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inside
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Melodious and Meaningful
Famed musician Ziggy Marley expresses his love of music in his newest album, Rebellion Rises, which is dedicated to preserving humanity across the globe. O n the C O V E R :
Photo by Tim Cadiente
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Spirit and Soul Grammy Award-winning producer and artist Stephen Marley took a moment to share about his musical career and his appreciation for cannabis.
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Industry Insider Supernova Women is creating educational events and networking opportunities for people of color in the cannabis industry, while ensuring racial equity in local cannabis programs across the nation.
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Miracle in the Making Kara and her family have overcome many hurdles in their journey to legally administer medical cannabis.
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Pet Pain Relief In honor of National Pet Month, CULTURE takes a closer look at how cannabis can improve your pet’s health.
departments 08 Letter from the Editor news 10 News Nuggets 11 By the Numbers 12 Local News 14 Legal Corner reviews 16 Edible & Concentrate Reviews 20 Cool Stuff 22 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 42 Shooting Gallery 44 À La Carte 45 Growing Culture 46 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Study Reveals Surprising Data on Cannabis Consumers’ Driving Habits d How To Spoil Mom on Mother’s Day with Cannabis Gifts
Vol 9 IssUE 11
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic DesignerS Payden Cobern, John Venegas REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Kim Cook Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Rocki Davidson, Matt Knuth, Casey Roel, Rick Schwartz, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla INTERNS Cecilia Juarez, Ryan Leuteritz Publisher David Comden
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 500 locations throughout San Diego. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 2175 Sampson Ave. | Ste. 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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LETTER
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EDITOR
Feminine and Fearless Celebrating in Unity
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e’re more than halfway through spring, and the welcomed signals of this season ring loud and clear. The flowers are in full bloom, the bright sun is finally beginning to provide warmth across the country, and pleasant, cool breezes hint that warmer weather is on the way. Many mothers look forward to May because it’s the month when they are celebrated the most. They relish in the Sunday celebration of Mother’s Day, where they’re often spoiled with tasty brunch foods and creative gifts, such as CBDinfused bath bombs and classy cannabis-inspired jewelry. It’s also an extraordinarily special time of year, because we have a special opportunity to give thanks to the women in our lives, both mothers and mother-like figures, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we’ve felt safe, loved and cared for all these years. This month is the perfect opportunity to recognize all the wonderful fruits of femininity that are reminiscent of spring. For those of us who appreciate the most beautifully resinous flowers that come from cannabis, you
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can thank female plants. It’s clear that the themes of May, women and cannabis are all intrinsically connected. Women are also some of the most passionate cannabis advocates. Whether it’s fighting for their child’s access to safe and effective medicine or fighting for cannabis legislation at the city, state and federal levels, our cannabis community is not short of powerful, vocal and inspirational women. And while the cannabis industry can be proud to have a higher percentage of women in power than other industries by comparison, the fight for female representation is far from over. Within this month’s issue, CULTURE is honoring women everywhere who are making waves in the industry. We embarked on a special interview with the the co-founders of Supernova Women, a duo of successful female entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry who have decided to stand up in support of the women and people of color in this industry, and who are fighting to make the cannabis industry more racially inclusive through policy, education and empowerment. We tell the
story of 18-year-old Kara, who has been diagnosed with autism, and how her mother and father have fought to allow her the right to consume cannabis and improve her quality of life. Not to mention a few extra recommendations of gifts to buy for your cannabisloving mom who definitely deserves some love. Use this month to appreciate and focus on the countless mothers and women who elevate our industry and our world into a more balanced state. Reach out to the women in your life, and in the industry, who you find to be inspirational. Share their stories. Support their endeavors. Allow the balance of the feminine perspective bring our industry to greater heights than we ever thought imaginable. c
Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Oceanside Approves Cultivation, Manufacturing and Distribution Facilities On April 11, the Oceanside City Council gave the final approval to the cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of medical cannabis. Due to a compromise, dispensaries were deleted from the ordinance. The Oceanside Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 7 Article XIII of the Oceanside City Code were amended to include commercial medical cannabis facilities. “People asked us to shine a light on this business and keep it honest,” Councilmember Chuck Lowery said after the approval. Lowery and Councilmember
Jerry Kern served on the ad hoc committee that prepared the ordinance, but they both supported the compromise despite losing out on including dispensaries. A workshop will take place on July 20 to review the ordinance and consider adding dispensaries again. Local cultivators had mixed feelings because of limits on greenhouses and a 1,000-foot buffer in between cannabis facilities. The ordinance goes into effect on May 11, 30 days after the final approval.
Commissioner Calls for Insurers to Cover the Cannabis Industry Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones sent out a formal letter on April 20 urging insurance companies to consider covering licensed and legal cannabis businesses in California. “The mission of the California Department of Insurance is ‘Insurance Protection for All Californians.’ We work with the insurance industry to promote a healthy insurance market that offers insurance products to meet the ever-changing needs of Californians and California businesses,” said Commissioner Dave
Israel-based Company to Provide Cannabis to Canada Israel-based company, Together, has entered into an agreement to sell 50 metric tons of dried cannabis to an unnamed Canadian company. The Canadian company is expected to purchase 50 metric tons of dried cannabis tops from Together’s subsidiary, Globus Pharma, each year. After processing, these tops will amount to approximately five metric tons of cannabis oil. “We are continuing to work towards setting up an infrastructure of our business
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Jones. “This includes making insurance available to the state licensed legal cannabis businesses in California.” Jones pointed out how much profit is involved when it comes to cannabis. Currently, at least 24 surplus line insurers and one admitted insurer are now offering insurance for various risks that affect cannabis businesses in California. Despite the lack of reported instances of federal prosecution, most insurers still refuse to do business with cannabis businesses.
activities in order to realize the major knowhow and experience that we have in growing medical cannabis,” stated Nissim Bracha, founding partner of Globus Pharma. “This is through producing and selling agricultural produce and its products in Israel and overseas, and with the intention of supplying medical cannabis products to the rapidly growing world market that is worth tens of billions of dollars annually.” A company expert estimates that sales will translate to $3.17 to $4.70 per gram of cannabis tops.
The amount of cannabis, in millions of pounds, that the state of California produced in 2016: (Source: UC Davis Economics of Cannabis and Demand for Farm Labor)
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The percentage of surveyed San Diegans who said they believe that legalizing recreational cannabis has been a “good thing” for California: (Source: 10News)
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The number of Oceanside City Council votes, out of five, that were in favor of allowing medical cannabis facilities for manufacturing, distribution and cultivation: (Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The percentage of polled San Diegans who stated that they buy their cannabis from a licensed cannabis dispensary: (Source: 10News)
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The estimated number of hours that it takes for the effects of medical cannabis to diminish in adolescents and young adults after consumption, according to a new study published in the journal, JAMA Psychiatry: (Source: CNN)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that lawn and garden company Scotts Miracle-Gro paid to purchase the country’s largest hydroponic distributor: (Source: Scotts Miracle-Gro)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that MedMen invested in a cannabis facility built near Reno, Nevada: (Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal)
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The number of medical cannabis dispensaries that were open and operating in Maryland one month after the medical cannabis program began: (Source: San Francisco Chronicle)
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San Diego Taco Fest WHEN: Sat, May 19 WHERE: Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego WEBSITE: sdtacofest.com Get your taco feast on at San Diego Taco Fest! Over 30 of San Diego’s top taco creators will present a wide range of taco creations. But the best part of this festival is the incredibly diverse and unique entertainment. This year’s lineup will be headlined by none other than Salt-N-Pepa and Spinderella. Other bands such as Flashpants, One Drop Redemption, Bulevar Descarga and D-Rock will also be performing. To top things off, this event offers more than
just food and live music—it actually boasts its Chihuahua race as another form of unique entertainment. (Don’t forget to check out the Chihuahua Beauty Pageant too with plenty of pretty pooches put on display.) If the various happenings at the San Diego Taco Fest hasn’t piqued your interest yet, you can bet that watching a few live Lucha Libre wrestling matches will. No matter what type of entertainment you’re into, there’s a little bit for everyone at this event. CultureMagazine.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
A conversation with District Attorney Candidate Geneviéve Jones-Wright By Pamela Jayne
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n June 5, Geneviéve Jones-Wright, a San Diego native and deputy public defender for the county since 2006, will face Summer Stephan, the interim incumbent appointed by Bonnie Dumanis, for the position of District Attorney (DA). Jones-Wright recently took the time to tell CULTURE a bit about herself and her views on a variety of topics that are important to those she seeks to serve. How have your personal experiences shaped who you are as an attorney? I come from a place where diversity is looked upon as a strength, and we know that we are only as strong and as safe as the most vulnerable person among us. So, my entire focus as an attorney is to make sure that the voiceless have a voice, that marginalized groups are given the representation under the law that they are guaranteed, and that vulnerable are protected and their rights are safeguarded. What would be your top priority as DA? My top priority in general is ensuring that our justice system in San Diego County is actually just and fair for every person no matter their income level, education level, job title, ZIP Code™, race, gender or religion. Obviously, there are other equally important issues. 12
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How has your passion for justice shaped your beliefs, and how that will, in turn, benefit the voters? There is a need to stop our children from being institutionalized, which starts at a very young age. The numbers from our own DA’s office show that children of color are prosecuted as adults more often than white children. That is a systemic failure. I have a deep concern about the corruption that has been allowed to fester in our county without impunity. As DA, I will hold every person accountable under the law even if they wear a badge and even if they are a public official. You are well respected in the cannabis community, not only for your progressive views on the topic, but also for your transparency and willingness to listen to their concerns, and speak up for them at debates and other events. Can you promise that, as DA, you will remain loyal to the needs of the cannabis community in all respects—recreational, business, and perhaps most importantly, our medically dependent patients? Absolutely. My message has remained consistent because my message is consistent with who I am as a person. My belief systems and values inform my platform. I would never betray the people who have trusted me. I stand with the people at all times. I am unwavering in that. As a San Diego native, are you happy with the current state of affairs in our city and county? No. I love my city and my county very much and it has been disheartening to see leaders who are supposed to represent us not reflect our values. For
instance, last week the county Board of Supervisors ignored countless community members who spoke out against the Board of Supervisors joining the Trump lawsuit. Not only was this political posturing unnecessary, but it defied the very people they are supposed to be representing. Our leaders at both the city and county levels have ignored warnings for years about an impending homelessness and housing crisis that we are now faced with. Again, this is a failure of leadership. And instead of trying to fix the actual problems, they are now using our jails as a horrible, temporary fix for the housing crisis we are now facing. Our jails are our biggest mental health facilities. These are all things that need to change and will change with the promise of new leadership in 2018. You have been endorsed by many groups and individuals, both locally and nationally. How does it feel to be in a position to create positive change? It feels amazing. The momentum behind this people powered movement is encouraging and inspiring. I’m excited that criminal justice reform is being highlighted in San Diego County and is now getting the attention that it rightfully deserves. People have been getting harmed by the justice system for years and we have the chance to right some wrongs. I feel great about that. Is there anything else you would like voters to know about before they vote on June 5? We have a tremendous opportunity for change and true justice. Let’s come out and use our power to bring down the status quo that has made incarceration a business. c
+ joneswrightforda.com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Shared Spaces
The California Department of Public H e a lt h r e l e a s e s n e w r e g u l a t i o n s f o r shared business spaces By Kimberly Simms
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n March 23, the California Department of Public Health’s Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (DPH) published proposed emergency regulations allowing smaller cannabis manufacturers to operate in shared-use facilities. The proposed emergency regulations were approved and went into effect on April 13, 2018. Under the new regulations, a Primary Licensee can apply for a Type 7, Type 6 or Type N manufacturing license and then register its facility as a shared-use facility. Thereafter, other manufacturers may apply for the new Type S license and share the shared-use facility. Once the local and 14
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state agencies approve applications, the Primary Licensee and the other Type S Licensees can take turns using the commonuse areas and equipment of the shared-use facility. The new Type S license is a major victory for small and artisan manufacturers that do not have the funds to cover the extensive overhead costs of a large property but still want to get their products to market and develop their brands. The shared-use facility offers Type S licensees to share the rent, equipment, insurance, utilities and security costs. Being able to split the costs amongst the Primary Licensee and the Type S licensees would allow manufacturers to potentially operate in more expensive areas throughout the state.
The Type S licensees are limited to the following cannabis manufacturing activities: (1) infusions, (2) packaging and labeling, (3) and extractions with butter or food-grade oils, however, the extract or concentrate may only be used in the Type S licensee’s infused product and cannot be sold to third party licensees. There are several “ T h e n e w T y p e requirements and restrictions placed upon the Type S licensee. S l i c e n s e i s First, the Type S licensee can m a j o r v i c t o r y only make a maximum revenue $500,000 a year. Second, f o r s m a l l of The Primary Licensee and the a n d a r t i s a n Type S licensees must agree m a n u f a c t u r e r s upon a schedule that limits each licensee to using the shared t h at d o n o t space during a specific date h a v e t h e f u n d s and time. Only one licensee can use shared space at a time. t o c o v e r t h e Finally, the Type S licensee must e x t e n s i v e designate a unique, locked, and storage area to keep o v e r h e a d c o s t s secured their product and materials o f a l a r g e separate from their co-tenants. The DPH certainly deserves property but applause for listening to the s t i l l w a n t input of the cannabis industry t o g e t t h e i r and making the needed adjustments to accommodate p r o d u c t s t o small businesses. The new Type m a r k e t a n d S license allows for the small to limit their d e v e l o p t h e i r manufacturers expenses and invest that money b r a n d s . ” into growing their companies. c
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REVIEWs
edible & concentrate
OutCo Unflavored Tincture OutCo Unflavored Tincture is the perfect product for quick, discreet and precise under-the-tongue dosing. With a 3:1 ratio of CBD to THC (747mg CBD and 373mg THC in each bottle), this tincture is ideal for those in search of the benefits of whole plant therapy, without the more extremely potent effects of a higher THC product. It does, however, still contain a hefty amount of THC, so be aware of your limits and start slow, working up to the maximum dosage. The benefits of this locally crafted tincture are wide ranging, calming both nerves and inflammation while relieving pain in the body and anxiety in the mind. Since this product is unflavored, this tincture is an easy and healthy addition to protein shakes and/or smoothies. The effects are only slightly intoxicating, due to the balance that the CBD provides, and it offers the best of both worlds when it comes to whole plant therapy.
Available at: OutCo in El Cajon.
Available wherever: Cali Pure products are carried.
Cali Pure Premium CO2 Clear Platinum OG Cartridge The Platinum OG Cartridge is derived from a heavy indica strain with a predominantly lemon, piney flavor and noticeably delightful undertones of earthiness and musk. The robust exhale fills the room with an enticing aroma of natural forests and the crisp, invigorating scent of lemon pine. Tested at an impressive 90 percent THC, just a few hits from this cartridge will provide near instant relief for those suffering from mild to moderate pain. New cannabis consumers may experience an immediately increased appetite, short-term drowsiness and perhaps a case of “the giggles.� Experienced reviewers in need of more intensive relief found that partaking in just a few more hits enhanced the natural attributes of the Platinum OG and provided a higher level of relief of pain, tension, lack of appetite and insomnia. Platinum OG is a truly classic strain, and Cali Pure has harnessed its medicinal properties perfectly.
Symmetry 121 Tincture by Therapy Tonics & Provisions Available throughout the state of California, the Symmetry 121 Tincture has a pleasantly unique flavor that is very much tasty and enjoyable on its own, but is also a welcome addition to shakes and smoothies. Savory dishes can also be enhanced if you mix it in with other oils and balsamic vinegar as a dressing for salads, or as a drizzle to enhance the flavor of any vegetable or protein. Containing 150mg of THC and 150mg of CBD, our reviewers found that it provides absolutely perfect equalizing and balancing attributes that cause both physical and cerebral benefits. We experienced the release of muscle tension, relief of mild to moderate pain and also a feeling of complete mental well-being and stress relief. This tincture is ideal as a sleep aid, as a pain reliever and is an all-around great addition to a healthy, equalizing and balanced cannabis lifestyle.
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Available wherever: Therapy Tonics & Provisions are carried.
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REVIEWs
Available at: Deeply Rooted San Diego in San Diego.
Ananda Hemp Full Spectrum Extract Oil Containing 600mg of active cannabinoids per each 10mL bottle, which is 60mg per serving, Ananda Hemp Full Spectrum Oil is made in America and is specifically sourced from experienced, eighth generation Kentucky farmers. It contains a proprietary blend of genetics that go through very intensive testing from seed to shelf, and contain absolutely no pesticides or residual solvents. One dropper contains 30mg of cannabinoids, and offers a very mild effect. Reviewers felt a slight physical relaxation and relief from mildly anxious thoughts. Ananda uses hempseed oil as a carrier for the hemp extract, making it a delicious addition to homemade or store bought salad dressings and marinades. Because there is no THC in this product, you will not experience any sort of psychoactive effect. You could, however, reap the all of the benefits of full spectrum hemp oil, more so if used on a long-term basis.
Available at: San Diego Recreational Cannabis (SDRC) in Mission Valley.
FlavRx Rainbow Belts These brightly colored, visually-enticing Rainbow Belts are a walk down memory lane. Made by FlavRx Inc., these belts are packaged in sturdy, resealable bags that contain 10 individual pieces, each infused with 10mg of THC, for a grand total of 100mg of THC per package. The flavor of these brightly colored, yummy gummie strips is bold and super tart, with a very slight cannabis flavor that has a lot of sweetness. These Rainbow Belts are ideal for easily controlled microdosing. On the other hand, if you have a sweet tooth and a decent tolerance for edibles, go ahead and munch down more than one, and experience the rainbow! Effects such as pain relief, lessening of muscle tension and increased appetite will kick in within an hour or so and last for several hours or longer. 18
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REVIEWs
1. ASCHE Industries Locket Grinder Let’s face it—you never know when you might need a grinder. Now, you don’t have to sweat it, because with this trendy Locket Grinder by ASCHE Industries, you can always keep your grinder hanging from your neck! This beautiful necklace, available in 18K Gold Vermeil or Black Rhodium, really takes the hassle out of rolling on-the-go. Simply pop the locket open and you have a readyto-use grinder. This locket makes a great gift for anyone, and with Mother’s Day around the corner, you can make sure the lovely medicated mothers in your life are never without a grinder. Price: $195 Website: ascheindustries.com 2. The SilverStick One-Hitter We know you are most likely familiar with one-hitters made with glass or plastic, but SilverStick has changed the game, bringing forth the latest innovation in one-hitter technology. Made in the USA, the SilverStick is crafted with an aircraft-grade alloy pipe and employs natural cotton filters to provide a smooth hit while filtering out tar and resin. Its small size and smell-resistant end cap make it perfect for discrete cannabis consumption on-thego. The SilverStick now comes in two sizes, large, which features a deeper bowl, and slim, which is its newly-released compact alternative. Price: $25 Website: thesilverstick.com 20
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3. Black Walnut Bubbler Are you in the market for a beautiful new piece that is sure to impress your friends? Check out Marley Natural, the official cannabis brand of the Bob Marley family estate, and its recently released, one-of-a-kind Black Walnut Bubbler. The piece has a well-apportioned base, allowing for a large volume of water, and a globe-shaped percolator to provide filtration. This bubbler is made with Black Walnut wood, making it look more like an elegant statement piece, rather than an average glass bubbler. Not to mention, Marley Natural is not your run-of-themill cannabis company. Not only does the company provide us with top-notch cannabis products, but also, through its Rise Up program, the company has given back to communities that have been harmed by cannabis prohibition through a number of projects taking place in the U.S. and Jamaica. Price: $162 Website: dopeboo.com
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4. Unicorn Pipe by Wonder Pipes Feeling pink, giggly and glittery? Then the Unicorn Pipe is for you. These woman-made pipes take nearly a month to meticulously create by hand and are crafted out of high quality porcelain, which won’t easily break. The Unicorn Pipe features a holographic and iridescent bedazzled lavender bowl design that almost seems to scream “I’m here. Get over it!” It will complement your other unicorn-themed products. The 2018 collection features eight signature designs with four color choices each, some coated in 22K gold. Your money will be well spent— every pipe sold supports female entrepreneurs! Price: $95-195 Website: shopwonderpipes.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
Beyond Buds, Next Generation: Marijuana Concentrates and Cannabis Ed Rosenthal, Greg Zeman Quick Trading Company Expert cultivator and CULTURE columnist Ed Rosenthal has offered our industry and consumers everywhere top-notch advice for growing cannabis. His latest story, Beyond Buds, Next Generation makes it clear that his expertise does not end with cultivation. Get ready to learn all about concentrates and the various ways we infuse cannabis in our modern society, courtesy of Ed Rosenthal. This handbook provides readers with answers from a respected and trusted authority regarding some of the most complex and specialized processes that involve cannabis. Allow yourself to embark on this journey that breaks down and examines the most innovative ways to consume cannabis. (Jacob Cannon) 22
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Release Date: MAY 29 Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
GAME
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection Dev. Digital Eclipse Pub. Capcom In the gaming world, 30 years is a long time—especially when taking into account how video games have only really been around for a few decades. This massive collection of Street Fighter games will satisfy any hardcore fan, offering everything from the original Street Fighter game from 1987 to 3rd Strike from 1999. Not only will players get to explore the variety of modes offered in the 10+ games provided, but it also includes insight into the development of each game, as well as concept art, original music soundtracks, biographies and much more. (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
The Post Dir. Steven Spielberg 20th Century Fox In a time when the lies of politicians dominate nearly every headline and news story around us, there may be no more appropriate motion picture for this era than The Post. Helmed by director Steven Spielberg and starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks among others, the film does an astounding job depicting the events surround the publication of the Pentagon Papers (a secret military history of United States involvement in Vietnam) by the New York Times and Washington Post in 1971. Treated with all of the respect and delicacy the story deserves, The Post is exceptional and one not to be missed. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Invasion of Privacy Cardi B Atlantic After releasing a pair of acclaimed mixtapes over the last couple of years, The Bronx, New York rapper Cardi B has come roaring into 2018 with a proper debut album, Invasion of Privacy. Weighted with hit singles “Bodak Yellow” and “Bartier Cardi” the other eleven tracks on the record are equally electrifying, gritty and wild. Brimming with all-star production from the likes of Boi-1da, DJ Mustard, Benny Blanco and many others, and killer features running the gamut of 21 Savage and Migos to Chance the Rapper and YG, Invasion of Privacy pulls out all the stops. (Simon Weedn)
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Photos by Tim Cadiente
ziggy marley’s new album rebellion rises and new tours are bound to make this a banner year
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By Benjamin M. Adams othing could have prepared Ziggy Marley to become the man of the house at the tender age of 12, when his father passed away—a loss that was felt in all quadrants of the world. While Ziggy has two older sisters, he is the eldest Marley brother, and he quickly accepted his birthright as a lead vocalist and songwriter. Bob Marley’s final words to Ziggy were “money can’t buy life,” and his words have sunken in and altered the course of Ziggy’s life, as he has always practiced restraint from the over-commercialization of music, products and cannabis. Ziggy picked up right where his father left off, leading a band called the Melody Makers with his siblings Sharon, Cedella and Stephen Marley. Eight Grammys and an Emmy Award later, he remains a permanent fixture in the world of reggae with his new seventh solo album, Rebellion Rises. Cannabis, inevitably, is a part of the Marley family lifestyle. Ziggy’s analogy compares cannabis to tomatoes. Which would you prefer? A fresh, homegrown tomato or a massproduced tomato purchased from the store? The same can be said about cannabis. Ziggy Marley Organics provides GMO-free hemp seed snacks. In addition, he’s behind the U.R.G.E. Foundation (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), which provides children in Jamaica, Africa and other parts of the world with musical instruments and other needed supplies. CULTURE had the opportunity to talk with Ziggy about music, cannabis and how important it is to preserve our humanity during times of division and uncertainty.
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“I think the demoralization of human beings is a part of the way that they keep the world in a state of fear, in a state of hate, in a state of division and in a state of hopelessness in order to let us feel as if no matter what we do, we can’t be similar.”
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Rebellion Rises, your seventh solo full-length album, comes out on May 18. While your music may contain some elements of dancehall or pop, you’ve always kept one foot planted firmly in the classic roots style of reggae. Is that how you’d describe your new album? I don’t really describe my album. I create it. When you’re creating, it’s really not a technical thing, it’s a feeling thing, and through my experiences I’ve learned how to be true to my feelings and how to incorporate my feelings into my music. People can describe it how they want, but I don’t really describe it, I just create it. I really enjoyed putting together this album.
other and treat each other with respect no matter what really generates class, ethnicity or origins. So, I think the negativity says a lot. It happens a lot on commercials, on news broadcasts, TV, the paper and websites. There’s a lot of incentive to create this view of the world in that negative light. […] We represent the voice of humanity and of human beings—not the voice of one particular group or one particular objective. We represent the main objective of all of humanity.
Do you feel that people need to rebel against the constant negativity that we’re bombarded with from leaders on social media and TV? In general, I think the demoralization of human beings is a part of the way that they keep the world in a state of fear, in a state of hate, in a state of division and in a state of hopelessness in order to let us feel as if no matter what we do, we can’t be similar. They want us to think that no matter what we do, we can’t live in the world, because the state of things is so bad. [They want us to think that] we might as well think of only ourselves and give up the whole concept of humanity as a species that can come together and love each
You just performed at Kaya Fest, and you are kicking off a North American tour, then a European tour. What is the best part about touring? Well, the best part about touring, really, is that I like playing music. I really enjoy it. So I guess playing music is the best part. And then the traveling, and seeing different parts of the world and seeing different human beings all over the world. That’s another good part of it, and the next part of it is getting feedback from the people who we play music in front of and the effect that the message we are carrying has on them. All of those together are what make touring a pleasure for me.
Who is the child you’re holding hands with on the cover art of Rebellion Rises? Ah yes. That’s my son Isaiah, and if you look close, you can also see my other son in the picture.
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“if we’re not careful, we are bound to over-commercialize [cannabis], over-industrialize it, and it just ends up becoming another product. that is the [blueprint] for profits. and profits come before anything else in this world of businesses, corporations and industrialization. we have to be real careful. i recommend people grow their own herb.”
I heard that one of the songs on the new album is about Stephen surviving the hurricane season in Miami. Is that true? That hurricane that was coming last year, it was somewhat hyped, and not as bad as it originally seemed. But I had to call him while it was happening to see what was going on down there. I said, “What’s the plan? What are you guys going to do?” And he told me that he’d gotten supplies and a little dinghy, in case the place flooded. It was one of those songs that was written after our conversation. The times have changed, and cannabis is quite a bit more socially acceptable nowadays. You even created a comic book Marijuanaman about it. What is cannabis to you? A sacrament, a vitamin or just an herb? I view it as nature. Everything that is in nature can be used for the benefit of mankind, for the benefit of our health, for the benefit of our mental state, whatever. It is a part of nature that we are now getting more rights to use in a way that does not break the law of the states in this country. It’s just a part of nature. We always use it. And it’s not just for one thing. We use it for teas. We use it for ointments. I’m used to using nature as a part of my whole lifestyle. When I was growing up in Jamaica, and when I got sick, we didn’t go to the doctor. We went to the herbs. We went to the trees. We went to the plants for medicine. Not the pharmacy. The pharmacy was the last straw, basically. 30
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Jamaica opened its first medical cannabis dispensary Kaya Herbhouse in St. Ann in March. Is this a milestone for your family, as well as a milestone for Jamaica? Yes, I heard about that too. Yes, it’s a milestone, but it’s just like anything else. If we’re not careful, we are bound to over-commercialize it, over-industrialize it, and it just ends up becoming another product. That is the [blueprint] for profits. And profits come before anything else in this world of businesses, corporations and industrialization. We have to be real careful. I recommend people grow their own herb. In Jamaica, people mostly grow their own herb and [supplement] the other products out there. Just grow. Grow your own. Grow your own tomatoes, too; and your own potatoes, and everything else. I think that’s the best way to articulate it. This is an herb that’s supposed to be in an herb garden. It’s not an herb that you shopping around and buying. You have to grow your own. Otherwise,
we’ll let these industries take over and corporations take it over, and it loses the whole aura of what it’s really supposed to be, because everything affects us. If it’s coming from a place of profit, then what you’re being sold and what you’re using, the energy of that idea lives in that product. It’s fine to [supplement] other products, but let it grow in your own backyard, where it’s legal. As the eldest Marley brother, do you ever feel pressure to set an example for your younger siblings? Well, I don’t consciously think about that. I don’t think about setting an example, but I do set an example. My life is an example, by the way I live, by the way people see me go about my business. But it’s not something that I say, “Let me do this to set an example.” I just do it, because this is who I am. So people can look at my actions and use it as an example or not. I am what I am. c
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rhythm and revelations
“it is always a blessing to share the stage with my brothers, paying tribute to our father and his music that continues to inspire us all.”
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stephen marley shares about his career and his plans for the future
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By Benjamin M. Adams t’s almost too perfect to be true. On April 20, 1972 Stephen Robert Nesta “Raggamuffin” Marley was born, eventually earning his nickname from the reggae subgenre that’s based on electronic urban beats. Winning eight Grammys either as a producer, soloist or as a member of the Melody Makers along with his brother Ziggy and two sisters, Stephen has come a long way. Not long ago, Stephen found a niche producing two critically-acclaimed albums for his younger half-brother Damian Marley. Shortly after, his solo albums Mind Control and Revelation Part I and II received similar acclaim. Stephen has produced music for Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, The Roots and the Fugees. CULTURE caught up with Stephen to chat about producing, Kaya Fest and cannabis.
Photo by Nick Biemans / Shutterstock.com
You’ve won Grammys not only as a solo artist and band member, but as a producer too. Do you feel more comfortable behind the mic or mixing in the studio? It depends on the song. Whether I am singing, playing an instrument, writing or producing, I feel blessed to be able to create. You’ve collaborated with quite a variety of artists like Lauryn Hill, Krazy Bone, Bizzy Bone and Pitbull. How do your musical interests go beyond reggae? I respect all genres of music and often integrate elements of soul, hip-hop, electronic and more into my own sound and production for others. How did it feel to unite five Marley brothers together
in California for this year’s Kaya Fest? It is always a blessing to share the stage with my brothers, paying tribute to our father and his music that continues to inspire us all. Why did you decide to move Kaya Fest from Florida to California? The Kaya Fest will [eventually] visit many other countries, states and towns. Now, the third generation of Marley grandchildren is joining the music industry. Would you say music is in your blood? Music is in our spirit and soul. We give thanks that our children share the same passion. How do you view the cannabis plant? Is it a sacrament, an herb or a vitamin? Cannabis is an herb just like mint or sage that can heal many medical ailments, as well as offer spiritual enlightenment. You have a ton of upcoming shows on your tour booked through September, with three happening this month. Which shows are you most excited to perform at this month? What about the rest of the year? I enjoy playing music for the people, no matter where I am. c
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Spark of Justice
Industry Insider
S u p e r n o va W o m e n empowers people of color in the cannabis industry By Jamie Solis When successful cannabis industry professionals Amber Senter and Tsion “Sunshine” Lencho joined forces with other women of color back in 2015, they ignited a spark of justice and equity by creating the Northern California-based organization, Supernova Women. That spark has continued to grow into a firestorm of representation for people of color in the cannabis industry, as it’s one of the core values of Supernova Women’s mission. CULTURE was given the opportunity to learn more about the co-founders of Supernova Women, as well as the ways that industry professionals and consumers can support the vital mission of this pivotal organization.
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“I met Sunshine sometime in the summer of 2015. We met at a Women Grow event,” Senter told CULTURE. “There were three women of color there.” Lencho informed Senter that she was looking for a job, and the very next day Senter got Lencho a job working with her at a consulting firm. There, they helped people in other states obtain cannabis licenses. “We were writing and winning applications for basically very wealthy, very rich, very white groups and helping them get licensed,” Senter explained. “And we were definitely conflicted by that, because we were essentially helping to gentrify our industry.”
Left: Amber Senter Right: Tsion “Sunshine” Lencho
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Kindling the Fire
Photos by Steve Terrebonne
a lot of people together, people who didn’t really have a community prior to this, as far as a place to have these conversations in,” Senter explained. “So, people have been able to meet each other, form partnerships, alliances and things like that, because that’s what we’re going to have to do to survive.”
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It was clear to Senter and Lencho that the legal cannabis industry was becoming predominantly white, with the licensing process happening quickly, and a high level of entry was shutting out many people of color and small businesses. The women partnered up with Nina Parks and sat down at Lencho’s house one evening to come up with an action plan on how they could make a difference for their community. Knowing there was not a fair representation of people of color at events, both as attendees and speakers or panelists, Supernova Women’s first goal was to get information out to their community and by their community, free of charge. It was on that night in November of 2015 that Supernova Women was formed, and by January of 2016, the group produced its first event. “So, we put together [our first] event, it was a two-panel discussion. The first panel was about laws and cannabis in California as it was at that time,” Senter said. “The second panel was a panel of entrepreneurs, basically sharing their experiences and what it was like to be a person of color operating in the cannabis space.” Supernova Women’s first event was sold out with over 100 people in attendance, proving indeed that there was a huge demand for people of color to attain the information that Supernova Women was offering, so the co-founders
continued forward with even more fervor than before.
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I n va l u a b l e I n f o r m at i o n
Supernova Women has since grown to empower people of color through its key programs. The organization’s Shades of Green series helps strengthen the involvement of communities of color in the industry through education. Supernova Women’s Cannabis Business Workshops give attendees free cannabis business bootcamps that cover everything from business formation and licensing to basic employment and insurance considerations. Supernova Women also hosts “expungement” clinics in partnership with legal service providers and law firms. “We don’t charge people to come to these things, and we don’t do anything for profit in our organization. We use all of the funds and everything that people donate to us, and it goes directly to our programming,” Senter said. Not only has Supernova Women created an information hub for people of color, but the group has formed a networking community as well. “We have been able to really hone in on certain subjects and bring
Empowering the Community A t- L a r g e
Each woman who is a part of Supernova Women brings her own professional experience in the cannabis industry. Lencho is an attorney, and she was involved in the creation of the equity permit programs in both Oakland and San Francisco first-hand, and her expertise is requested in many other areas as well. Lencho’s essential involvement as an attorney and woman of color has ensured that communities affected by the “War on Drugs” were not left behind in the rapidly evolving world of legal cannabis in the areas that she has been involved in. While Lencho is proud of the work she has done in these communities, she has made an effort to empower the communities in which she has been involved, with the goal that these individuals become self-sufficient and gain the ability to continue advocating for themselves. “I know that for people who are currently operating, I’ve interacted with a lot of current equity business owners there, the expectation is that we’ll come back and continue to do programming . . . But frankly, from my view, Supernova is that we just start the spark,” Lencho said. “And I don’t want to be the person who is speaking on behalf of equity people; I am not an equity applicant. I personally have not been impacted directly by the ‘War on Drugs.’ I’m still a black woman in America. I still face some of the discrimination that my fellow black women face, but I don’t want to be the figurehead for equity, because that’s not what I am.” CultureMagazine.com
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Lencho continued to share that she is proud to see how many people of color have been forming organizations since 2015, all with the goal to implement policy and demand that equity be first. “That’s a slogan that has been inducted by Supernova, by the California Minority Alliance,” Lencho said. “It’s that if you’re going to legalize, if you’re going to liberalize, if you’re going to decriminalize, you need to prioritize the people who have been impacted, the people who are discriminated against because of their race.” Lencho has made it a priority to ensure that equity in the industry does not start and end with the permitting process. Instead, equity is a lens in which we should view all legislation that applies to the cannabis industry. Supernova Women views equity as not just helping
an applicant obtain licensing, but instead, ensuring an applicant obtains licensing and then is able to maintain it continuously, despite developments in laws and legislation at all levels.
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Advocacy in Action
Racial inequality and institutionalized racism has been a horrific reality in the United States for centuries, but we have an opportunity to create racial equity as we build the quickly emerging cannabis industry. No person should feel powerless when it comes to the larger than life mission of Supernova Women. Instead, there are ways that both 36
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“ I t h i n k t h at when we’re asking for policy i m p l e m e n tat i o n and we’re using t h e w o r d ‘ e q u i t y, ’ we need to be very m i n d f u l o f t h at f a c t t h at i t i s about race, because the impact has been about race.”
industry professionals and everyday consumers can help support the work of Supernova Women. First, it starts with recognizing and learning to talk about the problem we’re facing. “I think that when we’re asking for policy implementation and we’re using the word ‘equity,’ we need to be very mindful of that fact that it is about race, because the impact has been about race,” Lencho explained. “And so I think that figuring out ways to learn to talk about race is something that Americans are still working through, and I think that the more people who try to understand it from that lens, the better we may become at not creating systematic disadvantage in this new marketplace we’re creating.”
The co-founders of Supernova Women have found some powerful support in the cannabis industry already, and they hope to see more cannabis companies jump on board in supporting their mission. “Some of our cannabis sponsors have been extremely helpful in [supporting Supernova’s mission]. Kiva has sponsored quite a few of our events, and that’s been awesome,” Senter said. “Our events are pretty expensive. Helping to support and sponsor our programming is the best way that organizations within the industry can help us.” “In terms of business owners, one thing that I appreciate in my current role [as Corporate Counsel] at Privateer is the fact that they do view policy implementation through the lens that I was talking about, through the impact on small business, through the effect on the communities impacted by the ‘War on Drugs,’ and I don’t have to wear my politics on my sleeve at work, because it’s part of the fabric of the conversations I’m having,” Lencho said. “And I think that if more workplaces do that, we may get further along.” Cannabis industry folks are not the only people who can make a difference. Consumers and everyday citizens can also be a supporter of this cause. Lencho explained, “Be present. Consumers can come to our programming. They can even help support black and brown businesses in the cannabis community, buying their products and supporting them, that’s also a way to help them be successful.” Ultimately, Lencho, Senter and the other women who make up Supernova Women are working every day to better an industry, one of which has the opportunity to make a dent in the immense damage that the “War on Drugs” has had on communities of color for so long. “We need to level that playing field; it’s not fair,” Senter said. “We need to do everything we can, in every avenue that we can, to make sure that people no longer go to jail for weed. Cannabis is basically a human right, and people should have access to it.” c
+ supernovawomen.wordpress.com
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Compassion for Kara O n e f a m i ly ’ s s u cc e ss i n a d v oc a t i n g fo r m e d i c a l c a n n a b i s By Benjamin M. Adams
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ark and Christy Zartler had once assumed that nothing would stop their daughter Kara from injuring herself. Kara, 18, weighs only 98 pounds, and due to living with severe autism and cerebral palsy, hits herself in the head during uncontrollable fits. Fortunately, this family from Richardson, Texas discovered that medical cannabis miraculously has the ability to calm Kara down, causing her self-inflicted injuries to stop. Before turning to cannabis, the medications that Kara was taking forced her into a catatonic state, however even then she still continued to hit herself. Christy, Kara’s mom, is a pediatric nurse practitioner and knows about the limitations of autism treatment better than anyone else. “I have watched my daughter’s condition stump many physicians, therapists and teachers, and nobody has been able to come up with an idea to
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help stop my daughter’s self-injurious behavior,” Christy told CULTURE. “My daughter spent 10 years on heavy pharmaceutical drugs that caused horrific side effects, including brain damage. The first cannabis she got was a brownie our neighbor gave us when she was 11 years old.” That single brownie would change the course of the family’s mission—a calling to be medical cannabis warriors. Kara’s fits caused her to break her nose, breaking the fine bones of her eye sockets and cheek bones and leaving her with severe brain damage. Videos that prove medical cannabis works on Kara went viral on YouTube last year. Kara is unable to speak because of the level of her autism, but her twin sister Keeley has not been diagnosed with autism. While Texas law forbids most forms of medical cannabis, Kara’s health took priority. “I myself started advocating for medical cannabis at the state Capitol during the 2015 session,” Christy said. “Now that we shared our story on Facebook last year when she was 17 years old, my husband and I both went to the Capitol this past 2017 session. Mark spoke at four hearings regarding the legalization of cannabis. It is disheartening that Texas lawmakers do not ‘hear’ our needs.” Even though medical cannabis is not legal in Texas, the laws have not stopped Kara’s parents from providing their daughter with the medicine she needs to keep her safe from severe physical self-injury.
“ L o w THC i s n o t very effective for Kara. We know this because we’ve tried. I wish CBD strains were effective, but they a r e n ’ t. I ’ d c h o o s e ditch weed over the best CBD strain on t h e p l a n e t. ”
While cannabis that is high in cannabidiol (CBD) has been gaining popularity for treatment of many individuals, including children, the family discovered that high-THC cannabis is what Kara needs. “It stops self abuse episodes and stabilizes her mood,” Mark Zartler told CULTURE. “Knowing this, it’s more than a personal priority. It’s a moral obligation. We can’t just let her hit herself when we have a medicine that will stop it. I’d rather not be breaking the law, but I really don’t see this as a choice to make or not make.” Parents of children on the autism spectrum deal with varying levels of disability. Although some parents of children with autism have found success with oils or edibles, they’re not the most effective methods to stabilize Kara’s mood. The Zartlers follow a strict regimen, depending on the severity of Kara’s episodes. “Vaporized marijuana stops selfinjury and stabilizes Kara’s mood,” Mark said. “It is very fast. It stops selfinjury and stabilizes Kara’s mood in three to five minutes. At that point, she is no longer punching herself or trying. It’s fast and 100 percent effective. If she is having a really bad fit, we will also give her oils at the same time. This way, once the vapor wears off, the oils will be onboard. This is our recipe for turning a really terrible day into a good one.” Meanwhile, research is being done on strains high in CBD for people with autism, notably in Israel, where there are
few barriers blocking research. “While we are very happy that research is finally happening, we are disappointed that it’s only testing CBD strains,” Mark said. “Low THC is not very effective for Kara. We know this because we’ve tried. I wish CBD strains were effective, but they aren’t. I’d choose ditch weed over the best CBD strain on the planet. One will work and one won’t. Hopefully research will eventually catch up to what parents already know.” Astonishingly, Mark and Christy recently had to fight for guardianship of their own daughter over her treatment regimen. Child Protective Services (CPS) became aware of the Zartler’s viral video, and they were reported. On March 1, Judge Brenda Hull Thompson ruled the Zartlers were qualified to be guardians and awarded them guardianship over Kara. “The guardianship hearing was very important,” explained Mark. “Any other outcome would have forced us to move, to become medical refugees. When a person turns 18, they are in charge of themselves and can make their own medical decisions. This is a fundamental right and automatic at 18. But what if a person is unable to make these decisions? Parents apply to the courts for guardianship and a judge decides it. It’s normally quite routine, but with my CPS history related to Kara and ‘illegal drugs’, it was far from automatic. It is a relief. Dallas County has been very good to us. We owe them.”
“ I t ’ s a m o r a l o b l i g at i o n . W e c a n ’ t j u s t l e t her hit herself when we have a medicine t h at w i l l s t o p i t. I ’ d r at h e r n o t b e b r e a k i n g t h e l a w, b u t I r e a l ly d o n ’ t s e e this as a choice to make or not make.” The legal battles that the Zartler family had to endure are truly humbling. “Our family has survived child services and civil courts, if not completely unscathed. My CPS record means that I cannot ever work or volunteer around kids,” Mark lamented. “It could be worse.” One thing is certain,
and that is that Mark and Christy aren’t backing down. “Maybe [an arrest] has to happen,” Mark concluded. “Maybe we have to get through criminal courts to complete the thing. I am ready and have complete trust in a jury of my peers. We are doing the right thing, and I can prove it.” c
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Pr tecting Pets
Give your pet companions the gift of cannabis for N at i o n a l P e t M o n t h By Lanny Swerdlow
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ince most people are as solicitous to the health and care of their pets as they are to their own health, it is not surprising to find that those who utilize medical cannabis to benefit their own health would also want to provide medical cannabis to their pets as well. Just like humans and almost all 40
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vertebrates, pets have an endocannabinoid system that can benefit from the use of the supplemental cannabinoids. Since most people will be using cannabis for canine and feline companions (not for the avian varieties), this article focuses on providing cannabis specifically for the 186 million dogs and cats that are comfortably ensconced in American homes. Cannabis can be as safe for pets as it is for people, but there are negative consequences that need to be taken into account. The most common negative effect is the same as it is for humans—overdosing. The average size dog weighs less than a five-year-old child, and the average size cat weighs less than a six-monthold child, so providing your pet with too much cannabis can easily occur.
In the February 2013 journal Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, researchers reported that “The minimum lethal oral dose for dogs for THC is more than 3 g/kg.” That is a high dose of THC, but still caution is the watchword when dosing your pets. Canines are more sensitive to THC than are humans, as they have more CB1 receptors in their brainstem. It is unlikely a dog will die from an overdose with the few reported cases usually resulting from a dog getting into the owners stash and consuming a quantity of edibles that would knockout a sumo wrestler. Although the quantity of cannabis consumed can be dangerous, it is the chocolate, raisins and macadamia nuts found in the edibles which are often the most lethal—especially for dogs. Most likely the overdose experience will be extremely uncomfortable physically for your pet and emotionally for you as you watch your devoted pet enter a state of lethargy, hyper salivation and/or difficulty standing and walking. If your pet’s behavior is unusual, bringing them to a veterinarian for an evaluation would be advisable. Prevention is always best, so keep your cannabis locked up and out of reach of not just your kids, but your pets as well. When administered properly, dogs and cats can benefit from using medical cannabis for the very same ailments used to treat humans— seizures, nausea, stress, anxiety, osteoarthritis, back pain, symptoms of cancer and gastrointestinal issues. Once you’ve decided to treat your pet with cannabis, the next question is, what’s the best way to provide cannabis to a pet? Smoking is obviously not a viable option for dogs and cats. Exhaling directly into a pet’s
nostrils is not at all recommended, as the particles in smoke can be harmful to their airways and correct dosing is impossible to ascertain. The best way to provide a measured dose is to use lab-tested cannabis oils or tinctures with cannabinoid potencies listed on the label, then mix them in with your pet’s food. Use one of the cannabis products made expressly for dogs and cats, which have specific dosing information included. If your dispensary doesn’t stock any, tell them to get with the trend, or find one that does. A variety of factors must be considered such as the cannabinoid ratio and the concentration (mg/ ml) of the product being used, the weight of your pet and the condition being treated. Consultation with a medical professional familiar with pet cannabis therapy is a necessary course of action. Since the American Veterinary Medical Association has taken the position that cannabis needs more study before it is given to pets, it is essential to consult your pet’s veterinarian before starting them on a cannabis regimen. Some veterinarians may be reluctant to discuss this subject as, unlike medical doctors, state law often prohibits veterinarians from even recommending cannabis therapy for animal patients. But that may change soon in the future. In California for instance, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, recently introduced Assembly Bill 2215, instructing the state Veterinary Medical Board to develop guidelines for discussing the use of medical cannabis for pets and to “protect state-licensed veterinarians from disciplinary action for discussing the use of cannabis on animal patient clients.” c
“When administered p r o p e r ly, d o g s a n d c at s c a n b e n e f i t from using cannabis for the very same ailments used to t r e at h u m a n s . . . ”
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SHOOTING GALLERY
SD CityBeat & CULTURE MAGAZINE cannabis convo @ The Whistle sTop in south park
Photos by David Rodger
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Mason Jar Event Group brings the seasons to life on each thoughtful p la c e s e t t i n g By M. Jay
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he change of each season is so profound and distinctive, it deserves a celebration. Kendal Norris of Mason Jar Event Group has mastered the celebration of each season through her cannabis paired dinners, which are available by invitation-only. What gave Norris the brilliant idea to pair food and cannabis? “I went to sleep one night back in early 2015 and had a dream that I created a company,” she said. “The name was clear, Mason Jar Event Group. In this dream I was creating beautiful events that incorporated cannabis like wine, and thus the pairing concept was born.” Mason Jar Event Group may have started as a dream, but going to these dinners is nothing short of a dream come true. It is so special to go to an event with other cannabis consumers and to consume cannabis based on the course at the table. Norris pays special attention to each and every detail. From the location to the silverware, 44
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to the choices of cannabis, nothing is left untouched— except the tickets. These dinners are often sold out. When CULTURE first heard about the lavish dinners, we had to be put on a waiting list and didn’t get an invitation until the next season. A quick glance at information on the autumn 2018 dinner will show that it is already sold out. In short, you’ll need to move quickly and plan ahead if you’d like to attend one of these exclusive events. It isn’t that there’s a shortage of cannabis-themed dinners in legal states. It is simply that not many come close to what Mason Jar Event Group arranges four times a year. When asked which dinner was her favorite, Norris replied, “They just keep getting better, but I am partial to our summer and fall events, because we can be outside. I like to get people to places they wouldn’t normally go or have the opportunity to visit without a reservation at one of our events.” We would have to agree. When we attended the Hemp and Seed dinner last autumn, it was held right next to a fully blooming hemp field. Guests arrived either on their own or in the transportation provided by Mason Jar Event Group. Before arriving, each guest picked up their cannabis pairings at the local dispensary and brought them to the dinner. A live band played softly while the attendees trickled into the hand-picked location. Drinks were available, and people mulled around sipping their infused drinks and scoping the jaw-dropping scene. Each placement was set with the same amount of care and offered more information to the guests of the elegant affair. Gifts were set in each place; a glass onehitter and a hemp plant from the farm. We watched the sunset as the dinner began. Every dinner includes four to six courses and is always beautifully plated and absolutely tantalizing to the palate. Fresh ingredients are used, and the chef on duty is always exceptional. Servers brought out each course, and guests used their menu to add the cannabis in the suggested way. The cannabis pairings ranged from distillates to joints to edibles (usually for dessert). Waiters danced around, filled glasses, cleared plates and brought more infusions as we settled into our highs. Companies like BDS Analytics and Organa Brands help make the dinners possible. Each take their turn speaking throughout the evening, sharing new information and products to the glowing crowd as they dine. After dinner is complete, the crowd mingled for a while, and the perfect mix of music and conversation concluded the night. The guest list is filled with great conversation holders too. Each season is unique. Spring is full of freshly sprouting vegetation and baby animals. Summer offers campfire songs and sleeping in on quiet vacation mornings. Fall is all about color. The leaves on the trees dance to the ground and the air begins to switch. Winter brings snow and the thought of snuggling into warm blankets. Mason Jar Event Group brings all of the great offerings of each season to dinner—and it doesn’t short on the cannabis. c
+ www.masonjareventgroup.com
GROWING CULTURE
Ask Ed™
Frequently Asked Questions By Ed Rosenthal
Here are a few questions and answers that address very general and frequently asked questions I receive from readers regularly. If you have more questions about growing cannabis, you can submit them to me at edrosenthal.com. I am looking for tips on how to grow my own. I don’t know anything about it. What should I do? Before you plan a garden or buy any equipment, you should read at least one book on growing cannabis. There are a number of good books out there written by many authors. Although the techniques described in the books differ a bit, all of them will improve your success rate. Rather than attempting to start a garden using trial-and-error techniques, which often results in buying expensive but unnecessary equipment followed by failure, use others’ expertise to create a productive garden the first time. Information is the cheapest, most effective equipment you can buy. Think of it as software for your garden. Even with equipment
worth thousands of dollars, the garden cannot be run well without knowledge of how to do it. In addition, there are lots of videos and video channels online providing demonstrations of different growing techniques and methods. You can also take classes at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, California. Its classes range from weekend seminars to 14-week intensive classes. I also recommend my own book, Marijuana Growers Handbook. It will help you grow a successful garden the first time. What’s the most important factor in growing cannabis? Would it be soil, temperature, nutrients or something else? The most important factor that affects the quality of the cannabis you are growing is the plant’s genetics. No matter how well a plant is grown, it can only reach its genetic potential. The cheapest way to improve your garden is to find better varieties. Environmental conditions enhance the potential of your crop, or rather they can hinder your plants from reaching their full potential if the plants’ basic needs are not met. Light, water nutrients, CO2 and temperature are the limiting factors. Where can I get seeds? It is illegal to possess or sell cannabis seeds in most states in the U.S. In states where it is legal to grow medical or recreational cannabis clones, seeds are offered by dispensaries or shops. In some states, seeds and clones are available at cannabis fairs. You can also get genetics from friends and acquaintances. Most marijuana aficionado growers are happy to help up-and-coming cultivators get started. How do you force flowering? Cannabis is called a “short day plant” because it flowers in response to long night cycles. The plant measures the number of hours of uninterrupted darkness each night using a hormone called phytochrome. During the day, the presence of red light keeps phytochrome in its active form, which prevents flowering. In darkness,
phytochrome gradually reverts to its inactive form, allowing flowering. When the hormone builds to a critical level, which occurs when the dark period is long enough, the plant flowers. When the gardener creates this critical period of 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness in each 24-hour cycle it is called “flower forcing.” When the 12-on/off regimen is maintained, the plant soon changes from vegetative growth to flowering. The first flowers appear 5-10 days after forcing. Is it better or easier to grow using the hydro or soil method? Planting mixes are generally more forgiving of mess-ups such as overfertilization and water pH being out of range. If you do follow directions that are sensitive to the plants’ conditions and prefer a system that promotes fast growth, try hydro. The choice is yours. Do what feels comfortable for you. Growing plants should not cause you stress. There is no right or wrong way, as long as the plants are healthy and thriving. How can you tell that plants are ripe? Plants range in how long they take to ripen based on their variety and the conditions provided. Ripeness can be recognized when the ovaries recede and swell to bulging with THC. The white hairs called stigmas dry up and turn color, and the trichome caps, where the cannabinoids are made, fill with resin, which stretches the caps’ membranes taut. Then the clear resin begins to turn milky or amber. At the same time, the odor intensity increases substantially. The plants are ripe, and it’s time to harvest. How can I minimize the telltale smell of my garden? There are several ways to remove odor in the garden. The easiest is to use a carbon filter. You can place it in the garden to clean the air circulating in the space. Negative ion generators and ozone generators precipitate odor molecules, leaving the air smelling fresh. However they also neutralize odors in the plants so they should not be used in the grow room, but in adjacent rooms or in the exhaust system to clean exiting air. c CultureMagazine.com
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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—Public Service Announcement Police in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, appealed to the public for help in late March tracking down a most unusual perpetrator. “Over the past year and a half,” the department posted on its Facebook page, “someone has been clogging the women’s toilet (at the Deland Community Center) with a 20-ounce soda bottle. This is very strange . . . and gross.” The Sheboygan Press reported that the string of more than 25 incidents began in 2016. Joe Kerlin, the city’s parks and forestry superintendent, says the suspect is likely an adult male, based on security camera footage from outside the restroom. The city’s resulting plumbing bills have totaled between $2,000 and $3,000. OOPS A man playing with a baseball on the roof of a parking structure in Honolulu on March 23 had to be rescued by firefighters after he fell into the space between two buildings and got stuck, KHON2 TV reported. Security guard Ray Rodrigues was dispatched to the roof to run the 55-year-old off, but found the man had fallen into a 7- to 9-inch-wide space between the cement walls. When pulling him out with a rope failed, firefighters 46
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resorted to using drills and saws to cut through the concrete to free him. He was taken to a hospital in serious condition. QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENTS Shoppers at the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, got more than they bargained for on April 8, 2017, as model Chelsea Guerra, 22, of Indiana Borough and photographer Michael Warnock, 64, of Point Breeze conducted a nude photo shoot around 11 a.m. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, as Warnock took photos and families looked on, Guerra walked around and posed wearing only thighhigh black stockings and high-heeled shoes. In early March of this year, Guerra and Warnock pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct after other charges were dropped, and paid a $300 fine. “My nude modeling is honest work,” Guerra said, “and I use it mostly to fund my college career.” A dairy truck driver lost his job in early March after being caught on a surveillance camera urinating near dairy cows in a barn at Tremblay Farm in Highgate, Vermont. While no charges were filed, Monica Massey of the Dairy Farmers of America said the driver’s behavior was unacceptable. “We saw the videos. What we saw was deplorable,” Massey said told WCAX TV. Darleen Tremblay said she was “shattered” by what she saw on the video. “I couldn’t move. I froze and I shook,” she added.
BRIGHT IDEAS The Snell Family Park ficus tree, a sprawling giant that has shaded the park in Fort Myers, Florida, for more than a century, played the part of groom to several brides on March 24 as Karen Cooper and others tried to save it from being cut down. The News-Press reported that while its roots are on the park property, some of the limbs in the tree’s 8,000-square-foot canopy extend to an adjacent property that is for sale, and potential buyer Jeff Romer was concerned about his liability for the tree’s upkeep. In December, Fort Myers’ public works officials approved the removal of the tree, prompting protests from Cooper and others. She got the idea of marrying the tree from women in Mexico who have been protesting deforestation. “I thought, ‘Oh, we should marry the ficus tree’—kind of giggle, giggle.” A city spokeswoman said the city is moving ahead to save the newlywed tree, but Cooper is worried that the decision is not final. “If they cut down this tree, I’m going to be a widow.” Ruan Rocha da Silva, 18, was caught in late March trying to steal five cans of deodorant from a supermarket in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His prominent tattoo might have given him away: A year ago, after Silva tried to steal a bike from Maycon Wesley Carvalho, 27, and Ronildo Moreira de Araujo, 29, the two men forcibly tattooed Silva’s forehead with the words “I am a thief and an idiot.” The Daily Mail reported that Carvalho and
Araujo were caught after filming themselves inking Silva’s forehead and sending the video to friends; both were sentenced to jail time. Silva is out on bail, awaiting trial for shoplifting. INEXPLICABLE Eastern Michigan University student Andrew (who didn’t give a last name), 22, wasn’t making any kind of statement or protesting any government action (or lack thereof) on March 12 when he filled a pothole in Trenton with a whole box of Lucky Charms and a gallon of milk. Andrew then lay on the road with a spoon and ate the cereal out of the pothole. “I don’t know where the inspiration came from, but when it hit me, I knew it was a good idea,” Andrew told MLive.com. “It tasted great. If I was blindfolded, I wouldn’t know if it was a pothole or a bowl.” INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Italian chef Fabio Picchi has offered three American exchange students in Florence a four-hour cooking lesson after the women tried to cook pasta in a pot without water on March 18. The pasta burst into flames within minutes, and firefighters were summoned to put out the fire. “We thought it was cooked like that,” one of the students told La Nazione. “They will have lunch in our restaurant with two of my extraordinary cooks,” Picchi said. “I think this can be useful to them, but also to us. Understanding is always . . . what is beautiful and necessary.”
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