing legacy HEMPFEST has brought to the mantra of living free, DOPE Magazine sat down with the organization’s co-founder, Vivian McPeak, to reflect on 25 years of freedom festivity.

DOPE MAGAZINE: When HEMPFEST began 25 years ago, did you imagine the movement here now? What do you view as the iconic strides made over the previous years? Vivian McPeak (V.M.): We did envision a day when cannabis enthusiasts would be able to live free from paranoia and persecution, but we had no way to predict the patchwork reforms that have taken place, or the nascent and emerging industry that is developing. We were acting on instinct and a desire to defend our culture against the injustices of the Drug War, which we saw as a war on our beautiful and gentle culture.

Vivian McPeak

A BRIEF TIMELINE OF HEMPFEST® ARTWORK 1991

1991 “Washington Hemp Expo” Poster, the very first “Hempfest”

1994

1994 “Hempfest poster “7 Year Bitch”

1998

1998 Hempfest Poster

I N T E RV I EW

“THE SEATTLE HEMPFEST IS A PROTEST FESTIVAL THAT IS ABLE TO GIVE A VOICE TO HUNDREDS OF MUSIC ARTISTS AND ACTIVISTS WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY GENERATING REVENUE FOR THE REGION THROUGH VARIOUS COTTAGE INDUSTRIES AND LOCAL BUSINESSES.”

2013

2014

2013 Hempfest Poster

2014 Hempfest Poster/Program Cover

DOPE MAGAZINE: HEMPFEST has been coined a ‘protestival.’ Being as familiar with the theme of protest as you are, how do you view the concept in the very digital age we’re living? V.M.: The Seattle HEMPFEST is a protest festival that is able to give a voice to hundreds of music artists and activists while simultaneously generating revenue for the region through various cottage industries and local businesses. It is a departure from some of the traditional, disruptive and adversarial forms of protest. In this digital age, anyone can participate in dissent and activism from their homes or jobs via social media, websites and e-mail. It is exciting because activism requires a voice, and now anyone can voice their demands and dreams for social change. DOPE MAGAZINE: Describe the expansion HEMPFEST has experienced over recent years. What additional cities is the organization present in? V.M.: We have strong opinions that an event named HEMPFEST should be a community-values based production. After we saw someone try to dishonestly use our proprietary logos to trademark the name we moved forward and obtained our own federal trademark on HEMPFEST®. Since that time we have worked with community organizers in other regions by licensing the name. Currently there is a Las Vegas HEMPFEST, an Alaska HEMPFEST and a HEMPFEST in Umpqua, Oregon.

I N T E RV I EW

Q A

DOPE MAGAZINE: Do you view a correlation between the cannabis movement and the recent victories for the LGBTQ community? V.M.: I would be careful not to compare the experiences that the pot culture has had with the LGBT struggle, but we all share a desire to be who we are and live the way we choose. What we all demand is tolerance and a respect for diversity. We face the same fearbased oppression that is rooted in a lack of understanding, as we are simply making different choices that should not impact anyone else. We should all stand in solidarity so that all Americans can choose their lifestyle choices free from bigotry and discrimination. DOPE MAGAZINE: Define the term freedom for our readers. V.M.: For me, freedom is the right to determine how one lives when one’s choices do not deny anyone else the equal right to choose for themselves. Freedom takes many forms, but it always comes down to liberty and self-determination, and the ability to express one’s self and live free from unreasonable limitations and persecution.

Seattle HEMPFEST® is the very first non-profit “protestival” of its kind that advocates cannabis policy reform and de-scheduling. Now in its 25th year, due to lack of donations from the community and attendees, the event’s existence is threatened. Our mission is to Keep HEMPFEST® Alive for future generations to experience. Visit: www.gofundme.com keephempfestalive to donate today! Donors will receive a wide variety of gifts for donating—including options ranging

from official Seattle HEMPFEST® posters and t-shirts, to the first ten donors of $300 or more receiving a VIP ticket to the

DOPE Magazine/HEMPFEST® after party— featuring the finest of the cannabis community.

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HESE DAYS, MOST AMERICANS can find hemp as an ingredient in everyday products at the grocery store. From lotions to plastics, it’s common to see the cannabis leaf proudly stamped on half of the bottles in the 'natural' aisle. It’s not a stretch to say we’ve all become pretty comfortable with hemp products, and there have been great efforts in dichotomizing hemp from 'marijuana.' In actuality though, hemp is cannabis just as marijuana is cannabis—and they’re both illegal in the United States according to federal law. So the question becomes, how did the two end up on such drastically opposing trajectories?

Humans have been cultivating hemp since the dawn of civilization. In 1810, hemp was the third largest agricultural commodity in the United States. Due to labor intensive harvesting and processing, hemp was unable to adapt to mass production in U.S. agriculture and the cultivation of the plant slowly declined into the 1920s when it virtually disappeared. Up until this point, both types of cannabis—hemp and what many now call marijuana, were not only legal but regularly used. Dependent upon how it grew, people used the plant for everything from clothes to medicine. Prior to the production boom in agriculture, both plants were just called hemp with variation arising between Indian-grown hemp and its European counterpart. The biggest difference between the two was one produced enough resin to make hash and the other was primarily used for crafting textile goods such as rope, clothes, fabric and paper. At some point in hemp’s history, the plant went from being a common farm and household good to a demonized substance. We’re all aware of the steady stream of negative cannabis propaganda that has taken center stage over the years—Reefer Madness and The War on Drugs come to mind. The Federal Bureau of Narcotics went so far as to change the ‘j’ to an ‘h,’ as in 'marihuana,' in an effort to invoke fear of a foreign drug, which it wasn’t. Truth be told, 'marihuana' is nothing more than a localized-Mexican colloquialism for cannabis or hemp. The Bureau’s motives behind demonizing the plant can most certainly be attributed to the plant’s economic potential, and their attempts at fear mongering were bold and successful. At the end of the day, it seems our commitment to science, or lack thereof, has kept this plant from being fully understood. Hemp and marijuana are both sub-species of Cannabis sativa L. Imagine hemp being a cherry tomato and recreational or medical cannabis being an Early Girl. Both are tomatoes, but they grow drastically different, taste different, and ultimately the tomatoes can have differing nutritional and terpene content. The same is true of cannabis. While they’re both undoubtedly cannabis, hemp and marijuana appear physically different and can maintain shockingly different chemical profiles and plant structures. Hemp is much more fibrous, lacking a substantial amount of resin producing flowers and has traditionally been culti-

vated for food, clothing and rope. Hemp is typically grown in large outdoor rows similar to corn. The side shading stretches the plants straight toward the sun to create thick elongated stems reaching in excess of 14 feet. Just like the cannabis we grow at home, hemp will flower out and finish in late fall. Rather than having THC-laden buds, the flowers fill with seeds from pollination. Hemp seeds are one of the most versatile parts of the plant being rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, providing a complete protein and a rich serving of fiber and micronutrients. As you can imagine, this was an amazing superfood for those fairing for themselves on the homestead. Thanks to nature and selective breeding, we’ve managed to breed this plant into the strains we find most desirable. While we didn’t start with hemp, it’s likely that many of the phenotypes—strains—we started with shared large similarities with hemp. For a plant to survive in its natural habitat, it needs to be largely pest resistant, resilient to local weather conditions and able to grow in numerous environments— hence the nickname weed. The nickname suggests the plant thrives almost anywhere, but this is a fallacy. Selective breeding has weakened some of the plant’s strengths. Notice the relevance of pesticides recently? At the end of the day, cannabis is still cannabis. Just as we’ve come to recognize indicas and sativas as different, hemp is just another category. Simply put, the lack in understanding these differences allowed for the initial anti-marijuana sentiment to gather steam. The general public, including the American Medical Association, have historically referred to both varieties as hemp. In the 1930s, most people didn’t realize that the demonized drug, marihuana, and the hemp field in their backyard were the exact same thing! Thankfully we live in the Age of Information. I’m sure plenty of people still believe everything they read, but the knowledge we possess at our fingertips keeps many of us from being blatantly mislead. We’re in the midst of overcoming one of the longest prohibitions in the United States, with a plant that has the potential to treat cancer, ease ailments and raise spirits. Let’s not leave behind hemp because it’s not cannabis as we know it. Let us lead the charge in showing the world what we can do with cannabis.

“THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF NARCOTICS WENT SO FAR AS TO CHANGE THE ‘J’ TO AN ‘H,’ AS IN 'MARIHUANA,' IN AN EFFORT TO INVOKE FEAR OF A FOREIGN DRUG, WHICH IT WASN’T. TRUTH BE TOLD, 'MARIHUANA' IS NOTHING MORE THAN A LOCALIZEDMEXICAN COLLOQUIALISM FOR CANNABIS OR HEMP.”

CANNA-NEWS

WRITER / MARK M. WARD

AXES AREN’T THE ONLY facet of corporate and political ravenousness that hinders citizens and patients from cultivating. Patriot Care is a company that has acquired licenses for cannabis facilities in Boston, Greenfield and presently has a dispensary and cultivation facility in Lowell, Massachusetts. The company is directed by CEO Bob Mayerson, who would know a great deal about big business as former president and chief officer at Eastern Mountain Sports, and through his financial roles at Pepsi and Staples. Patriot Care’s Lowell facility joins Ayer, Brocton, North Hampton and Salem as a select few Massachusetts cities with facilities providing medicine to cannabis patients. The Boston and Greenfield facilities will be completed over the summer. Patriot Care has made an arrangement with the city of Lowell containing such conditions that they will pay $25,000 to the city for every dispensary that uses their cultivation center’s products. It would make sense that medical and recreational home cultivation would compromise the great investments these companies have placed into the medical cannabis industry. Activist Brianna Morrel clarifies why Patriot Care’s lobbyists work so diligently to inhibit legalization and home grows, “Patriot Care has associations with anti-legalization campaigns

CANNA-NEWS

“DISPENSARY ADMINISTRATIONS ARE GOING SO FAR AS TO SUPPORT AND EVEN FORM ANTI-LEGALIZATION ORGANIZATIONS IN AN EFFORT TO COMBAT COMPETITIVE GROWING.”

in Massachusetts.” According to Morrel, “Patriot Care has vowed to never become a recreational dispensary even after legalization. Their board has voiced support for Flaherty’s zoning bill which would restrict how closely dispensaries can open to one another. Patriot Care’s lobbyist, Daniel Delaney, has filed an anti-legalization effort (supposedly on his own accord) dubbed, Safe Cannabis Massachusetts, as well as having a second connection to Safe Cannabis Massachusetts through outsourced contractor Greg Czarnowski, owner of the domain registered to the anti-legalization group.” Ultimately we have come to find that legal home cultivation is imperiled and confined to only a few medical cannabis states, but is not consistently permitted in all. Dispensaries have not only campaigned to regulate dispensary proximity zoning, but also how close a patient’s home grow may be to their establishment as well. Dispensary administrations are going so far as to support and even form anti-legalization organizations in an effort to combat competitive growing. At the same time, they are actively supporting lawmakers’ proposed tax-per-plant policies, setting up patients for anxiety, compliance failure and potential prosecution. As a result of all of this intimidation, apprehension and confusion, the question we are left with is: when will we be good to grow?

LOCAL LEADERS. NATIONAL IMPACT. LET’S BUILD A SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY - TOGETHER. NCIA is the only national association bringing the voice of the responsible cannabis professional to Capitol Hill. Invest in your future - and the future of America’s next great industry - by joining our network today.

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NEWS

T H E P E O P L E O F T H E WAT E R SQUAXIN TRIBE OPEN CANNABUSINESS ON FEDERAL LAND WRITER / JADE GREEN

PHOTO / PROVIDED BY SQUAXIN TRIBE

LEVATION IS A RECREATIONAL retail cannabis store located on the tribal land owned by the Squaxin Island Tribe in Mason County, Washington. Officially opening on November 12, 2015 at precisely 4:20p.m., Elevation is the first cannabis business to open on tribal land in the United States. This is significant for the cannabis industry—cannabis is still recognized as an illegal drug at the federal level, although it is authorized for medical use in 39 states and Washington D.C., and is acceptable for recreational use in Colorado, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington state and D.C. The Squaxin Island Tribe is known as The People of the Water, having lived and thrived along the southern shores of the Salish Sea for hundreds of years. Following Washington’s legalization of recreational cannabis in November 2012, the tribe observed legal cannabis stores popping up around the state. It wasn’t long after the first recreational cannabis stores opened in July 2014 that the Wilkinson Memo was released by the U.S. government’s Department of Justice. The Wilkinson Memo did not legalize cannabis on tribal land, but it did indicate where enforcement would be focused. This important memo from the government sparked the Squaxin Island Tribe’s interest in the cannabis industry further. By early spring of 2015, they decided to actively pursue a business in the cannabis industry and by November 2015, a precedent was set across the country.

“WE WOULD LIKE TO ESTABLISH OURSELVES AS A BUSINESS THAT BRINGS HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS TO GREAT CUSTOMERS AT VERY REASONABLE PRICES. I DO NOT SEE WHY PEOPLE SHOULD BE PAYING MORE FOR A PRODUCT AFTER IT IS LEGAL.” -MICHAEL OGDEN, MANAGER OF ELEVATION AND SQUAXIN ISLAND TRIBE MEMBER.

Compact; An agreement, treaty, or contract. The term compact is most often applied to agreements among states or between nations on matters in which they have a common concern.

The Squaxin Island Tribe’s successful foray into the cannabis industry has been viewed as a catalyst for other tribes in the United States to embark on similar journeys. In the recent past, many tribes have been involved in the gaming industry—helping them build solid economic infrastructures in their communities. However, not all tribal land is located near a populated area that would support such a large business. As we look forward, cannabis may be one route to economic stability for tribes who opt to go in that direction. The Squaxin Island Tribe’s decision to open a recreational cannabis shop will inspire future conversations about federal legalization of cannabis, medical research and the potential for cannabis to be used in minimizing drug abuse. Before opening Elevation, the Squaxin Island Tribal leaders discussed community perceptions around cannabis involvement, potential impact on the community’s youth and the economic benefits. The Squaxin Island Tribe wanted to establish and maintain a healthy and diplomatic relationship with the state of Washington. While Elevation has been open for less than a year, they have future plans to reinvest in their community by funneling revenue towards education for local students and tribal government programs. The Squaxin Island Tribe wants to preserve the health and safety of their community, reduce black market cannabis sales in their community, establish revenue streams and legitimize cannabis as a worthwhile enterprise. Elevation is the result of that planning and hard work, fast becoming known around Washington for its great service and low prices. Owned by the Squaxin Island Tribe rather than an individual or group of people, the shop has become an important part of the

local community. The revenue benefits the tribe as a whole and members take great pride in the businesses that have developed under their watch. The community continues to grow, learn and expand. Wandering into Elevation, you won’t see any obvious differences between this recreational store and others. The shelves are full of delicious flower and other marijuana-infused items, and the staff knows its products. The range of goodies at Elevation is widely varied and covers all aspects of cannabis consumption. The staff’s focus is adding credibility to the cannabis industry for consumers and the wider community. Behind the scenes, Elevation is bound by a compact that was created by Squaxin Tribal leadership and signed by the Governor of the State of Washington. This compact directly parallels the I-502 legislation (the legal recreational cannabis state initiative); however, it is a compact agreement between the Squaxin Island Tribe, a sovereign nation, and the State of Washington. That does mean that Elevation is operating in a legal gray area with some risk, as based on the contents of the Department of Justice’s memo. Elevation’s inventory is predominantly made up of cannabis products that are grown and produced within 30 minutes of the store itself. A wide variety of flower and a diverse range of concentrates from various extraction methods can be found on their shelves. The wide range of edibles offered includes chocolates, brownies, truffles, sodas, mints and tinctures. If you’re looking for some new glass, you can find a dab rig, bong or pipe in-store too. In addition, Elevation’s prices are low, a model that the Squaxin Island Tribe use for their retail businesses—having a reputation for offering low prices across Mason County.

FACTS ON ELEVATION Cannabis businesses remain illegal on federal land, despite Elevation being opened on Squaxin Island Tribal land. The Squaxin Island Tribe is a sovereign nation, and although they are held by charter to uphold federal law, they still operate in a gray area and voluntarily adhere to their agreement with the State of Washington. The agreements were created to establish and maintain a healthy and diplomatic relationship between the Squaxin Island Tribe and Washington state. ●Elevation is owned by the Squaxin Island Tribe rather than an individual or a partnership. Revenue produced will be funneled back into the community to support education and tribal government programs.

Most of the cannabis flower in Elevation is grown within 30 minutes of the shop itself. Supporting local business! Elevation is known for their low prices too, so if you’re around Mason County, go visit the team!

VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE

SEPT 17-18 , 2016

$15 $20

One ticket provides entry on both days.

With federal legalization on the horizon, Canada is poised to be the global leader in cannabis production. Join over 150 exhibitors and presenters from across North America and Europe to learn about new products and new opportunities.

PRODUCTS WE LOVE WRITER / MEGHAN RIDLEY PHOTO / MARK COFFIN

PHOTO STYLIST / MALINA LOPEZ

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KUSH CANDLES This line of scented candles provides impeccable aromas and deliver style to your personal space. OG Kush, Blue Dream -- the list of strains and smells goes on and on. kingsofkushco.com @kush_candles

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We believe there is a royal highness in all of us, which is why Lord Jones’ products keep us coming back. Their lotions are the latest to impress—featuring pain and wellness formulas with ranging CBD and THC ratios.

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Ladies, cannabis swimwear is now a thing. Featuring Brazilian styles that bring Mary Jane to life in a sexy and fun fashion. One-piece and two-piece options abound, and yes, they ship worldwide to all who are interested. @mrssmokesswimwear

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The vaping world is full of options, but the Linx Hypnos Zero is a stealthy option for those who prefer to load their own extract. It’s easy to charge up, loads quickly and offers users a range of temperature options.

This incognito smoking contraption slips almost too perfectly into your pocket—not to mention discreetly hides the smoking capacity of the unit via its sleek cover. Most won’t know what it is, and those that do will love you for it.

This female-founded company made big waves with their Bernie 2016 pipes, but their collection beyond the Bern is impressive as well. These are individually crafted from porcelain and some feature 22K gold accents.

These potent little beauties are handmade utilizing traditional Victorian-style methodology. The cannabis they’re infused with has been extracted with 100 percent organic ethanol. The packages come with ten, 10mg doses per package.

Bastine Hemp Chic products pride themselves on being both green and versatile. Through their use of hemp, organic cotton and various other natural fibers, they’ve crafted an environmentally-conscious line that’s a site to behold.

This California company’s approach makes dosing yourself with some cannabis effortless and refreshing. One of these tins contains 50 mints with 5mg of THC per mint— providing you with plenty of options for your desired highness.

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H E A LT H

M OR E F OR YO U R M O N E Y LEXARIA HEMP OIL-INFUSED EDIBLES WRITER / JADE GREEN

PHOTO / PROVIDED BY LEXARIA

N TODAY’S WORLD OF HEMP food technology, one company leads the pack in offering more for your money while doing the body good. Welcome to the world of Lexaria Bioscience. Having just invented a new technology that offers users edibles that really pack a punch, Lexaria Bioscience is saving consumers cash and offering a product that will give competitors a run for their money. “Consumers can eat one-half or one-third the amount of their cannabis medicine through our enhanced food products and get the same result as if they ate more of many other popular brands,” Lexaria CEO Chris Bunka told DOPE. “It saves money and lowers the dosage entering the body, which is really a good thing.” This technology occurs by wrapping the cannabidiol (CBD) or THC molecules in lipids (fatty acids) for enhanced gastrointestinal absorption at up to a five-fold improvement. The patent pending has been tested for time of onset, and has been reported effective in as little as 15 minutes. The product absorbs faster and much more efficiently because the CBD or THC is encapsulated by fat, which is preferentially absorbed by the human GI tract. Who knew? It means less product ingested and less money spent. This clinically tested technology is available in a line of products including ViPova brand coffee, tea, hot chocolate and Lexaria Energy brand protein energy bars so consumers can enjoy healthy cannabinoid-enhanced foods any time of day. Bunka, who resides in British Columbia, Canada, explained the benefits of hemp. Many already know of its naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds, extracted as oil for health benefits. The most abundant cannabinoid, CBD, is anti-inflammatory, anti-psychotic and anti-convulsive in addition to pain and anxiety relieving. “The consensus of thousands of studies on the effects of cannabinoids that are derived from hemp plants, is that CBD—the most prolific ingredient in the hemp extract world—is the primary molecule responsible for the miraculous stories of healing we’ve all encountered in the media,” Bunka added. “Even the U.S. Department of Health, in their patent on cannabinoids, claims that the cannabinoids are a potent anti-inflammatory.” Lexaria uses the finest agriculturally-derived full spectrum hemp oil from EU certified cultivators which is extracted using solvent-free methods. “Full spectrum” allows for the presence of amino acids, fatty acids, carotene and vitamins. Other hemp compounds are present, leading them to all work together synergistically, an important benefit for consumers.

"THE PRODUCT ABSORBS FASTER AND MUCH MORE EFFICIENTLY BECAUSE THE CBD OR THC IS ENCAPSULATED BY FAT, WHICH IS PREFERENTIALLY ABSORBED BY THE HUMAN GI TRACT. WHO KNEW? IT MEANS LESS PRODUCT INGESTED AND LESS MONEY SPENT."

The bars are suggested to work best before or after a workout to enhance focus and performance while aiding in the body’s post recovery. The protein energy bar consists of 13g of fiber and 21g of protein, with no added sugar, preservatives or color. It’s a healthy snacking option and has 10mg of cannabidiol. The teas taste great as well. They are offered in six flavors and decaf varieties so the tea can be enjoyed day or night. Although the technology wasn’t designed to enhance flavor, it does “trick” the body’s senses into detecting the fatty acids instead of the cannabinoids within. So these just might be the best tasting edible products on the market. “The products have been tested by third parties with either marijuana extracts or hemp extracts,” Bunka said. “They taste exactly the same with either. That is very cool.” Bunka described his testers’ reactions, “When I meet up with those who enjoy hemp or marijuana-based edibles and give them the protein bar, they take one bite, look at me and say, ‘There’s nothing in here!’ I reply, ‘Yes, there is!’ They cannot believe it because they cannot taste it. And that’s the whole point of our tech—to get your body to absorb the cannabinoids without detecting them.” Decade-old Lexaria has some recent reasons to celebrate. Their technological advantages in the marketplace were evidenced recently in a financial transaction granted to Lexaria by a licensee in Colorado who has agreed to pay up to $1 million in tech licensing fees. The company produces THC chocolates and by using Lexaria technology, they will deliver a superior experience to their customers. Bunka explained of the move, “It took us longer than expected to create brand-new industry-leading paperwork and agreements, but it was worth it: third-party validation that our tech is important enough to pay for. We think this is just the first of many to be announced this year and these will form the foundation for our performance for years to come.” Lexaria is currently in talks with national retail stores about gaining shelf space for their products. Lexaria products are available in about 30 dispensaries in California and online at LexariaEnergy.com.

NEWS

T H E H E M P C O N T ROV E R S Y WRITER / KELLY VO

EVER HAS THERE BEEN a more controversial crop than hemp. Arguments against agricultural hemp are tenuous to say the least. Fighting about the legalization of hemp is like fighting about the legality of corn. Industrial hemp has more than 5,000 applications in the textile industry, and another 25,000 uses that include dynamite and cellophane. Not one of those uses includes getting high. The THC levels in industrial hemp are so low (below 1 percent) that no one could get high from smoking it. To be clear, industrial hemp contains cannabinoids such as Tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD and CBN; however, due to man-made limitations, the THC requirements on industrial hemp state that the THC levels be no greater than 0.3 percent. Furthermore, hemp has such high levels of CBD (cannabinoids) that it actually blocks the psychoactive effects. David P. West, Ph.D. for the North American Industrial Hemp Council, expressed that, “Hemp, it turns out, is not only not marijuana, it could be called ‘antimarijuana.’” So what’s the controversy all about?

C O N T ROVE RS I A L ROOT S Hemp is rooted in misinformation, stigma and a confusing history. For medieval Europeans, hemp referred to fiber. In the 1890s, hemp referred only to marijuana-hemp. Then, in the 1930s, the Bureau of Narcotics used hemp to describe all forms of cannabis and it became illegal. The truth is that just like corn is made up of different varieties, “There are three fairly distinct types of hemp: that grown for fiber, that for birdseed and oil, and that for drugs,” Dr. Andrew Wright described in 1918. While hemp is in fact a subset of the species Cannabis Sativa, hemp is not the same thing as cannabis. They are grown differently and harvested at a different time. You wouldn’t want to grow hemp and cannabis at the same time as the occurrence of cross-pollination can and often will reduce the potency of both plants. The good news is that more than two-dozen countries and 29 states have defined industrial hemp as distinct from cannabis and removed its barriers to production, but still, the United States and many constituents remain unconvinced. “We have to get hemp separated from marijuana on the federal level and allow our farmers to grow it across the country,” shared Morris Beegle, Founder and President of the Colorado Hemp Company. “There are tremendous opportunities for a crop that’s been grown for 10,000 years and shunned for the last 75.”

US E S O F H E MP “Most people who support cannabis would support hemp if they were more familiar and educated about all the different things that it can do,” Beegle admitted. The problem is a lack of information. For example, did you know: In the last half of the 19th century, 50 percent of U.S. medicine was made from hemp. Hemp is the strongest natural fiber of any source, and is resistant to rot and abrasion. Hemp fibers are so strong they can be used to make anything from skateboard decks to stealth fighter jet bodies, ship rigging and parachute webbing. Hemp concrete is 1/9 the weight of normal concrete, can be used in home building and works as insulation. “You can make super capacitors, storage devices and plastic out of hemp,” Beegle revealed, “Basically, everything you can make from corn, you can make from hemp, and hemp is a healthier and better crop. All the stuff that’s made from petrochemicals, including oil, can be made with hemp.” Hemp fuel even burns cleaner than other fuels. It only produces energy, water vapor and CO2, which can be absorbed by plants for a sustainable cycle. But hemp isn’t just great for the economy; it’s good for the environment. It can grow nearly anywhere in the world and in many types of soil. Even better, hemp has a short 120-day harvest cycle, does not require pesticides and purifies the soil where it’s planted. “Our commodities market, agricultural-wise, is really tough,” Beegle shared. “Farmers have a hell of a time making money with corn, wheat and hay. However, when you plant hemp, everything from the stocks, flowers, grain and root can be utilized to make things, so farmers can make far more per acre than they can with traditional crops.”

GE T T I N G I N VO LVE D

Colorado Hemp Company started in 2012 and has become a leading organization for the advancement and advocacy of hemp farming, processing, production, innovation, education and legalization. They support all things hemp and, each year, they hold the NoCo Hemp Expo, which brings together 130 exhibitors and 70 speakers dedicated to hemp.

You can get involved by reaching out to your legislatures, and don’t forget to check out http://votehemp.com and www.nationalhempassociation.org. As for Beegle, “My number one recommendation is to start buying hemp products. Start allocating some of your monthly income to use on hemp-based products. If you vote with your wallets, that will make a difference.” You can also help by sending your #End420Shame story into DOPE. We’d love to hear from you. Contact us on social media or send an email to kellyv@dopemagazine.com

“MOST PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT CANNABIS WOULD SUPPORT HEMP IF THEY WERE MORE FAMILIAR AND EDUCATED ABOUT ALL THE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT IT CAN DO.” -MORRIS BEEGLE

LIFESTYLE

P O K É M O N GO, P O K É M O N N O TH E CULTU RAL GAME-CHANGER WRITER / MEGHAN RIDLEY

PHOTO / ELENA SHASHKINA

VERY NOW AND AGAIN, a game becomes a cultural game-changer. In the case of the Pokémon Go phenomenon, it has officially placed the concept of augmented reality front, center and in the face of our collective consciousness. It is important to note that augmented reality games are far from new. Ingress—the 2012 game that has the same developer as Pokémon Go—is more or less the foundation for this new craze. While Ingress has many devoted followers across the globe, it is the immensity of the Pokémon platform that has placed augmented reality in front of the masses. The theory of augmented reality can be difficult to wrap your head around. In the case of Pokémon Go, this is achieved by revealing a previously unseen layer to the world via your smartphone. Through the lens of your magical handheld device and its associated functionality, everywhere from city streets to iconic landmarks become littered with Pokémon. Now, “catching ‘em all” is a matter of physically tracking the monsters down in this previously unseen world. As the craze continues to unfold, here’s what we’ve seen so far:

Pokémon Go NINTENDO’S STOCK The gaming icon’s stock leveled up in never before seen fashion, to the tune of a 70 percent increase following the game’s release according to BBC. Nintendo’s previous record was achieved in 1989, when the stock rose over 30 percent with the launch of role-playing game Dragon Quest.

PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT The physical aspect of getting people up and off the couch reaps benefits ranging from fresh air intake to caloric burn. Many people have made new friends chatting with fellow players, or reinvigorated current relationships with something new to do together.

DOWNLOAD DOMINATION Pokémon Go is the biggest mobile game the United States has ever seen. Statistics also show users spending more time playing Pokémon Go than interacting with any other app, outpacing icons like Facebook and Twitter with daily minute usage.

ENVIRONMENTAL APPRECIATION While “catching ‘em all” may be your biggest motivator, frequenting Pokéstops is also about taking in and appreciating your physical environment. Being present, snapping photos and acknowledging your surroundings is a huge pro to playing Pokémon Go.

LIFESTYLE

Pokémon No POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS There’s a reason the game opens with a disclaimer. So far we’ve seen people get hit by cars, fall off cliffs, get stabbed and robbed. Four teenagers in Britain even got lost in caves, requiring three fire crews, two rope units and a specialist mine rescue team to save them.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITIONING That buzz that alerts you when Pokémon are near doesn’t just have your attention in that moment. For many players lost in the throes of Pokémon Go, you’re waiting for it to buzz—even if you don’t realize it. This can drain and shape your mental energies at the same time.

LOSS OF PRODUCTIVITY You don’t get paid to play Pokémon Go. Replacing work duties with wandering around the office will only get you in trouble with your boss and fellow coworkers, while simultaneously dragging down the Wi-Fi. In one instance, a New Zealand man quit his job to hunt Pokémon full-time.

RELATIONSHIP TROUBLES If your significant other isn’t a Pokémon Go player, you are likely screwed—and not in the good way. That unimpressed look in their eye is a glare you may not be able to escape. The choice is yours, but this game has already been a deal breaker for many relationships.

Bottom line, we’ve yet to understand the cultural impact of Pokémon Go, but we can thank it for the way it grabbed our very distracted society’s attention and taught us about a concept that most of us previously didn’t understand. As society basks in the glow of their smartphone with their monster-catching understanding of augmented reality, one can’t help but wonder: When this gets old, what’s next?

T R AV E L

I TA LY I S C R E AT I N G A P O S T- CA P I TA L I S T H E M P U TO P I A SEWING SEEDS OF TRANSFORMATION WRITER & PHOTOS / SESHATA

N FIELDS ACROSS ITALY, the seeds of fundamental change are being sown—and they quite literally are seeds, hemp seeds. Individually, a hemp grower has little power, but as part of a local hemp-growing collective, that power increases exponentially. Similarly, a sole collective has little influence, but a network of communities working together can garner power on a much greater and more meaningful level. Collective power is exactly what members of Canapa Info Point (CIP) are trying to achieve. They are bringing together local, small-scale hemp producers from across the country to create a nationwide decentralized network—one that is proving to possess a significant political voice. Currently, its members are liaising with scientists, economists and politicians to create legislation that could ultimately see the creation of Spanish-style cannabis social clubs and a regulated med-

ical cannabis market. The Italian state has become increasingly open to medical cannabis in recent years—in fact, the military recently completed its first-ever medical cannabis crop! In addition, CIP provides information to would-be hemp farmers on how to obtain licenses and EU funding. It also runs Saracinesca in Canapa, a one-hectare model field designed to demonstrate hemp agriculture to politicians, farmers and the interested public.1 The field is situated in the small hillside village just outside of Rome. They also have far-reaching plans to set up a bio park and therapeutic village, which upon completion would welcome medical cannabis tourists from around the world. Italy was once known throughout the contemporary world for its fine-quality hemp products. Modern-day producers are keen to revive that legacy. Hemp industry associ-

1) Hectare: a metric unit of square measure, equal to 100 acres

ations are springing up all over the country— in Puglia, Piedmont, Tuscany and Lazio, to name just a few. Up in the northern province of Brescia another hemp association has sprung up. AgriCanapa grows four hectares, and works with farmers growing a further 50 hectares throughout Brescia—partly to address issues of soils contaminated with PCBs. The soil surrounding the perimeter of a local chemical manufacturer Caffaro is among the worst in the world, and 5,000 times the residential safe limit decreed by the government. AgriCanapa produces a wide range of high-quality hemp products including oils, textiles, building materials and some excellent pasta, flour and biscuits. AgriCanapa has plans to set up hemp cooking classes, as well as a number of other services to hemp entrepreneurs. On our visit, president Federico explains

T R AV E L

“THROUGHOUT ITALY, ANOTHER NETWORK IS TAKING SHAPE: A NETWORK THAT CROSSES MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES, AND ALTHOUGH FOCUSED LOCALLY, HAS INTERCONNECTED HUBS IN MOST REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY.”

his organization to us—and it is something truly evolved. When he was setting up AgriCanapa, the banks simply weren’t lending—a result of the global financial crisis of 2008, which crippled small and medium-sized businesses throughout Italy. Getting funding from alternative sources also proved an impossible task. Federico refused to give up hope and instead began to think in terms that bypassed money entirely—and in doing so, he has implemented a business model that could well be described as post-capitalist. Throughout Italy, another network is taking shape: a network that crosses multiple industries, and although focused locally, has interconnected hubs in most regions of the country. Via this network, businesses can exchange resources, products and expertise without using money at all, instead utilizing a system of “link credits” that can be redeemed

by any other member. Via this network, which is called Circuito di Credito Commerciale, Federico was able to access the resources, equipment and expertise he needed to set up his association, without actually using money at all! This kind of evolutionary thinking comes at a time when even the world’s greatest financial institutions are beginning to acknowledge the fact that capitalism is not working. It is failing small businesses, workers and everyday people—everyone who doesn’t have a direct stake in the aggressive corporate system currently dominating the global economy. Furthermore, it is failing to protect the environment, putting life as we know it in jeopardy. Unearthing alternative models to traditional financial institutions is a necessity, and that’s exactly what’s happening right here in these small, rural Italian communities. It’s not a complete replacement for all indus-

tries everywhere, but if we can apply these principles to agriculture at a minimum at least, the world could become a much, much better place. Just as a plant takes time to grow, these ideas will take time to pervade society. This is why the process is perhaps best described as evolution, not revolution—not a sudden, drastic change, but gradual, incremental changes that occur over generations. While these processes may be gradual, our acceptance of them is critical to our ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment. Change slowly pervades, but as it is often superior to whatever came before, it becomes dominant and paves the way for further change.

.A. WEEKLY PROFILES KIND FINANCIAL, which developed the Agrisoft software that will be marketed by Microsoft. Following the Microsoft announcement and a separate partnership involving Fortune 500 company Arrow Electronics, Marijuana Business Daily says that the stigma surrounding cannabis is eroding at some mainstream companies.

HIOANS WILL BE able to possess limited amounts of MED on September 8. It’s not clear where they’ll be legally allowed to obtain it.

W E E D

W E E K

WRITER / ALEX HALPERIN OF WEED WEEK ILLUSTRATOR / JOSH BOULET

EGALIZATION HAS POPULAR support in Denmark, but the government is cracking down. Last month, police raided the open air cannabis market in Copenhagen’s Christiania neighborhood.

ALIFORNIA’S ADULT USE of Marijuana Act (AUMA) will be on the ballot in November. Supporters have raised more than $3.5 million, far outpacing opponents. Polls indicate that about 60 percent of Californians favor the measure. Mark Kleiman, a policy professor at NYU, called AUMA a, “Horrible, awful, very bad no-good drug policy,” but said he’d vote for it anyway. His primary concern is that it would make marijuana too cheap. He prefers the current policy in Washington D.C. where it’s legal to grow, possess and give it, but not sell it. AUMA is controversial within the industry as well.

n Mexico, scores of innocent women have been arrested and tortured by security services in order to improve drug arrest statistics, according to Amnesty International.

OLORADO COMPANIES ARE funding a group called the Colorado Health Research Council to oppose Amendment 139, which would limit the THC potency of cannabis and cannabis products to 16 percent, below the current average for flower and extracts. “The marijuana moguls have said time and time again that the sky is falling every time that someone proposes a change to keep marijuana and marijuana products out of the hands of kids,” said Frank McNulty (R), a former Speaker of the Colorado House, who’s now counsel to the amendment’s backers. “All we’ve seen is their profits skyrocket.” The initiative needs to collect 98,492 signatures to appear on the ballot. Opponents have raised more than $300,000 to fight it.

N WASHINGTON STATE, the merging of the MED and REC markets took effect and hundreds of MED dispensaries closed. The state’s voluntary database for MED patients is operational.

ETWORKING COMPANY Women Grow named Maryland-based compliance attorney, Leah Heise, as its new CEO. Started in 2014, the organization has more than three dozen chapters in the United States and Canada. Founders Jane West and Jazmin Hupp are stepping down from their executive roles.

N DENVER, Starbuds became the first company to be denied a cultivation license renewal. Starbuds plans to appeal the decision.

S WEED OREGON’S most valuable crop? The federal Department of Agriculture has decided to ignore the question.

TH E 2 N D A N N UA L D O P E C U P I S CO M I N G . . . THE BIGGEST CANNABIS COMPETITION IN OREGON IS BACK FOR A SECOND YEAR

10. 30. 2016 Your expectations will be blown away with a bigger production, world-class entertainment and the most reďŹ ned competition component ever.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O N E N T E R I N G T H E D O P E C U P G O TO D O P E C U P O R . D O P E M AG A Z I N E .CO M

THE RAPID GROWTH OF THE LEGALIZED CANNABIS INDUSTRY HAS MADE IT ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING SECTORS OF THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY, SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTING NEARLY EVERY INDUSTRY.

CWCBEXPO 2016

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services and future industry growth. Will you be there?

The CWCBExpo is the leading forum for: Dispensary Owners, Growers, Suppliers, Investors, Medical Professionals, Government Regulators, Legal Counsel & Entrepreneurs VISIT

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EDUCATION Learn how to navigate regulatory, legal, financial and logistical challenges. DISCOVERY Explore the technology and services that are revolutionizing the cannabis industry. NETWORKING Meet face-to-face with the top manufacturers and innovators in the industry. GROWTH Gather the keys that you will need to profit in the cannabis industry.

gofundme.com/keephempfestalive

KEEP SEATTLE

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Seattle HEMPFEST is the very first non-profit “protestival” of it’s kind that advocates cannabis policy reform and deschedulization. Now in it’s 25th year, due to lack of donations from the community and attendees, the event’s existence is threatened. Our mission is to Keep Hempfest Alive for future generations to experience. Please DONATE NOW!

• $5-$74 donor to receive name posted as a contributor at the Dope Magazine booth at Seattle HEMPFEST! • $75 donor to receive an official Seattle HEMPFEST Poster, printed on hemp paper! • $150 donor to receive an official Seattle HEMPFEST T-shirt. • $300 donor to receive a VIP ticket to Dope Magazine’s VIP Afterparty Event to be held on Sunday, August 21. * Please see all disclaimers on gofundme.com

Seattle HEMPFEST August 19-21, 2016 hempfest.org

WRITER / SCOTT PEARSE

PHOTO / ROLLAND GREEN

Explore the journey on Instagram at @DOPEbicycletour or at the DOPE Bicycle Tour blog www.dopemagazine.com/ dopebicycletour/.

EXPLORING CANNABIS CULTU RE ON AMERICA’S GREENEST COAST

HE IDEA WAS STRAIGHTFORWARD enough: cycle from Seattle to Los Angeles while exploring cannabis culture. What we’d actually find out in the field was unknown. Opportunities arose as we spread our networks and met new people from one region to the next. The news that some idiots were cycling down the West Coast looking for weed stories intrigued enough people in the right places. We were able to visit grows and farms in Olympia, Humboldt County and Santa Cruz; we slept at several bud and breakfasts; and I met people who’ve been in the industry for decades but only now feel comfortable talking to the media. It is a really exciting time in cannabis, everything is changing and will continue changing for the foreseeable future. The DOPE Bicycle Tour attempted to catch a moment in time in the cannabis community, and covered 1442 miles and climbed over 50,000 feet in 42 days. My body hurts. I’m tired. I’d do it again. I didn’t expect to literally find a pot shop when I said I was going looking for pot shops.

SAID ON TOU R ON CAMPING... My reality right now is that I’m really good at changing out of shorts and into pants while standing in dirt. ON PASSING TIME WHILE CYCLING... It’s like screaming into eternity and waiting for a reply. ON UNEXPECTED CLIMBING... When is this downhill going to quit being uphill? ON MY CHOICE OF HASHTAG.... #highroller? More like #bonklord. ON SELF-REFLECTION.... Us DOPE boys are like the Cadillacs of the champagne of beers. ON PODCASTS VS. MUSIC... One man’s James Brown is another man’s Alec Baldwin. We visited recreational stores and dispensaries of all shapes and sizes, but La Cannaisseur outside of Portland was a favorite.

WHILE HAVING STONED THOUGHTS... Would you weigh more if the earth wasn’t spinning?

Mastering cycle touring is to master the art of packing. After three rounds of “what don’t I need?” this is everything that I carried on the tour.

Traveling by bicycle within the cannabis community hit a high note with a stay at Ginger and Brigham’s North Fork 53. It’s inspiring to see dedication and hard work bring something so vital into full-blown life.

The team at Emerald Family Farms under the hoops and surrounded by OG.

It’s strange how it never enters your mind during a tour that you might not make it. Suddenly you’re at the end and you think, I can’t believe I just did that.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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HE SUMMER MONTHS are known for being scorchers, especially when you find yourself running into straight fire photos such as these. Many thanks to all the photographers that captured these shots and tagged @dopemagazine!

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EEZLE’S LINE OF ICE cream push pops are infused with THC using Beezle Extracts’ cannabis honey oil. They offer six flavors and pride themselves on using natural, whole ingredients. No matter which flavor you choose, you’ll be satisfied with this gourmet treat. My favorites were Cookies and Dream—which reminds me of a vanilla ice cream sandwich—and Mixed Berry Blaze—reminiscent of a bowl of fruit-topped frozen cream. Each of the flavors were nearly free of a cannabis flavor, with only a subtle bitter trail on some. Could there be a more fun-filled way of medicating?

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EFFECTS

Mood enhancing. Ice cream being the gateway to a smile, our sour moods have no defense against the positive effects of Beezle’s Honey Oil

Chilled me mentally, but didn’t lock me to the couch or cause lethargy. I became more accepting and passive of minor annoyances—a peace pop?

SACRAMENTO, CA 95811 TESTED AT: STEEP HILL LABS, INC. steephill.com

head and body ache relief, reducing minor tension and pain

C O N C E N T R AT E

P U R E VA P E WAX A FLAVOR EXPERIENCE WRITER / THOM HUNTERS

PHOTO / ASHLEIGH CASTRO

HE FIRST THING I noticed when I got my Pure Grape Concentrate was the packaging. A beautifully radiant golden orb of concentrate resting within a silicone containerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an elegant presentation like a plate at a five-star gourmet restaurant. When you crack the jar open, a fresh bouquet of grape hits you square in the nose. You can taste the flavor in the vapor and the concentrate leaves a grape taste dancing on your tongue. The potency of Pure Grape Concentrate is on point. My mind was lifted, body relaxed and I felt the effects for several hours.

82.05 THC

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GARDEN

E M P R E S S E X T R AC T S WH ERE WAX REIGNS SUPREME WRITER / BLAZE ROBINSON

N AN ORDINARY LOOKING warehouse in the East Bay, tiny seeds have popped and green tendrils have begun to unfurl. I stand in an indoor grow room with four other women who are cooing over baby cannabis plants. Emily Scarbrough, the founder of Empress Extracts, gently takes up tweezers and helps a tiny Pink seed plant escape from its shell. “Welcome to the world,” she said. A warm welcome indeed. Empress Extracts showers love onto every stage of its production process. It’s no wonder they craft some of the strongest concentrates I’ve ever tried. They recently took first place for the Wax and Connoisseur’s Choice Concentrate category at SF Hempcon 2016. Emily shared, “It is extremely gratifying to be a mom-and-pop operation and get such credibility. I am fortunate for the team I have.” Being a female business owner can be challenging; Emily still has days where people assume that she is an employee or a girlfriend. Those assumptions only push her harder to prove her-

PHOTO / ASHLEIGH CASTRO

GARDEN

“IT IS EXTREMELY GRATIFYING TO BE A MOM-AND-POP OPERATION AND GET SUCH CREDIBILITY. I AM FORTUNATE FOR THE TEAM I HAVE.” -EMILY SCARBROUGH self and her product—most of her staff are women. The warehouse has a trim room and grow rooms, though the breakroom reveals the true spirit of the Empress. Emily’s mother handcrafted tapestries to give the space a homey vibe and there are toys for the staff’s babies who come to visit. Emily started out as a cannabis broker eight years ago. When a friend’s mom was diagnosed with cancer, doctors said she only had four months to live. Determined to extend the prognosis, Emily created an RSO cannabis concentrate we now know as Gemmy’s. Three years later, the mother is still alive, and Emily and her partner Mark have a budding cannabis business. They moved into their warehouse in the fall of 2015 and are planning to expand outdoors. The purchase of 60 acres in Northern California will allow the Empress team to grow and be fully involved from seed, to bud, to extraction.

alchemy

awaken

Four aromatic blends of cannabis oil & botanical extracts to enhance all your experiences

@alchemyvape

S TO R E

F RO M T H E E A RT H CLASSY, COMFORTABLE AND EXCLUSIVE SA NTA ANA COLLECTIVE WRITER / BIANCA FOX

HE CITY OF SANTA ANA collective, From the Earth, offers visitors the ideal trifecta of services. With a welcoming environment, knowledgeable staff and superior products, it is a must see and smoke. From the Earth opened about seven months ago, with co-owners Jayson and Kintu. Dave, one of the shop’s general managers, spoke to DOPE about their goal of creating an environment mimicking nature. “We were going for an all-natural look and feel,” Dave shared. “We tried really hard to use just organic materials. Wooden floors lay throughout. There’s a hanging garden and a 30-foot-tall ceiling with a painted mural of the sky.” Friendly and intelligent staff members greet visitors throughout the clean and comfortable store, with a focus on one-on-one service. iPads are avail-

PHOTO / JESSIE HOROWITZ

S TO R E

“SOME OF THEIR STRAINS ARE ALSO EXCLUSIVE—FOUND NOWHERE ELSE.”

From the Earth is a city and state licensed collective, measure BB compliant. Located at 3023 S. Orange Ave. Santa Ana, CA. (657) 444-7336. www.fteoc.com

able for taking orders as well. Plenty of parking is another plus here, assuring your visit is smooth and stress-free. The products offered are stunning, as the collective aims, “to be like Whole Foods when it comes to product selection.” Seek and one shall find vape pens, topicals and a variety of edibles such as ice cream, bacon breakfast cereal and “everything you can possibly imagine,” Dave explained. The collection of concentrates is also impressive, and each and every strain and concentrate is sent out for testing. Some of their strains are also exclusive—found nowhere else. “We have a refrigerator that is just filled with concentrates,” Dave told DOPE. “We have our own in-house concentrates. I would guess that our dispensary has the largest selection of solvent-free

concentrates in all of Orange County. With our solvent-less extracts, we are killing it down here. No one has the fridge that we have.” Each staff member was carefully selected, in order to recommend precise product fitting for each customer’s unique needs. “We have a couple of them who are Stephen Hawking-level experts,” Dave joked. “We have training seminars when we bring in all the budtenders—in order to be constantly educated and giving the right information. Overall, we are very focused on assisting each person with their unique needs.”

NEWS

YO U R B U DT E N D E R, YO U R B U D, YO U R B U D DY KINDNESS AND KIND CANNABIS SORT OF RHYME, AN INFORMAL LETTER TO THE CONSUMER WRITER / J.F.S. WILHELM

KILLFUL BUDTENDERS ARE OFTEN individuals most reverent to the plant, treating it with respect and fostering, in kind, a respect for the consumer. It is partially the budtender’s insight that guarantees an exceptional high, but more importantly, it is the consumer’s ability to accurately convey their needs that allows the budtender to produce the desired results. As a former budtender, I’d like to share some of my insight that should help you get the most out of your budtender the next time you head to the dispensary. But first, let’s define the ideal budtender. This budtender is kind, attentive, empathetic and more than anything, knowledgeable. A good budtender educates first and sells second, ensuring that the consumer gets the buzz they are look-

Be nice. We see a whole circus of people every day and the nice ones get more out of us. This might sound like your mother’s dispensary advice, but you should listen to her. We treat your nice mom very well.

Cannabis is diverse. On this side of the counter we have weed wunderkinds, dabbing geniuses, 500mg edible juggernauts and flower children who have devoted their lives to understanding the complexity of this plant. Do not underestimate the knowledge they can drop on you. To wit, ask a question or two. Your budtender might not always have the spare time to give you a lecture on Terpenes 101, but again, a good budtender will educate you. Ask questions like: (a) I enjoy fruity (skunky, diesel, floral, etc.) smells. What buds taste/smell like that? (b) I’d like to have a toke-and-go (insert activity here.) What herb would you recommend? (c) What are you smoking this week or what is the house favorite right now? The final two questions are especially useful if you’ve been following the first point. A budtender is more likely to hook you up with the dank chronic that the weed snobs are smoking if you are polite. In my experience, the most expensive herb doesn’t always denote the best. There are a lot of talented growers and a lot of diamonds in the rough. Plus, since these marketplaces are localized, many budtenders develop first name basis relationships with growers, and through these industry connections, budtenders get plugged into the hot strains that might otherwise fly under the radar.

ing for. They aim to help consumers understand and respect the substance they are readily putting into their body. Simple enough. Be nice, be knowledge. But you, the consumer, are also a factor in this social equation. Consider doing a few things before you belly-up to the bar and blurt out, “What’s the highest THC?” Because truthfully, that is a terrible sentence that doesn’t make you sound like you care about your weed, you just want to get loaded. We get it. There is nothing wrong with having a good time and getting blitzed, but cannabis has so much more to offer and a great budtender takes the time to educate. So slow your roll, put your cell phone away and let’s have a real conversation about how you’d like to feel about how you feel today.

“EDUCATION IS NOT PREPARATION FOR LIFE; EDUCATION IS LIFE ITSELF.” -JOHN DEWEY

Step out of your comfort zone from time to time. One of the neat parts about recreational cannabis is its place as an alternative to so many things. Be bold, ask your budtender about cannabis lube or if you’ve never tried CBD—a hangover godsend—give it a go. Edibles can also be intimidating without the proper knowledge, so get informed and drink some weed soda. These experiences will expand your cannabis repertoire, and you might even discover a strain or delivery method that works well with your own endocannabinoid system. Understand that the cannabis industry is constantly changing: rules and regulations, growing methods, strains and hybrid crosses, concentrate extraction methods and so on. Obviously, if this type of knowledge is meaningful to you, ask about it. But if you’d just like to know the best new indica-dominant hybrid and not about new LED growing methods or their effects on trichome production, then just politely decline the insight and get on with it. Good budtenders are good listeners, and when applicable, are absolutely earnest. Know that the perception of recreational cannabis begins at the store with your budtender, but ends with you. Know that when you leave the store and light up in the parking lot, it makes everyone look bad. Be respectful, be discrete. You blatantly flaunting your 1.3g joint isn’t going to suddenly evangelize passing pedestrians into thinking cannabis is cool. In fact, the opposite is likely happening. Budtenders devote themselves to their work because they want to create a better world through cannabis. And undoubtedly, if you are not part of improving the perception of recreational cannabis through your smoking etiquette, you are the unwashed sector of an industry trying to get clean.

These are just a few suggestions on how to conduct yourself in order to communicate better with your budtender. The dispensary is a forum for sharing a passion and a purpose, even if that purpose is simply to alter your mind. Why not change your way of thinking? Isn’t that also what the cannabis industry is doing? A plant that was once demonized has more social currency than ever before. It’s changing our lives.

D O P E AC T I V E

D E N V E R YO GA B RU N C H THE CITY’S FIRST MONTHLY YOGA + BRU NCH EVENT WRITER / KATIE SPIVAK

TEP INSIDE THE SAVOY at Curtis Park and you will be warmly welcomed into a sunny room with smiling faces. Find your space on the wood floor and make friends with your neighbors. Enjoy the music and prepare yourself for a pleasantly unique morning yoga class. On the first Sunday of every month, Addison Gumbert and Meg Ridgway create a lively, nurturing and refreshing yoga flow, allowing their attendees to soak in the serenity of moving meditation. During the first 45 minutes, Meg leads the class through an active Vinyasa flow paired with breath work and a delightful variety of poses to get your body warmed up. As a full-time instructor at Core Power Yoga, Meg brings a high level of expertise to the class and a radiant energy to the room.

PHOTO / JENA SCHLOSSER (@FILLYOUREYES)

After this lovely group of yogis work up a sweat, a seamless transition emerges and the class is guided through 30 minutes of Restorative Yoga, which involves holding relaxing poses for long periods of time to center the mind and body. Addison, a seasoned yoga instructor and owner of wellness company Karma | Kosha, brings a beautifully grounded approach to the stillness and tranquility of Restorative Yoga. Finishing with a meditative Savasana pose, yogis are encouraged to release, relax and bask in the results of their hard work… …And what’s a better way to bask than with a delicious brunch! Participants are encouraged to socialize with one another, grab a mimosa and enjoy a healthy spread of delectable items prepared by a registered dietitian. Past events have included everything from bacon, frittatas

and sweet potato hash to granola, fresh fruit and yogurt. Options are even available for those who follow vegetarian, vegan and Paleo diets. Tickets are limited; so don’t hesitate to secure a spot for the next Yoga Brunch! Find more information and buy tickets through Denveryogabrunch.com. This event happens the first Sunday of every month from 11a.m. to 1p.m., attendees must be 21+ due to the complementary mimosas. All skill levels are encouraged to attend, whether you’re a first time yogi or have been practicing for years. Join Addison and Meg to feel energetically, physically and mentally fulfilled. Get prepared for an inspirational journey and a refreshing Sunday morning! The next editions of Yoga Brunch will take place on August 7 and September 11, in lieu of Labor Day Weekend.

PRODUCT

J E T T Y’S DA B L I CATOR 2.0 RADICAL IMPROVEMENTS TO CO 2 DABBING WRITER / SHASTA NELSON

HE DABLICATOR 2.0 BY Jetty Extracts is a little something I had the luck of discovering recently. Though it looks like a small ball-point pen, or even a tube of lip gloss, it’s actually filled with 1g of pure CO2 wax. All you do is twist the top and push a button to release a small dose ready to dab! Not only is it much cooler looking than the syringes that CO2 wax usually comes in, it’s easier to apply to nails than shatter and makes waxing joints way less messy. You can even eat it! That’s right my friends, it’s fully activated and ready to go. They come in sativa, hybrid and indica blends, as well as a growing collection of strain-specific varieties. Potency ranges from 55–75 percent (RAW) and 80–90 percent (GOLD) active cannabinoids. I sampled all three blends, as well as Snow Cap, Sage, Silver Haze and Yoda OG. Everything sampled had a clean taste to it, and the strain-specific Dablicators all had the right

PHOTO / ASHLEIGH CASTRO

flavor and effect per strain. The sativa variety stood out as it produced a happy and productive high, without making me feel over-stimulated. Yoda OG was another favorite of mine. It produced joyful and relaxing effects, and gave me quite the appetite. Application was simple and straightforward—you can even twist the top backwards to retract any overflow there might be. In addition to creating convenient and potent products, Jetty Extracts is also a mindful and compassionate company. Through signing up for Jetty’s Shelter from the Storm Project, any cancer patient in California can receive free cannabis products. They even supply plants and grow equipment to those who want to produce their own cannabis. Their innovative and potent products in combination with their community support are DOPE.

RAW Dablicator (55–75% THC): $40 GOLD Dablicator (80–90%THC): $55

SOCAL SUPER CLINIK 2525 S BIRCH ST SANTA ANA, CA 92707 BUDS AND ROSES 13047 VENTURA BLVD STUDIO CITY, CA 91604 GREENWAY ALTERNATIVE 15329 PALMDALE RD VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 FAST AND FRIENDLY (DELIVERY SERVICE) 1-888-992-6838 NORCAL BLUM 578 W GRAND AVE OAKLAND, CA 94612 CLOUD 9 5711 FLORIN PERKINS RD SACRAMENTO, CA 95828 THE GREEN DOOR 843 HOWARD ST SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103 7 STARS HOLLISTIC HEALING CENTER 3288 PIERCE ST M108 RICHMOND, CA 94804

H E A LT H

HEMP SEEDS T H E SEED THAT KEEPS ON GIVING WRITER / NICK HAYASHI

PHOTO / CHRIS RYAN

H E A LT H

TREND IS GROWING in today’s marketplace, literally. Vast numbers of people are out there searching high and low for the best, most nutritious foods to fuel their bodies. Nobody wants to put watered down gas in their car. Should our bodies be any different? We buy supplements like protein powders, shakes and pills to help supply us with the proper nutrients to maintain peak performance. The term superfood is often used as a descriptor for hemp seeds. ‘Superfood’ has come to be associated with nutrient rich, whole foods that may provide unique benefits to human health. Hemp seed fits the bill. Hemp seeds come from a variety of cannabis plants. Hemp seed cultivators use cannabis strains with THC levels below 0.3 percent. The only euphoric feeling you will get from hemp seeds is a nutritional one. For 3000 years mankind has been using this seed for its nutrient-rich values. Found in food and medicine from around the world, these seeds live up to the superfood name. A serving size, roughly three tablespoons, yields ten grams of protein. More protein than any other seed, plus 14 grams of a power blend of omega-3

and omega-6 fats, fiber and magnesium. Each 165-calorie serving contains three-quarters of your daily recommended vitamin E and almost one-third of the recommended immune-boosting mineral, zinc. What a great source of energy to get us through the day. Hemp seeds come in two different varieties, shelled seeds and hulled seeds, sometimes referred to as ‘hearts,’ which can be found at your nearest grocery store in the bean and grain section. I had the chance to craft a few dishes in my kitchen that used hemp seeds as an ingredient. Generally starting my day with a nice protein shake, I decided to substitute my usual protein powder with hemp seeds. To my surprise, the seeds gave it a nice flavor while providing me with a full load of protein. The number of recipes available that call for hemp seeds are limitless. I whipped up an incredibly simple pesto dish; blending basil, lime juice, garlic, black pepper, salt and olive oil in my food processor on high. After fully blended, I added the hemp seeds to the pesto and blended on low for a few seconds—just long enough to fold in the seeds and give the pesto a nice crunch. Served over noodles, the dish was a delight.

INGREDIENTS 3 C. BASIL (PACKED) 3/4 C. RAW HEMP SEEDS (SHELLED) 2 TBSP. LIME JUICE 4 CLOVES OF GARLIC (MINCED) 1/4 TBSP. BLACK PEPPER 1/2 TSP. SALT 3/4 C. OLIVE OIL

CANNA-NEWS

V I N TAGE A N D L A N D R AC E S T R A I N S BACK TO OU R ROOTS WRITER / SHASTA NELSON

PHOTOS / ASHLEIGH CASTRO

E ALL HAVE OUR ROOTS, and where we come from influences our evolution. Just like music or clothing, cannabis carries important elements from history. These days, strains are being created every day from hybrids of hybrids, and though this cornucopia of the plant is amazing, it’s important to remember those classic strains that started it all. Before going indoors with the introduction of hydroponics in the 1980s and after it was declared a Schedule I drug in 1970, landrace strains were the most popular form of cannabis. What we smoke today was originally bred from these naturally occurring varieties. In other words, landrace is about as OG as one can get with weed. Named after the region they’re native to, the most popular landrace strains are Mexican, Afghan, Thai, African and South American. Most of these strains were brought over by connoisseurs looking to bring the best possible cannabis to the United States. If you were trying to score a bag 45 years ago, you might’ve been given a mix of landrace—what we refer to as a “classic” strain. The strains could range from Acapulco Gold (Cheech and Chong favorite), Red Congolese (a mix of African/Afghani/Mexican landraces) or what you might simply call “skunk” which actually referred to the strain we know now as Skunk #1, which we acquired a sample of from Dr. Atomix’s garden in Santa Cruz. A trifecta of landrace strains, Skunk #1 is a powerhouse of quality genetics. Since its debut in the 1970s, it has reached legendary status, winning the first ever Cannabis Cup in 1988—and has been used in the creation of numerous strains, including the well-known Sour Diesel (Skunk #1 x Chemdawg x Northern Lights). Another strain encountered during that time was Durban Poison. Brought over from Africa in the 1970s by Ed Rosenthal—who admired its short flowering period and unique smell—Durban Poison has since been used to create many of the strains we love today such as the infamous Girl Scout Cookies (Durban Poison x OG Kush). Its euphoric effect makes for great offspring and has propelled demand for the strain. Even after all these

Cherry AK-47 sample provided by Sense Cultivators

Red Congolese sample provided by Calyx

Durban Poison sample provided by/available at One Fifty Collective

Veganic J-1 (Jack Herer strain) sample provided by SPARC

CANNA-NEWS

Classic Trainwreck sample provided by CBCB

years, Durban Poison is a staple on most dispensary menus. In the 80s, technology designed to improve cannabis boomed. Hydroponics became a popular method of growing, and the control available to growers through hydro allowed for the cultivation of some of the classics we still enjoy today. Trainwreck is an excellent example of the quintessential strains to have come out of this decade. Thai, Mexican and Afghani landraces were mixed to create an intense and long lasting sativa high still loved today. The 1970s saw a great influx of variety as so-called “seed hunters” brought in new landrace strains, followed by the 1980s where the process of indoor propagation began its path to perfection, but the 1990s brought in a whole new world of high-quality bud. One such variation was AK-47, a blend of South American, Mexican, Thai and Afghani landrace strains. Although it was created in 1992, AK-47 is still a stoner staple because of its high THC content and dank smell. Other children of the 90s include OG Kush, a strain well-known and well-loved especially on its native West Coast, and Pre 93’ Bubblegum, a strain that started in Indiana then went on to Amsterdam where TH Seeds still has the original strain available today. California native, Blue Dream, also gained popularity at this time and is still a favorite of any old stoner. Ask them and they’ll tell you Blue Dream is one of the best strains for all day use. Another hybrid 90s pot posterchild is the refreshing, pine-rich Jack Herer, which was named after the American cannabis activist and author. The strain was engineered in the Netherlands, where cultivators hoped to create a balanced strain with elevating effects of sativa while maintaining the resin-rich qualities of an indica. Some things never go out of style, and Miss Mary Jane is one of them. The cultivation of cannabis has led us to new and exciting places. These classic strains have held up to the test of time. Now, it’s being discovered that landrace strains contain cannabinoids and terpenes which have been bred out of a lot of the hybrids and that may have therapeutic benefits not yet understood. Breeders are able to use these almost-lost elements to resurrect some of the original effects of cannabis. Not only have these strains travelled through the ages to help elevate and medicate, they’re still helping us stay DOPE today.

PRODUCT

L I L AC C I T Y GA R D E N S’ OR A N GE B LO S S O M J O I N T A S IMPLE JOINT DONE R IGHT WRITER / ERIC SKAAR

PHOTO / EMILY NICHOLS

S FAR AS I’M CONCERNED, Lilac City Gardens can do no wrong. They surpass my expectations time and time again. Every time I walk through their doors I am greeted with improvement. Whether it’s the quality, packaging or genetics, I’m always blown away. No matter the change or innovation, their standards are always rising. Given the chance to evaluate one of their joints, I jumped on it. I have evaluated countless joints, and before, during and after partaking I ask myself: What is the input material? How does it taste? What type of paper? Is it rolled too tight or too loose? Is it hard to hit? Does it stay lit? Does it run? Do I need to smoke another one? Would I want to smoke another one? The input material is all bud, no sugar leaf or trim. The taste was excellent, every hit was full of the citrus sweet flavor that is characteristically Orange Blossom. The paper is RAW, unbleached and was rolled not too tight or too loose, just right. It was easy to hit, did not need to be relit and did not run. I was quite happy with the high from smoking one joint and would definitely smoke another. So please, do yourself a favor and pick up a Lilac City Garden pre-roll. I’m partial to the Orange Blossom and Sour Berry, but whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed.

All bud is naturally grown and pesticide-free

Stellar presentation, the joint is packaged in a dube tube and rolled in all-natural paper

PRICE $10.00 - 1G JOINT

Delicious to the very end

Lilac City Gardens is located in Airway Heights, just west of Spokane. They are an allnatural, pesticide-free Tier II grower. To learn more about them, check out their write up in the June issue of DOPE.

TECHNOLOGY

H E M P “GR A P H E N E ” CHANGING OU R PERCEPTION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY

LTHOUGH INDUSTRIAL HEMP IS only permitted to be grown in a few areas within the United States, this variety of Cannabis sativa never ceases to amaze. Hemp’s many uses from food to paper to modern technologies such as hempcrete are just astounding. The most ground breaking of these though, is hemp “graphene.” To explain, regular graphene is comprised of a two-dimensional, hexagonal honeycomb lattice layer of tightly packed carbon atoms, and is one of the strongest, lightest and most conductive compounds ever discovered. It is considered one of the best materials for supercapacitor electrodes. The term was also used in early descriptions of carbon nanotubes, and can be considered a type of nanotechnology. Many of graphene’s uses are in the area of energy storage; some uses that are under development include electronics, biological engineering, filtration and strong, lightweight composite materials. However, a scientist by the name of Dr. David Mitlin, from Clarkson University in New York, says he’s found a way to manufacture hemp waste into a material that appears to be better than graphene. Dr. Mitlin and his team were able to recycle leftover hempbased fiber, cook it down and then dissolve it until carbon nanoseheets that resembled the structure of graphene were left behind. They proceeded to build these nanosheets into powerful energy-storing supercapacitors with high energy density, thus creating a hemp based “graphene.” Essentially, Mitlin’s team discovered a process for converting fibrous hemp waste into a unique graphenelike nanomaterial that many say outperforms graphene. Creating this graphene-like hemp material costs only a fraction of regular graphene production. Graphene costs as much as $2,000 per gram to manufacture, while the hempbased nanomaterial can be manufactured for less than $500 per ton. To give proper perspective, there are 907,185 grams in one ton. Hemp professionals and activists in Oregon and elsewhere are thrilled about this new technology and its potential for energy. Ben Christensen, owner of Oregon Hemp Works in Portland, said, “As a renewable energy major and hemp business owner, I find this

WRITER / LEAH MAURER

very exciting. One of the bigger challenges with renewable energy is storage. I often find hemp being left out of the renewable energy conversation, but I feel you can’t really talk about renewable energy or sustainability unless hemp is being talked about as well. It also seems that when hemp is introduced as a replacement, it is just as good as what it’s replacing and even better in a lot of cases.” Amy Peradotta, hemp activist and chairwoman of the Portland Women Grow chapter, agreed. She expressed, “Using hemp cellulose to replace graphene in supercapacitor batteries will change how we store energy

and how we mass produce electronic products from computers and phones to electric cars. Imagine a future where your electric car battery is made with hemp supercapacitor electrodes; the body of the car is made with nontoxic, lightweight hemp cellulose composite materials; and the interior door panels and upholstery are made from hemp fiber. Then, we can also use hemp supercapacitors to store renewable energy for our indoor cannabis grow houses made of hempcrete. Pair that with solar panels and you have a sustainably designed, energy efficient cannabis production facility.”

TECHNOLOGY

Most people don’t understand the truly diverse value of hemp. Cultures have relied on this hardy plant for centuries to produce textiles such as clothing, fabric and paper. Today, hemp is also used for food, fuel, medicine, building materials and plastics. Now with the energy storage industry starting to take notice, perhaps more government authorities will take a closer look at this plant. Joy Beckerman, principal at Seattle-based Hemp Ace International and a 20+ year veteran in the industrial hemp movement said, “As activists and entrepreneurs, we simply did not see this coming 25 years ago. No one was sufficiently intellectual back then to predict the unique and exponential power within micro fibrils from hemp bast fiber, or hemp’s ability to completely revolutionize the most critical areas of research and development. Graphite whisker and carbon nanotube are highest in stiffness and strength, but they are severely cost-prohibitive. Hemp cellulose nanocrystals are a considerably low cost nanoparticle, which makes them enormously attractive and competitive when one looks at the larger picture including price, availability, toxicity and sustainability.” To think that the cannabis plant can supplement modern technology so dramatically is incredible. This only reaffirms why we must continue to defend our plant everywhere and push the federal government to deschedule it. It is time that hemp be researched, grown and mass produced for its infinite uses and unexplored technological applications.

“ESSENTIALLY, MITLIN’S TEAM DISCOVERED A PROCESS FOR CONVERTING FIBROUS HEMP WASTE INTO A UNIQUE GRAPHENE-LIKE NANOMATERIAL THAT MANY SAY OUTPERFORMS GRAPHENE.”

A RT / M U S I C

A R I S E M U S I C F E S T I VA L PART BU RNING MAN…PU RE COLORADO WRITER / KATIE SPIVAK

ORE THAN A FESTIVAL, ARISE is a movement—a place where music, activism and culture collide. A place where Mother Earth is genuinely respected; a place to find a spiritual awakening, an inspiring speaker or dynamic workshop, a life-changing yoga class, a rare musical performance, or simply a huge smile and a full heart. Just bring a curious sense of adventure, a wandering soul and a willingness to celebrate interconnectivity. 2016 marks the fourth annual ARISE Music Festival held in Loveland, Colorado at Sunrise Ranch, just 65 minutes from Denver. Thoughtfully put together by a mindful, hardworking group of individuals, it’s no surprise the event is growing every year! From the very beginning, ARISE has embraced and celebrated diversity, bringing together a vast array of musicians, artists, performers, healers, yogis, activists and educators. This year, musical headliners include Ziggy Marley, The New Mastersounds, Jurassic 5, Del the Funky Homosapien and Papadosio. Taking place from August 5–7, this is NOT a weekend to miss. Since 2013, ARISE has brought a distinctive concept and community to Sunrise Ranch. Yearround, this picturesque festival site is actually the home of an intentional, spiritual community dedicated to teaching and demonstrating a sustainable life. Sunrise Ranch embodies a philosophy that seeks to create a unified human race, wishing to bring wisdom and love to the surface of every interaction. The ranch hosts all kinds of conscious gatherings, from weddings to workshops to permaculture courses; so it makes sense that a forward thinking event like ARISE is held on these grounds. Explore a vast array of dynamically informative workshops or spend the day taking yoga classes perched atop a gorgeous hill that overlooks the festival. Venture into the sunset and get lost in a

PHOTO / JENA SCHLOSSER (@FILLYOUREYES)

sea of immersive art installations and meditative spaces. Dance and sing with thousands of beautiful faces. Enjoy a delicious, organic meal. Sip on a locally brewed beer or kombucha. Discover hundreds of visionary paintings scattered throughout Sunrise Ranch. Interact with amazing people from all different walks of life. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, you’ll find it at ARISE. A leave-no-trace event, ARISE is dedicated to a, “clean, green, 21st century scene,” and they don’t just say that. The wonderful curators of ARISE work directly with a Fort Collins based non-profit, Trees Water & People, to plant one tree for EVERY ticket sold! Regardless of ticket sales, the festival is committed to planting thousands of trees each year. Last year, The Polish Ambassador, an electronic producer/DJ, even led a group of participants through a full day of building a permaculture garden on the festival’s land. ARISE festival preaches, “There is no Planet B.” With the utmost respect for the beautiful world we live in, the people behind this event take every step towards minimizing their environmental impact. This means vendor-provided compostable bio-cups and flatware, a ban on plastic water bottles and ample recycling/composting stations. Even the smallest details are made as green as possible. Printed materials produced by the event use 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper and soy-based inks. All stages, festival lighting and production lighting are powered by a blend of bio-diesel, which severely reduces the amount of carbon emissions produced during the event. The ARISE staff even returns to the festival site a week after load-out, just to make sure that every last cigarette butt and bottle cap is picked up; not a single piece of trash is left behind. The festival’s relentless dedication to a highly responsible, ecologically-minded way of bringing people together is truly something to be recognized.

S TO R E

“THE OWNERS THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROMOTE LOCAL ART AND CANNABIS CULTURE, WHICH IS WHY THE OUTSIDE OF THE STORE IS ADORNED WITH BEAUTIFUL MURALS OF MUSICAL ICONS, COMMISSIONED BY A LOCAL COLORADO ARTIST.”

In addition to positively pushing the boundaries of greening the U.S. festival scene, ARISE is pushing the boundaries of childhood involvement in festivals. The Rainbow Lightning Children’s Village seeks to empower the future leaders of our world through self-expression via art, music, nature and love. Activities include playing of musical instruments, embodied movement, dance and theater. Children 12 and under receive free entry into the festival, so don’t be afraid to bring your little ones! In a world where the environment is becoming increasingly endangered, there’s something to be said about a group of humans who pour so much love into a gathering that promotes sustainability. Head over to Arisefestival.com to purchase tickets for this year’s event! Tickets can also be purchased at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, the Boulder Theater in Boulder and Rock ‘n’ Robin’s in Fort Collins. Take a leap of faith and give yourself permission to grow and transform with this amazing community.

LOCATION CROSS GENETICS 2440 W. EVANS AVE, DENVER, CO 80219

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PROMOTING CANNABIS LEGALIZATION ADVICE FROM TH E EXPERTS WRITER / KELLY VO

HE END OF CANNABIS prohibition is something we can all get behind. Whether you smoke, dab or just know someone who does, it’s clear that cannabis should be removed from the list of Schedule I drugs. The good news is that the United States is headed in the direction of legalization. This past May, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve the Veterans Equal Access Amendment (VEAA), creating a path to medical cannabis therapy for veterans. This November, it’s anticipated that over a dozen states may get to vote on pro-cannabis initiatives. Presidential candidates are even debating toking rights. Ending a 60 year prohibition doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why there are powerful organizations fighting on the front lines. These warriors are not only outspoken advocates for reformation, but valuable resources for voters as well. We spoke with Rusty White, a speaker for LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition), and Morgan Fox, communications manager at the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). They outlined how voters can make a difference in this upcoming election. Founded in 2002, LEAP is a non-profit organization made up of current and former members of the law enforcement and criminal justice communities. One member at a time, LEAP speaks on the “War on Drugs” in an effort to shed light on failed policies and promote drug policy reform. White is just one of LEAP’s many speakers. He

was a prison corrections officer and narcotics dog handler who had an up close and personal view of the rippling effects cannabis prohibition causes—it wasn’t a pretty sight. “I’ve buried friends, family and even officers because of it, and I realized that the path we were taking was the wrong path,” he shared, “I couldn’t keep doing it.” That’s why White now gives presentations to police departments, churches, rotary clubs and anyone willing to listen. “I would like people to stand up and not be silent any longer,” White said. “There are too many people being hurt; too many families being ruined; too many kids getting a lifetime record and college denial. It’s time for the American people to stand up and say, ‘We’ve had enough. We’re not going to support this farce any longer.’ It’s time to put an end to it.” As for Fox at the MPP—the nation’s largest marijuana policy reform organization—he lobbies lawmakers at the state and federal levels for sensible marijuana policy reforms. His and MPP’s goals are to support state ballot initiatives, make medical marijuana legal and put regulations on marijuana in place that are similar to alcohol regulations. “Misinformation is the biggest barrier, particularly as it relates to the dangers of marijuana,” Fox expressed. “When people realize that marijuana is objectively safer than alcohol, is not associated with aggression or violence, and does not cause fatal overdoses, it becomes very diffi-

NEWS

“WHEN PEOPLE REALIZE THAT MARIJUANA IS OBJECTIVELY SAFER THAN ALCOHOL, IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH AGGRESSION OR VIOLENCE, AND DOES NOT CAUSE FATAL OVERDOSES, IT BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY KEEPING IT ILLEGAL.” -MORGAN FOX

cult to justify keeping it illegal.” The key to cannabis legalization is education. Decision makers and the public need to be educated on the topic. “LEAP has been out there on the front lines, along with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and others to change the mindset about cannabis,” White admitted. “There have been countless lies about cannabis. The key is education. Voters need to arm themselves with accurate and honest information.” Once you’re armed with information, it’s about speaking up. “One of the best ways readers can get involved is to help spread that education and talk to people they know, as well as their elected legislators, about ending prohibition,” Fox said. “The biggest impact the national election will have on cannabis policy will be turnout.” Maine, Nevada, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Florida, Arkansas, Ohio and Missouri all have marijuana ballot initiatives

coming in the fall. “It is absolutely vital that voters in those states make it to the polls on Election Day,” Fox recommended. “For states without the ballot initiative process, supporters should contact their lawmakers and ask them to introduce or co-sponsor marijuana policy reform bills. Politicians need to know they do not need to be afraid of this issue.” If you want to fight for cannabis you have to get educated, speak out and never give up. “Every state is a ripe opportunity if the people will stand up and voice their opinions. You have to knock on doors, call your legislature, the mayor, city councilmen, anyone you can reach,” White encouraged. The next President could very well decide to reverse the drug policies and make marijuana a priority, it all depends on voters. Get involved by joining a cannabis policy reform organization, contacting your legisl ature and showing your support.

•Marijuana Policy Project: MPP was founded in 1995 and is the largest organization in the U.S. solely focused on marijuana prohibition. Visit www.mpp.org to get involved. •LEAP: LEAP is fighting the “War on Drugs” by gathering strength in numbers. They need your support to spread the message that cannabis should be regulated like alcohol. Visit www.leap.cc to join. •NORML: Founded in 1970, NORML’s mission is to move public opinion to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults. You can take action by visiting http://norml.org • Americans for Safe Access: The mission of ASA is to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic uses and research. They need your help to make medical cannabis legally available for everyone. Sign up at www.safeaccessnow.org.

PIECE

FACTS Cray’s favorites include Skeleton Shark ($2000.00) and Mr. Sunshine ($4000.00) Cray has worked closely with Cowboy, of Cowboy Glass, and looks to him as a major influence If you really want to know about the man, remember #NikoCraylovesyou.

G L AS S W I T H P E R S O NA L I T Y CHARACTERS BROUGHT TO LIFE WRITER / DRAKE CARNAHAN

PHOTO / WINDHOME

UT OF ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Niko Cray brings a fresh approach to glass using silky-smooth sculpting techniques to form the creatures that dreams are made of. Sharks, skeletons and even Mr. Sunshine are just a few you’re bound to meet when discovering the work of Cray. At 24 years of age, he exemplifies a life immersed in the art of glassblowing, studying his father, Tony Cray, a long time glass artist over at Snake Ranch Studios. His concepts bring personality and liveliness to creatures with adorning teeth, bones and accessories. Eclectic and fresh, this work speaks of a deep appreciation for street art, as seen in his exceptional ability to take these cartoon-like figures off paper and bring them to life.

Want one of your own? Check out any of his affiliated locations, including Torched Illusion: 133 SE 3rd Ave HILLSBORO, OR 97124. Models range from $200.00 up through the thousands.

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