DOPE MAGAZINE WA ISSUE #52 "THE HOLIDAY ISSUE" by DOPE Magazine

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ISSUE 52 | DECEMBER 2015 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

MEDICAL STRAIN TANGIE

BRANDING BUD CANNABIS PACKAGING

CONCENTRATE HARLEQUIN

EDITOR’S NOTE

RECREATIONAL STRAIN

CATAPULT COFFEE

HIGH SOCIETY

DOPE NEWS

CANNABIS WORLD NEWS

CANNA-NEWS CROWD-SOURCING

MED CO-OP

HEALTHY LIVING CENTER

ROAD TRIP

EDIBLE

REC STORE BUD HUT

CANNA-NEWS

SANTA CRUZ

BALI VASWANI

In a recent conversation with a group of friends, one of them was gleefully commenting on their plan to buy all cannabis-themed gifts for their family this holiday season. In years passed he was accustomed to buying his parents a fine bottle of wine or two, his siblings some books, etc. But this year his holiday shopping plans are decidedly more festive, which got me thinking... We now live in an era where the once slightly shameful secrecy of being a weed smoker is being replaced by the celebratory notion of having a cannabis-themed Holiday. You can have pot leaf ornaments to adorn your tree, a cannabis-scented perfume for your mom, or simple bags of sweet cheeba as stocking stuffers. When you add in the high quality packaging in the industry these days, the plant now has a clear path straight into the American holiday mainstream. Indeed, cannabis has come out of the closet and into your stocking. The holiday season is about much more than material gift giving however, and the more charitable side of the giving spirit is definitely alive and well in our cover feature, Women Grow. When highlighting the philanthropy within the cannabis industry, these ladies and their organization are a high quality example of what giving back looks like in action. Their motto to “connect, educate and empower” fellow women inspires many within this industry typically considered to be male dominated. Here, they’ve networked and collaborated themselves into an authentic and charitable force, even providing for scholarships for the often pricy conferences and events cropping up all over the industry. The ways you can infuse cannabis into the holiday season are endless. So go ahead and buy your grandma a vape pen, infuse those cookies with Mary Jane, and make a charitable donation of money or time to a cannabis organization. Tis the season for cannabis freedom of all kinds.

70 GARDEN

Stay DOPE.

URBAN FARMS

52 FEATURE

GIVE AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE: CHARITABLE GIVING WITHIN THE CANNABIS COMMUNITY

PRODUCT

106

RECREATIONAL PRE-ROLLS

112

CANNA-NEWS THE MJBA

FEATURE

116

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

ISSUE 52 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE dopemagazine.com

Wishing you the highest of holidays this year.

PIECES

SEATTLE PIPEMASTERS

118 CANNA-NEWS CANNABALL RUN

PRESIDENT

CEO

EVAN CARTER

DAVID TRAN

STATE DIRECTOR

CHIEF BRANDING OFFICER

JESUS DIAZ

JAMES ZACHODNI

SALES MANAGER

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

MYCHAL TRAWICK

JONATHAN TEETERS

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE

ERIC ERLANDSEN

KATE KELLY

BRAD FRYE LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

ART DIRECTOR BRANDON PALMA

ALLIE BECKETT CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DESIGN DIRECTOR CHARM DOMACENA

MARK COFFIN TINA BALLEW

AD DESIGN

ANGELA BOGSCH

DOPE DESIGN AGENCY

DOPE is a free 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 researchbased 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.

KENTON BRADLEY EMILY NICHOLS

MANAGING EDITOR

SEAN CORBOY

ALISON BAIRD

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

STATE EDITOR

SHARON LETTS

JORDAN BAER

R.Z. HUGHES MEGHAN RIDLEY DAVID BAILEY JOHNNY HALFHAND

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

ONLINE EDITOR MEGHAN RIDLEY

ABIGAIL ROSS

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

JESSICA ZIMMER

DALLAS KEEFE

DAVE HODES STEVE ELLIOTT MELANIE BIGALKE BRITTANY DRIVER DAVID PALESCHUCK DEBBY GOLDSBERRY

COVER PHOTO: SUSANNAH GROSSMAN

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DOPE Magazine and the entire contents of this magazine are copyright 2015 DOPE MAGAZINE LLC, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or part without the written permission from DOPE Magazine LLC.

@DOPEMAGAZINE

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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MED STRAIN

TANGIE GOLD LEAF GARDENS WRITER •R.Z. HUGHES

| PHOTOS • ANGELA BOGSCH

GENETICS Allegedly carrying the same genetics as the popular mid-’90s strain Tangerine Dream, Tangie has been rediscovered (and renamed). Becoming an overnight favorite and winning countless awards in the last three years, the original cross is said to be a Skunk hybrid and California Orange bred in Amsterdam over two decades ago.

AROMA These are incredibly fragrant flowers, to the point that this almost doesn’t even smell like cannabis. Intoxicating and overwhelmingly delicious, it quickly wins enthusiasts over. One of the most popular strains of today, Tangie’s fruity floral scent must be smelled to be believed.

FLAVOR

THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS This is a great strain for clearing out the cobwebs, lifting the spirit, and focusing one’s energy. The scent alone is therapeutic and relaxing, instantly calming my mind and encouraging a cheerful disposition. Tangie is known as a top-notch stress reliever, gaining favor as one of the best mood enhancers around.

True to the scent, the taste of this smoke is mouthwatering, and its been known to induce heavy salivation. A fruity flavor similar to orange popsicle lingers in the palette for up to an hour after enjoyment. It’s one of the most flavorful strains we have ever had the pleasure of trying.

EFFECT A quick burst of energy is trailed with an extended period of euphoric relaxation. It’s heady and brings a sense of clarity coupled with quite intense psychoactivity. Colors seem brighter, music is more enjoyable, and daily stresses melt away. One of the biggest side effects of Tangie may just be craving Tangie nonstop all day long.

LOOKS The buds are small with the largest among them weighing less than a gram. It grows like a sativa stretching out long, skinny buds and sparse, thin leaves. There is a good amount of resin coverage and, true to it’s the name, Tangie takes on a pale orange tint in the right light. TESTED BY: STEEP HILL LABS

AVAILABLE AT • HAVE-A-HEART • CONSCIOUS CARE • HYPEHERBALLY

ISSUE 52 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE dopemagazine.com

20.72% THC 0.04% CBD

REC STRAIN

HIGH SOCIETY NORTH COAST GROWERS WRITER •R.Z. HUGHES

| PHOTOS • ANGELA BOGSCH

GENETICS Named after their bustling storefront in Anacortes, the High Society strain is a one-of-a-kind flower that earns its special moniker. The genetics are a secret, but whatever produced this offspring must have been potent and pretty. As it is their house strain, it may only be found at High Society and it is very worth the trip.

LOOKS

FLAVOR

The compact flowers are almost perfect spheres whose rounded tops bristle with short orange hairs. Its lime green coloring looks even lighter with a thick sheen of white trichomes covering every visible surface. Although the bud structure is incredibly tight and dense, resin is abundant all the way to the stem.

THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS

EFFECT

AROMA

This strain has a wide range of terpenes which contribute to a variety of beneficial effects. It’s relaxing, which suggests it may help in battling anxiety and depression while giving an energy boost. The above-average THC content may also aid in counteracting eye pressure and stimulating appetite as well as easing tense, aching muscles.

A thick scent of pine mixed with citrus and a little bit of mint to top it off. This pleasantly pungent flower was chosen as the house strain at High Society due, in no small part, to its intense aroma. It has an underlying character of a fancy French cheese, fragrant and sour yet, oh, so appealing.

PROVIDED BY: HIGH SOCIETY TESTED BY: STEEP HILL LABS

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT • HIGH SOCIETY, ANACORTES, WA

ISSUE 52 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE dopemagazine.com

Smoking a joint of this stuff showcases the complex flavor profile and unlocks the multitude of essential oils. Sour notes of citrus, the light taste of herbal tea, and pine refresh one’s palate for a long time afterwards. The taste is familiar, not unlike a cheese, but there is an enticing uniqueness to High Society.

15.9% THC 0.02% CBD

Fun and relaxing, High Society gives the user an enjoyable mellow head buzz. It is cheerful and stimulates the mind without any overwhelming psychoactivity. A great strain for social occasions, as it makes one feel comfortable and talkative. While it is an energetic bud, it can cause drowsiness if used late in the day.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

IF YOUR STORE DOESN’T CARRY DOPE PRODUCTS LET US KNOW!

TO GET DOPE BRANDS IN YOUR STORE

#WEWANTDOPE

WEWANTDOPE.COM

EMAIL INFO@WEWANTDOPE.COM

FIND DOPE PREMIUM BRANDS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS CLEAR CHOICE CANNABIS GREEN COLLAR GREENHEAD CANNABIS HIGH END MARKET PLACE

KALEAFA NEW VANSTERDAM THE SLOW BURN THE HERBERY (EAST) THE HERBERY (WEST)

THE EVERGREEN MARKET GREENWAY MARIJUANA LUCID WORLD OF WEED URBAN BUD

GREEN THEORY SEATTLE CANNABIS CO CANNABIS CITY WHIDBEY ISLAND CANNABIS POT SHOP

GREEN LIFE CANNABIS DOCKSIDE SQUAXIN MJ TRIBAL COMPACT

WRITER •R.Z. HUGHES

PHOTOS • ALLIE BECKETT

EDIBLES

BRINGING A NEW MEANING TO COFFEE POT

CATAPULT COFFEE BY FAIRWINDS MANUFACTURING

THE AEROPRESS Invented by the same man who invented the Frisbee, the aeropress is one of the newest ways to make coffee and it is a favorite among baristas and caffeine connoisseurs for its full-bodied brew. Similar to a french press, it sits filled with coffee and hot water on top of a mug for a minute or two. When ready, it is aerated by being pushed through small holes at the bottom and into the mug. This method extracts more of the essential oils than any other – a must have for anyone who loves a strong, flavorful cup of joe.

AVAILABLE AT • GANJA GODDESS • UNCLE IKE’S • THE HERBERY

OST PEOPLE think of cannabis as a calming indulgence, more sedative than stimulating; perhaps something that helps with pain instead of launching a productive day. Everyone loves a good wake ‘n’ bake, but once in awhile responsible adults have to refrain from smoking a bowl before breakfast. At least until now... PROVIDED BY: GANJA GODDESS

Caffeine lovers, rejoice! There is an extraordinary cannabis-infused coffee that comes in individual 10mg servings. For use in aeropress, french press, or coffee pod machines, the simplicity of this product makes morning marijuana convenient for those of us that are not morning people. The beans in Catapult Coffee are freshly sourced from respected Northwest roasters with reputations for rich full-bodied roasts. ReJavanate is their decaf version, with added proprietary herbs that aid in relaxation and may even help in falling asleep. A great digestif with dessert, ReJavanate tastes great and helps to bring a warm touch to an evening with friends.

ISSUE 52 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE dopemagazine.com

Owner James Hull has an extensive history as a tech engineer and says that the cannabis industry is “way behind in technology due to its illegal classification of the past.” Hull’s production facility is state-of-the-art with remote monitoring and control; everything is regulated with computers. Fairwinds Mfg. has rolled out a pumpkin spice latte vape cartridge for the holidays. It uses extracted oils from their high end Catapult Coffee, and is then infused with cannabis. It ends up tasting like an actual latte! Aiming for consistency and quality, Catapult is Washington State’s ® premium line of cannabis coffee.

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info@dutchmasternutrients.com | DUTCHMASTERNUTRIENTS.COM *Design submissions close December 31, 2015. Design must be posted on Dutch Master Facebook page to qualify. Design must include Dutch Master logo or brand name to qualify. Voting ends January 30, 2016 5pm PST. Each ‘like’ on a qualifying design counts as one vote. The design with the highest number of votes at the time voting ends will win $300 1st prize. The design with the second highest number of votes at the time voting ends will win $200 2nd prize. Cash prizes will be paid to winning entrants via Paypal on January 31, 2015. Winners must have a Paypal account to redeem prize. Each entrant understands and agrees that upon submission of your design, all rights to the design are assigned to Dutch Master Nutrients LLC, granting a worldwide right to reproduce, sell, transmit and display the design, in whole or in part, an unlimited number of times, in any and all media.

GARDEN

MASTER BREEDER MOJAVE RICHMOND

OR THIS month’s garden feature, I had the distinct pleasure to sit down with master breeder and cultivation consultant Mojave Richmond and talk about whatever he wanted to share with our readers. I had just reviewed Mojave’s strain Zeta for our SoCal November issue and dubbed Zeta the “best medicine ever,” for its long lasting effects that include enhanced focus and productivity, and decreased appetite – pretty much the opposite effects of OG Kush, which is one of Zeta’s main components – so I’m excited to discuss that, as well

as get a glimpse into what he is doing now. We met at Urth Caffe in Beverly Hills and our conversation ranged from growing to breeding, to the future of the cannabis industry. We discussed terpene profiles, gene pools, and why, according to Mojave, “not all terpenes are good terpenes.” Mojave describes himself as “a breeder who’s become a consultant, who is now trying to facilitate the creation of a valid cannabis agricultural economy.” I asked Mojave where it all began for him as a breeder. “Well back in the day,” he said, “there was cannabis all over the planet…” and

ISSUE 52 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE dopemagazine.com

then, due to prohibition and the demonization of cannabis by the US government, many of the world’s Landrace varieties were destroyed. When the Netherlands decriminalized cannabis, many growers moved there and started to breed and cultivate. The thing was, Mojave explained, the weather in the Netherlands is usually cold and not always very sunny. So, indoor growing really took off during those years. Mojave said he began noticing the effects of inbreeding on the cannabis gene pool pretty early on and it concerned him, which inspired him to begin breeding.

WRITER •EVAN KOPELSON

“I’VE BEEN A BREEDER FOR 22 YEARS, AND MY WHOLE FOCUS ALL ALONG HAS BEEN ONE DAY ‘THIS IS GONNA BE A LEGAL PLANT, AND IT’S GONNA BE AN AGRICULTURAL PLANT.”

Young growers at the time were excitedly working with the new Dutch seed strains – predominately Skunk #1, Northern Lights, and Haze – so Mojave decided to take his California heritage library of old school seeds, and he began breeding in Holland. It was here in the late 1990s that Mojave created the famed plant S.A.G.E. and then years later he crossed S.A.G.E. with OG Kush to create Zeta. Several years after that, Mojave’s continued breeding experiments created Big Sur Holy. Each of Mojave’s creations aims to recreate the distinctive phenotype/chemotype profiles he remembers from some of the lost California Landrace varieites of what we now call Sativa. I asked him about one picture he gave me that features a cluster of ladybugs, “At the time of the picture, they were all the rage, but Ladybugs are not the best method to get all your spider mites,” Mojave told me. “It’s great to have a ladybug population in your garden, but what happens is, if it’s indoors, the ladybugs

PHOTOS • MOJAVE RICHMOND

fly into the sun, which is your light, and they incinerate. If it’s outdoors, they’ll also fly into the sun, which is your neighbor’s garden. So either way, it’s not very effective, but they’re pretty to have around; they might even contribute. If you’re lucky, they’ll stay around for a while and create a population there and breed, and that’s what you’re seeing in that picture there, a little clustering of them.” When push comes to shove, Mojave said he would rather talk about breeding than growing, because the knowledge is already out there about growing, and it really at this point is about getting new knowledge out there to the world. “How I grow now is irrelevant,” Mojave said. “I’ve been a breeder for 22 years, and my whole focus all along has been one day ‘this is gonna be a legal plant, and it’s gonna be an agricultural plant’, and therefore I should know how to grow this plant on that scale, and I should be ready for that when the time comes.”

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GROW

EMERALD HARVEST Si mpl e, Ea sy Success

NEW brand of premium fertilizer is building a following in the hydroponic world with their easy to use base nutrients and supplements. Emerald Harvest launched their product line on April 20th of this year and already, it’s being received with pleasant surprise by growers who seek to maximize yields. Founded by Robert and Sharon Higgins along with David Pratt, the rate of growth for the start-up company, with less than ten core employees, is staggering. Their products are already sold in twelve states and Canada with registration pending in many more. As every hydroponic grower knows, the nutrient market is saturated with tons of companies, each of which offer multitudes of formulas, boosters, and enhancers. Are all of the bottles really necessary? How can a grower tell which brand will actually produce results and what makes those products different? When it comes to the Emerald Harvest line of products, the difference is in the quality of the ingredients and the implementation of a streamlined feeding system. They offer a professional 2-part and a 3-part base nutrient series that makes it simple to unlock your garden’s full potential. These easy-to-use fertilizers give your complete a complete nutrient profile while minimizing

bottle space and waste. Packaged in growerfriendly smart bottles, none of the precious nutrients are lost due to spillage, as any drips are caught and cycled back into the bottle, much like a jug of laundry detergent. For indoor gardeners looking for a little something extra, Emerald Harvest also offers seven supplements specifically tailored for different aspects of your plants well-being. The lead chemist at Emerald Harvest, Dr. Dave, is a dedicated craftsman with a lengthy history in organic chemistry and cannabis cultivation. Taking the highest selling products on the market and determining what they all have in common, Dr. Dave formulated a new, compact line of supplements to give growers exactly what they want. The King Kola bloom booster has amino acids derived from hemp seed, a natural and more effective alternative to the bovine byproducts used in other hydroponic nutrient lines for the same purpose. This is the first such product to utilize hemp protein and the results speak for themselves with huge, impressive colas. Their labels are some of the most aesthetically pleasing in the industry, in fact Emerald Harvest took home first place for the 2015 Maximum Yield best overall design for the artwork on their Honey Chome – a resin and aroma enhancer. The artistry on the

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outside of the bottles hints at the artfully concocted formulations they contain inside. While their line of fertilizer isn’t entirely organic yet, they use as many natural ingredients as they can combined with microbial life, kelp, alfalfa, hemp, and many other plant-based nutrients. The hemp seed in the King Kola is a highly effective natural chelator, helping the plants to uptake and assimilate nutrients and get the most out of their feeding. Emerald Harvest works side-by-side with the regulators each step of the way. They know that regulations play a crucial role in the fertilizer industry; without them, someone could produce and market a fake product. They understand that every grower has different opinions and needs, and to that effect, they never push entire product lines or treat stores like cash cows. Instead Emerald Harvest is busy building a corporate culture based on respect among competition, and a premium product line. With the overwhelmingly positive response they’ve received this year, they’re looking to change the hydroponics industry long-term, for the better. [ www.emeraldharvest.co ]

WRITER •R.Z. HUGHES

PHOTOS • EMERALD HARVEST

“THE BLOOM BOOSTER HAS AMINO ACIDS DERIVED FROM HEMP SEED, A NATURAL AND MORE EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO BOVINE BYPRODUCTS.”

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BRANDING BUD

WRITER •DAVID PALESCHUCK, MBA, CLS

CANNABIS PACKAGING AND ITS RELATION How Cannabis Is TO QUALITY & Packaged Affects Its Flavor, Potency CONSISTENCY & Efficacy P

UBLIC OPINION is changing around cannabis in general, and there is concern from lawmakers, consumers & patients alike regarding dosing and consistency. The Journal of American Medicine (JAMA), published a recent article in June 2015 titled, “Cannabinoid Dose and Label Accuracy in Edible Medical Cannabis Products”, and summarized that “edible products from three major metropolitan cit-

ies including Seattle, San Francisco & Los Angeles - (oddly, Denver was not included) – though unregulated, failed to meet basic label accuracy standards for pharmaceuticals. Greater than 50% of products evaluated had significantly less cannabinoid content then labeled, with some products containing negligible amounts of THC.” Because of the inconsistencies, such products may not produce the desired efficacy and/or relief required.

Other products contained significantly more THC than labeled, placing consumers at risk for experiencing adverse effects; because medical cannabis is recommended for specific health conditions, regulation, consistency and quality assurance are required. So why is this? Taking a look at currently accepted cannabis packaging shows the need for the industry to learn from mainstream consumer packaging and preservation.

ROLE OF PACKAGING Packaging plays a vital role in preserving cannabis throughout the distribution chain. Without packaging, the processing of cannabis can become compromised as it is contaminated by direct contact with physical, chemical, and biological contaminants. In recent years, the development of novel cannabis packaging (modified atmosphere & active packaging) has not only increased the shelf life of cannabis, but also their safety and

quality - therefore bringing convenience to consumers. Directly related, and interlinked, with cannabis packaging is the concept of shelf life - the length of time that perishable items are given before they are considered unsuitable for sale, use, or consumption. Consumer packaging is essential and pervasive, and it performs a number of disparate tasks. It protects from contamination and spoilage; it makes it easier to transport and store

cannabis, and it provides a uniform measurement of the contents. By allowing brands to be created and standardized, it makes advertising meaningful and large-scale distribution and mass merchandising possible. Consumer packages with dispensing caps, re-closable openings, and other features make products more usable and convenient. Three primary and interconnected functions of packaging are Containment, Protection and Communication.

Communication

Containment

Protection

There is an old saying that “a package must protect what it sells and sell what it protects”; that is, the package functions as a “silent salesman.” The modern methods of consumer marketing would fail were it not for the messages communicated by the package through distinctive branding and labeling. Consumers make purchasing decisions using the numerous clues provided by the graphics and the distinctive shapes of the packaging.

This function of packaging is so obvious as to be overlooked by many, but it is the most basic function of packaging. Cannabis products must be contained before they can be moved from one place to another without being damaged.

This is often regarded as the primary function of the package: to protect its contents from the outside environmental effects of water, water vapor, gases, odors, microorganisms, dust, shocks, vibrations, compressive forces, etc. For the majority of consumer products, the protection afforded by the package is an essential part of the preservation process. Freedom from harmful microbial contaminants at the time of consumption can also be influenced by the package.

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PACKAGE ENVIRONMENTS Packaging has to perform its functions in three different environments that include physical, ambient & human. Failure to consider all three environments during package development results in poorly designed packages, increased costs, consumer complaints, and perhaps product rejection by the consumer.

Physical Environment This is the environment in which physical damage can be caused to the product, including shocks from drops, falls, and bumps; damage from vibrations arising from transportation; compression and crushing damage from stacking during transportation or storage in warehouses, retail outlets, and the consumer’s home.

Ambient Environment This is the environment that surrounds the package. Damage to the product can be caused as a result of the effects of heat & cold, microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, molds, yeasts) and macro-organisms (rodents, insects, mites, and birds), which are ubiquitous in many warehouses and retail outlets. Contaminants in the ambient environment such as dust and dirt can find their way into the product unless the package acts as an effective barrier.

Human Environment This is the environment in which the package is handled and cognitively understood (or not) by consumers. In the case with medical cannabis patients, many need easy-to-open packaging due to their condition(s). Designing packages that work for everyone requires knowledge of human vision, strength, dexterity, memory and intellect – not to mention the characteristics of the packaging materials and the natural course of organic degradation.

PACKAGING CANNABIS For all the effort dedicated to producing quality cannabis flower, few within the industry are taking advantage of commonly used best practices in other industries concerned with freshness & shelf-life, particularly as it relates to nitrogen flushed packaging of their cannabinoid rich flowers. Oxygen is a major culprit in degradation & spoilage. The most effective way to prevent oxygen damage is to remove the oxygen and replace it with an inert gas like nitrogen. For marijuana and its cannabinoids, the exposure to oxygen tends to convert THC to the CBN cannabinoid – creating oxidized weed. Conversely, inert gas such as nitrogen, does not allow for the conversion of the THC cannabinoid. When food browns, its components join with oxygen, or oxidize, much as iron does when it rusts. The presence of oxygen allows molds, yeast and aerobic bacteria to survive and degrade perishable products. Modifying the composition of the internal atmosphere of a package improves its shelf-life. Similarly, cannabis can be nitrogen packed and sealed for freshness.

Food handlers call this Modified Atmosphere Packaging, a technique used for prolonging the shelf-life of fresh or minimally processed foods. In this preservation technique the air surrounding the food in the package is changed to another composition. Doing so helps prolongs the fresh state of the product. Modified Atmosphere Packaging slows the natural deterioration of the product. Research and development has proven that nitrogen-flushed cannabis packaging preserves THC. In the absence of this process, marijuana that is exposed to oxygen and other gases in everyday environments, THC oxidizes into CBN cannabinoid, which lowers the value of the product as well as its potency. Nitrogen flushing is currently the only known methodology for keeping marijuana rich in THC by stopping the oxidization process. Whether it is for medicinal use to ease pain and stimulate the appetite, or for recreational use such as what we currently see in Colorado and Washington, the loss of THC by exposure lowers its chemical efficacy.

“ Nitrogen-flush packaging marijuana is the only method any serious venture should consider when deciding to undertake all the hard work that goes into growing marijuana properly. “ Dax Colwell, Dama Cannabis Products One would think, that if cannabis entrepreneurs are willing to thousands and in in some cases, millions of dollars for the best strains, the best environment in which to grow, hire the best growers, trimmers, etc., they wouldn’t want their investment ruined by incorrect product packaging. Nitrogen generators for cannabis packaging are not just a good idea — they are essential to the entire industry and the quality of products brought to market.

Further, with the public’s health, safety and money at risk, there is little reason for cannabis patients and consumers not to demand nitrogen-flushed packaging. As the cannabis market(s) continue to grow, so too will external scrutiny and (hopefully) self-regulation. Cannabis products, their packaging, labeling, dosing and consistency will no doubt play a critical role as it relates to the growing acceptability among consumers and lawmakers alike.

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CANNANEWS

CANNABIS company that gives thousands to charity is just what the doctor ordered to help change the perception of the industry. Call it kismet. Call it karma. Call it a calling that has resulted in $350,000 raised by a single cannabis cvompany for a charitable organization and watch how heads turn. Industry insiders realize it’s a natural fit – cannabis and charity. This industry was founded by caring people, and is currently being driven by caregivers using it for medicinal purposes. It’s growing because of the passion of those caring people, and the drive of entrepreneurs who are changing not only the business goals of the industry, but the perception of how those goals will be achieved, and how society will benefit. Ryan Cook is the general manager of the Clinic Marijuana Center in Denver, opened in September of 2009, it’s one of the earliest established, and fastest growing cannabis medical and retail stores, with over 100 employees in six locations in Denver. Soon there will be two in Nevada, and one in Illinois. He found his passion for raising money for charitable organizations a long time ago when, as a young teen, he witnessed a friend dealing with multiples sclerosis. Cook saw the destruction caused by

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WRITER •DAVID HODES

this terrible, neurological disease with no known cause or cure. Progressive MS was taking the life of his friend’s father, and he saw firsthand how his friend, the Clinic’s master grower Jay Price, changed from loving son to careful caretaker. “My buddy spent his youth being a caretaker for a loved one with this disease,” Cook says. “That makes a person very mature very quickly.” Then, in college, Price began dating a woman who quickly became his girlfriend and would soon be his wife. “On the fourth date, she let him know that she had been recently diagnosed with MS,” he says. Treatment for the disease was phased out for her over time, down from the seven pill regimen she had been on, to a combination of just one pill and medical cannabis for the last nine years now. Cannabis is a natural choice for MS, because typical MS medications can have serious side effects, including liver damage, flu-like symptoms, hair loss and the risk of viral infection of the brain. By 2009, those who treat MS and the society itself were coming around to using cannabis for treatment of tremors and spasms associated with the disease. The

“COOK SAYS HIS EMPLOYEES EMBRACE THE CHARITABLE OPPORTUNITY, SPREADING THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND RAISING MONEY PERSONALLY THROUGH THOSE CONNECTIONS.”

national MS organization currently supports using medical cannabis for the treatment of MS. The American Academy of Neurology even recommends using a cannabis extract to treat the pain associated with MS. Cook’s experience with his friend proved to be just a prelude to the future community outreach of his dispensary, where cannabis use to effectively treat diseases like MS and epilepsy, has begun to play a more important role in the evolution, and credibility, of the cannabis business - as just another enterprise with products people want and need, looking to give back to the community. Cook decided that the Clinic would be involved in the MS walk in 2010, in part because he believed that MS is one of the best charitable organizations where the money donated is properly used. “For us being a marijuana and cannabis company, it is a little bit of a challenge to go out and find benefactors that we can provide money to,” he says. Organizations that have national affiliations, like MS, can feel as if it is very difficult to take money from a marijuana company, but that acceptance is coming, slowly. “We just need to realize that we have come that far and we have so far to go.” Cook says his employees embrace the charitable opportunity, spreading the word on social media and raising money personally through those connections. “It’s great that we have the ability to raise money and awareness like that, and that is why we decided that we were going to take this one step further from just doing the walk.” The Clinic put on a golf tournament in 2010, then decided to make

GRAPHICS • BRANDON PALMA

the golf tournament a charitable event using the MS as their benefactor. They now do both the MS walk and tournament each year. The Clinic just had their sixth golf event in August – a sellout - and raised nearly $100,000. “We have upwards of 300 to 400 people attend one of those golf events, between sponsors and golfers and everyone else.” He also says that other companies came out and attended the event. Participating as golfers or sponsors, their participation boosts cannabis business acceptance as mainstream business. “So to be able to use the credibility of the MS organization I think is extremely helpful,” Cook says. “When I talk to people about what we are doing, who we are doing it for, and why we are doing it, I think it makes it easier to get over some of those hurdles of misperception of the industry by telling about our work with MS.” Cook says that as they expand into Illinois and Nevada, each dispensary will have the option of picking some local charitable organization and spending time developing a relationship. “We know that we are still going to do some work with the MS society, but we are also going to branch out,” he says. “We have received some information from some other organizations up to this point. So no decision has been made yet but we are very excited that we have that ability. I think we are human beings regardless of whether or not we are in the cannabis industry,” Cook says, “And so I think it’s good for us to be a part of those kinds of charitable events, to show that we are good people and a good industry.”

TIPS ABOUT HOW TO MAKE A CHARITABLE CANNABIS CONNECTION Make an appointment to sit down with a representative. Tell them who you are and why doing charitable work matters to you.

Talk to them about how your group can help now and in the future (event planning, brainstorming other events)

Choose an organization you believe in. Research what they do with their funds.

Reach out directly to the organization.

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WRITER•R.Z. HUGHES

U.S. Base A Pipeline for Japan’s Pot Japanese customs agents uncovered a major shipment of cannabis that had been sent to an American service member at Yokoto Air Base in western Tokyo. The box contained over three pounds of pot and was confiscated after the changing hands twice – the member of the U.S. Military apparently had no idea what was in the package. While Japan has notoriously strict drug laws, this hasn’t always been the case. Much like the US, Japan relied on cannabis and hemp during WWII as foreign fibers were difficult to import. Cannabis was a cornerstone of Japanese culture, with references in their oldest books of poetry and ninja training, until after the war when the Americans outlawed it along with martial arts.

No Justice for Zach Hammond A 19-year-old South Carolina man was shot and killed by a police officer earlier this year after a “bust” went horribly awry. Zach Hammond was with a friend who was selling a small amount of cannabis and accidentally sent a text about the purchase to a state trooper rather than the actual buyer. Instead of getting a warrant and going about it like a responsible public servant, the officer escalated the situation and ended up shooting Hammond twice in the back within ten seconds of leaving his vehicle. The officer in question was let off with no charges claiming he felt at danger of being run over. At no time was he ever in danger and any threat was due to his ridiculously aggressive action.

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Massive Case of the Munchies A young man in Youngstown, Ohio called police to report that he was too high and couldn’t feel his hands. What sounds like a cautionary tale about cannabis smoking is in fact a cautionary tale about the dangers of processed snack foods and the bodily havoc they can wreak if binged upon. Police arrived at the residence to find the man curled on the floor groaning, surrounded by a smorgasbord of chips, cookies, and candy. The guy did the right thing by calling 911 for a medical emergency but a heart attack from his sodium-rich diet seems a more likely culprit than an herbal overdose.

DEA Targets Tribal Hemp The Menominee tribe of Wisconsin is reeling after a huge raid by the DEA in late October that destroyed some 30,000 plants. The tribe argues that it was industrial hemp and that they sought transparency in their operation every step of the way, but, the Department of Justice claims that they were producing cannabis for sale off of tribal lands. Even if it had been cannabis, this raid is an affront to tribal sovereignty and has damaged the already tenuous trust between the federal government and Native Americans as the feds gave tribes the freedom to decide for themselves whether or not to produce and market cannabis within reservations.

Iran on the Brink of Legalization?

Branson Tries to Keep UN Honest on Drug Policy Outspoken billionaire Richard Branson released a document from the UN calling for the decriminalization of all drugs a week before it was scheduled to be presented at a conference in Kuala Lumpur. He claims he did it so that they couldn’t back out at the last minute; now it is out there for people to see. They did, however, withdraw it due to pressures from an unnamed nation saying it was only intended to facilitate discussion. While they may not have the backbone to stand by their research, at least the UN seems to be moving toward policies of harm reduction rather than criminalization.

With all of the political posturing the goes on between Washington and Tehran, it’s no wonder that many American’s views about Iran are that of a hardline conservative religious state. While Iran does have incredibly harsh penalties for drug traffickers – including death – the Islamic Republic has a surprisingly progressive stance towards users and treatment. Saeed Sefatian, a high-ranking member of the Expediency Council which acts as an advisory board to the country’s leaders, has proposed a plan to grow state supervised cannabis and poppies giving the government control over the supply of what are now considered to be illicit drugs. They hope to reduce prison populations by 60% and reduce addicts that now number around five million.

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HEALTH

CANNABIS INFUSED TOPICAL PRODUCTS Ch ang i ng Treatments for Inj u ry, Pa i n, and Ma ssage

ANNABIS TOPICAL products are quickly becoming a popular alternative to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pain relief medicines. Used by many to treat a wide variety of injuries and pain, they are also gaining quick respect from many in the massage therapy industry. Cannabis creams are especially helpful to athletes, who employ them for acute injuries, sudden injuries usually associated with a traumatic event such as a fall; and chronic injuries, which develop after an individual engages in a sport or exercise for a long time. Mary Lynn Mathre, a registered nurse (RN) and certified addictions registered nurse (CARN), as well as the president and a founding member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association, a New Jersey nonprofit organization that supports education and application of herbal cannabis says, “Topicals, for the most part, are really safe. They work locally and have minimal risk. I can’t even fathom someone would have a problem with [the cannabis in a] topical, even when it’s really potent.” Ramona Rubin, cofounder of Doc Green’s Healing Collective, a California collective based in the East Bay which produces cannabis creams, said the only concern she has seen from users is minimal pain among some users with past nerve damage. “A few people have reported some pain using our lotion. This might not be a bad thing if their nerves are starting to grow again. The lotion might be helping to stimulate and regrow those nerves,” says Rubin. Cannabis topicals typically have no side effects. OTC and prescription pills and creams have a wide range of negative side effects, from skin irritation and damage to stomach pain, nausea, ulcers, gas, and diarrhea. Topical products can often be combined safely with other medications.

Many OTC and prescription creams, particularly those that thin the blood, do not interact well with other drugs. Greta Gaines, a country music singer, professional snowboarder, and CEO and president of OmniCanna Health Solutions, a Colorado Springsbased company that produces the therapeutic topicals, says they have a subtle delivery. She explains, “It’s almost like you put it on and forget about it. Later on, you realize that you feel very good.” Most cannabis topicals take effect within 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the carrier oil used and many understood, and unknown factors. They generally last for between two to four hours. Mary Jaye Simms, a massage therapist and head of the spa and education departments of Apothecanna, a Denver-based company that produces cannabis topicals, points out some OTC and prescription pain relievers, including Icy Hot and Tiger Balm, “have that very quick, flash and burn effect.” Sims explains, “For 15 minutes, your skin is highly irritated, numb or tingling, then there is a brief period of relief from the pain, and then nothing.” Cannabis creams generally do not cause a user to become intoxicated. Dahlia Mertens, founder of Mary Jane Medicinals, a Denver-based company that produces cannabis topicals says, “I’ve heard of one percent of people feeling a little bit stoned. I think it’s more that they are feeling relaxed.” Topical cannabis is not known to cause a positive test on a blood or urine drug screen. Rubin notes, “We’ve taken people who are total

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“THE NUMBER ONE USE WAS FOR ARTHRITIS AND SORE MUSCLES, AND THE NUMBER TWO USE WAS FOR HEADACHES. THE CREAMY TOPICAL CAN BE APPLIED IN SMALL DABS TO THE TEMPLES.”

WRITER •JESSICA ZIMMER

cannabis novices and had them use ridiculous amounts of our topicals. They’ve taken a test and passed.” It may be possible though for cannabis topicals to cause a positive result on a hair follicle drug screen, but this has not been clinically demonstrated. The phytocannabinoids cannot enter the bloodstream and affect the brain. Cannabis topicals are most often used to treat pain, inflammation, arthritis and rheumatism, soreness, burns, and cold weather ailments, such as chafing. Mathre says phytocannabinoids, plant-created substances in the topicals “work just like our own endocannabinoids.” Endocannabinoids are natural substances produced by the body that bind to receptors in cell membranes. An increase in the intake and binding of endocannabinoids can decrease the amount of pain that an individual feels. “If we take [in] extra endocannabinoids, that helps our system work even better,” Mathre explains. “The topicals work with the body. They are natural, as opposed to a chemical that falsely powers something.” These products typically contain one or more phytocannabinoids; typically tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabiniol (CBD). The amount of the cannabinoid and ratio between the different types determines the power of the product. The topicals are made by mixing the phytocannabinoids with essential oils, like lavender or peppermint, with a fatty base such as shea butter. The oils help the phytocannabinoids penetrate the skin and decrease pain and inflammation. Rubin says cannabis topicals can help with motion, mobility, and flexibility. “The three founders of our collective really started this, and did all of our early product testing while snowboarding in Lake Tahoe. If you apply it before physical activity, you’ll get less sore.” Doc Green’s recently conducted a survey of 80 patient-members. The collective determined that about 16% of those people

used the products for sports injuries. Rubin says “The number one use was for arthritis and sore muscles, and the number two use was for headaches.” The creamy topical can be applied in small dabs to the temples. Elizabeth Sampey, a professional endurance and mountain bike athlete based in Crested Butte, Colorado, says she started using infused cannabis topicals in 2013, after she suffered a severe shoulder injury in a bike crash. “For insurance reasons, I had to wait about three months to have surgery. During that time, I was still riding my bike and doing my work as a personal trainer. I don’t like narcotics and ibuprofen was chewing at my stomach. When I started using cannabis topicals, it cut the pain enough that I was able to ride, coach, and do my training.” Sampey says she now recommends the soothing products to many people that she meets. “At first, they’re usually taken aback. They think it’s just for potheads,” she says, “But I’ve had no negative feedback about it. I recommend it to athletes as well. The only way it affects your [athletic] performance is to eliminate the pain.” Sampey says that before using cannabis topicals, she experienced pain so strong that she could not form thoughts. “When you’re in pain from an injury or from overuse, your brain will focus on that. This form of pain relief allows your mind to get on to other things.” Gaines says she uses cannabis topical products to avoid the exhaustion and mental drain that accompany pain. “I have to be on my game. I don’t want to be high while snowboarding,” she clarifies. Mertens says topical cannabis also has another benefit: it can be used in small amounts. “It accentuates the pain relief so people don’t have to take as much [OTC medications].” She says the topicals also relax the body, which allows people to sleep more soundly. “Sleeping is such an important part of healing. If you can get people to rest, that’s a really big part of the process.” James Kennedy, founder of Apothecanna, says employing cannabis creams in massage therapy has changed the way that people are viewing cannabis. Apothecanna has partnered with LoDo massage, a Denver-based massage and private yoga studio, to offer massages that integrate one or more of Apothecanna’s products. He says “You’ve got to call them (LoDo) weeks in advance. [Massage with cannabis topicals] has been written up nationally

DESIGN • BRANDON PALMA

and in The Denver Post. We’ve had great responses. We’re introducing a lot of people who maybe have never used a cannabis product, and it changes peoples’ minds about it.” Simms says before she started using topicals infused with cannabis, she was only guessing as to whether the experience would offer the client relief. “As a massage therapist, you tend to use Biotone, Bengay, Icy Hot; what is professionally available to use. We (massage therapists) are not able to use prescription products unless the client’s doctor gives us permission.” She paused and then she says something that really drives home how huge these products will be for massage therapy. “Before, I used to say a ‘Hail Mary’ and hope I could help a client. There is so much left to chance. After I started using cannabis creams topicals, I knew I could help them.” She says giving clients the opportunity to think clearly and move beyond their pain has been “so wonderful.” “I’ve been doing the majority of my testing of infused topicals on my existing clients with whom I have built trust,” Simms says. “I know how their body has been behaving, and what’s worked for them, and what hasn’t. That helps me figure out what to do next.” Most of the sources interviewed for this article state they are in favor of larger clinical trials on the power, uses, and possible side effects of cannabis infused topicals. Mathre says it can be difficult for a patient to discuss cannabis creams with their doctor, “Physicians, because they have the power to write a prescription, are intimidated by the federal government. Nurses are generally more open [about discussing medications].” She says patients who are interested in using cannabis topical products to treat pain should first question their doctor on the function of the endocannabinoid system. If the doctor does know, or wants to learn, this is a good indication that they are open to discussing cannabis creams. “If the physician says, “I don’t want to learn,” go find a new physician. Patients have been kicked out of clinics and refused opiates because of their use of cannabis,” says Mathre. Behind closed doors, however, physicians and other health care professionals appear to be having more fruitful discussions about cannabis infused topical products. Mathre explains, “I’ve had very few doctors be dismissive. Most of the doctors are like, “Wow, that’s amazing. Tell me how it’s working.”

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CANNANEWS

WRITER •DAVID HODES

CANNAKIEV CAN-DO

REDEFINING A CLASSIC DISH WITH CANNABIS

SING CANNABIS for pastries or

other similar desserts and snack-foods is great, but what about the everyday foods that you would eat for a nice dinner? That was the question posed to Chef Mike Rakes, a 2008 graduate of Oaksterdam University and a former executive chef for some of the country’s best white-linen tablecloth restaurants. More than extra taste in fluffy cookies or pastries, cannabis can also make a perfect ingredient for a savory dinner dish. Chef Rakes apprenticed in the kitchen of Gilbert/Robinson restaurants in 1980, working his way up through their fine dining division in various assistant chef and executive chef assignments for the upscale seafood restaurant, The Bristol, in Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Minneapolis and Atlanta. Back at the company’s flagship high-end restaurant in Kansas City, Plaza III, Rakes did research and menu development in the G/R test kitchen for fine dining and specialty restaurants. Later, he opened a few Italian

and brewery restaurants, and, in 1998, was the culinary instructor at Miami Dade Community College. He is now a consultant to the restaurant business from his kitchen in New Rochelle, New York, specializing in new restaurant openings of brew pubs, Italian, fine dining, seafood and continental/French restaurants. He is also a medical marijuana patient. “Cooking with cannabis can be all over the place,” Rakes says. “There are many cannabutter recipes on YouTube that you can check out, for example, but no one seems to agree exactly on the best way to make it.” He says, that with most cannabis infused recipes, cannabutter is typically at the heart of the experience. Using the natural melting and infusion abilities of cannabutter is a great way to bring the cannabis taste into and throughout the main component of the meal. “I chose chicken Kiev because it is representative of the large immigrant culture in New York,” Rakes explains. “Kiev is the capital of the Ukraine, and there is a large population of people from

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Eastern Europe in New York.” He points out that he likes this recipe because the cannabutter can be used for other recipes as well. “I like to make a half pound of cannabutter and roll it up, to keep in the freezer for future use. Later, it can be tossed with pasta and vegetables.” Rakes says that the earthiness of the cannabutter complements the garlic and tarragon in the chicken Kiev. “It gives it another layer of flavor that adds to the overall flavor profile of the dish. I like to think of the cannabis as another herbal flavor to enhance a savory dish.” The cannabis offers just a hint of that earthiness mixed in expertly with the garlic but not overpowered by it. Once consumed, the diner senses the usual dinner after-glow from a good meal, but with a more subtle sense of comfort and an all-body buzz not unlike the sensation that a diner would get from a bottle of good red wine.

CHICKEN CANNAKIEV WITH ASPARAGUS Al a Ch ef Mi ke Rakes CANNABUTTER Total Preparation And Cooking Time = 1 Hour Ingredients: ¼ Ounce high grade cannabis leaf 1 Stick of butter Preparation: Grind herb in either coffee grinder, mortar and pestle or whatever method you prefer. Melt butter over very low heat. Add decarbed cannabis. Simmer on very low heat 45-50 minutes. Stir often. Do not brown the butter. Strain through a cheesecloth otver a strainer over a bowl. Pick up and twist the cheesecloth to squeeze out the remaining cannabutter. Refrigerate or use immediately.

CANNAKIEV BUTTER Total preparation and cooking time = 20 minutes Ingredients: 8 tablespoon cannabutter, room temperature. 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh terragon, chopped ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon white pepper Preparation: Combine ingredients in bowl. Mix with blender or whisk until all ingredients are well incorporated. Place on waxed paper and roll into a ¾-inch log. Place in freezer until set (or at least two hours).

CHICKEN KIEV WITH ASPARAGUS Total preparation and cooking time = 3 hours Ingredients: 5-7 stalks of asparagus. 4 boneless, skinless chick breast halves. Salt/pepper to taste. 8 tablespoons cannabutter with garlic and terragon, frozen. 1 cup flour, all purpose in large bowl. 2 eggs, beaten, with one tablespoon water, in large bowl. 1 and 1/2 cups Panko (also called Japanese) breadcrumbs in large bowl. ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs in large bowl. 3-4 cups oil for deep frying (canola, peanut or vegetable oil).

Preparation: Trim asparagus to eliminate the tough, wood part of the stalk. Steam it for 12-15 minutes then season with salt and pepper, or melt cannabutter over it when served. Pound chicken breasts to 1/8-1/4-inch thickness. Season one side with salt and pepper. Place 2 tablespoon cannakiev butter in upper middle of chicken. Roll from tail end of chicken breast, folding chicken sides over to completely enclose butter. Refrigerate the folded chicken seam side down for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Heat oil to 350 or 375 degrees. Dredge (or coat) chicken in flour bowl.

Dip in egg mixture bowl. Dredge (or coat) in breadcrumbs bowl. Deep fry on each side 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Take deep fried chicken out of oil and place on an oven rack. Let rest for 5 minutes. Check temperature with thermometer. If it’s not 160 degrees, place it in oven at 350 degrees until it is up to temperature. Plate asparagus and chicken kiev. Add small dish of cannakiev butter.

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THE PLACE Healthy Living Center came on to the cannabis scene in Bellingham in 2011, embodying a patient centric mindset with their longstanding mantra of “live better, feel better.” Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast looking for in-depth strain information or an 80 year-old grandma being re-

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ferred by an oncologist, their private, one-on-one consultations at the heart of Healthy Living Center are a unique blend of professionalism and pure information. While their passion has always been the patients, all are welcome here.

THE PEOPLE Healthy Living Center is the brainchild of brothers Todd and Eric Russell; where Todd focuses on the day-to-day operations and Eric focuses his talents in the garden. Talking with these brothers, they’re quick to note that they are “extremely passionate about cannabis use.” While they got into the industry through the medical side, they are undoubtedly excited about merging with the recreational arena and bringing their professional and high-quality view of cannabis to a wider base of individuals. Their team is rounded out by seven other employees who are all on salary and receive benefits; they’re solidly professional and extremely knowledgeable about the plant.

“THEY ARE UNDOUBTEDLY EXCITED ABOUT MERGING WITH THE RECREATIONAL ARENA AND BRINGING THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND HIGH-QUALITY VIEW OF CANNABIS TO A WIDER BASE OF INDIVIDUALS.”

THE PLANTS Healthy Living Center cultivates approximately 50-70% of their cannabis in-house. Signature strains not to be missed are their CBD-rich Harle-Tsu, a healing 12% CBD/8% THC blend born from parents Harlequin and Sour Tsunami. Sativa lovers should check out the Blue Dream and Bay 11 cross known as Bay Dream. For visitors that are looking for something beyond the bud, Healthy Living Center also features a wide variety of alternatives, including concentrates from Nitro Honey, edibles from Sensi Sweets, topicals from Kush Creams and transdermal patches from ® Mary’s Medicinals.

2118 JAMES ST. BELLINGHAM, WA 98225 (360) 778-3904 HEALTHYLIVINGCENTERWA.COM

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safety meeting Cannabis was first used thousands of

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THE PLACE The BudHut has two stellar locations, both composed of equally professional atmospheres and amazing selections of cannabis. As manager Kristy is quick to note, “We’re not your average pot shop.” Their Camano Island location is 1700sq feet of welcoming atmosphere, while the Everett location is a sprawling 4,000 square feet of high-class showroom. Both feature jewelry cases and room to browse--literally a dream come true for those with a strong respect and appreciation of cannabis. As Kristy further elaborated, “We strive to make every customer happy and if there’s a product we don’t carry, we want to know so we can meet their needs. That’s what we’re here for.” 1137 STATE ROUTE 532 CAMANO ISLAND, WA 98282 (360) 629-3480

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PHOTOS • ROYAL PHOENIX

THE PEOPLE The individuals at both of the BudHut locations are undoubtedly well-educated industry professionals. They bring a passionate vibe alongside a respectful level of know-how that leaves BudHut customers confident that their cannabis needs and questions are in good hands. If you visit either locations--and we highly recommend that you do--you’ll likely notice a broad range of customer demographics. The Camano Island location might be slightly older and Everett a bit more youthful, but they’re all a testament to the far-reaching relationships of people with the plant. Indeed, anyone and everyone (over the age of 21 that is) is welcome within the walls of the BudHut.

THE PLANTS The BudHut works with over forty different producers and processors, which ensures they have strong relationships with a wide variety of vendors in Washington state. Some of the bigger sellers are companies such as Fireline, Elevate and Bad Ass Grass, but rest assured, whatever cannabis you’re looking for you’ll likely find it at the BudHut. Regular availability of products is a staple of their game, so there’s no worry of wondering if they’ll have what you’re looking for in-stock. If edibles are your go-to, make sure to check out their wide selection of products from Zoots and NW Cannabis, as their shelves are stocked to the brim of these fine cannabis infused ® treats. dopemagazine.com ISSUE 52 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

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HARLEQUIN BY OIL BARON GENETICS A long and complicated lineage spanning three continents, Harlequin is a strain rich in CBD carefully selected for its unique therapeutic properties. Colombian Gold, Thai, Swiss, and Nepali: these highland landraces all contribute their genes to create one of the most sought-after CBD strains.

FLAVOR Slightly sweet and floral, it takes on a spicy component during the exhale that leaves the user with a tingly mouth. It tastes like an herbal remedy; a mixture of medicinal terpenes that is slightly astringent but is obviously good for you. Dabbing CBD can sometimes be harsh, but this Harlequin goes down smooth and easy.

LOOKS Resembling a thick golden honey, the clarity of this oil is incredible. Labeled a pull n’ snap (keep it in the freezer and it’s much easier to work with) it’s entirely translucent. Clear with with no visible impurities, Harlequin proves CBD-rich concentrates can be every bit as beautiful as their THC-laden counterparts.

EFFECT With almost a precise 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC, this Harlequin is wonderfully relaxing and perfectly tailored for folks who may get anxious using dabs with higher levels of psycho-activity. With the CBD balancing the still potent 22.6% THC, this can create a floating like feeling from extremely relaxed muscles.

AROMA An herbal scent reminiscent of lavender and chamomile wafts up from the wax paper when peeled apart. Harlequin is not known for having especially fragrant buds but this concentrate is an exception. Soft notes of mango and berries mix with warmer aromas of earth and spice and everything nice.

THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS This is one of the best strains around for those seeking CBD in large amounts. With about a 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC, it provides the best of both worlds. The THC helps to dull pain while the CBD works its anti-inflammatory magic, and it’s been said to relieve anxiety while keeping the user functional and awake.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.â&#x20AC;? Jack London (American Writer, 1876-1916)

WRITER •SHARON LETTS

PHOTOS • ANTHONY CAMERA

FEATURE

HE UPRISING of the medical cannabis community really began in hospice with the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco in the late 1970s, as friends and loved ones cared for each other in lieu of family or even health insurance to cover the covert, misunderstood, and highly prejudiced ailment. If you didn’t go home to die, you were cared for by sympathetic hospice caregivers, savvy to using cannabis for myriad symptoms from the disease – namely pain, waste-away syndrome and chronic nausea. Within the cannabis community there is often an urgency to help each other with this plant, for once enlightened to its healing properties, many are compelled to share the knowledge. That’s charity. That’s giving at its finest. The failed War on Drugs has now actually brought many together for the greater good, with the plant helping many through terminal illness in the face of persecution.

AMERICANS GIVE Charity was originally brought to America from England. What we called “thrift shops” are referred to as “charity shops” across the pond. The London Charity Organization Society (COS) filled a need in industrialized England, where poverty was high in metropolitan areas, and no different at the turn of the century in America. Charities were said to be specifically created to help bring back a sense of community to workers who were often miles from home in modernized and impersonal cities. America is a generous country. Its people gave $358.38 billion to more than 1,521,052 charitable organizations and 86,192 foundations in 2014, with a 7.1% increase from the year prior, according to the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT). Corporations,

often frowned upon for skirting taxes via loopholes, actually gave a record 17.77 billion to charity in 2014 – a 13.7% increase over 2013’s tally. That said, corporations pale in comparison to the single individual American, who forks over the most cash to charity, at 258.51 billion given during the 2014. The NPT also reports 64.5 million adults volunteered a total of 7.9 billion hours of service, with a value of $175 billion, with the top four activities listed as selling items to raise money; food collection and distribution; general labor transportation; and tutoring or teaching. The top four volunteering communities were in religion, education, social services, and health.

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN Women are the surprising victors in the new and emerging cannabis industry, and are no strangers to charity and giving. Mainstream magazine covers like Newsweek declare the female faction dominating an entire market for the first time in history. Time Magazine boldly declared there is no “grass ceiling” for women in the industry, while the Chicago Tribune reports 36% of executive roles in the legal market are now held by women (per data collected by industry rag, Marijuana Business Daily). Women and apothecary historically go hand-in-hand, so it’s only natural the ladies are stepping up in this nurturing market. Keeping their aprons on and balancing good business practices in high heels, they are ignoring the “good-old boys” clubs altogether while creating their own places of power. Women Grow was founded one year ago by Jazmin Hupp and Jane West in an effort to help women come together in an industry traditionally dominated by men. The old adage, “if you build it, they will come” was never truer than within this networking mecca, inspiring chapters to form in more than 35 cities in the U.S. and two

in Canada via Toronto and Vancouver. Co-founder and CEO Hupp shared that in order to allow more women to travel and attend its “Signature Networking Events,” Women Grow has committed five percent of all ticket sales toward scholarships since its inception, as well as working closely with industry event partners to allow more to attend major conferences and events. “When I first became interested in cannabis I started researching the industry and quickly realized the knowledge I needed was not available locally,” Hupp shared. As an adult with good credit, Hupp said she was able to put thousands of dollars of travel and conference costs towards having an informed strategic understanding of the industry – but adds many people do not have that edge available to them. “We wanted to find a way to make important on-the-ground experience accessible to individuals who couldn’t otherwise afford to attend. Often that one leg up makes all the difference between entering a new field, or staying out.” Many of Women Grow’s scholarship recipients agree, stating they would never have been able to be a part of this industry without the help.

[ Linsey Pecikonis of Refined Bud marketing agency with wife Niki Smolter. ]

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Jamie Goswick is owner of Canna Media Works, a Michigan-based marketing and advertisement agency specific to the cannabis industry. An email prompted her to apply for a scholarship to the “Cannabis World Congress Business Expo” (CWCB) in Los Angeles this past summer. An additional gift of $250 from Michigan NORML helped with lodgings and transportation, allowing her to attend. “My experience was amazing and I will be forever grateful,” Goswick shared. “I made a ton of new connections with both clients and partnerships, including discussing starting up a second chapter in Michigan. When I returned I got to work, and our first signature networking event is January 7. West Michigan is about to see a side of cannabis they didn’t know existed!” A total of 200 women received scholarships to the CWCB Expo in Los Angles, and Linsey Pecikonis of Refined Bud, a marketing agency specializing in the cannabis industry, is another grateful recipient. “Gifts of this nature rarely happen in other industries,” Pecikonis said of the scholarships. “I’m incredibly grateful to the Women Grow team for recognizing the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs. They’ve given me, and so many others, the chance to grow and thrive in this industry — an industry that very few women dare enter a decade ago.” Women Grow member Christa Schadt is founder and owner of “Bliss,” a Canadian-based company that produces a THC infused lubricant said to increase and enhance female sexual pleasure. She had been making it for herself for about a year when she decided to share it with friends. After attending Vancouver’s first Women Grow chapter meeting, she said it changed her life and gave her a career. “I have always felt intimidated by the male-dominated cannabis industry here in

Canada, and was very happy that I finally met like-minded women who were also trying hard to get ahead in this sector,” she shared. “I’ve been able to make quite a few new friends in a short amount of time. The connections empowered me to continue to market my product and certainly made me feel a lot more self-confident.” A scholarship to the CWCB Expo in Los Angeles proved invaluable, reinforcing Hupp’s vision of making a difference by bringing women to top markets. “I spent a lot of energy preparing a business plan, sample packaging, and business cards,” Schadt recalls. “I was nervous, going someplace on my own not knowing anyone, but I’m so glad I went. I learned a great deal about the industry in the states and met a lot of new and interesting people who I am still in contact with.” One of the more heartwarming scholarship recipients from last year’s highly successful Women Grow Leadership Summit up in the mountains above Denver was Hazel Bagwell Tyler, who had just been hired by Clean Green Certified as marketing director and crop inspector for the Emerald Triangle (Humboldt, Trinity & Mendocino counties). The milestone was two-fold; firstly, Humboldt County has been traditionally one of the more covert regions for its cash crop, so venturing out in real time was huge in itself to Tyler. The fact she joined social media the same weekend spoke volumes. “The experience was life changing, as I received the scholarship and was hired as inspector in the same month. Our chapter chair couldn’t make it, so I represented Humboldt County. Networking is huge, and a lot of information is still shared by word of mouth in this industry. Being able to meet people face to face creates a priceless relationship, and to show my gratitude I’ll be sponsoring someone for next year’s summit.”

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[ Jamie Goswick, owner of Canna Media Works, a Michigan based marketing and ad agency specific to the cannabis industry. ]

FINDING A PLACE For a child who literally grew up traveling on the road via a motor home, raised by hippie parents, Jazmin Hupp said she believes now that her parents were on to something. “All of those ideals turned out to be what we needed to be sustainable as a society,” she surmises. “I grew up in an environment that valued cannabis as medicine, organic food, and renewable energy. It turns out the hippies were right. I chose cannabis at 16, at a time when my compatriots were choosing alcohol.” Hupp said when she was in college she read advice for businesswomen that advised others to act like men: wear a power suit, lower your voice, and learn golf. She was preparing to follow the advice that would place her with wealthy people in her cohort. “Then I met a woman CEO who led as a woman, instead of a woman imitating a man. She was clearly a woman, leading, and it was the first time I had ever seen that.” Hupp acknowledges through this woman she discovered a way of leading that’s authentically feminine. “She showed me that I could use my strengths as a woman to my advantage, instead of treating those strengths as detriments. I realized [women’s] abilities to collaborate and listen were an advantage – something mainstream culture has only finally begun to accept and value.” Bringing the nurturing side of women to the boardroom is a trend that promises to become the norm, as women lead in this new and emerging industry. Women Grow is proving to be the leading, and nurturing mother figure, giving women that “leg-up” and hopefully inspiring our male counterparts to follow-suit – so to speak.

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CANNANEWS

WRITER/PHOTOS •SHARON LETTS

CROWD-SOURCING Tips and Tricks from Master CANNABIS P itchman, Robert P latshorn W

[ Robert Platshorn said of he and friend Louie Marchese together at the MMJ Business Conference & Expo in Las Vegas (Nov. 2015), “two old smugglers swapping tall tales from our pirate days.” ]

[ Robert Platshorn and Jeff Mizanskey, with son Chris, at the MMJ Conference in Las Vegas (Nov. 2015). Mizanskey served 20 years for distribution of poundage with no chance of parole, recently released. Photo credit: Johnny Green ]

ITH BANKS and lending insti-

is the only organization using TV, radio, tutions’ hands tied for loans to the billboards and print to educate seniors and the majority of voters on a national scale.” cannabis industry, and patients Now some may actually think that golosing everything in raids with subsequent ing from an As Seen on TV hawker to pot lengthy trials, crowdsourcing has become a pitchman is a stretch. A little known (highly viable option in asking the community for financial help. Everything from raising funds for comparable fact in my mind) is the bridge infamous television Evangelist Billy Graham cannabis oil to treat cancer, to patients relocatmade, from being the top selling Fuller brush ing to a legal state, to paying for legal fees, or man in the country to the most successful starting-up a medibles business, has often been crowd-sourced within the cannabis community. TV preacher in the world. A sell is a sell. Formerly known in the black market as Drug War survivor Robert Platshorn has “The Big Tuna,” Platshorn’s mode of operendi been advocating for the plant ever since his for transporting poundage was within the release following a 30 year prison stint he large cavities of tuna fish via a fleet of fishserved for meeting the supply and demand ing boats he commandeered off the coast of of America’s favorite herb in the 1970s. Florida. He and his cronies’ story is told in His day job, prior to the import business a book he penned, The Black Tuna Diaries, that would land him in prison, was king also made into the movie, Square Grouper. of television infomercials, hawking wares Released into the general population in nationally with great success. This skill 2008 at the age of 64 as a senior citizen, Platsset has proven crucial in his fight to end horn began a campaign to educate the elder prohibition in his home state of Florida and population of the country. The Silver Tour is beyond, with crowdsourcing and social mea 501 c3 non-profit that works to enlighten dia becoming invaluable fundraising tools. and educate the gray haired sect on good “The mantra seems to be, ‘if people only medicine across the country, using the less knew the truth, it would be legal,’” Platsexpensive platforms of social media, emails, horn said. “Surprisingly no one and no radio, local television spots, and billboards. organization had ever attempted to educate the public, especially the most important voting bloc – seniors, by using real commercials and mass media. The Silver Tour

[ Hundreds of senior citizens attend “Rally in Tally,” sharing stories of healing in an effort to change Florida laws on cannabis. ]

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FUNDING GREED & EVIL

[ The Silver Tour uses crowdsourcing as a funding tool, via radio, local TV, and billboards. The Israel reference targets the large Jewish population in Florida. ]

GRANDMA’S GOT WEED The older sect still reads newspapers, they still listen to the radio, and they watch local television. Platshorn knows his demographic, yet raising the funds to spread the word is still a hard sell. His many projects began with a Kickstarter campaign to fund a show for local television titled, “Should Grandma Smoke Pot?” One of his most successful campaigns, the video that features two elderly ladies smoking pot for the first time, went viral, changing public perceptions forever, and inspiring knock-off clips of other seniors, and even retired law enforcement officers, smoking for the first time.“I raised $10,000 to finish “Should Grandma Smoke Pot?” Platshorn shared. “But I do not recommend Kickstarter, as you must reach your goal or get nothing. [I found] that they force you to use Amazon to collect funds, are difficult to deal with, and take months to process. I think I received about $8,200 from ten thousand raised.” Indiegogo was the next platform chosen, and Platshorn said he signed up but didn’t like the terms and decided to go elsewhere. Platshorn decided to hit the road with, “Grandma Lobbies for Medical Marijuana,” and raised $10,000 in finishing funds using Go Fund Me - his favorite site to date. “Go Fund Me was the easiest to use, fastest payout, and you receive funds even if your goal isn’t reached,” he said. “This allowed me to go ahead with all projects even when donations fell short.” Platshorn explains that with Go Fund Me, $91.80 is garnered for each $100 donated, after its processor “We Pay” deducts charges, he said, “it’s a much better return than Kickstarter.” The trip surrounding “Grandma Lobbies for Medical Marijuana” was a huge success, with Platshorn fully crediting The Silver Tour’s efforts to then Attorney General Eric Holder’s subsequent memo stating the Feds would not interfere with state’s compassionate care programs in medically legal states.

His next project is a new book titled Greed & Evil, now available on Amazon. Touted as “the missing link to cannabis legalization,” the book exposes the “corrupt self-serving side of the anti-marijuana propagandists,” listing groups such as D.A.R.E., Straight, Inc., Partnership for a Drug Free America, and SOS as culprits in spreading misinformation about cannabis. Platshorn outs private prisons, along with alcohol and drug industries in his tell-all of the under belly of the failed War on Drugs in America. The book campaign has only raised $3,600 to date, with a goal of $10,000, but Platshorn was able to complete the project with a small personal loan, publishing smaller editions.The Silver Tour hit the road again in 2014, with The Grand Rally in Tally featured more than 400 senior citizens making their way to the steps of Tallahassee’s City Hall in peaceful protest, while sharing their own use of cannabis as medicine publically. “The goal was to raise $25,000, we raised $11,000, and I was able to produce a very strong rally with that amount, because it wasn’t necessary to provide buses and vans – everyone brought themselves. Funds were spent advertising the event on radio and billboards, the venue, a pre-event party and lunch buffet.”

[ Robert Platshorn travels the country speaking out against the prohibition of cannabis. ]

The current project near and dear to Platshorn’s heart is Cannabis Facts, a series of radio spots educating the public on good medicine, but the campaign has had a slow start for the good it can do. “The goal with the radio series was to raise $50,000, so far we have about $20,000,” he said. “This has paid for more than four thousand, 60 second radio spots on top stations in a dozen states. I hope to raise a great deal more to continue the campaign up to the 2016 elections.”

[ Mike Boutin, America’s top grower and star of the Discovery Channel’s “Weed Country,” with Robert Platshorn and the late “El Fumo,” (a infamous west coast pipe maker) in front of the first “recreational” marijuana store in Washington State. ]

I HEARD IT ON THE RADIO The frustration in raising funds for a radio campaign is in getting people to understand what a cost effective platform radio is for educating the senior population on good medicine in this country. “Using crowdfunding takes work,” he explained. “Without a strong following on social media or a good mailing list, it’s nearly impossible to succeed.” Platshorn also shared the obvious, that the average American will never see a single activist post calling out the truth of cannabis on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, and that most of the cannabis activists on social media are preaching to the choir, so to speak. “Considering the universal praise and the success The Silver Tour has had, bringing millions of seniors out of the closet and into the activist ranks. I really expected donors to flock to the one organization that has proven itself to deliver by far the biggest bang for the buck,” he continued. “Especially now, in the face of the organized opposition that is ramping up the biggest anti-marijuana campaign since Harry Anslinger. We are so close to ending prohibition, but it may not happen without a major public education campaign.” For all his frustration, he’s made a huge difference to the seniors in this country with The Silver Tour. Florida’s stats on legalization are stronger than ever, with Florida’s own Sun Sentinel reporting upwards of 84% of registered voters approval of cannabis as medicine (April, 2015). “When we started The Silver Tour four years ago, seniors in Florida would not even discuss the medical use of cannabis,” Platshorn surmised. “I’m happy to say, things have changed. Seniors are an easy sell, but no one was using the media to inform them. Using TV, radio, live shows and billboards changed minds quickly. The most difficult part is raising the money for our campaigns.”

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Happy Holidays To One And All

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ROAD TRIP

WRITER/PHOTOS •SHARON LETTS

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA

Historic F irst in Compassionate Care at WAM M Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana

HE CITY of Santa Cruz sits on

scenic Highway 1 just north from Monterey Bay, encompassing breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and dense redwood forests. Mission Santa Cruz was established in 1791 following the Mexican-American War on the heels of California’s addition as the 31st State in the Union. Just under three hours from San Francisco to the north and less than an hour from San Jose, Santa Cruz has the advantage of being near metropolitan areas with a decidedly Northern California culture in the mix. The entire community could pretty much be dropped into the heart of the Emerald Triangle to the north and feel perfectly at home. The city became incorporated in 1866 and today its population is just under 60,000. Industries of the past included lumber, gunpowder, lime, and agriculture. Organic agriculture is huge in the area – encouraged in the 1980s by Bay area local foodie extraordinaire Alice Waters. The University of California at Santa Cruz is famous for its horticultural

[ WAMMfest ]

department, hosting iconic and past pioneering organic farmer Alan Chadwick for many years in its hilltop garden classrooms. Today the county’s above board cash crop is the tourist trade, arriving seasonally for the temperate coastal climate, enjoying the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with its equally historic white wooden roller-coaster in operation since 1907. The breakdown of “top employers” for the region listed in Wikipedia shows the university employing 7,693, the County with 2,351, and the city toting 776. There’s no mention of its covert cash crop of cannabis thriving since the 1970s with hundreds, if not thousands, employed in its operations since then. Valerie Coral and then husband Mike began farming cannabis as medicine in 1974 to quell Valerie’s epilepsy, after Mike literally stumbled upon a study while sitting in a hospital office. “The study was buried by Nixon,” Valerie explained. “We were busted five times, but they could see we weren’t drug dealers and I was medicating for epilepsy.” We speculated how it came to be that the information about cannabis and epilepsy didn’t surface nationally until CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta produced documentary “Weed” in 2013 that profiled the children helped in Colorado. She could only say she’s not a salesperson. Sadly, within the covert community of cannabis, it took legalization in the Rocky Mountain high state to allow medicine makers to feel comfortable enough to share their techniques and stories. Valerie sites she was encouraged to use

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cannabis as medicine for her epilepsy by the late physician Dr. Tod Mikuriya. Hired by the U.S. Government in 1967, Dr. Mikuriya’s job was to debunk Dr. Raphael Mechoulam’s findings of cannabis as medicine after isolating THC at the University of Tel Aviv in Israel in 1964. “Dr. Tod,” as he was known, could not debunk the claims and spent the rest of his life advocating for the plant (Dope, July 2015), historically co-authoring Prop. 215 in California in 1996 with Valerie on the team. “Dr. Tod was a revolutionary and a hero,” Valerie said. “He walked away from the financial security and respectability of a physician in America and spoke the truth, uncovering the lies behind the failed laws surrounding this plant. He exposed the rhetoric.” So educated were the Coral’s they set up shop in 1993 - a solid three years prior to Prop. 215 being voted into effect, with no apologies. They created the non-profit, “Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana” (WAMM). Today WAMM is the longest running cannabis collective in the country, serving Santa Cruz’s sick in a co-op-style environment, where the work and medicine are shared and no one goes without. We needed to create a place where patients could access medicine whether they have money or not,” she shared. “Of course we need to meet the cost of production, but you must understand – there are patients who have mortgaged their homes to pay for traditional therapies like chemotherapy. They lose everything when they get sick; we just wanted to be a safe place where they could get relief with this plant.”

Patient’s pick-up their medicine in the form of flower, tincture, oil, [ Valerie Coral ] topicals and medibles during weekly meetings, where information is shared and education on healing is provided. Once a month the collective hosts a membership potluck, and that’s where Valerie says the real healing takes place. “What the meetings and potlucks do is provide a sense of community within the collective,” Valerie explained. “The weekly meetings drive data collection and conversations about the bigger picture of health. It’s not a ‘take two of these and call me in the morning’ process. No one is standing with one hand on the door knob with a hurried explanation of why you are sick.” Valerie insists it takes more than prescribing a pill to heal a community. The regular Bingo competition is prescribed for fun. It’s a fiercely competitive and bonding treatment, and if someone fails to show up, a welfare check follows – but they call it “connecting.” “It takes connecting to heal each other, it takes a village to heal the village, and it takes that village to heal a nation,” she added. “When you are sick and poor you don’t have funds to eat well, and if you aren’t eating well, your chances of healing lessen. We also work with the food bank, which works with local organic farmers. It’s a whole foods and whole medicine process to wellness within our community.” Medicine is made as needed for whatever ailments present within the membership. This is understood in the world of homeopathy and certainly within the cannabis community. When using cannabis as medicine there are as many delivery methods, or applications of the plant, as there are maladies. “Being a collective we aren’t profit driven,” Valerie explained. “We don’t make a type of medicine, then market it by saying, ‘here, you need this.’ If someone is suffering from cancer we’ll provide the oil, if someone needs a tincture, we’ll make it to their specifications – whether it’s for sleep, pain or what have you.” Critics have countered by stating Valerie and crew have been practicing medicine without the proper licensing – a common conundrum in the cannabis community, as dealers are slowly being recognized as healers in the world of plant-based medicines. No one questions Grandma with her chamomile tea and nettle tincture, but add cannabis to the equation and the proverbial kettle boils over

“IT TAKES CONNECTING TO HEAL EACH OTHER, IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO HEAL THE VILLAGE, AND IT TAKES THAT VILLAGE TO HEAL A NATION.” with misinformation and unfounded fear. “What we really do here is empower others to heal,” she continued. “Healing is not just one thing. There is no single formula for everyone, and while this medicine is extremely effective, it also works on subtle energies and the subconscious. I call it ‘Phyto-therpy.’” Valerie explained Phyto-therapy and her philosophy of healing within the body and plant-based medicine, explaining we are a set of systems and our good health depends on the way those systems interface with one another. “The pathway for our systems to communicate becomes burdened by toxicity and its degradation of the body, time and aging. My feeling is there are many plants, that we have evolved with, that our bodies can utilize with similar modalities as cannabis.” As with any long-term cannabis business, life hasn’t been perfect, but the plant has prevailed. In 2002 the farm and office were raided for the last time, with the collective winning in court and a new sense of security ensuing.

“The government made us revolutionaries,” she laughed. “It’s a great feeling now, knowing they won’t interfere with our work any longer.” Though laws, raids and even divorce have both challenged and empowered the little collective that could, Valerie said the future looks green for Santa Cruz and its cannabis community, with just one fear outstanding in the new and emerging market. “One word, greed,” she informed. “There’s nothing wrong with making money. If you have a bowl full, pass it. I just don’t think anyone should make millions off the backs of sick people. It’s up to those already working as healers in this industry to guide, support, and inspire. We also need to continue to be inspired ourselves, and know that we are all connected - that we all really want the same thing – to be healed with this plant.” Elizabeth Jauer has been a member of WAMM for three years, joining post breast cancer tumor surgery for the strong cannabis oil Valerie has named, “Milagro Oil.” The oil

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[ Natural bridge in the sea at Santa Cruz, California ]

is made per the more commonly known “Rick Simpson Oil” (RSO) specifications, with the plant cooked down in a solvent (Dope, August 2015). “I was diagnosed with a Methylation gene mutation,” Jauer shared. “I read an article from an oncologist saying THC may regulate Methylation deficiency in cancer patients. So here I am consuming this beautiful Milagro oil.” Jauer said she stopped taking the oil for a couple of months and felt “somehow less healthy,” so she decided to keep going on the preventive treatment. “I feel much better after resuming the oil. I also felt a lump coming back in the same area where I had the surgery, so I increased my intake, detoxed, worked on my diet, my emotions, etcetera, and the lump went away.” To find out if the oil indeed made her cancer go and stay away, Jauer said she’ll need to have a PET scan, and her insurance won’t allow it. “I feel so fortunate to have met Valerie so early in my cancer journey,” Jauer added. “I

remember telling her that I’ve never tried cannabis before – not even one smoke! I will always remember that special day. For me, the healing started at the moment I met her. She was so compassionate, intelligent, educated, informative, funny and loving! When I listened to her I realized I was hearing 30 years’ worth of cannabis science from an experienced botanist. It was amazing.” The advantages of being the oldest collective in the country are many, and WAMM has seen decades of enlightenment to the healing properties of the plant. “People move to this area because of the energy,” Valerie shared. “They desire to be in a beautiful place, close to the ocean and forests, with an abundance of organic food. The younger generation fueled by the university keeps our energy fresh and the creativity alive. The older generation needs to listen to their language and poetry. Overall, I feel like I’m living in the kind of community I’d like to die in. The healing village is alive and well in Santa Cruz.”

[ WAMM Members ]

[ Members of WAMM join hands in blessing the season’s bounty. ]

[ WAMM in front of Santa Cruz Cty Hall ]

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CANNANEWS

ISSUE 00 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE dopemagazine.com

WRITER •MITCH SHENASSA

PHOTOS • COURTESEY OF BALI VASWANI

ALI VASWANI has followed an interesting career path, dabbling in several industries (investment funds, software, television and news) and living all around the world (Jamaica, China, and the United States) along the way. Taking a finance position from lifetime friends the Marley family, he is now the president of Caribbean Operations for Marley Coffee. He found himself living in Denver in 2012, at the cusp of recreational marijuana legalization. Upon setting up the Marley Coffee headquarters in Denver (chosen for its young and eco-friendly culture), he found something he wasn’t expecting: a learning opportunity nestled within Colorado’s medical marijuana market. When Vaswani first visited the Denver medical marijuana dispensary The Herbal Cure (THC), a he was reminded of the estate around the Bob Marley Museum, where he keeps his Jamaican offices. “I could just envision this big compound,” he says, “with a full tour, a museum, a coffee shop, a gift shop, and of course a ganja shop.” Soon after moving to Denver, Vaswani took another professional leap from Marley Coffee to Colorado’s cannabis industry. He is now the chief ganja officer at Ganja, Inc., The Herbal Cure, and Optional Premise Cultivation (OPC). He says, “In the growing market, I believe you’ll have to become either an attrac-

GRAPHICS • BRANDON PALMA

tion or just a convenience.” Vaswani’s goal is to become an attraction, and he plans to do so by solidifying THC’s Jamaican connection. For instance, he commissioned a massive mural on a building—visible to 200,000 commuters every day—of the Jamaican flag behind the Lion of Judah, his paw resting on a cannabis seed. Having learned a great deal about the industrial cultivation and extraction of cannabis in Colorado, Bali was keen to lend his expertise to his native Jamaica, when the government announced limited research trials in partnership with two Jamaican universities. The Jamaican government has granted cannabis cultivation licenses to two of the country’s universities. The University of the West Indies (UWI) has formed 12 research partnerships with groups that will be cultivating for various projects; and the University of Technology (UTech) has formed an exclusive partnership with Bali’s venture, Ganja Labs. Ganja Labs received the green light to break ground on its cultivation and extraction facilities in November of this year. The first priority is to implement modern professional horticultural techniques to cultivate 28 strains in both indoor and outdoor, as well as greenhouse environments. The first round of research will use seven varieties each of sativa, indica, hybrid, and cannabidiol (CBD) strains. In doing so, they hope to draw con-

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clusions about the effects that different cultivation environments have on yields and percentages of active constituents. This will be the first controlled university study ever done to compare cannabis cultivation techniques, and Ganja Labs intends to release the results in an academic journal. Bali’s goal is to analyze the cost of production against the yield results, in order to establish an affordable nationalized price point on cannabis for Jamaicans. “Right now, the average price for an ounce of good Jamaican outdoor ganja on the black market is $3,000 JMD. “We expect our research will give us the evidence to keep that price point in a legal market. I think that makes sense as a national price point—$3,000 JMD an ounce for outdoor, $6,500 JMD an ounce for greenhouse, and $10,000 JMD an ounce for indoor herb,” (that’s about $30, $65, and $100 in American dollars). Ganja Labs is one of a small handful of players in a uniquely Jamaican cannabis industry. Long held cultural beliefs and practices about cannabis are evolving, as the realities of a formal industry are setting in. “The Rastas in the hills have been cultivating ganja for generations, and they should have their place in the industry,” Bali says. “The government that’s in power right now is the People’s National Party, which is a socialist government, so they are considering issuing cultivation licenses in one-acre lots, to make sure small farmers can compete with bigger businesses.” To clarify, the PNP is a democratic socialist party. As he plans to grow cannabis on the coffee-free segment of the Marley estate,

Balicontemplates the evolving attitudes he’s seen on the island. “You know Jamaicans have a very natural, organic culture. When I first came back from Colorado with a vape pen, everyone said, ‘That’s Babylon! You suckin’ in fumes,’ and things. They thought Colorado’s method of industrialized production was too chemical and not natural enough, but once they try it, they all come ask me for some. Even the Rastas that hang out at the Bob Marley Museum—they know it’s a stronger high and a better flavor.” The future of the cannabis industry in Jamaica is brighter by the day. The country has been discussing the export trade for years, but international law still prevents them from exporting high-THC cannabis. The demand for CBD products as health supplements is strong, and growing around the world, and Jamaicans have high hopes for cultivating and exporting high-CBD and hemp varieties for global export. This area of Ganja Labs’ research is especially promising, as the license for CBD and hemp production allows cultivation over unlimited acreage. If Bali’s team is able to establish a cost-effective production method, the financial benefits for Jamaica could be significant. “There is so much possibility for the future, for all aspects of the industry,” Vaswani beams. “We can change so much financially for the Jamaican people. Right now, the U.S. imports guano and seaweed and coconut coir from the islands, mixes it into soil, bags it, and we have to buy it and bring it back. In the next few years, we’ll move to all locally-sourced materials for our soil—we’ll make it a totally Jamaican ganja industry.”

”THe Rastas in the hills have been cultivating ganja for generations, and they should have their place in the industry.”

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THE PLACE Located in Longview, Washington, Urban Farms is a Tier 2 cannabis garden featuring 14,000 square feet of cultivation operations. While Urban Farms is a recreational cannabis business in the I-502 arena, its roots in the medical marijuana community are undeniable. John Jensen makes the core values of the company clear—one of their main driving forces is the strong desire to heal the bridge between the recreational

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and medical communities in Washington State. Beyond that, Urban Farms is also focused on collaboration before competition, working with the state to be able to operate as a subcontractor in the industry via a specialty license. As Jensen put it, “We want to work within the community. This shouldn’t be a competition. We’re trying to build a sustainable industry.”

“We want to work within the community. This shouldn’t be a competition. We’re trying to build a sustainable industry.” THE PEOPLE The team at Urban Farms brings over 200 years of experience from the once underground-only industry. It is family-owned and operated, with an additional staff of 12 to help tend to the everyday operations. Here, no job titles dictate your duties or value—everybody does everything and they all share the credit for a job well done. Jensen’s roots go back decades and he is quick to say that he never thought he’d see cannabis legal-

ized in his lifetime. Even during his first battle with a brain tumor in 1987, Jensen didn’t associate his cannabis smoking with alleviating the side effects of his chemotherapy. “Back then, it didn’t even register in our own minds that it was helping us medicinally. We always figured it must’ve been the orange juice we had with breakfast, or the three Hail Marys said before going into the hospital, and look at where we are now.”

THE PLANTS While Urban Farms has oldschool roots, they don’t shy away from new technologies. Indeed, it is their blend of cultivation techniques that makes them a standout. Their recent work with LED lights accompanied by dry ice and proper airflow rather than AC, produces a high-quality end product coupled with strong yields. Their signature strains are Double Dream and Dutch Treat—two truly exceptional

specimens in the 502 market. When it comes to genetics, they search out breeders first, before the strain, making sure that they know the necessary environment before bringing in any new plants. “Once those plants are growing at Urban Farms, you’ll see nothing but love and care, plus the occasional wink and whistle and “hey girl” directed at Mary Jane in all her growing ® glory.”

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CANNANEWS

F I N D I N G P E A C E T H R O U G H C U LT I VAT I O N

“CANNABIS IS NOT ON THE LIST OF VA-APPROVED MEDICATIONS AT THIS TIME, SO VETERANS ARE FINDING CREATIVE WAYS TO GAIN ACCESS TO IT.”

WRITER •ABIGAIL ROSS

ETERANS, AND those currently serving, experience higher rates of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia and substance abuse than civilians. The United States Department of Veteran Affairs estimate that PTSD afflicts almost 31% of Vietnam veterans, 10% of Gulf War veterans and 11% of veterans from the war in Afghanistan. Although the United States Department of Affairs is designed to provide veterans with healthcare, they are notoriously backed up with patients. This often means veterans with mental health issues can be on a very long waitlist to receive healthcare, which may be a reason that suicide rates remain so high within this community. As a result, some veterans have chosen cannabis as their medicine of choice. Last month Congress passed the FiscalYear 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill with an amendment, which will enable doctors to prescribe medicinal cannabis to Veterans. Funding is still un-available for cannabis but it feels like progress nonetheless. In California, Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance (SCVA) is providing California military veterans with top-quality, lab-tested medical cannabis. Veterans Jason Sweat and Aaron Newsom founded SCVA in 2011. Sweat served with the United States Army from 1996 to 2006. Newsom served with the Marine Corps in Afghanistan in 2004 and 2005. After being diagnosed with PTSD, Newsom found that growing cannabis had the same therapeutic effect on him that smoking it did. Newsom used his GI bill to obtain a degree in horticulture with an emphasis on organic agriculture. Sweat also recognized cannabis’ medicinal benefits in relation to the traumas of war. Sweat and Newsom met through the Farmer Veteran Coalition and continue to be strong supporters of their mission. Their similar experiences were the motivation behind bringing awareness to cannabis’ role in helping veterans through cannabis cultivation and distribution.

GRAPHICS • BRANDON PALMA

Through SCVA, Newsom and Sweat created the Veterans Compassion Program (VCP). VCP allows veterans to receive medical cannabis for free. Participants fill out a form and meet twice a month. The meetings serve both as a time for support groups, and a medicinal exchange. Each veteran receives around four to five grams per meeting, depending on their needs. Local canna-businesses also donate cannabis flowers, edibles and other products for medicinal use to the VCP. “Helping other veterans…Hearing another veteran say it is changing their quality of life for the better,” is what Sweat says makes it all worth it. SCVA started with three or four veterans and has grown to over 180 participants. Sweat and Newsom also play active roles in their community. They have helped launch other veteran cannabis organizations such as Cannabis Corps, Weed for Warriors and Monterey Veterans Alliance. They organize beach cleanups through Save Our Shores, are active members in the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and are members of the Santa Cruz County Cannabis Cultivation Choices Committee. SCVA veterans also hold holiday community barbeques and Christmas drives. They are currently working on a rollout for a veteran community volunteer group, which will incentivize veterans to participate in the community by providing them with free cannabis for every hour served. Cultivators like the SCVA are important to recognize, because they are the driving force in de-stigmatizing cannabis in local communities. Educating people, about how cannabis is truly changing people’s lives for the better, is the beginning of changing the public mindset. Newsom states, “We want to do our part to show the community that we are responsible, compassionate, dedicated and active members of society.” SCVA is getting out to the public and giving cannabis the good name it deserves. Congress’ decision to open conversation around access to medicinal cannabis for veterans is a result of beautifully organized grassroots efforts. Veterans are undeniably working to move cannabis in the right direction.

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HE HOLIDAY season is upon us, and with it comes beneficence, good cheer and great food. All that happiness, and overindulgence, lingers right on into the New Year, and, let’s face it, on our waistlines. So, it comes as no surprise that two of the most common New Year’s resolutions are giving back to the community, and getting back in shape. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we can do both at the exact same time. So what is this great technology that allows you to track your exercise routine while earning money for charity? It’s Plus3, a revolutionary app created by three caring sports enthusiasts and one app guru. Create an account and download the app; it’s completely free and easy for anyone, even children, to use. The Plus3 App monitors all different types of exertion, from biking and walking, to weight lifting and physical labor. It even allows the user to count their other healthy lifestyle choices, like things as simple as drinking more water. Varying options have their own donation rate that is then paid out by corporate sponsors. Just send out a tweet, or post what you did on Facebook, and the sponsors pay out the charitable donation in your name. One of the best features of Plus3 is that it allows the selection of the user’s charity of choice. After initial signup where users need to pick a charity from the provided list, a request form online can be completed. Plus3 will then allocate the amount earned in the user’s name to that particular foundation. While the charities Plus3 offers are all wonderful organizations, like Wounded Warriors and Ronald McDonald House, we would like to encourage our readers to also donate to a charity that supports “the cause.” One such charity that touches our hearts is the Cash Hyde Foundation. Cash Hyde was the youngest cancer patient ever in the United States to receive

medical cannabis treatment, according to ABC News. At 20 months old, he was diagnosed with a malignant PNET stage 4 brain tumor. Treatment consisted of a very aggressive regimen of chemotherapy. Although Cash did enter remission, the cancer returned, and doctors called for even stronger chemo. The side effects caused Cash to go through septic shock, stroke, pulmonary hemorrhage and pulmonary hypertension, and while little Cash survived it

all, he was no longer able to eat. He was vomiting up ten times a day; all his nutrition was in the form of TPN and lipids that were given intravenously. After 40 days of Cash being unable to consume anything, he could no longer even lift his head from his pillow. His parents made a choice: Cash would be taken off the toxic drugs and receive homeopathic medicine, which included cannabinoids. His recovery was nothing short of miraculous. “Within two weeks of receiving the oil, Cash was eating and laughing, and had a qual-

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WRITER •HEATHER COONS

[The app allows the selection of the user’s charity of choice.]

“WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF RECEIVING THE OIL, CASH WAS EATING AND LAUGHING, AND HAD A QUALITY OF LIFE WE HADN’T SEEN IN MONTHS”

HOW TO SETUP A PLUS3 ACCOUNT: 1) Go to www.plus3network.com 2) Click “Sign Up” 3) Enter your name, email address and birth date 4) Choose a charity 5) Verify account 6) Download app

ity of life we hadn’t seen in months,” stated Michael Hyde, Cash’s father. “It was because of the cannabinoid therapeutics he was receiving and their antioxidant and neuroprotective capabilities.” After a two-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer, Cash passed away, leaving behind a legacy that would permanently impact pediatric oncology. His parents and doctors were convinced that his quality of life was dramatically improved because of the medical cannabis treatments received. And today, the Cash Hyde Foundation educates and advocates for the use of cannabis in pediatric cancer patients. The foundation also donates to pediatric hospital wards across the country. It is truly a cause worth giving to. So this holiday season, we would like to encourage you to combine that spirit of giving and your healthy New Year’s resolution with the technology available at your fingertips. Get your family, friends and coworkers on board. Challenge each other as you challenge yourselves. Together, we can promote the social change needed, so that children like Cash don’t continue to suffer.

REQUESTING THE CASH HYDE FOUNDATION 1) Log on to your Plus3 account 2) Click “Request Charity” 3) Click “New Charity”

THE CASH HYDE FOUNDATION 2120 South Reserve St. #336 Missoula, MT 59801 www.cashhydefoundation.org Tel. 406-646-6079

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ISSUE 52 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE dopemagazine.com

PIECES

OR TEN DAYS in October, 7 Point Studios plays host to one of the largest glassblowing events on the planet with over thirty renowned artists. The 2nd Annual Seattle PipeMasters Collab was half party, half interactive art gallery: a unique celebration of fire where collectors could watch the glass being created while taking dabs and mingling with other fans of the art. The artistry and their desire to create is awe-inspiring. On the final night of the event, when it seemed that the glassblowers would be winding down and cleaning up – or at least partying with everyone else – they were all hard at work, feverishly

making functional glass up until the last minute of the Collab. We saw rigs shaped like cacti, coral, and Egyptian gods. There was a huge piece collaborated on by ten artists, each one more surprising and more impossible than the last. At the heart of PipeMasters is collaboration, and every piece made at the event represents a joint effort between two or more artists. This fusion of styles brought together by artist teamwork at the Seattle PipeMasters Collab 2015 produced some of the most impressively sculpted glass ® art anywhere in the world.

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CANNANEWS

WRITER •ABIGAIL ROSS

GRAPHICS • BRANDON PALMA

HOW TH E PLANT CAN H ELP PREVENT 92

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”WHEN THC IS USED IN SMALL TO MOcAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF THC APPEAR TO PREVAIL OVER THE ASSOCIATED RISKS OF THC TOXICITY AND MEMORY IMPAIRMENT.”

LZHEIMER’S DISEASE is the most common cause of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Many families experience this disease firsthand and know how great of a toll it can take on those involved, mentally and emotionally. Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that worsens over time, so this usually means a long and difficult road for those who suffer from the disease and for the loved ones surrounding them. No cure currently exists for Alzheimer’s disease, however many patients are on extensive medications to manage their symptoms and provide temporary relief. Considering the lack of medications conventional medicine has to offer, many patients are turning to cannabis, and so far it appears to be working working exceptionally well for many who suffer from the disease. Studies over the past decade have been testing the effects of cannabis as an alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease prevention and symptoms. Besides being affected by extreme memory loss, those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease often experience fits of rage, aggression, lack of sleep, and lack of appetite. Often accompanied by anxiety and depression, the many varied facets of the disease can be extremely difficult for loved ones who can feel helpless as caretakers, and cannabis appears to be helping. Researchers are beginning to show evidence that the plant could help prevent the disease in the first place, and perhaps one of the best ways to avoid cognitive decline is to strike preemptively. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Investigators at Scripps Research Institute report, “THC inhibits the enzyme responsible for the aggregation of amyloid plaque-the primary marker for Alzheimer’s disease…our results provide a mechanism whereby the THC molecule can directly impact Alzheimer’s disease pathology.” In other words, THC is preventing the protein that builds on the brain and supposedly causes the disease from being able to collect. CBD and THC also reduce neuro-inflammation, crucial for maintaining cognitive health. Ohio State University researchers published a paper in 2007 titled Anti-inflammatory Property of the Cannabinoid Agonist, in which it states, “Medications which can stimulate cannabinoid receptors in

the brain may provide clinical benefits in agerelated diseases that are associated with brain inflammation, such as Alzheimer’s disease.” Symptoms of the disease are often treated with antidepressants or antianxiety medications, which can cause negative side effects including aches, pains, nausea and even more serious ones like suicidal thoughts. Some antianxiety medications can leave patients in a zombie-like daze, which can be frustrating for the patients and their loved ones. Cannabis can be a gentler way to relieve feelings of depression and anxiety. In 2014, researchers from the University of South Florida concluded, “When THC is used in small to moderate doses, the therapeutic benefits of THC appear to prevail over the associated risks of THC toxicity and memory impairment.” Numerous small studies have provided the same results, warranting further research and presenting cannabis as an option for Alzheimer’s, patients frequently experienced a decrease in aggressive behavior and anxiety while using cannabis. Cannabis can also help regulate sleep schedules and maintain healthy weights of patients. These things might seem like small victories to the average person, but for someone suffering with Alzheimer’s disease, any return to normalcy is an enormous relief. It is incredibly difficult to watch a loved one experience cognitive decline. The aggression that comes with the disease can be heartbreaking for friends and family members on the receiving end. In many cases this behavior is a side effect, and uncharacteristic of the person before the disease set in. Noting the opposition to cannabis’ role in Alzheimer’s is important to acknowledge. Too often, patients who are suffering from diseases with no western medical cure will turn to alternative medicines that simply do not have the science to support their claims. A study published in HealthDay News in May 2015 reported no difference in the behavior between patients who were given a placebo and those who were given cannabis pills to ease the symptoms. However, researchers did claim the pills were “well tolerated” and seemed “safe for higher dose in the future.” Medical professionals are still divided on cannabis’ potential as an Alzheimer’s disease medication, and it’s clear that more studies are warranted.

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GROW

TALES IN GROWING CANNBIS

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WRITER •DAVID BAILEY

GRAPHICS • BRANDON PALMA

VER HEARD of killing mites with bleach or getting huge yields from Aspirin in your feeding cycle? Me too, and they’re both a dangerous lie! Thousands of neat tricks have been passed along through growers over the years, but unfortunately so have many misunderstandings and myths. While the absurd ones are obvious to anyone who’s ever grown a plant, there are a few that have crept by and brought down many a grower with them. Here are a few misconceptions to keep your eye out for:

IT’S JUST A WEED; IT MUST BE EASY TO GROW! I’m certainly not going to take the side that cannabis is one of the most difficult plants to grow, but growing something to survive versus growing something to thrive are very different things. I’ve seen cannabis seeds sprout just about anywhere. Achieving the yields and quality we have come to expect, especially here in Washington, takes a lot more time and dedication. First-time growers are often caught off guard by how much work, and money, it actually takes. If you’re thinking about growing, and I always encourage it, just know what you’re getting into!

IT SAYS I CAN APPLY PESTICIDES UNTIL THE DAY OF HARVEST… Far too many growers have fallen victim to this myth and, worse yet, some haven’t even realized it. You should not apply any pesticides on flowering plants, especially in the last two weeks. A lot of organic, and some nonorganic, pesticides state that you can apply them up until the day of harvest because they are meant for use on food crops. While this sounds fine, there is a drastic difference between eating something and smoking it. The natural oils and chemicals found in a lot of these products aren’t harmful when eaten, but are completely different when inhaled. Be sure to always do a heavy rinse of your plants before harvest to help rinse off any residuals. For the long-term, look into biological controls; you can use good bugs to your defense and minimize the need for any pesticides at all.

UNDERSTANDING THE FLUSH

SATIVA, INDICA AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN The difference between cannabis indica and cannabis sativa seems to have led a lot of people astray over the years. Most people have it half right. The terms sativa and indica are called phenotypes, as in they’re named by physical traits. Sativas are long and lanky, while indicas have short leaves and a stocky build. When people speak of cannabis giving them a certain type of high or medicinal benefit, they’re referring to the plants chemotype, or unique chemical combination. This means that a sativa won’t always give someone a head high and an indica won’t always affect someone’s body. Grab a few strains side by side next time; I’m sure you’ll see what I mean!

MY PLANT HERMED, BUT AT LEAST I HAVE SEEDS! No. No. No. If you had the unfortunate experience of your plant producing male flowers and self-pollinating, I have no good news for you. All the seeds that are produced from this plant are likely going to produce intersexed plants as well. I know the magic number-one temptation still exists, but growing and flowering out 500 failures in the hopes of one success is a long, bitter road. Personally, I love clones and they’re pretty easy to get hold of. If you can’t find a good clone, buying seeds from a reputable local breeder is always a great choice. Plus, you’ll know every seed is unique.

There has always been a lot of talk in the grower community about how to flush plants during flowering; I’ve heard everything from putting hydrogen peroxide in the water to purchasing crazy amounts of distilled water to help strip out the metals. The reality is that flushing isn’t the best word to use, and we’re not actually washing anything out of the plant. Once the plant has absorbed something, there’s no washing it out. When you drench the soil and drain out the previous nutrients, you’re taking away the plant’s active food source. Cannabis stores a lot of extra nutrients in the fan leaves and even buds in order to survive. When the plant stops feeding from the soil or medium, it begins to process some of its backup food to survive; this is why we often see such unique colors in the last few weeks of the plant’s life and why the plant loses a lot of its fan leaves. Regular pH neutral water and perhaps a little molasses is more than enough for a good flush; knowing your timing is the true key. These days we all have a wonderful tool at our fingertips, the Internet. With a little time spent reading and crosschecking sources, you can save yourself hours of labor and tons of cash. If you want to experiment, which I encourage you to do, set aside a few plants separately to manipulate so if something goes wrong, they don’t all go down at once. Large medical and recreational grows often have entire rooms dedicated to research and experimentation. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover the next homegrown cure for cancer.

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ncy

r fo

All

s are Teste d e M

& Pu

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CANNANEWS

WRITER •LAEL HENTERLY

CANNABIS GIVING GUIDE Fi ve Ways to Gi ve Back i n Cann a bis Styl e Th is Hol iday Sea son

HE HOLIDAY season is upon us once again, and with it comes a desire to give back. Sometimes, though, it takes a lot of work to figure out what charity to give to and to vet said charity that the whole giving thing becomes arduous. None of us want more chores or choices during the holidays. Do you want to contribute, but are feeling indecisive? You’re in luck. We’ve done the legwork to come up with a few stellar cannabis-related nonprofits. Each organization in this guide is a legit charity, with an impressive record of using donations wisely to accomplish awesome procannabis stuff. Don’t have money? No worries: your energy and time are just as valuable.

1 PAY IN TO THE FIGHT FOR LEGALIZATION Advocating for harm reduction, legalization and cultural change since 1996, the Marijuana Policy Project Foundation has been paving the way for a very long time to a future where cannabis is legal and regulated everywhere. Thinking harm reduction is for hard drugs? The folks over at MPP have identified one major cannabis-associated problem that they’d like to see reduced: incarceration. Their solution? Criminal justice reform that does away with jail time for cannabis use. Making medical cannabis available to seriously ill people who need it is a big priority over at the policy project as well. MPP provides model legislation to lawmakers interested in legalization in their states.

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The group has been carefully tracking the nascent cannabis economies in Washington and Colorado, and issuing reports that could convince even the most anti-legalization lawmakers to give cannabis a second glance. Plus, if you don’t have money to give, you can still contribute with just a few clicks: the policy project peeps have drafted letters that you can easily shoot off to your state lawmakers or U.S. senators showing you support an end to cannabis prohibition. Don’t have time or money to donate? The policy project foundation also accepts eBay auction-worthy items, cars and boats as donations.

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HELP FUND CANNABIS RESEARCH

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies has been fighting to earn cannabis medical, legal and cultural acceptance since 1986. The group’s efforts to achieve this goal center around research. In recent years they’ve funded studies investigating cannabis’ potential for use in prescription medications, capacity to enhance creative thinking, and efficacy as a medicine for migraines. Right now MAPS is researching cannabis’ ability to mitigate the symptoms of PTSD in war veterans. The group had to fight the government for 22 years just to get permission to do studies examining the medicinal potential of cannabis. They won the battle in March of last year, becoming the first and only U.S. group authorized to investigate cannabis’ usefulness as medicine. But, since cannabis is still illegal federally, they can’t rely on the government grants or Big Pharma money that funds most drug studies. Instead, they’re dependent on those who believe in the potential of cannabis. Short on funds? If you’re brave and adventurous, you can still help out by participating in MAPS research. Just subscribe to the group’s email newsletter to get information about upcoming clinical trials delivered to your inbox.

JUST SAY NO TO THE WAR ON DRUGS

The Drug Policy Alliance isn’t as cannabis-centric as the policy project. What they are is the go-to organization when it comes to efforts to turn the clock back on drug prohibition and criminalization in their entirety. The alliance would like to see drug use treated as a public health issue, not a crime. Every year DPA fights to block new anti-drug initiatives and reform the current laws that have so many nonviolent drug offenders sitting in prison. Over at DPA they believe we should all be allowed to make decisions about our minds and bodies. On the one-year anniversary of cannabis being legalized in Washington, the alliance issued a report showing the benefits we’ve witnessed so far: $80 million in tax revenue, many more millions of dollars saved for not charging people with minor cannabis crimes with resulting jail time. Lately DPA has been pressuring President Barack Obama to free nonviolent drug offenders. The group is also promoting a bill that would allow states to legalize medical marijuana and advocating for reform at the Drug Enforcement Agency.

GET OUT AND TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS ABOUT CANNABIS

So you don’t exactly have money to donate, but want to help the legalization movement? Try volunteering with NORML — they need volunteers to staff their local chapters and to get out and engage voters regarding the issues surrounding cannabis legalization. It’s easy to sign up on their website. NORML’s efforts to reform cannabis laws are highly localized. They have chapters all over the world and eight in Washington alone. When wanting to get involved, think of grassroots campaigns involving canvassing, signing up voters and attend meetings with other cannabis activists. NORML’s priorities include legalizing cannabis for personal, medical and industrial use. NORML is also about real-world, relevant education. The group’s website includes state-specific marijuana law primers and instructions on what to do if you get hassled by the police. NORML even has a network of criminal defense attorneys who defend those accused of marijuana crimes. Speaking of which, NORML is always looking for more criminal defense attorneys willing to donate their time and wisdom. Not an attorney? They accept tax-deductible donations as well. So many ways to help!

ENSURE ALL PATIENTS HAVE ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS

It’s still not possible for many patients who could be benefiting from medical cannabis to access it. Americans for Safe Access is working hard to change that. The group wants to clear up the conflicts between federal and state law, and make sure all patients have safe and legal access to medical cannabis. They also want to secure legal access to cannabis for researchers and eliminate the discrimination that many medical marijuana patients face. Recently the ASA won an exemption from commercial regulation for medical marijuana patients’ personal cultivation in California. They’ve also been working hard to dispel myths about medical marijuana dispensaries and their patients. A recent ASA study examined the impact dispensaries have on the communities they’re located in, which is the first empirical research on the subject. The results are in: dispensaries create jobs, boost local economies and don’t increase crime or place additional stress on social service providers. Interested in getting out and advocating on behalf of medical marijuana patients (or yourself)? ASA will school you on how to use your voice for maximum effect on their website. You don’t have to give a lot of money to help out ASA either; they’re also looking for people to host parties and attend local events. Want to get involved? Sign up on their website. The Washington chapter of the ASA meets every month at a rotating location.

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S I T K A™ B R AND

A SEATTLE ORIGINAL E S T . 2 01 2

CANNANEWS

WRITER •STEVE ELLIOTT

MORE THAN 50 PRISONERS ARE SERVING LIFE FOR POT. YOU CAN HELP.

MAGINE BEING locked in a cage for cannabis; that’s bad enough, right? Well, now imagine being locked in that cage for the rest of your life. That’s the stuff of nightmares – the kind from which you can’t awaken. It’s a reality for more than 50 federal prisoners in the United States, according to the Clemency Report — and untold others who’ve been sentenced under state laws (those numbers are much harder to track, since nobody’s officially in charge of keeping such stats). The disconnect between “modern attitudes” to marijuana and these life sentences for pot is both stark and terrifying. With the President of the United States openly admitting that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol, and safer than tobacco, how on Earth can we justify locking away people for their entire lives for nonviolent cannabis crimes? How does a nation come to such a grotesquely twisted version of “justice”? Perhaps a more compelling question is, with more than 50 people serving life sentences for cannabis, are any of us truly safe? How do we return sanity to our drug laws and to the shattered lives and families of these marijuana lifers? Let’s take a look at the man behind one of these life-for-pot miscarriages of justice.

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THE TRAGIC CASE OF BILLY DEKLE North Florida native Billy Dekle found his true passion in aviation after growing up on a farm and serving in the Marines. While he never hurt anyone, his career in the 1970s and 80s flying in planeloads of Colombian cannabis into south Florida — complete with hair-raising flights and narrow escapes from unsavory characters — earned him one federal, and two state, felony convictions. Then Billy’s real trouble began; in 1990 he was arrested for the marijuana conspiracy case that would land him a life sentence. Unlike many or most marijuana defendants, Billy refused to “cooperate” with authorities and rat on his partners. Of course that didn’t stop

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others, trying to avoid long prison stretches of their own, from implicating him. At the end of his trial, Dekle faced a life sentence without the possibility of parole, for a nonviolent marijuana conspiracy. Now more than two decades later, this former Marine, a pilot who did nothing more than transport marijuana, is the only defendant from his case still behind bars. Once in prison, Billy tried to make the best of his nightmarish situation. He worked in the prison, trying to stay optimistic that the laws would change or that clemency might come someday. That’s where he is still waiting today.

How You Can Hel p

CORVAIN COOPER No. 14-4586

MICHAEL PELLETIER No. 11109-036

ONE OF MANY CRAIG CESAL

No. 52948-019

CHARLES “FRED” CUNDIFF No. 643011-112

Billy Dekle’s sad story is just one of dozens. Men like Corvain Cooper, Craig Cesal, Charles “Fred” Cundiff, George Martorano, Paul Free, Michael Pelletier, Antonio Bascaro and many others spend their days hoping for a ray of light. Each of these men has families and friends. Each of these men has dreams of a life beyond prison. Maintaining connections to the outside world is one way these prisoners can avoid feeling abandoned by society. For a prisoner locked away in the “belly of the beast,” hope is very important. Knowing that you haven’t been forgotten can make all the difference. There is no more effective way to brighten someone’s day than by spending just a few minutes of your time to help.

GEORGE MARTORANO No. 12973-004

PAUL FREE

No. 42235-198

ANTONIO BASCARO No. 14-4586

Several organizations are working to free the marijuana lifers, including the Clemency Project (www.candoclemency. com) and Life For Pot (www. lifeforpot.com), activist Cheri Sicard (www.CannabisCheri. com), who specializes in such cases, told us. Prisoners love getting cards and letters from supporters, and this is especially true of cannabis lifers. For the addresses of pot prisoners who’d enjoy hearing from you, see Sicard’s “Cannabis POW of the Month” series on www. tokesignals.com, or visit the Clemency Project or Life For Pot websites listed above. Be careful which organizations you support, as some “prisoner advocacy groups” unfortunately have less-thanstellar reputations when it comes to the disbursement of donated funds. Postal money orders can be sent to the Federal Bureau of Prisons to put money directly towards prisoner’s books for phone calls, email, legal expenses, food, personal hygiene items etc. Your donation can make a real and immediate impact on their quality of life.

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PRODUCT

WRITER •R.Z. HUGHES

PHOTOS • TAYLOR ORMS

RECREATIONAL PRE-ROLLS WHY CHOOSE ONE?

There are so many excellent pre-rolls out there right now, we had a really hard time choosing, so why bother! We’re putting two brands of pre-rolls to the test this month. First up we’ve got a lovely OG Chem and Golden Pineapple from Phat Panda and a delish sample of Sitka’s Premium+ cannabis cigarettes. Let the games begin!

PHAT PANDA

Provided by UNCLE IKE’S

SITKA CIGARETTES

Provided by SITKA The pre-rolls from Phat Panda are packed with a gram of extremely potent flower – no shake here. Results on the side put both OG Chem and the Golden Pineapple over 27% total THC and after lighting one up there’s no doubt that they are just as strong as advertised. The smoke is smooth and tasty with the Golden Pineapple actually tasting like pineapples. The cones come in handy plastic tubes so no worries about taking the whole thing down in one sitting. The graphics are crisp and fun making the packaging both functional and attractive. We recommend these for cannasseurs that are looking for some extra potency and care about taste. 106

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Claiming to be the first-ever cigarette tube made specifically for cannabis, Sitka has a new line of cannabis cigarettes that are unique in the world of pre-rolls. The packaging alone is reason enough to buy a pack; a metal tin embossed with ornate golden designs that smoothly slides open to reveal 6 premium cigarettes. Their joints are all-natural, biodegradable, and completely additive free – providing a guiltless smoke if the butt happens to find its way to the fishes. Their Premium+ line of joints is a sativa dominant blend that is lightly toasted to give a rich smooth flavor. The roll is a little loose with some cannabis grounds ending up in the container but the overall smoke is really pleasant. The filter is a nice touch as it doesn’t take out any THC, but makes things easier ® on the lungs for novice smokers.

CANNANEWS

WRITER•KELLY VO

Cann a bis Is n’t Selfish E’RE ALL a bunch of losers, at least according to Google. Losers is the most popular suggestion when you type the phrase ‘marijuana users are’ into the search engine. When you exchange marijuana users for potheads or stoners, the search results are even worse of course. We’re annoying, boring, lazy, stupid losers. There’s another term that doesn’t show up on in the search results, but is often applied to ‘stoners’ by those who don’t use cannabis themselves: selfish. Whether it’s because some of us are supposedly inconsiderate of non-smokers, or because we allegedly preach the benefits of cannabis while ignoring some of the drawbacks, cannabis users are widely perceived by outsiders as selfish. That perception would be laughable if it weren’t so frustrating. The medical

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cannabis community isn’t lazy or selfish; it’s open-hearted and giving. Take the example of Damien Gutierrez, a medical cannabis caregiver in southern California. In 2007, he was a simple cannabis supporter standing in front of LA City Hall and Van Nuys Courthouse. “I preached the benefits of cannabis,” Gutierrez says. “I made my voice known at the cost of being profiled by the police, but I realized that I wanted to do more to help people.” As he interacted with the faces of cannabis — the cancer patients, the bedridden, the terminally ill — he decided to increase his positive impact by becoming a caregiver. “The most rewarding part of becoming a caregiver is the ability to watch a person be healed, or their pain relieved, with cannabis. In my mother’s dying years, she experienced extreme pain, dementia, and more. I reduced

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her pain with cannabis.” Gutierrez and thousands of medical cannabis caregivers like him are the exact opposite of selfish potheads. They give their time and energy to help those less fortunate, and they are not the only examples of selflessness. Much of the dispensaries and cannabis organizations across California have made it their goal to give back to the community and help others. Brian Bjork, CEO of the Marin Gardens cannabis collective, says the industry industry has a unique opportunity to make a difference. “It’s not all about the money,” Bjork says. “It’s about really giving back. That’s what a true collective is — a group of people who all work together to focus on the patient experience rather than money and big business. We’re trying to change the stereotypes about cannabis. Some people have the wrong idea, and we’re trying to change that.”

“THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BECOMING A CAREGIVER IS THE ABILITY TO WATCH A PERSON BE HEALED, OR THEIR PAIN RELIEVED, WITH CANNABIS.”

A large part of Marin Gardens’ business focuses on their charitable contributions. They give to the Center for Domestic Peace, the Marin Community Foundation, the Marin Humane Society, the Ritter Center, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, and the Wounded Warrior Project. As if that were not enough, this December they’re kicking off another charitable project, the United Patient’s Group. Bjork says that Marin Garden’s isn’t alone in their charitable efforts. “Marin Gardens is just one drop in the bucket of positivity and trying to spread the good word.” Earlier this year, two dispensaries, Care by Design and AbsoluteXtracts, teamed up to donate $10,000 to victims of the devastating California forest fires. “It was a spontaneous and impromptu thing,” a worker at Care by Design says. “The fire was – in some cases – literally in our backyard. We know many people in the Cobb Mountain and Lake County areas who have been displaced or have lost their homes. It was appropriate for the industry step up.” For Care by Design, it was about seeing a need and stepping in to do what needed to be done. But their mission to give back to the community through supporting Nurses for Safe Access and Grow for Vets goes beyond simply figuring out how they can make an impact. It’s also about making a statement. “For our patients’ sake, we need to be suc-

cessful at bringing the plant out of the black market and establishing a place for it among other medications,” says Care by Design. “To do that, cannabis product makers and cultivators need to be model corporate citizens. Our support for the community and patient assistance programs is an essential part of that.” In addition to these organizations, there are many others who have made it their mission to change how the world views cannabis users and distributors. But how can the cannabis industry make sure that our generosity is spotlighted? “There should be more transparency, discussion, and involvement with community members who don’t see how the cannabis industry is helping,” says Bjork. “There’s an opportunity to demonstrate that we’re not a bunch of drug dealers or people making a bunch of money; we’re actually giving back to the community. We should open up our books and show them what we’re doing. We need transparency.” As for Gutierrez, his advice is, “Never forget the true cannabis patient. The person who fought in a traumatic war and now has PSTD or insomnia. The family member who is a zombie due to required pharmacy medications. Everyone is human. Everyone deserves a chance at life. Give someone hope. Never lose the compassion and drive to help others.”

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CANNANEWS

WRITER •LAEL HENTERLY

LIVING WITH LESS Tri m m ig rants Off th e Grid i n th e Emera ld Triang l e

OW MUCH of the stuff that you surround yourself with every day could you live without? Every year, thousands of primarily young people find out, when they head to Northern California’s Humboldt County as autumn sets in, hoping to land trimming jobs in the Emerald Triangle’s full-sun outdoor cannabis crop. The “trimmigrants,” as they’re known among locals in Arcata, Eureka and Garberville, land these jobs and learn to live without a lot of things that most of us take for granted.

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Humboldt County’s grey-market cannabis grows are beyond rural – many are so remote that phones and internet aren’t even options. DOPE caught up with S, a 27-year-old trimmer who’s migrated to Humboldt County in late September for the past four years. S agreed to speak to DOPE under the condition her name not be used due to the clandestine nature of the business. The work – snipping away leafs and stems to beautify each cannabis flower – isn’t so much difficult, as it is tedious. Trimmers work

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for as many as 14 hours each day grooming cannabis buds for market before retiring to their tents around midnight. “Some people sleep in their cars, but the smell is hard to get out of things,“ S explains. “You’d have to clean everything and then it will still probably smell. It’s really dirty work, you get kind of covered in stuff. You pretty much have to have two sets of anything you’re going to be using.” When a trimmer is hours from the nearest town, and water is scarce, it’s not like you can just wash your clothes either. “You can go to the laundro-

mat, but I was two hours out from a town, and some people are even further; I have a friend who was three hours out,” S says. This year she had Internet access at her camp, which is a rare luxury. She wasn’t as lucky when it came to phone service, though a couple of her coworkers had cell service. Electricity – when there was any – came from generators. As bulk cannaibis prices have dropped due to an increase in production, conditions at many camps have become increasingly sparse. Meals used to be provided; these trimmers pack their own food. “The rates [per pound trimmed] haven’t really changed, but the market is pretty saturated, so [the growers] can’t get the same amount for their product,” says S. The rate per pound trimmed hovers around $200 at most places, S says. Experienced trimmers can clear well over a pound each day. Payment is in cash, since the growers can’t put their money in banks. The upshot of living with so little is that it gives trimmers a chance to better appreciate – or reject as unnecessary – many of the things the first-world denizens are accustomed to having. World travelers make up a large con-

tingent of trim workers. Already accustomed to living with minimal possessions, these thrifty travelers finance their adventures with their trimming proceeds. The trim culture these workers are a part of may soon be a thing of the past, with legal commercial grows in states like Washington and Colorado. This was a previously nonexistent level of automation, with wages for trimmers closer to those paid to workers harvesting fruits or vegetables. Trimmers in states where cannabis is legal are paid by the hour, and it’s a pittance by Humboldt County standards. Clarence Paulsen III, an Eastern Washington I-502 producer, says his trimmers make, “not much more than minimum.” Machines could soon eliminate the need for human trimmers altogether. I-502 marijuana producer Brian Knopf has an off-grid grow up on Pickens Mountain in Okanagan County. He eschewed hiring trimmers, opting instead for a commercial trimming machine. S says legalization doesn’t seem to be causing changes in Humboldt County – yet. When change does come, she’ll miss the familiar faces nearly as much as the cash. “Every year people tell you they won’t be back,” S says. “Then next year, there they are.”

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CANNANEWS

THE MJBA

BECOMING A FRONT-RUNNER SEMINAR WRITER •R.Z. HUGHES | PHOTOS • DAVE RHEINS

HE MARIJUANA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MJBA) is a group that was founded to promote business integrity, legitimacy and intelligence in the emerging legal cannabis markets in Washington and Colorado. They recently hosted a seminar in front of a packed house that focused on ways in which businesses can succeed in the competitive cannabis industry and certain trends that may help prepare for the future. The analysis of last year’s numbers is impressive. The cannabis industry is growing at a rate of 29.5% per month and, while some believe the huge growth is untenable, there are no signs of it slowing down. With the passage of House Bill 2136 in June and the reformation of the three-tier tax structure into a single tax at the point of sale, more stores were encouraged to open. When the average price per gram dropped three dollars across the state, sales skyrocketed. One of the main goals of the MJBA is to bring black market sales – of which they estimate is some $1 billion per year in Washington – into the legal state system with lower prices, more available stores and a larger variety of products. A panel of retail storeowners spoke and answered questions about the joys and the difficulties of operating in this constantly changing industry. The owner of Uncle Ike’s, Ian Eisenberg, shared his experiences running one of the busiest shops in the state. He had some great insight as to why it’s not as much of a “green rush” as people might think. There were also panels of producer/processors as well as a segment about how to make branding more professional and appealing. They host several of these events in different cities throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for dates and locations, as the MJBA is a wealth of information for anyone ® involved in the burgeoning cannabis market.

WWW.MJBA.NET

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THE CHANGING SOCIAL CONVERSATION AROUND INCARCERATION 114

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“Any system that allows us to turn a blind-eye to hopelessness and despair, that’s not a justice system, that’s an injustice system. Justice is not only the absence of oppression, it’s the presence of opportunity.” ~Obama

HE SOCIAL view of incarceration, more particularly when it comes to cannabis, is undergoing a major shift in this country . In July, Obama commuted the sentences of 46 federal prisoners (raising his total number of commutations to 89). In November the federal government released 6,000 non-violent drug offenders—the largest release of its kind in US history, and by this time next year, an additional 8,000 prisoners may be eligible for release. According to some estimates, 40,000 more prisoners could eventually see their sentences shortened. While this is great news for advocates of sensible drug policy, this shift in sentencing guidelines only affects federal prisoners, not anyone imprisoned by the state. There are roughly 208,000 people currently incarcerated in state facilities for drug offenses. Some activists in the cannabis community may think that it’s time to call for clemency, to advocate for the pardon of cannabis offenses. After all, while the social conversation around incarceration may be shifting, the conversation around cannabis is reaching fever pitch. Social acceptance is at an all-time high, the industry is beginning to attract the serious money—and people are taking notice. The recent failure of Ohio’s legalization referendum had little to do with anti-cannabis stigma… but that’s another issue. Knowing that we will see an end to cannabis prohibition sooner rather than later, even hard-nosed businessmen may find themselves wanting to give back this holiday season, to the communities and people most impacted by the failed War on Drugs. As with so many good intentions, it’s not quite that simple. Cannabis enforcement has largely tended to result in arrests rather than incarceration. When referencing the numbers surrounding cannabis arrest rates, the injustice is glaring and obvious. With equal cannabis use rates, African Americans are almost four times more likely to be arrested for possession than whites. Cannabis, however, is harder to trace at the level of incarceration. There are isolated cases of long sentences for simple possession, and there are still states in which a life sentence for a first time possession charge is possible. Still the vast majority of arrests for cannabis offenses do not result in prison time. A huge number of arrests have come from the implementation of cannabis prohibition. Actually assessing the number of cannabis arrests that result in incarceration is a challenge, and the results are often very subject to interpretation. According to SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an anti-legalization interest group)

cannabis incarceration statistics are completely overblown. SAM’s stance is “…a survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that 0.7% of all state inmates were behind bars for cannabis possession only (with many of them pleading down from more serious crimes). In total, one tenth of one percent (0.1 percent) of all state prisoners are marijuana-possession offenders with no prior sentences.” Yet the ACLU estimates that the US spent over $3.6 billion on cannabis possession enforcement in 2010. Whether or not incarceration is the biggest issue for cannabis, many people with cannabis arrests and convictions have been suffering far too long. They have been denied jobs, student loans, housing, and even volunteer opportunities. Oregon has taken the lead in expunging cannabis violations from citizens’ records. Portland’s Metropolitan Public Defender’s office is running “expungement clinics” to seal records of cannabis arrests and convictions. Currently, low-level felonies or misdemeanors can become a clean record, and in 2016, eligibility will expand, making a wider variety of felony pot convictions eligible for expungement. The cannabis industry can take the lead in the fight for social justice at both state and federal levels. Cannapreneurs have the opportunity to develop inclusive hiring practices, to partner with transitional service organizations and to provide mentorship and training for people making the transition from the prison complex into the outside world. We also have the opportunity to work with our legislators, to harness the new understanding that they have of the financial opportunity of the industry. As we work to end prohibition and the stigma of cannabis use, we can use our voices and our experiences to forward the conversation for justice, and we can make a difference for the people and the communities impacted by the misguided War on Drugs. The rationale of draconian anti-drug policy is beginning to crumble as the legalization of recreational cannabis use has still not resulted in increased crime or increased hard drug use. They may have gotten one thing right, though. Cannabis may indeed turn out to be a gateway—to innovation, to inclusion and to social change. In order to serve as a vanguard for social evolution, we just have to figure out how, as an industry, to clean up problems that we didn’t create.

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SLOW ROLL SOCIETY GIFT BOX Slow Roll Society specializes in unique, classy accessories for the elegant smoker. Their collection of papers features international favorites from all corners of the world. Customized gift boxes, perfect for the holi-daze, are offered with the highest-quality papers, a variety of tips and filters, and outstanding lighters. Surprise the trendy cannabis enthusiast in your life with everything they will need to roll it up slow and in style for a positively pleasurable smoking experience. www.slowrollsociety.com

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WRITER •STEVE ELLIOTT

CANNANEWS

PHOTOS • KIRSTEN HURLEY

CANNABALL RUN SUPPORTS VETERAN ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS HE PLIGHT OF OUR MILITARY veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is finally gaining the attention it deserves, and none too soon. With 22 veteran suicides every day (that’s one every 65 minutes!), that number eclipsed the number of battlefield casualties from Afghanistan long ago. 20% of all suicides in the United States are committed by veterans, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs in a 2012 Suicide Data Report. More than 300,000 veterans suffer from PTSD. Most treatments prescribed to the veterans are medicine cocktails that are not approved by the FDA. And the one thing the harsh pharmaceuticals, which are approved, all have in common is the ability to induce suicidal and depressive behavior amongst those already experiencing depression; these commonly prescribed medications are offered by Big Pharma and include, but are not limited to, Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Percocet, Celexa, and Paxil. Cannabis has shown itself, for many or most veterans, to be more effective and far, far less dangerous than any of these pharmaceuticals. Controlled, supervised use of cannabis has been proven 300% more effective at treating PTSD than the medications that are currently being prescribed. More and more of our nation’s veterans are opting for one simple plant that is safer and more effective than prescription drugs. Cannabis has become the new answer, and hopefully the new normal. World-renowned cannabis expert Garyn Angel and his company MagicalButter has partnered with the Weed For Warriors Project to present this year’s Cannaball Run for Vets. The cross-country tour is intended to promote awareness as well as a sense of understand-

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ing and compassion for others with debilitating illnesses. It also gives patients the opportunity and the courage to act on their beliefs in cannabis for medicinal use. Participants in the tour, which kicked off October 17 with a 4.2-mile march in Los Angeles, showed their support to highlight the growing evidence for cannabis as a treatment for PTSD, and to encourage more education on the topic of medicinal cannabis. The tour stopped at seven major cities in the United States as it headed toward the nation’s capitol for a culminating Veterans Day event on November 11. “After meeting the veterans and the supporters that are involved with the Weed For Warriors Project and the Cannaball Run, and hearing their individual stories, my commitment to this cause has not only been reaffirmed, it has grown exponentially,” says Bruce Purloin, CEO of Hemp, Inc. “I firmly believe their voices must be heard all across America. Our nation needs to correct the injustice perpetrated on our veterans, our heroes.” Veteran Dannion Brinkley, cofounder and 38-year hospice volunteer of Twilight Brigade at the VA explains, “What Weed for Warriors represents is the need for broader healthcare choices. The choices veterans are being given now lead them to addiction, becoming zombies, and eventual suicide. It is time for a change.” “Traveling with the Weed For Warriors Project on the Cannaball Run has been an eye-opening experience,” says Cynthia Salarizadeh of Green Tech Industries. “We treat our veterans with absolute disrespect; the amount of pharmaceuticals that they are prescribed is unacceptable. I fully support medical cannabis to treat war trauma, and I ® am proud to be a part of this cause.”

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“Controlled, supervised use of cannabis has been proven 300% more effective at treating PTSD than the medications that are currently being prescribed. More and more of our nation’s veterans are opting for one simple plant that is safer and more effective than prescription drugs.”

MEDICAL CANNABIS FOR PTSD AND MORE:

GARYN ANGEL SPEAKS OUT “MagicalButter embraces the use of cannabis as a treatment for debilitating ailments such as PTSD,” explains Garyn Angel, CEO of MagicalButter. “Our vets deserve alternatives to the narcotics that are currently being prescribed. We partnered with the veterans for the second annual Cannaball Run to make a difference. More troops have been lost to suicide than combat — and this must change now!” Angel explains further, “I’ve been reading about its use, not just for PTSD, but one of the unique characteristics of the cannabinoids is that you can use half the amount of opiates [when combining them] with cannabis. If we can cut the use of opiates in half, that’s an enormous positive. This industry is the most amazing group of people to work with,” Angel says. “Everybody has been very supportive and collaborative. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, but in this arena, there are a lot of friendships and a lot of connections; we all work together.” He closes by cutting right to the chase, “I think the Veteran’s Administration needs companies like us to help bring them to an acceptance of cannabis. We have to let them know that we are not going to stop until we get some kind of access for vets. We want to give our vets the best, of course, and by working with the VA positively, however we can, we can make sure that happens.” dopemagazine.com ISSUE 52 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

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THE VIABILITY OF THE FOUR-DAY WORKWEEK

ATELY, BUZZ is gathering around a new compromise in the business world: the four-day workweek. Working a 9-5 from Monday to Friday can be downright exhausting, leaving little time for family, chores or other personal pursuits. The business world, while normally quite conservative, has been considering cutting man-hours to allow their employees more free time and provide some balance. This new wave should be seriously considered, not only for its general psychological benefits, but for allowing more individuals with disabilities to work and participate in the economy. Portland tech firm Treehouse has notably adopted a four-day workweek for its entire staff, from CEO Ryan Carson down. On his blog he attributes these successes at his company to the four-day workweek:

ONE Recruiting is easy (we still pay full salaries and offer a very generous benefits package).

TWO Retention is easier. One of the team told me he regularly gets emails from Facebook trying to win him over and his answer is always the same: “Do you work a four-day week yet?”

THREE Morale is boosted. On Mondays everyone is fresh and excited–not jaded from working over the weekend.

FOUR I get to spend 50% more time with my kids than almost all other dads (three days versus two). Fifty percent. It’s insane. For those on the team without kids, they get to spend this extra 50% on their hobbies or loved ones.

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There are benefits to the employer, who values relaxed, positive employees who love working at the company and give their best work in return, in addition to paying slightly less for hours worked. The four-day workers still have full benefits packages without being subjected to part-time exceptions. It is an innovative response to the world of stress in the corporate realm of 45-hour weeks at the office, with no escape from email and calls at home, or “at-will” appointments, which grant no barrier between personal and professional lives. The matter of work-life balance is increasingly coming under scrutiny. Stress is widely acknowledged as becoming a public health concern. Cutting back hours into a ‘compressed’ workweek is also a logical response to rising costs. A four-day week option is offered to some employees at 43% of companies, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. However, this number could definitely be higher, and be made available to a larger share of employees. Workplaces across the coun-

try, and around the world, may benefit from considering parallel schedules for part-time or reduced-hour employees. This is especially helpful for those who need to spend more time at home, like those dealing with disability or other medical limitations. Making accommodations for part-time employees and reducedhour schedules would be a revolutionary step toward giving folks with disabilities the opportunities to work, earn an income, and achieve economic empowerment by claiming a professional stake. The vast majority of employers create positions with full-time requirements that essentially make employees give their lives to the office at the expense of much else. The business world may be trying to cut costs, and thus squeeze as much labor out of as few employees as possible, but this approach does not consider the human cost, or the matter of inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Workplaces should be a place where you don’t have to hide an illness for fear of being sacked, but an environment where employers can accommodate changing circumstances and still have the employee’s skills at their disposal. This can be achieved on a planned and coordinated basis with fewer hours. Of course, communication challenges may emerge from having mixed schedules in a workplace, but there are so many options for online collaboration like Basecamp and Trello. Good workplace communication doesn’t even need to take place in a physical space, but through apps utilizing the cloud. In the Information Age, where work is more project and gig focused, the full-time work model can seem, at times, indulgent. Employers don’t want to pay for employees to sit around and waste time on Tumblr or Reddit while on the clock, while employees hate feel-

ing like they hardly get personal time. Scaling back work demands and creating models for including people of different abilities can contribute to a better, more diverse, more vibrant workplace that can have greater power than a homogenous closed circuit. Many think that ‘disability’ automatically gets someone Social Security benefits, but the application process can take time and even be a battle for individuals with many chronic illnesses that do not yet have widespread recognition. What’s more is these benefits are insufficient to meet the cost of living in many areas, especially in cities. Employment is an economic necessity in the U.S. for individuals with disabilities to earn enough to get by. ‘Disability’ doesn’t get people a free pass, or whisked away to all-inclusive homes. Physical misfortune should not force every individual with a disability onto their parents’ or sibling’s couch. Economic empowerment is critical to the disabled population. Adopting four-day workweeks and parallel part-time schedules would do wonders for including differently abled folks. Having the opportunity to contribute to society while padding your wallet builds up a sense of self-respect. We may struggle with self-loathing and depression after going from a normal, busy way of life to suddenly landing in a wheelchair or at home on bed rest every day. Some disabilities mean you cannot work at all, while others can work a little bit and some others may be ready to stake their claim in the American Dream. Being included and respected in the workplace is key to being respected in society at large and earning an even higher degree of dignity.

“SCALING BACK WORK DEMANDS AND CREATING MODELS FOR INCLUDING PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT ABILITIES CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A BETTER, MORE DIVERSE, MORE VIBRANT WORKPLACE WITH GREATER POWER...” dopemagazine.com ISSUE 52 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

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ART

BLAKE BLANCO Pu sh i ng Pig ment

WRITER •MEGHAN RIDLEY

ILLUSTRATIONS • BLAKE BLANCO

“I have to do what I love. I believe we are all capable of discovering what we truly want to do.” [ Self portrait of Blake Blanco ]

ORN IN Nashville and raised on a farm, artist Blake Blanco doesn’t come armed with a fancy-pants art school degree. When you meet him in person, he certainly doesn’t fit the cliché picture of an oil painter. Take a look at his artwork, and the aforementioned are galvanizing footnotes to this inspiring story of a rising star in Seattle’s art scene. As Blanco openly jokes, “Yeah, people really don’t expect this from me.” The plot of Blanco’s life path is undoubtedly curious. Following a move to Los Angeles at age 21, he found himself working at a clothing store, ultimately finding the attention-grabbing and fast-paced nature of the SoCal landscape more isolating than invigorating. Realizing that he couldn’t concentrate within the constant hustle and bustle of L.A., he returned to Nashville to focus on his artistic pursuits. There, he spent thousands of dollars on art supplies that he’d never used before and got to work pushing pigment and himself.

These days, the intricacies of Blanco’s oil paintings—especially his portraits—are testament to a soulful diligence in the approach to his craft. These pieces possess a compelling capacity to draw viewers in, both in awe and appreciation of the thoughtful detail. Those who know Blanco know him to be sketching, drawing, painting and, oftentimes, up all night. While working a day job may still be necessary, he spends equal, if not more, time painting and perfecting his artwork. As Blanco is quick to point out, “When things click, it’s oftentimes only after hours of devastating frustration.” All art aside, Blanco speaks with humble sincerity and overall care for humankind. “We live in a world where so many people are content to just sit around and talk about work. I have to do what I love. I believe we are all capable of discovering what we truly want to do.”

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