INNOVATOR PROFILE: POLYSCIENCE CEO PHILIP PRESTON | INSIDE CANNABIS COOKING
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ANAT BARON Building a Branding Empire
JIM I H S U L E n n B o i t a m r o Transf Cultivatio Through
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Announcing the Sustainable Leadership Awards! MJ Freeway CEO Jessica Billingsley Shares Her Journey
Summer 2019
Big Mike Means Big Business What is Next Generation Growing? Hemp-Based Materials Build Sustainable Homes
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Celebrating the Cannabiz Our mission at Cannabis & Tech Today is to look at this plant through a unique lens. Each issue, our team has covered the science, technology, sustainability, and business of cannabis, utilizing interviews, guest perspectives, and think pieces to show that this isn’t a passing fad. Because of this approach, I like to see our publication as a celebration of the people, companies, activists, and initiatives that make up the ever-growing, ever-changing cannabusiness. Charles Warner, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Our cover story reflects not only how the mainstream has embraced cannabis, but the incredible opportunities our team is awarded in covering this incredible industry. When our own Associate Editor Patricia Miller reached out to actor and comedian Jim Belushi for an interview, I’m pretty sure she didn’t expect to not only tour his farm, but stay with him and his family. Well, as you’ll see when you read the piece, Belushi is more than just a leader in the cannabis world, he’s a truly kind, generous person. That alone is a reflection of not only the major opportunities that the cannabis world presents, but also the unique nature of the major figures within the industry. This is why we choose to celebrate this extraordinary world. Additionally, when we started this publication, one of our top missions was to put the sustainability side of the industry under a magnifying glass. Everything from cultivation to packaging can be crucial for the environment, which is why we make it a priority to highlight the people that have made environmentalism a major part of their mission. One company that has caught my eye is Crativ Packaging, who not only create packaging that is efficient and eco-friendly, but also child-safe to keep cannabis products where they belong. This environmental theme is also heavily represented in the new issue, with stories on hempbased building material and our upcoming Cannabis & Tech Today Sustainability Awards, representing our desire to showcase the importance of, well, staying “green.” Covering the cannabis industry over the past year has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The substance has seen so much – for lack of a better word – growth since our first issue hit newsstands, and our team has likewise developed their skills in incredible ways. By the time we fire up the presses for our next issue, I’m sure that the world of cannabis will grow and change in numerous ways. And, personally, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Enjoy our summer edition of Cannabis & Tech Today, a celebration of cannabis, science, technology, and sustainability.
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Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
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KEVIN SMITH’S SUBTLE SHOUTOUT Known in pop culture for his love of comics and his love of cannabis alike, Kevin Smith’s cover feature in the winter edition of Cannabis & Tech Today was one of our personal favorites. Apparently, Smith agrees with us. In a recently released video on Kevin Smith’s official YouTube channel, the Jay and Silent Bob star gave his opinions on the newest trailer to this summer’s Spider-Man: Far From Home. And, along with Smith’s collection of action figures and Comic-Con lanyards, you can clearly see his Cannabis & Tech Today cover in the background. It’s good to know our very own publication will be joining Smith’s impressive comic book collection.
AN EVENT TO REMEMBER Our publication is honored to be featured at so many exclusive events throughout the cannabis industry. However, our recent appearance at Expocannabiz 2019 was special for one main reason: it perfectly bridged the gap between our spring and summer issues. Featuring Cannabis & Tech Today spring issue cover star Steve DeAngelo as well as summer issue star Jim Belushi as keynote speakers, the event showcased two industry leaders we’ve had the pleasure of speaking with. Considering the event also hosted former President of Mexico Vicente Fox, CNS Equity Partners Founder Jennifer Sanders, and former Colombia Senator Juan Manuel Galan as speakers, Expocannabiz 2019 was an event we were extremely proud to attend. SPECIAL THANKS TO: Gina Cannon, James & Melissa of the Anderson Group, Zoe Wilder, Christopher Fleck, Annie Graf, Leslie Mylius, Sam Woolf and Ian Davidson/Segra International, Lindsay London, Vanessa Jones, and the Wagner family. This publication is dedicated to the dreamers, the innovators, the collaborators, and the doers – who can’t be bothered by those saying it can’t be done. Nicholas and Aria, the future is yours! For print or digital subscriptions, visit cannatechtoday.com, or find us on popular digital newsstands and readers.
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contents
SUMMER 2019
SUMMER ISSUE COVERS
40 Anat Baron: Building an Empire By Patricia Miller Cover Photo: Rohina Hoffman
62 Farm to Table with Jim Belushi By Patricia Miller Cover Photo: Tyler Maddox
Departments 12 By the Numbers 14 Know Before You Advertise 18 Plant Empowerment 20 AI
84 Product Revolution 90 Event Calendar 92 Coming Next Issue 94 Something Edible 96 The Lighter Side
22 Innovator Profile Controlling Temperature with Philip Preston
26 Sustainability The House That Hemp Built 28 Key Considerations When Expanding Your Indoor Grow Facility 32 Announcing the Cannabis & Tech Today Sustainable Leadership Awards! 34 Sustainable to the Core
36 Investing Jessica Billingsley: From Cannabis Investor to Business Leader
Photo courtesy of Laurie+MaryJane
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contents
SUMMER 2019 40 Business Innovations Anat Baron: Building an Empire 46 Keeping it in the Family 50 Big Mike Means Big Business
56 Legislation What is the SAFE Banking Act? 58 Cannabis & Control
62 Media+Entertainment Farm to Table with Jim Belushi
70 Health & Wellness Lessons from a Scottish Grandmother 72 Fresh Baked
78 The Lab Guaranteed Grow Op Solutions 80 Solving the 3 Biggest HVAC Challenges of Modern Day Grow Rooms
Photo courtesy Joey Figueroa of AN Media Team
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Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
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A look at the metrics shaping the cannabis business market — and our lives
The CBD industry is exploding on a global scale, particularly since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Celebrities, consumers, and entrepreneurs alike can’t seem to get enough of the therapeutic cannabinoid. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers around the lucrative and non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant.
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Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
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DEPARTMENTS // KNOW BEFORE
Know Before You Advertise An inside look at the current advertising landscape within the cannabis industry By Anthony Elio Advertising is one of the most important cornerstones of business. No matter your industry, getting the word out is vital, as is choosing the proper avenue for advertising. However, there’s just one problem: not all products are treated equally. There’s a reason you don’t see cigarette ads on television or see people drinking in commercials anymore. These restrictions make it difficult for many industries to get the word out about their product and it’s been a major hurdle for the cannabis industry. While there are numerous ways to advertise a product, each avenue comes with its very own complications, something that remains a hot topic to this day.
Television Advertising Cannabis restrictions for television advertising can be complex. For example, Nevada and Colorado, two states that have undoubtedly embraced the substance in recent years, require that a cannabis business provide evidence that 30 percent or fewer of the program’s audience will be under 21. However, as we’ve seen recently, it’s the national level where things have gotten interesting.
(Top) Acreage Holdings’ Super Bowl spot, which was denied by CBS before airing, takes a dramatic look at the medicinal benefits of cannabis. (Bottom) Spike Jonze collaborated with MedMen on a stylistic look at the progressing history of cannabis called “The New Normal.”
This year’s Super Bowl LIII featured a number of forward-thinking ads, best exemplified by Microsoft’s “We All Win” ad featuring a controller aimed at gamers with disabilities and Budweiser’s sustainabilityfocused “Wind Never Felt Better” ad. This makes the news that a cannabis-focused ad was pulled 14
Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
mere weeks before the big game all the more disappointing. The advertisement in question, created by Acreage Holdings, was a dramatic look at the medicinal benefits of cannabis, highlighting three different people’s struggles on the way to
discovering cannabis as a treatment, commenting on the unjust limitations on a substance that could help so many people. However, CBS cancelled the advertisement, despite the fact that Acreage Holdings was willing to pay the large sum of money generally charged for a Super Bowl spot ($5-10 million).
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DEPARTMENTS // Know Before You Advertise
This story highlights the larger issues facing the cannabis industry’s stigmas. While the ad itself focuses more on the medical side of marijuana in a storytelling sense (there’s not a bong or joint in sight), the very idea of including the advertisement seems to have run the danger of making a mainstream audience uncomfortable.
illegal federally. Considering the major focus on online content in our modern culture, it is definitely a missed opportunity for both sides, stunting the growth of the cannabis industry and halting a progressive move by both major companies. However, that doesn’t mean it’s 100 percent impossible to advertise the substance digitally, as long as you’ve got a sound strategy. For example, many companies use vague wording as a workaround to pop up in formats such as Google AdWords. One example is avoiding the use of words such as “marijuana” and “cannabis,” opting instead to focus on specifics such as medicinal benefits.
However, this opportunity doesn’t mean that there has been no progress made. 2011 was a huge landmark for cannabis marketing. The Hoban Law Group, which tackles issues related to adult cannabis use, medical marijuana, and hemp on a national level, aired commercials on major networks such as MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, Headline News, Fox Business, the Weather Channel, and Viceland. The advertisement was significant for one interesting reason: it signals the first time the word “cannabis” was used in a national advertisement.
Looking to the Future In 2019, cannabis advertising has a high ceiling. While CBS’ decision to strike down a major Super Bowl ad spot is disheartening and digital platforms remain strict, freedom within print advertising and mainstream acceptance from media outlets such as MSNBC and The New York Times shows progress.
Print Advertising While print advertising has undoubtedly morphed in the internet age, it stands strong as a less restrictive realm for advertising. For example, while seeing anyone using tobacco in a TV commercial is extremely rare (if not nonexistent), ads for chewing tobacco, vaporizers, and even cigarettes can be found within the pages of certain magazines. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that cannabis-related advertisements are allowed in magazines, although not just any publication will embrace such an ad. Modern cannabis-focused magazines such as High Times and DOPE Magazine may be filled with ads showcasing dispensaries and strains, but that doesn’t mean that more traditional publications will embrace it due to the still-present stigma around the substance. However, as seen with television, there has been mainstream progress for cannabis advertising. This was best showcased in 2014, when Leafly ran a thought-provoking ad matching everyday people with their recognizable strain reviews in The New York Times, marking the first time the substance had been advertised in the publication.
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Digital Advertising While it’s thought that the internet offers freedom that other media channels do not, the current state of online advertising is surprisingly puritanical. As most experienced internet users may know, Google and Facebook are major advertising forces, holding a total 59.3 percent share of digital advertising revenue, according to GeekWire. Therefore, it is a major blow to cannabis advertising that both platforms ban any and all drug-related promotions. A spokesperson at Google claims that cannabis-related ads are halted due to the fact that the substance is still
Additionally, the advertisements themselves have seen a massive upgrade, as evidenced with the Spike Jonzedirected short “The New Normal.” The highly conceptual advertisement for MedMen takes a look at cannabis history, from George Washington’s hemp farms to cannabis prohibition and Reefer Madness to today’s evolving landscape. Ironically, an advertisement meant to highlight the progress of the cannabis industry is, in itself, an example of the slow, but steady, climb to mainstream acceptance. ❖
Still from “The New Normal.”
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DEPARTMENTS // PLANT EMPOWERMENT
The Basics of Next Generation Growing By Louie Fox
Photo iStockphoto.com/4x6
It goes without saying that some of the most essential factors in cannabis growing are sustainability and efficiency. However, despite the major growth seen within the industry over the past few years, cultivators still face issues in both of these arenas. The environmental impact of cannabis is worth noting, considering that, according to Market Watch, one percent of energy consumption in the U.S. is used for indoor grow operations. Additionally, according to Marijuana Venture, 50 cannabis plants would require 24,000 gallons of water for a single eightmonth season. Clearly, work needs to be done to streamline the growing process while making it more environmentally friendly. Luckily, one solution looks to take cultivation to the next level: Next Generation Growing (NGG). Let’s take a look at the essentials of NGG and how it is building the growhouse of the future.
Powering up Photosynthesis Anyone who passed grade school science knows the importance of photosynthesis in the growing process. However, what the average 18
Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
person may not know is that it is possible to take photosynthesis to the next level. This is done through balancing sunlight and water as well as maximizing the amount of Photosynthetic Active Radiation, light that ranges within the 400 to 700 nanometer wavelength. Abundant humidity (to ensure the stomata stays open), high temperature, and carbon dioxide levels are vital to putting photosynthesis on the fast track. Additional misting and keeping your greenhouse ventilation windows less open similarly speed up the process.
Maintaining Balance As mentioned earlier, balance is essential in the growth process. Energy, water, and assimilates balance are the most vital factors in the equation. In terms of energy balance, Next Generation Growing research has determined the negative effects of longwave radiation, high humidity deficit, and low air humidity, while highlighting the importance of air movement. Water balance, especially with input and output, is needed, with evaporation responsible for the
output. The balance between production and consumption is similarly needed, which is done through stabilizing average temperature and PAR light sum.
Managing the Greenhouse Climate Last but not least, Next Generation Growing can be used to get the most out of your greenhouse climate. This is done in a number of ways. First, it is beneficial to reduce energy loss by keeping the energy screens closed, preventing long wave radiation that occurs when the growhouse roof is colder than the plants. Further, utilizing ventilation with wind and leeward side vents for a controllable, homogeneous climate and placing the vents above a closed screen in order to increase humidity control can be a boon for the climate of your greenhouse. Finally, eliminating any moisture gaps that can cause differential temperatures will ensure a more consistent climate. â?– For more information on Next Generation Growing, visit https://www.hoogendoorn.nl/en/
DEPARTMENTS // AI
AI’s Home in Cannabis Cultivation By Ian Pedersen In a clandestine, 40,000-square-foot cultivation facility in northern Arizona, we met with the founders of CEAD, Royce Birnbaum and Adam Klaasmeyer, a company that develops artificial intelligence applications for the cannabis industry.
CEAD Founders Royce Birnbaum (Right) and Adam Klaasmeyer (Left)
These two are no strangers to innovation. Birnbaum, the lead back-end developer for the project, has had a career in developing systems for monitoring nuclear reactors for the Navy and AI technology for the defense industry, while Klaasmeyer, the front-end developer and coder, has contributed to projects for companies such as Atari and Microsoft. The CEAD technology currently being tested at a cannabis research and development center in Arizona monitors operational and environmental systems including plant nutrition, growth rates, life cycles, and predictive pest outbreaks. In addition, it keeps a log of all movements made by the cultivation team and gathers data in regards to specific feeding and pruning schedules. The machine learning capabilities take advantage of all of the data to continually expand it’s knowledge base. Initially, the AI system operates off of base assumptions. At the point the machine begins to learn all operational aspects of the cultivation, it then begins to present and suggest a list of options to the cultivator to prevent potential forecasted issues based on the data. Imagine being able to predict not only the exact expected yield and harvest date of a plant but to be able to intuitively predict and hone in on many other aspects of cultivation. This is what AI brings to cultivation. With AI and machine learning, one can now predict the exact density of a particular crop by analyzing specific data, giving the significant advantage of forecasting and preventing 20
Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
common issues, such as mold and fungus due to specific environmental conditions. This would enable a profound new level of control and data analytics for the cannabis space, all from an easy-to-use interface. It would provide a significant platform for interpreting the extreme nuances that relate to each of the thousands of strains being cultivated and give cultivators the ability to further isolate the benefits of the plant. As Birnbaum explained: “One struggle most growers are facing is not only the need to differentiate themselves from the competition, but also the need to have successful, continuous cultivation cycles without potential for deviation or disaster as we see so often in the industry. CEAD provides any grow operation an unparalleled ability to predict when to water, fertilize, and harvest. This will enable an upsurge in quality, while reducing man power needed to maintain each plant, as well as give a comprehensive overview of all operations and outcomes related to cannabis cultivation.” In technical terms, the CEAD machine
learning system essentially acts as the hub connecting the AI platform to customizable sensor arrays. This enables real-time monitoring of the entire field’s humidity, temperature, PH, air speed, chlorophyll levels, etc. The AI then analyzes this data to provide resultant metrics such as harvest date, expected yield, watering timers, etc. The company has begun offering a monthly subscription entitling customers to a base CEAD AI hardware unit, a collection of sensor arrays, customer support, installation, onsite onboarding, and employee training. CEAD has a goal to provide an end-to-end smart Cannabis Cultivation Control System (CCCS), prioritizing the highest attention to data control, monitoring, and communications. With so much variety in plants, and the need for consistent and quality products – for both regulatory purposes and customer satisfaction – artificial intelligence may be another key in the growing legitimacy of the cannabis industry. ❖
INNOVATOR PROFILE
Controlling Temperature With
Philip Preston
President and CEO of PolyScience Philip Preston Discusses His Transition from Culinary to Cannabis Tech By Alex Moersen Our world has been precise liquid temperature control. This is across a wide range of markets … It doesn’t matter if you’re making paint or barbecue sauce or motor oil, the thickness, or viscocity, is a critical component. Temperature, of course, is important to measure the viscosity. Additionally, things like lasers, electron microscopes, CT Scans, PET scan, atomic absorption furnaces, all of these pieces of equipment require precise temperature control. That’s where our roots have been for a very long time… Then – Oh, I can’t resist this – my dad’s hobby was working in the photographic darkroom and my mom was the photographer. And even in the old days, your developer’s solution always had to be at 68 Fahrenheit. So we even sold products into photographic applications. President of Polyscience Philip Preston
If you’re a U.S. citizen and you’ve ever cooked with sous vide, you may have Philip Preston to thank. Back in 1963, his father founded PolyScience, and they have been providing precision liquid temperature control solutions to a variety of industries ever since. Their technology applies to a number of industries, whether it is “paint or barbecue sauce or motor oil.” Eventually Preston added his passion for cooking into the mix and developed technology for chefs that would provide precise temperature cooking – or cooling. After seeing some of the medicinal benefits of cannabis, Preston set his eyes on the next 22
Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
market he would break into and for the past 10 years has provided this temperature control technology to cannabis laboratories all over the world. In this exclusive interview, Preston relays his passion for culinary tech., how he was motivated to break into the cannabis industry, and how his technology is being applied in this new market. Cannabis & Tech Today: Before cannabis, you were working in food tech. How did that journey start? Philip Preston: Well, things started way, way before that. Actually my father founded PolyScience in 1963.
Then roughly 12 years ago I found out about a technique that had been developed in France called “sous vide” cooking. It’s really nothing more than precise temperature cooking. Well, hey, if it requires precise temperature liquid, I’m all over that. And so we pioneered sous vide in the U.S. And it’s so funny. My God, I was in a grocery store yesterday and I saw sous vide magazines at the checkout stand. Sous vide equipment has become very mainstream. I can tell you that it wasn’t that long ago – literally 10 years ago or so – I had a booth at the National Restaurant Association Show and no one knew what I was talking about... Then I developed the Anti-Griddle; that’s a minus-30-Fahrenheit griddle. Then we
developed the Smoking Gun, which was a handheld smoker that you could use to smoke things like soup or butter or barbecue sauce. So it was bringing that smoke element that people were used to, but you could bring it in to use it with product that no one had even thought of before. No one’s had my smoked split pea soup… I think one of the last crazy products I brought to the market was high powered ultrasonics, which in the lab world were cell disruptors. But in the culinary world, I found that they could move flavor extremely rapidly. I used to barrel age my Calvados, but now in three minutes I have three years of organic with ultrasonics. So, at the core it’s always been precise liquid temperature control, but it was only maybe five years or so that we really put a focus on coming up with solutions necessary for the cannabis market. Many of these things are adaptations of the kinds of products that we’ve been engaged with now for decades. C&T Today: What motivated you to develop products for the cannabis industry? PP: It’s funny because when I developed the Smoking Gun for the culinary market, I had someone contact us about selling those through head shops in Canada. Well, at that point, I really didn’t see that as an area that would align with our brand. For me, a very personal change in my viewpoint was actually when Sanjay Gupta did a special on CNN that talked about how there were a couple of guys in Colorado developing specific strains that were of tremendous benefit to children with seizures. I gained a better understanding of the medical applications. I realized that this was something that I could get behind in good faith, and that it was a very serious market. I think it was Charlotte’s Web. There’s some very good work being done, some good science that’s being done, and a lot of that work is being done to really help people. That’s something that I really wanted to be a part of. C&T Today: How have you applied your experience from other industries to the cannabis space?
A PolyScience Chiller being utilized at NUG, a production facility in Oakland, CA.
PP: One of the products that actually is widely used in the cannabis industry is one that we developed originally for differential scanning calorimeters (DSC). That is our extremely low temperature technology that is now, in the cannabis industry, used in the cold traps on short path distillation. What this Summer 2019 // Cannabis & Tech Today
23
INNOVATOR PROFILE
Controlling Temperature With Philip Preston
(Right) PolyScience’s chiller at the NUG facility. (Left) Philip Preston speaking with Elliot Kremerman of Summit Research.
device does is it eliminates the need for dry ice – or even, as some people would use, liquid nitrogen.
C&T Today: Do you see yourself, in the future, developing any products for at-home cannabis enthusiasts?
laboratory field. When we built DNA amplification, no one ever called me and needed one for home.
When we developed this for the DSC market we actually, in many applications, could eliminate the need for up to $15,000 a year in consumable liquid nitrogen and replace that with a simple process: plug it into a standard outlet, hit an “on” switch, and get your minus 100 within about 10 minutes. All you had to do was turn it off and you stopped generating cost.
PP: Probably not. I think that this is an area where we’re really going to be more of a B2B provider, providing that temperature control solution to the cannabis lab environment. But again, it’s very similar to our core markets in the laboratory field. The culinary field was a little different, because actually, our roots in that were really where we were supplying only the top-tier restaurants because they’re the only ones that really understood the technology at the time.
I think it’s much the same in the cannabis field. Certainly, I am sure there are ways that one could extract or purify at home, but there’s so much infrastructure required to do it really well. Someone is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on all the right pieces of equipment to take control of the temperatures, the vacuum, the heating, etc. That’s something that we’re probably not going to get into.
C&T Today: How do you interact and collaborate with cannabis entrepreneurs and laboratories? PP: The voice of the customer is what’s going to drive the innovation here. We’re attending the cannabis trade shows and getting the feedback from customers: what they’re doing, the trends they’re seeing, what they need from us in terms of enhancements to the products that we’re building. I will say this, the cannabis industry is maybe a little bit unique in that change seems to be very rapid. How would I word it? I think if you ever ask someone in the cannabis industry what they need, they need more [laughs]. Honestly I’ll say that is not the case in other markets, such as the laser market, for example. They’ll never tell you that. 24
Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
What’s interesting, when you look at the way the market, or the pyramid, in the culinary world works, the very tip of the pyramid is your extremely high-end restaurants, but then the next people to adopt that technology are the home foodies. The last people to adopt that technology is the greatest volume of potential customers, and that’s the hotel chefs and the millions of more mainstream restaurants that are out there. But there’s a very loyal following of foodies out there that want the exact unit that Thomas Keller or Grant Atkins cooked their scallops in last night. And so that was very different set of circumstances, I think, than what we’ve seen in our traditional markets in the
But this is a fascinating, exciting, fun product category for us. It’s something that I love to see change; I love to see innovation, and I think it’s a really exciting time right now. We’re seeing this combination of very serious science, a few cowboys, small companies – real hands-on innovators, that are driving the science side – and some of the really big guys that have been very engaged in science, that are maybe finding it a little bit of a challenge to keep up with the level of innovation that we’re seeing in the smaller businesses. I think we’re all going to look back at this time in the cannabis industry and say, “Wow, this was a tremendously exciting period, one that was filled with innovation and change.” x
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Grow Big or Go Home How LED horticultural lighting systems are going green and saving green The cannabis industry is flourishing. Unlike traditional gardening or farming, many cannabis growers and cultivators operate within a controlled agricultural environment. Whether for fruits, vegetables, or cannabis, indoor grow houses make it simple to monitor and control environmental factors such as air temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, which dramatically increase yield and crop quality. Keeping plants healthy in a controlled indoor environment is extremely effective, with one major downside: it requires massive amounts of energy and upfront costs for HVAC, lighting, and the structure itself. One of the key challenges for growers is how to reduce their energy costs while still promoting a successful yield. Unlike greenhouses or outdoor gardens which benefit from natural sunlight, indoor grow facilities like growhouses and vertical gardens rely on artificial light. Colorado, in particular, has more than 1,300 cannabis cultivators, 75 percent of which are indoors. Yet, replacing the sun isn’t cheap. Growing good-quality marijuana and maximizing yield uses an average of $120 (at just $0.10/kWh) per pound of flower produced. This can be up to half of an organization’s operating costs. These massive energy bills are driving growers to constantly look at ways to save energy. As any savvy homeowner might already know, one of the easiest ways to reduce energy output at home is by switching out traditional incandescent bulbs with LEDs. The same logic holds for growhouses, whether growing vegetables or cannabis. No one knows this better than Dr. Ihor Lys, a longtime pioneer of LED technology, co-founder and CTO of Agnetix. “Replacing traditional HPS lights with energy-efficient LEDs is just the beginning when it comes to advancing the horticultural environment,” he says. “In addition to using energy-efficient LEDs, we’re also creating a more efficient overall system, and adding high-tech features as well.”
Horticultural LED lighting is advancing far more than simply lighting efficiency. Some lighting technology companies like Agnetix have designed unique systems at the forefront of the horticulture industry. Agnetix focuses on optimizing operational efficiencies. They use proprietary water-cooling technology that efficiently draws heat from the light source and out of the room and then captures it for redistribution elsewhere. In a grow house, this heat is diverted to a water tank for heating the space and/or facility water when it’s cold, bringing significant cost savings to HVAC and water utility bills. In warmer climates, this heat can be diverted outside the facility without costly compressor-driven HVAC equipment. The best horticulture LED fixtures are not just advanced; they’re smart. When growers opt for the latest technology in lighting, like the Agnetix platform, they’ll get fixtures that are built IoT ready – with cameras and sensors primed to
connect to a remote dashboard. Once connected, growers have access to real-time visibility of critical grow metrics such as air temperature, humidity, leaf temperatures, and more. “Aggregating data in the environment and at the plant level offers uniquely valuable insight for the cultivators and growers,” Dr. Lys says. “Using the light fixture and sensors, we’ve been able to capture this rich data into a single intuitive dashboard called the Human Machine Interface, or HMI, so that cultivators can make better and faster decisions.” This powerful data feature by Agnetix shows where the industry is headed. After all, when humans and technology come together, we have a lot more power to take control, save money, and grow something amazing. ❖ To learn more about the latest technology in horticulture LED lighting systems, visit www.agnetix.com. Summer 2019 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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The House That Hemp Built Hemp-based construction materials are paving the way for more sustainable homes. By Ebby Stone Hemp is one of nature’s most versatile crops. From textiles to food, building materials to paper and plastic, it’s the Swiss Army knife of plants. Now that hemp is legal both in Canada and the United States, consumers and businesses can finally explore the true potential of the long-overlooked weed. Further, the cannabis industry is going through some growing pains. It’s struggling to find a sustainable way to meet the demands of commercialization. Packaging, landfill waste, and high water and electricity use all lend to the industry’s less than green reputation. Fortunately, cannabis’ salvation may come in the form of new and innovative uses for the hemp plant. To learn more about some of the sustainable initiatives occuring in the hemp space, we spoke with Zaffia LaPlante, president and founder of Hempergy. The indigenous-owned and operated company is working to highlight hemp’s durability and 26
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sustainability, and particularly its usefulness within indigenous communities. “Hempergy is focused on improving the supply chain of waste management in the cannabis and hemp industries. Our goal is to use hemp as a sustainable feedstock for construction, cosmetic, and textile purposes. The aim is not necessarily to create these amazing products, but it’s also to engage collaboratively and cooperatively with indigenous groups around North America, so that they’re not just the end user of our product, but included throughout the entire supply chain,” explained LaPlante. LaPlante is passionate about her project, not just because of her enthusiasm for hemp, but also because of the intensity of the housing crisis on First Nations reserves. Due to Canada’s 1876 Indian Act, indigenous people can’t own land on their reservations. As such, those living on reservations have no assets to leverage for a mortgage. In other words, they have to provide 100 percent of
building costs up front, often in extremely remote locations. The result is aging homes laden with mold and lacking in basic necessities, like heating or electricity. Hemp building materials could address some of these concerns. LaPlante elaborates, “Hempcrete is mold proof, nontoxic, fireresistant, biodegradable, and, unlike fiberglass installation, it doesn’t use chemicals or toxins.” LaPlante hopes to help make the material more accessible to these communities and get them involved in every stage of development. “A lot of the indigenous communities that I’m working with approached me because they are growing cannabis right now and they’re thinking about maximizing their economic opportunities. They understand that Hempergy has this different ethos of operating… It’s much more attractive than mainstream producers who may be doing an amazing job growing, but who don’t understand the corporate social
// SUSTAINABILITY // Presented by
Photo iStockphoto.com/BrianAJackson
responsibility and added social value of what we do,” she explains. Some members of First Nations communities feel the housing crisis is another iteration of their long-endured oppression. The provincial parliament member for Kiiwetinoong in northern Ontario, Sol Mamakwa, spoke with The Guardian on the subject: “This system is not broken, it’s working exactly the way it’s supposed to. It’s a colonial system designed to take away our people’s right to natural resources and lands so we can’t take care of ourselves.” LaPlante has seen firsthand how a lack of resources can impact communities. “I am an indigenous woman of Canada, and I do have an understanding of the reality that indigenous people are faced with here in Canada, but also across North America, and even in Australia. I came across similar parallels of the marginalization of colonialism and how indigenous communities and indigenous people are put in this position
because of the western system we live in.” She continues, “[Hemp] could be a tool to come up with our own solutions… That’s why myself and Hempergy are acting as a tool to support whatever issue the community may be facing. It’s important to stop being limited to just growing the plant for medicinal purposes and to start using it for building materials.” In Canada’s harsh climate, developing materials that are both durable and waterresistant is vital to the long-term sustainability of local communities. Further, the isolated nature of many indigenous reservations makes transporting materials an arduous and expensive task. Demolition costs and wasteremoval fees for removing existing dilapidated structures can also be prohibitively expensive. This isn’t a facet that was lost on LaPlante. “It’s much easier to recycle compared to other natural building materials, like straw bale
homes. Hemp and hemp-based materials also absorb a higher amount of humidity and water. So instead of simply holding on to that moisture and leaking it out later, creating mold and mildew, hemp actually absorbs that humidity and stores it within the material and then releases it at a later time to retain a healthy living temperature.” LaPlante’s ambitions don’t end with Hempergy. She feels the whole hemp community needs to pool their collective knowledge to help advance the industry. “Understand that if you want to make an impact and really change the world and make it a better place for current and future generations, we have to work together. We can’t just work in silence. We have to collaborate, cooperate, and share that knowledge.” She concludes, “I really do feel that hemp is the future and it’s what we need to be focusing our time and energy on, so we can scale it not just across America, but across the world.” ❖ Summer 2019 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// SUSTAINABILITY // Presented by
Key Considerations When Expanding Your Indoor Grow Facility By Andrew Myers
The domino effect of legalization in the United States has allowed more businesses and cultivators to jump into growing cannabis. As more states pass their own cannabis policies, the market continues to expand at an unprecedented pace – and indoor grow facilities are expanding along with it. There has been some serious competition for the title of “biggest grow facility” in the nation. Some facilities boast space for dozens of large bloom rooms containing cannabis and hemp crops. Others include expansive labs dedicated to cannabis research. Neighborhood-sized complexes are already testing the limits of what can be accomplished with indoor agriculture. And with an increasing demand for cannabis across legalized states – whether recreational or medicinal – cannabis entrepreneurs are looking for the best ways to boost their yields and still remain cost-effective. Even if you’re not looking to break any world records, there are several reasons cannabis growers might want to expand their indoor facilities. Low Wholesale Cost: Because of increasing availability of cannabis in legalized states, the wholesale cost of cannabis continues to drop. This means growers might need to produce more product in order to see a profit. Consolidation: Big companies are consolidating to create even bigger conglomerations, dwarfing smaller enterprises. Everyone is looking for new ways to produce more product while still remaining costeffective. Outdated Facility: Sometimes growers need to expand because their current facility is outdated or can’t support enterprise ambitions; perhaps it hasn’t kept up with changing demands or the latest technology. Changing Industry Demands: There’s an undeniable pressure to diversify offerings nowadays – and expanding into a new market niche requires more square footage, whether 28
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Photo iStockphoto.com/abadonian
this includes a medical-grade kitchen, space for industrial hemp, or rooms dedicated to highend, boutique strains. But facility expansion is no simple undertaking, and no two are exactly the same. Some people have the opportunity to add square footage onto an existing structure, while others add an entirely new campus to their facility. Some don’t have the means to invest in new real estate and are pushed to get more creative. Whatever your approach, though, an expansion requires thought, time, and money. When done strategically, with the right tools
and under the right circumstances, adding more space can give your grow the edge it needs.
Avoid These Cracks in Your Foundation Growers might jump into construction without devoting enough time to more practical aspects – and they’ll be sure to experience the consequences later on. Without much needed foresight, businesses run the risk of spending exorbitant amounts of money on big, impressive facilities, but lack the infrastructure to ensure long-term profitability.
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// SUSTAINABILITY // Key Considerations When Expanding Your Indoor Grow Facility Presented by
low-grade dehumidifiers, can lead to more issues and expenses later on. A bigger space requires high-performing systems to control the indoor environment. LEDs are the Logical Choice: A significant aspect of controlling your indoor environment is finding the best lights. For commercial grows, LEDs are by and far the most suitable choice. They’re durable, deliver excellent uniformity for large crops, and improve energy efficiency. A good tip: not all LEDs are created equal. Seek out LEDs that are waterproofed, constructed with industrial-grade materials, and offer features enabling you to maintain control of your grow, such as on-board dimming and spectral tuning. They’ll last longer, and you won’t waste money on replacements in the future.
Photo iStockphoto.com/VasilevKirill
Well before knocking down any walls, be aware of these common challenges that can potentially derail your expansion plans – and your future. Lack of Funding: Money is a primary concern for anyone looking to drastically change their grow facility. An expansion is expensive, and growers should be prepared for these costs. Some make the mistake of having a “some now, some later” approach, when in reality, it can be hard to make changes once an operation is up and running. Risking Existing Garden: Retrofitting an existing facility can be hard, especially when growing cannabis. You won’t want to risk harming your plants or exposing them to outside contaminants. Consult an industry expert to discuss potential solutions. Resource Allocation: Cultivators know well enough that cannabis is resource intensive, and the bigger your grow, the more power and water you’ll need for a healthy crop. Before diving into the redesign, ensure you’re able to 30
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get (and pay for) enough resources to support the space.
Invest in a Strong Infrastructure The most successful expansions are backed up by ample planning and research. It might not be the most exciting part of the process, but it’s imperative to take your time finding the most effective design and technology to support everyday facility functionality. Remember, your grow should work for your employees and your plants, for years to come. Don’t settle for the first solution either – it’s often recommended to get an informed second opinion. These considerations can help guide your expansion. Explore Financing: Research financing options to help pay for construction or needed equipment. Some companies offer leasing and there might be the opportunity to take advantage of energy rebates. Don’t Skimp on Essential Equipment: This can’t be stressed enough – don’t skimp on your equipment. Buying cheap tools, such as
Think in Terms of Cubic, Not Square, Footage: Don’t have a lot of square footage to work with, but high ceilings? In this case, think up instead of out. With recent developments in lighting designs, you can vertically rack LED lights to create a multi-tiered garden. This is one of the easiest ways to expand your growing capabilities, without having to invest in new real estate. Still, ensure you have the right ventilation system to prevent the development of microclimates between the tiers. A hasty expansion can result in accumulating costs and disastrous results. Too often, cannabis businesses expand without enough foresight or patience to find the most appropriate solutions for the crop and their pocketbook. But it doesn’t always have to be like this. With careful consideration and thoughtful planning, an expansion can reveal hidden benefits and new opportunities. Start off on the right foot by researching, consulting industry experts, and finding the best equipment, and your expansion will be more likely to meet your expectations. The bottom line: expand, but don’t sacrifice quality, safety, or your financial security in the process. x Andrew Myers is President and CEO of ProGrowTech, which helps commercial horticulture operations increase profitability, yield, and energy efficiency with industry-leading LED lighting systems. For more information, visit progrowtech.com.
Providing high quality supplies and equipment for the cannabis industry. Analytical Testing Supplies Certified Reference Materials Chillers & Temperature Control Systems Chromatography Supplies & Support Consulting Services Decarboxylation & Vacuum Ovens Fume Hoods & Clean Air Solutions Industrial Health & Safety Supplies Laboratory Equipment Laboratory Furniture Milling Equipment Proficiency Tests Quality Control Solutions Rotary Evaporators Sample Prep Equipment Short Path Distillation Solvents & Reagents Technical Support Terpenes & Formulations Vacuum Pumps
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Announcing the Cannabis & Tech Today Sustainable Leadership Awards!
When we started Cannabis & Tech Today in 2018, we had one specific goal: to tell the science and techbased stories that weren’t being told in the space. For years, publications like High Times and Culture have provided cannabis enthusiasts and consumers with strain reviews and legislative updates. But we felt there was a missing piece to the puzzle. Cannabis, still, is a growing industry – and it’s moving at a fast pace. With years of illicit experience under its belt, the cannabis industry is finally spreading its wings, shaking off the cobwebs of illegality, and beginning to take its first steps toward flying. And it couldn’t be a more opportune moment for the cannabis industry to take off. This industry is growing up in the age of fiery startups and incredible innovations, all wrapped up in a business culture that is focusing more on sustainability than ever before. It may not be a coincidence that cannabis is gaining pace at the same time as innovations such as the electric vehicle and augmented reality. Modern technology has given cannabis an opportunity. Rather than have to adjust its practices later to fit technology, like so many wellestablished industries are finding themselves doing, cannabis can build technological and sustainable practices right into its DNA. In just the past year, we at Cannabis & Tech Today have been able to interact with a number of incredibly innovative leaders and companies. These businesses are folding innovation and sustainability into their everyday practices. And while many people might not be aware of it, sustainability is and will be vital to the success of the cannabis industry.
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For this reason, we are very excited to announce the 1st annual Cannabis & Tech Today Awards for Sustainable Leadership, to celebrate those companies who are taking sustainability seriously. There are two companies we’ve worked with specifically that inspired us to pursue in-depth coverage of sustainable practices. Dedicated to sustainability themselves, CRATIV Packaging and STM Canna have integrated eco-friendly practices into their everyday business. Safe, sustainable packaging has been a constant thorn in the paw of cannabis retail. For this reason, CRATIV became a leading manufacturer of child-resistant, environmentally-friendly packaging. They develop fully customizable and brandable packaging for storing and displaying pre-rolled joints, vape cartridges, flower, and edibles. Their sustainable solution is multi-use, recyclable, and repurposable. While CRATIV helps package products, STM Canna helps produce and process them. For cultivators and processors, STM Canna’s highly efficient products are eco-conscious and cost-effective. Their RocketBox can produce over 453 pre-rolled joints in a 2-3 minutes cycle, while their Rosin Press will help you efficiently create shatter, wax, and much more. With their commitment to sustainability, STM Canna will be helping us host this years’ Cannabis & Tech Today. Nominations begin July 1st and the winner will be announced at MJBizCon in December! ❖ To nominate and vote, please visit www.cannatechtoday.com/ sustainabilityawards.
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Sustainable to the Core By Alex Moersen
(Left) CRATIV’s sustainable and child-safe packaging. (Right) CRATIV CEO Bill Ludlow
If it isn’t obvious already, we do everything we can here to champion sustainable practices in the cannabis industry. That’s why when Bill Ludlow, CEO of CRATIV Packaging, published an in-depth sustainability mantra on his company’s website, we were intrigued. While sustainability is growing in popularity and practice in the cannabis industry, it is still rare to see such public and open commitment to sustainable practices. We decided to speak with Ludlow further about what made him decide to make sustainability a core value of his business. Cannabis & Tech Today: Can you tell us what was the motivation for making sustainability so core to your business? Bill Ludlow: We took a step back to explore our “Why.” We knew we had to develop a core mantra that our team could speak to with passion and our customers could get behind. We realized we can’t just be “a packaging company,” and we’re excited to say we are also environmentally conscious, child-safe, and champions for cannabis. Being a company focused on the development of child-resistant packaging for the cannabis industry captured two pieces of our mantra. But, we continue to get pushback from industry stakeholders about all of the waste that childresistant packaging is forcing the cannabis 34
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industry into. We decided, even though we don’t have all of the answers that we needed, to be loud about this environmental challenge and drive conversation toward solutions. C&T Today: How important would you rate sustainability for the cannabis industry as a whole? BL: Very important. Unfortunately, it’s not just packaging creating sustainability challenges. There’s pesticides, electricity use, and even issues with disposing of waste biomass. Let’s all look at this together as an exciting opportunity for the cannabis industry to be thought leaders and own the challenge. It won’t happen overnight, but let’s talk about it and begin to drive incremental changes. C&T Today: What excites you about the role hemp and biodegradable materials can play? BL: I’m super excited that we have an opportunity to incorporate these new materials along with the unfolding of the cannabis industry toward the end of prohibition. Due to the spotlight on the industry today, we have the ability to shine as champions for latching onto advancements in materials science and be recognized for driving innovation. The legalization of hemp will allow R&D to pick up where it left off 100+ years ago. Imagine where we could have been today had hemp been legal.
C&T Today: How big of a role does consumer education play in your company? BL: Mankind has gotten so used to the convenience of things, such as plastic, to make life easier. Wherever you are right now as you read this, look around you. Plastic cups, carpet, counter laminate, furniture, fabric materials, clothing, and so much more are made out of petroleum-based materials. Industry will be challenged to develop alternate sustainable solutions, but consumers will need to participate and in some cases adopt inconvenient change for a greater cause. We must all be in this together. C&T Today: Can you talk about the importance of child-safe packaging for kids and even pets? BL: It’s important that we help the cannabis industry mature in a safe and effective fashion. Child-resistant packaging has historically and statistically been proven to prevent children from getting into things that can be harmful. We must adopt what more legitimized industries have already been forced to do due to regulations. By implementing safety for children through child-safe packaging, we will show the world that we are serious about ending this prohibition. ❖
// INVESTING //
From Cannabis Investor to Business Leader
MJ Freeway CEO Jessica Billingsley details her journey in developing the world’s leading cannabis compliance company. By Rebecca Sedhom With so many regulations around cannabis, compliance technology is one of the most important aspects of the industry. Seed-to-sale tracking has become a staple, allowing companies to keep track of their products from cultivation to production to the consumer. A little over a decade ago, Jessica Billingsley, now CEO of MJ Freeway, began her journey into cannabis with an investment, and ended up creating one of the most prolific seed-to-sale tracking companies in the world. In this exclusive interview, Billingsley discusses her original investment into cannabis and how MJ Freeway continues to innovate the industry. Cannabis & Tech Today: How did you first become involved in the cannabis industry? Jessica Billingsley: A little over ten years ago, I was invited to invest in one of the very first legally licensed operations here in Colorado. And at the time it was a crazy thing to choose to do, right? Or at least most people treated you that way, including my family. But I did choose to make that investment and I had a key firm at the time and they asked me to pick what we were building out and they asked me to pick which house we would use to run the operation. And I was not able to find anything that really met the need of cannabis. So, that’s where MJ Freeway was born and we invented seed-to-seed tracking over nine years ago now. Today, we’re really the only cannabis technology company that truly operates globally with clients from 12 countries. And we’re also the only seed-to-sale cannabis technology that serves the entire supply chain compliantly in every single jurisdiction. C&T Today: Why did you choose to take the risk and invest in that first cannabis company when everyone was telling you it sounded kind of crazy? JB: Anybody who was involved in cannabis in the earlier days was either a true believer or a risk taker. I would categorize myself now as both. But initially I started out as a risk taker. I was one of three women in 36
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// INVESTING // From Cannabis Investor to Business Leader
my computer science program in school. I recently pursued professional rock climbing. I think I’m just wired to take on a little bit more risk than most people.
the solution,” and that really speaks to innovation because it speaks to, not just what the client is asking for, but what is their actual problem and how do we solve that better?
But I will say, I very, very, very quickly became a true believer… Very early on I met a man who had been wheelchair-bound prior to cannabis. And when I met him, he had just completed a 5K.
When you’re lucky enough to have a seat at the table from the very early days and to be at the tip of the spear, if you will, you’re able to see farther and understand the evolution better than most. And then, of course, you have to actually translate that into execution of your product and how we’re continuing to build for the future industry rather than just serving the industry and its state of need today.
Especially in those earlier days, that’s why I think we all did it. Where I thought I could bring unique expertise was with my technology background and really understanding the need for compliance and regulation. I understood that the way forward would be enabling compliance and regulation, so that it could be treated as a regulated substance and also so patients and consumers understand what they’re getting. Because you want to have a consistent experience and understand what you’re getting and that starts with tracking. C&T Today: How has MJ Freeway remained competitive in the face of all these other companies entering the seed-to-sale field? JB: At the end of the day, it comes down to really thinking about core values. In fact, one of MJ Freeway’s three core values is: “Be part of 38
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favorable cost structure. I recently visited a couple of clients down there and I was just blown away by the sophistication as well as the obvious cost advantage enjoyed by their operations and I was just thinking about what that means as the market opens up into a true global market with export and import available in most countries; which I don’t think is that far away. It will be a global market. C&T Today: How are you leveraging MJ Freeway’s data to further innovate the cannabis space?
JB: We see a number of European markets that have legalized; they have a legal model to import the medicine, but not to actually produce or manufacture it in their country, so that’s one difference we see.
JB: Well, we really believe in providing value back to our consistent customers first. So, today we’ve really focused on leveraging our data for our clients to provide predicted analytics and benchmarking services. So we’ve been doing that for a couple of years and now we’re investigating other ways in which our data can be helpful and valuable as the industry expands and grows.
Then, the next biggest difference that I like to touch on is what we would call, “the rise of Latin America.” So, in particular Columbia is leading the way, establishing a federal license program with the ability to import and export, and so, what you have are conditions that are very favorable for growing cannabis at a very
We collected some very interesting data on 4/20 that we’ve been sharing. I mean, it was the most profitable 4/20 to date. It was 4/20 on a Saturday, but interestingly we really saw sales across Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. And Saturday, 4/20 itself had 80 million dollars in sales in the U.S. ❖
C&T Today: To speak to your global reach, how are foreign markets different than the American or Canadian markets?
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Transparent Transactions
How CannaTrac Technology brings transparency and trust to cannabis banking.
Financial institutions working with dispensary owners have a unique challenge when it comes to partnerships. Because while cannabis sales for medical and recreational marijuana are legal in many states, federal sanctions still apply. Before doing business with a dispensary owner or other cannabis merchants, financial institutions often feel the need for more due diligence in terms of qualifying merchants and satisfying regulatory requirements in order to achieve the required transparency.
CannaTrac® is one company whose objective is to vet cannabis dispensaries and retail merchants based on national and international compliance and regulatory guidelines – all by using powerful, proprietary software that creates transparency for qualifying accounts while protecting the consumers’ confidentiality and privacy. They work to bridge the gap between banking institutions and the cannabis industry.
Yet, the market is growing, and avoiding the cannabis market sector altogether excludes potentially lucrative and longlasting opportunities.
“CannaTrac offers automation to provide traceability in real time for all transactions in our network,” says CannaTrac CEO Tom Gavin. “We provide that transparency for banks, which creates an audit trail to comply with their regulatory guidelines.”
One solution is to partner with an intermediary focused on providing transparency and financial legitimacy. This type of third-party partner can help close the uncertainty gap between financial institutions and cannabis retailers. By verifying adherence with regulatory requirements, these companies can assist financial institutions in their efforts to partner with legitimate, compliant businesses worldwide.
The best companies run hearty risk analysis metrics to provide transparency and traceability for banks and their cannabis accounts. “We work with financial institutions to vet each dispensary or retail merchant upfront based on BSA and AML requirements,” Gavin says. “We’ve invested in global compliance software to gather information and verify very strict criteria, saving financial institutions massive
amounts of time, money, and manpower.” CannaTrac takes this a step further to provide a universal cashless payment solution through its CannaCard® platform. The CannaCard is a mobile app as well as a physical card, both versions of which provide military-grade encryption, transparency for banks, and HIPAA compliant security to protect the identifying information of the consumer. CannaCard is accessible to consumers with or without a traditional bank account. By providing the transparency and traceability which inhibits an all-cash industry, third-parties can work to level the playing field for cannabis retailers and lay the foundation for trust in banking in the cannabis industry. It’s this combination of advanced technology and regulatory compliance that will benefit both dispensary clients and financial institutions now and in the future. ❖ Learn more about CannaTrac’s banking transparency solutions at cannatrac.com. Summer 2019 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
Building an Empire A cannabis outsider details everything you need to know about building a brand in one of the nation’s most regulated industries. By Patricia Miller Futurist, filmmaker, and former Head of Mike’s Hard Lemonade Anat Baron has never tried cannabis. But she’s the perfect person to tell you everything you need to know about regulations, advertising, and building a brand from the ground up. Recently, Baron was asked to keynote at MJBizConNEXT, not because of her expertise in cannabis, but because of her background in the consumer space, especially with heavily regulated industries, like beer. In her film Beer Wars, Baron addresses the stifling regulations of the beer industry while highlighting the struggles of entrepreneurs trying to gain a foothold in a highly competitive market controlled by multinational conglomerates. It probably sounds like a familiar scenario for many cannabis business owners, as more regulation and more competition continue to add complexity to the nascent industry. In this exclusive interview, Baron reveals how cannabis could be a major disruptor across multiple consumer verticals and offers her advice on getting consumer attention and operating in a highly regulated industry. Cannabis & Tech Today: You've been involved in so many different industries. Is there a common thread between hospitality, beer, and cannabis? 40
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Anat Baron: I think the common thread with all of the industries I've worked in, wearing a variety of hats, is that they have all been on the consumer side. So, I think my fascination is really with consumers. Now, in technology we call it user experience. It's also called customer experience. I started in hospitality, at Four Seasons, at the beginning of my hotel industry career. I mean, service was everything, right? Trying to figure out how to give the customer what they want was extremely important. In the beer industry, it's a little different because one is service and this is a product. So, when you're dealing with service – obviously you have the ability to bring in the human connection. When you're selling a product, you have to figure out who your customer is, and then deliver an experience when they consume the product that they enjoy. In cannabis, what's so interesting is that you have all of the different parts of it. There are the people, the farmers who are growing, there are the producers who are manufacturing. Then you have the producers who are actually making product out of it, and then you have the retailers. So, it actually cuts across all of those industries from the supply chain to the end consumer.
C&T Today: How important is it that business owners become involved in the regulatory process? AB: There's no question that the industry will be regulated heavily, and already is on a state level in the states where it's legal. But it's just the beginning. When I was at Mike's Hard Lemonade, for example, we launched a new category in the beer industry because we were malt based, and we were distributed by beer distributors. So, we had to get very involved in making the rules. The problem with regulations is that you're not the boss of you and the rules keep changing. So, the more you can be part of the process, the better off you're going to be. This is a new industry, just like we were something new in the beer industry. It gets very complicated because on a federal level there are so many government agencies. I used to joke that as the head of the company I had to deal with every government agency that had acronyms, other than the FAA because we weren't flying airplanes. Between advertising laws, marketing to kids, where you're allowed to advertise and where you're not allowed to advertise… And then getting labels made, and labels are so complicated because you need different labels for each state… and sometimes depending
Photo Rohina Hoffman
Baron regularly keynotes events around the country, offering insights into business strategy, marketing, and emerging technology. Her documentary film Beer Wars (Right) illustrates the intense regulatory climate of the beer industry.
“ It turned out that who we thought our consumer was, and who our consumer actually was, wasn't the same person.� Summer 2019 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Building an Empire
“ The problem with regulations is that you're not the boss of you and the rules keep changing. So, the more you can be part of the process, the better off you're going to be.”
Photo Rohina Hoffman
on the jurisdiction, where you're allowed to sell, who is allowed to sell, and at what hours of the day. Even in 2019, there are still areas of the country that have Sunday blue laws. That comes from the regulations. That also comes from the fact that there's still a stigma with alcohol. So, you can imagine what the stigma is and will continue to be with cannabis. C&T Today: Regulations surrounding advertising are such a challenge within the cannabis industry. How can business owners capture the attention of their audience without using traditional advertising avenues? AB: That was a concern at Mike’s, too. We built that brand, we advertised on television, but we really built it guerilla style. The advertising, I think, was really more to make our distributors feel like we were a real company versus trying to reach our target consumers. It turned out that who we thought our consumer was, and who our consumer actually was, wasn't the same person… which I'll get to. But, for cannabis companies, I think it's really the lessons I learned from Hollywood – how to tell great stories. You're just trying to figure out how to capture attention. The real answer to your question is, 42
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you have to figure out, who is your customer, actually? When I ask that question to people who are in the cannabis space, I get such a variety of answers. I think the reality is that nobody really knows yet.
already in the game and can tell stories. The reason people are successful doing it on Instagram is because they are telling stories. And I don't mean “stories” as in that part of the app. I mean using storytelling.
You have two types of potential customers, right? You have the people who are moving from buying it illegally to now being able to walk into a store and buy it. Then the second type of consumer is new entrants – and that's where I believe the bigger opportunity exists. So, it's obviously converting people from illegal to legal. But then the question is, who is this new consumer? And I think everyone is trying to figure that out…
So, it's not like saying, "Oh, look at this gummy bear, isn't it cute?" It's more like, “Oh my God, I'm so excited because I can finally sleep at night.”
Ultimately, I think for anybody who's selling cannabis, the question is: “Who is my target market?” When you know that, then you can answer the question of how to reach them. I think so many brands are just trying to reach people en masse, but let's say you're allowed to run Facebook ads, right? Who are you actually targeting? I think figuring out who your customer is is paramount. I know some people are using Instagram and getting influencers involved. Not necessarily influencers the way we think of them, like Kim Kardashian, but people who are
C&T Today: How is cannabis disrupting existing industries? Some people think it might cause disruption in the alcohol industry. AB: So, this is really interesting. In putting my talk together [for MJBizConNEXT], I actually made a list of all the industries that I think will be disrupted, and it's a very long list. It cuts across many consumer verticals including the obvious like Pharma and Tobacco but also Wellness, Tourism, Beauty, etc. The way that I think it's going to disrupt alcohol is, already some craft brewers are working on collaborations with different cannabis brands to add some sort of functional benefit, either through CBD, or THC, to a beer and create a new type of collaboration. Let's call it a hybrid. So, call it a Prius.
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Building an Empire
Baron’s marketing prowess helped her transform Mike’s Hard Lemonade into a $200 million dollar powerhouse in just three years. She brings that expertise to all of her speaking engagements, offering attendees an inspiring and educational experience to help build their brand and grow their business.
They are creating a Prius. Is that going to take over? And that's the question it goes back to, who is the consumer? Does that person like craft beer? Are they just going to try it because that craft brewery made it? Or are there consumers out there who are looking to discover these collaborations? And I don't think anybody honestly knows the answer to that. This is one of those, “If you build it, will they come?” I don't know. And so, I think that's really a good question. Where it will disrupt the alcohol industry depends on how smart the cannabis industry is. So, here's my question that I don't have an answer to. And maybe you do, and maybe some of your readers do. Is cannabis an additive or is it a replacement? Meaning, there are people who are currently drinking alcohol to use it as, let's call it a social lubricant. Are they looking for a new type of social lubricant? So instead of going to a bar in 10 years, will they want to go to a cannabis bar? Because we know that experiences are the hot thing right now, millennials love experiences over things. I think we've been moving toward an experience society for a long time. But in that case then, is it going to disrupt alcohol? Yes, if people stop going to drink alcohol in bars, or if people aren't buying as many six packs to take home and drink at home and they are replacing it with cannabis. The other part of it, too, is on the wellness side. Is CBD going to be added to some beers or spirits to provide a different functional benefit? So, I'm not sure I'm answering your question because I don't think anybody knows the answer to this yet. C&T Today: What role will developing technologies play in the evolution of the cannabis industry? 44
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AB: Depending on regulation, which is the elephant in the room, technology is going to play a huge role in the following areas: the first one being education. The biggest challenge for the cannabis industry is that most people don't know anything about it. It depends how old you are, what part of the country you live in, how much experience you've had with it, whether you read or not, or whether you are online or not. So there's a humongous opportunity and it's only going to be through technology that the industry is able to reach consumers of all types. You, the consumer, need to see it in your world. For example, here in L.A. you see it on a billboard. It gets your curiosity going. So, creating awareness is key. You can do that online and you can do it the best you can on social media right now. So, huge opportunity for content. Figuring out how to get people to it, that's another challenge. The next place where technology is going to play a huge part is where I see the future going. What my company StashWall is all about is this idea that what this world is moving toward in 2020 and beyond is all about personalization. So, if you think about the past, companies used to talk at consumers and it was a one-way conversation. We now have empowered consumers who are used to two-way conversations. And I see a world of, let's call it personalization, or hyper-personalization where the consumer is at the center. We are going to be willing to exchange information about who we are – which by the way, is already in all of your social media and on your phone – in exchange for value, for getting personalized messaging and personalized product recommendations, specifically for you based on your needs and likes.
The people who are trying to help me, if it is people or if it's going to move towards artificial or augmented intelligence and machine learning, they are going to know everything about me. So, when I want to buy whatever it is to address whatever it is that I'm looking to address, it will be able to help me find better products that are suited to me. The third piece, after content and personalization, is going to be on the robotics side. We're going to see huge, huge, huge transformation in agriculture, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to be more productive. The other part of it – there will be robots that are going to change how the product is delivered to us. Again, depending on regulation in those municipalities, cities, and states where delivery will be legal. And some of these things, if you really think about them, are at odds with each other. Like personalization and then having a robot deliver your product, right? But these are just some of the ways that I think technology will play a huge role and I think the first one is really the key to unlocking the size of the industry. And that's such a huge opportunity. That's where I started this conversation: understand who your consumer is and where the opportunities are, and frankly the advice is to really figure out what you want to make, figure out who needs it, and then figure out how to get it to them. ❖ Anat Baron is the Founder and CEO of StashWall Inc., a visual platform designed to help people integrate all areas of their lives in one convenient, secure, and accessible place. It is set to launch in late 2019.
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
Keeping It In The Family How a Colorado family business created a unique product in the burgeoning CBD industry. By Anthony Elio Earlier this spring, we were invited by St. Bernie’s CBD to get a firsthand look at the production of their unique products. We pulled up to a small facility located in Boulder, Colorado. Walking in, we were greeted by Janelle Wagner, vice president of product development, who introduced us to her husband Mark and son Daniel. Between the three, they make up the workforce of St. Bernie’s CBD. And, while spending a morning with the Wagners, we could tell they wouldn’t have it any other way. It all started with a simple conversation around a patio one morning. Janelle, an oncology nurse practitioner, was discussing with her husband how her patients had been inquiring about CBD recently, with some utilizing the substance for pain control. As Janelle told us, “It decreases the amount of narcotics they use. They use it for inflammation. One of my patients also has rheumatoid arthritis, so she uses it on her joints. It helps with anxiety, helps them try to get through their chemotherapy treatments, and it helps them to sleep. That’s how our idea was born.” By coincidence, the couple stumbled upon an article on the newly burgeoning CBD sector that was forming in Colorado. This curiosity led to research, specifically wading through the misinformation surrounding CBD. This research also led to the inspiration for the company’s flagship product: gum. After discovering the small amount of CBD gum on the market, the Wagners began experimenting with creating their own. “Our first venture into making gum, we ordered a make-a-gum kit online. It was a bubblegum kit. It was so sticky and so horrible. Mark noticed that it was made with synthetic rubber,” Janelle explained. Seven months of trial and error and pans stacking up in their sink led to the discovery of a key ingredient in the form of chicle. A Central American product from the Sapodilla tree, chicle is fully 46
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Mark, Daniel, and Janelle Wagner (left to right) gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the unique process behind their CBD gum (bottom).
biodegradable and digestible. And with that, the mission of using only natural products became essential for the company. In addition to their natural, sustainable product exclusivity, the Wagners developed a theme that had to do with CBD itself, choosing a St. Bernard (an animal known for rescuing people during avalanches) with the tagline “Rescue Your Health.” Because legend depicts the dog as carrying a keg of spirits around its neck, that very theme can be seen in the various flavors, such as Buttered Rum, Blackberry
Brandy, and Moscow Mule. The Wagners had their mission, their flavors, and their theme. Now they just needed another employee. As Janelle said, “We decided that it would be so much fun to bring our son Daniel into the fold. He’s young. He’s energetic. He’s full of great ideas. We just said to him one day, ‘Hey, we’re thinking of starting a CBD gum company. Would you be interested?’ His response was, ‘Hell yes.’” In addition to their unique gum, St. Bernie’s
GoямБre...
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Keeping It In The Family
After much experimentation and the discovery of the digestible, biodegradable ingredient chicle, the Wagners have become bona fide gum-making experts.
expanded their line to be more accommodating to their users. According to Janelle, “A couple people said, ‘Well, I can’t chew gum,’ especially our older customers. And so we decided to expand our line into some different products that deliver CBD.” This includes body and muscle creams, each with 500mg of CBD, and even a variety of vaporizing products. Additionally, St. Bernie’s offers tinctures that continue the “spirit” flavor theme of their gum, with flavors such as Lemon Drop and Raspberry Cosmo.
The Wagners’ creativity and hard work have paid off. In addition to selling their products online, St. Bernie’s offers their products in local Colorado liquor stores, with additional accounts in Michigan and Beverly Hills, CA. The family’s future ambitions for their company? “World domination,” Janelle says with a laugh and a smile.
offered us each a tin of their CBD gum. I
Wrapping up our time together, the family told us about some upcoming flavors and logos they’ve been playing around with, and they
To learn more about the Wagners’ story
brought home Fire Breath, the cinnamon whiskey flavor. We packed up our things and got ready to return to Denver. After taking a few photos of the family together outside, the Wagners gave a cheerful goodbye and headed inside, back to work. ❖ and their unique gum-making process, visit st.berniescbd.com.
While they’re best known for their gum, St. Bernie’s offers a large number of accessible products, from tinctures to muscle creams, for potential CBD users.
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
BIG BUSINESS Photo courtesy Joey Figueroa of AN Media Team
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By Patricia Miller
Business Outlaw “BigMike” Straumietis shares his insights from twenty years of success in the cannabiz.
// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS //
Photos courtesy Joey Figueroa of AN Media Team
How many CEOs have lived underground, assuming false identities and evading arrest in pursuit of their passion? Few would have had the tenacity to endure in the face of such overwhelming opposition. But, cannabis mogul “BigMike” Straumietis couldn’t be deterred. Straumietis spent a decade hiding from the DEA while continuing to develop his skills in cannabis. Then in 1996, Straumietis invested his ill-gotten gains into launching his own company, Advanced Nutrients, now the world’s top-selling cannabis-specific nutrient line.
Now, with BigMike’s Blends, which is the “touch side,” inventory country to country is very different. Most countries are 10 years, 15 years behind us, even with their medical marijuana programs. So, the same kind of undulations that we’re seeing in the U.S. and here in California will be happening globally, like a tidal wave. We’ve got a lot of activity in the EU. Basically, what’s happening in the EU is exactly what is happening here, but it’s more slanted towards CBD. Asia is now getting into the act. In South Korea, medical marijuana is legal, in Japan medical marijuana is legal. It’s highly restricted though in those countries, nonetheless they are actively pursuing medical marijuana programs.
deliver that very specific outcome. There is nobody else out there, globally, that has the science, the depth of knowledge, and the capabilities we do. C&T Today: You’ve been working in this industry for a long time and are one of the few examples of an entrepreneur who started their work in the illicit market and then translated that expertise into the legal market. Did you think cannabis would ever be legalized?
C&T Today: How were you able to curate specific outcomes from each product in BigMike’s Blends?
MS: Well, you have to ask yourself, “Why did I go and get 25 Ph.D. scientists to do all that research 13 years ago?” It’s because back in 1997 when Canada went federally legal for medical marijuana, and Prop 215 was strong in California, I realized it was just a matter of time before it became legal. Now, I didn’t know what the timeframe was going to be; however, I knew it would be within 20 to 25 years.
Cannabis & Tech Today: Advanced Nutrients is distributed all over the world. How did you adapt your business strategy for a global audience?
MS: 13 years ago I got a license for cannabinoid research, there are only three licenses like that in the world. So, not only did I want to optimize plant growth and bring cannabis to its true genetic potential, regardless of strain, but also study actual cannabinoid medicine and science…
I can remember talking to my brother at the business one day, when we were still on the black market, and I said to him, “John, one day this is all going to be legal, and we’re not going to have to do this the way we’ve been doing this, so clandestine.” And he goes “I hope so.” And I said, “No, it absolutely will.”
Mike Straumietis: Advanced Nutrients is in 103 countries around the world right now and cannabis growers and farmers all want pretty much the same thing. They want to increase their yields and increase the quality of their crops. When you’re thinking about the fertilizer aspect of the business, we’re considered the “notouch” side.
We built, specifically, what these cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles are that delivered specific outcomes and then we started hunting down different strains based on those profiles, then we blended those strains together. Up to six different strains will blend for one of our outcomes to get the exact cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles that we’re looking for to
The company nets over 90 million dollars a year from sales in 103 countries. His newest endeavor, BigMike’s Blends, delivers outcomespecific strains in consistent pre-roll packaging. From more than 20 years of experience, Straumietis has developed a cannabis empire based on business acumen and rigorous scientific testing. In this exclusive interview, BigMike reveals his business strategy, what he learned on the lam, and his plans for the future.
I felt it back then and so I’ve been planning for it, this moment in time, for about 20 years. And I’ve been hardcore about the science portion for the last 15 years. C&T Today: So many people would love to make that transition from the illicit market to the regulated market. How different are those two worlds?
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Big Business
BigMike with his co-host Chris Collins recording an episode of Business Outlaws.
MS: The illicit market was easier to deal with than the legal market. It was easier to deal with that than this regulatory environment. Businesswise, my accounts were never scrutinized at all. I always said what our products were from day one. I never had any issues until cannabis started becoming more and more popular. So this is a misconception that people have right now, that it’s easy to get into the cannabis business. We don’t have banking, we don’t have import and export of cannabis. It’s really a challenging environment and when you get people who are used to being in mainstream spaces and they come into this space, they want to act like it’s a normal space right now – it is not. It will be, it’s moving in that direction very quickly in the next two to three years. C&T Today: In your podcast, Business Outlaws, you offer advice on a range of topics from investments to regulations to legislation. If you could go back and give yourself some advice, what would it be? MS: The premise of Business Outlaws is what would we do, knowing what we know now, if we were ourselves at 24 years of age. I’m 59 now, and what would I tell myself? That’s what makes the show. Every episode is what we would tell ourselves and what’s really going on in the Photo courtesy Joey Figueroa of AN Media Team
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// BUSINESS INNOVATIONS // Big Business
“ There is nobody else out there, globally, that has the science, the depth of knowledge, and the capabilities we do.”
Photos courtesy Joey Figueroa of AN Media Team
business world, not just cannabis, but in business in general. Always if you could go back in time, you would do so many things differently… but carefully, because all that led me to where I am today. There are a few things I would change – stay away from this, or this, and this, and life will be great. But really, I wouldn’t change much because I am in a great place. C&T Today: What other projects are you working on now? MS: After speaking with you, I’m going to the Next Marijuana Millionaire. We have got all nine shows in the can. We are getting it ready to take it on the road and see who is going to pick it up. Most people will do a sizzle reel, put the money into that, and then they’ll see the show. I didn’t do it that way. I actually put in my own money, almost six million dollars, and made the show myself. The reason I wanted that kind of control is because a lot of the cannabis shows that are out there are 54
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derogatory and demeaning to our cannabis community. I didn’t want to see another show that made the fun of the typical startup. I wanted to show that our cannabis community is made up of real people with real goals and aspirations. Listen, the pothead is dead. Those days are over. We’ve got soccer moms and normal people in this space, and even back in the black market days we still had the same thing: soccer moms medicating themselves and their children for epilepsy using CBD; this is nothing new. I wanted to make sure this was the first show to be a business show. It could air between The Profit and Shark Tank and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. The only difference is we’re dealing with cannabis instead of, say, tires or cars or snowmobiles or whatever. C&T Today: You talked about the stigma around cannabis started to shift. How do you see those changing perceptions helping the medical community? MS: Slowly, slowly… because for the last 40 to
50 years this plant has been demonized, so there’s a lot of reprogramming that has to be done, and that takes time. There are still a lot of folks who think cannabis is evil and it’s for a bunch of lazy, stoner-type people. And that’s the farthest thing from the truth. C&T Today: What advice would you offer other entrepreneurs looking to enter the space? MS: The industry is going to be a trillion-dollar industry over the next 20 years. When we start talking industrial and textile uses of cannabis, it’ll be multi-trillion. This industry, if you want to think of it as a child, is still crawling. It hasn’t even learned to stand up and walk on its own. So, there are going to be a lot of opportunities, and opportunities in areas and places I haven’t even imagined myself. People who want to get in the cannabis space, there’s still plenty of time and this industry is going to be huge. So if you want to be in this industry, you’ll have an opportunity to do it. ❖
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// LEGISLATION //
FAQ: What is the SAFE Banking Act? By Alex Moersen
If you stay tuned to cannabis legislations, then you have likely heard of the recent SAFE Banking Act. Short for the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act, the bill was originally introduced in March of this year and has been making its way through the federal government. The reason this bill is garnering so much attention is how it would affect one major aspect – and major point of contention – of the cannabis industry. You guessed it: Banking! Many cannabis businesses have had to become cash-only establishments due to banks not wanting to work with them. However, this bill could change everything. What is the SAFE Banking Act, exactly? As it stands currently, federal statutes create risk for banks that want to operate in the cannabis space. Facing threat of civil action, asset forfeiture, reputational risk, and even criminal penalties, banks have opted not to do business with customers in the cannabis industry. What the SAFE Banking Act is designed to do is shield banks and credit unions that work with cannabis companies from these legal penalties. More specifically, it would actually bar federal regulators from terminating a bank’s FDIC deposit insurance, a primary threat that has prevented most banks from accepting cannabis business. The bill would require banks to comply with current Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) guidelines, while at the same time allowing FinCEN to be streamlined over time as states and the federal government adapt to legalized cannabis policies. With the bill’s passage, it’s likely that more banks would open their doors to cannabis businesses, and, in turn, those companies would 56
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be able to able to operate as normal businesses, opening checking accounts and credit cards. How will this affect the cannabis industry? Currently, most banks will not touch cannabis money due to the penalties listed above. Due to this, growers, processors, retailers, and anybody else operating within the industry must often operate on a cash-only basis. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has even had to build “cash rooms” to accommodate taxes paid by cannabis companies. This has resulted in a number of difficulties for cannabis businesses and consumers. Many of these businesses have to invest in added security due to the cash they carry and the ATM’s they often have in their stores. Additionally, operating cash-only makes it more difficult to track payments, build budgets, and enact other aspects of financial planning. Being able to establish bank accounts would create more accountability, allowing these small businesses to better track and record their financial transactions. And, on the consumer-facing side, as our world is becoming increasingly cash-less, many customers may not have the cash on hand to pay for products. But, if this bill were to pass, cannabis businesses would be able to operate like normal, being able to open checking accounts and credit cards. Additionally, banks could also help with other services, such as payroll, creating more layers of accountability, transparency, and stability within the industry. Additionally, it would drive down the costs of financial services for these businesses. Currently, the few credit unions that do handle cannabis accounts charge significant premiums to compensate for the elevated risk. With
increased competition of banks entering the space, premiums would inevitably decrease, reducing financial pressure on these institutions. However, it’s unlikely that the SAFE Banking Act would improve access to loans. Since cannabis companies still won’t have federal bankruptcy protection, and their product still remains a Schedule I narcotic, it’s likely that their access to loans will remain hindered. What’s the progress? On March 7, 2019, Senators Jeff Merkley (DOR), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and 20 co-sponsors introduced a companion version of the SAFE Banking Act. On March 28, the House Financial Services Committee approved an updated version of the Act, which passed 4515, including 11 favorable Republican votes. Now the bill must pass through the House and the Senate, before being signed into law by the President. There is reason to be optimistic. The bill currently has 152 co-sponsors, nearly a third of the House, and 12 of whom are Republicans. Supporters are confident that the SAFE Banking Act will pass in the House of Representatives. Its fate in the Senate is less certain, but its amount of support puts it far ahead of past attempts. Additionally, the SAFE Banking Act has broad support, including from the American Bankers Association, Credit Union National Association, Independent Community Bankers of America, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, the Electronic Transactions Association, the National Cannabis Industry Association, MidSize Bank Coalition of America, and various U.S. trade associations. Additional lobbying efforts continue while the legislation moves through the process. A lot can change in the coming months, so make sure
// LEGISLATION //
(Left to Right) Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced this new version of the SAFE Banking Act in early March. The bill now has a total of 152 co-sponsors and is making its way through congress. Photo iStockphoto.com/porcorex
to stay tuned to any updates on the SAFE Banking Act. What are people saying? The SAFE Banking Act has garnered a lot of support from both parties. Here is what supporters are saying: “Forcing legal businesses to operate in all-cash is dangerous for our communities. It’s absurd that cannabis business owners have to shuttle around gym bags full of cash to take care of their taxes or pay their employees. Operating in cash is an invitation to robbery, money laundering, and organized crime. This is a public safety issue, and I hope that this will be the Congress
when we build a bipartisan consensus to put this common-sense fix into law.” – Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). “Conflicting federal and state marijuana laws make it difficult for legitimate businesses to use the basic financial services they need access to and this bipartisan legislation gives them that access they need. We must also take into account the risk to public safety as these businesses are being forced to carry around bags of money to pay their employees and rent. Legal businesses should not be treated like this, and I’m glad that Republicans and Democrats are working together to address this issue.” – Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO).
“Currently, hundreds of licenses and regulated businesses do not have access to the banking industry and are unable to accept credit cards, deposit revenues, or write checks to meet payroll or pay taxes. This situation is untenable. No industry can operate safely, transparently, or effectively without access to banks or other financial institutions. Congress must move to change federal policy so that these growing number of state-compliant businesses, and their consumers, may operate in a manner that is similar to other legal commercial entities.” – Position Statement from the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws (NORML). ❖ Summer 2019 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// LEGISLATION //
Cannabis & Control A Deeper Look at Our Nation’s Regulatory Climate By Patricia Miller
Photo iStockphoto.com/simpson33
Regulations are a double-edged sword. In one way, regulations are the only reason the legal cannabis market has been able to flourish. Fair and balanced laws and requirements ensure consumers are safe and businesses are held accountable for their actions.
some of the biggest issues impacting the cannabis space, we spoke with L.A.’s Executive Director and General Manager of the Department of Cannabis Regulation Cat Packer and cannabis business attorney and Co-founder of Grupo Flor Gavin Kogan.
The Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) is also focused intently on expanding licensing opportunities to those applicants who have chosen to play by the new rules and wait for access to the licensed system before operating.
In another way, regulations cost operators time and money and can create barriers to entering the legal marketplace. Whether you’re in support of regulation or tired of the headache and confusion, these cumbersome bits of legislation aren’t going away.
Cannabis & Tech Today: How is California incentivizing illicit producers to enter the regulated market? What are some barriers to entry?
Gavin Kogan: Necessarily, if you’re going to start an industry and regulate, it’s going to be built by people who were operating illegally in the black market before. So you have to start there.
California is the largest state yet to face the daunting challenge of creating policy to fit the diverse needs of its constituents. There have been successes as well as failures, and learning from the Golden State’s history may help every state in the union to develop stronger regulation in the years ahead. To learn about California’s varied approach to 58
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Cat Packer: In 2017, the voters in the city, through Proposition M, and the City Council established a licensing system that gave priority to almost 200 existing medical marijuana dispensaries and potentially more than 400 cultivators, manufacturers, and distributors that previously supplied them. This system was designed in large part to incentivize existing operators to join the legal market rather than remain in illegal operation.
The next question is, “How do we get those people who were not paying taxes, who were not paying workers’ compensation insurance premiums, who were not worried about lawsuits from employees… to participate in a regulated market?” You have to incentivize them. The benefit has to outweigh the negative. Otherwise, they’re just going to stay in the black market. That’s
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// LEGISLATION // Cannabis & Control
(Left) The City of Los Angeles’ Executive Director and General Manager of the Department of Cannabis Regulation Cat Packer (Right) Cannabis business attorney and Co-founder of Grupo Flor Gavin Kogan
what’s happened in California, by virtue of overregulation. I won’t even say overtaxation, though that’s a major piece of it. But by overregulation, by burdensome and expensive application processes, and a heavily regulated environment from the start, they have essentially put a 100-pound suit of armor and a 10-pound sword on a six-year-old. It can’t move, it doesn’t have the strength, it doesn’t have the intelligence, it doesn’t have the maturity, and so, it’s crushed. It’ll never grow. It’s never going to succeed. C&T Today: Assembly Bill 286 aims to reduce taxes on legal cannabis with the goal of making prices competitive with the illicit market. How are regulators responding to the bill and what are some potential pitfalls? CP: Given the impact of unlicensed operators on the city’s legal cannabis industry, DCR encourages any sensible efforts directed at combating the illicit market. While we haven’t taken an official position on AB 286 at this time, DCR is reviewing all cannabis related legislation and looks forward to supporting legislation that both promotes public health and safety and the development of a responsible and robust local market. GK: There are committee chairs who are against it because it is not simple intellectually, and let me explain. In some people’s minds, when you lower a tax, that means less revenue for the state. That’s sort of a simplistic way to look at it, but not an educated way to look at it. If you look at other communities in our United States, such as Washington and Colorado, when they lower taxes, more cannabis products are sold, and 60
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more cannabis products are produced. Hence, more taxes are actually collected.
away from criminal penalties and toward administrative penalties for illegal operators?
From my perspective, the biggest challenge for politicians and regulators is to disentangle the prejudice of the “ban and imprison” psychology and policy from the new policy of “tax and regulate,” which really should be stimulated.
CP: The Los Angeles City Council is considering an ordinance that would authorize the Department of Water and Power to disconnect utilities at illegal cannabis businesses after DCR and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirm that unlicensed cannabis activity is occurring at a location.
C&T Today: In Oregon, growers were allowed to apply for multiple licenses and offered low licensing fees. Their market quickly became saturated and the price of cannabis dropped by 50 percent. How does California benefit from restricting the number of licenses it issues? CP: As with any policy, there are many variables to determine effectiveness. Locally, although the city of Los Angeles is restricting the number of licenses to be issued by DCR, one of the goals of our regulated market is to authorize an appropriate number of operators to supply what our local market demands. GK: I think [dispensary licenses] should be population-based. Phil Ting, who’s an assembly member in San Francisco, has a bill where he’s saying there needs to be a dispensary for every three liquor stores in every community. What he’s really saying is that because communities have rules as to how many liquor stores they can have, because it affects the quality of the population, he’s saying if you have more than three liquor stores, for every three liquor stores, you have to have one dispensary. It’s a way of coming up with a populationbased algorithm for determining whether or not a dispensary should be in a community. C&T Today: How is Los Angeles moving
The City Council is also considering an ordinance that would allow the city to padlock or barricade properties that are used by illegal cannabis business. Furthermore, the City Council has supported utilizing civil penalties against employees of unlicensed businesses rather than criminal penalties which were historically utilized. GK: From an operator’s standpoint, I’m in favor of Los Angeles doing that, because if you’re not paying your taxes and you’re growing weed, you’re challenging the marketplace that I’m trying to create. In which case, I want to see the government take proactive steps to help me, the person who is trying to lead in advocacy and pay taxes. It’s going to be pricing that makes growing in those mountains, and traveling down the roads to the marketplace, incompatible. It’s not going to be financially beneficial… What has to happen is the price in California and the taxes have to align to encourage a pricing structure that will encourage consumers to come to dispensaries, and illicit operators to give up the ghost and say, “This is just no longer economically viable. I have to find something different.” ❖
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT //
Farm to Table with Jim Belushi 62
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT //
The charismatic actor and musician takes us on a journey of discovery, healing, and cultivation in this exclusive interview. By Patricia Miller | Photos Tyler Maddox
A gentle rain thumped down on the roof of our ATV as Belushi hit the gas and accelerated toward a large, wooden barn across an open field. His property stretched around us as we neared the end of our tour of his expansive farm.
deafening rumble against the tin roof. Inside the barn, rusting machinery, empty bottles, and thick spiderwebs filled the cathedral-like structure. It looked like it hadn’t been touched in a hundred years.
Belushi’s farm is a sprawling 93-acre property, with outbuildings and guest houses dotting the landscape. It’s nestled neatly next to the Rogue river, the same river which Belushi uses to water his crops and create steam for his sweat lodge.
We stopped at the edge of his propertyline and gazed up at a historic barn, its beams standing stoically amid tangles of blackberry bushes. We passed through a small, unlocked fence. “I have to keep this open because it’s county property, so they have a right to cut through here and go down to the river – which is cool,” Belushi noted. The rain intensified and suddenly we were running.
Belushi pointed out various objects around the barn and we speculated as to what purpose they may have served. A nut sifter? A wheat thresher?
His grow operations are mixed, with some plants in greenhouses and others inside, and a few in outdoor planters near the greenhouses. The sound of music drifts over loudspeakers in the grow rooms, humming a sweet tune to his “girls” to welcome them to the world.
I tailed him through the field and watched as he gracefully scaled an iron gate near the barn’s entrance. “Can you climb a fence?” he asked while extending a hand from the other side. I was already halfway over, awkwardly stumbling to maintain an air of professionalism while straddling the damp, groaning gate. We entered the barn, and the smell of dust, old oil, and rat droppings wafted through the air. The rain outside fell in thick sheets, creating a
He beckoned me to follow him up the narrow wooden “staircase” that was just shy of being a ladder to the upper floor. The floorboards hardly groaned under our steps. Amid the dust and debris was a 4x3 opening where one could view the fields, the cows, the mountains in the background, and the ever-present blackberry bushes, dotted like small islands among the green grass. Still, the sound of raindrops hammered down around us. Belushi gazed out at the field. I’m reminded of where we stood half an hour earlier, in his gorgeous red barn, clean, modern, and luxurious in comparison to this utilitarian relic.
While exploring the property, we stood on the top floor of his new barn next to six tall cannabis plants. “Smell this, touch it,” he implores. “Lemon Chiffon,” he says with a smile. Later, he explains that it’s a strain with unusually high myrcene content from Bend, Oregon. It’s strong in limonene as well, sticky and fragrant. I’m trying my hand at my own grow this year, so I remarked how complicated the whole process seems to be. Belushi replied in his laid back way, “They’re like a cat, just take care of them everyday.” Summer 2019 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT // Farm to Table with Jim Belushi
“ I just planted some marijuana and it’s taken me on this journey of joy, of healing, of community…”
He threw open the double doors of the hayloft and a wave of cool air flowed in. I’m tempted to dangle my legs over the side, but instead Belushi leans over to show me a video on his phone of a toddler scuttling across a hardwood floor, his bare bum shamelessly wagging behind him. It’s calving season and all the calves are strewn about the field, looking quite content. Belushi quotes a Dylan Thomas poem about an aging man who no longer “stumbles drunk as a new dropped calf,” but instead has grown steady and sure. He speaks of the feminine power of the farm and its “incredible, life-affirming vibrance.” From our vantage point in the hayloft, we could see the old barn just beyond the edge of his property. As the rain clouds moved in, he shared the history of the aging structure: “That’s part of the county’s property. It was gifted to the county by a guy named Griffin. In those barns, nothing can be touched in there. There’s like, a horse and buggy thing in there, which – we’ll take a quick look if you want. It’s cool s***.” Eventually, when the rain subsides and we have our fill of the old building, we return to the 64
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house to throw axes by the river before dinner. An eagle flies overhead and Belushi gasps: “That’s how you know it’s an eagle, if you gasp when you see it.” As Belushi prepares dinner with his wife Jenny and cousin Chris, I ask how he translates his experience as an entertainer to the work of a cultivator and farmer. To my surprise, he responded quickly, “Well, same skill set.” He returns to stirring corn in a large cast-iron skillet before continuing. “When you approach a character, you study it. You study the character. You go through the script and underline everything that you say about yourself. You underline everything the narrator says about you. You underline every adverb that other characters say about you. “You take all those words, you put them on a page, and you start reading it. And you start getting a sense of who this guy is, where his energy is. Then you start…” Jenny pours me a glass of red wine before he continues. “Then you start going into creating deeper history, and thickening, and understanding…”
Belushi trails off as Chris inquires as to what time dinner will be ready and whether the potatoes will be cooked in time. The three of them, Belushi, Chris, and Jenny, dance around each other in the open, wood-finished kitchen. The Rogue river burbles blissfully behind them, visible through a large window over the kitchen sink. “It’s the same thing here,” Belushi continues. “You start looking at understanding all the adverbs around it: healing, medicine, terpenes, THC, CBD, CBDV, CBD1, CBD2, myrcene, pinene. I mean, look at them all and you start getting the feeling. And then with that feeling, you start to explore the history. “I’m exploring it like a character. I explore the history of cannabis, the history of growing, the history of growing habits in California, Oregon, how they do it different in Colorado. You start seeing the difference when you’re growing outdoor versus greenhouse… It’s just studying the character of the plant. And it’s just neverending. You keep learning and learning and learning, understanding. And it’s just so fun for me. It’s just like exploring a character.”
// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT // Farm to Table with Jim Belushi
The cooking was reaching a crescendo now as the different components of a mouth-watering dinner came together: barbecued chicken, ribs, confetti corn, sweet potatoes, and a gooey toffee dessert. Captain Jack, Belushi’s friend and expert cultivator, arrives promptly at seven to join us for the meal. As he’s welcomed with hugs and wine, Belushi tells me about his preference for ingesting the plant. “The Black Diamond [his strongest strain], I won’t go near it. I can look at it,” he laughs. “I think the number one thing that audiences for cannabis are interested in now is how to control their experience… When someone offers me a joint, I don’t take a hit from it ‘cause I can’t control the experience.” The smell of barbecued ribs wafts from the oven as Belushi continues. “Now, if they say, ‘Oh, this has 18 percent THC and four percent terpenes,’ I’ll say, ‘Oh, let me take a hit,’ because I know what that experience is.” Belushi’s cannabis strains have result-oriented names – “The Marriage Counselor,” “The Patient Parent,” or “Ice Pack” – to let consumers know how the product will make them feel or how it will help with a particular ailment. He explains, “People know what they’re going to feel after one glass of wine, two glasses of wine, three glasses of wine. So with marijuana, the new consumer is afraid. They’ve had a bad edible experience, or they smoked six percent THC Mexican ragweed in the 70s and the new stuff is 25 percent THC and they get scared… But when people ask me why I smoke Cherry Pie [his favorite strain], it’s because I’m not scared that I’m going to drop out of the conversation or I’m going to pass out on the couch. It’s a social strain and the only problem is you might talk too much because you feel so good, and you’re very articulate.” When asked about new technologies impacting the cannabis industry, Belushi says he takes a more traditional approach to farming. “Technology is something you use to make things more efficient. Like today, we were talking about heating the flowerbeds to keep them at a nice, warm temperature so we can actually plant a little earlier. And maybe if we want, a little later so the beds would still maintain 45 to 60 degree soil… But to me, the 66
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“I think the number one thing that audiences for cannabis are interested in now is how to control their experience.”
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// MEDIA+ENTERTAINMENT // Farm to Table with Jim Belushi Belushi’s Farm cultivates a variety of strains. His most notable is Captain Jack’s Gulzar Afghanica. In the early 80's, the strain was known as “The Smell of SNL,” as it was the preferred blend among writers of the popular late-night show. Belushi now refers to it as “Writer’s Block.”
real technology comes into all the testing and the breeding. “A genetics company tested our stuff and said, ‘Wait a minute. You understand that this is a very unique strain, genetically?’ So we talked and had a long discussion about creating the DNA for this Captain Jack strain [Gulzar Afghanica], and creating the mother strain so we can ship cell cultures. What we would like to do next is solidify and stabilize that strain so we’ll be able to ship it to partners in other states.” His decision to start the farm took time, and it wasn’t necessarily with cannabis in mind. After taking a dip in the Rogue many years ago, Belushi started a journey that ultimately led him to an old Elk’s Lodge. He’s transformed the lodge into a gathering place for the community and a gorgeous place to cultivate cannabis. In his words: “Everything just sort of opened up. One thing led to another, to another, to another… It really began when I started working the land, clearing the land, creating a vision for what it may look like, starting to work with people in the community. So, as you work it, and you work it, and you work it, you become more and more a part of it. It just kept taking me deeper and deeper.” 68
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He didn’t have any grand ambitions when he began cultivating. He explains, “My friend Jeffrey Iverson and I started growing some marijuana just because it was legal. I got deeper into the plant and understanding it and started meeting with people with medical problems and watching them transform.” Belushi’s Farm products are now offered at dispensaries throughout Oregon and their reach is growing as he expands the brand to include new products and new markets. Belushi’s journey has been a winding one, his acting career taking him all over the world and his work with the Blues Brothers keeping him in touch with his Chicago roots. While discussing his acting career, Belushi said of his experiences: “I’ve traveled the world with movies. I did Oliver Stone’s Salvador, which was terrific. I worked with Michael Mann, Roman Polanski, Ed Zwick… I was talking to Chris [Belushi’s cousin] about it the other day and I said, ‘I’ve had so many great experiences that if something were to happen to me today, I’m like, fine, man.’ It’s crazy, you know. I’m having fun on this farm. I’ve been really blessed. I’ve really been enjoying this life.” The farm is often referred to with deep reverence, like it was a gift he received rather
than a property he purchased. Belushi’s magic is in the way he looks at his world, as if the experiences and people in it are there for a reason. During a brief follow-up interview, Belushi shared his perspective on gifts: “Cannabis is another one of those gifts. It’s a gift that I just fell into. There’s this thing in improvisation called ‘explore and heighten.’ It’s like what you [the author] and I really did well together. We jammed, we went to explore that bond. Now, we heighten the experience by going, ‘Let’s go a little farther. There’s a fence. F*** it, let’s climb over it.’ Now we’re exploring more, we’re heightening the experience… and it opens the possibilities. “So, I just planted some marijuana and it’s just taken me on this journey of joy, of healing, of community, and to all the people I’ve met. From the veterans who are suffering from PTSD and missing parts of their body from bombs, and how it brings them peace and helps with pain. All the way to sitting around with [friends] laughing and giggling and releasing endorphins and joy. I mean, it’s just… wow, another gift.” ❖ To read Jim Belushi’s full interview, including insights into his acting career and his experiences working alongside Tupac Shakur, stay tuned to www.cannatechtoday.com.
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// HEALTH+WELLNESS //
Lessons from a Scottish Grandmother Why CBD Holds Promise to Treat Anxiety When Others Have Failed By Zoe Evans-Agnew & Josh Kaplan
Photo iStockphoto.com/tampatra
For many, a world free from anxiety is a dream, but to one Scottish woman, it’s reality. Jo Cameron, now 71, has lived an anxiety and painfree life. To Cameron, an epidural is merely a tickle, and the anxiety that should accompany childbirth or surgery dissipates before it’s ever felt. Her secret, once hidden within her DNA, now exposes a promising treatment strategy for the nearly 30 percent of the population who suffer from anxiety but fail to find relief from traditional medications. Cameron’s genetic mutation holds a striking resemblance to a mechanism by which cannabidiol (CBD) affects brain function, and so the spotlight is now on the endocannabinoid system, with CBD at center stage. People turn to cannabis for a spectrum of medical needs, and in California, treating anxiety-related conditions accounts for nearly 40 percent of its use. When the current pharmaceutical industry falls short, many have justifiably sought alternative strategies. But when it comes to CBD, the use guidelines are vague, leaving many to weed through their own trial and error process while constantly wondering, “Does this really work?” The short answer is, it can. Amassing pre70
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clinical and clinical studies support CBD’s anxiety-reducing abilities, but they all highlight one critical aspect of effective use that is underappreciated among the majority of users: proper dosing. The reason dosing is so critical is the same reason why CBD can be an effective anxiolytic in treatment-resistant forms of anxiety, and also why it has such a wide-ranging therapeutic spectrum. Most prescription medications have only one or two targets in the brain, but CBD has over 65. One traditional class of anxiolytic medications are benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) which increase the level of overall brain inhibition by activating receptors for the brain chemical, GABA. While these drugs can dampen feelings of anxiety, they are highly sedating and dependence forming. Other traditional anxiolytic medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, e.g., Prozac) increase the amount of the brain chemical serotonin that is available to activate its receptor. While this increase in serotonin levels is thought to promote feelings of wellbeing, it takes weeks to work and is ineffective at treating a substantial portion of the population. Both classes of medicines fail to fully treat
anxiety which is why some scientists have begun to investigate the anxiolytic effects of CBD. Cameron’s now famous case revealed that the endocannabinoid system, specifically elevated levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (i.e., the “bliss” chemical if you subscribe to its true Sanskrit meaning), may be an alternative approach to dampening anxiety. CBD is like a souped-up anxiolytic because it can hit each of these targets. Like benzodiazepines, CBD binds to and activates GABA receptors, but in a different location that is believed to be less sedating. Like SSRIs, CBD activates serotonin receptors, but it activates them directly as opposed to merely increasing serotonin levels, so users experience relief in hours not weeks. And like Cameron’s genetic mutation that impairs the FAAH enzyme that breaks down anandamide, CBD similarly inhibits the activity of this enzyme, thereby elevating anandamide levels and enhancing cannabinoid receptor activation. So why hasn’t the medical establishment eagerly jumped on the CBD bandwagon? Perhaps it’s because of inconsistent reports that CBD actually works. Digging deeper into these reports, the inconsistency can usually be
Photo iStockphoto.com/wundervisuals
explained by ineffective dosing and poor dose control. Unlike most other medication, more CBD is not always better. With other drugs designed to target a single brain system, upping the dose will strengthen its effect. But not with CBD. The more than 65 known CBD targets are both a blessing and a curse; they expand the therapeutic spectrum while narrowing the optimal dosing window. As the CBD dose rises, more targets get activated in the brain, some of which can block or impede the effect of lowdose targets. So, what is the proper dose to treat anxiety? Sadly, federal regulations have limited the important dose-controlled studies needed to provide this information. However, we have insight from controlled studies in rodents and acute dosing studies in humans. Together, these studies have revealed a “Goldilocks Zone” of CBD’s anxiolytic effects, where neither low nor high doses of CBD are effective, but a moderate dose is just right. Several anxiety-inducing public speaking experiments revealed that single doses between 300 and 600mg of CBD reduced anxiety and stress-related measures, but doses below or above were ineffective. This optimal single dosing window provides a framework but
no clear dosing guidelines for those seeking CBD for chronic management of anxiety. Daily doses of between 300 and 600 mg CBD would not only be terribly expensive, but would likely quickly become ineffective. Users can take advantage of CBD’s relatively slow half-life, which is the amount of time it takes for the body to remove half of the drug initially consumed. With repeated CBD use, the half-life gets longer and extends into the 24 hour or more range. Therefore, daily users of small amounts of CBD will build up to effective dosing levels. The best strategy to identify one’s optimal dosing regimen is to start low and go slow. One is better off undershooting and building up to the optimal dose than overshooting and continuing to escalate. One of the requirements of this process, however, is an accurately labeled and consistent product. A report from 2017 found that only 31 percent of CBD products were accurately labeled; 43 percent were underlabeled and 26 percent were overlabeled. This presents a challenge to those forced to use trial-and-error in order find their Goldilocks Zone. Reputable products with accurate and consistent concentrations or precise delivery
mechanisms are an important part of this process. Despite the challenges, there’s justifiable excitement surrounding CBD as a novel treatment strategy for acute anxiety to generalized anxiety disorder. But the benefits also extend to treating comorbid anxiety symptoms in numerous other conditions. Early clinical studies have demonstrated that CBD reduces anxiety associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Neuroscientists like Yasmin Hurd from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai are looking to harness CBD’s anxiety-reducing benefits to prevent opioid relapse and help break the chains of addiction. If used at the right dose, CBD’s anxiolytic effects can be extensive, and the mechanistic pillars by which CBD provides these benefits continues to grow. Thanks to the exciting finding hidden in the genes of a 71-year-old Scottish grandmother, another foundational pillar has been added to the list by which CBD may provide relief for those unresponsive to other treatments. ❖ Summer 2019 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// HEALTH+WELLNESS //
Fresh Baked Edible expert and author Laurie Wolf discusses the ins and outs of her delicious cannabis creations By Anthony Elio
Photo courtesy of Laurie+MaryJane
To say that Laurie Wolf is a major force in the world of edibles is a major understatement. The author of four cannabis-focused cookbooks, including Marijuana Edibles, HERB, The Medical Marijuana Dispensary, and Cooking with Cannabis, Wolf has made it clear that the substance deserves a place on the spice rack. Outside of her own published books, her recipes have been featured in the pages of The Cannabist, DOPE Magazine, Culture, and High Times, with a brownie recipe named the all-time best by Leafly. While her recipes alone would make her a leader within the edibles community, it’s Wolf ’s work with Laurie + MaryJane that shows her mastery of the cannabis kitchen. A familyowned and operated business, Laurie + MaryJane offers high-end edibles such as Almond Cake Bites, Cheese Crisp Crackers, and Fruity Nut Bars to over 200 dispensaries around Oregon. In our conversation with Wolf, she discusses the science and infusion of edibles, as well as her personal favorite infused recipes. Cannabis & Tech Today: When did you first begin creating edibles? 72
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Laurie Wolf: You know, I made pot brownies off and on throughout my life, but it wasn’t until about seven or eight years ago when I moved to Portland, Oregon from New York, and I started using cannabis to manage a seizure disorder that I have. And the edibles available at that time, because cannabis was medically legal in Oregon, the edibles were just dreadful. It turned out I had been on a lot of pretty dreadful medications, and I met a guy who had the same kind of seizure disorder, and he told me that he managed his with cannabis, so I got a medical card and started using cannabis and I slowly weaned myself off of the medicine that I was on. When I got my medical card and started trying edibles, they were terrible. There was nobody doing it here in Oregon that had a clue. So they tasted super nasty. There was nothing interesting. It was a Rice Krispie treat, and there were no regulations ... They tasted awful. There was no effort to take away the taste of cannabis, which is, most of the time, the goal in my company. There are a few foods that blend well with cannabis, but mostly I want the taste to be gone.
So about five years ago, my daughter-in-law and I kind of started doing it all right and getting it tested. We got our recreational license, and at that point I was contacted to do a couple of cookbooks. I had done some books previously, but not in the cannabis world. And I had been a recipe developer for a long time. So I did a book with a chef from Colorado. And I guess it was during the course of creating recipes for that book when I realized the challenge of cooking with cannabis. How I describe it is it’s like cooking with a new herb that doesn’t taste very good. C&T Today: Tell me a bit about your infusion process. LW: We infuse in coconut oil. It has the most fat of cooking oil so that you get the fullest experience, the best high. And then we have a line of fruity nut bars that are vegan, gluten free, and they’re only coconut oil, we don’t use butter. But for the baked goods we do because baked things taste best with butter. At home, I have a wall of infused oils of every kind. I have a bottle of infused sesame oil, a
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bottle of infused olive oil, avocado oil. I found for most people, they’re not going to have nine infused oils in the house. We suggest a good quality canola oil or a mild olive oil or a coconut oil. It doesn’t really have a flavor of coconut. The beauty of a coconut oil is it can also be topical. So I always have a big jar of coconut oil that I use in smoothies, and I use it if I hurt myself. If I strain a muscle, I rub it on and it works really well. C&T Today: What’s something on the scientific side of cannabis cooking that the general user may not know?
So when we are testing our oil, once in a while we will ask for those results to see if there’s any percentage of THCA left or we were successfully able to convert it, because most people are wanting the high. I know not everyone, and that’s where CBD is such a beautiful part of this whole culture because it does great things without the psychoactive part of the plant.
LW: So the psychoactive part of the plant is the cannabinoid THC. Before it’s heated, it’s the cannabinoid THCA, which is not psychoactive. And we’re just assuming here that most people are using cannabis for the high. We’re not talking about people who are using it just because of pain.
The plant is made up of cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes are what informs the flavor and the aroma of cannabis, and heat can cause loss of different terpenes in cannabinoids. So the lower the temperature the better.
So THCA, which is the compound in the flower of cannabis, is activated when you smoke it. So if you smoke a joint, the THCA is turned into THC, which is psychoactive. In order to cook and get high, the THCA has to be turned into THC. So that is where the process that comes before the cooking happens, and that’s called decarboxylation. And that means that you’ve taken the cannabis and treated it with heat in order to turn it into THC.
So when we infuse, after we’ve decarboxylated, we infuse at low heat for several hours. And using low heat, we’re able to keep as much of the plant as we possibly can. If we were to put the cannabis in an oven, like a 400-degree oven, we are getting too close to where the only thing left in the plant is the THC. And what we want is called “full spectrum.” We want people to get the most they can from the cannabis plant and preserve as many of the cannabinoids and terpenes as possible, not just the THC.
And so when I do a step-by-step with people for recipes or when I’m teaching a class, you must decarb first, and that’s at low heat for about 45 minutes, and that activates all the THCA and you’re ready to infuse. If any of the THCA has not 74
converted during the decarboxylation process, it will happen during the infusion process.
Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
The more you get out of the plant, the better, the better your high, the better it is for you. So low heat. Make sure you’ve activated the cannabis.
Photos courtesy of Laurie+MaryJane
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// HEALTH+WELLNESS // Fresh Baked
C&T Today: The CBD side of the industry has been fascinating to watch as well. LW: On our CBD side, we work with a CBD farm. They’re called East Fork Cultivars and their CBD is phenomenal. I think they’re going to have national recognition pretty soon because they’re partnering with a bunch of big companies. I feel like the cannabis market is kind of like the boutique wine business where I’m noticing lots of different demographics coming into the industry. All these old people, like me, are calling me all the time [to see] what can they do for getting off Ambien or getting off the pills for arthritis. And dispensaries are far more upscale, like the whole cannabis lifestyle is emerging. I’m working on a new book, and it will be all about cannabis lifestyle. So I’m getting all these products for beauty, like fancy pipes that are gold plated for $1,000. It’s just amazing to see this happening. C&T Today: What are some of your personal favorite infusions? LW: There are two things that I love infusing. I love infusing chocolate bark. So for the holidays, I just make tons of it and give it out to friends; white chocolate, dark chocolate. I also love cooking with filo dough. That’s like what’s in baklava, you know, what the pastry is, very, very thin sheets of dough. And you brush it with infused oil and every layer kind of separates and it’s a flaky, delicious way to infuse. So in terms of desserts, sweets, I love chocolate bark and anything I can make. So I use puff pastry or filo dough for appetizers, to make tarts, vegetable tarts or for desserts, baklava, or any kind of tart, because it infuses beautifully. Each layer absorbs the oil. I don’t know, I just love it. And people go crazy. And you don’t have to make your own. You buy it and you’re just brushing the sheets with the infused melted butter or oil. ❖ To check out Laurie’s delicious cannabis creations, visit http://www.laurieandmaryjane.com/ 76
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Photos courtesy of Laurie+MaryJane
// THE LAB //
Guaranteed Grow Op Solutions How one company is providing complete HVAC solutions from seed to harvest.
A multidimensional HVAC system can make the difference between a hearty crop and an expensive cultivation nightmare. Founder of Durango Cannabis Company Nik Borst (left) chose to work with one HVAC company for all of his needs rather than dealing with multiple vendors.
By Jamie English Nic Borst became interested in the cannabis industry after he broke his back during a kayaking competition. To avoid physically debilitating surgery and the pain and anxiety associated with recovery, he turned to cannabis. The medicinal value he saw in the plant sparked a passion that led him to start his own cultivation facility. Using his background as an organic farmer, he founded this new family business shortly after cannabis became legal in Colorado. With cold, dry winters, spring hail, and summer heat, Colorado presented a challenging growing environment. Borst wanted to produce great product all year long, no matter the season. Once he started researching environmental systems, he found that most on the market were designed to work with traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning setups and didn’t offer the low ambient opportunities and other functionalities needed for successful cannabis cultivation. Another issue he encountered when preparing 78
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his site was that traditional HVAC systems presented significant challenges with redundancy. He wanted a system that would allow him to continue operations regardless of the status of any single room or piece of equipment. The last major challenge he faced was budget. His facility was a small, familyowned business, and he wanted to work with one environmental systems company that could provide the necessary engineering, infrastructure, plans, and equipment, so he wouldn’t have to deal with multiple vendors.
Surna laid out a full strategy for Durango Cannabis Company based on the projections for cultivation space in the building, number of plants, water schedule, and lighting type, quantity, and schedule. Their plan included working with Borst’s general contractors, completing the engineering, and commissioning the new system.
In 2015, while still searching for a company that could help him create the controlled, consistent, and redundant growing environment he envisioned, Borst met Surna’s co-founder, Brandy Keen, at a conference in Denver. Surna had the technologies to provide everything he was looking for.
Borst notes that the best thing about this system is that it’s multidimensional. For example, Durango is able to reclaim water from the dehumidification process, lowering the company’s water bill. “It gives us controllability,” he adds, “and it gives us redundancy, so that if one component needs service, all the other rooms continue. It gives us the ability to heat or cool our environment no matter what the temperature or climate is outside of the building.”
After his initial meeting with Keen, Borst worked with Surna on plans for his facility’s cultivation capacity. They designed a chilled water system for his facility, performing all the load calculations and equipment selections, and walked him through how to use the equipment.
Durango’s founder is sold on the new tech. “I think you’ll get a lot of different HVAC systems out there that will give you good options in one area or in one dimension, but this system really gives you the best solutions for all the different areas you’re looking for.” ❖
// THE LAB //
Solving the 3 Biggest HVAC Challenges of Modern Day Grow Rooms By Geoff Brown, Director of Agronomic IQ Designing, building, and operating the ideal cannabis growing facility and getting every aspect right is no small task. Growing at scale is a new frontier for most licensed producers and it’s been referred to by many as the Wild West because of hectic pace of growth and perpetual innovation in a hyper-competitive landscape. There are countless vendors and consultants vying for your business, but do they really have all the answers? Are they truly experts? It’s not easy to know. There are no cookie-cutter answers and new and better solutions are evolving constantly for virtually every aspect of the industry. Creating the optimal indoor climate is a mission-critical aspect of your business that has a huge impact on your bottom line. Capital costs, installation costs, operating costs, and maintenance costs are significant, but so are the costs of reduced yield, failed crops, mold, and other environment-related issues caused by underperforming HVAC equipment.
sub-contractor. The process is usually pricesensitive and the winning HVAC sub-contractor is hired at a fixed price to supply and install HVAC equipment that “meets the specifications” set out by the engineer. (Of note, there can be several vendors and several levels of quality that will technically meet specifications; the sub-contractor may be motivated to choose the lowest cost in order to maximize their profits). Low Cost is Usually Very Expensive This is one of the biggest challenges owners face in getting a premium quality solution to their HVAC needs. Lowest “first cost” is typically not the smartest money or the best way to ensure best long-term value and performance. Solution It’s recommended that owners have a clear understanding of the entire HVAC decision process from design to installation. Ask lots of questions, understand what the options are and why specific recommendations have been made. Get all the facts.
equipment they prefer or the type of HVAC design they feel strongly about. It makes no sense that the final decision should come down to the lowest cost without consideration of the bigger picture equipment value factors. Challenge #2 – Getting the HVAC Design Parameters Right As mentioned in the introduction, designing commercial-scale cannabis grow rooms is still a new frontier, and technologies are changing constantly. There’s also a considerable level of secrecy and competitive confidentiality relating to what works best. Clearly, there’s a lot of pioneering work being done that is not setting industry standards. That means that even the technically qualified firms have to guess at a considerable amount of the science and mechanics behind creating optimal grow environments. Their jobs are extremely complex and involve dozens more variables than designing traditional HVAC systems for commercial buildings.
The ROI of Smart HVAC Decisions Solution The following spreadsheet illustrates some of A well-informed owner, architect, or engineer The HVAC design team and owner need to the ROI calculations to be considered when work closely to discuss and incorporate all can pre-determine the brand of HVAC evaluating smart equipment factors that will affect decisions. The additional cost temperature and humidity loads of superior equipment can often Inferior Low Budget Equipment into your ideal specifications. Be $ 1-Yr Impact 5-Yr Impact 10-Yr Impact 15-Yr Impact Inferior Low Budget Equipment be recovered in the first year Initial Purchase 62,500 (62,500) 5-Yr Impact - 10-Yr Impact - 15-Yr Impact certain that they have the $ 1-Yr Impact (the examples to the right Installation 25,625 (25,625) Initial Purchase 62,500 (62,500) expertise to properly model the Energy Consumption 25,465 (25,465) (127,327)(254,653)(381,980)Installation 25,625 (25,625) illustrate just over a year). Annual Maintenance 4,500 (4,500) (22,500) (45,000) (67,500) dozens of load factors and Energy Consumption 25,465 (25,465) (127,327) (254,653) (381,980) 0% Yield / Quality Improvement 987,500 987,500 4,937,500 9,875,000 14,812,500 Annual Maintenance 4,500 (4,500) (22,500) (45,000) (67,500) Here are the 3 major variations that your plants and Repurchase 78,125 (78,125) 0% Yield / Quality Improvement 987,500 987,5004,937,5009,875,000 14,812,500challenges owners face in Reinstall 32,031 (32,031) your grow cycles will require. Repurchase 78,125 (78,125) Net Rev Less HVAC Costs 869,4104,787,6739,465,191 14,363,020Reinstall 32,031(32,031) getting grow room HVAC right. Net Rev Less HVAC Costs 869,410 4,787,673 9,465,191 14,363,020 Model those conditions and Superior Equipment - Smart Money Challenge #1 – the equipment capacities 1-Yr Impact 5-Yr Impact 10-Yr Impact 15-Yr Impact Superior Equipment - Smart Money$ Understanding the HVAC required to meet them on the Initial Purchase 90,625 (90,625) 5-Yr Impact - 10-Yr Impact - 15-Yr Impact $ 1-Yr Impact Installation 25,625 (25,625) Design, Specification, Selection, Initial Purchase 90,625 (90,625) most extreme design days. You Energy Consumption 20,045 (20,045) (100,225)(200,450)(300,676)Installation 25,625 (25,625) and Installation Process. may find that allowing a few Annual Maintenance (3,000) (15,000) (30,000) (45,000) Energy Consumption 20,045(20,045) (100,225) (200,450) (300,676) 2% Yield / Quality Improvement 1,007,250 5,036,250 10,072,500 15,108,750 Annual Maintenance (3,000) (15,000) (30,000) (45,000) degrees of latitude in Typically, procurement Repurchase 2% Yield / Quality Improvement 1,007,2505,036,25010,072,50015,108,750temperature and humidity on Reinstall follows a chain. The owner hires Repurchase Net Rev Less HVAC Costs 867,9554,921,0259,842,04914,763,074Reinstall those extreme days can save a lot an architect, who hires an Net Rev Less HVAC Costs 867,955 4,921,025 9,842,049 14,763,074 of money and not have much Superior Equipment Profit Increase (1,455) 133,351 376,859 400,054 engineer, who hires a general Superior Equipment Profit Increase (1,455) 133,351 376,859 400,054 impact on your yield or quality. contractor, who hires an HVAC 80
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// THE LAB // Solving the 3 Biggest HVAC Challenges of Modern Day Grow Rooms
Challenge #3 – Getting the Right HVAC Solution Design There is considerable “solution bias” in the engineering community towards traditional HVAC solutions (namely, central plants) that are not necessarily suited to this unique space. Most projects requiring a thousand or more tons of installed refrigeration capacity (roughly 80,000 to 100,000 sq. ft. of facility), use a central plant for heating and cooling. For these facilities, it would be unfathomable to use smaller unitary air conditioners. Because a large grow room can require a similar amount of “refrigeration”, many engineers naturally want to apply the same central plant approach. And they do so because they are familiar with that approach. Doing so forgets the unique requirements of grow rooms, where humidity is the issue. To dehumidify, you need to cool the air down significantly, which turns out to be very
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inefficient when using the typical chilled water air handlers and chillers mentioned. Furthermore, in lights-out mode, you need to be able to dry the air then reheat it, so as to not over-cool the grow room. That re-heating could use free energy captured from the dehumidification process, if you have the right system. If you don’t, it’s an added energy cost. So, with chillers, the system you end up with is inefficient, not scalable (central plants are not easily expanded), and not redundant, because there’s a single point of failure. But a unitary, purpose-built grow room dehumidification system can cool and dehumidify very effectively, while intelligently rejecting heat out of your building when needed. You can easily size the equipment to match the room and create built-in redundancy. Expansion is easy with relatively short equipment lead times. Installation is straightforward and heat rejection even simpler
with low-risk, scalable, redundant dry coolers. Additional rooms can easily be added at will -entirely independent of the rest of the facility. Solution It’s essential to have a solid understanding of your HVAC options as well as the costs, limitations, and advantages of different design scenarios. You want to also weigh the advantages of a more modular, scalable and redundant approach to HVAC control for your facility. Good vendors will be happy to have an open and honest conversation about the options available to you and which might be most suitable for any given facility. x Geoff Brown, Director of the Agronomic IQ, is a keynote speaker across North America on the issues of HVAC for grow rooms and is a contributing member to the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) X653 guideline. To learn more, check out AgronomicIQ.com.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY GREENL ANE
Rising Above How the Storz & Bickel Volcano vaporizer is elevating the vaping experience Vaping has become a new standard in the cannabis industry. Many cannabis users appreciate the departure from inhaling the combusted particles from lit herbs in a joint or pipe, preferring the smoother, more pleasant experience of inhaling vapor. What’s more, a laboratory study cited in a report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that vaporizers extract more active cannabinoids with fewer carcinogenic byproducts than smoking. In other words, vaping can be a more potent and less harmful way to consume cannabis. Many marijuana users are drawn to desktop vaporizers as their vaping device of choice. Desktop vaporizers offer higher quality and more reliable solutions for those who prefer to vape at home. For one, their consistent energy source (plugging into an electrical outlet) ensures that there are no interruptions to airflow or heat, creating more efficient herbal ingredient activation and more potent, high-quality vapor. The best vaporizers also offer increased precision when it comes to temperature and potency control, which results in a more pleasant and potent vaping experience. When looking for a top-of-the-line vaporizer, cannabis aficionados and medical marijuana patients might consider the Volcano Classic or Volcano Digit from German manufacturer Storz & Bickel. Storz & Bickel established the first vaporizer-related patent and have since worked to perfect the forced-air system for a revolutionary vaporization experience. This use of forced air is the key innovation in Volcano vaporizers. The convection heating system disperses air evenly amid the plant matter for a better and more consistent inhalation experience. Unlike other vaping devices, the Volcano is designed with an aluminum heating block and stainless steel chamber for consistent, pure vapor production. The Volcano Classic model has been one of the
most popular forced-air desktop vaporizers on the market since its launch in 2000. Winner of the 2013 Cannabis Cup for “Best Product of the Year,” this product has a detachable balloon chamber, which separates the vaporization and inhalation processes. This makes for a simple and effective portable vaping experience. In fact, the portable nature of the balloon makes it the perfect companion piece for large groups of people, and the balloons can be prepared ahead of time for ultimate convenience. For medical marijuana users, the lightweight balloon makes it extremely easy to use, even if the inhalation dose is being administered by a second party — a nurse or caretaker, for instance. The balloon is food-safe, heat-proof, odor-free and practically maintenance-free. The design makes inhalation easy and comfortable, perfect for medical or recreational use. The Volcano Digit is another popular desktop vaporizer from Storz & Bickel. Similar to the Classic, its signature cone-shaped design houses a powerful convection heating system that enhances the benefits of dry herb without the toxins and harmful byproducts of smoking. It also features a removable balloon bag which can be completely detached and separated from the device for pure, clean-tasting, and portable vapor (best if inhaled within 15 minutes). As an upgrade to the Volcano Classic, the Volcano Digit features a digital control interface with an LED temperature reading. Each Volcano vaporizer is manufactured in the Storz & Bickel factory with fine materials and precision craftsmanship for long-lasting quality and reliability. What’s more, the investment is protected by the Storz & Bickel warranty.
Volcano Classic
When it comes to vapor, the Volcano’s latest innovations in design and technology clearly rise above the competition. ❖ To learn more about the latest in innovative desktop vaporizing technology, visit https://www.storz-bickel.com. Volcano Digital Summer 2019 // Cannabis & Tech Today
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// PRODUCT REVOLUTION //
Agnetix A3 – With its liquid cooling for energy efficiency and fullspectrum lighting that outshines LED fixtures and lamps, the Agnetix A3 provides high-quality lighting. IoT-compatible thanks to its PoE and USB ports, the A3 can also collect plant data for cultivators. Visit agnetix.com for pricing info.
Utillian 721 – High quality convection heating, sixty minutes of battery life, and a simple, one-button design showcases the thoughtful elegance of the Utillian 721. Sleek, portable, and easy to use, this award-winning device is ideal for the vaping enthusiast on the go. $126
Full Spectrum CBD Ground Coffee – Forget the sugar and cream, CBD is coffee’s new best friend thanks to Pinnacle Hemp’s Full Spectrum CBD Ground Coffee. With 10mg of CBD for each tablespoon, you’ll look forward to your morning cup of joe even more. $35
STM Revolution – Designed with mass production in mind, the STM Revolution can maintain a continuous feed for sustained, efficient grinding. With two different interchangeable particle screens for pre-rolls and extraction alike, as well as a food-grade stainless steel blade, the Revolution truly lives up to its name. $12,500
Zeus Arc GT – A dry herb vaporizer constructed with efficiency in mind, the Zeus Arc GT utilizes a gold vapor path and gold chamber for superior performance. Three temperature cycles, upgradable firmware, and even an accelerometer, this vaporizer from Zeus is truly fit for a deity. $229
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Effortless Cultivation Management Move, update, harvest, and inventory plants without the hassle and irritation of clipboards, smartphone cameras, or barcode scanners. Save time with the MoGroTM RFID handheld! We are a certified METRCTM integrator.
Cultivation Data Analysis The MoGroTM web-based app provides management & analytical tools so you can quickly make data-driven decisions to improve operations and your bottom line. From our handheld RFID scanners and scales to fixed-mount antenna, we offer the most complete RFID solutions for the cannabis market.
TM
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// PRODUCT REVOLUTION // CBD Luxe Inhaler – The CBD Luxe Inhaler allows you to choose not only the taste of your CBD experience, but what effect you’d like it to have. With flavors such as Spearmint Lemon, Green Tea, and Lavender Chamomile for benefits like relaxation and energization, the CBD Luxe Inhaler provides a unique way to experience CBD. $80
G Pen Nova LXE – The upgraded version of the G Pen Nova, the Nova LXE is both high quality and approachable. Unique due to its heat-balancing fullceramic atomizer, the Nova LXE allows for maximum output. $60
MagicalButter Machine – The very first of its kind, the MagicalButter Machine is a countertop botanical extractor built for infusing sage, lavender, or cannabis into everything from butter and oil to lotions and grain alcohol. You can add onto your machine with accessories such as spatulas, baking mats, and trays for butter and gummies. $175
MV1 Ghost – Offering precise temperature control and pure flavor without stirring and charring, the MV1 Ghost is the ideal dry herb vaporizer. A unique portable vaporizer that delivers convection heating on demand, the MV1 Ghost was designed with medical grade standards in mind. $295
Harvest Gold Organics Premium Soil Conditioner – Harvest Gold Organics Premium Soil Conditioner’s incredible natural properties help produce high-yielding, stronger, and more vibrant plants while protecting against mold and disease. This USDA certified organic mineral-rich silica works by improving soil health and structure, while holding water, fertilizer, and essential nutrients where they’re needed most: at the roots. $20
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WITH BIG GROWTH, COMES BIG CHANGES AND EVEN BIGGER OPPORTUNITIES. MJBizCon 2019 will bring more exhibitors, more speakers, more sessions and even more professionals in the industry together than ever before.
Save the NEW Dates! D E C E M B E R 11 -13 , 2 01 9 | L A S V E GA S MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION COMING SOON AT MJBIZCON.COM
// PRODUCT REVOLUTION //
Gofire Inhaler – Utilizing temperature control and convection heating, the Gofire Inhaler is composed of medical-grade materials. Delivering extracts in perfect 2.5 mg increments at a time and offering connectivity with the Gofire app, the Gofire Inhaler is a major upgrade in the world of vaporizing. $349
Gofire App – Although alternative medicines have grown substantially over the past few years, not everyone has the background knowledge needed to find the topical, tincture, or edible to ease their ailments. Allowing you to find a number of treatments for anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and more, the GoFire App is your personal plant-based medicine-curator. Free
Stratos Soothe ER – With three times the cannabinoid content of the Soothe 1:1, the Stratos Soothe ER is a potent salve with 300mg of both THC and CBD. Includes antiinflammatory essential oils like clove oil, arnica, lemon essential oil, and black pepper essential oil. $42
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Interscience DiluFlow Elite – Assure the highest level of precision in your analyses by starting with over 99-percent accuracy in your dilution with the Interscience DiluFlow Elite. Use Interscience lab blenders to effectively homogenize your cannabis samples and ensure appropriate bacterial extraction. Visit Interscience.com for more details
The Root of It All™ “EASE for stress relief” Essential Oil Tincture – Ease for Stress Relief has a name that perfectly fits its contents. Offering 500mg of CBD to 50mg of THC in a 10:1 ratio, this vegan, allergy-free essential oil tincture utilizes ingredients tailored for relaxation. Prices vary by state.
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// COMING NEXT ISSUE //
Why Is Cannabis Still An NFL Penalty? In previous issues, we have highlighted the perspectives of athletes such as Ricky Williams, Liz Carmouche, and Shaun Smith on the current state of cannabis in athletics. While some leagues have more progressive attitudes regarding the substance, the NFL has been notoriously strict, which is especially questionable when you consider the benefits so many former athletes have reported. While fall is kickoff time for the NFL, we will use it as an opportunity to see where the league stands on cannabis in 2019.
Where Art Meets Activism Artists vocalizing their political opinions is by no means something new. As we’ve seen especially in recent years, artists will use their medium, be it music, painting, poetry, or film, to let their voice be heard on the modern issues near and dear to them. The topic of cannabis prohibition is no different, with artists from all types of backgrounds making their voices heard on the state of the substance. Our comprehensive piece will showcase not only the art campaigning for cannabis, but the artists behind it.
An Honest Look at CBD The medicinal benefits of cannabis have been covered extensively in the pages of Cannabis & Tech Today. Our fall edition looks to continue this trend, focusing specifically on the quickly growing world of CBD. What do medical experts say? Is the substance still seen as a fad? Are you using CBD the right way? Stay tuned until next issue to find out.
The Start of the Stigma The widespread demonization of cannabis seems so ingrained in our society, you’d think that it always existed. With legalization seeming to get major wins each year, one can only hope that this stigma will someday be a relic of the past. However, where did this anti-cannabis ideal begin? Our comprehensive timeline on cannabis acceptance looks to show how the world has seen the substance from generation to generation.
Photo iStockphoto.com/MurzikNata
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RELAX // Something Edible
Seven Steps to Cannabutter By Laurie Wolf Follow the directions and you will make the best butter your cannabis will allow. The truth is the cannabutter is only as good as the ingredients you make it with. Bare in mind that the stronger the weed, the stronger the butter, so plan accordingly. The butter will keep in the fridge up to a month and freeze beautifully for at least 6 months. It is made from the flower from the good folks at Phresh Cannabis, using their strain Prodigium, a sativa dominant delight. What you’ll need: 4 sticks butter 1 ounce cannabis flower or shake, ground and decarboxylated*
1
2
Step 1 In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. You can vary the amounts, just be sure that the marijuana is always floating 2 inches from the bottom of the pan. Step 2 Add the butter. After the butter has melted, add the marijuana. Once the cannabis is added, the heat should be turned down, very low, to barely a simmer. Cook for three hours. Step 3 Set up a bowl to hold the finished product. There are a couple of ways to strain the mixture. Use a deep heatproof glass bowl with a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. You can also tie a double layer of cheesecloth around a large heatproof bowl with twine, making it taut across the top. Strain the marijuana butter over the bowl, carefully trying not to spill.
Trifle with Berries 3
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1 ½ cup berries
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*Be sure to decarb the cannabis before making the butter. That means that you need to bake the cannabis on a cookie sheet, in a single layer, for 40 minutes at 240°. This recipe uses 4 sticks of butter to every ounce of marijuana, so if you’re using a half ounce, that’s about 2 sticks of butter. 94
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1 ½ cups vanilla Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons cannabutter, melted and cooled Berries, for garnish Whipped cream
Step 6 Run a knife around the edge and lift the butter off the water. Step 7 Place upside down on your work surface and scrape off any of the plant matter and milk solids. Your cannabutter is ready to use. Store in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.
I love to make these trifles in little mason jars. So easy, so cute, and so delicious. Instead of the traditional custard, which can be a bit of a pain, Greek yogurt is just as creamy, better for you, and totally delish. If you like, prepare this the day before, put the lids on the jars, and add the whipped cream when ready to serve. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cake, (pound, angel food, or biscuit), save 3 tablespoons cake crumbs
Step 4 When the saucepan is empty carefully undo the twine, pick up the cheesecloth from all four sides and squeeze out all of the remaining butter. Step 5 Allow the cannabutter to cool at room temperature for about an hour. Place in the fridge until the butter has solidified and separated from the water. The THC and other properties have attached to the butter, and you are just about there.
Serves 6
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Directions: Place six mason jars on your work surface. Divide the cake between them. Sprinkle the berries over the cake. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt with the cannabutter. Divide the yogurt mixture and place on top of the berries. Sprinkle with the reserved cake crumbs and top with whipped cream.
7
RELAX // THE LIGHTER SIDE
How Your Favorite Strains Got Their Names Like naming racehorses, coffee beans, and crossover SUVS, naming strains of weed is an underappreciated art form. The very best weed strain names not only create a sense of anticipation, like you’re about to fall off the ferris wheel at the state fair, they also inform the consumer, while respecting the power and healing qualities of the cherished plant. Here are some of our favorite origin stories.
By Bridget Callahan Ugly Stepsister Originating as a cross between Glass Slipper and Chunky Diesel, Ugly Stepsister is a nostalgic reference to Breeder Sean McClintock’s childhood in northwestern Florida, often considered the place where fairy tales go to die. After Sean’s mother died in a freak fracking accident, Sean’s father remarried a well-to-do realtor with two daughters. While the pretty daughter definitely ended up doing trailer porn, the less attractive one finished law school and was later responsible for helping Sean retain custody of his two brindled pit bulls after a particularly terrible divorce. Later, Sean would name his greatest creation after her.
Gorilla Glue This sativa-heavy strain is a favorite for treating depression or anxiety. Much like an actual gorilla would help treat depression or anxiety – by completely erasing these symptoms with fear. Fear of failure. Fear of artistic dissatisfaction. Fear of accidentally gluing your eyes shut when you used the gorilla glue instead of your regular eyelash glue because you didn’t have time to run to CVS, and now you can’t unstick your lashes except by maybe cutting them off, but you also can’t see, so you can’t find the nail scissors either. Not that that happened.
Bridget Callahan is a comedian and writer from Fort Collins, CO, who enjoys weird museums, Christmas lights, and fighting off mountain lions while hiking.
Starkiller A potent indica-dominant strain, Starkiller got its appropriately dramatic name at a party one night in the basement of Susie Shannon’s San Luis Obispo ranch house. It was deep in the throes of 2018’s wildfire season, and no one at the party had seen the stars in what seemed like years. Karen Tiedleman found Susie’s childhood Ouija board and took it down to play, but was soon distracted by a particularly horrible conversation about Game of Thrones spoilers. She turned to put the board away, and found Susie’s 12-year-old Tabby, Long John, spelling out the word “Starkillers” with his paws. Karen immediately quit smoking weed and moved back to Minnesota to live with her parents and go to paralegal school. Karen’s girlfriend would later name her new strain in remembrance of the night that saved her from what definitely would have turned into a weird relationship. Ghost Train Poison If you are to one day find yourself on a ghost train, (and these things can happen, trust me), the first thing to do is don’t eat, drink, or smoke anything on the train. Sure, realizing and adapting to being on a ghost train pummeling through space and time beyond the speed of light, sound, or heartbreak can be very stressful. And that joint is just sitting there in the ashtray at the bar, as if left by a guardian angel. But the moment you smoke that, the boundary between worlds will melt, and all people will seem alive and dead at the same time. It will be very hard to have sex with anyone. Anyway, this strain was named after an indie-pop band the breeder used to have in high school. ❖
Photos, clockwise from left: iStockphoto.com/ Roi and Roi, GeorgePeters, 111chemodan111, IMOGI
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Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2019
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