Hydrolife Magazine | December 2017 January 2018 by Hydrolife Magazine

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DEC 2017/JAN 2018//USA

ED ROSENTHAL | RAFAEL MECHOULAM

STEVE DEANGELO | RICK SIMPSON

JORGE CERVANTES

inside

8 our crew / 10 from the publisher / 12 ask a grower / 14 own it / 40 cut and dried / 74 consultant's corner / 90 the chill list

heal.

grow.

Post-harvest Care for Cannabis

Chronic Back Pain

Plant Manipulation for Utilizing Light Energy

Residual Solvents

GreenBox Grown

Healing Brain Injuries With Cannabis

Los Suenos Farms

Culling the Cannabis Garden

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learn. 52

Five People Who Changed the Cannabis Landscape

Five States Opposed to Weed

BioAgra

Cannabis Jobs

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enjoy. 76

Decarboxylating Cannabis

Keeping Weed Fresh

Too Much of a Good Thing

Baking a Fool of Myself

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our crew

Chris Bond Kent Gruetzmacher Rich Hamilton Cory Hughes Stephen Keen Grubbycup Kyle Ladenburger Gibson Lannister Lee G. Lyzit Lacey Macri Jodi McDonald Medicine Man Technologies Alan Ray Watermelon

Published by

December 2017 / January 2018 volume 7 - number 3

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Hydrolife Magazine 3773 Howard Hughes Parkway South Tower, Suite 500 Las Vegas, Nevada 89169

Inquiries to

editor@myhydrolife.com

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The views expressed by columnists are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Hydrolife or the editor.

Printed in Canada Distribution P.A.I.N. Distribution | 310.488.1911 magazinedistribution.org

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“

IS THE CANNABIS LANDSCAPE WHAT IT IS TODAY BECAUSE OF PEOPLE WHO, LONG BEFORE REAM MARIJUANA GAINED MAINST ACCEPTANCE, RISKED IT ALL T SO PEOPLE COULD BENEFI FROM A PLANT THAT SO MANY OTHERS, ESPECIALLY LAWMAKERS, HATED.

”

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ithout trailblazers and change-makers, people who put a cause for the greater well-being ahead of their own interests, change can’t happen. The cannabis landscape is what it is today because of people who, long before marijuana gained mainstream acceptance, risked it all so people could benefit from a plant that so many others, especially lawmakers, hated. These trailblazers could see the benefits of marijuana long before most. As Bruce Cockburn states in his song Lovers in a Dangerous Time, “You’ve got to kick at the darkness ’til it bleeds daylight.” The five people we feature in this issue of Hydrolife did just that, and as a result half of all Americans now live in a state where some form of marijuana is legal and soon, all of Canada will have access to medical and recreational marijuana. This would probably never have happened without people like Ed Rosenthal, Steve DeAngelo, Rafael Mechoulam, Rick Simpson, and Jorge Cervantes. There are many, many others of course, but we chose these people for their perseverance, selflessness, determination, or sacrifice. Because of them, many people suffer less. For more on these heroes, check out Kent Gruetzmacher’s story on page 56. But the work is not yet done. As Chris Bond states in his story on page 64, there are still many opposed to marijuana. This includes five US states that aren’t likely to approve any form of marijuana legislation any time soon, even if Congress does. It’s hard to believe that states like Oklahoma and Kansas, tucked up against Colorado, could hold such a different opinion. Nebraska and Oklahoma even applied to sue Colorado over its recreational marijuana laws. However, states like Colorado, Washington, and Oregon can also be considered trailblazers. They have established complicated frameworks to incorporate marijuana into their communities and have created models that other states— and in some cases provinces—will likely adopt. If harm reduction is the number one priority for governments, then hold-outs like Oklahoma and Kansas will have no choice but to follow the leaders.

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from the publisher

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WHAT COULD YOU DO WITH THIS?

10170 Croydon Way, Ste. G | Sacramento, CA 95827 | 866-EZ CLONE | www.EZCLONE.com

ask a grower

Hi Lee, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a first-time cannabis grower and my first plants are starting to flower, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure exactly sure when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m supposed to harvest them. How do I know my buds are ready? Also, is there anything I can do with the fan leaves after harvest, or do I just throw them out? Thank you, Bren

Hello Bren, Thank you for your question. There are two common methods to determine when a cannabis flower is ready for harvest: with the naked eye or with a magnifying glass or microscope. With the naked eye, the grower should closely watch his or her flowers until the pistols (little white hair protruding from the flowers) start turning red or brown. As the cannabis flower reaches maturity, more of the pistols will become red or brown. A good rule of thumb is to harvest when just over 50 per cent of the pistols have become red or brown in color. The naked eye method is good for beginners who do not have access to a magnifying glass or microscope. If possible, use a magnifying glass or microscope to determine the appropriate time to harvest your cannabis flowers. A magnifying glass or microscope allows a gardener to observe the trichomes (the small mushroom-like glands that contain most of the cannabinoids). As the cannabis flowers start to ripen, the trichomes will turn from translucent to milky, and then, eventually, to an amber color. For most hybrid plants, the peak THC percentages will be when the trichomes are mostly milky in color. In other words, most growers wait until most of the trichomes have become milky to harvest. However, some growers like to harvest earlier (when trichomes have developed but are still translucent), which produces a more energetic high for most users, or later (when the majority of the trichomes have turned amber), which produces a more lethargic high for most users. Having a magnifying

glass or microscope allows the grower to determine when to harvest more accurately depending on his or her personal preferences. All in all, a magnifying glass or microscope is a valuable tool for harvesting and an investment worth making. To answer the second part of your question regarding the fan leaves, you can make extracts from them. The large fan leaves contain cannabiniods, albeit at a far less concentration than the flowers. Due to the low percentage of cannabinoids they contain, many growers dispose of the fan leaves. Personally, I like to make a coconut oil extract with my fan leaves. I do this by heating water and coconut oil in a large pot (I use one of my water bath canning pots). The amount of water and coconut oil will vary depending on the amount of fan leaves you have. After the coconut oil has melted completely in the water, add the fan leaves, and cook over low heat for three to five hours. You do not want to heavily boil the leaves; a light simmer is sufficient. After cooking, strain the water/ coconut oil mixture through cheese cloth to remove the leaf material. The remaining mixture can be placed in the refrigerator for separation. After 12 hours, the coconut oil will separate from the water and become hard. Discard the water and scrape the bottom of the hardened coconut oil to remove any sludge left by the plant material. The resulting cannabis-infused coconut oil can be used for making capsules, baked goods, or as a topical ointment. I hope this answers your question. Keep on Growing, Lee G. Lyzit Lee G. Lyzit has been involved in the medical cannabis industry for nearly 15 years. His passion for natural healing drives him to learn as much as he can about the miraculous cannabis plant. Lee breeds his own strains of cannabis to create concentrated glycerine and coconut oil extracts. Aside from cannabis education and consumption, Lee enjoys playing music, gardening, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR A GROWER? Email editor@myhydrolife.com to get an answer.

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own it

2 3

1 4

own it 1. The Roll Uh Bowl is

perfect for the traveler, outdoor adventurer, or the just plain clumsy. Made of BPA-free silicone, this eight-inch water pipe is bendable, compactable, and shatterproof. It’s also dishwasher safe. To transport the Roll Uh Bowl, simply tuck the alloy bowl and composite downstem inside the folded pipe and hold everything together with the included silicone storage band. This product can also be transformed into a dab rig for concentrate users.

— rolluhbowl.com

2. Fend off the winter blues and chills with Jane’s

3. The NOVA

Decarboxylator from

Brew Gourmet Hot Chocolate by the House

of Jane. It’s convenient, discrete, and delicious. Available in original and mint chocolate flavor, simply choose between the indica/sativa hybrid or high CBD (14:1 CBD:THC) formulations and mix with hot milk or water for a rich treat that has no cannabis smell or aftertaste. The effects begin within 15 minutes, last three to five hours, and won’t leave you locked to the couch.

— janesbrewca.com

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Ardent Cannabis takes the guesswork out of decarboxylation. Using laboratory-grade precision, this compact device extracts the highest level of THC from your flower and concentrates while preserving the maximum amount of terpenes. Not only does this ensure you get the most out of your product, but it allows you to create more precise dosages. Even better, it’s odorless, accurate, easy to use, and can process up to five ounces of kief and one ounce of flower at a time.

4. Dabs can melt, and things

can get pretty messy when they do. The DabBall

Magnetic Gyroscope Oil Slick, however, can

help keep things tidy. The self-leveling interior of this 1.75-inch dab container moves independently from the exterior. This ensures that you’ll always find the concentrates melted neatly at the bottom, even if the container has been jostled around in your bag. The DabBall Magnetic Gyroscope Oil Slick is magnetically sealed and can be opened with a simple twist.

— afgdistribution.com

— ardentcannabis.com

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7 8

5. While all Hoodlamb jackets

contain some hemp, its Long Coat has the most. The outer shell is made with 77 per cent hemp and blended with organic cotton. This makes for a strong, durable jacket that is windproof, water resistant, and ideal for temperatures between 14˚F and 32˚F. The lining is 20 per cent hemp, 35 per cent recycled polyester, and 45 per cent acrylic Satifur. The hood is trimmed with recycled PET faux-fur.

6. If one-hitters are your

— hoodlamb.com

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thing, check out the SilverStick. It uses a natural cotton filter to trap tar and block embers from reaching your lungs, providing a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Free of electronics and made of aircraft-grade alloy, the slick-looking SilverStick is reliable, easy to clean, and discrete. It’s also oversized; the generous bowl packs in enough cannabis for four to six draws. It comes with a stainless-steel poker and an end cap for smell containment

— thesilverstick.com

7. Remove post-harvest resin

from your hands with Hazel Parker’s Fast Green Hand Clean. Made of all-natural, certified organic ingredients, this powerful spray gets your hands squeaky clean without soap and water. It’s also useful for removing tree sap, chewing gum, grease and grime, sticker residue, and more. Highly concentrated, each bottle contains 1,000 sprays.

8. Turn your concentrates

— hazel-parker.com

into vape juice for your favorite vaporizer, atomizer, or tankomizer with Wax Liquidizer. It takes seconds to mix and allows you to create the perfect strength for your needs. Also, unlike other vape mixes that separate into layers when oils and concentrates are added, the juice created with Wax Liquidizer retains a smooth viscosity. Choose between five tasty flavors—grape, pineapple, strawberry, banana, and menthol— or flavorless original.

— waxliquidizer.com

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grow

POST-HARVEST CARE FOR CANNABIS HOW YOU HANDLE YOUR POST-HARVEST CANNABIS IS PERSONAL,

though there are right ways and wrong ways to each method. Grubbycup provides some pointers on various methods and what they are best intended for.

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BY GRUBBYCUP

here are different methods of curing cannabis after it has been harvested, and which is best depends on a combination of how it is intended to be consumed and personal preference.Â Below are some popular methods of storing and preserving cannabis post-harvest.

FRESH FROZENNO DRYING, NO CURING Some concentrate artists prefer to work with cannabis that has been immediately frozen after harvest. The material is rough-trimmed while wet and then placed into containers and then into a freezer. This method eliminates the drying and curing steps, but is unsuitable for use for cannabis intended for smoking.

WATER CURECURE WITHOUT DRYING FIRST Water curing allows for cannabis to be cured without being dried first (it can also be done with dried cannabis, but that adds an unnecessary step). The cannabis is placed in a container with clean water. The water is then changed with fresh water a couple of times a day for five to seven days. This process will leech out the water-soluble components through osmosis. Since the concentration of these components is higher inside the plant than in the surrounding water, they will move from inside the plant material to try to equalize with the concentration in the water. By exchanging the surrounding water with fresh water, it keeps the concentration low and encourages movement out of the plant into the water. Even though the aromatic oils (terpenes) are not water-soluble, they too are reduced because they are lighter than water, and the force of being submerged will cause them to float to the top where they are removed with the changing of the water. Then the cannabis is hung and dried before use or storage.Â

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“DRYING IS BEST done under mild conditions, as an

environment too wet and cold can delay drying long enough to be a mold risk, and conditions too hot and dry can cause the outermost portions to over-dry while the interior flowers and stems are still too wet to be safely stored.”

The result of properly water cured cannabis is some of the smoothest smoke available, if that is how you choose to consume it. It is so smooth that many find the flavor (what little there is left) to be flat and boring. Well-made, water cured cannabis doesn’t have much flavor at all, although the potency is still present. This can be an asset if smoking in stealth is a concern (the smoke it produces has little if any conventional cannabis aroma) or when used in edibles. After decarboxylation (exposing to low heat to drive off carbon dioxide from THC-A to convert it to the active form THC), water cured cannabis is so mild tasting it can be simply ground and used directly in cooking. When made into cannabutter or infused oils, the end product lacks the distinctive cannabis flavor that many find somewhat repellent in edibles. However, the process isn’t without its drawbacks. Even if done correctly, the “bag appeal” is severely reduced. The buds appear inferior and mistreated even if they haven’t been. If done incorrectly and water changes are not performed, it can be ruined by being allowed to sit in stale water for several days. If not dried properly after the rinsing, it can mold. Speaking of mold, water cured cannabis should only be obtained from reliable sources, as it is sometimes used by unscrupulous folk to pass molded, insecticide-contaminated, or otherwise ruined cannabis onto the unsuspecting.

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HURRIED AND HARSHDRY ONLY, NO CURE Unless using one of the above methods, cannabis is usually at least dried before use. Freshly harvested cannabis has too much moisture in it to be stable and will eventually mold unless a substantial portion of the moisture is removed. To this end, immediately after harvest, the cannabis should be allowed to dry in the open air until enough moisture has evaporated to prevent fungal growth, but not so much that it loses structural integrity. Drying is best done under mild conditions, as an environment too wet and cold can delay drying long enough to be a mold risk, and conditions too hot and dry can cause the outermost portions to over-dry while the interior flowers and stems are still too wet to be safely stored. Due to time constraints, some cannabis is merely dried and not allowed to cure before use. This is more commonly seen from commercial farms or novice gardens than from properly cared-for home grows. All other factors being equal, the smoke from dried but not cured cannabis tends to be harsher and less pleasant when compared with a properly cured bud from the same plant. On the other hand, dried but uncured cannabis is much more popular than having no cannabis at all, so it is frequently used in times of urgency, need, or occasionally greed.

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“DRIED BUT UNCURED

cannabis is much more popular than having no cannabis at all, so it is frequently used in times of urgency, need, or occasionally greed.”

THE CONVENTIONAL METHODDRY THEN CURE Conventional, properly cured cannabis is dried as above and then placed into airtight containers and kept in a cool, unlit location to allow for the buds to mature and cure over a few weeks or months. Ideally, if the cannabis was appropriately dried to just the right amount, it will be dry enough to prevent mold but still have enough moisture to cure properly. Erring on the side of dry is a smaller error than it being too wet. Particularly in the beginning, the jars should be opened and checked. At any indication of excess moisture, the buds should be removed and allowed to dry more before returning to sealed jars. For smaller adjustments, the lid can be removed until a more acceptable moisture level is reached (a process known as burping). A hint of ammonia in the aroma is an indication of the cannabis being too wet and is a result of it starting to spoil, and a strong ammonia smell or visible mold are indications that the cannabis was much too wet and has been ruined. The proper care and treatment of cannabis after it has been harvested can have a large impact on the quality and properties of the final product. Even if the starting material is of the same quality, matching the type and quality of cure to expected further processing can have a big influence on whether the end product is delightful or just mediocre.

Grubbycup has been an avid indoor gardener for over 20 years. His articles were first published in the United Kingdom, and since then his gardening advice has been published in French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czechoslovakian, and German.

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grow

Plant Manipulation for Utili ing Light Energy by Lee G. Lyzit Getting the most out of your lighting system requires regular maintenance and cleaning, but it also means manipulating plant growth to get the most benefit from the available light energy. Lee G. Lyzit provides some options.

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grow

hen growing marijuana indoors, light energy has the largest impact on yield and performance. It is the main energy driving photosynthesis in an indoor garden. This is why it is so important for indoor horticulturists to not only purchase effective lighting systems, but to also maintain the light output of those systems. Regularly changing the bulbs and cleaning away dust and debris are two easy ways a cannabis grower can keep the light energy in the garden powerful and uniform. With a well-maintained lighting system, a grower can begin to implement other techniques to better utilize the given light energy and to maximize his or her return on investment. In every indoor garden, there is a “sweet spot” of light energy. Finding the sweet spot and having the majority of the plant canopy in this area are keys to maximizing an indoor garden’s efficiency.

THE SWEET SPOT OF A HORTICULTURAL LIGHTING SYSTEM

The sweet spot refers to the area just below the lighting system, where the usable light energy is the most intense. For most indoor gardens, this area is located eight to 20 inches below the horticultural lighting system. The location of the sweet spot can vary from growroom to growroom, but will revolve around two important factors: the wattage, or energy intensity, of the light source and how the excess radiant heat is removed. For example, a grower can place plants closer to a 400W light source than a 1,000W light source. Also, a light source that is air-cooled to remove the radiant heat can be placed much closer to the plants than a light source that is not air-cooled. For many growers, a bit of experimentation will be necessary to find the garden’s light energy sweet spot. Plants placed too close to the light source can show signs of bleaching or burning, while plants placed too far away will become leggy or wispy.

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“

WITH A WELL-MAINTAINED lighting system,

a grower can begin to implement other techniques to better utilize the given light energy and to maximize his or her return on investment.” Manipulating the plants themselves or the way the plants grow is a great way for marijuana growers to increase the amount of plant material that lies within the light energy sweet spot. The most common plant manipulation methods used by indoor cannabis cultivators are staking, trellising, pruning, topping, and super cropping. The first two methods, staking and trellising, are techniques used to better support or train the plants to most efficiently utilize the light energy. The other three methods, pruning, topping, and super cropping, are techniques that alter plant growth directly. Plant manipulation methods can be used in conjunction with one another or on their own to help a grower increase his or her yields by using the given light energy more efficiently.

STAKING Staking is one of the most common methods marijuana growers use to manipulate or support the plants to increase efficiency. During vegetative growth, stakes can be used to pull plants apart, resulting in better light penetration and fuller, bushier growth. During the blooming stage, stakes can be used to support heavy fruit or flowers that would otherwise sag out of the lighting system’s sweet spot.

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TRELLIS NETTING Trellis netting is an invaluable tool for the indoor grower and my personal favorite for plant manipulation. Trellis netting can be stretched horizontally just below the light system’s sweet spot to assist a grower in spreading, supporting, and controlling the height of the plants. Trellis netting used in this way will maximize the available light energy and increase the garden’s overall efficiency. Trellis netting can also be used as a vertical support system.

PRUNING Many growers will prune some of the larger shade leaves to improve light penetration to the lower flower sets. Another common pruning technique is to remove all the lower section leaves that are positioned below the sweet spot. This allows the plant to direct its energy toward developing the flowers within the sweet spot. This method is especially effective when combined with a horizontal trellis.

TOPPING Topping is a technique where the tops of the plant are pruned or removed. This is generally done at a node space (the place where horizontal branching occurs). At each node space, there are two potential new shoots. The idea behind topping is for every top removed, two new shoots take its place, thereby increasing the number of shoots, and eventually fruit or flowers, that will develop. Growers who use the topping technique can better control the vertical growth of the plant and position more vegetation in the lighting system’s sweet spot.

SUPER CROPPING Super cropping is similar to topping because the purpose is to get the plant to grow new shoots from the node spaces. However, with super cropping, the tops are not cut or removed, instead, they are bent to the

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“

MANIPULATING THE PLANTS themselves or the way the plants grow is a great way for marijuana growers to increase the amount of plant material that lies within the light energy sweet spot.”

point of damaging them. The best way to implement this is to squeeze the stem between the thumb and pointer finger until the stem folds like a drinking straw. The advantage of super cropping is that the tops are retained while still promoting new shoots from the node spaces. As with topping, plants that are super cropped will become extremely bushy and will have more vegetation that can be placed in the sweet spot of the lighting system. Regardless of which plant manipulation technique a grower decides to implement, the end goal is the same: to best utilize the given light energy and maximize the garden’s yield. Every indoor garden has a limited amount of available light energy and to make an indoor marijuana garden as effective and efficient as possible, a grower must make the most of the garden’s given light energy. Although ventilation and nutrition also play key roles in an indoor garden’s performance, the light energy is most vital to the success or failure of the garden. Marijuana growers who implement plant manipulation techniques to best utilize the given light energy will yield a higher ratio of weight to watts consumed at harvest time. Put another way, implementing plant manipulation techniques increases efficiency in the garden that always equates to a higher return on investment for the grower.

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1207 Sylvan Road, Monterey, CA

1-831-601-0853

WWW

greenboxgrown.com

11 Months in business

GreenBox Grown provides marijuana enthusiasts with free how-to-grow videos and guides, which can be found directly on the GreenBox Grown website. The videos provide step-by-step instruction on how to properly grow top-shelf cannabis in less than 10 minutes per day. To complement the videos, the company also offers starter kits and supplies for indoor or greenhouse gardens. GreenBox Grow founder Dylan Osborn explains how the company came to be. What did you and your partners do before starting this company? I was attending the University of Southern California while also launching my first venture. The business was a nightlife mobile app where you could reserve guest lists and bottle service for nightclubs. After a few years working on the app, I was sick and tired of the backstabbing nature of the nightlife scene and decided to move on to cannabis. My partners, R.L. and Jenna,

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are also my parents, as this is a familyowned business. Jenna works as a court reporter and R.L. owns/operates a luxury carpet and rug cleaning business.

How did you get into this industry? I have been growing my own cannabis at home for the last five years because I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford the prices of the dispensaries but still needed this medicine. In 2010, I blew out my right knee and have had severe stiffness and pain because of it.

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Medical cannabis has been the only thing that takes the pain away without having a ton of negative side effects. After shutting down my nightlife mobile app, I was searching for what my next venture would be and decided to go with something based around one of my passions in life. Cannabis growing happens to not only be something I do to save money, but it has become one of my most enjoyable hobbies and way to spend time. It brings a lot of relaxation and peacefulness into my life. I also noticed that I was not the only person in the situation of needing medical cannabis but not being able to afford it, so I decided to fill that need with our affordable growing starter kits paired with our how-togrow videos. Also, all of our content is mobile friendly so you can view it while in your garden.

When and where did the company begin? GreenBox Grown was started in Monterey, California, during the summer of 2016 and was officially launched in January 2017.

What were the start-up years like? While we are gaining traction early on, we are definitely still in the start-up phase.

How does your company philosophy translate to opportunities? We believe in following healthy and sustainable practices that still provide quality results. With our Greenhouse & Low Wattage Indoor Starter Kits, we are able to provide a cannabis growing system that accomplishes exactly that. Now, all home growers can have a sustainable growing solution that is simple and easy to set up.

What did you first produce? GreenBox Grown started out as a website with only how-to-grow videos, and very few of them. I had one series, which was a sixmonth long photoperiod grow of four Blue Dream plants with a ScrOG. Now, I have expanded to offering videos for growing autoflowers, starting from clone, starting from seed, how to harvest and cure, and tons more. And we also have a seeds and supplies store with growing starter kits.

What were some of your struggles as you started the business? How did you overcome them? In the beginning, it was difficult to get our message out to the general public. Cannabis is a young industry, but it is highly competitive and there are a lot of already established companies moving into the space. Because there is so much noise out there, we had to find a niche

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in the market where we could make our mark. That is where I decided to pair the how-to-grow videos with growing starter kits. We realized that if you are coming to our site to learn how to grow, you most likely need supplies and aren’t sure which ones. So, why not have both in a way that is understandable for someone who has never grown before? Also, there was no other website that offered both starter kits and how-to-grow guides, so it was an easy decision to make.

How did you gain market share and recognition? Differentiating ourselves from competitors has been the biggest way to gain traction for us. There have been several ways we have done this, one of which was finding our niche market, as I mentioned earlier. We also added a line of mini starter kits that come with the bare essentials to grow one or two small plants. Perfect for the first-time grower! We also expanded into greenhouse starter kits for people interested in utilizing the natural resources of the outdoors. Most people come to our site looking for information on growing cannabis at home. Once they learn how to grow, it is inevitable they will need supplies, and a first-time grower doesn’t know exactly what they need.

What is your current product line? Right now, our most popular product of our current line is the Medium Sized Indoor Grow Starter Kit. This includes a 5x5x6.5-foot grow tent, two 300W LEDS, a light timer, fans, watering and nutrient supplies, four Smart Pots, soil, and harvesting equipment. Our second most popular package is the Large Greenhouse Starter Kit, as most of our clients find it is perfect for growing six large plants that provide a huge yield. Our full product line includes a mini, small, medium, and large starter kit for both the indoor and greenhouse set-up. Then we offer cannabis seeds from a hand-picked group from the best seed banks. These are banks we have been working with for a while now and have only had positive experiences with.

Jenna Osborn

Robert Osborn

GREENBOX GROWN HAS A VERY CLEAR MISSION, AND THAT IS TO HELP OTHERS BY PROVIDING AN AFFORDABLE MEANS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.”

How many people now work for the company? Currently, it is myself, R.L., Jenna, and Bobbie, our black lab/chow. I am responsible for content creation, customer outreach, marketing, and growing the cannabis. R.L. and Jenna focus on the legal and financial side of things. Bobbie is 14 years old and she tests out all of the pet-related cannabis products. We share that feedback with our clientele. Right now, Bobbie is really enjoying her daily dose of 1:1 CBD oil, which comes in fish oil.

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grow What are your company’s strengths? We can take customer feedback on our grow kits and videos and implement it almost instantaneously. Utilizing this valuable information has allowed us to design the perfect cannabis growing experience with ease and affordability in mind. We also have detailed videos that outline the different growing processes of the cannabis plant, something not too many sites have in such detail. Most howto-grow content is in text and image form.

Dylan Osborn

What are some of your proudest moments? After we sold our first 25 starter kits, I was ecstatic and extremely proud. That was a huge milestone and something that showed me this business was going somewhere great!

What significant things have you learned so far about the industry?

Bobbie Osborn

One of the most important things I have learned about the industry thus far is how quickly it is evolving and advancing. I have also learned that as a company, if you do not keep up and evolve at the same rate, you’re going to get left behind. I value customer feedback and in-person interactions so much because it allows us to stay on the cutting edge of what people want when it comes to growing cannabis at home.

What have you learned about starting and growing a company?

I VALUE CUSTOMER FEEDBACK AND INPERSON INTERACTIONS SO MUCH BECAUSE IT ALLOWS US TO STAY ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF WHAT PEOPLE WANT WHEN IT COMES TO GROWING CANNABIS AT HOME.”

Not only is it tough, but to be successful with it, you need to have a willingness to learn, implement, and pivot on a daily basis. I am constantly reading up on the latest industry insights and trends so I can pivot my business accordingly. I have also learned that there isn’t a finish line where once you reach it, your business will always be successful. Even after you find success, you need to continually update and advance to stay on top.

Share your favorite story from a day on the job. I don’t have one specific day that jumps out at me, but I will say I am always excited when I do my first one-on-one with a client. GreenBox Grown also offers one-on-one sessions where one of our growers will help a client set up their grow kit and teach them how to use it. I always enjoy going out and doing these because it always brings me back to when I first learned how to grow. Going through all of the basics like how to pH your water and how to transplant your clones. It is something I really enjoy.

What makes your employees so awesome? How does your team bond? Our team has bonded over the similar passions of growing and proving a service that helps other people in a positive way. Growing together, as well as setting up various grow sites, has really helped the team bond as those types of activities require a lot of teamwork.

Please feel free to include anything further you’d like to share. I would just like to say thank you so much for this opportunity. GreenBox Grown has a very clear mission and that is to help others by providing an affordable means to medical cannabis. Because we do so in such a sustainable and simple manner, our clients end up becoming more knowledgeable about their medicine and end up better off in the end.

What words of wisdom can you share about the business, the industry, or the future of the industry? Right now, the cannabis industry is highly competitive, but it is up to all of us as cannabis enthusiasts and business owners to band together as activists to propel this movement to heights which it has yet to reach.

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Harvest-time Insights into Legal Cannabis and Industrial Agriculture 32

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by Kent Gruetzmacher

Abiding by complex and thorough state laws while operating the country’s largest cannabis cultivation facility takes a strong team and a lot of knowledge. Kent Gruetzmacher visited Los Suenos Farms in Peublo, Colorado, to find out how they do it and how they are pushing the industry forward.

had the opportunity to visit Pueblo Colorado’s Los Suenos Farms in early October, the heart of harvest season. Los Suenos has set a new precedence in cannabis horticulture, transferring a once cottage industry into full-scale industrial agriculture and in the process, earning it the title of the largest legal cannabis cultivation facility in the United States.

CANNABIS IN A FORMER STEEL TOWN

Pueblo is an ex-steel town and its location marks the end of the Rocky Mountains and start of the Great Plains, which sprawl eastward throughout the heartland of the United States. Just outside of town, Los Suenos’s massive outdoor grow facility is located amidst a checkerboard of cornfields and family farms—blending somewhat seamlessly into a landscape and community based on agriculture and blue collar industry. One of the most remarkable facets of Los Suenos is that the feel of the cannabis farm is unmistakably “Americana.” It’s like witnessing something strangely familiar in the novel landscapes of the marijuana industry. One of the most compelling business aspects of Los Suenos Farms lies in the sheer size of the operation and the subsequent ingenuity of operational logistics on the part of the staff. The team at Los Suenos is forced to operate their farm with all the zeal, competiveness, and efficiency of an industrial agriculture operation while simultaneously paying vigilant attention to detail concerning state mandated seed-to-sale tracking standards. This is no small feat. Thanks to the generosity and attentiveness of Jarrod Mason, Los Suenos’s director of business development, Hydrolife got an all-access tour of the operation amidst the hustle-andbustle of harvest. Moreover, Los Suenos’s compliance director, Jacob Faber, was extremely informative in explaining both the legal and logistical nuances of the operation. Finally, Los Suenos’s cultivation director, Aaron Hoare, shed fascinating insight into marijuana cultivation on such a large scale. Hoare is also the founder of Ambrosia Cropz, a Colorado-based cannabis consulting firm that has recently released its own line of powdered, water-soluble nutrients.

THIRTY-SIX ACRES AND 36,000 PLANTS

The massive scope of operations at Los Suenos Farms is its most defining characteristic. This size precariously provides both the farm’s brand identity and largest obstacle in logistics. For starters, Los Suenos is legally licensed by the State of Colorado to cultivate an astounding 36,000 marijuana plants— this number covers all phases of plant growth. Within this allocated number, the farm grows 24,000 full-season outdoor plants that comprise a 28-acre garden canopy. Make no mistake about it, witnessing an operation of this size during peak flower will change one’s perspective about the cannabis industry by providing glimpses of the future.

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grow It is important to note that the State of Colorado does not normally issue cultivation licenses for this many plants. In fact, they never do. To function at this immense scale of production, Los Suenos operates under four different licenses. This licensing arrangement adds another level of complexity to a business venture already steeped in multifaceted regulation—the specificities of these licenses effect all business operations, from employee wages to product sales.

VISION

Mason shed a great deal of insight into the operational philosophy of the place, highlighting how the cultivation conditions in Pueblo have organically shaped Los Suenos’s business model and brand image. To illustrate, Mason reports that their approach to cannabis growing is to “let nature take its course.” Importantly, Mason stresses the fact that the climate in Pueblo provides the means for this system as Los Sueno’s garden is located at an elevation of approximately 3,700 feet and receives abundant sunshine. This notion is vital because there aren’t many geographies in Colorado (that are politically accepting of cannabis cultivation) that are conducive to full-sun, outdoor marijuana growing. Therefore, it is from this climactic niche that Los Suenos has developed its identity and business model. The industrial agriculture component of Los Suenos Farms is directly attributable to the climate of Pueblo as well, as growing 28 acres worth of cannabis canopy in greenhouses or warehouses would be a drastically different affair. Mason is confident in the large-scale model of the farm, stating that “nobody else is doing it like we are.” To be honest, he is right. On a daily basis, the team at Los Suenos accomplishes a careful balancing act between industrial production and extreme attention to detail. For these reasons, they are setting an industry standard in efficiency. As Mason puts it, they are “pushing the boundary every day.” It’s worth noting that cannabis businesses that push the boundaries with size and innovation are generally those who progress the industry. Along this line of thought, Los Suenos is literally writing the blueprint for industrial agriculture in the cannabis sector. Furthermore, as Colorado has become a model for a functioning, regulated cannabis industry, international eyes look to Los Suenos for guidance. Thus far, the farm has been visited by Canadian businessmen and politicians looking to gain some insight into the inner-workings of such an operation,

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potentially using Los Suenos’s innovations to help with the launching of the Canadian recreational program next year.

CULTIVATION INSIGHTS

The cultivation team at Los Suenos Farms, led by Hoare, Sean Babson, and Eric Henderson, models their horticultural methods after the general vision at the farm, which is large-scale, natural growing. To this end, they use the native soil of the farm for plant propagation, a practice almost unheard of in an industry steeped in name brand soils. Also, Hoare reports that the watering tasks at Los Suenos are accomplished through the use of irrigation lines built into the soil within the rows of crops. Finally, the cultivators at the farm have adopted the use of powdered, water-soluble nutrients for their massive fertilization efforts—also a logical departure from the liquid nutrient lines that dominate the industry. To reiterate, efficiency with operational logistics is the key to success at Los Suenos Farms and practical means for accomplishing day-to-day tasks are essential for Hoare and his team. The growers at Los Suenos opted to grow smaller marijuana plants (by outdoor standards) than those seen in traditional large-scale operations. For them, it makes the most sense to grow their plants to between five and six feet tall. Again, this methodology is directly related to efficiency, mainly because attempting to grow 24,000 large plants simultaneously would be an expensive proposition and logistical nightmare. Moreover, the size of the plants at Los Suenos makes them manageable when it comes to pruning and support. To illustrate, the team at the farm simply supports the plants with tomato cages rather than what would be time-consuming, labor-intensive trellising and tying practices for an operation this big. As the employees at Los Suenos Farms consistently juggle the day-to-day logistics of such a sizeable cultivation operation, they must also navigate the fine legal nuances of the State of Colorado cannabis business. For Faber, the constant struggle between logistical efficiency and attention to detail requires a careful balancing act. Faber explains that each of Los Sueno’s 36,000 plants has a tracking tag. These tags feature a barcode, serial number, and RFID chip. These numeric markers represent a wellspring of information on each plant, including strain, age, repositioning, and location. By way of the State of Colorado-mandated METRC tracking system, the aforementioned information must be available for the State at all times, through all growth phases as well as harvest.

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“One

of the most compelling business aspects of Los Suenos Farms lies in the sheer size of the operation and the subsequent ingenuity of operational logistics on the part of the staff."

HARVEST OPERATIONS: KEEPING TRACK OF EVERY GRAM

The harvest operations at Los Suenos are indicative of a finely choreographed dance in which 70 temporary employees follow the careful instruction of management personnel. When streamlined, the team can harvest between 800-1,200 plants a day. It is also important to note that the harvest team at the farm is under serious time constraints with the Colorado weather, as mid-October freezes and snow are normal in the Pueblo region. Moreover, the State of Colorado tracking guidelines are strictly mandated in every phase of the harvest operation; this is serious business and it is not taken lightly. As a result, for Faber, the most challenging element of harvest season is “keeping a fast pace while remaining compliant.” The harvest procedure at Los Suenos Farms utilizes the infrastructures on premises, with a large influx of temporary employees to aid in the daunting task at hand. With teams split up in various arenas of the farm, they bring down rows of cannabis plants with chainsaws and ship them to a drying room by ATV and trailer. Upon entering the drying room, whole wet plants are weighed for METRC tracking, then bucked down for a more efficient drying process. Once dry, flowers are removed from stems and sent to the processing building for trimming in industrial trim machines. Finally, flowers are stored in large barrels for the curing process.

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A crucial element of the entire harvest process at Los Suenos, again, boils down to compliance with the State of Colorado law. To illustrate, the METRC number from the original wholeplant weigh-in must match the weight of the finished flower product plus waste (leaves, stems, and unusable materials) for each plant. All this plant material gets weighed several times throughout drying and processing to account for loss of water weight and other variables. Finally, Los Suenos hires an ancillary business to visit the farm and destroy all excess waste on camera for the State of Colorado to witness. The industrial agriculture approach to cannabis cultivation at Los Suenos Farms is not without its problems or critics. Of course, they face the problems with weather, pests, and labor seen with all farming operations, be they in the cannabis industry or mainstream agriculture. Additionally, being the biggest cannabis grow in the United States puts them on the map for drug war zealots on the local and federal level. However, as Mason explains, the cannabis industry in Pueblo, Colorado, has helped fill the economic void of a wavering steel manufacturing economy in the town. Also, Los Suenos has provided an overabundance of jobs in the region, especially during harvest when they are continually short staffed. All things considered, the problems Los Suenos Farms faces are indicative of their iconoclastic businesses model—a program that is pushing the cannabis industry for progress. Kent Gruetzmacher, MFA, is a Colorado-based freelance writer and the director of business development at Mac & Fulton Talent Partners, an employment recruiting firm dedicated to the indoor gardening and hydroponics industry. He is interested in utilizing his MA in the Humanities to critically explore the many cultural and business facets of this youthful, emergent industry by way of his entrepreneurial projects.

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CULLING

THE CANNABIS GARDEN by Stephen Keen

Focus on the best and forget the rest. To build a strong crop of healthy plants, don’t be afraid to cull the weakest plants at each stage. It’s how Mother Nature does it. Stephen Keen explains why culling at each stage will provide benefits in the long run.

his concept is going to sound backwards to many of you, but our years of cannabis growing experience have shown that the best way to produce the highest quality product is to cull plants at each stage of growth. Professional gardeners know this rule well, but most cannabis growers do not. In fact, it seems backwards to many cannabis gardeners to throw out plants at the transitions between the different stages of a plant’s life cycle (clone/seedling, vegetative, and flowering) as they have put effort in keeping these plants alive and as healthy as possible. However, culling plants at each stage will produce a more robust and higher yielding crop through the selection of the strongest individuals and the discarding of weak plants.

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THE LOGIC BEHIND PLANT CULLING

As plants grow, their true character comes out. Plant growth characteristics can be delineated as sensitive to low, medium, or high amounts of dissolved solids in water; preference for direct or indirect light; susceptibility or resistance to disease and pests; short or long internode length; and so on. Some are large growers, some are not. Some are prone to bugs and infections, while others are heartier. Some can thrive on limited nutrients and others need to be pampered to reach their full potential. These differences cannot be seen simply by looking at a seed or clone cutting. Instead, they only show up once the plants have a chance to grow and are exposed to your individual growing style and cultivation environment.

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As such, it is recommended to cull plants at each stage before moving them into the next phase. This means that you survey your crop, select the best ones to move on, and destroy the rest. Let’s repeat that: At each stage of the grow, throw some plants away and keep only the best performers. To make this work, culling losses must be factored in from the beginning. For example, let’s take a conservative estimate of 10 per cent culling loss at three stages—clones, rooted clones, and vegetative growth. Using this formula requires about 140 initial cuttings for every 100 plants that end up in the flower room. This culling loss can (and should) be adjusted based on your success rate and cultivation style. When losses are not factored in from the start, the pressure to produce often overrides plant quality. Gaps in your healthy plant count are filled with less than desirable replacements, which in turn bring yield potential down and increase the potential for pest/disease incursion, both of which create more work for facility personnel.

THE REWARDS OF CULLING PLANTS

With culling, the plants that make it through to harvest will be the best performers. You won’t be struggling with underperforming plants or playing catch-up. The culling process can help avoid many common cultivation setbacks associated with pests, disease, and genetic drift, since sickly plants are often the most vulnerable. The plants selected in this process will produce higher yields and better-looking products. You will easily be able to make up the cost of starting extra plants through the quality of the ones that make it to flowering.

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CULLING

plants at each stage will produce a more robust and higher yielding crop through the selection of the strongest individuals and the discarding of weak plants.”

Stephen Keen is a 14-year veteran of the cannabis industry and lifelong tinkerer. He saw a need for cannabis-tailored climate control solutions, which led to his co-founding of Hydro Innovations— now Surna Inc—in 2007. Surna’s mission is to design efficient, reliable, and intelligent equipment for climate control for cannabis cultivation. Keen has vast knowledge of controlled environment agriculture, including serving as the chief cultivation expert for one of Colorado’s largest MMJ operations and being published in various industry magazines. He has served as president and CEO, and now as director of technology, of Surna Inc.

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strain review

CUT AND DRIED: A MONTHLY LOOK AT DIFFERENT MMJ STRAINS

BY ALAN RAY Though he wasn’t singing about this strain, we’re pretty sure Jimi wouldn’t have minded the popular connection between his song and the beautiful, powerful Purple Haze.

purple haze What’s in a Name?

Purple Haze was in my brain Lately things don’t seem the same Actin’ funny but I don’t know why ’Scuse me while I touch the sky Naturally, those lyrics are from the 1967 rock classic “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix. Contrary to popular belief, the song wasn’t named for the marijuana plant bearing its namesake. In fact, the reverse may well hold true. The Purple Haze plant has its roots in the early ’70s, sometime after Jimi’s song and sad demise.

Unreal?

It is widely accepted that Purple Haze was the result of cross-breeding a Purple Thai with a Colombian Haze plant, though its true genetics are lost to the ages. Borne from the passion of dedicated Dutch growers and horticultural visionaries, it has continued to grow in popularity, winning over new and devoted fans with every purple puff. However, since that original pairing, a string of “piff,” or purple strains of

Once lit, this beauty possesses every element of taste, flavor, and pure euphoria smokers of any level will appreciate. Haze, have come into existence. As such, some breeders consider Purple Haze somewhat of a myth and not a true strain. This is because numerous marijuana plants will cast a purple hue when grown at lower temperatures. They argue there are so many purple plant variables out there that designating Purple Haze a distinct strain isn’t realistic. Nevertheless, if it can be seen, smelled, and smoked, that’s real enough for most consumers.

Once lit, this beauty possesses every element of taste, flavor, and pure euphoria smokers of any level will appreciate. It is highly desired for its upbeat, almost trippy high, as well as its sedative and pain-relieving properties. It produces a mild body stone that doesn’t mummify you. It is excellent for reducing stress, and can reduce anxiety and depression. It can also help stimulate the appetite in patients not feeling well enough to eat, and it can be a godsend for those enduring chemotherapy as it can reduce nausea.

Good Medicine

Yield of Dreams

Purple Haze is a lovely sativadominant hybrid that produces a persuasive and long-lasting stone. In the field of medical marijuana, Purple Haze is a top seller for a scorecard of reasons beginning with the plant’s aesthetics. This purple powerhouse dazzles us with its eye-popping, rich lavender hues that begin releasing feelgood endorphins through visual stimulation before ever lighting up.

In the garden, Purple Haze is an admirable producer and perfect for the novice or experienced grower. This plant grows well indoors and out, with a yield of approximately 350 grams or more per square meter, depending on conditions and genetics. This mythic marijuana is no fairy tale, so if you are looking for a beauty and a beast all rolled into one, look no further than Purple Haze.

Alan Ray has written five books and is a New York Times bestselling author. Additionally, he is a multi-award-winning songwriter with awards from BMI and ASCAP. Alan lives in Tennessee with his wife and two dogs: a South African Boerboel and a Pomeranian/Wolverine mix.

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Lucky in

illinois

PATIENT PROFILE by Kyle L. Ladenburger

Though medical marijuana has been legal in Illinois since 2013, the state wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quick to embrace it. A short list of qualifying ailments and fear of federal prosecution initially made it difficult for patients who chose medical marijuana to receive a prescription. Kyle L. Ladenburger explains how Lucky, who suffers from debilitating back pain, navigated the system.

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Luck “

the applicant must be able to certify the existence of a bona fide doctorpatient relationship and that the patient does in fact possess a qualifying, debilitating medical condition.”

Tmedicinal purposes in the State of he legal use of cannabis for

Illinois began on August 1, 2013, but got off to a rather slow start with the first registration ID cards not being issued until October 2015. This is typical for Illinois, where everything state-run gets bogged down in bureaucracy. Despite the slow start, things have begun to progress with more than $42 million in retail sales and an approved patient list of around 16,000 people since November 2015. Although these numbers are lower than projected estimates from 2014, they do represent a trend that is growing with each month that passes by. The growing pains experienced since the beginning of the program came about for a handful of reasons. The main one being the fact that Illinois’s list of qualifying ailments and conditions is shorter and much stricter when compared to states like California or Michigan. When it began, the list included only 39 conditions (it’s up to 42 now), all of which are considered debilitating or severe. Some of the more common ailments on the list include cancer, severe fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Crohn’s disease. In the past year, the board that decides which conditions qualify have added rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and glaucoma to the list. These additions have opened the program to many more patients. Another big reason for the slow start is the fact that an applicant not only had to have a documented history of treatment for a particular condition, but they were also required to have their physician explicitly recommend cannabis therapy. This is easier said than done in Illinois. The vast majority of doctors and physicians in this state do not support cannabis as a medical alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. The reasons for this can range from their personal views on the plant's effectiveness to a fear of going against federal law, which

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still labels cannabis as a Schedule 1 narcotic. Although this obstacle presented a real impediment on the progression of the program, a revision in the law occurred relatively recently that now eases the pressure of directly gaining a physician’s approval. Instead, the applicant must be able to certify the existence of a bona fide doctor-patient relationship and that the patient does in fact possess a qualifying, debilitating medical condition. This change has allowed Illinois’s MMJ program to grow at a quicker pace. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit and talk with a legally permitted medicinal cannabis recipient from my hometown in Illinois. My friend Lucky is 40 years old and for the last 20 of those years, he has suffered from a herniated disc with raw cartilage degeneration that stemmed from a workplace injury. The result has been constant back pain, making even the smallest of activities an uncomfortable experience to say the least. He says that, traditionally, the doctors would prescribe a variety of pain medication. “They’ve had me on OxyContin, morphine, and a variety of pharmaceutical pain medications. I’ve never really liked that kind of prescription medication or the way it made me feel.”

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Luck

heal

“

Another important aspect of his legal medicinal cannabis use is the fact that he doesn’t have to try and find it on the streets or the black market.”

When I asked him what he feels is the main benefit of switching to cannabis therapy as a treatment, his response was one I’ve heard many times from others throughout the country. “The best part is breaking free of the dependency to prescription opioid medication. Cannabis helps provide relief and reduces the pain and stress on my back muscles. It does so without any side effects, besides hunger,” he says. Some of the cannabis strains he utilizes contain higher levels of THC, while others are almost solely CBD and allow him to medicate on a daily basis. “I use flowers often, but oil and wax concentrates are also mixed into my personal daily use of the medication,” he adds. Another important aspect of his legal medicinal cannabis use is the fact that he doesn’t have to try and find it on the streets or the black market, which essentially would make him a criminal in the eyes of the justice system. Getting his medication from a dispensary makes him feel better about his choice and he feels the workers there truly help him pick the varieties that are best suited for his needs. “They (the budtenders) are very educated in adjusting and fine-tuning things to fit my personal medical needs.” I asked Lucky if he felt there should be any changes made to Illinois’s MMJ program and he feels that there should be more information available on how to pursue approval for a patient card. “I had a difficult time receiving mine because my doctors were not supportive of cannabis therapy. It took some time before I was actually recommended to the right doctor, one that believed in the value of cannabis as a viable medical treatment,” he says. Even though patients no longer technically need a written physician’s approval, Lucky is quick to point out that having one will make the approval process go much smoother.

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And, not surprisingly, larger, more populated areas and cities tend to be more liberal and have doctors that “seem to realize that this is not about getting drugs; it’s about understanding that this is a medication that can actually work and improve the quality of a person’s life in a more natural way.” As cannabis continues to prove itself as a viable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical drug treatments, hopefully the plant’s stigma will be lifted and more health care professionals will recommend it for their patients. For more information on the medicinal cannabis program in Illinois, visit norml.org/legal/item/ Illinois-medical-marijuana.

Kyle L. Ladenburger is a freelance garden writer who has worked in the gardening/hydroponics industry for over a decade. As an avid indoor and outdoor gardener, he is well-versed in nearly all types of growing methods with an overall focus on sustainability and maintaining healthy soils. He holds a strong conviction that growing one’s own food is a powerful way to change lives and the world for the better.

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heal

Cannabis extracts provide concentrated healing, but those that are improperly made can contain residual solvents. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you need to know to make safe, informed decisions at your local dispensary.

Clearing Residual Solvents

the Air by Jodi McDonald

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ot long ago, I was at a cannabis expo and a gentleman came to our table to ask questions about some symptoms he was experiencing after using an oil extract. He described a handful of symptoms, including confusion, loss of memory, headaches, and lack of coordination. I suspected that the product may have had residual solvents that hadn’t been fully removed during the processing. Extract products have great benefits for patients. Cannabinoids are present in much higher concentrations, which means less product is required for a dose. Terpenes occur in higher concentrations in extracts as well. These high concentrations lend extracts to further processing, like being incorporated into edible products. There are several ways to make extracts from dry flowers, including those that require large volumes of solvents. These large quantities improve the extraction efficiency and obtain higher levels of purity. Once the extraction is complete, the solvents are removed from the product. However, problems can arise when this final stage is not executed properly and not all the residual solvents are removed. When chemical solvents are not completely removed, they can be present in high enough concentrations to cause health problems for the patient, especially over time and with repeated exposure. Also, if cheaper solvents are used in place of high-quality ones, unwanted contaminants can create additional health risks. Residual solvents can cause a wide variety of non-specific and sometimes irreversible health impacts to individuals exposed to them. They can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, and they can affect the central nervous system, which can cause headaches, dizziness, and light-headedness progressing to unconsciousness, seizures, and possible death. A number of long-term adverse effects of solvents have been carcinogenic. Testing for the absence of residual solvents is a critical step in ensuring that we have safe products for consumption.

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Residual solvents are classified according to the health risk that they pose. Any discussion that you find about selecting residual solvents for extractions always includes a recommendation to use less toxic solvents. Solvents do not add any therapeutic benefit to the end-user, and so should be removed from the product before consumption. There are three categories of solvents, as described in Table 1: Classes of Residual Solvents. Generally, the residual solvents in Class 1 are so toxic they should be avoided, always.

“

Producers can choose from a number of processes for extraction, including those that use carbon dioxide or water and those that are solvent-less.” TABLE 1: CLASSES OF RESIDUAL SOLVENTS

CLASS

ASSESSMENT

Class 1

Solvents to be avoided Known human carcinogens Strongly suspected human carcinogens/Environmental hazards

Class 2

Solvents to be limited Non-genotoxic animal carcinogens, possible causative agents of other irreversible toxicity, such as neurotoxicity or teratogenicity Solvents suspected of other significant but reversible toxicities

Class 3

Solvents with low toxic potential Solvents with low toxic potential to humans; no health-based exposure limit is needed They are less toxic in acute or short-term studies and negative in genotoxicity studies

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heal Some examples of the solvents are included in the table below (Table 2: Solvent Examples). Class 3 solvents are less toxic and have lower risk to human health. There are no long-term toxicity or carcinogenicity studies for many of the Class 3 solvents. Health Canada does not specify a method that must be used for the extraction of cannabis oil. Producers can choose from a number of processes for extraction, including those that use carbon dioxide or water and those that are solvent-less. These three have less potential for toxicity, but there are still concerns about the presence of residual solvents as solvents used to clean the equipment can find their way into the end product. In Canada, the federal government is concerned about the health and safety of patients and have specified limits for residual solvents. Health Canada has mandated a requirement for residual solvent testing of all oil extracts. In the lab, we use a robust method of analysing residual solvents called headspace sampling with a gas chromatograph. In a headspace analysis, the sample is heated in a gas-tight vial to vaporize the volatile components. An automated syringe obtains a small sample of the gases in the headspace of a sealed vial from the sample preparation. The sample includes vapors of all volatile components in the vial. The sample is injected into a gas chromatograph for separation and detection of residual solvents.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Health Canada has mandated a requirement for residual solvent testing of all oil extracts.â&#x20AC;?

This is an extremely sensitive test for most of the relevant volatile compounds. Residual solvent amounts are commonly expressed in parts per million (ppm). With a good-quality test lab conducting the right testing, all adulterated material can be identified and destroyed to protect the end-user. I think about the gentleman that I met at the expo a lot. He was going to send me the remains of the oil that he had, in order for us to test it for the presence of residual solvents. I never heard back from him, and often wonder how he is making out. I hope he found the answers he needed to improve his health and begin to feel better. Jodi McDonald is the president and founder of Keystone Labs and is a medical microbiologist, inventor, and super science-geek. She has 20 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the quality control, regulatory, and quality assurance environment for the pharmaceutical industry. Jodi believes testing is essential for taking control of your personal health.

TABLE 2: SOLVENTS EXAMPLES

SOLVENT

CLASS

HEALTH / SAFETY CONCERN

Benzene

Carcinogen

Carbon Tetrachloride

Toxic, environmental hazard

1,2-Dichloroethane

Toxic

1,2-Dichloroethane

Toxic

1,1,1-Tricholorethane

Environmental hazard

Acetonitrile

Central nervous system: headaches, numbness, tremors

Chlorobenzene

Central nervous system: headaches, numbness, tremors

Chloroform

Probable carcinogen

Hexane

Central nervous system effects: numbness, weakness, blurred vision

Methanol

Headache, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, blindness

Acetone

Depends on length and quantity of exposure

1-Butanol

Depends on length and quantity of exposure

Ethanol

Depends on length and quantity of exposure

Pentane

Depends on length and quantity of exposure

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HEALING WITH CANNABIS Cory Hughes by

Treating brain injuries with cannabis is a somewhat controversial practice, but there is a growing body of evidence that it could actually help repair the damage.

ne of the more controversial medical cannabis applications is its use in treating traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). However, studies on TBI have shown that the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in the brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to repair damage. This system, which spans the entire body and plays an important role in maintaining our day-to-day health, is designed to maintain homeostasis between a stable internal environment and an unstable external environment. As a result, cannabinoids are essential to maintaining this homeostasis.

TBI

Traumatic brain injuries usually result from a single, harsh blow to the head. They can happen in a car crash or other form of critical event. Besides the initial injury, TBI can lead to inflammation in the brain, damage to blood vessels, nervous system damage, and interference with processing sensory data. For minor TBIs, many patients have no other solution than over-the-counter pain killers. For more serious cases, additional oxygen may be required to overcome imbalances in the blood. However, studies are finding that cannabis, with its ability to treat multiple symptoms, is proving to be an extremely effective treatment for patients suffering from TBI. Cannabis has already demonstrated its usefulness as an anti-inflammatory. One of hardest aspects of TBI to overcome is brain swelling due to fluid and pressure buildup. Often, brain injuries this severe require surgery to relieve the pressure. However, the introduction of cannabinoids, specifically THC and CBD, into the brain has been shown to drastically reduce swelling and allow for normal blood flow. When Cb1 and Cb2 receptors are activated, they stimulate the release of minocycline, which reduces neural swelling and helps to mitigate the damage caused by the injury. These results have been confirmed on studies on both mice and pigs.

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One of the first scientists to study the effects of cannabis on TBI was none other than Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who is largely credited for being the first person to isolate THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids as far back as the 1960s. Mechoulam first published his research on TBI in 2007 in a paper called “Endocannabinoids and Traumatic Brain Injury.“ The study found mice that suffered from a serious brain injury had higher levels of an endocannabinoid known as 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-Ag). This endocannabinoid naturally occurs in the body and is mainly found in the central nervous system. What Mechoulam and his team discovered was 2-Ag is a natural defense against brain swelling as it is anti-inflammatory by nature. The problem is that the body does not produce enough of it to be effective in accelerating healing. The study concluded that the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids work as a neuroprotectant when the brain is exposed to trauma, and that the full benefit of the endocannabinoid system as it pertains to its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties can be achieved by supplementing cannabinoids in TBI patients.

“STUDIES are finding that cannabis,

with its ability to treat multiple symptoms, is proving to be an extremely effective treatment for patients suffering from TBI.” The evidence points in only one direction: that there is an inescapable relationship between cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, and the brain’s ability to heal itself.

Cory Hughes is a former police officer turned full-time commercial grower in Denver, Colorado.

CTE

Unlike TBI, the neurological effects of CTE are brought about over time instead of from one traumatic event. It was first discovered in football players and other professional athletes exposed to repeated head trauma. Brain tissue exposed to numerous impacts over time eventually dies and leaves behind a protein called tau. The buildup of this protein affects the brain very much like the plaque buildup found in Alzheimer’s patients. If untreated, it leads to memory issues, cognitive dysfunction, and, in extreme cases, dementia. With CTE, it is believed that CBD provides the brain with relief. Cannabidiol is a heavy anti-inflammatory and, as previously mentioned, acts as a strong neuroprotectant. It works to slow the release and buildup of these excess tau proteins, thus slowing the advancement of neurological decay. This is the same mechanism by which cannabis positively affects patients suffering from the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, which is also caused by excess protein buildup. Only recently have doctors come to understand what happens to the brain during a traumatic injury or after years of exposure to lesser traumatic events. Simultaneously, cannabis scientists have uncovered an encyclopedia of information about the benefits that cannabinoids like THC and CBD have on the brain.

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Five People Who Changed the

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Cannabis Land

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dscape

by Kent Gruetzmacher

Change never happens without influencers, people who put a cause ahead of their own interests and, in some cases, well-being. The people listed below saw the benefits of marijuana long before most, and despite being hunted, ostracized, or challenged, continued on with the goal of benefitting people. Kent Gruetzmacher tells each of their stories and how they became the foundation of the cannabis landscape we know today.

s the contemporary cannabis space grows out of a shadowy culture now lost in time—a secret society of underground cultivators shrouded in paranoid mystique—it is worth noting how these progressions were possible. Looking at the cannabis space as a whole, there exist several identifiable streams of energy that eventually ran together to aid in the manifestation the cannabis industry as we know it in late 2017. These influential movements arise from four divergent headwaters: horticulture, advocacy, medical science, and business. The modernized, legal world of marijuana came about as these varied components reacted with one another in novel and unexpected ways, giving birth to a brand-new marketplace wrought with all the possibilities for corruptibility and hope present in adolescence. Along this line of thought, the realms of horticulture, advocacy, medical science, and business are populated and influenced by bright, hopeful individuals who have dedicated their lives to spreading awareness about this amazing plant. Standing at the forefront of the contemporary cannabis space are iconoclasts who shaped the industry as we know it by taking chances and standing up for what they believe in—oftentimes in the face of legal persecution and moral oppression. As 2017 comes to a close, now is a good time to consider the five most influential people in the cannabis space. While none of these figures are singularly responsible for the progressions of marijuana culture, whether it be in medical science or business, each one of them instilled the streams of progress with creativity and defiance—with these fertile confluences eventually taking shape in the cannabis industry of today.

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ED ROSENTHAL

HORTICULTURE & ADVOCACY

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HIS PLACE IN THE CONTEMPORARY CANNABIS SPACE IS A COMBINATION OF D HORTICULTURAL LEGEND AN MARIJUANA ADVOCATE—A FACT THAT IS REFLECTED IN HIS WIDELY CIRCULATED BOOKS CONCERNING CANNABIS GROWING.

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The name Ed Rosenthal has become synonymous with world-class marijuana cultivation wisdom and techniques. Rosenthal, now in his early 70s, is perhaps the most famous cannabis consultant in the world, being dubbed the “Guru of Ganja” early in career in the 1970s. His place in the contemporary cannabis space is a combination of horticultural legend and marijuana advocate—a fact that is reflected in his widely circulated books concerning cannabis growing. Many of these books were published at a time when the cultivation of marijuana was still a highly secretive affair and spreading knowledge promoting this illegal activity put Rosenthal directly on the frontlines of legalization controversy. Rosenthal’s career has been highlighted with various advocacy efforts in California (CA) and beyond, drawing particular recognition with his contributions to CA Prop 215 and the organization Green Aid. California’s Proposition 215 was enacted in 1996 and is recognized as the United States’ first medical marijuana program. Rosenthal’s involvement with Prop 215 dealt primarily with consultation concerning patient treatment and access. By way of his cannabis expertise, Rosenthal advised the State of California on structures and avenues for patients to follow in the acquisition of pharmaceutical-quality marijuana. Rosenthal complements his legislative acumen with his work as the executive director of Green Aid, also referred to as the Medical Marijuana Legal Defense and Education Fund. Through Green Aid, Rosenthal spearheads campaigns to spread awareness about such topics as law enforcement zealotry and the legal complexities of traveling with medical marijuana. As seen with many marijuana industry icons, Rosenthal has faced his fair share of legal troubles in his time— namely in Oakland, CA, in the early 2000s. While the exact details of the case are somewhat convoluted, it is clear that Rosenthal was precariously positioned between the State of California and federal cannabis law on a variety of charges. To illustrate, it is reported that the City of Oakland had “deputized” with the ability to legally grow and dispense medical marijuana. Nonetheless, as federal prosecutors became aware of Rosenthal’s role as both a public figure and marijuana grower, they arrested him in 2002 and indicted him on a number of charges. Interestingly, a number of jurors in the case walked out on the proceedings upon learning about Rosenthal’s cultivation sanction given by the City of Oakland. The case dragged on until 2007, when he was convicted on three charges, yet only spent one day in jail. Rosenthal’s legal battles represent one of the first highly publicized court cased that directly pinned state and federal law against one another concerning medical marijuana; his trial became an example of advocacy efforts in itself. Today, Rosenthal continues to spread awareness about medical marijuana cultivation and consumption through written works, business ventures, and educational programs. To date, Rosenthal has published more than a dozen books relating to cannabis cultivation that have been printed in over a million copies and sold worldwide. Rosenthal adds to his literary expertise as a cannabis university faculty member, contributing to horticultural coursework at both Oaksterdam University and The Cannabis Training Institute. Finally, through his company Quick Trading, Rosenthal has developed an organic insecticide dubbed “Zero Tolerance,” which can be found on the shelves of hydroponic shops across the United States.

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RAFAEL MECHOULAM MEDICAL SCIENCE

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AS THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA MOVEMENT CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE WITH ACCEPTANCE IN MAINSTREAM MEDICINE, MECHOULAM’S DISCOVERIES ARE NOTHING SHORT OF REVOLUTIONARY AS THEY SET THE STANDARDS FOR YOUNGER GENERATIONS OF CHEM ISTS, SCIENTISTS, AND DOCTORS TO FOL LOW.

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Rafael Mechoulam is one of the most influential, yet least publicized, figures in the contemporary cannabis space. His significance in the industry is the result of his profound contributions to the medial science surrounding marijuana. As a professor of medicinal chemistry at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Mechoulam is famous for the discovery and isolation of cannabinoid compounds from both the marijuana plant and the human body. Beginning his research into the medical benefits of cannabis in the mid-twentieth century, Mechoulam set forth to establish a legitimate understanding of the herb’s chemical compositions in an era steeped with prohibition and naïveté. To put this notion in context, some of his most notable scientific discoveries occurred during the 1960s. At this time, when counterculture celebrated marijuana for it’s psychoactive, quasi-mystical attributes, Mechoulam recognized the herb as a genuine medicine and sought to objectively investigate it in controlled laboratory settings. The importance of Mechoulam to modern day medical marijuana movements cannot be overstated, as the research he conducted 50 years ago is still ahead of its time by today’s standards. To elaborate, in 1964 Mechoulam discovered the chemical composition of the main psychoactive compound in marijuana: tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. In other words, Mechoulam isolated and broke down chemically the primary psychoactive component in cannabis that has been getting individuals high for thousands of years. Interestingly, his discoveries represent a convergence of ancient and modern cultures—he described a plant suffused in a supernatural aura with the objective classifications of Western science. Mechoulam’s laboratory work continued, and the scientific community recognizes him as “the first to complete the total synthesis of major plant cannabinoids 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabigerol, and others.” Mechoulam’s success with the synthetization of cannabinoids opened the door for the creation of pharmaceutical-grade, synthetic cannabis medicines. These meds, such as marinol, have been prescribed to terminally ill cancer and aids patients in the US for decades. As Mechoulam’s medical research into cannabis continued into the 1980s, he made another paradigm-shifting discovery: that of the endocannabinoid system. As part of Mechoulam’s research methodology, he was attempting to discern “where the psychoactive compounds in cannabis THC” interact with the human body and discovered an entire network of “chemical compounds and receptors” now referred to as the endocannabinoid system. Upon discovering this previously unknown neural network, Mechoulam and his peers theorized that the endocannabinoid system acts to regulate chemical equilibriums within the human body. To elaborate further, Dr. Robert Melamede from the University of Colorado postulates that “it is the role of our bodies’ endocannabinoids to regulate healing processes by controlling free radicals... [he] refers to free radicals as the friction of life and the endocannabinoids as the oil.” As a result, Mechoulam’s discovery has set the stage for understanding alternative causes, as well as cures, for such human maladies as migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia by way of the endocannabinoid system. As the medical marijuana movement continues to struggle with acceptance in mainstream medicine, Mechoulam’s discoveries are nothing short of revolutionary as they set the standards for younger generations of chemists, scientists, and doctors to follow. Today, Mechaulam remains on the cuttingedge of medical science research into cannabis, serving on the scientific advisory board for such cannabis-based pharmaceutical manufactures as Kalytera.

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RICK SIMPSON

MEDICAL SCIENCE & ADVOCACY

“

SIMPSON TRIED TIME AND AGAIN TO TREAT THESE DEBILITATING SYMPTOMS WITH S, PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION WITH LITTLE TO NO RELIEF. VE IT, THEN, AS FATE WOULD HA SIMPSON SAW A DOCUMENTARY ON TELEVISION ABOUT THE MEDICAL BENEFITS OF CANNABIS.

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Photo by Davor Pongracic

”

Rick Simpson is perhaps the most unlikely individual on this list to receive recognition for his contributions to the cannabis space—he is simply a medical marijuana patient with a profound story to share. However, in the cannabis culture of 2017, “Rick Simpson Oil,” or “RSO,” is a term with widespread recognition, as it denotes a form of cannabis oil that is esteemed for its health benefits. Simpson, a Canadian, worked a majority of his adult life as a maintenance tech in a local hospital—often times being exposed to volatile chemicals in poorly ventilated portions of the building. In time, and due to prolonged exposures to these noxious substances, Simpson experienced a “nervous system shock” and passed out at his workplace. After this initial medical incident, Simpson was plagued with nausea, dizziness, and ringing in his ears. Following the advice of his doctors, Simpson tried time and again to treat these debilitating symptoms with prescription medications, with little to no relief. Then, as fate would have it, Simpson saw a documentary on television about the medical benefits of cannabis. He followed the advice of the marijuana documentary and began treating his symptoms with the herb, and was pleased with the results. This instance was Simpson’s first encounter with the wide-ranging benefits of medical marijuana. Simpson’s initial experiences on a personal level with medical cannabis were also quite impactful. He subsequently began cultivating the plant and making his own extracts and concentrates. To this end, Simpson ingested cannabis oil on a daily basis as part of his regular health routine, becoming a firm believer in the healing capabilities of the plant. As circumstances would have it, Simpson wound up contracting basal cell carcinoma skin cancer in 2003—whether the cause of the cancer can be attributed to his exposures to noxious chemicals remains unknown. Upon hearing his diagnoses, Simpson heeded the advice of his Canadian doctors and attempted to have the cancerous growths removed from his body via surgery. However, these surgeries proved futile in controlling the disease and the cancer continued to grow. At this point, Simpson decided to give medical marijuana a try in treating his skin cancer. To add a new twist to Simpson’s tale, instead of ingesting cannabis oil for his skin cancer, he put the oil on the inside of bandages that were then placed on the cancerous growths. Amazingly, after having the cannabis oil-soaked bandages on his skin for only four days, the cancer was completely gone. After Simpson’s unprecedented recovery, he dedicated his life to spreading awareness about the medical benefits of cannabis. Simpson undertook a massive grassroots effort to supply patients in need with medical marijuana in Canada… for free. In time, it is reported that Simpson supplied over 5,000 Canadians with free medical marijuana—starting his renown as a public figure in the cannabis space. In 2005, Simpson’s rise as a champion of the medical marijuana culture also caught the attention of Canadian law enforcement, which arrested him for the cultivation of over 2,000 plants—all of which he planned on making into oil for free distribution. While Simpson only wound up receiving a $2,000 fine for this initial arrest, he became a target for law enforcement. This attention would plague him for years. Nonetheless, Simpson reportedly treated, and helped cure, hundreds of cancer patients through his grassroots, altruistic advocacy efforts. Simpson no longer produces or supplies cannabis oil, but his method can be found for free at phoenixtears.ca or simpsonramadur.com.

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JORGE CERVANTES

HORTICULTURE & ADVOCACY

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CERVANTES ALSO SET THE FOUNDATIO NS FOR THE MODERN HYDROPONIC STOR E AND CULTURE, STARTING HIS OWN SHOP CALLED “JORGE CERVANTES’S INDOOR GARDEN STORE” AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS OF INDOOR CULTIVATION EQUIPMENT.

”

Photo by Jorge Cervante/Wikimedia Commons

Jorge Cervantes is one of the most recognizable names in cannabis cultivation. His famous book Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower’s Bible can be found on the bookshelves of marijuana horticulturists the world over. Cervantes’s real name is George Van Patten. He created his infamous alias—which includes a notorious disguise with a black beret and dreadlocks—during the 1980s. As Cervantes rose to the forefront of marijuana cultivation advocacy efforts during the prohibition-heavy era of the War on Drugs, his disguise and alias were necessary measures of survival. Over the last 35 years, Cervantes informed entire generations about cannabis horticulture and techniques through his books, compiling the first known work dedicated to indoor gardening. Cervantes’s fabled relationship to the cannabis plant began during the 1970s. During this time, he experimented with illegal, guerilla grow operations in the mountains outside of Santa Barbara, CA, as well as indoor grows in Portland, Oregon. After experimenting heavily with various indoor gardening equipment set-ups and techniques, Cervantes realized that there was a total lack of information available on the market concerning his trade. As a result, while operating in secrecy as well as under an assumed identity for the first time, Cervantes wrote and self-published the first book on indoor marijuana growing, Indoor Marijuana Horticulture. To put this notion in perspective, cannabis gardeners in 2017 can effortlessly access volumes of information on cultivation from endless resources online and in print, and get detailed nutrient formulations and feeding schedules from hydroponic shops. Things were quite different 30 years ago. Cervantes also set the foundations for the modern hydroponic store and culture, starting his own shop called Jorge Cervantes’s Indoor Garden Store and contributing to the technological advancements of indoor cultivation equipment. To elaborate, Cervantes designed and sold his own HID lighting systems, eventually inventing reflective hoods. Reflective hoods are now used in almost every growroom in the entire world, as they supply cannabis plants with 40 per cent more light than previous technologies. Point being, the modern grow book, cannabis magazine, and hydroponic store would not be what they are today without the brazen, secretive efforts of Cervantes during the 1980s and 1990s. During the first couple decades of Cervantes’s career, marijuana cultivation was highly illegal and brought with it severe legal punishment. This notion was reflected in the US government’s stance on hydroponic stores and grow books during the 1980s and ’90s. To elaborate, Cervantes reported in a 2012 blog post that hydro shops, as well as himself, in the 1980s could have received “RICO racketeering” charges for openly selling cannabis cultivation books in conjunction with grow equipment and nutrients. To add to the overall intensity of these scenarios, Cervantes also stated, “I remember many times when the owners of hydroponics shops would not stand in the same room as me” due to the notoriety he had received as an underground, outlaw marijuana growing advocate. Today, Cervantes is still recognized as an authority on everything cannabis cultivation. Over the years, he has regularly contributed cultivation knowledge to such magazines as High Times, THC, and Cannabis Culture. He received the Lester Grinspoon Lifetime Achievement Award from High Times in 2012 due to his passion and advocacy for marijuana cultivation. Finally, he published his latest and most comprehensive book in 2015, titled The Marijuana Encyclopedia.

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“

HARBORSIDE REPRESENTS

DEANGELO’S ORIGINAL VISION AND GENIUS WITHIN THE CANNABIS USLY SPACE AS IT SIMULTANEO SIGNIFIES A GREAT BUSINESS MODEL THAT SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION FOR CANNABIS LEGALIZATION EFFORTS WHILE LIGHTING A FIRE UNDER THE FEET OF THE CANNABIS LEGALIZATION MOVEMENT.

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STEVE DEANGELO

ADVOCACY & BUSINESS Steve DeAngelo has emerged as an iconoclastic figure on the twenty-first century cannabis scene due to an infusion of business sense, advocacy efforts, and global media attention. DeAngelo first entered the cannabis limelight in 2006 with the founding of Harborside Health Center (now, 11 years later, called Harborside) in Oakland, CA—the largest and most controversial medical marijuana dispensary in the United States to date. The New York Times called it “the national model in which others could operate.” In recent years, DeAngelo has expanded on his hardwon cannabis industry knowledge by co-founding the Arcview Group, one of the most established cannabis angel investment network groups on the market. However, Harborside represents DeAngelo’s original vision and genius within the cannabis space as it simultaneously signifies a great business model that serves as an inspiration for cannabis legalization efforts while lighting a fire under the feet of the cannabis legalization movement. In 1996, with the passage of Proposition 215, California became the first state in the union to legalize the medical use of cannabis. With this momentous legislation, the state was immediately moved into the forefront of marijuana activism on the global stage. California’s unprecedented decision to legalize adult-use marijuana set the foundation for the development of a legal cannabis industry more than a decade before states like Colorado, Washington, and Oregon decided to follow suit. As a result, when DeAngelo opened the expansive Harborside in 2006, the interior design, holistic health services model, and large, lighted clinic space immediately put him in the public and media limelight. According to media sources, Harborside currently has 270,000 registered and certified patients, making it the largest dispensary in the United States and possibly the world. The scope of the operation at Harborside propelled DeAngelo to the front lines of California’s cannabis legalization battles, in turn making his name synonymous with cannabis on a worldwide scale. It’s worth noting that publicly running a marijuana dispensary was an act of civil disobedience in itself—this notion was rapidly heightened in the George W. Bush era when Harborside first opened its doors. As the cannabis space slowly began gaining mainstream media attention in the mid-2000s, DeAngelo capitalized on the public interest by featuring Harborside in a number of television documentaries. Before this, DeAngelo was featured in a cover story for Fortune magazine, which had Mary Louise Parker, from the popular Showtime series WEEDS, on the cover. Since then, DeAngelo has been featured on two more Fortune covers, one in 2009 and another in 2013. The California dispensary was the primary focus of the Discovery Channel’s four-part series titled Weed Wars. The show featured footage and documentation of the day-to-day operations in Harborside, garnering national attention of California’s medical marijuana industry.

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Similarly, CNN’s hit show Inside Man featured Morgan Spurlock working within Harborside, again giving the nation a glimpse of a highly taboo industry. While DeAngelo’s intentions for featuring Harborside in mainstream media had to do with cannabis advocacy and the spreading of public awareness, the television programs partially attracted the wrong sort of attention. In 2012, the federal government came down on DeAngelo and Harborside with US Attorney Melinda Haag filing a commercial forfeiture seizure injunction against the property owner, claiming that the federal government would seize the property if the property owner continued to rent to Harborside. This tactic was used all over the country. DeAngelo’s subsequent struggles to keep Harborside open, as well as stay out of prison, lasted in a four-year federal court battle. Finally, the Department of Justice dropped its case with Harborside in May 2016. Today, DeAngelo continues to be on the cutting-edge of the cannabis industry in California and around the globe, speaking at Oxford University in London; Barcelona, Spain; and, in November, as a keynote speaker in Prague at the EuroAmerican Cannabis Conference, taking a pro-active approach to government policy and business around the world. To this end, the Arcview Group is one of the largest angel networks in the world assisting with seed funding for some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs that the modern-day cannabis space has to offer.

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FIVE STATES TO LEGALIZING CANNABIS STILL STRONGLY OPP SED

BY CHRIS BOND Despite the progress medical and recreational marijuana has made recently in the US, there are still large portions of the country adamantly opposed to cannabis. Chris Bond explores which US states are unlikely to pass any kind of cannabis legalization bill anytime soon. 60

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he issue of legal cannabis use for medicinal or recreational purposes is gaining ground in a number of states. Currently, 29 states and Washington D.C. allow for the use of cannabis to one degree or another. The legalization of industrial hemp (defined as Cannabis S. with a THC level less than 0.3 per cent) production has also received a boost in popularity in recent years, with 33 states allowing for its cultivation either for research or commercial purposes. This wellspring of support, however, does not resonate throughout all 50 states. There are still a number of states that, even if the federal government decriminalized or legalized cannabis, would still support its prohibition. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much of a surprise, seeing as several states still boast as much as one-third of their territories being â&#x20AC;&#x153;dry,â&#x20AC;? as in the sale or public consumption of alcohol has remained illegal since the passage of the 18th Amendment, the 1919 Volstead Act (even though the federal government has allowed its use, sale, and consumption since the 21st Amendment passed in 1933 under President Franklin Roosevelt). In this light, it is again no surprise that these bastions of conservative practices will continue to dig their heels in, hold their breath, and stomp their collective feet when it comes time to take a stance on the legalization of marijuana. Here are five states that are among the least likely to be legalizing cannabis in any form anytime soon.

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ALABAMA Alabama, the state that brought us such luminaries as George Wallace and Bull Connor, not surprisingly opposes marijuana legalization vehemently. It still observes prohibition, with dry towns and municipalities in up to one-third of its counties. With no initiative process on its ballots, there is little hope for grassroots (pun intended) activists in the Heart of Dixie to make any real progress in the near future for either medicinal or recreational use of cannabis. Alabama law adds an additional penalty for folks who may be convicted of any crime relating to marijuana; they are banned for life from child adoption within the state. This means that an individual or couple who would like to adopt a child, but have a possession charge somewhere in their past, are unable to improve the life of a child in need.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;IT IS AGAIN

no surprise that these bastions of conservative practices will continue to dig their heels in, hold their breath, and stomp their collective feet when it comes time to take a stance on the legalization of marijuana.â&#x20AC;?

IDAHO Much of the popular sensibility in Idaho stems from its high population of practicing Mormons (Idaho has the second largest Mormon population in the country behind Utah) who by decree are opposed to the use of cannabis in any form. A 2016 poll regarding marijuana legalization found that 64 per cent of the population opposed any form of legalization, with 53 per cent of those respondents indicating that they were strongly opposed to its legalization. Idahoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laws reflect this disdain for any use of marijuana. Possession of mere marijuana paraphernalia, not even the substance itself, can lead to a charge and conviction of a misdemeanor.

KANSAS Kansas can boast the lowest usage levels of marijuana anywhere in the country, if that is what they want to hang their hat on. An estimated 8.2 per cent of Jayhawks use cannabis in any form versus over 12 per cent of the rest of the country. This could be the cause or the effect of its anti-cannabis position. It should not be much of a surprise that the state that spawned the Westboro Baptist Church, with its anti-progressive stances on everything and its stated intolerance of every other religion, would be firmly in the camp of the states that have no plans of legalizing marijuana. As recently as 2014, polls indicated that 33 per cent of the state not only was opposed to legalization or decriminalization of marijuana, they felt it should be a felony to possess marijuana.

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“LOUISIANA IS ANOTHER state that lacks an

initiative process, denying citizens the chance to put issues like marijuana usage on the ballot.”

LOUISIANA The state with a reputation for being home to the Big Easy and for practices such as flash-for-beads is surprisingly among the most hard-nosed in its position against marijuana use. Its laws are among the country’s most draconian, with a 20-year sentence for mere possession on more than one occasion and up to life imprisonment for possession in conjunction with any felony (even passing a bad check). Proposals that were put before the legislature in recent sessions to ease up on some of these harsh sentences have been cast asunder and are not likely to see the light of day on the bayou anytime soon. Louisiana is another state that lacks an initiative process, denying citizens the chance to put issues like marijuana usage on the ballot. Louisiana is an exception, however, as it does allow for medicinal use of marijuana in theory, but it has still not been put into practice as other existing legislation makes it illegal for anyone to even handle medicinal marijuana.

OKLAHOMA The Sooner State is in no hurry to be soonest when it comes to marijuana reform laws. It is currently (along with Nebraska) suing the State of Colorado for legalizing marijuana, citing that Colorado’s laws have resulted in higher law enforcement costs as a result of more marijuana coming into its borders. Sentences for possessing or selling marijuana are still harsh in Oklahoma, with a punishment of up to life imprisonment if found guilty. Not surprising from a state that still enforces alcohol prohibition, like Alabama, in onethird of its counties. A 2014 poll regarding the legalization of marijuana found that 69 per cent of Oklahomans were against legalization in any form. These states are hardly outliers. There are about another dozen or so states that could have easily made this list, but didn’t because they might allow for industrial hemp, be considering lower sentences for marijuana possession, or in very rare cases, allow the use of CBD for therapeutic or treatment purposes, but are not otherwise in any hurry to repeal any prohibition on recreational or even medicinal use of cannabis. Of course, laws change with frequency. All statements are thought to be true at the time of publication, though that may not be the case at any given time in the future. Consult your state’s statutes to be sure what its current legislation on cannabis-related crimes is.

Chris Bond is the manager of the McKay Farm and Research Station at Unity College in Maine. His research interests are with sustainable agriculture, biological pest control as well as alternative growing methods. He is a certified permaculture designer and certified nursery technician in Ohio and a certified nursery professional in New York, where he got his start in growing.

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Being a start-up in the unstable world of a developing industry like medicinal cannabis isn’t easy, but with the right connections and commitment to their strategy, BioAgra’s Dorian Balshin and Richard Stoner are making it work.

Aeroponics Build Solutions 200 Vinyl Court, Unit B Woodbridge, ON L4L 4A3 1-416-783-7072 WWW

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1 Year in business

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ioAgra Technologies is a bio-agriculture technology company for licensed producers, delivering proven technologies and products to burgeoning cannabis grow operations. Dorian Balshin and Richard Stoner, with backgrounds in the medical and agriculture industries, co-founded BioAgra in Toronto in 2016. Balshin co-founded Bio-Media Ltd., an international leader supplying prepared media to the medical and health food industries, while Stoner, through NASA funding, developed advance high-performance crop production systems and biocontrols for space and earth. Despite experience in a similar field, the start-up continues to work through red tape associated with the medical cannabis industry. “It’s a big learning curve for our partners understanding we are in the pharmaceutical business,” says Balshin. “But there are also the related challenges and satisfaction of implementing strict Health Canada guidelines with suppliers.” Balshin adds that he was intrigued by the medicinal cannabis industry prior to and after networking with like-minded industry people, including Stoner, who is considered the Grandfather of Aeroponics. As the only employees of the start-up, Balshin and Stoner wore many hats, with Balshin taking the title of CEO and Stoner director of product. “Still, we both had to source unique products and solution, identify and vet the right partners and alliances, identify go-to market strategies, and open doors with initial customers,” says Balshin. The company has since added two more employees, and now distributes Canada-wide with plans to expand to other countries as soon as possible. Balshin says the company is able to move quickly due to its experience understanding challenges licensed producers and growers face scaling growth in sterile environments. Another strength BioAgra enjoys is sourcing and building relationships with suppliers, inventors, manufacturers, and alliance partners, as well as identifying new technologies and products that are the best in the industry. Partnering with Stoner, adds Balshin, has given BioAgra a leg-up in the start-up phase. “The realization that we have partnered with the Grandfather of Aeroponics at exactly the right time has been great,” says Balshin. “He discovered aeroponics and related systems and products through a NASA-funded project for (International Space Station) fresh food growth nearly 25 years ago. The new cannabis industry, coupled with competitive forces, requires growers to maximize yields and quality in the shortest time at the lowest possible cost, can be delivered most effectively with a properly implemented aeroponics system.” Shortly after BioAgra secured a deal to represent Stoner globally, Stoner finalized a joint venture with the government of India after 15 years of engagement. That deal will allow Stoner to implement his aeroponic systems at manufacturing facilities throughout the country.

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“That was probably one of the best days on the job so far, getting that call from Richard,” says Balshin. Still, new challenges arise every day in the unstable cannabis industry as it finds its way. “There are similarities to the dotcom boom in the mid-1990s with crazy valuations and minimum profitability,” says Balshin, adding that being flexible while maintaining and executing a clear strategy ensures that BioAgra will follow the right highway to success. “Make sure you’ve got staying power because ramp-up is almost always longer and harder than anticipated.”

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IT’S A BIG LEARNING CURVE FOR OUR PARTNERS UNDERSTANDING WE ARE IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL BUSINESS.”

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HELLO, SUIT AND TIE by Kent Gruetzmacher

Want a job in the potentially lucrative marijuana industry? Trade in your tie-dye for a suit and tie, and become technologically savvy and organized. Hydrolifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kent Gruetzmacher interviews industry leaders to gauge the marijuana job market.

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s the contemporary cannabis space begins its maturation from infancy to adolescence, its evolutionary changes arise out of political, financial, and geographical influences. The marijuana job market is also directly manipulated by these constraints. Along this line of thought, different geographies of the current cannabis industry are experiencing the growing pains of adolescence in disparate and novel fashions. To succeed, marijuana industry professionals and hopefuls alike must adapt to the challenges put forth in an ever-dynamic, rapidly growing vocational climate.

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MARIJUANA GOES MAINSTREAM As an example, while California contains the most long-standing marijuana-based economy in the US, the industry is now undergoing a complete overhaul due to the passage of Proposition 64 and the opening of a recreational marketplace. These changes will bring with them strict government regulations on cultivation operations and dispensaries, creating thousands of jobs that include W2 forms and income taxes. California is an absolute boon for cannabis industry professionals and hopefuls, as cannabis businesses in the Golden State now must develop branded products that must compete in a normalized, regulated marketplace. Colorado, as well as eastern states, have their own challenges with respect to employment opportunities in the cannabis space. Residents and politicians of Colorado had the foresight to develop and encourage an industry that is now fully accredited and functional, while providing respectable jobs for a large portion of the population. While the Colorado cannabis job market is no longer experiencing the sort of growth seen in other areas, there are still excellent employment opportunities throughout the state. Finally, looking at novel markets in East Coast states such as Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, industry frontrunners are suit-and-tie businesspeople focused on professionalizing the cannabis space in a fashion akin to mainstream medical facilities. Currently, the East Coast marijuana job market is moving along at a crawl, hand-in-hand with slow-moving legislation in states like Massachusetts and Florida—competition is fierce and job opportunities are slim At Hydrolife, we feel that the best way to gain an understanding of the cannabis job market is to contact industry professionals working within emergent arenas of the industry. To this end, market research shows that both cannabis-focused technology companies and ancillary sales businesses are currently experiencing growth. To further our insight into these job sectors, Hydrolife contacted two Colorado-based businesses for a short Q&A session. We reached out to Phil Schmitten, co-founder of software company Brytemap, to shed some insight into technology-related positions. Secondly, we spoke with Aaron Perlman, vice-president of sales for the Colorado Grow Company (CoGrowCo), about the ins-and-outs of ancillary sales roles in the cannabis space.

HYDROLIFE: Could you please tell us a little about your business and the company’s place within the emergent cannabis market? PERLMAN: CoGrowCo was originally conceived by its two owners,

Adam Gifford and Jason Barker, as a recreational dispensary in Durango, Colorado. Operating in the cannabis space, we quickly saw a demand for knowledgeable consultants and salespeople relating to ancillary products in lighting, insurance, technology, etc. Gifford and Barker brought me on board to spearhead a sales team focused on turn-key services for dispensaries and cultivation operations, which is now our primary focus.

SCHMITTEN: Brytemap is the cannabis industry’s most secure, advanced, and comprehensive cannabis ERP software solution from seed-to-sale. We offer a fully integrated resolution for cannabis growers, processors, and dispensaries. All-in-one secure ERP package. Our goal is to reduce labor costs within cultivation centers and dispensaries by streamlining point of sales (POS) and seed-to-sale programs.

“

The marijuana business in general is lacking organized professionals in both sales positions and as project managers. We need some real professionals to come in and lay the bricks of the industry.”

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learn HL: Within your company or the industry in general, where do you see the greatest need for qualified candidates? PERLMAN: The marijuana business in general is lacking organized professionals in both sales positions and as project managers. The industry is extremely disorganized and we need some real professionals to come in and lay the bricks of the industry. The hope is one day we can look back and proudly see how those bricks are positioned. SCHMITTEN: Brytemap is dedicated to provid-

ing efficient, secure, and compliant solutions to our customers. This notion requires that our employees not only understand the intricacies of the cannabis industry itself, but how our technology applies to it. Like most technical companies, we will have needs for technical support staff, solution architects, and sales representatives.

SCHMITTEN: Geography in the US definitely presents

unique challenges. Laws are constantly changing and differ from federal to state as well as state to state. Therefore, compliance is a huge issue with many of the businesses in the industry. As more and more states legalize cannabis, we are constantly having to educate ourselves and our customers of the specific requirements and the how they apply to everyone.

HL: As a cannabis business manager or owner, what sort of challenges do you face most frequently? PERLMAN: Again, lack of organization is an extremely problematic issue in the marijuana business. Also, dealing with other businesses, we have seen a serious lack of follow through when it comes to remedial chores like phone calls and emails. SCHMITTEN: Right now, there aren’t

many industry standards established. Also, we are seeing too many manual processes and a lack of automation. With this comes a lack of organization.

HL: Do different geographies in the US present unique challenges generating business? PERLMAN: Yes. While CoGrowCo is fortunate enough to be able to sell our ancillary products and services across state borders, we are still essentially at the mercy of the industry’s development in certain geographies. State legislation is a road block in the execution of sales because many of our customers/ leads aren’t sure if they will be receiving cultivation or dispensary licensing. Timing is everything in these situations.

“

Geography in the US definitely presents unique challenges. Laws are constantly changing and differ from federal to state as well as state to state.” 70

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learn HL: What sort of advice would you have for individuals hoping to break into the cannabis industry on a professional level? PERLMAN: Who you know helps a ton. Do research into legitimate states with large markets such as California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. Once you develop good references and experience from these areas, then approach smaller markets as seen in states like Michigan and Maryland. SCHMITTEN: Research is probably the number one thing. Candidates must understand their skill-sets and how they would like to grow within the industry.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The industry is seeing a need for those with a science education as there are constantly more ingenious methods being developed for altering the marijuana flower.â&#x20AC;?

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There are a lot of positions available including cultivation, retail, and technical. It really depends on what the individual is interested in. That being said, the industry has evolved and will continue to become more mainstream. So, a strong business acumen and ability to adapt will become very important.

HL: Where do you see the future of cannabis industry jobs in your specific field? Is there any vocational training or education that you would recommend to industry hopefuls in your specific field? PERLMAN: The marijuana industry is getting very

technological very quicklyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this is where the most jobs will be created in the future. For job training, a general IT education and project management schooling will be able to go a long way. Also, the industry is seeing a need for those with a science education as there are constantly more ingenious methods being developed for altering the marijuana flower.

SCHMITTEN: Technology is going to become more prevalent

as the industry matures. The processes will become automated and standards will be implemented. Anyone getting into the industry should look to similar, established businesses and bring that knowledge to the cannabis industry.

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consultant's corner

Canada Looks to Legalize Adult-use

Recreational Marijuana by Medicine Man Technologies

Go, Canada! Though there are still a few hurdles to overcome,

Canada looks to be on track to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana by July 1, 2018. Medicine Man explains how the legislation might look and what can hold it back.

t Medicine Man Technologies, we’re keeping a close eye on our northern neighbors as Canada looks to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana by July 2018. In April of this year, a plan was announced by the Canadian government and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. If passed, the law would make Canada the second nation in the world to make such a move. Uruguay was the first. The plan includes developing a system for Canada’s federal government to regulate marijuana cultivation, distribution, and sales, as well as manage licensing, taxes, and all associated fees. Provinces would then have the ability to pass further laws regarding sales and distribution, as well as increase the minimum legal age of 18. In addition to retail purchasing, adults would be able to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana and grow up to four plants per household. Like many legal, adult-use recreational marijuana laws here in the States, Canada would prohibit driving while impaired and implement strict laws regarding taking marijuana over its borders.

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On his website, Prime Minister Trudeau states, “Canada’s current system of marijuana prohibition does not work. It does not prevent young people from using marijuana and too many Canadians end up with criminal records for possessing small amounts of the drug.”

Three Major Hurdles

While the bill is yet to receive Parliament’s official approval and may face some changes before becoming law, its outlook is good. Canada’s House of Commons is controlled by a Liberal majority, and an even more liberal faction, the New Democratic Party, is also on board with legalization. As for Conservatives, they are currently a small minority and don’t pose any substantial threat to the bill. One wild card is Canada’s Senate, which typically does not veto or delay legislation passed by the House. However, it has recently begun to assert more authority, so interference should not be completely ruled out. Beyond adult-use recreational marijuana passing Parliament, there are three major hurdles that will also need to be addressed. Let’s take a closer look at those.

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1. Withdrawal from International Treaties

Since 1961, Canada has signed three UN drug treaties pledging to ban marijuana. Leaving these treaties requires a notice period. However, in order to keep the promise of legalizing marijuana by July 1, 2018, Canada would have needed to give the UN notice by Canada Day (July 1), which has now passed. There are still ways to legalize marijuana without violating the treaties, including a delay of the legalization date, constitutional amendment (not likely), or on the grounds of performing scientific research. This final option would require some legal creativity to achieve. How Canada plans to accomplish this still remains to be seen.

“Like many legal, adult-use recreational marijuana laws here in the States, Canada would prohibit driving while impaired and implement strict laws regarding taking marijuana over its borders.”

2. Efforts to Change the Advertising Rules

In accordance with federal task force recommendations, adult-use recreational marijuana businesses would only be allowed to distribute basic details, much like rules for the tobacco industry, such as price, strain, and company name. Now, Canadian marijuana businesses have joined forces with Advertising Standards Canada to draft guidelines and lobby the government to be able to advertise and brand their products. Their goal is to be able to better differentiate their products from each other and those sold on the black market.

3. Canada’s Premiers Want More Time

Because Canada has empowered each province and territory to decide its own regulations for taxation, as well as determine who is allowed to sell, consume, and purchase adult-use recreational marijuana, Canadian premiers have indicated that they need more time to develop these rules.

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They’ve met with push back from Prime Minister Trudeau, who has insisted that the country will meet the July 1, 2018 date. The government has stated that it has a backup plan for those provinces that fail to establish regulations, though details are not yet known. Here at Medicine Man Technologies, we are hopeful that the bill will be passed and everything will be in place as Canada looks to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana by July 2018. If you are planning to enter Canada’s adult-use recreational marijuana market next year, please reach out to our team for assistance.

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DECARBOXYLATING

BY RICH HAMILTON

OOO

CANNABIS

Be sure to get the most out of your cannabis culinary creation by considering decarboxylation, a simple process that activates THC. Rich Hamilton explains how.

he most common way of ingesting cannabis is by smoking it, but the use of it as an ingredient in food is becoming a popular alternative, especially for those who medicate with marijuana. It is well-known that ingesting cannabis through food has the likelihood to result in longer-lasting effects as the cannabis enters the bloodstream at a slower rate through the digestive system, whereas when smoked, it is absorbed into the bloodstream within a matter of minutes and leaves the body far quicker. While many marijuana smokers have, at some point, likely tried brownies or space cakes, fewer have reportedly tried incorporating their favorite strain into the cooking process. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever crossed your mind, then here is some important information that you will need to consider when cooking with cannabis, namely the importance of decarboxylation.

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DECARBOXYLATION Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis. As the plant dries, THCA slowly converts to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Heat aids this process, which is known as decarboxylation, a scientific term that describes what happens when you smoke or vaporize the cannabis bud. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary compound found in cannabis and is what supplies us with some of the medicinal benefits of the plant, as well as the psychoactive properties that create the high feeling that users experience. Tetrahydrocannabinol, along with cannabidiol, the other main ingredient in marijuana, attach themselves to receptors throughout the body and in the brain, creating various potentially healing effects. Because the act of smoking itself does all the hard work of decarboxylation, it is not really a topic that is given too much thought amongst most cannabis users. I must admit that, as a smoker, I had no idea what it was or how important a process it is when I first heard of the term. Without this process, however, the THCA would not be activated to THC and you would not get any of the wonderful benefits. A common oversight by many when they first start experimenting with cannabis in recipes is the idea that simply cooking the cannabis within a recipe will be enough to decarboxylate it, as the food will obviously be heated during cooking. The heat from cooking will activate some of the THC, but not all of it, as the cannabis will be combined with the other ingredients, reducing its susceptibility to the heat. To maximize the THC potency in your food, you need to decarboxylate your cannabis first before you begin cooking.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;

TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL

is the primary compound found in cannabis and is what supplies us with some of the medicinal benefits of the plant, as well as the psychoactive properties.â&#x20AC;?

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“

THERE ARE MANY recipes available that offer something for everyone, along with tips on dosage amounts, which are very important to consider.”

HOW TO DECARBOXYLATE CANNABIS The term “decarboxylate” makes it sound like it’s going to be a very complicated procedure; however, fear not, as it is a relatively easy process, probably easier than the actual meal prep with cannabis. The step-by-step process is in Table 1. Once you’ve dialed in the oven and required time, you can decarboxylate a big batch so that you will have a large available store of decarboxylated cannabis ready to be used in your favorite dish. There are many recipes available that offer something for everyone, along with tips on dosage amounts, which are very important to consider. Always be certain to make sure that everyone who could potentially be eating your food is aware of exactly what is in it and what the effects could be, as well as ensuring that they are not under age. If you are going to cook with cannabis, do it responsibly. With great power comes great responsibility.

Table 1: How to Decarboxylate Cannabis • Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). It is very important that the temperature is accurate so you don’t overheat the cannabis and burn it. Likewise, not heating it enough will reduce the amount of THC that is activated. To ensure an accurate temperature in the oven, I would use an oven thermometer to guarantee the temperature is bang on where it needs to be. • Crumble the cannabis on to a baking tray in a single, even layer. • Bake the cannabis for 45 minutes. From the 20-minute mark onward, check it visually every five minutes. Do not open the door, as you will alter the temperature. Ensure that it is being toasted evenly to achieve a golden-green shade. • Remove from the oven after 45 minutes and leave for at least 30 minutes to cool down completely. • Finely chop the cannabis—using a food processor is best—and then transfer to a sealable, airproof jar.

Rich Hamilton has been in the hydroponics industry for more than 20 years, working originally as a general manager in a hydroponics retail outlet before becoming an account manager at Century Growsystems. He currently works at Eden Horticulture. Rich enjoys working on a daily basis with shop owners, manufacturers, distributors, and end-users to develop premium products.

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Feeling Fresh:

BY ALAN RAY

R ING Your Bud

You put a lot of work into growing your plants and harvested them at just the right time. Now, the next challenge is keeping your buds properly stored so you get back what you put into them.

ew things offer more pleasure to the marijuana enthusiast than the sweet taste and singular fragrance of their favorite bud consumed at the peak of freshness. A rich, alluring bouquet coupled with an endorphin-releasing flavor is a nice first step on your two-step journey. Fresh pot not only looks better, tastes better, and smokes more smoothly than dry, but it produces superior results.

DRY VS. DRIED OUT

There is a cavernous difference between dry pot and pot that is dried out. Naturally, marijuana needs to be properly dried and cured to be enjoyed to its fullest potential when consumed, but that does not mean devoid of all moisture. When marijuana becomes mummydry, it smokes harshly, loses potency, and burns up quickly; the antithesis of fresh weed. Moreover, if totally dry, it loses all those wonderfully aromatic compounds (terpenes) that impart such delicious flavors and gives our olfactories a workout. Whether you grow your own or purchase through available sources, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want your favorite flavor to remain fresh as long as possible. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at a few storage methods you can employ that will help keep your stash fresh, as well as a few that will produce the opposite effect.

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DOS AND DON’TS OF KEEPING IT FRESH

Essentially, there are five sworn enemies of harvested marijuana; air, humidity, light, mold, and for some, detection. Thin plastic bags made for sandwiches are taboo for storing. Carrying your herb from point A to point B in a baggie is okay, or when consumption outpaces time, but if you want it to remain fresh over a longer period, you’ll need to transfer it into something more conducive to its preservation. Here’s why you should avoid using sandwich bag plastic for storage purposes. The first obvious negative is that the bags are transparent. More than that, however, with just a moderate rise in temperature, these bags begin to break down and release petrol-based toxins that can permeate your stash. They also leak odor and allow in light and air that will eventually dry out your buds. If that weren’t enough, plastic bags create static electricity that leaves the fine trichomes clinging to the bag, which can be a real pain in the bud.

Blue Cheese #3

PUT A LID ON IT

One of the best methods of preservation is glass jars. Glass jars offer a host of pluses and there are several types from which to choose—from jars with a rubber seal that clamp down to good old Mason jars with a lid and screw-on band. Store in a cool, dark place because glass can sweat and you don’t want to create the opportunity for mold. Colored or blacked-out jars are best, as they block out greater amounts of light. Moreover, jars help prevent air from leaking out (which carries scent) and air from seeping in (which can dry out its contents). Less light, less air, fresher smoke. The jury is still out, however, on how full you should fill your jar. Some suggest you shouldn’t pack your herb into

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“WHEN MARIJUANA BECOMES MUMMY-DRY, IT SMOKES HARSHLY, LOSES POTENCY, AND BURNS UP QUICKLY; THE ANTITHESIS OF FRESH WEED.“

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enjoy the jar too tightly, leaving a bit of space between buds, while others believe cramming it full pushes out air, the enemy of freshness. The negative to cramming is that it squeezes the buds. The call is yours to make.

COLD, HARD STASH

Freezing marijuana to preserve it is another urban myth. Freezing does just what the word implies but with negative results when it comes to pot. Trichomes are the resin glands that contain the THC and CBD, along with other psychoactive properties. When trichomes are frozen, they tend to break off and fall away with each handling, essentially reducing the potency of your bud over time while drying it out. There is also the possibility of mold when the pot sweats from being frozen and then thawed. Bottom line: avoid freezing.

BUD WAIT... THERE’S MORE!

Another trick to keeping your product fresh is don’t break up the buds until you’re ready to use them. They naturally remain fresher longer when left intact.

THE DOPE ON HUMIDORS

Proper humidity is paramount when you’re serious about keeping your herb fresh. Humidors are an excellent way to maintain proper humidity levels. Not all humidors, however, are created equal. Humidors designed for tobacco aren’t recommended for marijuana, as the humidity level best suited for tobacco is different from weed. Optimal relative humidity (RH) levels for tobacco are between 70 and 72 per cent, whereas marijuana stores best in a lower humidity range of 50-65 per cent RH. Additionally, many tobacco humidors are constructed using cedar wood, which has a distinct woody smell that could potentially alter the smell and/or taste of your weed. There are cannabis humidors created expressly for the preservation of marijuana available online.

THIS METHOD SUCKS

“ESSENTIALLY, THERE ARE FIVE SWORN ENEMIES OF HARVESTED MARIJUANA; AIR, HUMIDITY, LIGHT, MOLD, AND FOR SOME, DETECTION.”

For improved shelf life, many smokers are turning to home vacuum-sealing machines. Vacuumsealing is an excellent method of keeping your weed fresh. This practice is generally used for larger amounts that need to be stored over a longer period. With vacuum seal bags, you simply place your product into the tear- and puncture-resistant plastic bag and line up the edges to the vacuum machine. At the push of a button, all the air is extracted from the bag and a heat seal ensures that no air will seep in, thus preserving your dank over the long haul. Vacuum sealing also controls odor. Removing all the air from the bag this way will tend to flatten your buds. Additionally, even though the bags are made of a heavier plastic, you’ll still need to store them in a cool, dark place.

Alan Ray has written five books and is a New York Times bestselling author. Additionally, he is a multi-award winning songwriter with awards from BMI and ASCAP. Alan lives in Tennessee with his wife and two dogs: a South African Boerboel and a Pomeranian/Wolverine mix.

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by Lacey Macri | Having a bad initial experience

TOO MUCH

with marijuana can lead to a permanent aversion. Taking your time, dosing correctly, and paying attention to existing medical conditions can all lead to a more enjoyable and safer first-time experience. Lacey Macri explains what to consider.

G N I H T GOOD OF A

hile most of the side effects of cannabis consumption are relatively harmless, some users may still experience some discomfort. Some sources of discomfort are physical, while others are more mental, or there can be a combination of both. Overconsumption may also come with a different set of definitions and reactions from one person to another. As is the case when trying any new medication for the first time, it is important to be aware of your medical history and family-related conditions, as well as consider any allergies and sensitivities to help prevent misuse.

PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT Typical side effects of cannabis (over)consumption include dry or bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, tiredness, and increased appetite. Many of these are mild and can be controlled by being prepared. It is best to treat cannabis as you would any other medication; take it with a meal, drink plenty of water, avoid operating vehicles or machinery during use, and stay in a safe space during and after consumption to reduce the odds of an accident or stress brought on by any associated discomfort.

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“IF you find yourself

in this downward spiral, the best way out is to remind yourself that it is temporary, take some deep breaths, and consider having a snack.”

Perhaps the most concerning side effect of cannabis overconsumption is the increase in heart rate. This typically subsides within an hour of consumption, but may linger for up to three hours. When consuming edibles containing THC, these effects might be more severe and last longer than when consuming via inhalation. For the most part, the increase in heart rate you get from the consumption of cannabis is temporary and mild, but for those who have been diagnosed with heart conditions may experience more severe symptoms and have more to watch out for over others. Some studies suggest that the cause of the heart rate increase during cannabis consumption is due to the release of dopamine stimulating different areas of our bodies controlled by the regions of our brains containing cannabis receptor cells. Symptoms of consumption have been compared to that of an adrenaline rush, as our bodies release neurotransmitters that encourage us to seek out the behavior that caused the physiological reaction in the first place. Note that because the THC in edibles competes with the other contents of the consumer’s stomach, the absorption rate of THC into the bloodstream is slowed. Thanks to this delay, novice consumers will often ingest more, maybe a whole cookie instead of a half, expecting the effects to be as instant as inhalation. However, it’s best to avoid getting second helpings and try to be patient while waiting for it to take its full effect. Knowing your limit with edibles is the best way to prevent this from happening.

MENTAL DISCOMFORT Another possible compounding issue of the rapid heart rate brought on by cannabis overconsumption is the possibility of inducing anxiety in the consumer simply as a nervous reaction to the physical symptoms they are feeling. When talking about over-doing it with marijuana, this scenario is commonly referred to as paranoia. If you find yourself in this downward spiral, the best way out is to remind yourself that it is temporary, take some deep breaths, and consider having a snack while

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you drink a glass of water. That and a little bit of time will most likely resolve your symptoms. Distract yourself by engaging in an activity you are familiar with and enjoy. That being said, please be sure to seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms of severe stress, chest pain, or trouble breathing. When overconsumed, there is also potential for cannabis to manifest its psychoactive properties through a more hallucinogenic experience. These symptoms may be exacerbated in patients suffering from mental conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. Mixing cannabis consumption with other drugs, taking it on an empty stomach, sleep deprivation, or a history of mental conditions may all contribute to the possibility of experiencing hallucinations including visual, tactile, and audible perceptions. Knowing your body and abiding by the “everything in moderation” principle is a good standard to guide you when learning your limit as it relates to cannabis consumption. The positive effects of marijuana have been tested and confirmed for decades, as it offers a preferred route to healing for many patients. Studies are now showing that cannabis is also safe to consume and enjoy recreationally, as it is a natural brain stimulant to boosting pleasure and creativity. Whether you are a qualified candidate to consume cannabis medicinally or recreationally, just be sure to be safe and prepared to make the most of your experience.

“IT is best to treat

cannabis as you would any other medication; take it with a meal, drink plenty of water, avoid operating vehicles or machinery during use, and stay in a safe space.”

Lacey Macri works as head of sales at CleanGrow Ltd., focusing her time on business development within the company. She received a bachelor’s degree in communications and psychology from the University of California, Davis in 2011, where she worked at the California Aggie student newspaper on campus.

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LESSONS IN

m el on

A FOOL OF MYSELF A Cannabis Culinary Column

er at by W

POLITICS

From selling pot cookies on a nude beach to owning two candy stores, happiness is a currency for Watermelon. So, why enter the miserable arena of politics? To make a difference. Watermelon emerged from that arena defeated, yet wiser and undeterred.

ran for Vancouver city council in a by-election and lost. I came in sixth place out of nine candidates. I was part of a new civic team called Sensible Vancouver. We were excited to help steward in new regulations for legal cannabis in Canada at the municipal level, as well as contribute to other important council responsibilities such as budgets and finances, water, sewer, garbage services, infrastructure, and other important municipal issues. Unfortunately, it is very hard to inspire cannabis enthusiasts to get out and vote, especially for a byelection. It turns out it’s hard to get anybody out to vote. Barely 11 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot. The good news is we did inspire some of them—1,737 to be exact—and we didn’t split the vote to do it. Many were new voters who finally felt the call to duty. Am I sad I didn’t win? No. My team put in a valiant effort. We printed thousands of pamphlets, posters, and stickers. We rented a 1962 GMC full-length tour bus and vinyl wrapped it with a massive picture of me and a list of our policies. Then we drove it around the city for three weeks like a moving billboard. We amassed 40 or more volunteers who ran the phones, canvassed on the streets, put up posters, knocked on doors. Holy lick, did we have a lot of heart! We even put out a music video complete with an original campaign song by The Tall Brothers. You can see it on YouTube.

“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” — Winston Churchill

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I personally attended countless debates and community hall meetings, visited homeless camps and overdose prevention sites, and talked to anybody who wanted to talk. Campaigning is a pretty exhausting program. The clock is always ticking. If you don’t have people out campaigning, you are not securing votes. There is much naive optimism too. How could we not win with so many people volunteering their time? Easy. Money wins elections, I am told, not heart. At every all-candidates debate, I would proudly discuss our passion for cannabis and its future. No other candidates would dare touch cannabis in their platform. However, there was much agreement on the left about the decriminalization of all drugs as a meaningful attempt to end our current opioid crisis. Three other candidates had values that were similarly aligned with ours. If only they knew how important the future of cannabis is going to be economically, medicinally, and socially, we could all join forces. Our team talked extensively about harm reduction with people from at least two pop-up cannabis dispensaries operating at overdose prevention sites around Vancouver. It was suggested cannabis was a part of that solution too. “Exit drug” is the new term. Check out High Hopes Foundation, Cannabis Substitution Project, or Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users. Why did I run? That is what everybody asks. I had to think hard about that, considering I spent most of my working life selling watermelon and pot cookies on a nude beach or doing stand-up comedy. Now, I own two candy stores. Obviously, happiness is my favorite currency. Politics is all about sacrificing popularity to benefit your community as a whole, if you are doing it right. Politics rarely embraces happiness. I owe a debt to Vancouver. It’s the perfect petri dish, allowing Watermelon to exist and blossom. Somehow, I have cultivated a life that would normally seem impossible thanks to my city. I ran because I love Vancouver and I am as passionate about its future as I am about its past. I may run again in November 2018, knowing it is a long shot. I am naively enthusiastic that way.

To see Watermelon in action, check her out on YouTube. Baked: Cooking with Mary Jean is a special show that features one special ingredient: cannabis! Follow Watermelon, a.k.a. Mary Jean Dunsdon, on Twitter @weeddiva to never miss an episode, or sign up for updates at potent.media.

RUM RESIN BALLS This is a big recipe. It will make around 75-100 Rum Resin Balls, depending on the size. You could half it, but the holidays are coming and this will make you a hero/ heroine. The good news is they are kept in the freezer and can be served frozen since rum prevents them from freezing entirely. Eat them year-round and be amazed.

DRY INGREDIENTS

8 C crushed Nilla wafers 3 C icing sugar 3/4 C cocoa 2 tsp salt 340 g (12 oz) chopped dark chocolate

WET INGREDIENTS 1 C sour cream 1.5 C dark rum 2 C chopped pecans 1/2 C marzipan

CANNABIS BUTTER 1.5 C butter

75 g (3 oz) shake flour

(decarboxilated marijuanna)

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• melt butter slow and low • add shake flour

• simmer on low for for 35 minutes • add chopped dark chocolate

• let slowly melt into butter mixture

• in a separate bowl, beat together wet ingredients

• add medicated butter chocolate mixture to wet mixture • mix well

• combine dry ingredients

• use a dough hook to mix well with wet ingredients • roll your rum balls in anything you like

Ideas include: coconut, cocoa, chocolate sprinkles, and sometimes, if you are truly decadent, crushed pecans

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COLORS

OUTRAGE! IS NOW

DEAD ELVIS

Colors marks the triumphant return of genrebending artist Beck. It has been two years since the first single was released, but it was well worth the wait because Colors is here and it is incredible. There’s a futuristic disco vibe to the whole album. It makes me want to dance in space.

Rambunctious post punk rockers Death From Above 1979 are kicking ass once again! Outrage! Is Now throws you right back into the mosh pit. Their rhythm-driven rock creates a live concert feel that is totally immersive. Who knew two guys could make such a raucous.

Twenty years later, electronic group Death In Vegas has rereleased its epic debut album Dead Elvis. This deluxe version comes with a massive collection of remixes. The chilled out, rhythm-based grooves pluck sounds from, island, African, and Eastern influences. Timely and timeless all at once.

BECK

by Gibson Lannister

FROM DEEWEE

SOULWAX

Belgian electronic rock group Soulwax delivers with its eighth LP FROM DEEWEE. It is easy to become transfixed. They bring hypnotic joy and rhythmic bliss to all who listen. Pairs great with edibles or your favorite eye-opening strain. Gibson Lannister has been a musician for more than 15 years and continues to expand his knowledge of theory and technique.

grow. heal. learn. enjoy.

DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979

AS LONG AS YOUR EYES ARE WIDE

SAID THE WHALE

Vancouver’s Said The Whale is keeping it cool with its fifth studio album As Long As Your Eyes Are Wide. Their ever-evolving indie sensibilities pick you up and keep you there from beginning to end. I love everything about this album!

4.5

DEATH IN VEGAS

SALIVATION FOR SYMBIOSIS

MORNING TELEPORTATION Salivating For Symbiosis is the long-awaited sophomore album by Kentucky’s Morning Teleportation. The psychedelic-laced rockers use frenetic guitar riffs to set themselves apart. Each song on Salivating For Symbiosis feels like three or four songs fused together through some sort of musical alchemy.

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