Northern california

THE GREEN ISSUE M AY 2 0 1 7 F R E E

DEFENDING OUR PLANT EVERYWHERE

FEATURE YES, HEMP CAN SAVE THE WORLD

TRAVEL MIDDLE EASTERN GROWS LIFESTYLE MOONSHINE STONED STRAIN LONG VALLEY ROYAL KUSH EDIBLE RASPBERRY ROSE LYCHEE MALLOWS

CONCENTRATE COOKIES ’36 G-CUT STORE BASA—SAN FRANCISCO GARDEN MOONGAZER FARMS

THE

DIAZ BROTHERS PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES RECOVERING WITH CBD

THE FUTURE CLASSIC WHITE QUALITY MEE

I N FO @ F U T U RO L AU SA .CO M

OF ROLLING

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TS DUTCH BROWN

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MAY 2017 | THE GREEN ISSUE

EDITOR’S LETTER L

onger, warmer days…the smell of freshly mown grass hangs in the weekend air, and cannabis fields across the United States are being planted. That’s right, May has arrived and spring is upon us. Every May we celebrate another changing of the seasons, with The Green Issue calling attention to sustainability and our favorite green goddess: cannabis. Sustainability represents so much more than just green living; how we eat, treat one another and even do business affects the sustainability of our earth, and particularly our new and burgeoning marijuana industry.

Hitting the ground running, Nick and Nate Diaz made the perfect Green Issue cover. Whether training tirelessly in the ring or educating the public about cannabis, the Diaz brothers are always fighting to normalize the plant. Refusing to be anyone other than themselves has cost them at times, but their embrace of FlavRx and the cannabis industry opened doors Nike and Reebok burned long ago—not to

mention, they’ve been smoking as long as they’ve been fighting!

If hemp and farming are more your thing, we’ve got you covered. From urban farming to vermiculture and zero waste practices, sustainability has many different faces, no matter where you live.

Traveling all the way to the Middle East, we explore how Israel has “greenified” its deserts and pushed the boundaries of growing green, while advocates in North America introduce the potential to utilize hempcrete in international construction.

We even took a trip back in time to experience a secret trek to a moonshine still.

The beauty of The Green Issue is that it’s about so much more than being environmentally friendly. Part of living the DOPE LIFE is recognizing the impact everyone and everything has on one another. As we grow together, lessening our borders both mentally and physically, we have the opportunity to work together cooperatively, creatively and sustainably.

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EDITORIAL

THE GREEN ISSUE

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.

THE GREEN ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS MAY 2017

19 COVER FEATURE THE DIAZ BROTHERS

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SCIENCE THE SUSTAINABLE URBAN FARM

26

LIFESTYLE THROW IT AWAY

28

GROW URBAN VERMICOMPOSTING

30 NEWS ETHAN NADELMANN AND THE DPA 32

CULTURE GOVINDA DALTON: MEDIA WARRIOR AT STANDING ROCK

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INTERVIEW HEMPCRETE HOUSE

42 PRODUCTS WE LOVE CANNABIS 44 BRANDING DÉFONCÉ 52 #END420SHAME 54 TAG @DOPEMAGAZINE 58 FEATURE MOONSHINE STONED 62

WEED WEEK

66 FEATURE HEMP: NUTRITION, BATTERIES AND BEER 74 COMIC BY JOSH BOULET

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NEWS WHAT IS KRATOM?

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TRAVEL MIDDLE EASTERN GROWS

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NEWS BUSINESS VS. MEDICINE

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SCIENCE

YOUR OWN URBAN FARM COMPOST AND GARDEN LIKE A FARMER—IN THE CITY WRITERS / DAVID BAILEY, KATIE CONLEY AND SHONTELLE REYNA

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hat goes in, must come out. Our bodies are welloiled machines that thrive on balanced, organic foods and shut down on a steady diet of processed junk food. Add in concerns of global warming, rampant food waste and our personal carbon footprint, and the alliance between what—and how—we consume food becomes not simply a personal choice, but a global issue.

What do we put into our bodies, and what do we put out into the Earth?

We’ll be looking at the cyclical nature of food and composting. What you eat determines the resulting compostable scraps, which fuels your garden’s growth with its rich nutrients; the compost can be used to create an aerobic tea that feeds the soil, which further fuels the garden; you eat from the garden, and compost the scraps…you can see where I’m going with this. The circle of life. What goes in, must come out.

If you’re looking to be truly sustainable, there is no better green endeavor than to create your own compost/garden setup. Even if you have limited space, it’s possible for the compost and garden to feed one another in beautiful harmony. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to begin your sustainable journey.

1. INTAKE/CONSUMPTION This process begins with what you intake—not just what you eat, but also what you have on hand in your home or apartment. The foods and products we buy affect so much more than we realize; we have the convenience of packaging them up, shipping them out of sight and out of mind. The beauty of at-home composting and gardening is that the cycle of life takes shape directly in front of you, and responds to what you do and don’t feed it— much like your body.

Experiencing the cycle personally also reveals the effect of negative additives. The one time you add a grease-laden pizza box to your compost, you’ll see the immediate effects on the whole cycle—not to mention you’ll be eating and re-eating that mistake over and over as it passes on to your soil, and eventually through your vegetables, straight back to you. The circle chart we all learned in elementary biology becomes a living reality, linking us to our food and land.

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2. COMPOST Unlike the giant, cow manure-smelling piles you’re used to seeing at farms, home compost takes up a lot less space, and smells a whole lot better! Traditional composting at home can substantially reduce your trash, while simultaneously creating excellent soil supplements and reducing landfill waste. Not to mention, it’s easy! These days there are tons of pre-made home compost tumblers available online or in local stores that comfortably fit in a closet, or even under the sink.

Basically, compost starts with things found around the house. A proper compost cannot thrive on fruit and vegetable scraps alone. In fact, the system would hardly work at all, attracting flies and other animals. Rather, a healthy compost contains a mix of three general groups:

BOKASHI VS. COMPOST B

C FRUIT & VEGGIE SCRAPS PASTUERIZED EGG SHELLS

BROWNS Dead branches, twigs and leaves. This also includes recyclable cardboards and papers.

GREENS What you generally think of when it comes to composting: fruit and vegetable waste, coffee grounds, etc., as well as grass clippings and other green plants.

WATER A healthy compost needs water mixed in with items from the brown and green categories.

LIQUID EGG COFFEE GROUNDS CEREAL/GRAINS GRASS CLIPPINGS

If you don’t have access to a yard or foliage, sawdust, straw, alfalfa and even newspaper can be substituted. Variety is the spice of life in your compost.

By layering, then regularly turning and aerating your compost, you’ll slowly generate a humus-rich mix perfect for amending soils and feeding plants. Additionally, the completed compost batches can be easily stored, so you don’t have to use it all at once. And any excess mix makes a great spring gift for your gardening friends and family!

3. BOKASHI As anyone who has ever composted at home knows, you always have a lot more food scraps than you do “brown” material. This is where Bokashi comes in. Derived from the Japanese word for “fermented organic matter,” Bokashi composting can break down meats, dairy, eggs, bread and veggies in about half the time as traditional composting, and without the addition of “brown” materials such as papers, leaves or cardboard.

Though it doesn’t break the product down to the beautiful humus you need for soil, it can rapidly decay the more difficult items in preparation for its mixture into the final compost. In addition, the whole process takes place in just one bucket, and without any foul odors, meaning it can easily sit in your cupboard, or under the sink.

Bokashi composting is essentially a rapid fermentation of food scraps, using the same bacteria that are present in your stomach. These bacteria partner with special yeasts and photosynthetic bacteria, creating a magic trifecta ready to clean up your mess. The only maintenance necessary is adding additional bacterial inoculant, usually sold in wheat bran or saw dust, and draining the extracted liquid out of the bucket. After the bucket is full, let it sit about two weeks. It’s then ready to be added to your compost, or a fallow spot in your garden. The extracted liquid can be used to maintain or treat drains, septic systems, make household deodorizers and can even be diluted to feed your garden!

EGG CARTON/CARDBOARD DAIRY MEAT/FISH FOOD/PLATE SCRAPS BREAD CITRUS FLESH OILY FOODS PROCESSED FOODS

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POT FOR YOUR PLANT •• 4-5 inches: chives, lettuce, radishes, other salad greens,

basil, coriander •• 6-7 inches: bush beans, garlic, kohlrabi, onions, Asian greens,

peas, mint, thyme •• 8-9 inches: pole beans, carrots, chard, cucumber, eggplant, fennel,

leeks, peppers, spinach, parsley, rosemary •• 10-12 inches: beets, broccoli, okra, potatoes, sweet corn, summer

squash, dill, lemongrass

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4. GARDENING Now for the fun part. For most, gardening is often associated with wide open spaces, or at least a decently-sized back yard. Don’t let your lack of space stop you from gardening, city dwellers. Reaping the delicious rewards of growing your own food is still within your grasp, and a great way to use all the compost you’ve created. Utilize those balconies, porches and small patio spaces, and start growing your own vegetables and fruits in pots, as well as hanging and planter boxes. Here are some tips to get you started gardening in a small space.

LIGHT Understanding how much natural sunlight your garden location will receive is important. Salad greens like lettuce and cabbage handle the shade well, while most other garden crops flourish in full sunlight.

Tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers require around six hours of sunlight a day.

WATER Water is life, but too much will drown the budding plants. Depending on your location and pot size, correct watering levels can vary, but generally watering once a day and making sure your pots have good drainage makes for happy plants. Also consider the amount of rain your plants will receive.

WIND If you’re living in a windy city like Chicago, protecting your plants from getting battered can be tricky. Attempt to dry out their foliage using the shelter of a garden roof, or create a temporary windbreak with fencing or fabric. Larger plants can shield smaller plants, and clustering your potted plants close to one another can raise the humidity of each plant.

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Once you’ve decided just how you want to set up your garden space, you can finally use your compost! Blending your finished compost with potting soil for your plants is a natural fertilizer that introduces all types of positive bacteria, fungi and organic food to the roots. For established plants, you can even top the soil with compost for additional food, or blend with water and strain like a ‘tea’ to be used as an organic fertilizer.

Holistic green living often scares people off because it sounds like a lot of work.

Don’t get me wrong, it can be hard, but it’s mainly just breaking old habits. As the routine becomes normal, you will reap the benefits of fresh food, create minimal waste and a have cool new hobby to show off to your friends. Not to mention, you’re making a marked difference on the quality of your health, and that is priceless.

ARTICLE TITLE

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

THE SOFTER SIDE OF THE STOCKTON SLAP THE DIAZ BROTHERS’ JOURNEY FROM STREETWISE STOCKTON KIDS TO MMA LEGENDS WRITER / LUKE HARDY PHOTO / MIGUEL TIOTUICO

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ick and Nate Diaz have had their share of adventures in their short, 30-odd years of life, but make no mistake: they’ve played it all by their own rules. Whether it’s developing new cannabis products with FlavRx, training for triathlons or picking fights with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Connor McGregor, these brothers are going to tell you exactly what they fuckin’ think. And if you’re unlucky enough, they’re going to put a beat down on you…in the ring of course.

MAY AS WELL FIGHT Growing up in Stockton, California, had obstacles to say the least.

The streets didn’t provide much guidance and support leaving Nate’s sole descriptor of the city, “hardcore,” as accurate as growing up in Stockton was difficult. Whether Nick was born competitive or the streets made him a product of his environment, by the 5th grade Nick had taken up swimming and was drawn to wrestling.

The all too common story of a challenging home life and difficulty in school presented road blocks. When you’re worried about your next meal, swim equipment doesn’t top the “needs” charts. By 8th grade, Nick had been shipped around countless districts and was put on behavioral drugs in an attempt to “focus” his energy in the classroom. As a kid, Nick had always dreamed of being a pro basketball or football player, but that dream was quickly coming to an end. The system wasn’t designed for him. “I’m screwed anyways,” he thought. “I may as well fight.”

Life was a delicate balance. It wasn’t simple enough to only be about grades. You had to know how to walk down the streets without making eye contact, while still being able to recognize when shit was going down. As much as a gym scares many people, the gym offered a safe haven. Partnering his love for sports with an innate skill-set, it was a natural match. There, he could focus his talents and at 16 learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). By 18, Nick was going to every tournament he could to hone his skills. His mantra? “If it don’t kill ya, it’ll make ya stronger.”

Like any younger brother, Nate would follow Nick, especially to the gym. “I was just sitting at home, wondering if I was going to be able to eat dinner that night,” remembers Nate. “The older guys would sometimes buy a burrito if I went and worked out with Nick, so I figured I may as well eat.”

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"HEY, IT'S NOT COOL TO BE GANGSTA ANYMORE . . . BUT THAT'S COOL, BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY.'" – NICK DIAZ

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ARTICLE TITLE

PURE VISION Nate says Nick introduced him to weed in the 6th grade. Now, it’s simply a lifestyle. Do a dab to reduce the anxiety of an upcoming fight. Take a hit before heading out on a 10-mile run. Focus and get down to business, instead of worrying about all the bullshit. They smoke a little and “take a trip” while training for an upcoming match or triathlon event. Coming to peace with themselves, eliminating insecurities and utilizing a more tactical mindset are just a few ways cannabis has positively influenced their lives. Do they ever get a little too high? Possibly. But hell, that’s just part of the game.

Cannabis isn’t known for its performance-enhancing characteristics, particularly when compared to steroids and amphetamines. The MMA boards that oversee competitors and control industry regulations, however, have banned cannabis use. When Nick started his career 17 years ago, MMA fighters were looked down upon. The sport wasn’t respected. Yet through hard work, perseverance and some good old-fashioned Diaz attitude, Nick and Nate finally feel distinguished and appreciated. The brothers are proud of their accomplishments, and of the sport they’ve worked so hard to excel in. Yet, the powers that be continue to hold Nick and Nate back.

“It’s not [what] they are looking for, but it should be,” proclaims Nate. “The opportunities [MMA leaders] are missing out on shows they are still not in touch with their fans, [or] the current and future position of the cannabis industry.”

For all the blood and sweat Nick and Nate have poured into MMA, they continue to be blacklisted and ignored by the mainstream industry. The marketing executives do not want to promote their “cannabis lifestyle.” Even with a changing demographic, and an alleviated cannabis stigma as legalization spreads across the country, the brothers still get no love. Giants like Reebok and Nike, for instance, will only approach them with lifestyle stipulations in their contracts. But don’t go looking to Nate to give a fuck. “Keep your deals,” he says. “I’m more interested in working with someone who has a deeper vision. We get plenty of love from the cannabis community. So fuuuuuuck them.”

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FUCKING SHRIMP EVERYWHERE Some may be surprised to learn that Nick and Nate are both vegan. Early on in their careers, they realized the importance of nutrition, whether it was eating a tri-tip steak that resulted in three days of lost training, having a bad reaction from all the “hydrogenated shit” in chewing gum, or seeing the difficulties of controlling one’s water weight after eating gluten. The brothers realized the importance of recharging their bodies with wholesome, pure-energy foods.

So what do they eat to maintain their muscle mass, since they haven’t eaten meat in almost two decades? “I used to eat a lot of shrimp and fish,” states Nick. “But all these taco trucks? And shrimp? There’s fucking shrimp everywhere. You have to be careful not to overload on anything.” And it’s not necessarily about loving animals—it’s about loving people. “If we weren’t all eating meat the way we do, the world would be a better place,” Nick muses, citing the sustainability issues that come from raising and selling meat.

“It’s always a big ordeal when going out to eat. But I’m happy to go over it,” says Nick. “I can eat sides of vegetables and rice.

Rice is my favorite.” Those $0.99 cheeseburgers look good when you don’t have any money, or are worried about your next meal, but they ruin your body and offset all of the hard work you put in at the gym. Between the natural food section at their grocers to their protein supplement sponsors, Nick and Nate complete their diets with better choices and better calories.

NOT COOL BEING GANGSTA ANYMORE When the Diaz brothers began making a name for themselves, they didn’t have the money for flashy suits, or money to employ a high-powered marketing firm to promote their image. They had to craft their brand themselves, and they tackled this obstacle the only way they knew how: with an in-your-face, “this is us, and we are here to fuck your shit up” philosophy. According to Nick, “approaching life with this attitude led to many negatives, but also painted the picture of how to do things right.”

You need to ruffle a few feathers to build a multi-million-dollar empire, especially when you come from humble beginnings. And Nick and Nate aren’t ones to shy away from a challenge.

“Hey, it’s not cool to be gangsta anymore,” grins Nick. “But that’s cool, because there are so many opportunities to take advantage of in the cannabis industry.” And with so many states legalizing, cannabis doesn’t have to be seen as gangsta anymore.

From CBD and cannabis rubs aiding in training recovery, to droppers, joints and dabs intended to relax and refocus, the Diaz Brothers are excited to be an integral part in the progression of the cannabis industry.

There’s money to be made in this growing scene, but those with innovative vision and a willingness to take risks, will be truly profitable and rewarded. Just ask Nick and Nate Diaz.

F or more Diaz Brothers content, v isit www.dopemagazine.com/diaz-brothers Contact: Matt Staudt @anchorsocial

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LIFESTYLE

THROW IT AWAY

WHAT IS BEHIND OUR THROWAWAY CULTURE AND WHY CAN’T WE FIX IT? WRITER / SCOTT PEARSE

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here’s something quaint about visiting a repairman. Most of us shop at big-box stores to replace a malfunctioning item, rather than look to have it fixed. But tinkering is a time-honored tradition. If we can’t be a nation that makes things anymore, surely we can prioritize employment of those who can fix what we already have.

PURCHASING HABITS We purchase fridges, toasters, clothes, shoes, thousands of different things—and if any of these items break, our first reaction is to purchase a replacement and throw the defective item away. Our economy is designed to work this way, from the ground up. Growth for many companies is tied to how often they can sell you their product.

This isn’t an issue exclusive to the US. All developed western economies are producing waste at a prodigious rate. With sustainability concerns looming overhead, creative thinking is required—and some countries are stepping up to the plate. Sweden, for instance, has created an interesting tax incentive to prioritize repair over replacement. Those who bring bicycles, clothes or shoes to be repaired will have their VAT (Value Added Tax) slashed by half.

Say labor and parts for a repair person to fix your fridge costs $200. In Sweden, VAT on that transaction adds an extra $50. The tax incentive to repair rather than replace would reduce VAT by half, to $25.

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS AND PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE Could a similar program benefit the American economy? Unfortunately, the situation in the states is complicated by intellectual property laws. Gay Gordon-Byrne is the Executive Director of The Repair Association, an organization that fights for consumer rights—specifically, the right to fix purchased products. According to Gordon-Byrne, “[t]he core problem of blocked repair is not copyright law, but contract law. Copyright law already allows for repair and customization, research, interoperability and use. Purchase agreements often reference some kind of license agreement, and in the license agreement the rights of ordinary use of hardware, including repair, are removed.”

Most famously, companies such as Apple and John Deer are guilty of making the repair process more complicated than it needs to be. They only allow authorized repair technicians to work on their products after sale and keep repair manuals out of the public sphere, effectively barring outside influence on broken products. Gordon-Byrne explains: “Many manufacturers have emulated Apple. Consumers have no idea what rights they give away when installing or even turning on a machine. Most license agreements are written knowing that the consumer will not read it, cannot understand the jargon and cannot negotiate it anyway.”

Could the United States of America follow Sweden’s lead, and cut taxes to incentivize repair over replacement? Gordon-Byrne says that “[s]tates mostly control sales tax, but we do not know of any sales tax initiatives in states, either. When big iconic brands lead in opposition to repair, it takes very strongly principled leadership to remain open to repair in the face of huge opportunities for profit growth. Every local repair job adds to our economy—and nearly every technology purchase stimulates factory jobs in Asia.”

Only time will tell whether more countries will prioritize sustainability over profit. And as our planet continues to suffer the effects of pollution and overconsumption, repairing our broken products may no longer be an option, but a necessity.

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LIFESTYLE

URBAN VERMICOMPOSTING WRITER / ANDREA LARSON

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f, like most city dwellers, your outdoor space is limited, worm composting is a great alternative to larger outdoor composting beds. When growing indoors, vermicomposting is convenient, easy to set up and will provide an organic soil “conditioner” that can be used in potted plants, and of course, your ganja garden.

Plus, vermicomposting is rich in beneficial bacteria and fungi, not to mention invaluable humus and available nutrients!

GETTING STARTED If you’re the DIY-type, building a worm bed can be simple and fun, especially if you have kids! There are also many inexpensive options sold online and in stores that make getting started a cinch. Below is a short list of materials you’ll need if going the DIY route. Much of this information is readily available online.

MAINTENANCE

HARVESTING YOUR WORMS’ COMPOST

Much of vermicomposting literature suggests starting with one pound, roughly 1,000, red wigglers AKA Eisenis fetida. Starting your worm bin at a slow pace and allowing them to “grow” into their new home is suggested, as they do reproduce at a fairly quick rate.

Overfeeding your worms can result in a slew of problems. Red wigglers can eat half their weight in food every day, so if you start with one pound of worms, yep—you guessed it, you can feed them half a pound of food each day. It can take your worms a few weeks to get settled into their new digs, thereby feeding them less during this interim period is advised.

Replenishing your worms’ bedding is another crucial step in maintaining a healthy environment for your worms. After a few months of proper maintenance, it will be time to use the worms’ castings in your gardens and flower pots. After harvesting the compost mix, which can be done in several different ways, simply replenish the newspaper and cardboard within the compost receptacle. Your worms will thrive in a moist environment, but don’t do well if saturated with water. Keeping a spray bottle handy is a hassle-free way of reintroducing moisture into your worm farm.

One of the simplest ways to harvest the worm castings is to physically move most of the compost to one side or tray of your bin, then bate the worms to a new location with their food. After a few weeks, most of the worms will have made their way to the new location and you can harvest the castings and compost from the area from which they migrated. Keep your eye out for worms while you harvest, and simply pluck them by hand from the compost.

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PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

FOOD SCRAP GUIDE YES

NO

Fruit and Veggie Peels

Meat Scraps

Pulverized Egg Shells (tossed into blender beforehand) Tea Bags

Dairy

Coffee grounds (limited quantities)

Oily foods

Citrus Rinds (limited quantities) Cereal / Grains Dead flowers Egg Cartons / Cardboard (no inks or dyes)

FRUIT FLIES: You can avoid fruit flies in the first place by following these simple steps.

•

Bury food and waste under newspaper and cardboard.

Bones

•

Don’t overfeed your worms.

Fish

•

Keep your bin in an area that will regulate temperature. Your worms will be happiest in a bin kept between 55°-75° Fahrenheit.

Citrus Flesh Bread (can attract red mites) Potato Skins Onion, garlic, ginger

WORMS ARE ESCAPING: Escaped worms are trying to tell you something.

•

To o m u c h a c i d i t y c a n r e s u l t i n unhappy worms—minimize or avoid coffee grounds and citrus.

•

Add more bedding if the bin appears to be too wet, or spritz the bedding with water if it appears too dry.

Candy (can attract ants) Potato chips Plastic, rubber bands, sponges, aluminum foil, glass, etc.

DIY VERMICOMPOSTING NEEDS •

One 10gal opaque plastic tote (worms despise light)

•

Roughly 50 newspaper pages torn into ½-1’’ strips (avoid pages printed with colored ink)

•

2-4 cups of soil

•

Cardboard (paper towel rolls are ideal, and free)

•

Food Scraps

•

One pound of worms (red wigglers or manure worms)

•

Spray bottle

MOLD: If you notice that food in your bin is molding, it’s most likely due an excess of scraps.

•

Feed your worms less often.

•

Remove any visibly moldy scraps.

ODOR: Your worm farm should not be odorous. Here are a few simple steps to mitigate odor: •

Tr y adding pulverized eggshells, rock dust or crushed oyster shells into the mix.

•

Place food under newspaper or cardboard, as opposed to tossing scraps on the top of your mix.

Growing organic is a popular term, but realistically, most people aren’t being organic at all. By learning to recycle with worms, you will gain a deeper understanding of the plant life cycle, not to mention you’ll end up with less waste and healthier plants!

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NEWS

ETHAN NADELMANN’S FIGHT AGAINST THE WAR ON DRUGS NEW ADMINISTRATION, NEW CHALLENGES WRITER / DAVID HODES

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PHOTO / GABRIEL DE PAIVA

nyone who has heard Ethan Nadelmann speak will remember how passionate he is about the topic of drug reform. His speech at the 2015 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Arlington, Virginia literally quieted the audience of 2,000 as he recounted some of the terrible drug enforcement policies in the U.S. and other parts of the world, some that still maintain a death penalty for simple possession.

Nadelmann is the founder and executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), a drug reform advocacy organization that also played a significant role in creating the initiative that resulted in the legalization of cannabis in Washington, D.C. Nadelmann, now 60 years old and looking for more challenges, recently announced that he is stepping down from the DPA in late April. “I feel that I have accomplished a lot over my years in a lot of ballot initiatives going back to 1996,” he said.

“What I feel that I am really trying to do now is ensure that the DPA continues to flourish and grow and be effective under the new leadership. But at the same time, I am looking forward to new adventures, and remain in marijuana reform and other drug reform issues,” he said. “It’s an unusual time for me, but one that feels quite right.”

The DPA aims to end the war on drugs. But legalization of marijuana has become more challenging as the new administration continues to send mixed signals about what they will—or will not—do on a federal level for legalization.

“What I think they will do is pull out the Cole memo from 2013 and start interpreting that more strictly,” Nadelmann said. “They are going to target asset forfeiture actions or do prosecutions of key players in the industry, and look for ways to generally make life difficult for the future of marijuana legalization.”

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He thinks that it’s time for the serious players in the industry to become more sophisticated in their advocacy at the federal level, and more effectively align with advocacy organizations like the DPA. Some of the more aggressive advocacy organizations, such as the DCMJ in D.C., believe that there is a more direct route to legalization law-making and regulation: through acts of civil disobedience.

They believe that the DPA and similar advocate organizations move too slowly, and are missing opportunities to push the legalization agenda.

“It’s not an either-or thing,” Nadelmann said.

“Effective advocacy typically involves [a] combination of sophisticated grass roots and grass tops advocacy in support of a strategic agenda. I think that street theater [civil disobedience] can play a valuable role in advancing that agenda, but can also set it backwards sometimes.”

In an op-ed column published by the New York Times in late February, Nadelmann wrote that the new administration has “cast a chill” over the legal and regulated marijuana industry by “challenging the ability of state authorities to regulate the industry.”

But a recently formed Congressional Cannabis Caucus, created by two Democrat and two Republican congressmen, gives momentum to legislation efforts by creating an opportunity to embark on more effective bi-partisan action.

“Renewing the Earl Blumenauer amendment (to deschedule marijuana and regulate it like alcohol), and then reintroducing the McClintock Polis amendment (to prevent the Department of Justice from interfering in state marijuana laws) and getting that passed by Congress has to be a significant part of the legalization work done in 2017,” Nadelmann said.

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C U LT U R E

THIS IS NOT A TEST GOVINDA DALTON, INDIGENOUS MEDIA WARRIOR WRITER / WILL KERSTEN REFERENCE / GOVINDA DALTON: GOVINDA@EARTHCYCLES.NET

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I

n August 2016, a man named Govinda Dalton arrived at the Sioux Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota to join a growing encampment of indigenous peoples and supporters gathered there to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline from desecrating sacred tribal land and polluting the Missouri river. Govinda came with a gift. The van he arrived in was outfitted with solar panels, a recording studio, FM radio transmitter and satellite link-up for live-feed webcasting. Over the next six months, as the crowd grew, tensions swelled and temperatures dropped to forty below, Govinda’s “mobile indigenous media van” allowed water protectors to broadcast strategic messages throughout the camp, as well as news and live footage to the rest of the world.

This is Govinda’s work—from exposing the impacts of uranium mining at the Grand Canyon and its threat to the Navajo people, to examining issues with the US/Mexico border wall slated to cross the ancestral lands of the Tohono O’odham, to building “Crow Voices” in Montana, a community radio station of the Crow Nation, which start-

ed with teepee poles as its antenna tower.

“We want to accent traditional indigenous values and bring up the narrative on what’s going on in indigenous lands and the resource extraction industry,” says Govinda.

Some friends call him Go, and it’s an apt name. The man is constantly on the move and difficult to pin down, but if he does get a rest, it’s in his yurt, far off the grid in a vast Northern California forest, where a collective of families has lived for decades.

The air is crisp, clean and quiet—except for the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, and occasional laughter coming from the pond.

Wild turkeys run around in packs, and gardens fenced with deer netting sprout vegetables and medicinal herbs. This place is a living, breathing example of Govinda’s vision of community, based largely on the traditional indigenous values for which he so passionately fights.

Govinda started working with the Native American community in 1994, after helping to form Free Radio Berkeley, an unlicensed, or pirate, Bay Area radio station that also built transmitters and sent them around the

world to marginalized communities. He began to look at indigenous communities here in the United States, and the issues of tribal sovereignty and treaties, that—though constitutional law—were not being upheld by the United States government. “Indigenous communities never relinquished the airwaves to the US government,” he says, “and using that as a foundation, we connected with various tribes like the Western Shoshone, and the Timbisha Shoshone in Death Valley.”

Govinda would go into these villages, set up radio stations and teach the community how to use them; fixing antennas, recording and archiving audio, conducting interviews.

His stations became celebrated as empowering central communication hubs. “The idea was to use the radio to revitalize the language by airing shows that actually spoke the language. This was one component of a cultural renaissance we were looking to facilitate— as well as issues going on with resource extraction, and that’s the way it began.”

With overwhelming problems of resource extraction, indigenous sovereignty and the

“WE WANT TO ACCENT TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS VALUES AND BRING UP THE NARRATIVE ON WHAT’S GOING ON IN INDIGENOUS LANDS AND THE RESOURCE EXTRACTION INDUSTRY” – GOVINDA DALTON

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health and vitality of the planet as a whole, how do we understand the big picture, and where do we look for solutions? Indeed, it all becomes difficult to pin down. But we have to start somewhere. As Govinda puts it: “It’s a mandala of issues. Focus in on one point as you step back, and the whole thing comes into view.” One obvious solution, according to Govinda, is the utilization of industrial hemp—both as a way to offset the environmental impact of other, more harmful industries, but also as a resource for indigenous communities to build economic value and independence in a way that aligns with their traditional values. “For indigenous communities that don’t have any resource base—places like the Dakotas—hemp has been looked at as a strategy for indigenous communities to revitalize and provide for themselves,” he says.

Hemp—a form of cannabis that offers no psychoactive properties (you can’t get high from it)—does offer seemingly countless industrial applications. It can be processed into paper and composite wood products, biofuels, resins and plastics, cosmetics, medicines—the list goes on. Some researchers even speculate the fibers can carry an electric current. Combine hemp with other solutions like wind and solar energies,

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and we could eliminate the need for pipelines, uranium mining and coal-fired power plants altogether.

Geoff Whaling, president of the Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council, says, “What I’m most excited about is the phytoremediation properties of industrial hemp, that is, a crop that can take contaminants out of the soil. This is a crop that needs no pesticides, no fertilizers and consumes three times the CO2 of any other crop on the planet.” Recently, Geoff helped craft legislation known as the Comer Bill—named for Kentucky Republican Representative James Comer. This would legalize industrial hemp on the federal level. “And the Comer Bill, if it is introduced the way that I saw it, is going to allow tribal councils to grow hemp—a crop that can deliver more revenues per acre than any other crop,” Geoff says.

Hemp has the potential to heal not only our bodies and the planet, but cultural wounds as well. This crop could allow indigenous communities to rise economically and assert their sovereignty in a way that works in harmony with the planet and one another, as opposed to ceding to destructive corporate exploitation. Rather than resource extraction, hemp could be an infusion of resources into the culture of indig-

enous groups. And perhaps this could facilitate an infusion of indigenous values into mainstream American culture in return.

To Govinda, Standing Rock was a model for the twenty-first century village. “When I got there in August of 2016,” he says, “there were 500 people, and as things went on, there were upwards of 11,000 people. Everyone was fed, there was no economic exchange, and the whole community worked as a single organism in dealing with the infrastructure—bathrooms, showers, communication—and the focus of protecting the water. That brought a continuity of consciousness, Prayer was a living thing that everyone experienced every day as well. The ceremonies added this magic connection to the earth, the water, the resources and each other. That was an exquisite experience to feel the unification of—and really understand—the native term ‘all my relations.’”

Where does that term come from? Govinda says, “It’s a phrase indigenous people use to recognize that we live in a synchronized, unified whole—that we all evolved together with the trees, the birds, the fish and the animals. We don’t see ourselves as separate, but inclusive of all living things.”

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The Southwest Cannabis Conference and Expo create an electric environment where industry members, entrepreneurs, local leaders, companies, job seekers and curious individuals come to learn about the rapidly expanding cannabis industry and the impact on our changing culture. Together we bridge the gap between state programs, education and responsible patient care. Get involved and learn more today.

EDUCATE, ENGAGE, EMPOWER. REGISTER FOR THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MMJ EXPO EVENTS

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R E G I S T E R & L E A R N M O R E AT S W C C E X P O.C O M

INTERVIEW

EMBODIED ENERGY PAMELA BOSCH AND HER HOUSE OF HEMP WRITER / WILL KERSTEN PHOTO / MICHAEL DYRLAND

G

randmother, artist and activist, Pamela Bosch, is rebuilding her Bellingham, Washington home using hemp, love of community and a spirit of ingenuity.

She is a pioneer in America’s hemp-building movement, and an active player in the larger grassroots effort to improve the world, as Pamela puts it, “from the bottom up.”

In 2015, Pamela began researching hempcrete, a sustainable, non-toxic building material, made from mixing hemp hurd (the inner part of the stalk), lime and water. She traveled the world, networking and researching, then built a prototype outbuilding in her backyard. It’s an all-natural, breathable wall insulate that resists pests and mold and regulates humidity, with none of the off-gassing or harmful effects of common building materials.

I recently had a chance to meet Pamela and see her work in progress. We started in her living room—a cornucopia of guitars, hand drums, a piano, paintings and artist’s supplies. She showed me the plans for her renovation, then took me out back, past an old pickup truck with a forest mural painted on its sides, to her beautiful little hempcrete studio.

As expected, the space had an earthy feel.

The wall colors were neutral and calming.

There was a built-in loft bed, a sitting area and a mat with a red pillow on the floor. A fresh Spring breeze came through the open windows and cooled the air. The acoustics were similar to that of a concert hall.

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DOPE Magazine: How did you get into this?

Pamela Bosch: My house was built in the late sixties. It’s not very efficient, and it has a flat roof that's rotting, so I knew I would need to remodel at some point. I started looking for a non-toxic insulation. I thought, since the Canadians have been growing hemp for almost twenty years, they would probably be making insulation from the stalk. But it was only available in Europe.

So, I kept Googling hemp insulation, and the term 'hempcrete' came up. That was it. That was about three years ago and I haven't stopped researching. Last year, Steve Allin, who lives in Ireland and wrote one of the first books on building with hempcrete (Building With Hemp, Seed Press, 2005), came over and did a workshop. We had about fifteen people come from Alaska, L.A., locally and [other] different places, and we built this demonstration shed. Now, I'm tearing the west side of my house off and rebuilding with hempcrete.

How long will it take?

April 10, 2017 was the launch date. The demolition started shortly after that. There was some concrete work, removing some asphalt. Now the framing will probably take six to eight weeks. Then we're going start with the packing of the hemp, anywhere from mid-June to mid-July. I'm thinking that will take two months in total.

Packing the hemp—how does that work?

You get a great big pan [concrete] mixer, and you mix together the hemp, lime and water. When it's the right consistency and in the right proportions, you put the mixture in five-gallon buckets, and then take it to your forms. Your forms are maybe two-and-a-half feet high, with spacers, around your [wall] studs. You dump the hempcrete in there, level it off, and then tamp it down with a mallet. This way your studs are all encased, with your wiring and plumbing already in place.

You remove the forms in a couple of hours, move the forms up and do another row. You just keep going, adding hemp.

"THE IDEA IS TO BEGIN WITH A GRASSROOTS MODEL THAT WILL EVENTUALLY IMPACT THE WORLD." 39

How will this house be used as a community resource?

I intend to use this house as an educational facility. I want to accommodate groups of people—and jam sessions, too.

An educational facility centered around hemp-building?

Yeah, but that spills over into advocacy and green building.

It spills into community organizing. I like to keep it open. The idea is begin with a grass-roots model that will eventually impact the world. You know, if we're going to have a democracy, it needs to be bottom up; not top down. You can see, it's not working the other way.

Where does your energy and passion come from?

I don't know. Maybe I was born a renegade. I identify myself as an artist by nature. I've always been excited by what we can do if we put our minds to it. I studied art because art includes everything. And that's our essential nature—to be creative, to be in this world, to interact and change, imagine and dream and assist in good outcomes.

You know, we're not passive victims; we're activators. What we think about and do today is the legacy we’ll leave. I have grandchildren…but it’s not just for them, it's for the future of humanity.

That reminds me of the Native American 'Seventh Generation' philosophy, where the idea is to look seven generations ahead when making decisions.

It really places us in a meaningful context, and changes the way you think about things. I feel very fortunate. This property, the city and all the people that have shared with me have created this perfect storm where something like this could be pioneered. I almost feel like I’m just witnessing this set of circumstances that let this take place. It's a kind of creative impulse. I feel a lot of purpose behind what I'm doing, and that the world is giving me the support I need.

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PRODUCTS WE LOVE WRITER / SHONTELLE REYNA

PHOTO / TREVOR BOONE

WANDERINGBUD Accurately coined “perfectly imperfect,” these handmade rolling trays are the perfect addition to your smoking wares.

WanderingBud has elevated the joint rolling experience with their unique hexagon shape, 22kt gold accents and a small trough in the center of the tray for easier joint rolling.

The porcelain clay trays range from plain white to beautiful blue speckled versions. They make a dazzling addition to the coffee table, both in beauty and practicality. etsy.com/shop/WanderingBud @wanderingbud Price: $28

CANNABLOOM

DOUGHROLLER

This cannabis-infused beauty oil is as versatile as it is beneficial.

Can be used for everything from skin oils, diffusers, baths, vaporizers—even cooking! It’s high in omega-6s, making it beneficial for psoriasis care and protection from sun damage, and high in omega-3s, which helps reduce blood clots and varicose veins.

The oil also encompasses cannabis’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Blossom into your best skin with CannaBloom.

For those cannabis-loving bakers out there, this rolling pin is a treat.

Embossed with marijuana leaves, made of beech wood and hand polished, these beautifully crafted rolling pins are sure to enhance all your baking projects. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next bake sale, dinner party or holiday gathering. etsy.com/listing/271473408/cannabis Price: $24.90

facebook.com/cannabloom/ @CannaBloom_Beauty Price: $43

KONG WRAPS Smoke like a King—Kong wraps are made from 100 percent natural hemp for a clean, slow burn, giving you a more satisfying smoking experience. From humble beginnings to gorilla-sized growth, Kong Wraps has made their dream of creating connoisseur-caliber cannabis products a reality. kongwraps.com @kongwraps Price: $2.50

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WEED AND WATERMELON Pin collecting is a culture all its own, and as L.A. leads the charge in new and unique fashion, it only makes sense that the two worlds have collided. Grown in Los Angeles, Weed and Watermelon accessories are an ideal addition to any cannabis-appreciative collector.

They’re an accessible, affordable item that speaks to your personality and advocacy for the ever-evolving acceptance of the flower. etsy.com/shop/WeedandWatermelon @weedandwatermelon Price: $12.99

PAN’S INK

SILVER STICK

Pan, the Greek goat god, is said to have used plants and herbs to make his magical inks and cure his patients. Inspired by stories of Pan, this aromatic tincture was made with aromatherapy-grade essential oils, designed to offer consistent relief during your regular cannabis smoke sessions. Pick your desired effect: Relax, +Relief, Sensual, Drowsy, Daydream or Focus.

This sleek Horween leather kit is an excellent fit for everyone, from a rough and tumble mountain man with its sturdy, well-crafted design, to a white collar business man, with its distinctly classy feel. It’s also just the right size for your pocket or small purse. The discreet and compact design makes this the ultimate travel kit.

http://www.pans-ink.com https://www.facebook.com/PansInk/ Price: $10

thesilverstick.com @thesilverstick Price: $55+

MAINELY IDEAS These handmade mini cribbage boards are beautifully crafted out of birch wood. Size matters, and this clever design is small enough to pack on a trip, or fit in any bag or pocket. Whether it be a day at the park or a weekend getaway, “grab a bud” and get your cribbage on! www.etsy.com/listing/262763982/420-friendly-miniature-cribbage-boards @mainely_ideas_etsy Price: $20

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CANNABRANDING

CALIFORNIA LOVE DÉFONCÉ CHOCOLATIERS RAISE THE EDIBLE BAR WRITER / BRANDON PALMA / 8TH DAY CREATE PHOTO / PROVIDED BY DÉFONCÉ

W

hen you think of edibles, what comes to mind? Brownies? Candies? Luxuriously designed chocolate bars that would shut down Willy Wonka? Raising the (chocolate) bar when it comes to cannabis edible branding, packaging and consumption, we spoke with Bianca Ruffin at Défoncé Chocolatiers to give us a bit of insight on this amazing company out of California!

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8th Day Create: What is the inspiration behind your brand?

Bianca Ruffin: An elegant elevation. The industry has seen a growing market for lower, highly-consistent dosing as more people become comfortable with being open about cannabis consumption. We wanted to meet that demand with a great-tasting and effective product.

What message do you want to portray with your branding?

Bianca Ruffin: Quality. We want Défoncé to be synonymous with an expectation that is met at every level, from potency to flavor profile.

Is there any special meaning to the colors or references in your branding and packaging?

Bianca Ruffin: The packaging was a statement to the duality of edibles: making something that has been historically lowend into something high-end. So we played with opposing colors and textures to communicate this concept: the softtouch black paper versus the gold foil logo, the dark outer versus the colorful inner of the box, and the two-dimensional pattern on the box versus the three-dimensional pattern of the chocolate mold. Apropos to defining each flavor, we utilized geometric patterns and color. Some of the patterns are more literal (like Mint and Coffee) while others are subjective interpretations of the flavor (like Milk and Dark). For the overall color scheme, it was a love letter to our dearest state—we searched for a collection of soft, delicate colors that are common to California to represent each flavor.

How do you feel your brand and identity reflect the cannabis industry?

We're seeing a shift in the industry, as more companies move from behind the "Emerald Curtain." This puts cannabis brands in a position to think of themselves the way any other CPG company would, and this has been our focus.

WEBSITE: DEFONCE.COM INSTAGRAM: @DEFONCECHOCOLATIER

How are you making your brand distinguishable throughout the ever-growing cannabis industry?

Défoncé has always, and will always, focus on the highest quality ingredients. From seed-grown, outdoor cannabis to ethically sourced cacao, our focus is to build and maintain trust in our brand and offer an unsurpassed flavor profile.

Each month, we feature a brand that is shaping the modern image of cannabis through smart design and quality production.

We’re always on the lookout and welcome submissions! Email bpalma@dopemagazine.com or follow us on instagram @8thdaycreate and let us know about your Canna Brand!

“DÉFONCÉ HAS ALWAYS, AND WILL ALWAYS, FOCUS ON THE HIGHEST QUALITY INGREDIENTS. FROM SEED-GROWN, OUTDOOR CANNABIS TO ETHICALLY SOURCED CACAO.” 45

NEWS

HEALING PLANT, OR ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE?

SOUTHEAST ASIA’S KRATOM LEAF DRAWS CONTROVERSY WRITER / JAKE UITTI

T

hroughout the course of botanical history, there have been two distinct types of people: those who want to ingest plants for their medicinal and psychoactive properties, and those who want to make those plants illegal. Most recently, the debate has centered on the Southeast Asian leaf Kratom, a natural painkiller ingested to treat chronic illness. But the plant, which comes from a tropical evergreen tree, also has several recreational benefits.

In low doses Kratom can act as a stimulant.

At high doses it can act as a sedative, similar to a narcotic. The substance, which many say is more “subtle” than marijuana, is banned by the military and is illegal in six states. In 2014, the FDA began seizing Kratom coming into the U.S., and in 2016 the DEA announced its intentions to regulate the plant, receiving protest from users. Still, many enjoy its effects, often mixing the soluble ground powder in chocolate milk shakes, grapefruit juice or tea, while others take it in pill form.

“I first tried it when I was kicking heroin,” says Molly, a 40-year-old writer and sex workers’ rights advocate living in New York City, who buys Kratom from a local smoke shop. “It was something to mitigate some of the symptoms of withdrawals. I have

46

Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome) and was taking benzos and heroin to combat some of the pain associated with these chronic illnesses.

I take the Kratom the same way.”

But others, like Vermont’s Sophia, a 22-yearold clinical herbalist student training to work as a physician in community clinics, take the drug for the body high and stimulation.

And while Kratom is currently mostly legal, Sophia says the pharmaceutical industry is working to change this, likely because the leaf infringes on all-powerful profit margins. “ G i v e n t h a t i t ’s a n a l t e r n a t i v e t o pharmaceuticals,” she explains, “and people usually take it when they’re trying to get off pain meds, it’s a threat to big pharma. It should be more accessible. I know a lot of people who have chronic pain and use it on the regular.” Sophia says she began using Kratom, which usually tastes like green tea or seaweed, recreationally.

“I was curious about it,” she admits. “For some, it’s more of a pain killing sedative, for others it gives them more energy, boost and focus. When I first took it, I felt a lot of motivation in the first two hours. After that, I kind of got sleepy and relaxed.”

During those productive hours, Sophia says she completed errands and chores around the house like gardening, homework and “bureaucratic” tasks. But the main risk of the plant, which users feel the effects of in about 5-15 minutes, is that people can develop a tolerance to the plant rather easily. As a result, the herbalist-in-training recommends those interested start slowly and cautiously.

“It’s important that people know it’s a powerful plant,” she explains. “I definitely think it’s easy to become dependent on. I’m not a very addictive person and as I started to take Kratom, I kind of wanted to take it every day. Your tolerance increases really fast.

I do feel like it’s been very useful for me, but I don’t think I can make any generalizations about its usefulness for others.”

While still new to America, Kratom may continue to maintain its mysterious status if regulations on the drug increase. The plant could potentially help those going through withdrawals or dealing with chronic illness; it could be consumed in dangerous amounts by those unaware of the plant’s addictive qualities. The future of Kratom is unclear, but further study is necessary to understand this natural painkiller.

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T R AV E L

GREENING THE EARTH WITH SUSTAINABLE CANNABIS WRITER / SESHATA

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A

s the legal cannabis industry becomes one of the world’s most important business sectors, there is an increasing need to minimize the industry’s impact on the environment, wherever possible.

In many parts of the world, where cannabis has been traditionally grown for centuries, cannabis is already very much a sustainable crop. Afghanistan, a country known for producing some of the world’s finest hashish—and for many years, as one of the top global producers of cannabis—is just one example.

In general (although there is, of course, regional variation), the Afghani cannabis crop is grown with few, if any, added fertilizers or pesticides, and without irrigation.

Rather than depending on irrigation, the crop is sown right before the start of the seasonal rains, which provide the young crops with all the water necessary to successfully grow to maturity.

In Morocco, the drought-adapted strains that were the mainstay of the local industry for many years are gradually being replaced by Pakistani, Afghani and now Dutch and American genetics.

These strains are generally more potent and produce sticky, fragrant hashish beloved by mostly European buyers, but they require far more water and nutrients, thus necessitating irrigation systems, water storage and use of fertilizers. The Moroccan industry, formerly relatively sustainable, is now becoming much less green thanks to the demands of the market.

One might expect that countries within the ancestral homeland of cannabis, such as Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, are easily able to produce truly sustainable cannabis. After all, cannabis evolved to grow in these regions according to the local climate, so (notwithstanding the effects

of climate change) it should continue to grow there quite happily with minimal human intervention, or without causing further environmental degradation.

However, in parts of the world that do not traditionally grow cannabis, and that are only now beginning to see the formation of a cannabis industry, a whole new set of challenges await.

Israel’s Negev Desert is one of the driest, hottest places on earth, with less than 12 inches of rain per year, and temperatures that reach as high as 115F in the height of summer. Few plants grow naturally here, save for a few scrubby brooms and acacias. But with the assistance of modern, sustainable technology, the agricultural scene is currently evolving in fundamental ways.

Since the 1960s, Israel has been implementing a plan to “greenify” its deserts, thereby increasing available agricultural land. Today, around 95% of Israel’s food is produced domestically, and they even have a healthy export industry in flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Now, a new crop is gaining considerable attention for its potential in the fields of agriculture and medicine: cannabis. There are currently eight registered and licensed producers of medicinal cannabis in Israel, and several of them are currently developing drought-adapted strains that can tolerate the harsh conditions of the desert.

Israeli Medical Cannabis (IMC) is one such company. Growing in desert or near-desert conditions, the choice of strains they plant reflects the environmental conditions they’re grown in, by necessity. It doesn’t make sense to grow strains that require abundant water if the natural environment doesn’t support the plant’s growth.

And it’s not just water that matters. Cannabis plants also require a certain level of moisture in the air, in the form of relative

humidity, preferably between 40% and 60%. In the Negev, relative humidity is more like 10-20%.

To deal with these pressing concerns, desert-based cannabis growers in Israel have various choices—to transport water from other areas, to attempt to exploit the aquifers that lie deep below the desert surface, or to reduce the water requirements of the crop they grow.

Israel enjoys a level of water availability far greater than most other desert states, due to an intensive drive to build desalination plants along the coastline. These plants render briny seawater into suitable water for plant, animal and human consumption. Bringing in water from other areas is not as daunting a task as it may be for other would-be desert agriculturalists, but it’s far from the sustainable ideal.

Regardless of one’s views on Israel, it’s impossible to deny that the work being done in the Negev Desert is of incomparable benefit to humanity. The technologies being developed could potentially help millions of people survive coming climate changes, as they enable crops to be grown in areas of considerable water scarcity.

In a world in which the consequences of climate change are already becoming apparent, efforts to render our agricultural systems sustainable are increasingly invaluable. All over the world, no matter the climate zone, cannabis growers need to take steps to make their work as sustainable and low-impact as possible, be it switching to LED lighting, reducing fertilizer use, or making compost teas from garden waste.

The more cannabis growers do to minimize environmental impact, the more we can confidently represent a viable, sustainable alternative that other forms of agriculture can emulate.

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A RLTI IFCELSET YT LI TE L E

#END420SHAME AN ONCOLOGY NURSE’S STRUGGLE WRITER / KELLY VO

W

hat if there was a medicine that could help millions of people, but doctors refused to or couldn’t prescribe the drug—you’d be furious, right? Well, that’s exactly what we’re fighting when it comes to cannabis.

Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable medicine that can be used in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications, including pain relief, nausea, glaucoma and movement disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, recent animal studies have shown that marijuana extracts may help kill certain cancer cells and reduce the size of others. And evidence from one study indicates that purified, whole-plant cannabis can slow the growth of a serious type of brain tumor. It’s also been shown to ease symptoms for patients suffering from HIV, AIDS, dementia and cancer.

There’s just one problem, according to Sanjay Gupta’s documentary, WEED: only six percent of medical studies have investigated the potential benefits of cannabis, rather than its harms. This has made the legalization of medicinal cannabis an uphill battle, one that Evan Christenson, an oncology nurse with twelve years of experience, knows intimately.

Evan started his career as an oncology nurse at a children’s hospital in northern Florida. His work began when cannabis was illegal, but the positive effects weren’t completely unknown. Already, some pediatricians were prescribing Marinol—a synthetic form of cannabis—to treat nausea and increase appetite. The only trouble was that Marinol wasn’t nearly as effective as whole-plant cannabis. In fact, according to Evan, there was a clear discrepancy between his experience with cannabis and his patients’ experiences.

It was then that Evan decided he needed to look deeper into cannabis to see how it could help his patients. “I found a lot of research and story after story of how cannabis was being used effectively for a wide variety of ailments,” he remembered. “I learned that there were many components of cannabis—not just THC—and that those components worked together to provide relief from pain, nausea, inflammation, lack of appetite and more.”

Then, in 2009, Evan was suddenly diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but mostly the lungs and lymph glands.

“I was put on one anti-inflammatory after another, but the pills and weekly shots made me nauseous and weak,” he said. “So, I gave up and started using cannabis regularly.” It was a game changer.

While using cannabis, Evan noticed a huge improvement in his inflammation and pain—plus, he wasn’t nauseous.

From that point on, he was a believer and wanted to help his patients experience the same relief. There was just one problem. Cannabis was illegal in Florida and “more than once I was talked to by management for recommending weed,” Evan explained. Still, that didn’t stop him.

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The American Cancer Society supports the need for more scientific research on cannabinoids for cancer patients. The Society also believes that classifying marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance imposes too many conditions and deters scientific study of cannabinoids.

They feel that federal officials should examine other options in order to enable more scientific study on cannabis.

“FOR ALL OF US, CANNABIS IS AN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT, AND WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY. IT’S HELPED ME. IT’S HERE TO STAY, AND SO AM I.” “One of the first patients I recommended cannabis to was a 50-year-old woman who was struggling with terminal breast cancer,” he said. “She was in a great deal of pain, nauseous from her treatment, exhausted, malnourished and miserable.

Unfortunately, all I could do was try to work with the legal medicines I had at hand, opiates and benzodiazepines (like Valium), but these had many side effects.”

So, Evan decided to take a different, riskier path. He didn’t know how his patient felt about cannabis, and he knew he could get in trouble for recommending it, but it was the only thing he could think to do.

“Initially, she was surprised that I suggested it. Her image of a cannabis user was a spaced-out hippie,” Evan remembered. “Still, I sat down by her side and held her hand as I explained what cannabis could do for her at this stage in her life, and I saw a flicker of hope. Two weeks later, she was a different person. She had a brightness to her step, and she came right up and hugged me!”

Evan’s patient tried cannabis, and was immediately able to eat again. Then, later, she noticed that she didn’t need to take as many pain pills when she used cannabis. “She thanked me profusely. It was really rewarding to be able to help someone like that,” he said.

What Evan wants everyone to know is that cannabis has many medical benefits for cancer patients and beyond. “Cannabis has more than 100 compounds that are unique to the plant, and we are learning more every day,” he said. “We know they work together to produce the overall effect of the medicine. THC and CBD work together to reduce pain, inflammation, nausea, lack of appetite and more.”

And it’s for that reason that Evan finally quit his job in Florida, and moved to Harborside Health Center in Oakland, California. “I can now use cannabis openly and advocate it constantly. As a budtender, I’m now surrounded by motivated, intelligent cannabis advocates and patients who teach me on a daily basis,” he said. “For all of us, cannabis is an essential nutrient, and we have the right to use it effectively.

It’s helped me. It’s here to stay, and so am I.” If you have a story to share about cannabis as part of our #End420Shame series, use the hashtag on social media or email kellyv@dopemagazine.com.

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NEWS

MEDICAL & RECREATIONAL SAME PLANT, DIFFERENT STANDARDS WRITER / THE HERBAL VIEW

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e are presented with a rare opportunity—to shape the demand in the cannabis market for the highest quality products. Currently, the most widely accepted standards rely on a business-based model, as opposed to a medicinal-based model. While this can produce a quality of standards entirely acceptable for recreational-based use, we are finding that in severely compromised immune systems such as those with cancer, autoimmune diseases and other neurological disorders (RSD, CRPS, fibromyalgia), this approach can have potentially detrimental effects.

Our goal is to bring awareness to the different ways the cannabis plant is cultivated, extracted and processed and things we need to be aware of when making medicine specific products.

GENETICS AND HARVESTING The genetics of the plant itself needs to be of medicinal quality, and there must be integrity in the cultivation and harvesting process. The strongest, fastest, highest-yielding plant does not always translate into the best flower for medicinal purposes. Having high cannabinoid and essential oil content is vital. Essential oils are commonly referred to as terpenes, although they also contain various other compounds. The ACDC strain can have two percent or more of essential oils, yet is very spindly and bushy, and does best outdoors in full sun. Only a few great cultivators have successfully grown ACDC to a 20 percent CBD content flower.

Cloning is often the best way to propagate a dependable yield, yet it can also cause more susceptibility to pests and molds. Plants grown from seeds appear heartier and require less pest control measures. Although there are plenty of non-toxic solutions for molds and insects, they require planning and forethought. Pesticide use in cannabis cultivation usually occurs at the last minute, when unforeseen problems arise and toxic solutions are quickly employed to save the crop. This is the beginning of flower contamination, which poses a potential health hazard to the seriously ill. Harvesting the plants too early often results in less robust medicinal content, though doing so will keep the THC content low, the chief reason it has become the standard harvesting system.

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EXTRACTION METHODS There are multiple extraction methods, including solvent, hydrocarbon, CO2 and water extraction. The active compounds congregate in the flowers, making it the preferred material for medicinal extractions and producing the most potent concentrates. Discarded leaf material is commonly used, resulting in a lower medicinal content.

In my opinion, the best solvent extractions are made with food-grade, high-proof grain or sugar alcohol. They’re made with both fresh and/or dried plant material. Water can also be used to extract a variety of compounds, including the coveted essential oils (terpenes).

CO2 extractions use an inert gas under pressure to separate the plant (waters, waxes, cannabinoids, oils, etc.) and yield more using dried plant material. It is preferred medicinally by many, as it’s non-toxic and considered, by many, the safest method. It concentrates Beta-Caryophyllene, which research has shown to open the peripheral endocannabinoid system. However, it does not capture the full profile of an essential oil. Dewaxing is regularly necessary for the widely used cartridges. This process evaporates the essential oils, leaving it clearer, but often with less flavor and effects.

Hydrocarbon extraction is the most widely used process, commonly using butane and/or propane. Petroleum-derived solvents are fossil fuels, and therefore contain toxicity. One point of debate is that evaporation of a hydrocarbon process will leave a negligible amount of residue in the finished product. A medicinal approach to this situation is understanding that a seriously compromised immune system is susceptible to even the most minute of contaminants.

CANNABIS CONTAMINANTS Testing for potential contaminants has become vital.

Testing for pesticides and fungicides, terpenes, CBD and THC content as well as hydrocarbon residue are the most important toxins to examine. PPB (parts per billion) or PPT (parts per trillion) provide the most reliable results.

Genuine research necessitates the ability to produce repeatability, which requires numerous tests of samples to obtain statistical data. Most testing is PPM (parts per million), which may come out to zero, yet there could still be contaminant molecules in a product registering a zero PPM, when measured at PPB/PPT. While this may be acceptable for recreational use, this risk is not worth it for ailing patients.

For many, a business perspective will justify using the cheapest and most widely accepted methods. Medicinally speaking, the most powerful medicine comes from the following: the proper plant grown toxin-free, extracting without solvents and formulating healthy dosages.

Extreme disease and pain levels require these potent formulas, while basic tinctures and infusions will suffice for simple pain and mood relief. More research is obviously required.

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F E AT U R E

MOONSHINE STONED HOW I LEARNED TO DRINK MOONSHINE AND ATTEND A COAL MINER DONKEY RACE WRITER / MAX T.E. LAWRENCE

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O

n the veranda, after a supper of pork scrapple with pig’s knuckles, ears and nose, Sally Monroe passed me a corncob pipe loaded with her solstice-infused weed. After one good blast on the longest day of the year, I found myself adrift in Never-Never Land with Captain Hook and Peter Pan. She said it’d keep me going all night, and well into the next day. Told me I’d be higher for longer. And I hadn’t even tasted her husband’s moonshine yet. How high is high, and for how long?

Sally ran the bakery at the Giant Eagle Supermarket in Sommerholm, the county seat. By night and on weekends she grew weed in the back of her chicken coop. Earl, her husband, worked as a blast hole driller for the Amalgamated Coal Mine Company, night or day, depending on his shift.

But he always found time for his moonshine operation. Tonight, however, he was relaxing on the veranda. Tomorrow, he’d be competing in The Annual Miner’s Summer Solstice Donkey Race with his prize donkey, Alfred the Great.

June 21, 1974. I was a city-boy hippie living on the West Coast, come home to Appalachia to attend my sister’s funeral. After the service I told my brother, Jack, over a few joints that I wanted to try some good old fashioned moonshine. Jack owned a beer distributor, so he had connections. We climbed into his ‘54 Chevy pickup and he took me up into the hills to meet his good friends, Sally and Earl Monroe. My soul had been pushed to the limit that week, and I was ready to let the demons loose.

We were expected for an early supper.

The house wasn’t the tarpaper shack I was expecting, but a rambling brick one-story, spread out into the hillside with a sagging veranda that wrapped itself around the structure like a snake curling around a rock for a nap in the heat. The chicken coop lay partially hidden in a dense stand of maples behind the house. Sally, a tall, lanky woman, gray hair falling over her shoulders and wearing an apron over a print dress, greeted us at the screen door.

It was so hot she was in her bare feet. Earl was due from his shift any minute.

When Earl got home, he led Jack and I up into the hills to see his still. It took us a good hour of strenuous walking to reach our destination. There was no path, not that it mattered—I couldn’t see a thing.

Earl told me he took many different routes to the still. Didn’t want to give the Feds any evidence he was making hooch. He was lean and grizzled, but looked younger than I’d imagined. We came to a rock formation and entered sideways between a crack in the stones, then made our way down into a leaf-carpeted hollow. I smelled the profusion of Spring, mingling with the fade of Autumn. The living come to visit the dead.

Except for the burble of the creek that meandered through the center of the trees, I’d never been in a place so quiet. Behind another smaller formation lay the still. A man dressed only in overalls greeted us.

Earl introduced him as Hal, his partner. Hal didn’t say anything; just nodded, and spat some black tobacco juice out one side of his mouth.

A pile of cut maple lay nearby. Looking like it had been hammered into shape by a

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ARTICLE TITLE concrete block, a giant, bulging copper pot topped with a conical lid sat precariously askew on an iron ring over a low-flamed fire. Earl picked up a piece of maple and banged on the sides. “The bottom here is filled with corn mash, and heated over the fire at a hunnert and seventy-five degrees.

The steam, which contains the alcohol, rises into the lid—up here.” He then touched a misshapen pipe that stuck out from the lid and tilted down into a smaller pot. “It moves from this here arm and down into this pot, the Thump Keg. The extry water is condensed and makes the vapor a whole lot stronger.” He gave me a toothy grin and winked. “Then it goes to that container over there, the Worm Box, and into coiled copper tubing submerged in cold running water from my creek. It all condenses agin and turns to pure liquid alcohol. There it is, dripping out the end into that oak barrel at the end.” He patted the barrel. “This is my Sleepy Hollow Shine.”

Earl grabbed a clear glass jug from a wooden box, held it up to the light, and gave it a swirl. I gazed into the liquid lightning and gave a sigh. We then headed down one of his invisible paths. This time it took only twenty minutes to reach his house. Without a word, he walked us over to the chicken coop. I wondered if he was going to grab a chicken for dinner and cut off its head. We followed him through a roost of chickens, over to a door hidden behind a hanging burlap sack. The odor of chicken shit hung in the air, mingling

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with the curl of humidity. He knocked. Sally opened it and ushered us into a long, low-slung room. Multiple grow lights hung from the ceiling. She led us down rows of burgeoning marijuana plants, all laid out on tables. Just smelling the mountain-piney tar in the heavy, humid air made me want to get high. She said chicken manure was the best fertilizer. Said she’d only be a moment. Supper was ready, and she was just collecting some solstice-infused grass.

Sally’s weed was working its celestial wonders on me. The veranda seemed to be swaying. That, or mooing to me softly. I was sinking farther and farther into oblivion, digesting the scrapple, when Earl passed the jug around and I took my first sip. I was able to note, before the total eclipse of my mind, that we passed the jug around just as we passed the weed. No separate glasses or pipes. Like sitting around an ancestral fire with the tribe. All of us connected. My epiphany ended there, with the thump of my first sip. My throat lit up. Fire zigzagged to my head, and I felt as if scorch marks were left on my scalp. No wonder they called it white lightning.

Jack and I passed out on the porch, heads slumped in our laps. Earl woke us at five in the morning and we lamely helped him get Alfred the Great ready for the donkey race. I was still drunk and stoned, staggering around the corral like a wind-up toy on uneven ground, trying catch the beast.

Alfred snorted and pawed the dirt. Must have thought he was a racehorse. That,

or he was high, too. Earl left for Lysippus, pop. 206, riding Alfred bareback, boots scraping the ground. The race had been held there for eighty-nine years, and Earl was the reigning champ two years running, the favorite to win this year’s edition.

Sally drove Jack and me to town and parked her battered 1968 Chevy Corvair convertible on Main St. in front of the only bar in town. It was seven o’clock in the morning. The place was packed with coal miners just off their shift, covered in soot.

The cinderblock walls, pockmarked and stained with the grime of ages, were devoid of any decoration. There were few tables. Concrete floor. Old, rusted radiators hugging the walls. When I went to order a beer, the bartender winked and served me a tall, warm glass of Earl’s Sleepy Hollow Shine. Just what I needed.

Later, as we stood outside the bar, Sally passed me the pipe. A gun went off somewhere in the haze. The donkeys kicked up a glimmer of dust as they moonwalked down the street toward the finish line, the miners bobbing sleepily on their backs. Earl put his legs out behind him and leaned into Alfred the Great’s neck, grasping the mane, donkey and man in perfect slow-motion molasses harmony.

They eclipsed the field by three lengths to the cheers of the crowd. By that time, I, too, was three lengths gone into the limbo of the shine, cheering the solstice-infused pot. How high is high, and for how long?

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ARTICLE TITLE Oregon Politicians Propose Expansive Marijuana Reform Bills Sen. Ron Wyden (D.-Ore.) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) introduced a package of three bills that would lead to the federal regulation of cannabis and ensure stability for state-legal marijuana businesses. The bills would eliminate the tax code’s 280E rule, which forbids cannabis businesses from deducting many of their business expenses.

In addition, the bills would “reduce the gap between Federal and State law by removing federal criminal penalties and civil asset forfeiture for individuals and businesses acting in compliance with state law.”

WEED WEEK WRITER / ALEX HALPERIN ILLUSTRATOR / JOSH BOULET

r ie s Te a n P o li c io t er a r m ig t d h o ld N ew Im Fa m il y A p a r en car e r nt g a n n g rk ic a p re N ew Yo r k , a D o m in f ro m h is t o b e a d e p p o ri Y s d In N e w e G u e rre ro w a x p e c t e o r it ie s . at he e Jo s th h u w a g n named in io d of ig r a t s dur m m r a im n h ’s o v ic t e w if e k- in w it e r r e r o w a s c c h he e g h u c n, tho , Gu o io r o u t in e s g s . a e s s cement a pos l year a r ij u a n w it h la w e n fo r r h ow Severa m r o n ea ns n o t c le a m is d e m o fu r t h e r r u n -i t io n . It ’s a r d h o ld e r s a n t r d o a p h e has in g d re e n c w a w a it ig r a n t s a n d g o n ’s e H m t h e r im nces. m a ny o cumsta ir c r a il im s fa c e

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City of Angels Passes Measure M in Landslide Vote Voters in the city of Los Angeles, the world’s largest cannabis market, approved a measure to regulate cannabis businesses in the city.

Measure M, which passed by a landslide, gives the City Council power to regulate the industry. Before the Measure passed, the city’s policy had been a mish-mash. Around 135 dispensaries have permission to operate with limited immunity, while many more dispensaries, manufacturers and grows operate in the gray market.

Scoring Straight Eh’s: Canada to Legalize Cannabis in 2018 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he expects the nation to legalize marijuana by July 1, 2018, although the country had an initial 2017 legalization goal. This announcement follows an extensive federal task force on the issue. As of now it appears the federal buying age will be 18, but individual provinces will be allowed to raise the age limit. Provinces will also have broad authority to determine where product is sold.

Only “Slightly Less Awful” Than Heroin?

Sessions Continues Trend of Exaggeration U.S. Attorney General and cannabis prohibitionist Jeff Sessions has made numerous statements regarding his dislike for marijuana. But while his comments have suggested tougher penalties on crime, including non-violent drug offenses, he has hinted that he will allow state-legal cannabis industries to operate. Meanwhile, many crime experts worry that Sessions is exaggerating current crime statistics. The Christian Science Monitor reports that some in law enforcement think Sessions “is taking an outdated approach to head off a problem that may not exist.”

Stronger Together: New Federalism Fund Seeks to Regulate Industry A group of cannabis companies have teamed up to form the New Federalism Fund, a group that supports statelegal marijuana industries in the face of federal threat.

Participating organizations include major players such as Privateer Holdings, Dixie Brands and a subsidiary of gardening company Scotts Miracle-Gro. “We want our elected officials to know that a regulated cannabis industry is the best way to stop the illegal drug trade while growing our local economies,” says NFF Chairman Neal Levine.

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NUTRITION, BATTERIES AND BEER

HEMP—AN AGRICULTURAL GAME CHANGER WRITER / MEGAN CAMPBELL

GETTING YOU HIGH IS JUST ABOUT THE ONLY THING HEMP CAN’T DO. Hemp, species cannabis sativa, is marijuana’s non-intoxicating cousin. It’s a fast-growing, stalky plant with no more than 0.3 percent THC, the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. It can be grown in just about any climate, and enriches the soil as it’s grown. Additionally, it’s naturally resistant to disease and doesn’t require any chemicals, from fertilizer to weed killer, to thrive.

And, like this plant’s rich history, which dates back millennia, its uses are equally vast.

From food to building materials and technology to textiles, this versatile plant may be one of the most useful on the planet. A 1938 issue of Popular Mechanics claimed it could be used to produce more than 25,000 products.

Not only can it be grown domestically, utilizing processes that benefit our planet, it could provide an abundance of green, renewable resources. There are far too many positives to examine, but here are some of the biggest benefits of hemp:

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NUTRITION Will Gaudet is a vegan, but his diet is packed full of protein thanks to the hemp seed.

“I use hemp every day,” he says. “It’s one of the best seeds we can incorporate into our diet.”

His favorite hemp snack is a powdered mix of hemp seeds and other protein supplements that he sprinkles on his food. From yogurts and puddings to salads and ice cream, he adds a little bit to top off most meals. In the afternoon it’s a hemp shake or a hemp bar, and in the evenings he’s even started putting his powdered mix on top of popcorn — basically, “you’re kicking ass in the protein department,” as Will says.

“Cannabis hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life,” Jack Herer wrote in The Emperor Wears No Clothes. “No other single plant source provides complete protein in such an easily digestible form, nor has the oils essential to life in as perfect a ratio for human health and vitality.”

Gaudet says it’s “one of our go-to products to keep us super strong.” And it’s not just for humans—it’s also perfect for livestock.

The seed itself has several different uses.

The nut can be turned into flour for bread, or it can be used with granola or cereal; it can also be pressed for oil, and it can be brewed.

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ARTICLE TITLE

BEER No, it won’t replace hops, Wendy Mosher, Chief Executive Officer of New West Genetics says, but since cannabis and hops are from the same family, hemp seeds can be used to make beer.

“That’s just going to be fun for beer drinkers,” she says.

Hops and hemp both have aroma molecules known as terpenes, or terpenoids. These terpenes are what make that drink particularly scrumptious, and the cause of that classic marijuana smell—which, incidentally, also makes for good beer.

HEMPCRETE Hempcrete is a mix of the inner core of the hemp stalk, called shiv or hurd, mixed with lime and water.

It’s a lightweight material used for insulating buildings, and it weighs about a seventh or an eighth of the weight of concrete, according to American Lime Technology, a distributor of sustainable construction materials such as hempcrete.

It’s not a structural material, as the name suggests, and it won’t replace concrete, but it has its own benefits: it’s resistant to pests, mold and fire. And it’s breathable, which is perfect for handling humidity, while also being air-tight.

Plus, it’s grown instead of mined, and it’s non-toxic. Hempcrete can also remove carbon from the atmosphere in a process called carbon sequestration.

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HEMP BATTERIES Rolland Gregg sees a near future where everyone’s laptops, phones and even Tesla’s will be powered by hemp-based batteries.

These non-toxic, organic and sustainable batteries are currently being tested by Gregg’s company, Global Emergent Technologies.

“This is a game changer,” Gregg says. “The evolution of batteries will allow us to electrify our society.”

He said hemp batteries will allow humans to stop relying on fossil fuels, and will help stabilize the grid. He said they have the potential to act as power storage for things like solar or wind farms.

The hemp-based battery weighs half as much as a lithium ion battery, according to Gregg, and they work about twice as well.

They’re also cheaper. Gregg says it would cost about $60 per kilowatt hour for a hemp battery, a savings of as much as $240 per kilowatt hour.

“Cars will drive farther,” he says. “Everything will last longer.”

Right now, he’s in talks for licensing with manufactures, and his company is waiting to hear back on environmental safety and performance testing results, which should confirm everything Gregg and his company claim about these batteries.

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ARTICLE TITLE

“ONCE THE FIBRES HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE HEMP STEMS, WHAT REMAINS IS 77 PERCENT CELLULOSE: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF TREES AND PLANTS AND A SOURCE OF PLASTIC THAT IS BIODEGRADABLE.”

PLASTICS Imagine Gregg’s world, powered by hemp. Now add in hempbased plastics. Those laptops could also be manufactured out of hemp, in addition to being powered by it.

“Hemp plastic is the number one material of the future,” according to the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum in Amsterdam. “Door panels of certain series of BMW, Mercedes and Bugatti are manufactured using a hemp fibre basis.”

That’s the wonders of the hemp stalk, which is the part of the plant hemp plastics are made from.

“Once the fibres have been removed from the hemp stems, what remains is 77 percent cellulose: the building blocks of trees and plants and a source of plastic that is biodegradable,” according to the Museum.

Using hemp products reduces greenhouse gasses—this goes back to carbon sequestration—whereas other types of plastic cause high CO2 emissions, as well as toxic by products.

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TEXTILES Using plant-based materials may be the way of the future, but it’s rooted in history.

Cannabis sativa is no different.

For thousands of years, humans have been using the plant for fiber and fabric because of its durability, strength and water absorbency.

Historically, it’s been utilized for clothing and other textiles, providing fiber for nearly all ship sails and rigging up until the mid-to-late 19th century. Even the wagons that travelled west were covered with hemp canvas.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created an infomercial, of sorts, during WWII with the tagline “Hemp for Victory,” encouraging farmers to grow the plant to support the war effort. Indeed, farmers did grow the crop—more than 300,000 acres, in fact—to be used for military necessities like parachute webbing, ropes for marine rigging and towing and “thread for millions of soldiers.”

As more research comes in, and the role hemp has played in our past continues to be revealed, it’s clear using this plant is one opportunity humans can’t let go up in smoke.

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rom an artisan cannabis seed bank comes this tri-union of Garberville x Purple Kush x Sour Diesel. Aficionado Seeds’ Long Valley Royal Kush is packaged in a stylish black box with gold lettering, and a velvet bag bearing the moniker LVRK. The flower carries a heavy and sweet, citrus-kush aroma with lavender notes. The buds are soft yet firm, and of medium density; perfectly trimmed, emerald green flowers sport amber and beige pistils. A distinct taste, much like a sour diesel flambé.

My head became clear and my body loosened all over, easing my nausea, pain and anxiety. The LVRK experience can be compared to a fine wine, with concern to taste, quality and spirit. Aficionado Seeds’ goal is to “achieve the maximum expression of High-end cannabis [as] possible, and honor old-school Emerald Triangle traditions.”

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EDIBLE

A SWEET LITTLE LIFT RASPBERRY ROSE LYCHEE MELLOWS WRITER / SHASTA NELSON PHOTO / ASHLEIGH CASTRO

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aspberry Rose Lychee Mellows are light, airy, perfectly-textured gourmet marshmallows. A stark contrast to the typical high-dose edibles on the market, these have only 5mg of THC per piece, and are made specifically for consumers who want to get a nice light high, not a ride to the moon. When I bit into the Mellow it had just the right amount of resistance, similar to mochi ball ice cream. The fresh raspberries and pureed lychee are a lovely combination, and the light rose syrup adds an extra dose of luxury. It tasted exotic, yet familiar.

The lower dose of this edible had me feeling social and relaxed, which would make them perfect for sharing, or for the more novice consumer. With their light pink color and uplifting qualities, these would also make a great gift this Mother’s Day for anyone who needs a little time to mellow out.

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C O N C E N T R AT E

SWEET FROSTED COOKIES FROZEN WATER HASH WILL CHILL YOU OUT WRITER / RADIOHASH PHOTO / ASHLEIGH CASTRO

T

his ice water hash is frozen, so serve chilled.

Sparkling throughout, it’s got an olive, icy tone. The scent is sweet and tart, like a candy. When I cut a tiny icicle of Higher Ground’s Cookies ‘36 G-Cut and placed it on the e-nail, it sizzled.

The flavor is powered with the signature taste of GSC, yet sweet and mildly tart, like a frosted cookie. Effects kicked in the face and head first, and then relieved pain throughout my body. C36GC also elevated my mood and unlocked thoughts.

C36GC hails from Forum Cookies x ‘97 KC 36. Higher Ground Farm’s motto is “Sustainability, Community, Integrity,” and they back their ethos up with single-source practices and a Clean Green Certification. Higher Ground Farm reaches new heights with its inspection process, based on the International Farming Standards for Organic Farming.

Their plants listen to “beautiful music from around the world, eight hours a day” while growing.

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A R T IGC RL O EW TITLE

MOONGAZER FARMS THOUGHTFUL CULTIVATION, HOLISTIC PRACTICES WRITER / BLAZE ROBINSON

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PHOTO / ERICA EDWARDS

ook closely at the lush green beds of Moongazer Farms in Mendocino, and you’ll find a teeming ecosystem of plants: aromatic lavender, giant mushrooms that naturally release CO2, sticky cannabis flowers, comfrey and nettle shading out weeds and amaranth to boost phosphorus during the flowering phase of cannabis. By planting a diverse polyculture, Josh and Sandra of Moongazer Farms allow their plants to work together, protecting themselves from pests and sharing nutrients.

Josh and Sandra met on a remote Israeli goat farm in 2010. They built a life together, traveling and working on small farms and vineyards, until they found 22 acres of wooded land in Mendocino. The property had been cleared long ago, and grew back as a dense habitat of native oaks,

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madrones and manzanitas. Josh and Sandra decided to embrace and manage their woods, developing only a few acres for growing crops and medicinals.

Keeping the property healthy generated a lot of cut brush and logs—biomass the couple used as the foundation for hugelkultur beds. In hugelkultur, dead wood soaks up water like an underground sponge, and as the wood decomposes it releases nutrients to the plants above. The couple’s holistic practices not only nourish their cannabis, but a variety of fruits and vegetables and the land itself. Sandra explains, “I don’t want to manufacture weed, I want to grow weed how it was made to grow.” The proof is in the flower: their Lemon Diesel, a local Redwood Valley strain, measures at 23.4% THC. Moongazer Farms’ thoughtful approach

to cultivation won them Emerald Cup’s Regenerative Farm award in 2016, along with Dragonfly Earth Medicine and Green Source Gardens. Josh says they were deeply honored by the win, especially alongside farms of similar quality and dedication.

Moongazer Farms is certified Dragonfly Earth Medicine Pure, and will soon be a Demeter-certified biodynamic farm.

They are thankful for companies such as PremaFlora, who only source their flowers from small, sustainable farms. Sandra says, “The future of cannabis in California should follow Dragonfly Pure—the future of agriculture in general.” Moongazer Farms hopes to show the cannabis and agriculture industry how fruitful regenerative farming can be.

“I DON’T WANT TO MANUFACTURE WEED, I WANT TO GROW WEED HOW IT WAS MADE TO GROW.”

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STORE

BASA COLLECTIVE HEART OF THE CITY

WRITER / THOM HUNTERS PHOTO / ASHLEIGH CASTRO

THE PLACE BASA prides itself on being a workingman or workingwoman’s dispensary. Nowadays, John Lennon might say “a workingman’s dispensary is something to be.” Indeed, it is an oasis in the heart of San Francisco. BASA staff recommends Kushy Punch gummies to their patients because they are easy to divide into friendly dosages, and cost efficient. The shop is located off of hip Divisadero Street which boasts neighboring eclectic restaurants and exciting music venues. BASA is home to a unique herb product hot on the marketplace: Prophet.

THE HISTORY BASA is often referred to as the “International House of BASA” because of its diverse, predominantlyfemale patronage, staff and bud-tenders. BASA prides itself on being one of the oldest dispensaries in the nation. Having a community-focused, patientfirst attitude has resulted in a growing loyal customer base the has lasted for years. In a world where a coffee can run you ten bucks, it’s a breath of fresh air to discover a hard-working dispensary offering a range of quality medicine at yesteryear prices. BASA advisor Ross Mirkarimi states that “BASA is a durable pioneering dispensary that hasn’t lost sight of its working class roots, and its commitment to selling great medicine at the best prices.” BASA is parlaying its know-how and success into an expanded product line, showing us that an unassuming dispensary can take you to new heights.

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“BASA IS A DURABLE PIONEERING DISPENSARY THAT HASN’T LOST SIGHT OF ITS WORKING CLASS ROOTS, AND ITS COMMITMENT TO SELLING GREAT MEDICINE AT THE BEST PRICES.” – BASA ADVISOR, ROSS MIRKARIMI

PROPHET

“PROPHET IS CULTIVATED FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE.” – TARIQ ALAZRAIE, FOUNDER OF PROPHET

THE PRODUCT Prophet products are individual strains packaged in nitrogen-filled, vacuum-sealed cans offering security to flower in a cool, dark environment—preserving them in a fresh-picked state until you pop the top. While this sounds like the optimal way to keep your flower fresh, we put this to the test for the entire line. At first look, the can looked like a hip, retro chewing tobacco can. With strain and potency listed on the outside, recognition is easy for patients and budtenders alike. Prophet comes in roughly 30 strain varietals. My personal favorite is Green Dreams. Once I popped the can open, freshness rushed into my nose and hints of Blue Dream and Jack Herer blossomed. The flowers were moist and soft as if they’d been freshly cured. I was told they would keep in a sealed container for over a year. Tariq Alazraie, Founder of the Prophet line of products, says that “Prophet is cultivated for a higher purpose.” Prophet adheres to old-school growing methods inherited from the hills of Sonoma, Humboldt and Mendocino, passed from generations of grower’s knowledge. If you’re looking for the Emerald Triangle in a can, you’ve found it.

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PRODUCT

INHALE, XHALE GOOD, CLEAN, VAPORIZING FUN WRITER / RADIOHASH PHOTO / ASHLEIGH CASTRO

Contents: The StoneMonkey Survival Kit •1 HydraTube™ of your choice •1 Moko Monkey Heatshield •1 NailBuddy 2.0™ •1 Herb Basket 4 Pack •1 VapeXNail™ 5 pack •1 Dab Tool •1 VapeXhale Bandana •1 Power Cord •1 Instruction Manual •1 VapeXhale 3 Year Limited Warranty

STUNTMAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN Former stunt man Seibo Shen, inspired by his time as a medical marijuana patient, wanted to create a more thrilling vape experience. Combustion options were frankly more fun than vaping, and drew more people to group sessions. For health conscious folks with an active lifestyle like Seibo, who dabs before each Jujitsu tournament, vaping is the best option. Now founder and CEO of VapeXhale, he crowdsourced ideas from users on a famous vaporizer forum to brainstorm the best rig possible. The result, the VapeXhale EVO (“EVO” for evolution) has the unique edge Seibo intended.

For use with both concentrates and flowers, this is a complete vaping device.

I’ve been to a few cannabis conferences, and out of all the dabbing devices featured, this gave the cleanest, purest taste due to the pure glass air path. We were given the VapeXhale StoneMonkey Survival Kit to try, so it had all the necessary equipment included.

This vape is a surprising power shot to your target symptoms, like a heavy bong dose where only one toke does the trick. Traditionally, vaping flowers in a long session causes the flavor to degrade over time, but not with the VapeXhale.

With such stunning accuracy, the VapeXhale saves significant quantities of medicine, perfect for users on a budget or medical patients who receive a set amount of product.

Seibo states, the patient “will receive better flavor from the EVO because of its hot air extraction methodology for oils. This is because the vapor to smoke ratio is much higher with convection than it is with conduction and the Vapexhale EVO is the only unit that currently does convection for both flower and oil.”

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LIFESTYLE

BALANCING HERBS THE USE OF CANNABIS IN AYURVEDA WRITER / SHASTA NELSON

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ood health is the greatest treasure any of us can hope to maintain in life. All over the world, people have ways of staying fit, eating right and nurturing their spirituality. One method in particular has recently been gaining popularity, but it’s nothing new—in fact it’s ancient, and by most accounts at least 2000 years old. It’s called Ayurveda.

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AN ANCIENT METHOD OF BALANCE

CANNABIS AND AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is all about balance. It’s an ancient system of keeping the mind and body in harmony to achieve and maintain health. In addition to simple lifestyle guidelines, it also utilizes many herbs, including cannabis, to help and to heal. The name Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit word “ayu” which means life, and “veda” which translates to knowledge. It was initially practiced in India, but this ancient method of well-being is now practiced all around the world and has helped many on their journey to health.

According to Ayurveda, the universe and everything in it is comprised of five essential elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These elements are combined to form “doshas,” or categories, comprised of Vata: air and ether; Pitta: water and fire; Kapha: earth and water. These doshas are present in all of us and determine our personality, body type and our own personal path to wellness, depending on which qualities are dominant. There is no standard method of wellness in Ayurveda; instead each individual has their own path to maintain personal balance. Ayurveda doesn’t tell you to “do this,” or “abstain from that,” and instead takes into account each individual’s unique needs. Even an individual’s cannabis consumption is connected to their dominant doshas.

To find out more about Ayurveda and cannabis I spoke with Eden Tosch, teacher of Ayurveda and owner and formulator at Higher veda, formerly Swer ve Confections, an edibles company that utilizes Ayurvedic herbs in their recipes. “I’m very procannabis—I just want to put that out there,” Tosch tells me. “But cannabis is considered by Ayurveda to be a visha, or ‘poison,’ and it is considered to be aggravating to all three of the doshas. Ayurveda does not have, at least classical Ayurveda does not have, the stance that cannabis is just this easy harmless herb that anybody can use at any point. Ayurveda takes a cautious approach when it comes to cannabis.”

According to Ayurveda, cannabis has drying and heating effects on our bodies, which need to be counteracted in some way to avoid creating an imbalance. She also said that many remedies in Ayurveda use cannabis, but only in conjunction with other herbs, and it is treated with cold, running water.

The Ayurvedic remedies created at Higherveda use ice-water hash in conjunction with other herbs to create different formulas, depending on what needs balancing. These include remedies for energy, sleep and even intimacy. Tosch tells me, “I like to think the other herbs are pointing you in the direction you’re going to get the effects from, and the cannabis—the hash—is sort of the fuel.”

This holistic and ancient practice is at once simple and complex, and certainly has more wisdom to it than can be conveyed here. But what can be taken away from this brief introduction is that your journey to health is unique to your personal circumstance.

Ayurveda is simply a method, a tool for understanding what that health might look like. If you’re searching for balance in your life and in your cannabis use, Ayurveda may be an excellent option on your journey to wellness.

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W

alking through downtown Bend, Oregon, it’s clear that something is up. Where did all these breweries come from? It shouldn’t come as a surprise that America is obsessed with craft breweries and, of course, drinking craft beer. Bend has even produced an Ale Trail app to help you navigate their brew scene. And it’s not just Oregonians who lay claim to a city inundated by fermentation tanks and hop aficionados. Asheville, North Carolina, has the highest brewery-to-population ratio, with roughly one brewery to every 4,100 inhabitants.

In a cover story for The Atlantic, James and Deborah Fallows searched small town America for the markers of recovery in the wake of the 2008-09 economic collapse.

Among 10 other points, they discovered that “[t]he final marker, perhaps the most reliable: A city on the way back will have one or more craft breweries . . . you may think I’m joking, but just try to find an exception.”

When asked to predict the future of cannabis consumption, industry insiders most often reference craft brewing.

Both industries have survived periods of prohibition, with the number of breweries only returning to pre-prohibition numbers in 2012. Then there is the shared major input: water. When you look at the proliferation of major brewing centers, they have the use of good, clean water in common.

And as the cannabis industry takes shape, it’s natural to assume that cultivation centers will bloom in environments where flowers do, too.

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INDUSTRIES

PARALLEL

LIFESTYLE

WILL CANNABIS FOLLOW THE PATH OF CRAFT BREWING? WRITER / SCOTT PEARSE

“CREATING SUSTAINABLE AND VIBRANT CULTIVATION AT A POTENTIAL TOURISM DESTINATION IS A TASK THAT MUST BE DONE.”

WHEN THE RIVER RUNS DRY The brewing industry is one of the largest industrial users of water. In the wake of California’s historic drought, Bear Republic was forced to scale back production of its popular Racer 5 IPA, due to the low level of the Russian River. Despite technological advancements over the last 20 years, the process to brew beer creates a plethora of environmental challenges, including energy and water consumption, wastewater, solid waste and air emissions.

HOW WE’LL PROTECT OUR WATERWAYS Where will our cannabis meccas be? The Emerald Triangle, the historic Northern California site where a large portion of America’s cannabis cultivation takes place is certainly a consideration, and there are many businesses already scrambling to create the kind of all-inclusive experience offered at breweries. Historically there has been environmental vandalism in the hills, and bringing farms up to industry codes comes with a hefty price tag for potential cultivators.

Yet efforts are already under way to ensure that the Emerald Triangle will retain its natural beauty. Cris Carrigan, head of enforcement at the California Water Board, is currently working with cultivators on “establishing minimum flow requirements to protect fisheries and natural resources, starting in the Emerald Triangle and moving outward from there to the rest of the state. We’re looking to establish a streamlined ‘storage’ permit, too, which would allow small irrigators to capture flows during spring high-flow periods and store water so they don’t have to divert water in lowflow months.”

For an industry that has long operated without oversight, these new requirements may seem onerous. But creating sustainable and vibrant cultivation at a potential tourism destination is a task that must be done. As with the numerous cities that have welcomed the craft brewing industry, the towns and regions that take cannabis cultivation to heart will have to closely monitor their environmental and social impact.

A BUD BAR ON EVERY CORNER? Are we experiencing a market saturation of craft brew? Many industry experts see more room for growth, especially regionally. Will cannabis cultivation follow a similar path, with a unique strain and popular garden in every corner of the nation? Will these cultivators support the community, create employment and provide welcoming gathering spaces? Only time will tell, but the craft brewery scene provides a promising example of the possibilities.

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A RLTI IFCELSET YT LI TE L E

HOT AIR HIGH CANNABIS’ RISING ACCEPTANCE WRITER & PHOTO / TOM DOMEK

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I

t’s a brisk early morning over the Sonoran Desert, and I’m high. In a hot air balloon.

I’m looking out on a 360-degree panorama: sun-baked mountains rise up from the flat desert valley in a patchwork of wild, unincorporated land that is the suburban sprawl of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. I’m flying with an outfit called Rainbow Ryders, experts in the art of negotiating the layered winds and invisible thermals in the Valley of the Sun.

THE ASCENT Ten minutes earlier we were low to the ground, skimming just above saguaro cacti and palo verde. Quail and jackrabbits scattered before us in numbers hikers nearby would never spot.

But now we’ve ascended some 2,000 feet above the valley floor, nine of us passengers in this balloon, floating no more than four miles an hour. The silence up high is stunning, broken only by an occasional voice or the whoosh of heat the pilot blasts into the balloon.

It’s calm in the gondola. Everyone is looking down over the edge of the basket, or staring long into the distance. There’s a quiet up here that lends itself to reflection, and as I scan the surrounding landscape, I begin to think about the current landscape of the cannabis industry.

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HIGH IN THE SKY OF LEGALIZATION The November elections significantly expanded opportunities for citizens to access both medical and recreational pot. Voters in California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada approved recreational marijuana, while Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota approved measures for medical cannabis. Now, from Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay to the Florida Keys, Maine’s northern hardwood forests to Hawaii’s glorious surf, Americans can legally utilize the gifts of marijuana in one form or another. Even the American territories of Guam and Puerto Rico are altering their laws on cannabis.

And it’s not just the United States. Canada is legalizing pot, and so is Israel. Dozens of nations are moving toward the normalization of cannabis, including Spain, Uruguay, Australia, Estonia, Turkey—even North Korea!

Bloomberg News reported last September that the legal cannabis industry may grow upwards of $50 billion by 2026. From a business perspective, it makes perfect sense for the federal government to end the 80-year prohibition on pot. There’s so much blue sky ahead—both in this balloon operated by Rainbow Ryders, as well as the cannabis industry, that no one—politician, entrepreneur or law enforcement—should stand in the way of its legalization.

Looking around the gondola, it’s apparent that most of my fellow passengers would enjoy a world with fully legalized marijuana.

Perhaps even the pilot, who did mention the lofty safety standards that Rainbow Ryders maintain, including strict adherence to sobriety among pilots and their faithful devotion to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Of course, safety is important in our industry, as well. No one should drive under the influence, and strong standards should be set to keep cannabis, including edibles, out of the hands of children and teenagers.

After an hour of gliding the light winds over the desert, the crew brings us down— smoothly, without incident—onto a flat, pasture-like space bright with the yellow buds of wild mustard. As the ground crew deflates the multicolored rainbow balloon, we raise a glass of champagne to toast our flight with the pilot and he hands us a certificate of flight to acknowledge our “bravery.”

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ARTICLE TITLE

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LIFESTYLE

DIY COMPOSTING

WORMS, BACKYARD PILES AND COMPOST BINS, OH MY! WRITER / E. SOMES

M

ost Oregonians are familiar with the plethora of countertop compost collectors and yard debris rollcarts that have now become companions to our garbage and recycling bins. Composting is not a new idea brought about in recent years by environmentalists, however, it’s an age-old method of turning would-be waste into nutrient rich mulch. Mesopotamian clay tablets from as far back as 2120 BC mention composting, so it’s definitely not a new concept! So, what is composting and how can you employ these historic practices in modern times?

Composting is the act of taking organic matter—leaves, grass, flowers, fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, even paper towels and pizza boxes—and letting them naturally decompose. Worm Bins have slightly different requirements regarding what you can add, but can be maintained in a smaller area, even inside the home and share the same idea.

Backyard Compost Bins can be purchased or made from wood pallets, or a simple wire structure. They don’t have to be complicated. Toss in anything from your gardening escapades: leaves, grass clippings, old pumpkins, remnants of flower and vegetable gardens, as well as the collected bits from your kitchen.

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APARTMENT DWELLERS, DON’T DESPAIR. WORM BINS ARE HERE! A worm bin can do the composting for you in a relatively small space. There are various types of worm bins you can purchase online, or you can make you own using a plastic tub with drilled holes for air circulation. In three to six months, the worms will have magically created a bin of rich castings (worm poop) as a soil amendment you can add to the top of your houseplants, or mix with potting soil to use as a planting medium.

With so many options available, from streetside composting and backyard compost piles to various worm bin contraptions, there is an easy mode of composting for everyone. Save space in the landfills and make your own homemade, nutrient-dense soil amendment! It’s simple, it’s easy, and as Martha Stewart says, “It’s a good thing.”

WORM BIN DO’S AND DON’T S DO’S: Keep it between 50-75 degrees Add to the bin 1-2 times a week and bury scraps under the bedding Add fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds (including filter), tea bags, houseplant clippings Add crushed egg shells along with food scraps to maintain a healthy pH Add the remnants of your joints!

Roaches for worms!

DON’TS: Add onions Add pasta, rice or bread Add meat or dairy products Add pet waste

WORM BIN ASSEMBLY 1. F ill worm bin with dry bedding material (leaves, shredded newspaper, straw) 2. A dd water and mix with bedding to the consistency of a wet sponge 3. P our out any excess water (worm bin should be ½ full of wet material) 4. Add crushed eggshells 5. Add the worms 6. A dd food scraps to the worm bin by burying them under the bedding 7. Harvest the castings 3-6 months later!

WHAT TYPES OF WORMS ARE IN A WORM BIN? Eisenia fetida, Eisenia hortensis and Perionyx excavates, AKA Red Wrigglers PLACES TO BUY WORM BINS Worm Farm Composter: gardeners.com $139 Nature’s Footprint Worm Factory Composter: Amazon.com $75 PLACES TO BUY COMPOSTERS Hayneedle.com All different styles from $32-$260 Any Home Supply Store as well as Amazon.com.

Check out these websites for more on composting, worm bin advice and instruction: MOTHEREARTHNEWS.COM DIYNATURAL.COM

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F E AT U R E

CANNDESCENT

SUSTAINABLE GROW BLOOMS IN THE DESERT WRITER / GEOFF NUDELMAN PHOTO / PROVIDED BY CANNDESCENT

A

t first glance, Desert Hot Springs doesn’t look like the center of California’s sustainable cannabis movement. As the name suggests, it’s a flat, sandy town of 28,000 that greets drivers as they make their way out to the Coachella

Valley or Joshua Tree. The weather is hot and unforgiving.

It also happens to be the first Southern California municipality that legalized largescale medical marijuana cultivation.

STATE-OF-THE-ART RETROFITTING After city leaders approved the law in 2014, the rush of commercial capital to the area was almost instantaneous. Tenured developer Adrian Sedlin’s search for large parcels of land to grow ultra-premium product brought him here with similar grand visions.

His company, Canndescent, opened the city’s first growing facility last September – a 9600 square foot warehouse producing more than 200 pounds of product a month. “We retrofitted the entire building,” Sedlin says.

He’s talking about a state-of-the-art water clarification system they added to recycle the precious California water supply—the area gets only 5.7 inches of rain per year. The process filters impurities and dirt out of the water before it’s released into the sewer system, essentially making it cleaner than when it arrived through the pipes. Although Sedlin and his team have set a high standard for grow-

11 8

ing in a booming region, what’s coming next will raise the bar all over again.

Next month, Canndescent will complete $675,000 worth of solar panel additions to their existing building, producing around 30 percent of the warehouse’s total energy needs, according to CFO Tom DiGiovanni. To meet building code, the panels are positioned over the adjoining parking lots and double as shade from the brutal desert sun.

They’re bringing this solar template to new construction, too. Canndescent is building an 80,000 square foot grow space from the ground up that will combine propane and solar power in a co-generation method. DiGiovanni projects the system will offset 65-70 percent of their power needs. In some situations, it can operate independently of the desert’s expensive power grid. “We won’t be tapping [into] the grid very much,” Sedlin says.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Sedlin feels Canndescent has a duty to be an environmentally responsible producer, and that their customers will be willing to pay more to support that goal. Data says he’s right. According to Monocle Research’s RED BOMBr cannabis arm, 49 percent of California consumers are willing to pay more for cannabis grown using environmentally friendly methods.

Creating a nascent sustainable system has given Canndescent a head start over the incoming wave of producers once legalization takes full effect. Sedlin has already given tours of their existing facility to a variety of government agencies, from Los Angeles County to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. They’re proud to show it off.

“When you do it right in a regulated environment, people respond to it,” Sedlin says about the positive reaction he’s received so far. He added that they’re already following

Colorado’s tough guidelines “from seed to sale” in preparation for anything new that comes up when California’s market opens.

The biggest challenge they’ll face going forward is matching the significant funding they’ve already achieved. At press time, they recently completed a $6.5 million round, mostly to help develop these and two other projects on tap in the desert. “Because of the relationship between the cannabis industry and banks, we’re raising our funds from existing investors,” he says.

Between their investors and the veteran leadership at the helm, Canndescent is on its way to becoming a state – and national – model in responsible cannabis cultivation.

This fiery hotbed off Interstate 10 is set to become a hub of ingenuity for indoor agricultural growth as a whole.

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LIFESTYLE

ACHIEVING A ZERO-WASTE LIFE WRITER / MELISSA JOY

W

e use so many products on a daily basis without realizing the environmental impact and harm that they cause. Stevie Van Horn, a plastic-free and zero-waste advocate, has showcased her sustainable lifestyle on Instagram, detailing the day-to-day ways one can be waste free. Stevie was kind enough to share a few zero-waste tips with DOPE Magazine, as well as her story of sacrifice in an effort to help our planet: “I’ve been living zero-waste for two years. There was a specific conversation I had with my friend about mycelium and mushrooms. Mycelium is known as the neurological network of the forest and consists pretty much of a sheet of thread-like fibers that run beneath the forest floor and bud fungi. Fungi are incredible recyclers, and without them we would be knee deep in dead carcasses and natural matter.

They play an integral part of communication between otherwise unrelated species.

The concept that this incredible thing exists and plays such an imperative role in cleaning up our environment got me in a wormhole of what our role as humans is to the environment.”

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Some of the zero-waste items that Stevie uses every day include Simple Ecology cloth bags, which are multifaceted and can be used for produce and bulk. They also have a tare (the weight of the bag) on the label for easy use at the cashier; they subtract the weight of the bag from the weight of the produce, allowing for an accurate read. Bee’s Wrap is a sustainable wrapping paper ideal for sandwiches, loaves of bread, cheese, hiking treats and fruits.

It’s made from organic cotton, ethically sourced beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin. RMS Beauty makes a blush that comes in a glass container, lasts forever and is made with only natural ingredients.

Stevie also uses compostable bamboo toothbrushes, and NEVER leaves her home without her trusty mason jar.

Another item that Stevie strongly avoids is conflict palm oil, an ingredient that makes its way into everyday items such as chips, cookies, makeup, detergent and more. Sourced primarily in Sumatra, it’s cheap, easy to extract and produces high yields. Because of the overwhelming demand for palm oil, plantations have sprung up in some of the most fragile and important ecosystems on Earth.

Species like Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers and rhinos are being pushed out of their homes to accommodate the demand for this oil. Stevie says: “Living minimally, to me, means living with awareness.

Being aware of how we make an impact and understanding that everything ever made is essentially created from one of Earth’s resources. When we find that everything we do or don’t invite into our life is as clear as conserving resources, halting demands for products and furthering the planet into sustainable practices, it’s easier for us to avoid items that don’t truly serve us. If we can find a way to live with less objects, we are more apt to look inward than outward, and with that notion you can find true happiness. Living minimally doesn’t just serve the planet, but it serves ourselves as well!”

If you’re interested in learning more, check out Stevie’s YouTube videos (Stevie Yay on YouTube). So far she’s touched on “DIY face lotion for sensitive skin,” “How to avoid fast fashion,” and an “Easy zero-waste grocery adventure.” Her Instagram also has a large repertoire of zero-waste tips, easy zero-waste recipes, and all kinds of “living minimally” inspiration.

The average person produces 4 lbs of trash everyday. That’s over 1400 lbs over the course of a year!

Her e ar e a handful of sustainable tips to get you started on your zerowaste journey: •

Say no to napkins and disposable cutlery. Bring your own container for leftovers, and order a set of bamboo utensils and a stainless steel straw for on-the-go sustainability.

•

Say no to produce plastic bags!

Order some cloth bags with the weight included on the tag for easyto-use shopping in the produce or bulk section.

•

In 2006, over 6.5 million trees were cut down in order to provide 16 billion paper cups for US consumers—never leave your house without a reusable coffee cup.

•

Composting is sexy! Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs, there are composting options for you!

INSTAGRAM: @STEVIEYAAAAY

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NEWS

TO VAPE, OR NOT TO VAPE CANNABIS’ RISING NEW TREND WRITER / KELLY VO

I

PHOTO / VAPEXHALE, PUFFCO

n California and across America, it’s a conversation that’s becoming increasingly familiar. According to the second annual State of Cannabis report by Eaze— the Uber of cannabis—vaping products are increasing in popularity more quickly than any other form of cannabis consumption.

The report revealed that between 2015 and 2016, sales of cannabis oil cartridges used for vaping increased 400 percent among customers, shooting up from six percent in December 2015 to 24 percent in December 2016. One in every five orders placed on Eaze included a vaporizer cartridge in 2016.

So, what’s behind this rise in vaping?

We set out to find the answers by talking to industry leaders Juli Crockett, Chief Compliance Officer at W Vapes; Seibo Shen, Co-Founder and CEO of VapeXhale; and Roger Volodarsky, CEO at Puffco.

All three companies have seen an obvious rise in sales over the last year, but why? It’s all about portability, discretion and ease of use.

“It’s clean, and it’s not messy,” says Crockett.

“You don’t have to have gear, and there’s not as much odor. It’s a much more private way to medicate.” Volodarsky agrees. “Vaping is made to be easy and quick for users when they’re on the go or at home. Whereas flower is a more involved process.”

Vaping is also a great way for beginners— or as Shen calls them, “the cannabis curious”—to try cannabis. “Vaping is a great way to get cannabis because a capsule of THC of CBD oil looks much more like medicine compared to the plant, and it’s much easier to carry around and conceal,” explains Shen.

Even better, “there is no learning curve whatsoever,” describes Volodarsky.

“When you are dealing with someone new to the industry, a high-quality vaporizer is a lot milder, gentler and less scary than smoking raw flower,” explains Crockett. “Just like you wouldn’t start drinking with a tequila shot.”

But the growth of vaping isn’t all focused on new users and ease of use—it’s also about the growing popularity of concentrates. “Concentrates are awesome,” says Volodarsky. “I find myself consuming concentrates almost

1 26

“DO YOU SMOKE?” “NO, I VAPE.”

exclusively, because it feels healthier and micro-dosing is now possible.”

Concentrates allow for more accurate dosing and greater effect. “A lot of people really like concentrates because you’re able to get isolates and certain profiles that wouldn’t be available if you were strictly using flower,” explains Shen.

“Vaping is about dialing in the user experience.” And that user experience has expanded alongside education.

“As people are getting more educated and conscientious about what they’re consuming, concentrates are growing in popularity,” says Crockett. “With concentrates and vaping, users know they’re smoking something pesticide-free, additive-free and without undesirable side effects.” However, product safety can be a concern.

“Some pre-filled vaporizers offer no transparency about what’s inside their cartridges,” warns Volodarsky. “Make sure you know what you’re buying by looking for a lab form that explains exactly what’s in the product. It’s pointless to purchase a product that could be bad for you.”

THE FUTURE OF VAPING As for the future of vaping, users can expect the products to develop alongside cannabis science. “We are continually working to improve our processes, to really preserve the authenticity of the original flower,” says Crockett. “I see two branches of vaping coming: the purist, which will focus on specific terpenes and healing properties within each strain, and the experimentalist, which will focus on mixing strains to create certain effects.”

For VapeXhale, the future is about balancing convenience and environmental impact. “When we design new devices, we make sure the convenience doesn’t come at the expense of creating disposable products that have a negative impact on the environment.”

Either way, the future of cannabis and vaping is an exciting one.

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FOOD

SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS STIR-FRY WRITER/PHOTO / LAURIE & MARYJANE

S

pring is the time to be eating your asparagus. Eating seasonally and locally will help you, and the planet. And we need help! This stir-fry pairs asparagus and shrimp, a toothsome combination. You don’t need a wok, just keep the ingredients moving quickly in the pan and you will be fine. If serving with rice, that will take longer than the entrée. Rice is ridiculously easy to make, but truth be told I always have Trader Joe’s frozen rice in the house. The brown rice is my favorite. I also love the Speculoos Cookie Butter Cheesecake, but that has nothing to do with this recipe. I do not have stock in Trader Joe’s, but it is a cannabis lover’s paradise.

COOKING WITH CANNABIS, by Quarto Press You can substitute green beans for the asparagus, and tofu or chicken for the shrimp. I have been infusing my oil and butter with Moon Puppies, a sativa-dominant strain that is delightfully energizing and thoughtful. I thought it would be shellfish of me not to share.

SERVES 1 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon canna-oil 3 tablespoons canola oil 5 stalks asparagus, woody stems removed and cut in chunks ¼ cup shredded carrot ½ yellow pepper, sliced 8 medium shrimp, peeled, tails removed 2 scallions, sliced ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced 1 teaspoon sesame seeds DIRECTIONS: 1. In a small bowl combine the hoisin, soy sauce, canna-oil and one tablespoon of the canola oil.

2. In a large sauté pan heat the remaining canola oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the asparagus, carrots and peppers. Stir quickly for 4-5 minutes.

4. Add the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink and are firm to the touch.

5. Add the scallion, ginger and garlic. Stir to combine flavors.

6. Add the sauce to the saucepan, and toss to distribute the ingredients.

7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy.

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