Elevate September 2019 by Elevate Nevada Magazine

Photography by Sam Blankenship

SEPTEMBER 2019

EVOLUTION C O M I N G

T H I S

F A L L

Keep out of reach of children. For use only by adults 21 years of age and older.

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, Sam Blankenship, Deborah Costella, Richard Gubbe, Michael Gutierrez-Nery, Andrea Heerdt, Josh Kasoff, Shoshanna Silverberg Account Executive:

Mark Damkroeger, mark@elevatenv.com ELEVATION PUBLISHING LLC Chief Financial Officer Cassandra Lupo FINE THE AGENCY Partner Kelli Maruca, kelli@finetheagency.com Graphic Designer James Nigbur, james@finetheagency.com

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In the four years I have been covering the cannabis scene one of the most fascinating things I have discovered about the plant is its myriad uses. I have never encountered such an all-purpose healing aid. It seems like every time I have some ailment it comes to the rescue. If you get a bad sunburn, smear some CBD lotion across your tender skin and its anti-inflammatory power will soothe and ease the angry inflamed areas till they’ve disappeared. Perhaps you were overserved in the way of alcoholic libations. Again, CBD’s antiinflammatory properties will reduce your hangover’s agonizing headache. Same with migraines, CBD will give them a run for their money. Even rashes and skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema don’t stand a chance against CBD. If you are having trouble sleeping, CBD has sedative properties that allow the elimination of the counting sheep portion of your nighttime routine. And we all know about CBD’s effect on seizures. One remedy I didn’t see joining the swarm of therapeutic cures was the plant’s ability to take the bite out of bug bites. Turns out horticulturalists have known for decades that cannabis is a natural pest repellent. In a 1997 study, Dr. John M. McPartland of the University of Vermont reviewed all of the existing literature and found that, “Cannabis has been utilized as a pest repellent or pesticide in a variety of formulations. These formulations include dried plant parts, plant extracts or pure cannabinoids.” Although acknowledged as a natural repellent, nobody has figured out exactly why cannabis keeps pests at bay. But two terpenes, borneol and valencene, are well known insect repellents and so their presence probably has a lot to do with

cannabis’ bug-fighting attributes. Not only is cannabis a natural repellant, but it offers a one-two punch in that it acts as a bite relief product as well. Which could be a handy product to apply with 29 cases of West Nile virus officially reported in the Las Vegas Valley this summer, according to the Southern Nevada Health District. The record number of cases has prompted the Southern Nevada Health District to declare an outbreak of the mosquito-borne illness. The count is the highest since the virus was first detected in the state in 2004. Additionally, 17 of the 29 cases have been the neuro-invasive form of the disease, which can be fatal (updated reports on mosquito activity and human case counts are available on the Health District website each week at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict. org/programs/mosquito-surveillance/ weekly-arbovirus-update/). One of the most effective ways to keep from getting infected with West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to prevent mosquito bites. One cannabis-based insect repellant product available in the Nevada marketplace is Apothecanna’s Bug & Bite insect spray, which according to the brand “naturally repels insects from landing.” Available at Silver Sage Relief in Sparks and Oasis Cannabis Dispensary in Las Vegas, Apothecanna notes that it “finds the CBD to be especially helpful relieving bites.” Cannabis’ ability to keep mosquitoes away is just one more reason to have the natural elixir in your medicine cabinet and avoid being bugged.

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elevatenv.com | september

LIZZIE POST WEIGHS IN WITH ETIQUETTE ADVICE FOR CANNABIS CONSUMERS

By Josh Bell

Thanks to her family pedigree, Lizzie Post may have been destined to become an etiquette expert. The great-greatgranddaughter of manners maven Emily Post, Lizzie Post, 36, is co-president of the Emily Post Institute in Vermont, where she works alongside multiple Post family members. She’s a frequently quoted etiquette expert in the media and has worked as an author on editions of the seminal Emily Post guidebooks. She’s also a longtime cannabis consumer, dating back to her college days at the University of Vermont, and so when book publisher Ten Speed Press contacted the Institute looking for suggestions for someone to write a book about cannabis etiquette, Post knew that her opportunity had finally come. “The person writing to me had no idea that I was that person,” she says. “I raised my hand alone in my office to no one and said, ‘Right here!’” Thus was born Higher Etiquette: A Guide to the World of Cannabis from Dispensaries to Dinner Parties, Post’s entertaining and exhaustive overview of customs and considerations related to cannabis consumption. The book puts her at the forefront of an ever-changing culture, in which laws and regulations are in near-constant flux. “This is exploring and celebrating this community, as opposed to creating some kind of a prescription or a doctrine or definition, necessarily,” she says of the book, which has extensive sections on the chemical makeup of cannabis, the different cannabinoids and strains, the history of prohibition and legalization, and the stereotypes surrounding “stoner” culture. For Post, researching the history and science was just as important as researching the etiquette. “It allowed me to be a more responsible and conscious consumer, an aware consumer,” she says. “And then, visiting states where I actually got to put that knowledge into practice was amazing. It showed me what this world of legalization and education can really do for us as a whole community, in terms of understanding why people engage with cannabis, and the fact that the engagement is really going to change, depending on their chemical makeup

as a human being, and the chemical makeup of the strain that they’re consuming, and the way they choose to consume it.” Post traveled to California, Colorado and Oregon to observe the etiquette surrounding legal cannabis use, since her home state of Vermont had yet to legalize recreational cannabis when she was putting the book together. “For me, it was really about getting as much conversation stirred up that I could experience as possible,” she says. “Every single conversation, people were focused on consideration and respect and treating each other well and understanding differences of opinion, and wanting respect, wanting to not feel like they have to be discreet and hide everything. Honestly, it was some of the most empowering work of my career to date.” Higher Etiquette covers situations ranging from your standard joint-passing session among friends to high-class parties where cannabis is offered in the same way that hosts have traditionally offered wine or beer. Events like Kim Kardashian’s recent CBD-themed baby shower have brought cannabis parties into mainstream awareness, and Post says that the most important thing for hosts of such events to focus on is communication with guests. “Let them know that this is going to be a part of the event,” she advises. “Let them know that they don’t have to participate in it if they don’t want to, and let them know what it is that you are offering them when you offer them something to consume. Education and communication are the two biggest responsibilities that a cannabis host has.” Post’s personal history with cannabis consumption gave her plenty of experience to draw on, and she has very clear ideas of proper etiquette based on years of interactions with fellow consumers. “I think that just about any cannabis consumer can’t help but notice things,” she says. “As a joint roller, I definitely had a lot of opinions about joint etiquette myself.” In college, she’d get frustrated with people pinching her long-filtered joints, and she’d witness an elaborate dance

september | elevatenv.com 7

of etiquette for joints rolled from multiple people’s contributions. “In the world of politeness, you’re trying to make people feel comfortable and not call them out on things,” she remembers. “It was a delicate balance of letting people know things or choosing the time and place to bring something up versus the time and place that you wouldn’t.” Figuring that kind of thing out is exactly what Higher Etiquette is for, and legalization means that such advice can now be given openly. While having an organization like the Emily Post Institute weigh in gives cannabis consumption an air of class and legitimacy, Post also isn’t trying to relegate stoner icons to the margins. “Despite some definite rumors out there, I am not trying to get rid of Cheech and Chong in any way, shape or form,” she laughs. “I’m actually a big fan.” Among cannabis celebrities, she singles out Seth Rogen for his notable etiquette. “I did think he did a very nice job in one of his Instagram videos of ashing so that when you’re passing it to the next person, you’re not passing it with an inch of ash that might fall off on them, or somebody’s clothing.” Post’s vision of cannabis culture includes everyone from Kim Kardashian with her upscale influencer get-togethers to everyday stoners laughing at Cheech and Chong movies. “This is a community that’s really based on sharing and generosity,” she says. “The big takeaway here is to just open up and broaden people’s perspectives, and help break the stigma, without also getting rid of some of these more classic groups of people. There’s a space for everybody.”

elevatenv.com | september

Stale Mate CAN CANNABIS GO BAD? by Richard Gubbe

CBN occurs naturally as an oxidative degradation product of THC, formed when THC is exposed to UV light and oxygen over time. Unlike THC, CBN induces little to no intoxicating effects and exists only in small amounts. Patients who need to become relaxed or stay productive with a clear head may find CBN to be helpful, and products with high amounts are in the marketplace. Where cannabis tests in Nevada can exceed 25 to 30 percent for THC levels, CBN hovers around 1 percent or less. CBN offers effects that are in the infantile stage of research but so far, so good in the early stages of charting benefits. CBN’s studied benefits include pain relief, an easing of insomnia symptoms, growth of bone cells, with additional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. CBN also has been credited for serving as an anti-convulsive and an appetite stimulant. THC oxidizes through exposure to oxygen when converting to CBN, even when sealed in a jar. Terpenes also begin to fade the same as perfume dissipates. But proper storage such as at a cool, dry room temperature and no exposure to sunlight helps keep flower fresh. One way to tell cannabis has transitioned is the flower is a lot harsher on the throat when smoked. And those folk stories about getting way high on months-old weed found lying around could be that everyone was just happy to find some forgotten-about cannabis. The easiest solution is to keep rotating your stock, as they say— and stay as fresh as possible. Or just turn over a new leaf.

september | elevatenv.com 9

How often should you turn over a new leaf? Or less philosophically and more practically: Can cannabis go bad? When that question arises, there are multiple answers: Cannabis will slowly deteriorate over time, but how it was dried and how it was kept have a lot to do with longevity of THC in that strain and how quickly it transforms into another cannabinoid, although a non-psychoactive one, called CBN or cannabinol. From the moment a cannabis plant is plucked from the soil, degradation begins. How quickly can depend on both the grower and the consumer. The simple answer is cannabis doesn’t “go bad” over time, but freshness and proper storage can lead to a sustained high with less throat irritation. The plant begins to dry and decay the moment of harvest, though it can take a month before actually hitting the shelves. The main culprit to be avoided is moisture that can lead to mold. Think about smoking mold and brain damage comes to mind. Molds can appear long after drying and packaging, so beware. Another key to longevity is storage away from UV rays or any other rays for that matter. Keep an eye on your harvest date and/or packaging dates, as they can be the warning of THC degrading into CBN, but the clock ticks slowly, meaning it should be at least two months from packaging dates that partakers will see a noticeable shift in THC to CBN potency.

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KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL by Deborah Costella

september | elevatenv.com 11

Canna-chefs make full and shocking confessions to their comfort food kryptonite

elevatenv.com | september

AUGUST 2019 MARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF

e must’ve looked like a modernday version of Knights of the Round Table. Except armor, shields and swords were replaced with tattoos, piercings and hairstyles ranging from manbuns to purple-green highlights. When chefs go out to eat together, which is less often than you’d think, the tone is usually celebratory and includes a good dose of culinary critiquing. Most of us prefer to eat at home after spending hours running around commercial kitchens cooking, sweating and cussing. It’s those rare occasions when schedules align and fatigue sits on the backburner that we make it happen. On this particular evening, we were celebrating the anticipated opening of a mutual friend’s café. Digging forks into our individual dishes, not one veering from the restaurant’s standard preparation, a hush came over the table. Two bites into the meal and the comments and opinions began to trickle forth. After sharing notes and opinions the conversation circled back to the exciting details of our comrade’s café. Specifically, what would be on her menu? Chef Stella told us upscale comfort food is to be the theme. “Comfort food? Don’t we all have a unique definition of what comfort food is?” asked chef Kyle. The table chatter paused as we considered his question. I asked if comfort food isn’t more closely related to a food memory. “Now that’s probably true, in most instances,” remarked chef Stella. “However, my comfort food isn’t connected to anything except making me feel better after a hard day of cooking for less-than-appreciative guests. Actually, my comfort food isn’t even that good for you.” When we asked what exactly this deficient sounding dish was, Stella replied her go-to dish when body and spirit need consoling is Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese. “The stuff in the blue box? You eat that?!” asked chef Liam. Apparently, that’s exactly what Stella eats, when necessary. After kicking off work-boots, tossing her chef’s jacket and apron into the wash, she scampers to the kitchen and sets a saucepot of water on the stove to boil. Watching the rolls and waves of water excitedly move about she pours in the dry, hardened elbow macaroni. Once the pasta has softened, chef rips open the small envelope of orange powder and adds it to the pot along with some half and half. Snuggling on the couch, she turns on Netflix and digs in. Stella assures us almost immediately after the familiar red and black logo fades, so does her stress. “It’s magical,” says Stella dreamily. “I’m telling you,

september | elevatenv.com 13

there’s something about spooning that astronaut-like food straight from a serving bowl into my mouth, feeling the smooth silky pasta slide down my throat; I tell you, it’s heartwarming.” “Any additions?” I inquired. Everyone at the table knows I’m referring to cannabis. “Sometimes...usually,” Stella answered, smiling. “Well my comfort food is just as heartwarming and it’s actually good for you,” declared chef Kyle. “What is it?” I asked. “Kimchi.” “I presume you’re alone when you open the jar,” teased Stella. In response to the wrinkled noses and furrowed brows displayed on our faces, Kyle attempted to change the perception his “comfort dish” as less smelly, fermented concoction and more soothing taste of home. After a long day of feeling harassed and harangued, Kyle sets up his rice cooker then fills it with ingredients needed to make his mom’s sticky rice. Kyle is a patient and meticulous chef. Rarely does he take shortcuts with the exception of his beloved rice cooker. So, it comes as no surprise to us, trying day or not, he stills employs his high standards of cooking. With large spoon in hand, chef stirs a whirlpool of water in a pot of simmering water. With his other hand, he breaks two large eggs onto two saucers. Then ever so gently, slides them into the pot of swirling water, wrapping the strands of egg whites around the yolks. Kyle told us the image of the whites wrapping their translucent tendrils around the yolks conjures up memories of his mother tenderly hugging him when he was a boy. Finally, it’s time to unleash his aromatic powerhouse, the jar of Kimchi. His preference is the hot and spicy version. Chef closes his eyes while telling us he always takes a couple pieces from the jar. Sampling this ancient condiment is like another food-hug. When his trifecta of ingredients is done, he scoops several ladlefuls of rice into the biggest bowl he can find. Spoons a generous serving of Kimchi over the rice then tops it off with the two “perfectly poached eggs.” None of us challenges his self-described perfectly poached eggs comment; we know they are. “Whenever I prepare that dish, I feel homesick, but Kimchi on rice always comforts me.” This time it’s Stella who asks about cannabis additions. “Of course,” replies Kyle. “Mom uses water to cook her rice, I use infused vegetable broth. Much tastier and certainly more medicinal.”

elevatenv.com | september 14

“Gosh, chef, my comfort food isn’t nearly that good for you or well prepared, but it does the trick of bringing me back from the brink every time,” states chef Liam. Liam is a talented pastry chef, who has ventured into the realm of savory without missing a beat. With his knack of balancing flavors and textures, he artistically brings ingredients together in such a way that pleases the eyes and the palates of anyone fortunate enough to hire him as their personal chef. So, we are all stunned to hear him say his comfort dish is not well prepared. “So, what is your go-to food, chef?” I ask. “Olive Garden,” he replies sheepishly. A simultaneous groan makes its way around the table. “You mean you don’t even cook your own comfort food? You go to a restaurant?” accuses Kyle. “Don’t be silly, I’d never go inside! I order by phone and park in the designated pickup area. I wear a cap, sunglasses and scrunch down, so I’m unrecognizable.” “Glad you’ve thought this through, seeing as you’re six-foot-five,” laughs Stella. For Liam, there’s something about the huge mix of salad, the soft, warm, salty breadsticks and heavy pasta that serves as a kind of chicken soup for his soul on those long, hard days. Apparently, pasta drenched in sauce is like a thunder blanket for him. Unlike the rest of us, he’s not the least bit bothered by all that iceberg lettuce, canned olives and overly tangy dressing. No, Liam says, there are days when “only the Garden will do.” Liam’s confession makes it easier on me when all eyes turn my way. “Soooo,” says Kyle looking at me, “What’s your food remedy, chef?” “Kentucky Fried Chicken.” While Liam’s declaration was met with a round of groans, mine elicited comments ranging from, “Are you kidding?!” to “OMG!” I was momentarily saved when our server, returned to the table with yet another bottle of wine, chiming in that on any given day, he has leftovers of Roberto’s Tacos in his fridge. As backup are boxes of Pizza Bites in the freezer. He swore, though the cuisines differed, the outcome was the same; comforting. After leaving the table all eyes were back on me. “Well, my yen for KFC is connected to a food memory,” I offer in defense. “A rather nice memory at that. One that includes several members of my extended family, back when we were all still speaking to one another.” After announcing my low-rung on

september | elevatenv.com 15

the ladder of comfort food, it was clear I needed to share the backstory of my love for that greasy fowl, those whipped to a frenzy freeze-dried potatoes, toosmooth gravy, mushy corn and airy biscuits. My secret obsession came about the first year Dad purchased bushels of apricots from the orchards that once dotted what is now Silicon Valley. Regardless of age or physical ability, every available family member was corralled into cleaning, slicing and pitting those burntorange relatives to the peach. Once that laborious task was complete, we arranged the fruit in single layers onto several long, wide, wooden slats. Dad then covered them with screening to keep bugs and debris at bay. Dad was ahead of his time, by opting out of using sulfur dioxide to prevent browning. He liked the au naturel appeal of solardried fruit. After all the slats were secured, he’d step back, leaving the rest up to Brother Sun. By that final day, every grandparent, auntie, uncle and cousin who had been roped into helping was exhausted. I remember feeling so tired I stood crying about the fleet of flies and bees drawn to my dirty, sticky clothing. Still, like everyone else, I felt a sense of pride surveying the rows of flying carpet-like wooden racks strewn across our back yard. While the rest of us took turns using the hose to wash up, Dad handed a few dollars to the uncles for a food run. Nana cracked open beers for the grownups while Auntie Barbara poured pop for us kids. The aroma of the food precipitated the uncles' reappearance in the back yard. I’m sure it was due to our fatigue and hunger that caused each of us to yum and drool over our plates. How something can be dripping with grease yet be so tasty at the same time, I’ll never know. Scattered about in folding chairs, on wooden benches or sitting cross-legged on the patio, we were a living testament to the television ads, as we unabashedly licked our fingers. KFC became my family’s traditional closing to those ‘cot drying weekends.’ “That’s quite a food confession, chef,” remarked Kyle. “Obviously you weren’t adding anything back then, but do you now?” “Of course, experiencing a canna-crisis day requires it! I’m not sure ‘The Colonel’ is using all 11 of his famous herbs and spices these days so I add a few pinches of keif right to the chicken and gravy, then spread my own canna-butter on the biscuits.” Promises not to divulge our canna-comfort food secrets were made. Our Knights of the Round Table understood that what was said at the table would stay at the table.

COSMIC MUFFIN’S INFUSED METEORIC MAC ‘N CHEESE (4 servings)

elevatenv.com | september

INGREDIENTS FOR PASTA 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt 3 Tbsp. infused olive oil *Pasta machine

½ cup bread flour 4 large eggs Semolina flour for dusting

PROCESS

In large mixing bowl combine flours and salt. In separate bowl whisk together eggs and oil. Make a well in center of flours and gently pour in egg mixture by using your fingers to blend flour a little at a time, from the sides – working outward. When dough is well mixed, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until it is no longer sticky, but is smooth and elastic. Shape into a disc, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest for at least 20 minutes. When ready, roll out dough using a pasta machine and cut into desired pasta shape. Cook for 1 to 3 minutes in salted, boiling water. Drain.

INGREDIENTS FOR CHEESE SAUCE

1 whole egg, beaten 4 Tbsp. canna-butter ¼ cup flour 2-2 ½ cups infused whole milk 2 tsp. dried mustard salt & pepper to taste ½ pound each of grated cheddar and pepper jack cheese additional seasonings if desired; paprika, garlic, onion powder

PROCESS

In large pot, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 5 minutes, cooking starch from flour (you’re making a roux). Slowly whisk in milk and mustard, cooking until mixture thickens – reduce heat to low. Beat egg in a small bowl, then add to sauce. Add grated cheeses, a handful at a time, stirring to melt. Season cheese sauce to taste and gently combine with cooked pasta.

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elevatenv.com | september 18

CBD joins the party!

Better late than not at all, nation’s hottest wellness trend crashes the cannabis party by Josh Kasoff You know if one of the Kardashians is doing it, soon the rest of the country will be jumping on the bandwagon. CBD is now such a mainstream product that it’s jettisoned into the current health and wellness zeitgeist as the hottest new party theme courtesy of the first family of reality tv. In April, reality television star turned criminal justice reform advocate Kim Kardashian West threw herself a baby shower celebrating the upcoming arrival of her fourth child. With an official theme of "CBD & Meditation,” Kardashian West’s baby shower featured a CBD bar where guests could make their own cannabidiol-infused bath salts and body oils and supplied her guests with an array of CBD creams and scrubs at both the event itself as well as in their gift bags. Furthermore, she referenced the party multiple times across social media as a “CBD baby shower” citing parental stress related to having a fourth child as the reason for the underlying theme of zen and blissing out. With Kardashian West leading the charge, all conceivable varieties of CBD-themed events and parties

are trending. Vegan chef Stacey Dougan regularly hosts CBD-centric events around Las Vegas through her exclusive fine dining experience entitled IV & Twenty. The plantbased, CBD-infused four-course meal seats a maximum of 20 people where despite ever-changing venues, it maintains an intimate vibe. Through her IV & Twenty dining series Dougan has also picked up clients interested in hosting their own private CBD dinner parties. A lifelong cannabis advocate and connoisseur long before the CBD boom, Dougan saw the potential of combining the healing properties of the herb and plant-based foods. “My food is not just for taste but for healing as well. Combining CBD with all its healing properties and combining plantbased is masterful because people gotta eat and people need to heal,” explains Dougan, who owns Simply Pure Vegan Café located in Downtown’s Container Park. Among her most memorable IV & Twenty dinners, Dougan’s sold out Valentine’s Day dinner this past February stands out in her memory as one that shows the true

The types of cannabis-themed events that Cultivating Spirits hosts range from corporate experiences to pairing dinners called “Cannabis & Cuisine” with Wolf acting as the cannabis sommelier. His company has also hosted all varieties of canna-friendly bachelor/bachelorette parties in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. One very thoughtful way that Cultivating Spirits caters toward those who prefer sobriety is by substituting THCdominant strains with CBD flower for pairings and bachelor/ bachelorette parties, while still offering complementing terpene and flavonoid profiles in the process. According to Wolf, the versatility of CBD as a complementary activity to THC has been in full display during many of their events, but one event in particular illustrated the appeal for a wedding party. The soon-to-be-married groom was not a consumer of alcohol or cannabis, preferring to live a sober lifestyle, yet his groomsmen still wanted to enjoy consuming the intoxicants given that it was a bachelor party. So, to complement the wishes of both the groom and his groomsmen, Cultivating Spirits offered THCdominant strains for the wedding party and Fenix CBD flower for the groom so the gentlemen could all collectively consume cannabis together while respecting everyone’s preferences. In addition to food and dining options, there’s also physical offerings you could add to your party’s vibe. Stacey Mulvey’s infused yoga classes are another unique element in which CBD and cannabis are being included at events. As yoga is a physical activity with remarkable health benefits and CBD is a cannabinoid with similar benefits, Mulvey hosts events combining the two. “There’s still a huge portion of America that is just now learning about CBD,” says Mulvey, founder of yoga brand Marijuasana. “They’re not sure how to apply it to their lives. But there’s this buzz around CBD and they’re starting to see it popping up everywhere. And so that’s why I think it’s a craze. It’s new and if there’s some sort of event that would have that as the theme, they know they’ll be entertained and they’ll learn something new.”

september | elevatenv.com 19

potential of CBD-infused fine dining when combined with another sensory experience. “Music is a significant component to the culture of the IV & Twenty dinner experience and the lyrics, composition and rhythm of the song are all important factors. So, because of that the food for Valentine’s Day was based on music,” explains Dougan. “I found song titles that had food references and created a dish around that particular song,” relays Dougan. Her course of Jackfruit Lump Salad with Buttered Avocado Spears was accompanied by the song “Avocado” by Jamaican artist Jah9. For Pan Seared Oyster Mushrooms, Dougan paired it with “Oysters” by singer Tori Amos. “When the food was plated and brought out, the song would play. Some people got up and danced, making it a whole experience. At the end, we got a standing ovation,” notes Dougan. Cultivating Spirits founder Phillip Wolf, a longtime cannabis event organizer and host who recently celebrated his decade-long anniversary in the industry, has also seen interest in CBD-themed parties grow very quickly in a short amount of time but cites a more sobering twist to explain its popularity. Wolf, whose events incorporate cannabis in previously unthought of ways, similarly agrees with Dougan that the appeal and reach of CBD expands exponentially with each month, partially due to the non-intoxicating effects of the cannabinoid compared to its controversial cousin THC. For those individuals who’ve recovered from addiction or who generally just prefer to stay sober, the fact that CBD isn’t psychoactive only increases its reach among communities and unique events tailored to those preferences. “I believe CBD has a very important place for parties and events moving forward. It’s a wonderful alternative for those who don’t want to consume alcohol or do not want to consume THC. If you look at the culinary world, there’s so much buzz about CBDinfused food and drinks. And with the fact that you can have CBD in the majority of the United States because of the 2018 Farm Bill, this plant medicine becomes accessible for lifestyle alternatives that people can utilize nearly everywhere,” offers Wolf.

elevatenv.com | september 20

With the CBD craze in full effect, Mulvey has been incorporating the healing cannabinoid into her private yoga events in Boston by having the option of a CBD-infused massage along with yoga. The yoga instructor is paired with a massage therapist to book massages for their clients either prior to or following their yoga sessions to create an event where “people could turn it into a day where they are treating themselves.” “Massages work really well with a modality like yoga because you’re opening yourself in your body,” explains Mulvey. “Moving complements the allover effect that you’re going for with your body. Combined with CBD, it’s getting as much support to your muscles and circulation as you possibly can.” Cannabidiol is almost a staple of Marijuasana’s activities. Mulvey frequently relies on CBD-centric events in particular when hosting public demonstrations in the dispensaries and cannabis events throughout Las Vegas, as the tourism juggernaut doesn’t currently allow for public consumption of THC anywhere within city limits. As CBD shares a mutualistic relationship with yoga, Mulvey’s future plans include co-hosting sessions with Boston-based CBD flower cultivators to provide their products in Mulvey’s yoga sessions.

Because there are so many people who are cannacurious, the idea of offering a learning component at events drove cannabis chef Kristal Chamblee to start working with Cannabis Tours to offer Las Vegas-based activity “Cooking with Cannabis.” When recreational sales began in Nevada in July 2017, Chamblee, a 2016 graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, saw the necessity and demand for culinary cannabis education. During her “Cooking with Cannabis” courses, Chamblee instructs how the herb, both THC and CBD, can be utilized in preparing dishes of all genres. From Puff, Pass and Pastry to breakfast infusions, the importance of the courses for Chamblee is to educate people on how to properly infuse their cooking at home. “I think educating people on how to use those accessible products to have a better understanding of how to use their cannabis at home is where it’s golden,” Chamblee explains. “That’s where you get your money’s worth in education.” Initially Chamblee’s courses consisted of THC-based infusions but following the increasing national attention of CBD and it’s changed legal status with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, she amended her course structure and started hosting CBD-centric courses. “I definitely think there is a trend going on. They use the health benefits with CBD and the cannabis plant without any of the high.” Unsurprisingly, Chamblee’s “Cooking with Cannabis” services are often used for demonstrations at private events by cannabis companies. One company rented an elegant Airbnb in California, invited 22 guests and Chamblee infused their house brand of flower into the meal to provide potential buyers with a firsthand preview of the strain’s capabilities. For dessert, they asked for a CBD-centric ending. To comply, milkshakes with CBD strawberry and chocolate syrup were served. The popularity of Chamblee’s cooking classes has grown to the point where the founders of Cannabis Tours allowed her to add a new course titled Puff, Pass, Pamper. Using a spa day theme, guests can experience a full treatment of CBD-infused facials among many other activities including a discussion on skincare. As someone who’s been incorporating cannabis into her culinary and entrepreneurial pursuits for half a decade, Chamblee sees the growing demand for CBD-themed events as something that reaches wider demographics than THConly events. “It’s a way for you to share something with your friends that’s becoming such a trend without having to worry about getting someone over-intoxicated or having your house smell like weed,” she explains. “Now, you have the CBD party where you’re not getting the high but it’s still very social, popular and trendy. Kim Kardashian did it and now I’m personally invited to a CBD baby shower at my friend’s house.”

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Autumn’s Golden Hour

Make magical dishes the star of your dinner party this fall Recipes by Michael Gutierrez-Nery of The+Source

Photography by Sam Blankenship

As the days cool down, warm up your nights with an infused three-course meal that makes the most of the autumn equinox when it occurs on September 23. Begin by ushering in fall with the perfect blend of sweet and savory—an infused Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. It’s micro-dosed so you can enjoy a big bowl, or two. Then, bring a new meaning to comfort food with Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs that sit on a delectable pillow of infused mashed potatoes. Top off your night with warm drizzles of infused caramel generously draped over fresh baked Apple Galettes, great for autumn or all year long.

Infused Cream

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All three dishes use the same infused cream to simplify your cooking experience. 1. In a saucepan, gently scald heavy cream under medium heat just before it boils and breaks. 2. Add desired amount of a distillate syringe and remove pan from heat while quickly stirring to mix the oil thoroughly and evenly in the cream. We used a quarter of a 500MG Lucid Syringe, totaling approximately 100MG for the entire meal, which breaks down to approximately 25MG per serving. 3. Set aside and let cool before use.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Ingredients 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 3-lb. butternut squash 1 cup chopped yellow onion 2 cloves pressed garlic 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. salt 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock 1 to 2 Tbsp. infused heavy cream toasted pumpkin seeds and chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400° and line baking sheet with parchment paper. With butternut squash cut in half, lightly coat with olive

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. Place face down on pan and roast until tender throughout. Using a large spoon, hollow out squash and discard tough skin. In a soup pot, warm olive oil over medium heat then add chopped onions. Once onions begin to soften, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add roasted butternut squash and nutmeg to pot and stir for 2 minutes before adding vegetable stock. Simmer in pot for 5 minutes. Puree soup, either using an immersion blender or by cooling soup slightly and using a regular blender. After tasting soup, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a dosed amount of infused heavy cream drizzled on top and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and chopped parsley.

Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs and Mashed Potatoes Mashed Potatoes:

5 lbs. bone-in beef short ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces 3 Tbsp. olive oil salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 4 cups beef stock 1 Tbsp. tomato paste 6 cloves of garlic, pressed 1 bottle of dry red wine 1 sprig rosemary 6 sprigs thyme 2 sprigs oregano 6 thin small carrots, peeled, cut in half lengthwise 4 small onions, cut into quarters

4 lbs. medium Yukon Gold potatoes ½ cup sour cream up to 1 cup infused heavy cream 2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into pieces up to 1 cup whole milk salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions for short ribs:

Instructions for mashed potatoes:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Preheat oven to 350°. Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high. Brown short ribs on all sides until fully seared. Set aside. Add onions and carrots to pot and cook over medium-high heat until onions are browned. Add flour and tomato paste and mix till combined. Add short ribs back into pan and stir in red wine. Bring to a boil then simmer on medium until wine is reduced by half. Add all herbs and garlic to pot and stir in beef stock. Bring pan to a boil, cover, and transfer to oven. Cook in oven for 2—2 ½ hours or until short ribs are tender. Plate over mashed potatoes and spoon over reduced sauce from pan.

Salted Caramel Apple

Place potatoes in a large pot of water. Add a 1/3 cup of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender. Drain and return potatoes to warm pot to dry (off heat). In a small saucepan, warm infused heavy cream and milk but do not boil. Keep warm and set aside for potatoes. Place mashed potatoes in a ricer and press into a large bowl. This will help remove much of the skin but is optional. Mix butter and potatoes with a masher until well combined. Slowly add warm cream to potatoes and stir constantly. You may not use entire cream mixture depending on desired consistency. Mix in sour cream and add salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients

Instructions for apple filling:

2-3 large apples cut into thin slices (we used a mix of Jazz and Pink Lady) 1 Tbsp. lemon juice pie crust of choice (store-bought works fine) ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 Tbsp. milk) ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1/8 cup brown sugar 1/8 cup granulated sugar

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Simple Caramel Sauce:

Instructions for caramel sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar 6 Tbsp. room temperature salted butter, cut into pieces 1/2 cup infused heavy cream 1 tsp. salt

1. In a small pot, cook sugar, salt, and butter over medium 2.

Preheat oven to 425°. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Toss apples, lemon juice, spices, sugars, and flour together in a bowl and set aside. Roll or cut dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer dough to prepared baking sheet. Arrange the apples (without the juices) into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around. Gently fold edges of dough over apples, overlapping to create a pleat. Press gently to seal edges and brush an egg wash over crust. Bake until filling is cooked and crust is golden brown. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with drizzled caramel.

heat until sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Make sure to stir occasionally. Remove pan from heat and pour in heavy cream and stir with wooden spoon. Let cool slightly before using.

september | elevatenv.com 25

Ingredients

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for

CONSUMPTION NEVADA’S DISPENSARIES HAVE PLENTY TO OFFER THOSE ON A HUNGER DRIVE by Justin Alexander

SELECT’S ELITE GUMMIES When creating its gummy offering, Select set out to formulate a product with great taste that would reach those who don’t smoke at all. “We use botanical terpenes which enhance the natural flavors in the gummies,” says Select’s Kristen Everhart, who notes not everyone can or wants to vape. Delicious and convenient are the hallmarks of all edibles and Select’s gummies meet both criteria, plus it delivers a smooth high that doesn’t put you out of your body or mind. Available in indica (109 mg), sativa (113 mg) and hybrid (114 mg), keep some in your bag for whatever ails you. Select’s Elite Gummies are gluten-free as a bonus for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, with flavors of blackberry, mango and strawberry they satisfy that sweet tooth with a little kick of something special to help even out the day.

KYND’S MILK CHOCOLATE AND JAWA PIE FLOWER Kynd Milk Chocolate bites are what happens when your edibles cross the line from medicine to dessert. They have a rich and delicious taste and there is little to no grassy notes on the palate. Plus, a little sweetness can help stimulate your appetite if you are having trouble eating. “When we made the KYND chocolates the goal was all about creating an experience,” says Kynd’s David Robison. “That’s why we kept it simple in terms of flavors—nothing to out there, just incredibly flavorful chocolate that shines all on its own.” Created with 100% CO2 extracted oils for a full-spectrum effect and testing at 97mg THC per box, Robison suggests some fun ways to consume such as adding it to the top of a banana split or blending it into a smoothie. “There are all kinds of ways you can incorporate this rich, flavorful chocolate, so there’s lots of room for creativity and

september | elevatenv.com 27

he appetite stimulating benefits of cannabis are well known. Cannabis was used to great effect during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s when many patients suffered from severe weight loss resulting from cachexia. Cannabis has also benefitted cancer patients who have suffered appetite challenges while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Whatever your reason for needing to give your appetite a boost, cannabis researchers acknowledge that certain cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), the synergy of various terpenes, and the body’s hormonal reaction to cannabis all aid in ramping up your appetite. “When your body is hungry your stomach produces a peptide hormone called ghrelin, which tells the brain it’s time to find food. In a study of lab rats that were introduced to cannabis vapor, scientists noticed they ate more frequently,” says Kimberly Casey, director of sales and marketing at Silver Sage Wellness/Remedy. “They found that test subjects administered to cannabis vapor had higher levels of ghrelin in their bloodstreams than those who were in the controlled study. It turns out cannabis consumption actually makes your stomach produce more ghrelin whether or not you just had a full meal.” With cannabis’ appetite inducing properties in mind elevate has assembled an array of options from edibles and flower to concentrate and vapes for you to consider for your next hunger drive.

elevatenv.com | september

personal preference,” he says. “It was formulated to be so indulgent that you’re deeply satisfied with a single piece.” Another offering from Kynd that stimulates appetite is Jawa Pie (27% THC). If you aren’t in the mood for the slower pace of an edible, smoking flower will medicate you quickly and make the overall meal more enjoyable. “Jawa Pie has a reputation for boosting appetite. But more than that, some people experience more flavorful meals. Note that it may be hard to stop eating once you start,” says Robison. “In growing Jawa Pie, we wanted to create a perfect example of the cross that the Ocean Grown Genetics team so expertly made. That means a strain that hit on every level—flavor, potency and yield. Luckily, that’s exactly what we got.” Jawa Pie’s ability to stimulate the appetite is due to the fact that it is rich in myrcene (8.2 mg), which also helps you feel relaxed and motivated. Plus, it tastes and smells great. “People pick right up on the amazing aromas,” he says. “The strain’s terpene profile is particularly fragrant, and it’s hard to miss notes ranging from gasoline to sweet lime.”

TRENDI BUBBA FETT SHATTER Referred to by some researchers as a “stem cell” because it has the healing potential similar to that of human stem cell therapy, the cannabinoid CBG (cannabigerol) is an appetite stimulator. Trendi’s Bubba Fett shatter has 1.2% CBG, which is fairly significant, according to brand ambassador Mychal Davis. “Most of the appetite increase from this product specifically is from cannabinoids (THC/ CBG). Bubba Fett shatter does however have high levels of caryophyllene which is great for anxiety. Those who struggle with eating due to anxiety driven issues can find benefit from this terpene,” says Davis. Providing a nice balance, “humulene, the second most prevalent terpene in this shatter, is actually an appetite suppressant.” While it will give you a nice buzz at 66% THC and a great overall feeling, it makes you hungry without making you ravenous. When medicating with Bubba Fett, expect a well-rounded and flavorful taste, and both a strong head and body high.

REMEDY’S BIO JESUS LIVE RESIN CARTRIDGE AND SUGAR CONCENTRATE Containing high amounts of D9 THC and CBG—both of which enhance and stimulate appetite—you can count on Remedy’s Bio Jesus to spark a snack attack. Available as a live resin vape or a sugar concentrate, Bio Jesus has a terpene blend consisting of b-caryophyllene, b-myrcene and linalool derived from fresh frozen plant material for an earthy, pungent and super gassy flavor. Depending on the high you are going for and the situation in which you find yourself in, each has its perks. The

vape is convenient for discreet scenarios while the concentrate is potent and flavorful for when you are at home and close to the dab rig. An indica-dominant hybrid, Bio Jesus, known for its pain relief properties and for getting taste buds salivating, is a great nighttime high. It will knock out insomnia and stress and curb nausea, giving you the ability to eat and make food more flavorful. “When your body is hungry your stomach produces a peptide hormone called ghrelin, which tells the brain it’s time to find food. In a study of lab rats that were introduced to cannabis vapor, scientists noticed they ate more frequently,” says Kimberly Casey, director of sales and marketing at Silver Sage Wellness/Remedy. “They found that test subjects administered to cannabis vapor had higher levels of ghrelin in their bloodstreams than those who were in the controlled study. It turns out cannabis consumption actually makes your stomach produce more ghrelin whether or not you just had a full meal.”

Not in the mood for a concentrate or an edible and want to boost your appetite? Try City Trees Chocolate Agave tincture, which can be added to a variety of foods and drinks for easy dosing. And because this is liquid THC testing at 389 mg per bottle, expect to reap the benefits of the medicine quickly as it gets absorbed into the bloodstream. “Because it's made from the agave plant, this tincture is water soluble. Unlike honey, this tincture will not harden and drop to the bottom of the glass when added to cold drinks. Instead, it incorporates fully to allow a seamless and delicious experience,” says City Trees’ Kawehi Galuteria. “Our Blue Agave tincture came out of the gates strong and it was obvious there was a need for sugar-based tinctures. As a result, we brainstormed what variations of agave syrup could appeal to patients, and chocolate really resonated with us.” Add it in place of sugar in your coffee, tea or over fruit. Because it is so versatile, you can really get creative with this product. “I've heard consumers adding the chocolate agave to their skincare/self-care routines in the form of facemasks,” adds Galuteria.

CANNABIOTIX MASTER KUSH FLOWER AND TROPICANNA BUDDER Cannabiotix’s Master Kush flower brings on a heavy case of the munchies with just one puff. “This is a strain that a lot people have heard of but not necessarily seen in a while,” says Megan Little of Cannabiotix. “The OG properties of it really brings on the appetite.” Earthy and delicious, the high treats depression, anxiety and brings on a relaxed, euphoric feeling that allows you to be calm enough to eat. At 79% THC, Master Kush bring you into your body, taking away physical stresses.

september | elevatenv.com 29

CITY TREES’ CHOCOLATE AGAVE TINCTURE

On the concentrate side, Cannabiotix recommends Tropicanna Budder (79% THC)—made of the popular Tropicanna strain, which it sells in a variety of forms. “Cannabiotix is the only company that has the Tropicanna strain, so it being in concentrate form, it is one-of-a-kind product,” Little says. The Tropicanna cross has multiple strains that are known for increasing appetite including Pineapple/Kali Mist and Northern Lights #5/Haze. Sweet and citrusy, like a burst of juicy pulp, the high is buzzy and gives beautiful cerebral alertness. And always remember with concentrates as with edibles, less is more.

VIRTUE'S GELATO CARTRIDGE

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Gelato distillate from Virtue is a THC powerhouse at 88%, which brings on euphoria and a heightened case of the munchies when it is time for dinner or dessert, as the name would suggest. This is Virtue’s first attempt at this type of medicine. “This is our first stab at the distillate market and we are excited to be able to enter as a premium product,” says Virtue’s Heather Marnell Wallace. A relaxing body high but with enough vitality to help you stay mentally agile, Gelato is also good for daytime use when you need something a little bit sweet. “Our overall goal was to mimic our unique flower profiles for the customer that enjoys the convenience of distillate,” Wallace says. So, grab this gelato and then go for a few scoops of the real thing as its richness will leave you wanting more.

VERT'S COOKIE SQUARE

Apothecanna's signature line of Extra Strength Cremes, Body Oils and Sprays have double doses of Arnica, Peppermint, Juniper and Cannabis. Plant Based * Vegan * Gluten Free No Animal Testing * Recyclable Packaging This is a marijuana product. For Use Only by Adults 21 Years of Age and Older. Keep Out of Reach of Children.

Soft and yummy, Vert’s Cookie Square is the ideal bite for all the cookie monsters out there who prefer an edible over flower or concentrate. The Cookies ‘n Cream variety is a cross between the ice cream of the same name and a chocolate bar with chocolate cookie wafers and sweet cream filling. “Our intention with the 100 mg CBD, 100 mg THC cookie squares was to offer our deliciously infused baked goods at a dosage that would be extremely beneficial for pain relief and mood enhancement alike,” says Margaux Hansberry, NV Sales Manager at TGIG, LLC. “The calming, anti-inflammatory effects of CBD paired with the euphoric effects of THC make for a functional, yet effective high perfect for balancing both mind and body.” Expect a well-rounded high from this product due to its 1:1 nature, and its calming effect melts stress away while also keeping you motivated. Also providing pain relief with a body high that keeps you active and warm like a cozy blanket of comfort. The high level of CBD counteracts any paranoia or panic associated with THC edibles. “If consumers are purchasing edibles in Nevada, I feel they are getting a better handle on taking edibles without overdoing it,” she says. “Our 1:1 varieties make it impossible to ‘overdo’ it

with edibles in that the high will be much more functional due to the anti-anxiety, calming, non-psychoactive effects of CBD.”

FLORAVEGA'S WHITE TIE FLOWER When you want to go the all-you-can-eat route, indulge in FloraVega’s White Tie flower, which has been known to cause hunger pangs to manifest. Crossing Desert Snow with Mai Tai, White Tie is a clean, quality strain that provides the best possible experience for the user at 23% THC. “White Tie has a strong, fresh, earthy aroma with sweet and pine notes, it’s terpene profile stands out and produces a very enjoyable uplifted and energized high,” FloraVega’s Sam McAdam says, noting White Tie boasts THC content in the mid- to high twenties. “The combination of THC and THC Delta 9, when ingested, inhibit the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, in the body. When combined with top terpenes: terpinolene (2.25 mg), ocimene (1.97 mg) and limonene (1.28 mg), the user is uplifted, energized and will feel the hunger set in shortly after ingesting.”

To the powers that be at Kabunky, munchies are a good thing. “People talk about cannabis giving you the munchies like it’s a bad thing. Truth be told, cannabis as an appetite stimulant can be a great thing. You know how enjoyable a sesh before a meal can be, which is why we’re recommending our Kabunky Premium Sugar Cookies as one of our products that promotes appetite,” says Nevada MMJ’s Josh Ranck. The reason why you get the craving when you medicate is now better understood than it was in the past. “It comes down to the way cannabis interacts with our endocannabinoid system. THC can bind with and activate the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). A lot of other systems engage when this receptor is activated,” he says, noting this also affects the basal ganglia, which can increase eating pleasure; the limbic forebrain, which can increase food palatability; the stomach and small intestine, which regulate ghrelin; and the hypothalamus and rhombencephalon, two sections of the brain which help regulate food intake. “The hungry hormone, triggers your appetite when you use high-THC products, making our Kabunky Premium Sugar Cookies (27.5% THC) the perfect strain to smoke when you want to get really, really hungry,” Ranck says. “This doesn’t mean that you actually are hungry, just that you’re experiencing hunger pangs. This is important to remember if you’re health conscious and concerned with overeating while under the influence of cannabis. If you’re worried about overeating, or indulging in the wrong kinds of eating, plan ahead. Set out some healthy snacks and drinks. Preparing healthy snacks before you ingest will help you counter unhealthy cravings when the munchies kick in!”

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HOME GROW 101

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Growing your own cannabis on a budget By A.J.,

vegasbestbud

This month we profile home grower Sean, 34, who has been cultivating cannabis for approximately four years. He began growing his own cannabis due to wrist and knee injuries from skateboarding accidents during his youth. “I started growing because I can’t afford the high prices they charge in the dispensaries for my medication,” explains Sean, who started his home grow for under $300, which included a grow tent and light, fan (items he bought used from craigslist) and nutrients and soil. Sean’s home cultivation illustrates how inexpensive it is to start a home grow. For the price of one ounce of average flower from a dispensary, you could start growing at home and never pay more than $60 an ounce. After an initial investment on equipment, an ounce of the best cannabis you ever smoke will cost you less than $50.

you will need a $40 humidifier here in Vegas, even in the winter. Second, I try to stay as close to 70° degrees as I can. Finally, you only need six days of drying here. After six days, harvest, trim and transfer flowers to glass mason jars. Close them tight. Open every day and close them tight again. This is called "burping" your jars. After about a week of burping, close the jars tight and store. Let your flowers age in sealed glass jars, like fine wine. The smoke gets smoother and tastier as chlorophyll dissipates from the flowers. Also, over time THCA is converted to THC and your flowers become more potent.

AJ: What is your favorite to grow and medicate with? Sean: I love a good "couch lock" indica to medicate with because sativas give me anxiety. I love growing it also. Indica plants don't get too tall like sativas and I have limited ceiling in my tent.

AJ: I have always used Vegas tap water versus reverse osmosis (R.O.). Even though I don’t drink Vegas water, the cannabis plants seem to love it. How about you Sean, R.O. or tap ? Sean: I always use Vegas tap water.

AJ: How big is the space you grow in? Sean: I veg my plants in a bedroom closet and flower them in a 4’ x 4’ grow tent.

AJ: Do you veg on a 24-hour-on or 18-on/6-off light cycle? Sean: I veg with lights on 24/7.

AJ: What medium do you grow in, and what size pots do you use? Sean: I use a mix of soil, coco and worm castings. I use mostly five-gallon pots but if I have room in the tent, I will put in a threegallon pot or two. AJ: What do you use for grow lights? Sean: For vegging, I use a T5 grow light (300 w) and a pair of small LED lights (40 w). For flowering, I’m using a 1000 w HPS (high pressure sodium). Since I grow the entire year, in the summertime I dim down my light by 40-50% due to the heat. AJ: Heat in the summertime is probably the only problem with growing cannabis in Las Vegas. This is the main reason I shut down my garden during the summer months, it’s not too bad for vegging since during that phase plants can take mid- to high 80s. But for flowering, you really want to stay between 70-75° or as close as you possibly can. Sean: I agree, it’s also harder to dry and cure weed during the hot Vegas summer. I can't seem to find the "sweet spot." As I am always researching and learning more about growing cannabis, I am still trying to "perfect" my drying and curing techniques. AJ: After 10 years of drying and curing, I think I have perfected it. First, I dry at 50-55% humidity. In order to accomplish this,

AJ: What do you use for nutrients? Sean: I use Humboldt’s Secret Base A + B mostly but I also add molasses and maybe some cal mag.

AJ: How long do you veg for? Sean: Four to six weeks. AJ: How long do you flower and flush for? Sean: I flower 12-on/12-off for eight weeks and then flush with just water and a little molasses for two more weeks. AJ: Do you use any pesticides? Sean: Nope, NEVER! AJ: Where do you get your genetics? Sean: I started with seeds and I keep some mother plants always in veg, which I take my own clones from. I don't take clones from other growers because I am afraid of bringing insects and disease into my clean garden and home. Thanks to Sean for sharing his home grow with elevate. Although I have only seen pictures of Sean's plants and flowers, I can tell he is on the right track. We only live a few miles from each other so Sean and I may be meeting soon to say hi and gift a few buds because its legal to give away up to an ounce to anyone over 21 years old. If you have any questions about home cannabis cultivation or if you are a NV Medical Marijuana Patient and want to be interviewed about your home grow, please reach out to me at rookies123@aol.com

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“As one of Connor & Connor’s first cannabis clients I would like to recognize Amanda & Derek Connor for their unparalleled professionalism, their kindness, and their rock steady guidance during a very challenging application process and beyond. The council provided by Connor & Connor has been indispensable and a true luxury, yet more valuable is the friendship that has been forged. As long as I am in the cannabis industry, and for all my challenging legal decisions, I look forward to and trust the guidance of Connor & Connor.” – Harris Rittoff Redwood Cultivation

INHALE/EXHALE

elevatenv.com | september

Reader struggles with revealing cannabis use to conservative family members Dear Shoshanna, I’ve suffered with migraines my entire life. They are completely debilitating events and I am down and out for days at a time when one hits. I recently started using cannabis gummies to combat them and it has been life changing. As soon as I feel one coming on, I take a gummy and am able to immediately nip it in the bud. Here’s my problem, how do I explain to my very ultra-conservative family members that I am now using cannabis? I ask because I don’t feel I should have to hide it. Cannabis has changed how I live now, and I would like to be able to share that with them. As well, I want to be able to consume it when I am around them. How do I have that difficult yet educational conversation with my otherwise closed-minded loved ones without alienating them? Dear Reader, I sympathize with you on your migraines and am pleased to hear that cannabis is making a difference for you in combatting them! When we say that cannabis can be life-changing, there are so many stories that can convey why, and yours is a great example. To your question, let’s start with knowing your audience. For instance, your family may voice the following concerns. What kind of role model are you being for consuming cannabis in the presence of children, or being under the influence of cannabis in front of your young cousins and nieces and nephews? What kind of example are you setting? We respect your right as an adult to make choices, just like we are able to consume alcohol, but why do you have to rub it in all of our faces? Why can't you keep your consumption of cannabis to yourself and not make the rest of us feel so uncomfortable? Now we have to explain cannabis to our kids! These are variations on the themes that you might encounter. Even harsher questions that assume when you are relaxed and not in pain that you are intoxicated and cannot be trusted to

perform basic functions or engage in polite conversation. Or sometimes, others might find your use of cannabis humorous. They might laugh when they ask you why you use it or make jokes as they try to engage you in conversation about it. Has this happened (yet)? It most assuredly will, LOL. People make jokes about cannabis when they sense it is something they want to try, but they are scared. People laugh when they are nervous, and they direct accusatory questions at you when what they really want is to a) have access to information they can trust and b) feel safe trying it out for themselves. So how do we engage in conscious communication about cannabis so that we can move through these stigma-related barriers with loved ones? I would start by asking if they understand why you have been consuming it. Do they understand the pain that you were in before? Do they understand the impact these migraines have been having on your life? On the life of your partner and your children? I would then tell them the story of how you became a cannabis consumer. Explain to them how you learned about it. List all the questions you had at the outset, the doubts you had as you experimented with different products and dosages and ratios of various cannabinoids. Then tell them when you figured out what works for you, what it was like when the migraines began to ratchet down in number and intensity, what it was like to finally be able to live your life without fear of migraines ruining your day, your week, your month or even your year. Describe how much better you feel. Describe the positive changes that this medicine has had on your life, from the standpoint of your physical health and from the standpoint of those closest to you.

Your family may appreciate being directed to resources that can explain the benefits and research of cannabis. There are reports, both government-issued and by advocacy groups, which shed

a lot of light on this subject. If there are specific concerns about you becoming addicted, there is plenty of literature on that as well (if you need referrals, please reach out to me at the email address listed below). The crucial piece of the conversation you wish to have with your family is knowing that you are doing nothing wrong and that as soon as you give your family enough information for them to see themselves in your shoes (they probably all have conditions they wish they could affect) they will be much more open and begin to learn from you, rather than judge reflexively out of ignorance. 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.

september | elevatenv.com 39

I would also be very honest. Explain the ways you have had to alter your routines that could be viewed as consequences as well. For instance, maybe you don't drive after you've taken a high dosage of THC. Demonstrate for them that you are aware of any tradeoffs that you are making so that you can be a responsible consumer. Remind them that these are tradeoffs that anyone on any number of pharmaceutical solutions for pain should be making and may not be. The emphasis here (and if you read this column regularly it will come as no surprise) being that we do not ask one another to justify the use of narcotics that make us downright loopy or which are even intended to put us to sleep. We do not interrogate one another as to whether we should be driving under the influence of Xanax or any number of other drugs. We act as if those questions do not need to be asked, as if we do not need to hold one another accountable. These questions only seem to come up when we are talking about consumers (including patients) taking their health into their own hands.

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

24. The Apothecary Shoppe theapothecaryshoppe.com 4240 W Flamingo Rd Ste #100 Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.740.4372

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

25a. The Grove TheGroveNV.com 1541 E Basin Ave Pahrump, NV 89048 775.556.0100

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

25b. The Grove TheGroveNV.com 4647 Swenson St Las Vegas, NV 89119 702.463.5777

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. Oasis Cannabis oasiscannabis.com 1800 S Industrial Rd Ste #180 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.420.2405

26a. The Source thesourcenv.com 2550 S Rainbow Blvd Ste #8 Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.708.2000

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

19. Planet 13 planet13lasvegas.com 2548 W Desert Inn Rd Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.206.1313

26b. The Source thesourcenv.com 9480 S Eastern Ave Ste #185 Henderson, NV 89123 702.708.2222

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

20a. Reef Dispensaries reefdispensaries.com 3400 Western Ave Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.475.6520

27a. Thrive Cannabis Markeplace thrivenevada.com 2755 W Cheyenne Ave Ste #103 North Las Vegas, NV 89032 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

20b. Reef Dispensaries reefdispensaries.com 1366 W Cheyenne Ave North Las Vegas, NV 89030 702.410.8032

27b.Thrive Cannabis Marketplace thrivenevada.com 3500 W Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-776-4144

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. Sahara Wellness 420sahara.com 420 E Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.478.5533

28. Top Notch THC topnotchthc.com 5630 Stephanie St Las Vegas, NV 89122 702.418.0420

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. ShowGrow showgrowlv.com 4850 S Fort Apache Rd Ste #100 Las Vegas, NV 89147 702.227.0511

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

23. Silver Sage Wellness sswlv.com 4626 W Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.802.3757

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elevatenv.com | september

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DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH

CBD libations infuse Las Vegas’ dining scene with a boost of wellness By Andrea Heerdt The cannabis industry is experiencing a cultural shift and knows its target market isn’t strictly limited to stereotypical THCseeking stoners anymore. Many restaurants in Southern Nevada are expanding their menus to incorporate items infused with CBD, the second most abundant cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. This cannabinoid isn’t intoxicating like THC, but it’s known by the cannabis industry to be a powerful anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving agent, and a mood relaxer. There are a number of CBDinfused libations available around the Las Vegas Valley at health-oriented cafes and juice bars that will quench your thirst, alleviate your pain, and boost your mood.

elevatenv.com | september

FEELING CANNABLISSED

On a hot Las Vegas afternoon nothing will quench your thirst quite like VegeNation’s Cannabliss Kombucha. This plant-based restaurant with two locations in the Las Vegas Valley offers a one-of-a-kind pineapple kombucha that will awaken your senses with ingredients of ginger, turmeric, black pepper, lime, and CBD oil. It not only tastes refreshing, but also offers a number of health benefits. In addition to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric, a few drops of CBD will lighten your mood and leave you feeling relaxed but not intoxicated. The kombucha VegeNation uses is a fermented tea that’s naturally effervescent with living probiotics, amino acids, polyphenols, and active enzymes. It’s also vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. The only item on the menu containing CBD, Cannabliss Kombucha is tart, slightly carbonated and contains a bit of a spicy aftertaste resulting from the black pepper. Its fresh and invigorating ingredients will leave you feeling rejuvenated and satisfied after sipping on this light, fun drink. vegenationlv.com

STAR POWER

In addition to locations in California, Utah, and Oregon, Juice Stars has six locations in the Las Vegas area. For those interested in adding CBD oil to the wwrestaurant’s signature juices and smoothies there are ample possibilities to select from. Customers can pick from single juice options that include orange, celery, apple, cucumber, pineapple, carrot, watermelon, coconut, or beet, or pick a more sophisticated smoothie like the green goddess which combines spinach, kale, banana, mango, pineapple, cilantro, basil, flax seeds, and coconut milk. In addition to adding a few drops of CBD oil to elevate your mood, customers trying to fight off a cold or illness can add booster shots like the flu-fighter for an added health kick and immunity boosting-power. juicestars.com

TEA FOR TRANQUILITY

Although there are no dine-in options at ReLeaf, this local dispensary offers a wide variety of CBD products with an emphasis on health and wellness including a line of CBDinfused teas from Baskin Essentials. With flavors of blood orange, chamomile, and peppermint, each contain unique flavors combined with 25 milligrams of CBD per serving. Blood orange is delicious when steeped and poured over ice. With a blend of citrus flavors and a slight hint of vanilla, the blood orange tea is designed to improve your mood and reduce anxiety. The peppermint variety is designed to enjoy before or after a meal to help boost your metabolism and contains a flavor profile that will delight your senses. With tea leaves imported from Egypt, the chamomile flavor is an excellent nighttime tea that is extra soothing when served warm. Make it a staple of your bedtime routine and cozy up with a warm cup of CBD chamomile to unwind after a long day. lasvegasreleaf.com