Munkey Biz Issue 16

MUNKEY BIZ

ISSUE #16

Content

PAGE 8

Blunt Walk With Rafael

Spark a blunt and take a stroll with Happy Munkey’s Rafael as he heads on a New York City art adventure!

PAGE 16

Women in Cannabis Lobby Day

Join the CannaDivas & Women Grow for the 2021 New York State Women In Cannabis Lobby Day!

PAGE 19

Happy Munkey On ClubHouse

HAVE YOU HEARD?? Happy Munkey is on the new hit app ClubHouse! Tune in to hear all about it!

PAGE 28

Responsibility In Cannabis

Hear from a industry leading CEO on why diversity in Cannabis is a must, not just in theory but in practice!

PAGE 26

No Auction

Legalization looks to be only 30 Days away, Tell Gov. Cuomo Auctioning off Adult Use licenses means no equity for NY!

PAGE 20

Love Found & Love Lost

Spice up your life with the trial and tribulations of finding love with the Munkey Tribe.

PAGE 46

Cheffin' it UP!

Check out fun & tasty recipes from the Green Panther Chef and Chef Sebastian Carosi!

PAGE 52

Kicks 4 da Kulture

March is AirMax Month! Join Happy Munkey’s Jose Rozay on a journey through his favorite AirMaxes to date.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

High and Happy March Happy Munkey Fam! This month is Women’s Month and I personally want to shout out to all the amazing women in my life that day in and day out are real life superheroes! This month we have a spectacular issue highlighting and featuring amazing women from all over the Munkey Tribe.

On another note, April 1st Gov. Cuomo plans to pass a New York cannabis legalization bill that would auction off the adult-use licenses and essentially box out the culture! Wealth and ownership needs to stay in New York, with the people, not auctioned off to the highest bidder! So please head to Happymunkey.com and sign our NO AUCTION petition today!

Before I leave y’all, word on the Boulevard is that Happy Munkey will be in South Beach next month for 4/20! So definitely stay tuned for more details coming your way very soon!

Until next month, Choose Happy my friends!!!

David

Happy Munkey

Call Our Happy Munkey Hotline

TERPENE OF THE MONTH

Humulene

Humulene is one of the most common terpenes to occur in cannabis. In addition to cannabis. Humulene was first found in the essential oils of humulus lupulus (or common hops), a species of plant in the hemp family that gives beer its distinctive bitter “hoppy” taste. Depending on the other terpenes present in a strain, humulene can give cannabis a beer-like scent, too.

Elsewhere, its aroma is subtle: earthy and woody, with spicy, herbal notes. You’ll also find humulene in coriander, basil, clove, black pepper, sage, and the balsam fir tree. In cannabis, you’ll find it most often in sativa strains.

Potential Medical Effects: Anti-inflammatory Antitumor

Rafael Blunt Walk

Now February is usually a mixed bag in New York, it could be an early spring leading into a very hot summer or it could be the icy hell that it was this year. Now between couch lock and being snowed in by a two-day snowstorm, I decided I had to brave the icy streets. My plan to defeat cabin fever was to visit the Museum of Modern Art because I heard they renovated some of the floors and even had some new exhibits. But before I braved the icy tundra that was NYC I had to prepare. Normally for a trip like this, I would smoke a blunt while walking around the block but due to the weather, smoking would freeze my face and hands with bone-chilling winds. That doesn’t mean I didn’t roll a couple anyway to give it a good college try. Knowing I couldn’t rely on just the blunts, I decided to hedge my bets with some edibles. Now I would not recommend this for the faint of heart because edibles are no joke and if you take them as such they will fuck up your day royally. I would only recommend taking 25 mg max for your first go but if you are like me, you can enjoy a velvety chocolate 400 mg brownie straight to the face, right before you leave your house. If my timing

was right I had about an hour or so before the smacked train pulled into the station. So I ran downstairs and I was greeted with the most violent gust of wind like Mother Nature was rushing me back to my house. I was determined so I bundled up tighter and pushed towards the Train.

Once I arrived at the B train I realized that there was a 15-minute delay before the actual train got there. 15 minutes isn’t a long time for a regular person waiting on a train platform but for somebody that’s about to take off into space, it was a nightmare, It threw my edible timing completely off. By the time the train was rolling into the station, I could already feel my shoulders get looser as if I were swimming in a warm pool. I boarded the train and stood against the door to brace myself as the car swayed back and forth, music flooding in my ears accenting every bump and grind of the train on the rails. The high was just beginning--it was like the romance stage of the brownie and Raf relationship. I caught myself giggling at random shit on the train, people must’ve thought I was insane, but I had my mask on so I felt incognito (Truly I wasn’t

though, I was stumbling over a bunch of shit thinking back on it now.). As I got off on 7th Avenue I was drifting back up to the horrid temperature waiting for me outside. With the edible fully kicking in, I could barely feel the cold anymore, so I took advantage. I grabbed a coffee from a lunch cart and gave the guy a generous tip cause he only had coins as change and in my state, I couldn’t deal with change. Then I sat on one of the benches across from the MoMa and lit one of the blunts. Usually, I wouldn’t be able to pull this off but my confidence was on 1000% and with the cold, security wasn’t going to take that L. I caught myself staring up in the sky, following plane trails, and admiring the mammoth skyscrapers that hugged the city around me. As a New Yorker sometimes you forget to look up because you’re so focused on what’s ahead but in these still moments you get to appreciate the scale of the city and step into the shoes of a tourist staring in awe of all the buildings. Though the city might look grimy and gritty the beauty of the city isn’t lost on me, not for a second. As I finish having these introspective thoughts I toss my blunt and coffee. I make my way across the street with nearly closed eyes as I come face to face with the MoMa. As I enter the lobby, I can feel the blood rushing back to my weed comatose face as security takes my temperature. When I pulled up, the ticket taker knew what kind of time I was on, he pretty much just waved me through.

"As a New Yorker sometimes you forget to look up because you’re so focused on what’s ahead"

Now I could write a 20-page paper on my experience at the Moma but my editor refused to give me all that space. So let me take you through my route of the museum, This time around the MOMA only had five floors of exhibits so I started at the top. As I exit the elevator, the halls led to a large gallery where I caught eyes with Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. On a normal day it would be surrounded by people, but today I had it all to myself. I was lost in the colorful swirls and comforted by all the beautiful brushstrokes, It was like being welcomed by an old friend at a place you had forgotten. As a crowd started to form behind me I pressed on into a room full of turn-of-the-century art and mind blowing artists from all over the world. I would turn and I’d be staring at a Picasso with vibrant colors as if they were painted today, then I’d turn around again and I see Frida Kahlo fresh from cutting off her hair, which reminded me maybe I needed to do the same. I knew the brownie was kicking my ass when I caught myself sitting on a bench staring at a Monet for like 10 mins. I was overwhelmed, so I decided to head down to the next floor.

Once I got to 4, I could tell the difference immediately, the art was more colorful and playful. You could see less structure and more abstract work, like Jackson Pollock, where each one of his pieces is motion captured in its most rudimentary form. Each stroke, drizzle, line, and splatter flows into one another endlessly. I was lost in thought thinking about how he even started or where he ended. You also start to see the more modern art with Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans” which just got me hungry.

By this point, I had spent a lot of my time walking around, so I laid out on a bench to try and build up some stamina for this brownie, and during my rest, I heard the speakers say the MoMA is closing in 10 minutes in multiple languages. So I rushed down to 3, to at least get a glimpse at some Keith Haring work. As soon as I stepped onto the third floor exhibit, I was presented with a wall-to-wall Haring piece that took my breath away. It had men being abducted by spaceships, the classic dogs barking in a corner, and men being chased by snakes and crosses. Each character interlocking into another shape so perfectly, It looked like a puzzle and my mind was slowly scanning over it to put it together. I couldn’t get over the scale of it. Right as I’m picking my jaw up off the floor, I see security ushering everyone to the exit, but before they see me, I’m around the corner to soak up the last bit I can before I have to go. And of course I come face to face with another security guard and he definitely looked like he wanted to get off work, so I made my way to the exit feeling artistically satisfied and accomplished for the day. Then I exited the museum to the freezing cold reminder of why it was pretty much empty the whole day. I shuffled my way back uptown on the train, to my comfy cabin till the next time I was brave enough to go out and see my shadow, most likely for more dutches.

High & Her larious

March is Women’s month and we want to honor the women of the sketch comedy team called “HERlarious Bones”! We write and produce our own sketch show that we stream via YouTube and various platforms. The best part is we are all ladies and I’m honored to be part of the team. Take a look at all “HERlarious Bones”!!!

Herlarious Core Bones consist of 6 amazing, diverse, funny and talented gals. Rachel La Loca Producer | Hailey Raphael Director | Laura Michelle Head Writer | Carmen Mendoza : Asst. Writer | Black Rose: Production |Yaya Vargas: Production

Together these ladies bring laughs with their Woman Empowerment sketches and what makes it so fun to me is the general team’s appreciation for cannabis. We incorporate a lot of our daily lives in our writing and our chemistry is undeniable. I think I speak for a lot of us when we say that creativity is enhanced when we ingest cannabis. I have no problem playing that stoner girl and rep for the culture.

Breaking barriers and taboos, the Herlarious Bones are definitely setting the mark. Being able to shift from performing live at sold out shows to then going virtual due to the pandemic and still being able to bring the laughs, shows how badass the HERlariousBones are. That’s why I had to make sure I show my appreciation to them and all the other Herlarious Cast-mates we’ve had the pleasure to work with during Women's Month.

SO WHY DO WE ENJOY CANNABIS IN OUR CREATIVE WORLD. HERE ARE SOME OF THE STONER BONE’S REPLY:

It releases inhibitions yet brings my creative OCD to the surface all at once

I’m funny but on cannibas

I’m stupid funny and I love it. It’s like the comedy flood gates open as soon as I take the first toke.

In my head, MJ creates an herbal safe space for my comedy. After smoking a fat one, the only thing with a filter was that joint.

I HOPE ALL THE WONDERFUL WOMEN OF THE HAPPY MUNKEY FAMILY KNOW HOW WONDERFUL YOU ALL ARE. CREATE, LOVE, PROTECT, NURTURE AND BE EVERY WOMAN YOU CAN BE. BE WILD, BE FREE AND DARLING DON’T FORGET TO GIVE EM HELL

LOVE ALWAYS

BLACK ROSE

Yaya Vargas:

Black R0se:

Rachel La Loca:

photos by Brittainy Newman

Women In Cannabis LOBBY DAY

Written by Kimber Arezzi and Kait Caridi

On March 8th 2021 The CannaDiva is supporting the “Women In Cannabis Lobby Day” sponsored by WomenGrow and Drug Policy Alliance. Also known as International Women's Day (IWD), March 8th spotlights different political, cultural, and economic achievements of women while marking the call to action for accelerating women's equality.

Women in Cannabis Lobby Day 2021 will be a virtual event full of opportunities to activate and educate, all while bringing you information to help you understand the road to legalization and introduce you to women leaders in the NYS Cannabis community. Help amplify our voice by joining us March 8th as we unite in requesting a legal, fair and accessible cannabis program that doesn't criminalize.

EMAIL US AT HELLO@CANNADIVA.COM AND TELL US WHAT MAKES YOU A CANNADIVA! FOLLOW US ON IG AT @THECANNADIVA

WHY THE CANNADIVAS FIGHT

KAIT:

High!! My name is Kait, I'm the Social Media Director and Event Coordinator of The CannaDiva; a community of Womxn in cannabis consisting of entrepreneurs, patients, caregivers, advocates, moms and everything in between. I came to this space as a longtime cannabis consumer. I never understood the business side of cannabis and I didn't even consider the plant as medicine.

Tanya Osborne, the Founder of CannaDiva, LLC invited me to my first WomenGrow event in 2017. I eagerly sat in the front row to learn about "Cannabis: The Exit Drug to Opioid Addiction". With pen and paper in hand, I jotted down tons of notes. It was there that I first heard about the endocannabinoid system and our receptors. I also learned about organizations like 'StartSmart Coalition' and 'Drug Policy Alliance'. I was amazed by all the information given by an entire panel of women, in a room full of women! There were doctors, nurses, caregivers, moms, patients, and advocates. The energy was HIGHly inspirational! I started volunteering at monthly WomenGrow events, which allowed me to network with others in the cannabis community! From there, I got into social media and event production, working for various cannabis brands and organizations. I'm so excited that New York State is closer now than ever to Adult-use legalization. Join The CannaDivas and me as we Lobby for legalization to be done the right way.

KIMBER:

Hello, HIGH!!! I'm Kimber. I'm the Education Director for The CannaDiva. There is nothing I love more than sharing the benefits of adding cannabis to our daily diet and why this plant is essential to our search for physical and mental health.

Although I've been using cannabis since 1995, I didn't consider myself a patient until I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition in 2002. It took months to diagnose it, but one thing was consistent -- constant and chronic inflammation. No matter how many medications I was given, the symptoms would repeat. Only cannabis helped me find a way to move forward. How could one plant offer so many options?

In 2018, my high school friend Tracey Henry, a publicist in the cannabis industry, introduced me to CBD and the various research being done for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a parent of a 9-year-old with ASD and sensory issues, I was fascinated and inspired by the results. Then she invited me to a Women Grow meeting and changed my life. She wanted me to see that there was an entire business world around this same plant that I swore saved my sanity and health -- and that there was a way for me "transition" my career in retail development to cannabis. That night I listened to a room full of leaders who shared how their personal cannabis experience led them to become educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates. I was inspired to be all of those things but had no idea how to even get started. As the night went on Tracey whispered and pointed, "That's Tanya Osborne. You NEED to know her. Come on - I'll introduce you."

From there, I became a monthly volunteer with Kait, and I found my place in the community. I was able to feed my entrepreneurial spirit and developed a line of single-dose CBD, Chime&Chill, that was MCTfree. As the organization helped support my brand, I helped members build their own brands, source products, and find their space.

A year later, the CannaDiva Community, led by Tanya, spun off to continue to connect with Women Grow and welcome the canna-curious and intersectionality representing women in this industry. I am thrilled to be invited as an inaugural member.

As NYS moves closer to Adult Use, I'm hoping that our Lobby Day will show our legislators why we need a fair and equitable program, as well as an expanded medical program.

photos by Owen Madigan

HAPPY MUNKEY IS ON CLUBHOUSE

BY DAVID HERNANDEZ

What’s up Happy Munkey Fam, have you HEARD Happy Munkey is on ClubHouse!?! Yes you read that right, your favorite lifestyle brand is now on the newest app taking over the social media space!

For those of you who are not familiar with ClubHouse, to put it simply the app is a social networking platform based solely on live audio. Like a decentralized radio / podcast station anyone with an invite and an Iphone can jump on and be part of chatrooms with everyone from your local mailman to ELON FUCKING MUSK. The diversity of content on ClubHouse is insane. Just browsing through the app you can bounce between conversations about politics and microdosing shrooms to first date horror stories curated by 21 Savage and NORE. What makes ClubHouse so special is that you can do more than just sit in and listen, you can jump on the virtual panel too and have your voice heard. Creating a space for community and idea sharing that has been almost impossible during the Covid-19 lockdowns. It was only natural that Happy Munkey would jump on ClubHouse and start putting together rooms to spread the Munkey Vibes Coronavirus has been preventing us from sharing.

If you are on the app make sure to connect with the Munkey Crew on the app by searching for Happy Munkey, and be on the lookout for new rooms and many more surprises as ClubHouse grows!

It Aint Mine But It Hits Good

BY MSS OREGON

Everyone's had that one spliff that just keeps going out no matter how many times you light it. You look at your perfectly rolled blunt and question your own skills like: did I roll it too tight? Or maybe the weed was still wet… wait wait nah nah it was the paper that's right the rello that was defective & it’s no way it could have been you. Cause with all the effort and right ingredients this shit should be hitting like a pro. I swear that’s how dating feels. Things seem great then they just go out & you keep trying but the shit ain’t right.

Like it's not always about the looks. It could be beautifully rolled. You can even make sure you have the best intentions stuffed inside. For the most part, it hits and shit tastes good but you gotta keep lighting it or stopping it from running, WHY? Why can't shit just catch on its own? Why do we put so much effort on some shit that ain’t gonna stay lit long enough to get you high or do shit for you? No one likes wasting their weed or their heart. But we've all done it.

For 5 months I was smoking someone

else’s weed or should I say dating someone else’s man and didn't even know it. It tasted so good & everything except one key element seemed perfect... He'd leave in the middle of the night. We could spend the entire day together but once 4am hit, that blunt was gone! I was in no rush to play house and so him leaving never bothered me and was secretly preferred. To be honest, I never buy just one kind of weed when I shop anyway. So when he had to go, I could tend to my other priorities. Them good morning text come in strong after 7 AM and if you’re in my bed you’re gonna hear every damn ding. And I mean I'm not a player, I just crush a lot & my life brings on lots of prospects. But that all gets ignored when you think you got that right match, even with them big ass red flags. Literally, a red flag could fall on my head and I'd ignore it because he fucks me good, buys me jewelry, doesn't call too much & feeds me tacos upon request.

I mean they all look like white flags when your twitterpated and each kiss is the equivalent of your 1st hit of weed.

You know the way the smoke feels on your tongue and your head starts feeling clouded. There are no real thoughts coming in just stares and giggles. We'd lay and play with each other’s fingertips and talk about running away together. I was so high off this perfectly rolled blunt that I didn't even realize it was some reggie & I never questioned where it came from when in all realness I shoulda pulled up leafly info on this MF

I mean I had other weed I could have rolled up but I thought I had found a strain that I liked and I swear I was gonna try and grow that shit at home myself. Recently it has come to my realization that no matter how I try to roll with this weed it’s gonna run. The rello is irrelevant, there is no backwood, swisher or dutch that could help keep shit running smoothly. Some strains are just not that good in blunts & your better off just trying something else.

What's a side piece?

A side piece is someone you are intimate with on a regular basis. The catch is your spouse doesn't know. Often as a side piece you can expect a half ass relationship because the person is not fully yours. Most of us wouldn’t want to be someone's dirty little secret. Then there are some who see value in the rewards of this position such as gifts, getaways, good sex, money and someone else does thier laundry. Being or having a side piece can be dangerous and cause a ton of drama. Be wise in your decisions and remember that what comes around goes around.

5 ways to tell if your a side piece:

They don’t stay the night

They don’t take you out in public

You’ve never spent a Holiday together

They’re always in different vehicles

They don’t take no pictures with you

Don’t be a lost nug under a couch, if you have a dating story that should be shared please send them to+ my IG @Mss_Oregon for a chance to be featured in this column.

Dating Weed &

By Stu Zakim

W

ith Munkey Biz celebrating Women and Weed, I thought in keeping with the theme, let’s talk about Weed and dating.

I’ve been divorced for 10 years and like many others, used the variety of online dating sites to meet women. From OK Cupid to Match to JDate to Hinge and Bumble, I’ve been on them all. The one constant in each of the sites is creating a profile. While many feature some very good creative writing (which you only find out after you’ve met), I believe in transparency and give honest answers, trying to give my potential date a feeling for who I am. And, as a major part of me is Cannabis and the lifestyle and community I’m involved with personally and professionally, I am crystal clear about that in my profile and looking for the same in a potential partner.

Now, after another solo Valentine’s Day, I’ve come to some conclusions: there’s a lot of women of my generation who don’t read my profile before reaching out. Also, there’s a lot of “closet” smokers who lie on their profile when asked, but once they realize I do, it helps break the ice. It’s come to the point where I can tell which one they are within minutes once we speak on the phone to determine if we want to meet in person.

Anyone who knows me knows it takes about two seconds for me to mention Cannabis in any conversation. So, when they ask what I do - I run my own PR firm with clients in the media, entertainment and Cannabis space - their replies are the tell. After we talk about the movies and tv shows I’ve worked on, when Cannabis comes up, when they are silent or say, “Cannabis? Isn’t that illegal,” that tells me we are not compatible. When they say, “wow,” that’s cool,” or “that’s interesting,” or even better, “So, I read in your profile you’re in the Cannabis industry,” I know there’s a good chance they currently smoke or have no issues with someone who does.

Cannabis isn’t the only common interest that I look for when browsing the sites; physical attraction, politics, style and shared interests all play a part in wanting to have a conversation and meet in person. But, as many Munkey readers will agree, it’s not about the high, it’s the culture - wake and bake - and other shared experiences that can create a real foundation for a relationship.

Munkey Biz readers, if you know anyone…. Till next month.

Munkey Munchies

GREENBERG'S BAGELS

By David Hernandez

High & welcome back Happy Munkey Family to the latest installment of Munkey Munchies! This month’s pick goes out to my Wake & Bakers, my true breakfast enthusiasts; I am talking about none other than Greenberg’s Bagels. As a born and bred New Yorker one thing I take seriously is bagels, and I can confidently say the people at Greenberg’s deliver! They take making exceptional bagels one step further by crafting arguably one of the best bagel sandwiches in NYC. With menu items like “The SmokedDZA Benedict” it is clear Greenberg’s is for the kulture. This bagel shop has gone so far as to collab with New York Nico, Sidetalk NYC, Cinematic Group, Dee & Ricky, Morgansterns and Happy Munkey Fam Mikey Likes It!

I started my day with a healthy Wake & Bake of hash rosin and then headed to Bedford Avenue right off the G train. I had the inside scoop and knew Greenberg’s had adapted to the “new normal” of Covid, requiring all orders to be placed online. So I placed my order on the subway ride over and timed my pickup almost perfectly. I ordered the Brooklyn Ang (fried eggs, cheddar, hash-brown, avocado, mayo, ketchup, and Mike’s Hot honey) on an everything bagel, and my high ass couldn’t help but add sausage too. When my order was ready at the takeout counter, I wasted no time and busted that bad boi open! High or not the added sausage was a movie and the entire sandwich exceeded my expectations!

I haven’t had the pleasure of trying any of their savory lunch / dinner sandwiches but seeing how masterfully they put together breakfast I am certain there isn’t a thing on their menu that doesn’t ring bells like Church at 12’Oclock! Don’t sleep on the Mike’s Hot Honey and make sure to head to Brooklyn to get you some Greenberg’s Bagels ASAP!

photos by Mike Englund

Why Auctions will kill Social Equity in New York and beyond

BY: FREDERIKA EASLEY THE PEOPLE’S HOLDINGS

For years there has been talk about legalizing adult use cannabis in NY. It appears that 2021 might be the year it happens. With efforts in Connecticut and New Jersey underway and unprecedented budget deficits due to the pandemic, there is motivation to get it done-New York does not want to miss out on tax dollars. By 2025, in NY alone, the cannabis industry is estimated to be worth over $7 Billion.

But the devils in the details when it comes to how we’ll legalize here in NY. The Governor dropped his proposal last month and recently released a few tweaks to take care of the pushback he’s been receiving. However, still tucked away in there are six little lines that not enough people are talking about-- he is proposing to AUCTION off the licenses to operate day one in the new adult-use industry.

That’s right, Gov. Cuomo plans to sell the adult use market to the highest bidder. We know only a select group of all white-owned corporates will be able to take part.

This means everyday New Yorkers will be priced out and the very people, Black and Brown folks, who have been over policed, harassed and jailed will not be able to participate in the industry they created. Simply put, an auction means no equity!

We cannot let that happen! The voices of the people are needed now more than ever.

We know that this is not only wrong, it’s going to set the new legal industry in NY up for failure. In California they did not create pathways for people from the legacy market to join the legal economy and the legal economy couldn’t compete-- tax revenues got deferred, it was a mess. Not to mention, when cannabis is federally legalized, this auction would mean New Yorkers are blocked out of being competitive in the new national industry.

Gov. Cuomo needs to know that we ain’t going for the okeydoke. We will not be distracted. We don’t just want crumbs we want thick ass slices of the pie!

He may try to offer our communities a bone here and there, but we have to peep game and let him know-- this is OUR NY and our communities should continue to be the foundation of the industry, not blocked out and sold out.

The final decision will be made in April, so we have 30 days to let our voices be heard! Sign our NO AUCTION petition and call your state legislators TODAY! Share it on social media, let your folks know, and have them take action!

photos by Calvin Schneider

Corporate Responsibility in Cannabis

By Jamie L Pearson

It’s 2021, the year after George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s murders ripped the Band-aid off America’s racial wound. Conversations about the racial divide transcended into a collective, global, eyeopening that brought overt and covert discrimination of non-white people to light in a meaningful way. Black Lives Matters protests took place around the world and the globe was on fire for social justice. It was a hopeful and sensational time, and ironic considering we had a white supremacist in the White House calling neo-Nazi’s “very fine people.”

Where are we nine months later? The mainstream conversations around race have all but stopped. The topic is “so yesterday” like Tiger King. But we can’t put the genie back in the bottle. We know what we know. We know racism is alive and well, and we also know DIVERSITY WORKS. Extensive research shows companies with diverse leadership teams and boards outperform competitors, improve return on investment to stakeholders, and thrive during economic recessions. Corporate leaders are aware of the diversity, or better put, lack of

diversity problem. Yet it persists. Today, just 24 Fortune 500 CEOs are female, three are Black, and one is openly gay. Diversity is a key ingredient in performance success and the research numbers shout that from the rooftop, but the needle isn’t moving. Why?

"Diversity is a key ingredient in performance success and the research numbers shout that from the rooftops..."

In the Fall of 2018, the CEO/Founder of our company asked me to be on the board as we were preparing to go public. He said, “Even though you don’t have public company experience, we need some diversity on our board.” I’m sure he said more than that, but this was the part that sticks out in my memory. I also remember asking, “Who else would I be on the board with?” He sent me the photos and bios of four, white men, all with impressive backgrounds and educations. After seeing the group, I responded, “I would consider being on

the board if you add a person of color or replace one of these men with a Black or Brown person. I will not be the lone token.” He said, “Why do you always have to be a special, fucking flower?”

My answer to his question is the same answer to that “why” question above. Why do I have to be a “special flower”? Because it is my responsibility to use power ethically. My personal ethos requires that I deliberately look for opportunities in front of me to change what I can. Our CEO could have refused my demand, but instead, he replaced one of those men with a very

accomplished Black man who didn’t have board experience. It was a win-win. Our company board now has gender and racial diversity, and through this simple request, another, qualified Black person has public board experience.

If this were any other data set, diversity would be imperative. If the research showed companies who wear turquoise uniforms outperform their competitors, improve returns, and thrive when the chips are down, turquoise uniform providers wouldn’t be able to keep up with demand. Obviously, the issue of diversity is more complicated than

uniforms, but the point is we understand and value the “why.” But make no mistake, the solution requires white people to change behavior – not Black and Brown people. This is a white problem. We can’t expect the very people who have limited access to power, decision making, and experience to suddenly have access and experience. Which brings us to the crux of the real problem. Asking or expecting white people to give up our privileged position evokes fear. Fear is a response to the unknown. It results in “what if” questions and creates a self-perpetuating cycle of more fear. What if we all lose our jobs? or Is it going to be normal to discriminate against white people? Fear stems from living in a “perspective of lack” or belief there isn’t enough.

I believe the world is abundant and there is enough for everybody. I have faith (and personal experience) that when we consciously change our mindset from fearing loss to having faith in abundance, it shows up. What isn’t working is the current framework where very few white people have a lot and everybody else fights for scraps. Our entire world will improve when we tap into the abundance that exists and choose faith over fear.

A bright & productive economy depends on diverse executive teams and boards becoming the norm

"Make no mistake, the solution requires white people to change behavior – not Black and Brown people."

The next sentence sounds cliché but it needs to be contemplated. A bright and productive economy depends on diverse executive teams and boards becoming the norm. We perpetually fill our circles with people who look like us, sound like us and think like us. Diversification requires the deliberate disruption of hiring and promoting from within our comfortable (read: white) circles.

run by white people, are making fortunes while those Black and Brown citizens are still imprisoned. This is unconscionable. It is time for us to target and profile Black and Brown people for leadership and board positions and get the others free to be with their families and contribute to society as productive citizens.

•Companies with diversity are statistically more profitable.

•Companies with gender and racially diverse executive teams provided 35% higher EBIT and 33% more long-term value creation over the least racially diverse companies. (source: McKinsey study)

Achieving diversity means we have to look outside our circles and deliberately find people to hire and promote who don’t look like us and talk like us and think like us – on purpose.

The cannabis industry owes a debt to the 30,000 (you read that number right) Black and Brown people rotting in prison for non-violent, cannabis possession. It’s a statistic that is unsurprisingly similar to the disproportionate number of unarmed Black and Brown people killed by the police. Black and Brown people in America are systematically targeted, profiled, and kept down. The prisoners to whom I refer weren’t committing crimes. They were possessing cannabis. Now cannabis companies, overwhelmingly

•Companies with diversity will have a hiring advantage. “By the year 2025, 75% of the global workforce will be made up of millennials. The 2018 Deloitte Millennial Survey shows that 74% believe their organization is more innovative when it has a culture of inclusion. If businesses are looking to hire and sustain a millennial workforce, diversity must be a key part of the company culture They have a unique perspective on diversity and will control the leadership roles in the coming decade. While older generations view diversity through the lens of race, demographics, equality and representation, millennials see diversity as the desired norm.”

The cannabis industry is precisely the right place to start building a bright and productive economy

Fast forward to this year. I am now the CEO of our company in addition to being on the board, and recently was having a conversation about adding a new board member. I said, “We should look outside our circles and find a Black or Brown person.” The response was, “Shouldn’t we be looking for the most qualified candidate regardless of race?” Many people reading this are probably thinking, “Yeah, don’t you have an obligation to find the most qualified person?” and “Isn’t looking for a person of color reverse racism?” The assumption underlying these questions is that white men are automatically the most qualified. This flies in the face of the research which shows that diversity is the special sauce to buoyed success. I submit we have a responsibility to find Black and Brown people, especially in the cannabis industry. The cannabis industry is precisely the right place to start building a bright and productive economy. Our companies will be more profitable and sustainable. It’s a no-brainer. I am looking to nominate a qualified

Black or Brown person to our board. “Can you send me impressive Black and Brown people who are ready to lead and bring strong perspectives to a new way of doing business?”” I am currently asking these questions to tap circles other than mine. I believe it is a moral imperative. I believe these qualified candidates exist, even though they may not be in my personal circle. I believe the research.

Our board and our company will be better and more profitable if we have diversity of thought; and as long as I have the position and ability to make demands and nominate candidates, I will continue to do this intentionally.

A new forest is planted one tree at a time – a powerful image illustrating the impact one individual can have on the world by planting one seed at a time. A single person can make a difference if that is the intention. I am determined to use my power, energy and focus to plant the seeds of diversity. Corporate responsibility in cannabis means those with power and ability should join me.

A single person can make a difference if that is the intention

photos by KhamdoArt

BY: DAVID HERNANDEZ

Forthe Gulture!

What’s good Happy Munkey Fam! This month to give y’all a taste of the lesser known, yet vibrant and thriving New York City cannabis community, I linked up with my 1st Ave Homies to learn a little more about the “Gulture”. On a frigid New York morning I met up with Hunter B (rapper, cocreator and vibe-setter of the Gulture movement) in front of the 1199 Housing development. From there we headed into the building through a maze of indoor and outdoor hallways until we made it to a gorgeous outdoor terrace that overlooked the East River and Randalls Island. In shock I made sure to stop and take in the view

pushing to the same goal. It came about while Hunter was in high school as a collaborative effort between the East Harlem movements LoudPack and GroovePack. Whether be it a musician, visual artist, or model the collective supports and delivers feedback, good energy, and mutual support. For Hunter specifically, the Gulture has been an instrumental source of positive energy in his own music career. As our joints finished, we ashed our smoke and made it back outside.

and had Happy Munkey’s Rafael snap a few photos, before Hunter ushered us into the final destination, “The Cases”. As most native New Yorkers know, it is a rite of passage to smoke in staircases, and for “the Gulture” staircases is where all the main cyph sessions go down. Once chilling inside the staircase we started to roll up a few joints and sparked them. With the libations in the air Hunter explained The Gulture is an artist collective of like minded creatives all

Before heading out my last stop with Hunter was to check in with Greg A.K.A. Gregular, co-founder of the Gulture to hear more about how cannabis impacts and inspires the Gulture movement. Instantly when asked about cannabis, the energetic and Groovy Greg replied, “I smoke before I do anything. Hell I smoked before doing this interview”. For Greg and the Gulture cannabis is a tool to open creativity not close doors. Hunter B put it best when he said, “It’s not just about getting fried and being deady all day, I am in the zone now, I am a functional pothead”. A statement I know out Happy Munkey Family can definitely get behind!

Now that you all got a little insight into what East Harlem is cooking up, be on the lookout for big things to be coming your way! Until next time keep doing it for the Gulture and always choose Happy!

"It's not just about getting fried and being deady all day, I am in the zone now, I am a functional pothead"

photo by Rafael Hernandez

photos by Jordan Hiraldo

HappyAccounting

Bitcoin: Claiming Taxes on Crypto Gains

Cannabis businesses face significant challenges when it comes to banking. While it’s not impossible for a cannabis operation to get a bank account, most banks balk at the idea of working with companies in the industry. As such, many dispensaries still operate as cash only. Due to difficulties when it comes to banking, some cannabis businesses have turned to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. While they haven’t been adopted on a mass scale yet, there are some significant benefits. You’ll also want to keep a few things in mind — for example, Crypto might not require a bank, but you can get taxed come April 15.

If you use (or you’re considering using) Bitcoin for your cannabis business, here’s what you need to know about taxes on your crypto gains.

Calculate Your Gains

To calculate your gains (or losses), you’ll first need to determine how much you made selling your crypto. Next, subtract how much you paid for it along with any fees you paid for selling it. The result leaves you with your realized gain — the figure the IRS taxes. Next, determine if your gains are short term or long term. If you held the cryptocurrency for less than a year, it’s a short-term gain. Holding crypto for more than a year turns it into a long-term gain. Knowing this information will help you to figure out your tax rate. The IRS taxes short-term gains as ordinary income. If you have longterm gains, you’ll have to pay a capital gains tax.

Fill Out IRS Form 8949

To report your crypto gains, you’ll need to complete IRS tax form 8949. The form requires you to provide the details of each of your transactions, including:

A description of the property (the amount and type of coin)

The dates you acquired and sold it

Proceeds

Adjustments (if any)

Your gain (or loss) from the transaction

Report the information for short-term gains in Section I of form 8949. Long-term gains get reported in Section II.

The IRS Treats Crypto as Property

The first thing you should know is that the IRS doesn’t treat crypto as money. Instead, it treats Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as property, and they’re taxed as such. Every time you sell, trade, or dispose of your currency, you create what’s known as a taxable event. Whether you sell it for cash or trade it for another coin, you’ll have to pay taxes on any gain you make. If you have the coins in a digital wallet, but you haven’t sold them or traded them, you have what’s known as an unrealized gain. These gains aren’t taxable.

Once you have completed the form, you’ll enter the numbers in the appropriate section of your regular tax forms and complete your taxes.

Help for Filing Taxes When You Accept Crypto

Tax planning and preparation already present a challenge to cannabis and hemp businesses. If you accept cryptocurrency, things become more complex. Fortunately, an experienced accountant like My Cannabis Accountant is available to help to simplify the process.

www.mycannabisaccountant.com

Every time you sell, trade, or dispose of your currency, you create what’s known as a taxable event

Munkey Movies

BY JAMES WYCHE

What's up Munkey Fam it's James in Baltimore hoping everyone is staying safe and high. March is Women's Month and when trying to find a stoner film that has female leads it was difficult to find. In most stoner films a woman is either the potential love interest of the main hero or is just used as eye candy for the people watching at home. Although as time has gone on one show, in particular, that portrays the life of the female stoner and the ups and downs that come along with it. The show I'm speaking about is Broad City. The show follows the lives of two friends, Ilana and Abbi, and their adventures in New York City. The characters are played by Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jackson, the series at first

was a web series but in 2013 the series was picked up by Comedy Central and premiered in 2014, lasting five seasons and ending in March 2019. There are several reoccurring characters throughout the series such as Lincoln played by Hannibal Burress and Chris Gethard who plays Todd. Cannabis is a big theme throughout the series because Ilana is the stereotypical female stoner and is a self-proclaimed Weed Kween. Meanwhile, Abbi partakes but isn't as big of a stoner as Ilana, primarily using after working at a gym all day to take the edge off. Abbi usually smokes only when Ilana has some, even though that changes when she finds out the interesting way Ilana transports her cannabis while walking through the city.

In the episode titled "Pu$$y Weed", Ilana comes over to Abbi's apartment, and when they're about to smoke Ilana takes her weed out of what she called "natures pocket". Funny enough I had a female friend who traveled across state lines with cannabis in her pocket. Thankfully I didn't smoke it... well, I hope I didn't. After this stomachchurning discovery, Abbi runs into the problem that 20 somethings who still smoke cannabis face, none of her college friends still partake anymore. One of the people Abbi called is nicknamed Cheese and is now a mother with stretched ears. When Abbi asks about buying weed, Cheese is shocked she still partakes. Hilariously when Abbi hangs up the phone, Cheese pops a pill and takes a sip of wine while one of her kids is running amuck in the background. Throughout the episode, she has mishaps while trying to find some weed and when she finally finds some she's not able to cope with how high she gets in public.

Ilana I think is my favorite character because of the lengths she goes to have cannabis but also her undeniable hustler mentality. In the episode titled "Rat Pack", after paying for an exterminator for her rat problem, Ilana and her roommate Jaimé have a party to recoup the money. Being the gracious host that she is Ilana constructs a weed charcuterie board comprised of different nugs she

had been saving for some time, and man did she have some interesting places she hid weed. She hid nugs in the walls, a bell pepper, inside Matryoshka dolls, and even inside her nose. While Abbi starts to match with people on tinder she goes through the process of weeding out the potential suitors. While this is all going on the rat that had thought been dead earlier in the episode is running around and Ilana has to find a way to kill it without letting her guests know. Even though I only spoke a few episodes I'd recommend this show to anyone, especially to our female readers who are looking for a show that perfectly portrays the life of a 20 something-year-old in New York City. I'm surprised with the success and popularity of this show that there aren't more mainstream or independent series with this same concept. Especially since the female stoner hasn't been accurately portrayed in a film or tv show to my knowledge before this. In real life, I feel as though we all knew girls whether in school or at our work that had the personality, Ilana or Abbi, to a Tee. There for you when times are hard, but also there for you with a joint and maybe doing some high jinxes while roaming around the city. There are five seasons of this show and if you are stuck in lockdown with your significant other, roommate, or by yourself; light up a joint and enjoy the adventures of Ilana and Abbi in the Broad City.

Cultivar of the Month

By Declan Mulligan

Welcome back Happy Munkey Fam! I would like to thank the editor for allowing me to ramble for the Cultivar of the Month! I’d quickly like to introduce myself, my name is Declan Mulligan and I am a Brooklyn resident of only one year. The vast majority of my life before the city was spent in Central New Jersey where the mystical medical program of the Garden State remained at a sort of impossible reach for years. The New Jersey medical program was quite difficult to approach on your own, even if having one of the few qualifying diagnoses. For myself finding a doctor and completing the process was a journey that started in 2014. I’m proud to say that just late last year, I was able to complete my journey under authentic terms. With my New Jersey medical card it has been a celebratory and fascinating time for me; actually driving in my homestate to

the covid-adaptive Harmony Dispensary, and purchasing legal medicine has been surreal. Things at Harmony are tucked away and sort of hidden in plain sight, but the pure system of purchase, quality of medicine, and diversity in the choice of medicine have really blown my mind; and I am here for it!

Now to speak on the bud. For the last two months, I’ve been traveling to Seacaucus almost weekly to try out different strains. Wanting to really ‘learn’ the menu and simultaneously find strains that work best for me medically and recreationally, I came across the ‘Nepali Queen’ which caters to almost everything I look for in indicadominant & indica strains. Opening the package at home, the flowers stunned me just by the sight, abundantly orange pistils poking out from top to bottom, dense, dense structure, and pleasant spectrum of green hues, mostly light green but with crackles of emerald here and there. The smell was majestic, a soury citrus and forestry pine mash-up hits the nostrils with a loud impact. It is really like a meadow of lemon trees in the middle of an evergreen forest. Majestic.

The hook, line, and sinker before I speak on the experience of ‘Nepali Queen’, is that of the THC potency. Cannonballing in at 32% THCa, 1% thc, and a healthy

1% CBG, the Queen by the cannabinoid stats smack alone. One could guess with the healthy, dense structure of the buds that it would be a strong flower, but having precise lab test stats available at the hand is a bonus. The terpene profile contributing to the lemony smell is that of Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Beta Myrcene, Bisabolol, Limonene, and Linalool (last month’s featured Terpene). The broad spectrum of different terps will have your senses ablaze when taking a whiff from the bag, but it’s hard not to break the buds up instantly for your preferred method of consumption. The Queen is an instantaneous cerebral explosion of relief. The smoke is incredibly smooth, tasty in the lemony and pine nature, but after an exhale, you can begin to feel any sense of worry or panic dissolve. Nepali Queen delivers an extreme stress reduction and converted all worries into an uplifted glazy focus. I felt like I was overcome with pink and purple clouds surrounding my head, like on a cold and windy mountain top. The potent bud is a heavy dosage, whether you’re trying to send it or not. Medically, this hits all of my bases, and in high doses at the right moments, recreationally it’s laughter and smiles, blissfully guiding yourself into a productive focus, and any prior memory is fogged over.

Genetically, the Space Queen (Romulan x Cinderella 99) was crossed with NorCal Nepali OG, and the Nepali Queen itself was born and bred (by breeder Subcool). Others have said similar strains in feeling are Super Lemon Haze, and Trainwreck, which are two that hallmark smokers can imagine quickly. As a proud Jersey Boy I can happily say, this is flower from the East Coast that I genuinely will reserve for night time smoking, or Panic Attacks. It is seriously potent and packs a punch that will have you drooling for more!

FIND THE THE MUNKEY

Latinx En Cannabis

Welcome Back Happy Munkey Fam! The Happy Munkey crew is bringing you another volume of standout Latinx individuals in the cannabis industry. There are a lot of Latinx people making huge strides in the cannabis industry and we plan to continue shining light on our entire Latinx cannaFam in future issues! Until then please enjoy our 6th installment of “Latinx En Cannabis”!

Vanessa Valdovinos

Vanessa is a proud Peruivan and Mexican, setting the tone for High End cannabis experiences in the Midwest. She is the founder of Hush Chicago which strives to highlight a positive culture of brands in cannabis by bringing distinct, professional, responsible, and fun experiences to the community. Vanessa is also a partner of the Cannivision Midwest Team where she podcasts and creates content to shine a light and spread the culture!

Jose Rozay

Let’s just start off with the facts, there is no one more legendary than Jose Rozay. The Unofficial “King of Outside” and Happy Munkey’s first brand ambassador Rozay has been an instrumental part of our legendary vibes! No question one of the drippiest people in the Munkey Tribe, Rozay constantly sets the tone for fashion and the ZAZA. A proud Dominican repping the iconic 156 in Washington Heights, Rozay is undoubtedly putting on for NYC CannaCulture heavy!

Rachel Strauss-Muniz

Rachel “La Loca” Strauss-Muniz is an actor, producer, comedienne, podcaster and writer. Rachel is the host of the smash hit podcast, “Latinos Out Loud” where she hilariously highlights standout Latinos, and has even had our founders Vlad & Ramon on as guests! Rachel is a proud Dominican and Happy Munkey Tribe member, who has continuously pushed the cannabis boundaries in her creative work! Effortlessly she inspires those around her to be better and strive for more!

10 ways Cannabis can help improve Women's Health & Wellness

By Estefania Valencia & Salam Diri

This month of March we honor Women in history and their contributions to our society. Inspired by this powerful Feminine Energy, we decided to discuss some of the ways women can use Cannabis to improve their lives by enhancing their health; mind, body & spirit.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a self regulatory system that manages many vital functions in the body. The ECS maintains balance (homeostasis) within all of the organ systems helping the body adapt and respond to stressors in the environment accordingly. It plays a major role in regulating functions like temperature, mood, memory, sleeping, pleasure, reproduction, pain, immunity, and the reward system.

The ECS is composed of neurotransmitters also known as endocannabinoids which function as signaling molecules that bind to receptor sites located throughout the body. The most well known receptors are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are concentrated all over the central nervous system, including the brain and the spine. The CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system, organs, skin and immune cells.

body when used appropriately by optimizing endocannabinoid system function.

The ECS has been closely associated with the function of major endocrine glands located in the brain, responsible for women's reproductive system function and hormone balance. Women have been using cannabis for gynecological health purposes for thousands of years, according to renowned cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo. Ancient texts in China, Persia, Israel/ Palestine, and Syria all recommended cannabis for an array of complaints that impact women, including painful cramps, bloating, abnormal bleeding, menopausal symptoms, and urinary tract infections. In ancient Europe, women helped ease their contractions during childbirth by grinding cannabis into honey and introducing the botanical substance vaginally.

Below are 10 ways Cannabis can help improve Women's health & wellness

1. Cannabis can help improve menstrual pain and other PMS symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea by reducing inflammation and relaxing abdominal contractions

2. Cannabis can help improve the quality of sleep. Helping women fall asleep faster and wake up less often.

3. Cannabis can help temperature regulation, by inducing a cooling effect which can help manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes

Cannabis contains molecules known as Cannabinoids that mimic our naturally produced Endocannabinoids and bind similarly to the body's receptor sites. As a result, Cannabis can be used to help restore balance in the

4. Cannabis can aid in bone regulation through ECS support, therefore reducing the risk for osteoporosis a condition seen commonly in women post menopause

5. Cannabis can help in regulating hormone imbalances and ovulation disorders that result from Endocannabinoid deficiencies such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

6. Cannabis can improve Women's sexual health. Women's sexual arousal was shown to increase when there are higher concentrations of cannabinoids in their system. Cannabis helps women relax, feel more comfortable, and sensitive to pleasure.

7. Cannabis makes exercising, stretching and other forms of movement more conscious, less painful, and more pleasurable by reducing pain levels and inflammation

8. Topical use of Cannabis can improve skin health and appearance by reducing inflammation and breakout flares caused by hormonal imbalances as well as also stimulate hair growth and health

9. Cannabis can improve longevity by helping the body adapt to stress and therefore reduce damage caused by stress more effectively which leads to early aging.

10. Cannabis can help reduce the chances of cancer growth by supporting the ECS natural function in preventing abnormal cell mutations and inducing cell apoptosis (cell death) by disrupting signaling pathways involved in tumor progression

There are many ways Cannabis can help women achieve health and balance in their lives. Maintaining a healthy Endocannabinoid system should be a primary focus in any women focusing on restoring their health. In addition to Cannabis, dancing, singing, exercise, yoga, deep breathing, meditation, making love, eating healthy foods,

herbs and spices, and laughing are all ways to support your Endocannabinoid System. We suggest that any women attempting to restore and or enhance their health and balance incorporates all these ways of activating their ECS as a guide to self-healing.

CHEF SEBASTIAN

#theshortordercannabisrevolutionary @chef_sebastian_carosi

SMOKY BLACK BEAN AND HUITLACOCHE SOUP

DETAILS

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Yield: 8-10 servings

Total thc/cbd: depends on the potency of the products used

Status: American Smut

The cannabis pantry: Cannabis infused bacon fat, cannabis olive oil

EQUIPMENT

Chef’s knife, cutting board, large soup pot, immersion blender, small mixing bowl, soup bowls, ladle

DIRECTIONS

PROVISIONS

½ cup cannabis-infused bacon fat (made in the mb2e)

1½ cups sweet onion (peeled and small diced)

½ cup carrot (peeled and small diced)

9 cloves of garlic (peeled, crushed, and rough chopped)

2 tbsp chipotle adobo (the pureed contents of a can of chipotles)

1 California bay laurel leaf

1 lb dry organic black beans

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp dry Mexican oregano

½ tsp ground coriander

½ tsp dry epazote

1 tbsp sea salt

8 cups chicken stock or water

¼ cup huitlacoche

½ cup crema or sour cream

½ cup avocado (+ micro diced)

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tbsp red jalapeño (micro diced)

1 tbsp cannabis-infused olive oil (made in the mb2e)

1 tsp green jalapeño (sliced into thin rounds or coins)

1 tbsp fresh cilantro (micro diced)

½ cup crispy fried tortilla strips (or crushed corn chips)

In a large soup pot heat the bacon fat over medium heat, add the onions, carrots, and garlic. Sweat the vegetables until the onions are translucent (about 10-12 minutes). add all the remaining ingredients except the huitlacoche and stir to make sure everything is combined.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and let simmer for about 2 hours (or until the beans are extremely tender and creamy). remove the bay leaf.

Add the huitlacoche and stir well.

Using a handheld immersion blender, puree the soup to your desired texture and consistency.

Adjust the seasoning, remember beans soak up a lot of salt.

To make the garnish. mix the micro diced avocado, red jalapeño, cilantro, olive oil, and round sliced green jalapenos in the stainless-steel mixing bowl. combine well.

To serve the soup fill each bowl with the desired amount of soup and garnish each bowl with sour cream and a little of the avocado salsa garnish.

It’s been over 25 years since I made one of my many trips south of the border to explore ingredients. Mainly these two very American ingredients, black beans, and huitlacoche. Because at the time you could not find much smut here in the states. Both have been consumed for centuries by the many people and tribes of the area around the border and as far south as maize grows. This also includes the distinct four tribes that make up the Colorado River Native American Tribes growing up on CRIT land you learned fast the difference between Mohave, Chemehuevi, Navajo and the Hopi. I also learned the subtle differences in tribal cuisine and diets by eating many meals shared with me over the years. With 300 thousand acres stretching for 54 miles along both the California and Arizona sides of the Colorado River, I was bound for desert exploration, and explore I did. I want to thank all those kids and their parents I grew up with on the reservation that fed me huitlacoche quesadillas, roasted goat tacos, fry bread and taught me how and where to harvest peyote buttons. I also gotta thank my Mom and Dad who tirelessly dragged me around the country to experience the people, the food, and the culture but most importantly the people's food culture. The revered Hopi elder that gifted me my first taste of huitlacoche, he called it Nanha. He was also part of the Latino farmer’s family that grew the corn for the smut and all the mid-grade cannabis I illegally transported back in the heydays of cannabis prohibition. I truly love to see how these ingredients became social media hype material and fodder for braggadocios millennials. For me it was a connection to people and place, so let me brag about it…!

GREEN PANTHER CHEF

GRILLED SEA BASS OVER TABBOULEH WITH HERB

SERVES FOUR

APPROX 52 MG PER TABLESPOON ~ APPROX 13 MG PER SERVING

PROVISIONS

4 Fresh Sea Bass Fillets

1 cup Barley

1 large Green Bell Pepper

1 Large Red Bell Pepper

1 clove minced garlic

1 small red onion

2 Tbsp Juice from one large lemon & zest

1 bunch + 1 tbsp of fresh parsley (minced)

1 bunch + 1 tbsp fresh mint (minced)

½ tbsp fresh thyme leaves

½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tbsp Infused GPC Extra Virgin Olive Olive (13 mg per serving)

15 Toasted Walnuts (optional)

INSTRUNCTIONS

In a medium pot bring two cups of (salted) water to a boil, add 1 cup barley, reduce to a medium simmer, stirring occasionally until fluffy and tender 50 mins-55 mins. Or use an Instant Pot to reduce the cooking time.

Meanwhile, wash and small dice the peppers. Do the same with the red onion and garlic. Finely chop one tablespoon of parsley and mint. Set aside. Or use a food processor to reduce prep time.

In the food processor add remaining parsley, mint, thyme leaves, ½ tbsp of infused olive oil, 2 tbsp olive oil, toasted walnuts, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt & pepper to taste. Blend until fully incorporated. Set aside.

Prepare fish by brushing fish with olive oil, lemon zest, salt & pepper. Heat a Grill or Grill pan, place fish skin side down, cook until skin is crispy 3-4 mins per side. Remove from grill. Set aside.

Fluff barley with a fork before removing it from the pot (slightly cool if possible). In a medium-size bowl add cooked barley, remaining lemon juice, infused oil(½ tbsp), and olive oil (2 tbsp) chopped herbs, peppers, garlic, onion, salt & pepper to taste.

PISCES: LAPD

Happy Birthday, my lovely fishies! You have held on to the key that shall unlock endless possibilities. How much longer will you hold off? You should know by now how magical you are, once you put your mind and heart to it. Let the fear of failing others, and yourself, go. Your time is NOW!

ARIES: Chairman Chem Sou

All the hard work you have been focusing on is soon about to pay off. Most definitely in the areas of finances and family affairs. Welcome stability with open arms, you deserve it.

TAURUS: Roze

Focus on hostile energy and avoid it at all costs. You can sometimes create this negativity, by how you react to someone else’s presence alone. Like attracts like. Simply ignore them, you are better than that. Plus, it stops your blessings from reaching you.

GEMINI: Paradise Circus

Take plenty of time to focus on yourself. You have to start appreciating how far you have come. Not just in recent situations, but in life itself. Taking care of your well-being is not selfish, it’s rewarding.

CANCER: Phantom Arrow

Even though it is becoming a repetitive thing, intuition will always be the key to your success. When will you depend on it without any doubts? Try it out on small decisions 1st. You have more answers to your questions than you believe you do. Trust it, yesterday, NOW!

LEO: Garanimals

You have been working extremely hard on some things. The universe wants you to take a small rest to recharge. The time you take for yourself will be beneficial to the projects you already have brewing. It is OK to sleep or meditate a little longer than usual.

VIRGO:

Once you walk away from lingering toxicities, the universe will grant you access to all of its resources that you need. You are too distracted by other things, or people, that hold you back. Let all of that negativity go. All of it! How else will you evolve if you are allowing the BS to stick

LIBRA:

Your thoughts can get the best of you and even hold you back from making moves. You shall be granted some clarity when it comes to sorting them out. Clarity will bring peace to your mind, therefore allowing you to finally follow through with many projects you have on hold due to doubts.

SAGITTARIUS:

You may have to do some more nurturing to your mind, body, and soul. Don't be afraid to try other alternatives to meditation; breathwork, music therapy (frequencies), baths, singing bowls, cooking, coloring. These are just a few things that can aid. Focusing on healing leads to a more victorious journey.

There may be a new project or perhaps a new romance brewing. The more thought you give it the more doubts are created. It will only hold you back from the thing you want to have a start with. Go for it!

The more your mind is at peace, the clearer your path to success shall become. A distracted mind makes it more challenging to be productive. Before starting a new adventure, try meditating a bit (more) or have a warm bath.

AQUARIUS:

Fear has been holding you from so many achievable goals. Try to focus on one at a time. Prioritize them not only by importance but by which are realistically possible to achieve within a time frame. Then just go for it - full force.

C a N as C o PE s C a N as C o PE s

CAPRICORN: Blue Jay Way

CherWillie

Cherry Chem

Powderhound

Guava Jelly

SCORPIO: Grandma Anderson’s Cookie

Welcome back Happy Munkey Fam, I present the March edition of Kickz 4 The Kulture. We all have holidays that we love and celebrate on a yearly basis, well sneakerheads have certain days they consider holidays as well. One of the most coveted and celebrated sneaker days ever is Air Max Day, held every year by Nike on March 26. This March air Max day celebrates its 34th year since the first Air Max released in 1987. This day is not only to honor the creativity and greatness of the Air Max technology but to give thanks to the creator of Air Maxes himself, the great, Tinker Hatfield. Sneakerheads around the world as a sign of appreciation wear their favorite pair of Nike Air Maxes on this day. To commemorate Air Max day this year I have listed my three best Air Maxes ever released.

BY JOSE ROZAY

Kicks FOR da Kulture

Nike Air Max 1 “White/Red”

Released March 26, 1987

Easily looked at as the most iconic pair of Nike Air Max to ever release. The Nike Air Max 1 was simply the beginning of an everlasting new Air technology for sneakers. The designer of the shoe, Tinker Hatfield was the first to ever design a Nike sneaker revealing the cushioned sole of the sneaker. Tinker mentioned that when he first revealed sketches to the sneakers people at Nike discussed that he was pushing things too far and was even almost fired. So in reality, no one could have guessed the impact Air Max was going to have on the world. The Nike Air Max 1 started it all and I’m personally always hoping for a retro release because you could never get enough of these, no matter what. These bad boys started a culture.

Nike Air Max 90 “Infrared”

Released March 26, 1990

The classic Nike Air Max 90 silhouette prepared the sneaker world for the 90s. Nike Air Max 90 was a sneaker that gained value and hype over time. The sneaker had a whole new design from that of the Air Max 1 and was packed with more cushion for max comfort support. Also what made these baby’s special was the magic in the white, grey, black and infrared color-way. The first pair of Air Max 90’s released featured the color “Hyvent Orange” on it, which was like a loud orange. As Nike rereleased the infrared color-way several more times in upcoming years due to popular demand, in each rerelease the hyvent orange color section of the sneaker was altered to look a lot redder and feature a more potent red color we all know now as “infrared”. Now a days, infrareds drop every other year and are sold out instantly. When I purchased my first pair of Infrared 90’s I wore them for a whole summer straight and I’m not the type to wear the same sneaker twice. Infrareds are and will always be for the culture.

Nike Air Max 95 “Neon” Released March 26, 1995

The neon green Air Max 95’s are undoubtedly the most well known Air Max silhouette of them all. When the neons released In 1995 by Nike it changed performance running in every way. The new silhouette Nike introduced to the world featured different styles of textures. Rich layers of suedes and mesh covered the upper part of the sneaker. In addition to the good new texture, Nike had a surprise for the midsole and lower part of the sneaker, Nike went ahead and made the first ever sneaker to have a forefoot visible air sole. This was a legendary sneaker design that wouldn’t be complete without the neon green tones added on specific parts of the sneaker. The neon green was the secret sauce that the sneaker needed to become iconic. Just so you can understand how loved this sneaker is, 26 years later the neon green Air Max 95’s have been re-released over

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appymunkey Fam, I have to thank Nike and the great designer Tinker Hatfield for creating a new way to wear a performance sneaker. Through countless silhouettes and a whole new air sole system, Tinker Hatfield and the Nike company had created “the Air Max life,” a culture that we celebrate every 26th of March and now call Air Max Day. Tinker Hatfield, as many don’t know, went on to make most of the greatest Jordan’s sneakers that we know of today. I can easily say I love sneakers because of Tinker Hatfields talent for designing, legendary part of it all is that Nike originally hired Tinker as a corporate architect to design buildings at the Oregon campus and the rest was history. I hope you enjoyed the March edition of Kickz 4 the Kulture and I hope to see you all rocking your favorite air maxes this month. As always stay Happy.

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