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from the editor
Publisher Guy Bertuzzi, guy@elevatenv.com Editor-In-Chief Beth Schwartz, beth@elevatenv.com Creative Director Brooke Bertuzzi, brooke@finetheagency.com Contributing Writers : Justin Alexander, Josh Bell, Josh Kasoff, CW Peterson, Deanna Rilling, Shoshanna Silverberg, Taiya Thompson Account Executive:
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To spark joy. Some of you might think I’m referring to how you handle the upcoming holiday season, and I am. But I am also referencing a philosophical call to action that has become more than just a phrase. For some it’s a mantra for living. If you are not familiar, the phrase “spark joy” comes from Marie Kondo’s best-selling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and her ensuing Netflix series that aired in January called “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” In the series, Kondo visits various American family homes full of clutter and guides the families in tidying up their houses through her KonMari method. The organization consultant’s unique cleaning method consists of gathering all of one’s belongings, one category at a time, and then keeping only those things that “spark joy,” and choosing a place for everything from then on. Kondo says that her method is partly inspired by the Shinto religion. Cleaning and organizing things properly can be a spiritual practice in Shintoism, which is concerned with the energy or divine spirit of things and the right way to live. “Treasuring what you have; treating the objects you own as disposable, but valuable, no matter their actual monetary worth; and creating displays so you can value each individual object are all essentially Shinto ways of living,” explains Kondo. For me the idea of sparking joy has infiltrated several areas of my life. As Kondo explains in her book, “You can also define things that spark joy as things that make you happy.” I just don’t use Kondo’s philosophy to clean out my closet and discard items that no longer make me smile. I also religiously use it when I am shopping so that nothing
sneaks back into my closet that’s not worthy. Same goes with activities in which I participate and the way I choose to spend my time. It was using this same philosophy that I crafted the content in the issue you are reading. I wanted our December issue to put a smile on the face of everyone who picked it up. My objective was for it to be full of whimsy and joy—whether that was the delight of finding a recipe for a DIY smoothie facial mask on page 8 or enjoying our holiday gift guide, page 36-37. One story that stood out as soon as writer Josh Kasoff pitched it to me was a profile on Jared Pitts who is not only a cultivation manager at State Flower Cannabis, but he is also the creator of comic book heroes Captain Spliff and Honey Blunt. Talk about sparking joy!? How fantastic would it be to have the artistic talent to create an alter ego with superpowers who battles the evils of cannabis prohibition? Flip to page 38 to read for yourself. Our main feature story, “Seeking Bliss This Holiday Season” starting on page 23, is basically an A to Z guide for finding happiness that all begins with anandamide, the body’s “bliss” molecule. Because cannabis—both through cannabinoids and terpenes—has numerous euphoric properties as does exercise and certain foods, we had a joysparking time compiling our entries that range from informative to quirky. Be sure to make every part of your December a joyful holiday experience,
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elevatenv.com | december 6
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- Curtis Bunce, DB Labs
CONTENTS
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CREATing Cannabis GOODBYE WINTER SKIN WOES, HELLO HAPPY FACE by Taiya Thompson, crookedcactuscbd.com
At Crooked Cactus CBD, we love the desert but the cold and dry climate in the winter months wreaks havoc on our skin. The lower temps, harsh winds, and near-zero humidity make skin lackluster and dull. The key to kissing your winter skin woes goodbye and saying hello to happy, healthy skin is to hydrate and replenish. You can add moisture and nutrients back into your skin with this mask and face serum that are all-natural, easy to make, and infused with all the goodness of cannabidiol.
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SMOOTHIE MASK Three simple but powerful ingredients make up this DIY mask. Bananas are packed with potassium and vitamin E that helps reduce blemishes, hydrate and soothe inflamed skin. Avocados are rich in natural oils that penetrate deeply to repair dry skin. Honey alone is great for the complexion leaving skin soft and glowing. Using infused honey boosts the moisturizing, calming, and repairing benefits of this all-natural mask.
INGREDIENTS: 1/2 avocado 1/2 banana 1 tsp. infused honey (we target 10 mg of CBD per teaspoon)
INSTRUCTIONS: Mash ingredients together in a bowl until it’s a creamy consistency. Apply to skin using a circular motion. Leave on for 15-30 minutes then gently wash off with warm water.
This infused serum is so satisfying for dry winter skin. It applies easily, leaves no oily residue, and smells amazing. It’s gentle enough for everyday use, even on oily skin. The carrier and essential oils combined are great for toning, soothing, brightening, and protecting skin. Adding CBD to the mix boosts these amazing benefits.
INGREDIENTS: 5 ml pure Vitamin E oil 10 drops each of Frankincense, Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils 12 ml Jojoba oil 12 ml Rosehip oil 100 mg Crooked Cactus CBD Isolate* 30 ml dark glass bottle with dropper
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In a microwave-safe glass bowl or beaker, microwave Jojoba oil for 5-7 seconds. Add CBD isolate and stir until completely dissolved. Transfer infused oil to 30 ml bottle. 2. Add Rosehip oil and essential oils to bottle. 3. Top off bottle with pure Vitamin E oil, approximately 5 mls. Invert and shake well to blend. *If you have a canna or CBD infused oil you prefer, reduce Jojoba and Rosehip oils proportionately and omit isolate.
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SOOTHING SKIN SERUM
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elevatenv.com | december
Dizzy with Joy Dizzy Joy with
Las Vegas-based rapper Dizzy Wright performs December 20 at Brooklyn Bowl
By Josh Bell
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“I hope that means something to them, that the same stomping grounds that they walk on, I go out into the world and represent,” says Las Vegas-based rapper Dizzy Wright, who’s been representing his hometown on the national hip-hop scene for the past decade, since releasing his debut mix tape in 2010. He takes Las Vegas pride with him around the country and the world, as the most successful hip-hop artist ever to emerge from the city. A close family friend of two members of classic rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony (Layzie Bone and Flesh-N-Bone), Wright has music in his blood and has been rapping since he was a kid. He signed with nowdefunct indie hip-hop label Funk Volume in 2012 when he was just 21, and he’s been a star in underground hip-hop since then, always on the edge of the mainstream while maintaining his independent sensibilities. Wright is also the latest in a long line of rappers whose music celebrates cannabis use, from Cypress Hill to Snoop Dogg to Wiz Khalifa. He regularly raps about his love for cannabis, and in 2016 he released a collaborative album with rapper Demrick titled Blaze With Us (the duo has already recorded Blaze With Us 2, due for release in early 2020). “Cannabis has been, I would say, a positive contribution to everything in my whole life,” Wright says. “It helps me lay everything out flat, and look at the things that I want to attack first, pick and choose and not get overwhelmed by everything that I have on the table. And for me, I use it as a relaxing mechanism, as an energy mechanism, as a thinking mechanism.” Like an increasing number of musicians, Wright has also ventured into the cannabis industry, debuting his Dizzy OG indica strain in 2015, via a partnership with Crown Genetics. With 23 to 25 percent THC, Dizzy OG “has an Olympic level of strength followed by a spectacular THC content,” boasts Crown’s website. The strain has won awards at Cannabis Cup events in California, and Wright prides himself in being a hands-on participant in its development. “I’m very close with the process, and of course, because I love marijuana, I enjoy that process the most, to see what the different flavors and the different strains do for me,” he says. “If the batch is not to my expectations of what I feel like is a good representation of what I like to smoke, we won’t put it out.” Wright also has his own line of pre-rolls, and he’s hoping to expand his cannabis presence in the next year. “I do have a new strain that’s going to come out in 2020, and then I don’t want to oversaturate the game,” he says. “I don’t want people to think that I’m being greedy. I want to give real flavors and real strains that can stick around that
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people can enjoy.” Unlike some celebrities who lend their names to brands without being committed to cannabis culture, Wright is immersed in the scene, starting from long before he launched an official line. “I think what helps the Dizzy Wright brand is that I went to the weed events,” Wright says. “In 2012 and 2013 and 2011 when it wasn’t really that big, I went to the events, and I smoked with the fans, and I tried people’s strains. I respected the growers, and I respected the people who made glass, and I respected the people who made edibles.” In 2016, before recreational legalization in Nevada, Wright headlined Vegas’ Hempfest and even had his own branded stage at the cannabis and music event. “I wanted to find a way to make back the money that I was spending on marijuana,” he jokes about launching his brand. Working with local growers and dispensaries (including Redwood Cultivation) isn’t the only way that Wright promotes business in his hometown. He also has his own fashion line, Still Movin, along with a retail location of the same name on West Sahara Avenue, selling men’s and women’s fashions from a range of influential streetwear brands. “I’ve been into fashion since I was in high school,” Wright says. “I thought it would be important for me to have a spot in Vegas that people can come to and catch a vibe, catch some of the energy that I’m bringing to the city.” For him, the store is a way to show off Vegas hip-hop culture, not just sell clothing. Wright is also showing off Vegas hip-hop culture on his current co-headlining tour with Rittz. Fellow Vegas rapper Ekoh is one of the tour’s openers, and Wright is proud to bring another homegrown talent on the road with him. “I love what he has going, and the energy he’s bringing to the city,” Wright says. “I’m excited to get out there and really build a deeper relationship with him, so we can tap into the music, and give the fans some music while we’re on the road.” That may mean that a Wright/Ekoh collaboration is on the way, but for now, Wright has a couple of new singles (“Heavy Handed,” “Keep Up”) to give himself a pre-tour boost. After traveling across America, Wright’s latest tour ends here in Vegas, a town he’ll continue to represent as long as he’s making music. “Some people think Vegas is just all the Strip. They think that you’ll get the same opportunities that Cardi B gets if you’re from Vegas,” he says of the misconceptions he faces elsewhere. “I think coming out with a humble approach and showing people that there’s genuine people in Las Vegas, I think that it works for me in the long run.” Dizzy Wright with Rittz, Ekoh, Whitney Peyton. December 20, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, The LINQ, $22-$25.
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STATE OF EUPHORIA
Help for Handily Handling the Holiday Hustle
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By Justin Alexander
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hen we decided to do an issue focused on joy and happiness, it was quite obvious the direction our product review would take. We needed to ferret out products in the Nevada marketplace known for eliciting euphoria and mood elevation in its users. While our review contains an edible, a resin, a tincture, and a shatter, it seems flower is your best bet for calming nerves and producing ho-ho-ho spirit worthy of Santa himself when stressed to the max from holiday cheer. Nevada Made Marijuana’s Josh Ranck has a few tips for getting ahead of stress when it comes to the holidays. He recommends micro-dosing and not just with edibles. “You can use a one-hitter for flowers or take small half hits from a vape pen as well,” says Ranck. When seeking a euphoric glow, he suggests checking lab testing labels for the following terpenes: limonene, pinene, and terpinolene, which are incredibly uplifting. If calm is more the direction you are seeking to go, look for linalool. Ranck also has a suggestion for handling holiday gatherings—be social and share your cannabis. “Group consumption elevates everyone’s mood,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to offer your family a hit or two, just like you would offer them a cocktail to liven the mood.” To follow are some suggestions to consider picking up at the dispensary before you head to your next festive shindig.
FLORAVEGA’S BLUEBERRY LIMEADE FLOWER A cross between two popular strains, Blueberry and Lemon Widow, FloraVega’s goal when creating Blueberry Limeade was to produce a hybrid that does double duty— boosting euphoria to relieve pain as well as provide a little get up and go. “Blueberry Limeade sets in to relieve physical pain and tension while enhancing mood, a great strain for light physical activity or lounging in a social environment,” says FloraVega’s Sam McAdam, who adds, “Terpinolene, beta-caryophyllene and pinene combine to leave users physically and cerebrally stimulated without sedation.” The strain’s terpene mix of caryophyllene, limonene, linalool and terpinolene are epicenters of stress reduction and are responsible for the happiness factor that this strain brings with it—perfect for staying calm and cool while battling the pressure of the holidays. “Limeade can melt away the stress of family celebrations without intoxicating it’s user too much,” McAdam says. “A great smoke to ease that stress without getting called out by your nosey Aunt Karen.”
The first thing you will love about this strain is its scent. When lighting up Blueberry Limeade experience a waft of citrus notes that reflect a distinct tart lime aroma. The second is if you’re looking for a discreet cartridge, Rove has created a Featured Farms cartridge that uses Blueberry Limeade terpenes to recreate the flavor and effect of the flower.
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MEDIZIN’S BANANA OG FLOWER, PLANET 13 If you want to dive head-first into the happiness pool, try Planet 13’s Banana OG, a cross between the Banana strains and OG Kush. That’s because it is packed with terps known to
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december | elevatenv.com 15
If you are looking for euphoria in dab form, check out KYND’s Light of Jah shatter, which offers an uplifting, euphoric high that boosts creativity and positive moods. This strain is similar to the infamous Jack Herer and is terpene-rich, representing the full spectrum of the flower. “When you open a piece of Light of Jah parchment, the smell of the flowers greets you,” says KYND’s David Robison. “It’s very rich in terpinolene, which contributes heavily to the characteristic smell and effects.” Reach for this when you need a stress buster from holiday shopping. “Our LOJ is a pure sativa strain, and the terpene profile and cannabinoids are excellent stressbusters. Fair warning—the giggles tend to come on strong with this one,” Robison says. “We routinely hear customers comparing this strain to a fresh cup of coffee. It’ll put a little extra pep in your step over the holidays.”
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bring joy: α- and β-pinene, limonene, and caryophyllene all produce euphoria when combined with high THC percentages. “Pinene increases alertness and focus. Limonene is great for mood elevation. Caryophyllene is great for reducing anxieties. The flavor profile is earthy sweet with hints of musk, some say it really does taste like banana,” says Planet 13’s Brandon Zimmer. Smoke Banana OG and be instantly uplifted and put into a creative mindset for stimulating conversation and artistic pursuits. “Banana OG does stimulate a creative social high which makes it perfect for catching up with the family on the holidays in a stress-free way,” relays Zimmer. The combination of different terpenes and cannabinoids impact each user in a unique way—some produce anxiety so the reason Banana OG is so effective and popular is that it is the perfect balance of both uplifting and anti-anxiety properties.
VERT’S BIRTHDAY CAKE AND BLONDIE COOKIE SQUARES, THE GROVE Vert’s newest cookie square flavors—Blondie and Birthday Cake—make great Photo by Keene Dadian stocking stuffers for friends and family who are cannabis aficionados. “Our newest flavors to the Vert lineup are meant to enhance the selection for those who prefer vanilla to chocolate,” says Margaux Hansberry. The Birthday Cake Cookie Squares are infused with either Chunky D or GG#4 and the latest batch of Blondies are infused with Fire OG. “Focusing on infusions with indica-dominant hybrids gives our cookie squares a reliable euphoric effect one can trust to provide calm and stress relief around the holidays,” Hansberry says. “The holidays can be hectic, taking a nibble of a Vert cookie square will help all the stress of the events and family time melt away.” Count on Blondie and Birthday Cake Cookie Squares for a mind-melting buzz. Vert’s cookie squares offer a sweeping body high and mood-enhancing stress reliever— plus the flavors are true to taste. “That’s part of the fun,” Hansberry says, who reminds users that it could take up to two hours to feel the full effects. “Notice an increased feeling of jubilation as you reach your peak of edible goodness that warms from the inside out.” Consider dressing up the Blondie with fresh berries,
whipped cream, or even add it to a milkshake. The Birthday Cake Cookie Square will make you feel like a kid again with its rich vanilla flavor and white chocolate chips sprinkled throughout.
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december | elevatenv.com 17
Laugh yourself all the way home from Laughlin with Nevada Made Marijuana’s Laughing Laughlin, the brand’s signature house sativa. “We knew we wanted all the classic sativa effects: strong head high, physically invigorating, and mentally uplifting and euphoric. Also, we knew it would become the base for many products, so we spent a lot of time making sure we got it right,” says Nevada Made Marijuana’s Josh Ranck. “Terpinolene has anti-anxiety properties, and limonene is known to elevate mood and provide stress relief, which you’re going to need to decompress from the holiday bustle. Laughing Laughlin has both of these terpenes in abundance.” A few puffs of Laughing Laughlin and you won’t be able to wipe the smile from your face. A cross between Jack Herer and Cherry Diesel, the buds of this strain are ultrafragrant and trichome heavy, consistently testing in the mid-to-high twenties for THC. Laughing Laughlin comes in a variety of forms: jarred flower, pre-rolls including a Tiny Tin pre-roll which is a half-gram, concentrates and live resin, disposable vapes and cartridges, and distillate syringes. No matter the medium, they all give an energetic head high with a big dose of joy. Ranck, also notes, patients love the process of consumption as much as the actual act. “Euphoria is found in other ways beyond just consuming your cannabis. It’s a process that builds with the rituals involved. The excitement of driving to the dispensary, the sights and scents of the products, the process of preparing your bowl or joint or dab rig, then the much-anticipated moment of consumption. It all adds up to a heightened euphoria, that’s made all the better with a potent strain like Laughing Laughlin,” Ranck says.
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SUMMA’S SUNSET SHERBET AND SNOWBALL 89 FLOWER, EUPHORIA WELLNESS If you’re into quality flower with strong sedative effects, it might behoove you to bask in the aroma, flavor and effects of Summa’s Sunset Sherbet and Snowball 89 flower. Both of these strains are ideal for power naps and pain relief, and consumers will feel a relaxed glow come from within after a few puffs. C’mon and get happy should be the tagline of Sunset Sherbet. Produced from the indica-dominant lineage of GSC and Pink Panties, this strain has a unique terpene profile that invigorates the taste buds—the notes are berry and citrus mixed with musky aromas. Use before bedtime and drift off into pure bliss. It is terp rich with a mix of caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene and linalool. Snowball 89 is euphoric, through and through. An indica-dominate hybrid that is a cross between The White and Chem 4 OG, Snowball 89 helps to stimulate the thought process. Snowball is the perfect storm of terps with a mix of limonene, caryophyllene, myrcene, and pinene.
8|FOLD PEPPERMINT TINCTURE, THE+SOURCE One way to source your happiness is with 8|Fold’s Peppermint Tincture, which comes in an easily deliverable and convenient spray that is tasty and effective for the perfect metered dose of THC. “Every spray delivers a precise dose of 3.5 mg of THC, allowing for the same control consumers are used to from traditional dropper administered tinctures,” explains 8|Fold Production Manager Aaron Nino. “It also allows novice consumers to start low and slow, helping them find the ideal amount for their needs. Each of our 8|Fold spray tinctures comes with a hefty 800 mg of THC, and our peppermint tincture is ideal for maximizing flavor and minimizing the cannabis taste often found in tinctures. “We’ve gotten some positive feedback that the refreshing peppermint taste speaks to the holiday season and also can function as a bronchodilator. Aside from the
flavor and benefits, one of the other pieces of feedback we’ve received is that it’s convenient for people who have dietary restrictions and are seeking alternatives to traditional edibles. Also, at 1 calorie a spray, it can help diminish the caloric onslaught of holiday treats,” Nino says, who encourages consumers to add a few sprays to your hot chocolate for a minty treat.
happy Holla day
CAMP ORANGE ADE, NEVADA ORGANIC REMEDIES
Make Today Festive Order capriotti’s
december | elevatenv.com 19
If tinctures aren’t your thing, reach for CAMP Orange Ade flower. “CAMP is all about creating your own adventure and discovering a place where you can be completely yourself,” says CAMP Director of Cultivation Michael Cooper. “Somewhere you can unplug, take a deep breath and recharge. CAMP is your happy place. Orange Ade fits into this ethos through a refreshingly happy high that feels like sunshine on a cloudy day.” Orange Ade is for those who need heavy relief but also want an enjoyable consumption experience. The strain has a wonderful citrus flavor and aroma as the name suggests, kind of like eating a juicy piece of fruit. “An aromatic citrus nose carries through to the palate perfectly and provides an unforgettable experience from greens to ash. Orange Ade brings you an invigorating aroma and taste with uplifting effects to create the perfect euphoric package,” explains Cooper, who notes they are the only cultivar growing Orange Ade in Nevada. “Limonene plays a factor into the euphoric synergy of Orange Ade; it’s known to help increase mood and is generally uplifting,” says Cooper. “When you start to consider the harmonious combination of cannabinoids and terpenes, you can get an appreciation of the full potential of this delightful strain.” Orange Ade genetics are Tangie x Purple Punch, both of which are known to increase mood and provide euphoric effects. Tangie’s tangerine aroma combines perfectly with Purple Punch’s relaxing and stress-relieving properties to bring the best of flavor and effects for those seeking a medicine that is ripe with joy. And even though it does not have the highest THC at 21%, Cooper admits it is a favorite in the garden. “It’s the type of strain that makes you want to lick your gloves after working with her. Orange Ade is tried and true to its name and is a true pleasure—both to work with and indulge in,” he adds.
NV CANN LABS THANKS TO ALL OF OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPORTORS FOR MAKING 2019 A FANTASTIC YEAR! WE WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!
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IS YOUR CANNABIS TESTED BY NV CANN LABS?
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STATE FLOWER’S WIFI43, THE APOTHECARIUM It is the limonene content that makes State Flower WiFi43 an incredibly joyful strain to smoke—that and the fact that it tests at 32 percent THC. As a sativa-dominant hybrid, expect to feel uplifted without being wired like a pure sativa when enjoying this reliable and consistent flower. This strain is a phenotype of White Fire OG, which is a cross between Fire Kush and The White. “The terpene myrcene, which is present in Wifi43’s profile, helps to balance out that sativa effect of limonene which makes this a more approachable strain for those looking for that euphoria,” says The Apothecarium’s Hailey Stone, who also suggests pinene and linalool, adding that, “those terpenes are most commonly found to bring on those happy feelings and endless giggles.” Ideal for daytime consumption, WiFi43 helps you stay focused and uplifted without too much of a body effect. Stone recommends it as the ideal companion to a family dinner. “The terpene profile gives you the best of both worlds,” Stone says. “The limonene helps keep you smiling through all the bad family jokes, while the myrcene works to keep you calm and relaxed until the holidays are over.”
REMEDY’S SPACE LEMONS CURED RESIN SUGAR “We wanted to create a craft product that was enjoyable and affordable. Our Space Lemons Cured Resin is a combination of Lemonade Dream and Outer Space,” says Remedy’s Justin Van Dyck of its Cured Resin Sugar. “Lemonade Dream’s parents are Blue Dream, an old time favorite, and Lemon Kush, which is a cross between Master Kush and Lemon Joy. Outer Space is a combination of two amazing strains, Island Sweet Skunk and the hard to find Trinity.” Space Lemons is composed of 10 mg of myrcene accompanied by limonene, humulene and linalool, which all give a euphoric head buzz and produce a mellow and
relaxing body high. The combination of the two hit all of the senses and provide complete relief. “The flavor profile of sweet and skunky tones attracts consumers to this product. Not to mention the price point as well, as it is not out of reach of your everyday customers,” Van Dyck says, who adds that Remedy will soon be releasing a new Cured Resin Sugar called Strawband Glue.
CURALEAF’S WONDER DAWG FLOWER, ACRES
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High potency, high euphoric strains are the specialty of Curaleaf’s indica-dominant collection. A cross between William’s Wonder and Chem Dawg 91, Wonder Dawg, bursting with color that runs the spectrum from purple to lime green, is a shining example of the benefits that such a plant can have on bringing joy into a patient’s life. “These strains have high levels of limonene, pinene and humulene from the sativa side and high levels of myrcene and caryophyllene from the indica side. This combination gives Wonder Dawg its couch lock but euphoric feeling,” says Curaleaf’s Mo Mahfouz. “This particular strain is perfect for someone who is looking for a heavy yet euphoric high. That being said terps effect everyone differently. It is up to the consumer to see what works best for them.”
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SEEKING
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
From A to Z, LET US COUNT THE WAYS TO FIND HAPPINESS NATURALLY
I
f the holidays tend to get you down and you aren’t finding the spirit, you aren’t alone. Holiday blues is a real phenomenon and seasonal depression is more common than you may think. Approximately 14 percent of Americans experience the “winter blues.” In another study, 38 percent of people surveyed said their stress level increased during the holiday season and, in turn, their anxiety accelerated, according to the American Psychological Association. But the sads aren’t just seasonal. According to the World Happiness Report, which is performed annually by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations, the U.S. came in 19th, a one-place drop from 2018′s report and a fivespot drop since 2017′s. The report directly points to the country’s issues with addiction and high use of digital media as reasons for its declining happiness. From A to Z we have compiled a guide of natural remedies for coping with the blues to beat back depression and anxiety that holiday stress can give rise to. Start here to effect good vibes and amp up solid dopamine and anandamide production.
LET’S BEGIN WITH A—AS IN ANANDAMIDE Anandamide is a natural
B IS FOR BLACK TRUFFLE
Although this is admittedly a very expensive way to find joy, at about $95 per ounce, black truffle contains a “bliss molecule” similar to the substance that gives cannabis its psychoactive properties. Mauro Maccarrone, of the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Italy, revealed the highly-prized fungi produces anandamide, a compound that triggers the release of mood-enhancing chemicals in the human brain, and does so using the same biological mechanism as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Talk about a fun-gi!
CB&D, OF COURSE We probably don’t have to tell you that
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the quickest ways to tamp down anxiety. Put a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue for about 45 seconds and the calm sets in. Just like anandamide, CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors which are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, respectively. The exact way CBD affects CB1 receptors in the brain isn’t fully understood, however, it may alter serotonin signals. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays an important role in your mental health. Low serotonin levels are commonly associated with people who have depression. In some cases, not having enough serotonin may also cause anxiety. The conventional treatment for low serotonin is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as Zoloft or Prozac. Enter CBD. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest people with anxiety may be able to manage their condition with CBD instead of an SSRI. We like the aptly named Be Happy, an organic herbal oil which contains vitamin B, California Poppy, hemp flower oil, and St. John’s Wort and can be taken orally or used topically, thegreenheartwellness.com.
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cannabinoid produced in the human body that takes us to a blissful state. The compound gets its name from the Sanskrit word ananda, which when translated to English simply means bliss. Evidenced to act as an anxiolytic (anxiety reliever), anandamide is a neurotransmitter that’s believed to be the true cause of the euphoria related to cannabis and as such acts as a messenger molecule to different parts of the body. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid (“endo” means “within,” as in within the body), and it has a phytocannabinoid twin (“phyto” means “of the plant”). Anandamide is naturally occurring in the body, while THC, of course, is found in cannabis. Both of these cannabinoids demonstrate a strong affinity for binding to the endocannabinoid system’s receptors, CB1 and CB2. However, it’s the binding to CB1 that produces euphoric effects. Like a key in a lock, once a neurotransmitter binds to—or fits in—the CB1 receptor, it signals your body to create a sense of “bliss.” So how do you beef up your bliss-inducing anandamide production? Read on.
FEELINGS, NOTHING MORE THAN FEELINGS There’s a
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link between happiness and better health. Research has shown that positive emotions may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Happiness isn’t the only emotion that can help you stay healthy as you age. Feelings of excitement, amusement, pride, and cheerfulness you experience on a regular basis matter, too. In a study published in the journal Emotion, people who experienced the widest range of positive emotions had the lowest levels of inflammation throughout their bodies. So, start emoting.
e IS FOR elevate Of course, reading your favorite cannabis magazine not only gives you helpful information and resources, but it also puts you in the highest spirits. If you’ve missed an issue, visit our archives at elevatenv.com/ digital-issue.
GIVING Scientists have discovered that feelings of gratitude can actually change your brain. Feeling gratitude can also be a great tool for overcoming depression and anxiety. According to UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center (yep, there is such a place): Having an attitude of gratitude changes the molecular structure of the brain, keeps gray matter functioning, and makes us healthier and happier. When you feel happiness, the central nervous system is affected. You are more peaceful, less reactive and less resistant. In a University of California, Berkeley study, researchers recruited people with mental health issues, including people suffering from anxiety and depression. The study involved nearly 300 adults who were randomly divided into three groups that all received counseling services. But the first group was also instructed to write one letter of gratitude to another person every week for three weeks, whereas the second group was asked to write their deepest thoughts and feelings about negative experiences. The third group did not do any writing activity. Researchers found that compared to the participants who wrote about negative experiences or only received counseling, those who wrote gratitude letters reported significantly better mental health for up to 12 weeks after the writing exercise ended. The UC Berkeley researchers identified how gratitude might work on our minds and bodies, providing four insights from their research: • Gratitude unshackles us from toxic emotions. • Gratitude helps even if you don’t share it. • Gratitude’s benefits take time and practice. You might not feel it right away. • Gratitude has lasting effects on the brain. (See our story about giving on page 33.)
HAPPY PLACE This place was specifically built for happiness. Mandalay Bay’s Happy Place is an interactive, immersive pop-up exhibit with larger-than-life installations and multi-sensory themed rooms that make it an Instagrammer’s greatest fantasy come true. Offering a noble mission of spreading happiness across the world, you can find your version of happy while exploring 12 rooms that feature everything from a unicorn and giant cookies to a confetti dome and flower room raining with chrysanthemums. happyplace.me.
IFAST FROM YOUR IPHONE From endlessly scanning
K FOR KINDNESS Here’s a
really easy one: throw kindness around like confetti. Research shows that being kind to others can actually make us genuinely happy in a number of different ways. Deciding to be generous or cooperating with others activates an area of the brain called the striatum. Interestingly, this area responds to things we find rewarding, such as nice food and even addictive drugs. The feel-good emotion from helping has been termed “warm glow” and the activity we see in the striatum is the likely biological basis of that feeling.
JOY The 2015 American biographical comedydrama tells the story of Joy Mangano, a self-made millionaire whose Miracle Mop launched her into entrepreneurial stardom and made her infomercial royalty thanks to QVC. A modern-day rags-toriches fairytale, you can’t help but root for Mangano as she pursues her dream of creating her own business empire one self-wringing mop at a time.
LIMONENE & LINALOOL Cheer up with the serene-inducing Ls of the terpene world: limonene and linalool. Terpenes are the most common plant chemicals in nature. They are the aromatic constituents of all essential plant oils and are found in all spices, fruits and vegetables. Some researchers believe terpenes are the cause for euphoria and not THC. Limonene, the most dominant terpene in many euphoria-inducing, mood-boosting strains of cannabis, has a lemony scent, as suggested by its name, found in the rinds of citrus fruits. Clinical studies with limonene and citrus oil have demonstrated a significant anti-depressive effect. Varieties such as Super Lemon Haze, Tangerine Dream and Gelato are high in limonene, as are OG and Bubba Kush varieties. Linalool, found in lavender, is associated with calming, anti-anxiety effects. It is found in varieties including Bubba Kush and several purple indica strains. High linalool cannabis cultivars are scarce, but the distinctive aroma of Bubba Kush is due to its linalool and limonene content.
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social media sites to checking emails 24/7, we tote around serious digital baggage day after day that wreaks havoc on both our mental health and bodies. A recent study published by the Public Library of Science found the more time a person spends on Facebook, the more dissatisfied they ultimately feel with their own life. By implementing a technology fast for even 20 minutes, you can give your brain, body and emotions a break from constant engagement. Unplugging and reconnecting with others IRL will enrich your life in ways your Facebook profile probably can’t begin to offer.
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M = MUSIC Who doesn’t hear the opening notes of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” and immediately feel a warm feeling bubble up inside? The use of music for self-regulation of mood and emotions has been known for centuries. Music therapy is known to do wonders for people who have depression. According to a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Psychiatrist, music therapy plus standard care shows steady improvement of depressive symptoms in the depressed. It is helpful in improving the general wellbeing of individuals, as well.
For those who find joy in the quirky side of life, this entry is for you. The neon signs at the Boneyard are already enough to illuminate our optical pleasure center but through February 15 an exhibition of Tim Burton’s original fine art called Lost Vegas will be on display to amp things up a watt or two. For the first time in nearly a decade, the renowned American film director, producer, artist, writer and animator has staged an exhibition of his original fine art in the U.S. Visitors to the Boneyard will find Burton’s artistic presentation to be a unique experience where Las Vegas’s former neon glory serves as both creative inspiration and backdrop. neonmuseum.org Photo: The Vox Agency
O IS FOR, WELL, YA KNOW When you orgasm,
your brain releases a surge of dopamine, which is a hormone responsible for feelings of pleasure, desire, and motivation. Having an orgasm stimulates your brain in the same way as doing drugs or listening to your favorite band. “Sex is experienced as pleasurable and this is because the reward pathways in our brains are activated during and leading up to orgasm. These are the very same networks that are activated in response to drug use, alcohol consumption, gambling, listening to your favorite song or enjoying a delicious meal,” explains clinical psychologist Daniel Sher. Cognitive psychologist Kayt Sukel adds that the brain also churns out serotonin after an orgasm, a hormone known to promote good mood and relaxation. Ahhhhhh...
P IS FOR THE PANACEA OF LAUGHTER The immune system-
boosting, stress-lowering benefits of a good laugh have proven beneficial effects on various aspects of the body’s biochemistry including reductions in stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. “Laughter appears to cause all the reciprocal, or opposite, effects of stress,” explains Dr. Lee Berk, an associate professor at Loma Linda University in California who has spent nearly three decades studying laughter. He says laughter shuts down the release of stress hormones like cortisol. It also triggers the production of feel-good neurochemicals like dopamine, which has all kinds of calming, anti-anxiety benefits.
RUNNER’S HIGH Yes, Runner’s High is an actual thing,
and until recently it was commonly associated with the release of endorphins, hormones that essentially function as “pleasant painkillers.” But scientists from the Central Institute of Mental Health at the University of Heidelberg medical school in Germany have linked runner’s high to the endocannabinoid system and anandamide. The more a person exercises, the more the body releases anandamide. Anandamide, in turn, acts as a messenger molecule to different parts of the body. Like THC and many other cannabinoids, anandamide has been evidenced to act as an anxiety reliever. This results in the body being rewarded for exercising through increased dopamine, decreased pain, and decreased stress levels.
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Q IS FOR (POP) QUIZ We don’t have an entry for Q. Visit our Facebook page @Elevate NV and share a good answer for achieving happiness that begins with Q.
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VISIT CURALEAF’S NEW LAS VEGAS DISPENSARY!
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1 7 3 6 S . L A S V EG A S B LV D. L A S V EG A S , N V Open 7 days a week, 9AM-3AM
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ST. JOHN’S WORT A wild plant native to Europe and Asia, it’s most commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and seasonal affective disorder. While it’s usually taken orally in the form of capsules, tea or liquid extract, it can also be applied directly to the skin as an oil. In the U.S., it’s classed as a dietary supplement by the Food and Drug Administration and not approved as a prescription medicine for depression. The effects of St. John’s Wort on your body is thought to work similarly to antidepressants. Research suggests that a number of its active ingredients, including hypericin, hyperforin and adhyperforin, appear to increase the levels of chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline which can act to lift and regulate mood. THC We think you are probably already familiar with this one but good ole THC can lead to plenty of grooviness and good vibes as was evidenced by the entire decade of the ‘60s. That’s because anandamide interacts with the same endocannabinoid receptors that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does which points to why some people are able to experience feelings of euphoria and contentment when consuming THC. THE U IN YOU Smile! It makes you look ‘be you tiful’ and it can lift your mood. A smile spurs a chemical reaction in the brain, releasing certain hormones including dopamine and serotonin, says Dr. Isha Gupta, a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine. “Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness. Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and aggression,” says Dr. Gupta, who notes low levels of dopamine are also associated with depression. V IS FOR VOLUNTEERING Volunteering helps counteract
the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Additionally, volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression. By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure.
W IS FOR WILD THING Stroking your cat or dog can lower your blood pressure, make you feel calmer, reduce anxiety and improve your mood. That’s because playing with your pet increases the levels of the feel-good chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, in your brain. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found people recover from a stressful situation more quickly when they’re with their pets rather than with their partners or friends. Y IS FOR YOGA
XPLAINING THE CHOCOLATE CRAVING
ZEBRA Don’t the dizzying black-and-white stripes
adorning a zebra just make the corners of your mouth unconsciously turn up?
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In 1996, researchers discovered that chocolate contains anandamide. According to researcher Daniele Piomelli of the Neurosciences Institute in San Diego, the old wives’ tale that chocolate is an aphrodisiac may have stemmed from the blissful effects it can deliver thanks to anandamide. Researchers found anandamide in cocoa solids, which give dark chocolate its intense flavor. This suggests that the darker the chocolate, the higher the likelihood that it contains anandamide. In 2009, a team of nutrition scientists at the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland produced a study revealing the beneficial calming effects. Their results put the amount required to reduce the body’s production of stress hormones at 40 grams (about 1.5 ounces) of dark chocolate a day. Thus, validating chocoholics everywhere.
Studies have shown exercise greatly increases the production of anandamide (see A). Scientists believe that the natural highs of yoga arise out of the action of the neurotransmitter GABA (gammaaminobutyric acid), which has been called the body’s “natural valium,” and is known to calm things down and chill things out. During the practice of yoga, the yogi experiences high levels of anandamide, which has THC-reminiscent effects as well as the calming effects of GABA. If you want to double down on the bliss, consider doing yoga with the “kids” at Goat Yoga Las Vegas. goatyogalv.com
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Giftof Giving T H E
F
unding for community improvement is baked into the price people pay for legal cannabis. For instance, the state’s public education system, in the form of its Distributive School Account, is on the receiving end of revenue from the cannabis industry. In Clark County, tax revenue from cannabis is going to different agencies to fight homelessness. And in the City of Las Vegas, fees go into a general fund that helps pay for the regulation of the burgeoning industry. Paying those taxes cuts into the bottom line of every cannabis business and based on that, could represent the extent that the industry tries to connect with the community in a philanthropic way. But that’s not necessarily part of the fabric of Southern Nevada. There’s a thread that ties together many of Las Vegas’ largest industries, and that’s a sense of giving and a desire to improve the community. Whether the industry is gaming, real estate, tourism or any other; the largesse exhibited showcases a commitment to making Southern Nevada a better place and translates into millions of dollars for nonprofit groups across the Las Vegas Valley. Why wouldn’t the world of cannabis want to follow suit? Many of its executives have backgrounds in the aforementioned industries of gaming, real estate and tourism and, in turn, bring with them the lessons and passions that have shaped their careers. Backed by continuing encouraging news about the
health benefits of cannabis and an economic impact that keeps surpassing expectations, Nevada’s legal cannabis industry has the potential to be a powerhouse in the world of philanthropy. But there’s a catch—many nonprofits can’t or won’t accept a donation from a cannabis business due to banking regulations. And the ones that do may be unwilling to publicize such actions for fear of putting any federal funding they receive in jeopardy. “When it comes to charitable organizations,” said The Grove CEO Demetri Kouretas, “we, as a company, can donate to anyone we’d like to. We can. There’s no limit, no limitations, no (issues with) legality. Nothing like that whatsoever. But we have been denied by a multitude of companies because we are a cannabis-run operation and they will not accept funds from a federally illegal business.” Giving isn’t always about dollars, however. “The innocence of the world is what I’m drawn to,” said Tiffany Hoven, director of operations for The Grove, which, in addition to cash donations, sometimes offers gift baskets filled with CBD (cannabidiol) products that do not face the same regulatory hurdles as products with THC, for events such as silent auctions. Mitch Britten is founder and CEO of THRIVE Cannabis Market Place. A sense of philanthropy has been a part of his company since the beginning. “A lot of it is our core principles,” he said, adding that it was important that his company assist with “improving the communities we operate in.”
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LOCAL NONPROFITS ARE THANKFUL GIVING IS IN SEASON ALL YEAR ROUND IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY By CW Peterson
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Casa de Luz is one organization that has received donations from THRIVE. The nonprofit group operates out of the Naked City near downtown Las Vegas. It offers a food pantry, tutoring and other services. “The Naked City has one of the highest crime rates in Las Vegas and is well known as an area for high poverty and child neglect,” said Dave Brown, spokesman for Casa de Luz. “(THRIVE’s) donations have considerably changed the financial wherewithal of our organization. With these donations we are able to reach over 1,000 people per month in our food pantry. We are also able to provide after-school activities, including tutoring and mentoring programs to over 60 kids. It has afforded us the opportunity to expand into other impoverished neighborhoods to do additional work that is so critical to these struggling communities.” The cannabis industry may be funding philanthropy, but banking regulations can make it difficult to track to what degree. How many success stories like the relationship between THRIVE and Casa de Luz are out there? In October, the Nevada Dispensary Association launched a survey to find out. In response to criticism that the industry isn’t doing enough, the survey seeks myriad information regarding cash and medical marijuana donations. Riana Durrett, NDA executive director, hopes to have the results compiled this month. One challenge the association has
faced in presenting this data, is that executives, who often have ties to other industries, are making donations but the donations aren’t reflected as coming from the cannabis industry. Before dispensary owners got into the industry, they had other careers, “so they typically are either giving the donations privately or from a different company,” Durrett said. “It’s not recognized as coming from the industry when it should be.” “I am actually a very quiet donor,” said Jerry Velarde, president of Evergreen Organix, who came to Southern Nevada in 1995. “I believe that it’s going to be a better place for my children if we continue to set this example. “We believe in helping people that are willing to help themselves and make a better community. We’ve seen a tremendous amount of success stories,” said Velarde, who has served on the boards of multiple nonprofit groups, including the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada, Goodie Two Shoes Foundation, SafeNest, and Shade Tree. Sam McAdam, responsible for marketing and sales at FloraVega, a cultivation facility, says that his company gears its philanthropy toward local groups. “A woman I talked to said it’s really hard to have to choose between groceries and medicine for the week,” said McAdam, whose company also helps provide medical marijuana at significant discounts to patients in need. “That was heartbreaking to us.”
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“As an attorney myself, I can be very demanding of the attorneys I hire for my company. Connor & Connor, PLLC has provided CLS Holdings USA Inc. with exceptional service and work product. In addition to negotiating, documenting, and closing a purchase of another company, Connor & Connor, PLLC has guided us through Nevada’s complex regulatory process. My staff and I are most appreciative of the work Amanda and Derek Connor have done for us.” – Jeffrey Binder Chairman/CEO CLS Holdings USA Inc.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Unique Ideas for All the Cannabis Lovers in Your Life By Deanna Rilling
The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Daily High Club El Primo
Keep the excitement of opening presents going all year with a subscription to the monthly delivery of themed accessories. Each box comes with items that include creative glassware (November had a Thanksgiving-inspired baked turkey-shaped bong!), dab rigs, rolling papers, gear, munchies, nails, and more that easily has a value of $100+ but for only $30 a month. dailyhighclub.com
For Your Furry Friends: Pet-Ness
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Fido and Fluffy deserve some holiday presents, too! The new Pet-Ness line of CBD-infused treats and tinctures for dogs and cats are made with organically grown, non-GMO ingredients, full-spectrum hemp oil, and are third-party lab tested. In addition to tinctures for both species, the specially formulated dog treats have desired effects such as calm, happy, thrive, and mobility to suit any pup’s health needs. petness.com
The Studious Smoker: Cannabis Taster Pocket Journal
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Whether your special someone this season is a novice to the cannabis world, or a longtime fan of flower, elegance and efficiency combine via this convenient pre-printed journal. The discreet forest green A6 size notebook for $15.99 contains guided entry pages to fill-in favorite dispensaries, products, and growers, plus helpful infographics such as flavor and terpene profiles. shopgoldleaf.com
“Cannaseur” Must-Have: Cannador Shop Local Supporters: Carta Erig
Las Vegas-based company Focus V offers its best-selling Carta Erig, complete with all the accessories and is a favorite of industry veterans. The handheld vaporizer, at $250, works for concentrates or dry cannabis and can be powered by either rechargeable batteries or USB. There’s even Bluetooth functionality to control temperature settings. focusvproducts.com
Not only are humidors a staple of cigar aficionados, but a great way to keep flower fresh and at its best. The customizable Cannador holds four strains at 1/3-3/4 ounces in each glass cup, plus you can choose between a ventilated lid with humidifier or airtight silicone, plus a lock and two keys to keep cannabis safe and secure, $149. cannador.com
For the Collector: Rare Hemp Trading Cards
InLine Hemp Collector Trading Cards feature beautiful color images of full-grown plants from all over the world. House of Cards Las Vegas will carry both Series I (1994) and II (1996) of the rare “Marijuana Stories” cannabis adventure trading cards. House of Cards Las Vegas is located at 2301 East Sunset Road, Suite 6 in the Sunset Plaza.
For the Dabbing Devotee: Ooze Gusher Globe Kit
For the Musician: Silver Mountain Hemp Guitars & Speaker Cabinets
Glee for the Gourmand: Magical Butter Master Bundle
Whether they’re a gifted chef or baking novice, making edibles at home has never been easier—or more thorough—than with the Master Bundle kit. Each one comes with the MB2e botanical extractor machine that grinds, heats, stirs, and steeps flower for infusion, plus accessories such as gummy and butter trays, a cookbook, and more, $219.95. magicalbutter.com
For the Athlete or Adventurer: PuffCo Peak Travel Glass
Perfect for heading to the skate park, boxing gym, hiking mountain trails, or wherever they may go, your gift recipient can travel anywhere with the Peak Travel Glass thanks to its patent-pending closure system to lock in water, plus a sturdy carrying case. It’s also one of the hottest items this year and recommended by numerous cannabis experts, $125. puffco.com
One doesn’t need to be a consumer to enjoy the myriad items that can be created with the versatile hemp plant. This boutique musical instrument company creates custom guitars, guitar cabinets, guitar straps, ukuleles, guitar picks, and volume knobs, all using hemp as the main ingredient in manufacturing for an earth-friendly source of sound. silvermountainhemp.com
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The ease in dabbing has evolved at a rapid pace. No more complicated and fragile glass rigs, using torches to heat nails, etc. thanks to numerous battery-operated offerings on the market. Our new favorite portable dabber? The Ooze Gusher Globe Kit at only $29.74, complete with all the necessary accessories and the easiest one to use that we’ve come across to date. oozelife.com
Meet
2019
t h g i n K k n a the D
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d e c e m be r
Local cul tivator g rows can concocts nabis by the supe day and rhero ta by night l e s of Capt by Josh K asoff ain Splif f
T
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he superhero genre of entertainment media has grown into a dominant part of modern popular culture. From its humble roots stemming from Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s 1938 story of an alien from planet Krypton to Stan Lee’s story of a superpowered ultra-patriot who later becomes frozen, the fiction of superheroes has expanded exponentially. From TV series across multiple platforms to an endless barrage of billion-dollar films to massive conventions, fans are inundated with ways to immerse themselves in the vast pop culture of comic book superheroes. Yet through it all, cannabis and its usage doesn’t appear to be a consistent subject in superhero comic books, at least not nearly as common as a much-loved hero suffering from alcoholism or another addiction. There’s a handful of small cult-following publications and brief references to cannabis, yet none use the controversial history of cannabis and its supporters and enemies quite like writer/ illustrator Jared Pitts, 35, who by day is Cultivation Cycle Control Manager at local grow State Flower Cannabis and by night is the creator of Captain Spliff Comix. Since childhood the Albuquerque, New Mexico native always had a fascination and a deep interest in newspaper comics and animated series “The Simpsons,” acknowledging that his dream career as a child was to be a newspaper comic cartoonist. While studying Visual Communication at Seattle’s Northwest College of Art & Design, Pitts created a one-off painting, which was lauded by his peers. Planting the seeds a full decade ago for Captain Spliff and the potential of a cannabis superhero and his sidekicks who battle the evils of cannabis prohibition while providing sharp satire on drug culture, the artwork would eventually become the cover of the inaugural issue of Captain Spliff: Meet the Dank Knight. In 2008, Pitts decided to explore the idea of a cannabis superhero further and focus his senior thesis on the history of cannabis and its uses. During his extensive thesis research, Pitts gained a uniquely artistic perspective into the xenophobic and racist past of cannabis. “That’s what really started turning the wheels. I began to think that this character, Captain Spliff, could be a megaphone and a conduit for all these
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things that I’m learning that I’d like to communicate and convey to people,” explains Pitts. Aspiring to have the character stand as a symbol for advocacy and spread cannabis knowledge and culture in the same vein as legendary activist/author Jack Herer, Pitts wanted to create a series that was “fun, informative, colorful but also educational and a series that preaches the gospel of cannabis and its history and benefits.” Starting with the first issue released in 2009, Pitts has used his perma-baked superhero affectionately nicknamed The Dank Knight or The Dank Crusader to fight against an array of supervillains in the city of Lidsville, each portraying a different notorious prohibitionist across the decades. Numerous infamous figures from cannabis’ historical backstory are portrayed including the only American president ever to resign who indirectly designated “gate” to be a suffix of anything scandalous, and Federal Bureau of Narcotics Commissioner Harry Anslinger, the founder of the War on Drugs and pioneer of reefer madness-turned-mass incarceration. Pitts has utilized his artform to become a stoner’s Alan Moore, an English writer known primarily for his work in comic books including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, The Ballad of Halo Jones, Swamp Thing, Batman: The Killing Joke, and From Hell. Pitts portrays historically dangerous policymakers Nixon and Anslinger as villains in his tales. “They’re demons from hell,” Pitts explains, “they’re not even human. They’re horrible, evil and malignant spirits that come and go through this vortex so I’m not sure he (Spliff) could ever kill them because their legacy is so horrid and tarnished that it leaves a permanent stain.” Pitts weaves the heroic exploits of Captain Spliff into stories that chronicle U.S. drug laws as they are passed and
he has his own personal Kryptonite and it’s the scary world of sobriety. In a very Popeye and spinach-like cause and effect, Spliff’s power are activated by cannabis, meaning our hero must remain perma-stoned for his powers to stay active, often sneaking off to smoke a blunt at the comedic misfortune of those he needs to save. As for Captain Spliff’s trusty sidekick Honey Blunt, her weakness is one that a majority of us possess. If Blunt becomes “hangry,” a medically fictional condition where one becomes significantly more irritable or angry when hungry, “One of my main slogans is: her powers are useless. Therefore, Learn it, Don’t Just Burn It,” in classic stoner fashion, she continues Pitts. “We all love possesses the power to generate smoking weed and getting stoned snacks in one form or another upon but there’s so much more to it request. than just getting stoned...” Given its mix of comedy, history, superheroes and cannabis, the reception from the cannabis community has been positive. “People As many creative writers love the series,” says Pitts. “I’ve met traditionally do, Pitts based his cannapeople who’ve never read a book in hero a bit on himself. One example their lives but read an issue of Captain is using Captain Spliff’s mask as a Spliff cover to cover. They’re enthralled prescription in the same way that Pitts by it because it speaks to them. It wears prescription glasses. Without his speaks to something they’re passionate mask, Spliff is almost blind, similar to about and they learn about something his creator. that they’re passionate about. However, because he is a “One of my main slogans is: superhero, Spliff also has some talents Learn it, Don’t Just Burn It,” continues Pitts does not possess. Speaking very Pitts. “We all love smoking weed and humbly, Pitts admits that his joint/ getting stoned but there’s so much blunt rolling skills aren’t his strong more to it than just getting stoned. It’s suit quite in the same way he is able an amazing medicine, it can replace to cultivate quality cannabis. As for food sources, it can produce fuel, his alter-ego creation, the charismatic building materials, everything. So, I and well-spoken Spliff can roll think it (Captain Spliff) sparks peoples’ masterfully. And because the medium imaginations and their curiosity of comic books is always fantastical, about this product that they use every Pitts provided Spliff some interesting day that they might not think much superpowers. “He’s got sticky fingers about outside a product that’s used so he can climb walls and he’s got recreationally. I just wanted to open “everflame.” Whenever he flicks their eyes to cannabis’ full potential his thumb, he always has a flame and the way this can fundamentally available,” offers Pitts. Even with the transform society.” powers that Captain Spliff is granted, enforced over the decades. In later issues he focuses on 1980’s drug culture and its enforcement during President Reagan’s expansion of the War on Drugs. Pitts uses the over-thetop archetype of comic book villains to his satirical advantage, casting super villains with names that satirize dangerous substances that includes Captain Crank to parody crystal meth and Synthetic Colossus to parody K2 and spice.
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december | elevatenv.com 41
With the assistance of Pitt’s close friends, Captain Spliff and Honey Blunt have become real-life characters making appearances at events that have included Las Vegas’ Culture and Cannabis, Denver’s Cannabis Cup and Comic Con as well as Chromic Con, Colorado Springs’ 420-themed comic convention. As for the future of the satirical series and subjects and figures that it may parody, Pitts hasn’t set a definitive path. While the socially evil acts committed by Anslinger, President Nixon, William Randolph Hearst and President Reagan during the War on Drugs should be documented, the modern-day cannabis industry and its current anti-legalization politicians provide more than enough material. “I feel like I’m torn between two worlds,” says Pitts. “I want to represent the past and teach the history, but there’s so much going on now and so many current events that could be satirized.” The corporate “big cannabis” entities that come in and alter the operations and products of smaller cultivations could potentially be villainous subjects and today’s cannabis advocates could be showcased as heroes. However, the satire of today’s political climate, an issue that Pitts faces, is the impermanence of certain figures of power and deciding if they deserve a parody. Case in point, former U.S. Attorney General Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III was arguably supposed to be the biggest legislative enemy to cannabis when he was sworn into office in February 2017. Yet during his tenure of barely 18 months, Sessions didn’t do much beyond rescinding the Cole Memo to restrict cannabis access. “Someone even said I should do Jeff Sessions,” admits Pitts, “but honestly, I didn’t know if he was going to be around in a year or two. And surely enough, he was just a flash in the pan. If I were to put him in the comic, in a few years you’d say, ‘who the f*%$k is this guy?’” As for upcoming storylines, the next issue is anticipated for an April 20, 2020 release and will utilize the team’s newest addition, an extract-loving superspy called Agent 710. Modeled after James Bond, the suit and sunglass-clad agent carries a blowtorch as a weapon. Yet, because he was only briefly introduced during the final panels of issue five, his superpowers remain a mystery. Captain Spliff proves that although some form of legalization is a reality in over 30 states and counting, the lampooning parodies of cannabis culture are still just as relevant and hilarious as they were decades ago. With the next chapter of legalization on the horizon, the ideas for precisely what topic to satirize and, in turn, immortalize will be endless.
elevatenv.com | december 42
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Frustrated reader seeks advice about renter’s rights surrounding cannabis Dear Shoshanna, I live in an apartment and smoke cannabis regularly on my balcony. My upstairs neighbor, who is a cigarette smoker, has reported me to the management of the apartment complex on several occasions for smoking cannabis. In turn the manager sent a warning letter to all the occupants in our building that we must stop smoking cannabis on our balconies because it’s considered a nuisance. The warning letter also said if it happens again, they will have to investigate as to who is smoking cannabis. I basically outed myself by asking management if I possessed a medical marijuana card would I be allowed to smoke. They said it wouldn’t matter. I’m frustrated that starting January 1st employers in Nevada can’t test potential new hires for cannabis, but I don’t have any rights as far as smoking on my balcony. Or do I have rights as a renter? Thanks for your thoughts, Frustrated Patient Dear Frustrated, First, let me say that I have compassion for your situation. It is confusing and frustrating to be told you’re not allowed to consume cannabis when it is lawful for you to purchase it. The truth, though, is that there are (still) many restrictions on our consumption of cannabis. For instance, you may be endangering your housing status by smoking a pre-roll you bought legally at a dispensary in what you believe is the safety of your own home. This is the case anyway if you are a renter, and in particular, if you enjoy any federal subsidies related to your housing. How is this so? And are you actually breaking the law? The bird’s-eye view leads us to the 1998 Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, which prohibits any facility that receives federal funding to permit tenants to use any controlled substance. Although marijuana has been legalized in over half of the United States, including in Nevada, it remains scheduled on the federal Controlled Substances list, and thus, it remains illegal, technically, to traffic or consume.
The reason your dispensary is able to sell marijuana is that congressional legislation prohibits the federal government from spending money on enforcement of marijuana prohibition if citizens are engaging in conduct that is in compliance with the laws of their state. While the dispensary in question, and you, have acted in accordance with Nevada law, your apartment complex may be beholden to federal law as intimated above. Management may therefore not have any wiggle room in terms of what behavior by tenants it is able to allow. The idea that you are posing a nuisance to your community is another issue. That is not something governed by federal law, and where smoking is concerned, it is not even addressed by state law. Even in California, where significant efforts are being made to criminalize second-hand smoke nuisances, it is not illegal for citizens to smoke in or outside their homes. It may be against the policies of a particular housing development, complex, or building—that is generally within the bounds of a state’s laws. But Clean Air Acts, Nevada’s included, do not protect at a state level the rights of renters in a multi-unit apartment type of situation, except to the extent that, again, a landlord has enacted a policy that prohibits smoking on the premises, regardless of whether we are talking about indoor consumption versus outdoor. The next thing you want to do is see if your lease specifically mentions cannabis, or even more specifically, marijuana. If your landlord is attempting to prohibit the consumption of marijuana, you, especially because you are a patient, may be able to fight eviction proceedings or fines. But you will be setting precedent. The Nevada Marijuana Legalization Initiative (otherwise known as Question 2, which took effect on January 17, 2017) does not prevent cannabis usage or ownership bans in public buildings or on private property, even for those who are registered as medical marijuana patients through the state. Assembly Bill 453 took effect on October 1, 2001. It provides
that no exemption exists “from state prosecution for, nor may… an affirmative defense to charges arising from [be established for]...possessing marijuana in any public place or in any place open to the public or exposed to public view.”
Should you have a question or ethical conundrum you have been struggling with, please drop Shoshanna a line at info@elevatenv.com so she can offer her sage and practical counsel. Shoshanna is a partner and Director of Strategy for a national consulting firm in the cannabis space, Pistil + Stigma. She holds a Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law, a Master of Arts in Holistic Thinking, and a bachelor's degree from Hampshire College. She is a true believer that compassion and critical thinking, together, are what drive positive social change.
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The silver lining is this—if smoking is permitted where you live, and it is marijuana in particular that’s being discriminated against through a landlord’s policies (or it’s spelled out in your lease), you may still be able to smoke hemp. This is because hemp, which must by law contain .3% or less tetrahydracannabinol (THC), has been de-scheduled. It is no longer considered a controlled substance by our state nor our federal government. The caveat here is, because hemp product manufacturers don’t have to be licensed in as stringent a fashion as marijuana businesses, or have their products tested for safety by a third party to the same degree, it is difficult to know when you’re smoking good hemp products versus smoking legit cannabis. That’s due to regulations (or lack thereof) that we can talk about another time. But if you can prove what you are smoking is hemp, you could have a basis for fighting a hemp-use related eviction.
If you’re interested in seeing this issue addressed on a national level, reach out to your U.S. House representative and tell them to support Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s proposed bill—the Sondra Battle Cannabis Fair Use Act, which would allow medical marijuana patients to consume legally in public housing. Also, see if your landlord is open to an alternative solution to smoking on the balcony. Perhaps there is an area that would make sense for folks to be able to gather and consume without fear. My hope is that you can find a policy that works for you and your community.
DBLABSLV.COM
PROFILE Photo: Laurent Velazquez Photography
No Shortcuts, No Excuses by Benjamin G.M. Chew, Ph.D.
Selecting the right laboratory for cannabis analysis can mean improved health and safety standards for the consumers of Nevada. The most important characteristics of a successful lab are a qualified staff, good equipment, integrity and verifiable results. As a leading state certified cannabis testing laboratory, DB Labs rigorously and accurately tests for more than 60 contaminants. All of the cannabis and cannabis products we test receive a thorough, in-depth inspection that ensures safety for even the most fragile patients. Staffing Trained scientists are essential to lab operations. Due to the wide variety of methods, it is critical to have staff who understand multiple testing techniques. Methods include microbiology, wet chemistry, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Most chemists and biologists have specialized training and are experts in one, or perhaps two of these techniques. In addition to mastering multiple techniques is the fact that cannabis is sold in a wide variety of forms and matrices. Flower, concentrates, drinks, tinctures, baked goods, confections, and topicals require specialized sample preparations prior to testing. This matrix can have a huge influence on the results. Staff must possess the skills and training to recognize and properly resolve any issues. This skillset is difficult to teach and only comes with experience and an in-depth knowledge of the underlying chemical interactions. Equipment There is an adage in the analytical testing world: “Fast, Accurate, and Inexpensive – Pick Two.” While this is a gross simplification of the challenge, it still rings true today. If you want the analysis to be fast and accurate, it will be expensive. If you want it to be accurate and inexpensive, it will take longer.
Reliable equipment capable of meeting all of the required testing is essential. Instruments need to be designed for high throughput. While every analysis is important, pesticide testing is probably the most challenging method. States are adopting extremely strict pesticide limits on cannabis. Because pesticides encompass a broad range of chemistries, it can be challenging to be able to perform the analysis with a single instrument. This analysis will be the most expensive investment and will be the most prone to problems. Highly trained staff will help to mitigate the problems. Integrity The final key to a successful lab is integrity–both from management and staff. Independent testing labs are the key to a successful government regulated program protecting health and safety of consumers and patients. Labs must provide accurate results to meet this challenge to build the public trust in the results. The reality of a recreational market is that consumers are pushing for high THC flower samples and failing samples cost the cultivator or producer money. In spite of this, labs must be independent and must provide honest results. Any pressure to manipulate potency values or to utilize faulty methods must be resisted. Public safety is critical, and lack of trust in the Certificate of Analysis will doom the program. That can only happen when you have staff members who are honest and have integrity, along with a regulatory function with consequences, and accountability for those who do not share such values. Not only does the staff need to understand the limits of the method, they need to be able to stand behind the data. Owners must also support the staff when a failure is determined and continue to support transparency.
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DB Labs President Susan Bunce is pictured with Benjamin Chew, who oversees lab operations, including safety and regulatory compliance for the Las Vegas-based cannabis-testing laboratory.
NCRMA.NET
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PROFILE
Cannabis Industry Association Disrupts Risk Management, Expands Footprint People are the biggest threat to the success of cannabis businesses, Rocco Petrilli, chairman of the National Cannabis Risk Management Association (NCMA), has observed. “Risk management involves exacting a very specific execution of a detailed plan,” Petrilli said. “You need employees who are cognitively astute and inspired to make things happen or make a difference. We can hand the best risk management platform to our members, but if they don’t have the right business strategy or people strategy, frankly, they will not be able to execute it.” That threat has led NCRMA, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit, to create a risk management model that focuses on people and the training needed to succeed in the cannabis business. Petrilli calls it “Disruptive Risk Management.” “The needs of the cannabis owner are so significantly different,” Petrilli said. “This has allowed us to challenge the definition of risk management, expand it outside the predetermined boundaries and answer not only what the insurance industry thinks is important for the cannabis industry, but what the business owners think is important.” The components of this innovative model include: • Attracting and retaining talented individuals who are committed to long-term success in the industry. • Offering targeted and scientific training for business owners and employees to optimize team performance and awareness of risk factors. • A selective service partner program that emphasizes attention to the fluid and diverse needs of the membership.
The association, which is approximately 2,100 members and growing, is expanding its footprint, coinciding with the industry’s continued emergence. It has opened an office in Las Vegas, hired a regional director for the west, and is planning its first membership meeting dubbed NCRMA 2020 scheduled for March 22-24 at Bally’s Las Vegas. The event, which will feature industry experts, is a two-day Disruptive Risk Management boot camp which will include the following topics and more: • The keys to banking compliance in the cannabis market • How to optimize human capital and reduce risk • The legalities of cannabis in the workplace • Access to capital for the new business owner • How to choose the right insurance coverage from seed to sale • Medical marijuana and opioid treatment NCRMA is projecting between 400-500 attendees, Petrilli said. “It will be an opportunity for members to interact with experts and network with each other. So much of what we do is about knowledge and how we employ that knowledge to form a protective veil around our membership. We are truly in this to serve their needs.” To register for NCRMA 2020, go to toncrma.net.
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DISPENSARY MAP A Guide to Cannabis in Southern Nevada 1. Acres Cannabis acrescannabis.com 2320 Western Ave Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.399.4200
8c. Essence Cannabis Dispensary essencevegas.com 5765 W Tropicana Ave Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.500.1714
16. NuLeaf www.nuleafnv.com 430 E Twain Ave Las Vegas, NV 89169 702.297.5323
23b. The Grove TheGroveNV.com 4647 Swenson St Las Vegas, NV 89119 702.463.5777
2. Apothecarium apothecariumlv.com 7885 W Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89117 702.778.7987
9. Inyo Fine Cannabis Dispensary inyolasvegas.com 2520 S Maryland Pkwy Ste #2 Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.707.8888
17a. NuWu Cannabis Marketplace Nuwucannabis.com 1235 Paiute Circle Las Vegas, NV 89106 702.844.2707
24a. The Source thesourcenv.com 2550 S Rainbow Blvd Ste #8 Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.708.2000
3. Blackjack Collective blackjackcollective.com 1736 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.545.0026
10. Jardin jardincannabis.com 2900 E Desert Inn Rd Ste #102 Las Vegas, NV 89121 702.331.6511
17b. NuWu North nuwu.vegas 1157 Nu-Wav Kaiv Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89124 702.844.2438
24b. The Source thesourcenv.com 9480 S Eastern Ave Ste #185 Henderson, NV 89123 702.708.2222
4a. Blüm LetsBlum.com 3650 S Decatur Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.627.2586
11a. Jenny’s Dispensary Jennysdispensary.com 5530 N Decatur Blvd North Las Vegas, NV 89030 702.718.0420
18. Planet 13 planet13lasvegas.com 2548 W Desert Inn Rd Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.206.1313
25a. Thrive Cannabis Marketplace thrivenevada.com 2755 W Cheyenne Ave Ste #103 North Las Vegas, NV 89032 702.776.4144
4b. Blüm LetsBlum.com 1130 E Desert Inn Rd Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.536.2586
11b. Jenny’s Dispensary Jennysdispensary.com 10420 S Eastern Ave Henderson, NV 89052 702.718.0420
19a. Reef Dispensaries reefdispensaries.com 3400 Western Ave Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.475.6520
25b.Thrive Cannabis Marketplace thrivenevada.com 3500 W Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.776.4144
5. Cultivate Las Vegas cultivatelv.com 3615 Spring Mountain Rd Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.778.1173
12. Las Vegas ReLeaf lasvegasreleaf.com 2244 Paradise Rd Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.209.2400
19b. Reef Dispensaries reefdispensaries.com 1366 W Cheyenne Ave North Las Vegas, NV 89030 702.410.8032
25c.Thrive Cannabis Marketplace thrivenevada.com 1112 S Commerce St Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.776.4144
6. Deep Roots Harvest deeprootsharvest.com 195 Willis Carrier Canyon Mesquite, NV 89034 702.345.2854
13. MMJ America mmjamerica.com 4660 S Decatur Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.565.9333
20. ShowGrow showgrowlv.com 4850 S Fort Apache Rd Ste #100 Las Vegas, NV 89147 702.227.0511
26. Top Notch THC topnotchthc.com 5630 Stephanie St Las Vegas, NV 89122 702.418.0420
7. Euphoria Wellness euphoriawellnessnv.com 7780 S Jones Blvd Ste #105 Las Vegas, NV 89139 702.960.7200
14a. Nevada Made Marijuana nevadamademarijuana.com 3195 St. Rose Pkwy Ste #212 Henderson, NV 89052 702.737.7777
21. Silver Sage Wellness sswlv.com 4626 W Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.802.3757
8a. Essence Cannabis Dispensary essencevegas.com 2307 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.978.7591
14b. Nevada Made Marijuana nevadamademarijuana.com 1975 S Casino Dr Laughlin, NV 89029 702.737.7777
22. The Apothecary Shoppe theapothecaryshoppe.com 4240 W Flamingo Rd Ste #100 Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.740.4372
8b.Essence Cannabis Dispensary essencevegas.com 4300 E Sunset Rd Ste #A3 Henderson, NV 89014 702.978.7687
15. Nevada Wellness Center nevadawellnesscenters.com 3200 S Valley View Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.470.2077
23a. The Grove TheGroveNV.com 1541 E Basin Ave Pahrump, NV 89048 775.556.0100
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Elevating the Conversation
A
with David Bronner
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elevatenv.com | december
s Cosmic Engagement Officer (CEO) of Dr. Bronner’s, David Bronner has built a reputation for running his family’s natural soap company as an engine for positive environmental and social change—fighting for regenerative organic agriculture, fair trade and fair pay, criminal justice reform, and responsible integration of cannabis and psychedelic medicines. Grandson of visionary founder Dr. Emanuel Bronner, the fifth generation soapmaker carries on his grandfather’s “All-One!” mission to heal and unite a divided world. For more than 20 years, he has fought for hemp and cannabis legalization, directing over $5 million towards ending state and federal prohibition since 2001.
Tell us about your latest venture, Brother David’s. Brother David’s is a social venture dedicated to sourcing expertly cultivated and cured sun-grown cannabis products grown under the high-bar ethical and ecological standard, Sun+Earth Certification, which aims to empower family farmers who are dedicated to fair labor practices and protecting the environment through regenerative organic agriculture. What makes Brother David’s different from other cannabis companies? Brother David’s provides an alternative to the chemical and fossil-fuel intensive industrial ag model being adopted by many corporations in the cannabis industry. As society moves closer and closer toward the federal legalization of cannabis, we need to chart a new course before it’s too late. We need to promote Sun+Earth and other high bar standards—because it’s best for the Earth in this age of climate crisis—and produce the cleanest, greenest and most ethical cannabis possible. With regard to your fair-trade certification, is it accurate to say you are just transferring that model over to cannabis cultivation? Brother David’s very much reflects the ethos that we have at Bronner’s which is going to market in partnership with the small family farmers that grow and produce the fruits and nuts for our raw materials. The story around the world is that corporate agriculture comes in with ecologically destructive huge plantations and they farm in a way that’s socially destructive, they displace small family farming community and buyers. It’s like a race to the bottom around the world. So, partnering directly with small family farmers for our major raw materials has been a big goal of the company. We’ve successfully done that in Sri Lanka for coconuts, in Ghana for palm, and Palestine and Israel for olive oil. The big corporate farms like efficiency in the bottom line. Have you been able to prove that your model is financially sustainable along the supply chain? Absolutely there is a price premium but it’s not as much as
you would think, it’s relatively small to enable these small family farmers to stay on their land, tend their land in a much more regenerative way that really respects the Earth without chemicals, without pesticides, without synthetic fertilizers. Also being able to pay their workers well and have vibrant rural economies that otherwise are just destroyed when you pay 10 percent less for the whatever. That’s what’s ruining the farming communities around the world and forcing flight into the urban centers and slums. What are the barriers to entry for Sun+Earth certification as far as technical knowledge? Farmer training is a big part of what we want to do. We beleive in regeneration training and just teaching farmers how to farm in a regenerative way such as smart companion plantings, crop rotations and planning for pollinators and predator insects. Are you planning to produce other products in your line besides flower? Eventually, we’ll diversify. We’re going to be introducing chocolate. We’re intercropping with palm, cocoa, banana and cassava. This is kind of a new revolutionary approach to tree crops. If you look at a wild ecosystem, you have different canopy heights and plant them in a smart way, accounting for how they fill in when they mature. By doing it this way, you minimize pressure and double your yields compared to monoculture blocks in the same area. What are you most passionate about? My two real passions are integration of cannabis and psychedelic medicine as fast as possible and regenerating agriculture. Right now, one third of the Earth’s surface is under total mismanagement. We’re destroying the soil, destroying the wildlife, the ecosystems are in collapse—we need to farm in nature’s image. To read the entire interview with David Bronner, visit elevatenv.com/Elevating_the_Conversation.