2
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
3
4
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
5
inside
contents 5.2018
26
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
18 36
22
features 40
32
30
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.
32
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.
36
Digital Endeavors Here’s a few of the cannabis-related YouTube content creators who are becoming an important part of the industry.
40
Miracle in the Making Kara and her family have overcome many hurdles in their journey to legally administer medical cannabis.
departments 10 Letter from the Editor 11 Legal Corner 14 By the Numbers 16 Local News 17 News Nuggets 18 Strain Reviews 20 Company Highlight 22 Cool Stuff 23 Entertainment Reviews 42 Growing Culture 43 Healthy Living 44 News of the Weird
6
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
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
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
7
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
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 Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, 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 600 locations throughout Washington. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 815 1st Ave | #220 Seattle | Washington | 98104 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
8
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
/iReadCulture
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
9
LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Feminine and Fearless Celebrating in Unity
W
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
10
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
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
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
10
NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Rulebook Addition Cannabis edible processors are now r e q u i r e d t o h av e W S D A e n d o r s e m e n t By Alison Malsbury
A
s of March, all Washington cannabis processors must jump through another regulatory compliance hoop by obtaining a special endorsement from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) if they wish to manufacture cannabisinfused edibles. This change coincided with the WSDA’s assumption of regulatory authority to license and regulate makers of food products that contain cannabis. The WSDA will now work in conjunction with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to ensure that cannabis edibles are safe. In general, the WSDA’s Food Safety Program “regulates, inspects and provides technical assistance to food processors regarding product safety issues.” The WSDA will now provide those same services to licensed cannabis processors. According to the WSDA, these services will include assessing facility construction, equipment, cleaning and sanitizing
practices, allowable products, labeling and carrying out enforcement and recalls when necessary. The chapter WAC 16-131 now regulates MarijuanaInfused Edibles (MIEs) and provides that cannabis processors must both obtain a MIE endorsement and comply with all laws to which other food processors are subject, including the Washington Food Processing Act, food inspection rules and rules governing intrastate commerce in foods. Processors that possess an MIE endorsement must also obtain approval from the WSDA for each MIE before offering that MIE for sale to consumers. Both the initial endorsement cost and each annual renewal carry a fee of $895 and will be available only to processors licensed by the LCB. A MIE endorsement cannot be added to a Food Processor license. Additionally, MIE products cannot be processed at a facility that processes non-cannabis food products, and noncannabis food products cannot be processed at
a facility that produces MIE products. Each facility must have a separate endorsement. In order to apply, processors should go to the Washington State Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service website, login to their licensed cannabis processor business account, follow the steps to add a specialty license endorsement, and complete and submit the MIE Processor License Endorsement application and fee to the Department of Revenue. Before this regulatory shift, the LCB contracted with the WSDA to provide facility inspections of MIE processors, so in practice, this change shouldn’t come as a shock. The LCB still retains authority over cannabis activities like processor license requirements, packaging and labeling. Processors that are currently in compliance with food-related regulations for MIEs will not need to resubmit food safety information (i.e., floor plan, sanitation procedures) when applying for their MIE endorsement. If there are no changes to previously approved ownership, location and products, the WSDA will not require an inspection or additional information for a processor’s initial application. The WSDA will inspect all processing facilities within the first 12 months of endorsement and may request additional information based on that inspection. If any changes to the MIE processor’s ownership, facility location or products are planned during the licensing period, both the WSDA and the LCB must be notified of those proposed changes. The WSDA recommends that all firsttime MIE processor applicants contact both the WSDA and the LCB to discuss this initial licensing process. As a result of the WSDA’s ability to undertake enforcement action and implement recalls, processors of MIEs should expect to interact with the WSDA on a more regular basis. According to a letter issued by the WSDA on March 19, processors “may experience more frequent inspections, as well as more outreach efforts and industry engagement.” Although it’s unlikely that Washington cannabis business owners are looking forward to increased regulation and additional permits and fees, this transition should help to streamline the state’s regulation of cannabis edibles. c
“The WSDA will inspect all processing facilities within the first 12 months of endorsement and may request additional information based on that inspection.”
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
11
12
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
13
The amount of money, in dollars, that amounts to the cost of an annual fee required of each edible maker in order to produce legal cannabisinfused edibles in Washington: (Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture)
895
The number of judges in the Washington State Court of Appeals panel who ruled that local unincorporated jurisdictions have the right to ban cannabis businesses: (Source: KOZE)
3
The estimated number of active medical cannabis patients registered in the state of Washington: (Source: The Daily Herald)
The average percentage of Washington State cannabis retailers’ discounts on 420 in 2017: (Source: Headset)
18,000
16
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)
72
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)
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that MedMen invested in a cannabis facility built near Reno, Nevada: (Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal)
15
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)
34
450
Sasquatch! Music Festival WHEN: Fri, May 25-27 WHERE: Gorge Amphitheater, 754 Silica Rd., Quincy WEBSITE: www.sasquatchfestival.com The spring and summer festival season is here, and the list of events to check out is endless! This Memorial Day weekend, the annual Sasquatch! Music Festival is returning with a long and impressive list of independent artists. This year’s lineup is headlined by Bon Iver, The Nationals, Modest Mouse, David Byrne, and also includes Tyler the Creator, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, 14
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Grizzly Bear, Thundercat, Shakey Graves and many more. Sasquatch! has gained quite the following since its inception in 2002, and every year since it has brought a mixture of some of the most intriguing new music in one of the most beautiful venues. This three-day Memorial Day weekend event is one of the season’s best festivals that you won’t want to miss. (Cecilia Juarez)
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
15
NEWS
LOCAL
Paul Simon
Opaque Greenhouses Unclear greenhouse building code u p d at e s c a u s i n g h e a d a c h e f o r o u t d o o r cannabis growers By Emily Manke
V
arying legal definitions of what constitutes a “greenhouse” is causing worry for outdoor cannabis producers in Washington. Like so many regulatory issues, the main obstacle comes down to semantics. Washington’s energy code is responsible for defining what constitutes a greenhouse. The code puts greenhouses into two categories, which are as follows: Standard greenhouses and controlled plant growth environments. According to the Washington State Building Code Council, updates to the energy code were made to “improve definitions of greenhouse spaces and limit low energy exemption to those with minimal installed space conditioning capacity.” This same code defines a greenhouse as “a structure or a thermally isolated area of a building that maintains a specialized sunlit environment that is used exclusively for, and essential to, the cultivation, protection or maintenance of plants.” And a controlled plant growth environment is defined as “buildings or spaces that are specifically controlled to facilitate and enhance plant growth and production by manipulating various indoor environmental conditions.” The issue with these separate definitions is that they leave a lot up for interpretation, and different municipalities may interpret them in vastly different ways, leaving outdoor cannabis producers vulnerable to particularly harsh interpretations by local governments. According to Washington State Department of Enterprise Services Communications Director Linda Kent, the State Building Code Council adopts statewide building codes, including the energy code. It’s then up to Washington’s
16
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
39 counties and 281 incorporated cities and towns to enforce the codes. These codes are largely put in place for the safety of citizens, though energy efficiency is also a factor. The state building code is updated regularly with national model codes, which are published every three years. Greenhouses are addressed within the energy code. “If people have recommendations, questions or concerns about any of the state codes, and how they might affect an industry, now is the right time to engage with the council and its technical advisory groups,” Kent said. “The Building Code Council is in the midst of an update cycle and will review technical advisory group recommendations and model (national) codes during 2018 and 2019 for implementation in 2020. If groups in Washington have requested code changes, these are considered during the update process. Proposals for changes to the 2018 Codes are due by May 25.” So what do outdoor cannabis producers think of these definitions and codes regarding greenhouses? Jeremy Moberg, co-founder of the Washington Sungrowers Industry Association, and founder and CEO of CannaSol Farms, gave CULTURE his thoughts on Washington state greenhouse codes and definitions. “I do see the need for a distinction between traditional greenhouses and what I would call hyper-greenhouses, but I fear that the distinction will negatively impact growers using traditional light duty greenhouses,” Moberg stated. “We are seeing indoor operations pivot to these hyper greenhouses but just as much lighting in a less efficient environment. Dr. Evan Mills recently published a white paper assessing the lighting use of hyper greenhouses as eight times [as much lighting as] an office building. I think this assessment supports the idea that building codes should address the inefficiencies of such structures, but any codes need to be sure to leave more traditional greenhouses without as much lighting out of the increased building requirements.” It appears that a distinction does need to be made between traditional greenhouses and their more energy-consumptive counterparts when it comes to building codes. However, one hopes that energy efficient traditional greenhouses won’t suffer the consequences. c
Since stepping out onto the music scene in the late 1950s as the timeless folkrock duo Simon & Garfunkel, nowsolo artist Paul Simon has come a long way. As a singer-songwriter, and Grammy award-winning Rock & Roll Hallof-Famer, Paul Simon has been unstoppable, releasing countless hits over the years that have stood the test of time, such as “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “Kodachrome,” “Loves Me Like a Rock” and many more. Simon announced in early February that he is going on tour one last time with the Homeward Bound— The Farewell Tour, which will showcase some of his biggest hits in North America and Europe. Don’t miss your last chance to catch Paul Simon live, as he said this will end his touring career. Grab your tickets before they sell out, and they likely will. (Cecilia Juarez) WHEN: Fri, May 18 WHERE: Key Arena, 305 Harrison St., Seattle WEBSITE: keyarena.com
NEWS
nuggetS
Study Suggests that Crime Decreased in Washington After Legalization A report titled “Crime and the legalization of recreational marijuana” was published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization in late February. The study examined data from 20132014 when recreational cannabis was legal in Washington, but still prohibited in Oregon. Data regarding rates of reported
crime, drug and alcohol use were compared. Lead researcher Giulio Zanella explained to CULTURE that “all counties in Washington and Oregon are included, but the statistical technique employed provides an estimate at the WashingtonOregon border (all bordering counties), where the comparison is a better one.” The study found that following recreational cannabis legalization, there was “a significant reduction in rapes and property crimes on the Washington side of the border in 2013-14, relative to the Oregon side, and relative to the prelegalization years 2010-12.” The study surmises “the legalization of recreational cannabis leads to the emergence of a legal market, which offers more safety and more reliable product quality via legitimate business. This likely drives illegal sellers out of the market.”
Report Identifies Potential Effects of Canadian Cannabis Legalization on Washington Legal recreational cannabis is projected to become available in Canada sometime in August. A recent report, titled “Cannabis in Cascadia: Impacts of Legalization in the Region” was released by the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University. Researchers attempted to assess the effect cannabis legalization in Canada will have on Washington State. Director of the Border Policy Research Institute, Laurie Trautman, PhD, spoke with CULTURE
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
about the report. “Once Canada legalizes cannabis, you’re going to have a whole region, from California all the way up to Alaska, where cannabis is legal. The border kind of cuts it right in the middle. And the border being federal jurisdiction is going to be a place where it will still be illegal to possess cannabis,” Trautman explained. “So even though it will be legal in Canada and Washington, it will still be illegal to transport it across the border, and I think there’s a lot of confusion about that and a lot of misconceptions.”
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.
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
17
REVIEWs
strain & concentrate
Stache Mister Vapester by GaGa The Stache Mister Vapester by GaGa is a high-quality, single-use vaporizer. GaGa has once again created an elegantly branded and packaged product, making this vaporizer all the more appealing. The hash oil in this vape has natural flavors. After sampling this tasty, discreet and easy-to-use product, the CULTURE team noted that this particular cartridge had a wonderful sweet, cherry flavor. This vaporizer utilizes cutting-edge cell technology that makes the most out of exquisite tasting oil. The oil in this vape packs an incredibly potent and powerful punch. The punch this vaporizer packs undoubtedly comes from the approximately 90 percent total CBD, which makes this product one of the most potent vaporizers on the market. The high CBD content of this oil makes it the perfect choice for pain relief or helping with insomnia, all while being easy on the lungs.
Available at: Green Collar Cannabis in Tacoma.
Sour Strawberry Kush by Phat Panda This Sour Strawberry Kush is part of the Phat Panda Platinum series, and it’s easy to see why. As soon as you unscrew the chrome platinum labeled lid and smell that sweet Sour Strawberry Kush scent, you know this flower is something special. In addition to the intoxicatingly delectable aroma, the flower is incredibly beautiful. Dark green and purple in color, the dense bud forms a shape that’s almost reminiscent of a strawberry. The crystalline leaves have a healthy amount of orange hairs. The CULTURE team used a vaporizer and water pipe to sample this flower, and noticed that while still delicious, the flavor was not quite as prominent as the scent. While there were still hints of sour, berry and kush, the kush flavor was more forward, whereas the sour berry flavor was more subtle. The indica-dominant hybrid’s effects are more indicative of an indica, but still include some giggly euphoria similar to a sativa. This flower would be perfect for a variety of uses, like pain relief, social occasions or anything else you please.
Paris OG by HempKings Like an evening in Paris, this Paris OG is full of sensual pleasure. The fragrance contains everything you could ever want in cannabis. Its main scent is earthy—with a very signature cannabis note. But the lemon citrus fruit scents are also strong. The flower is lovely, while dense expertly cured buds are covered in ample crystals and bright orange hairs. The texture is perfect and breaks up nicely for any use, whether you’re vaping, using a water pipe, rolling joints or anything else. The CULTURE team used a water pipe to sample this flower, and noticed the flavor was similar to the scent, with a forward earthy, cannabis flavor, followed by a strong and lovely fruity, citrus, lemon finish. A smooth, relaxing effect settled in soon after sampling, which was a perfect blend of indica and sativa, offering the best of both worlds. It’s the perfect flower for daytime use, because it’s a nice companion on an outdoorsy spring day or for a barbeque. It will lift you up without knocking you out. 18
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Available wherever: GaGa products are carried.
Available wherever: HempKings products are carried.
Available wherever: Mammoth Labs products are carried.
Summer Blossom by Mammoth Labs This hydrocarbon concentrate is an absolute treat. Mammoth Labs has done it again. If you need a calorie-free warm weather treat, this concentrate is it. The texture is perfect, pliable and easy to work with. The amber, dark honey color is stunning. While the fragrance had a prominent pine scent, after using a water vaporizer to sample this concentrate, the CULTURE team noted flavors of pineapple and key lime, reminiscent of a tasty tropical cocktail. The finish in particular has a key lime and white chocolate truffle flavor that lingers and delights. The concentrate is smooth and easy on the lungs. The hybrid concentrate appeared to be sativa-dominant, with the effects being joyful, energizing and giddy, yet relaxing. It’s the perfect concentrate to enjoy a garden party, a boat ride or any other springtime outdoor activity. While this is some powerful medicine, its sativa roots will give you a nice buzz without leaving you glued to the couch.
Available at: Urban Bud in Tacoma.
Bruce Diggler by Downtown Cannabis Company Bruce Diggler is a rare strain that will make you feel like you won a prize if you’re lucky enough to find it. The scent is wonderful, with notes of pine, lime and earthiness, which are all evident at first whiff. The nugs are small and mighty, and what they lack in size, they make up for in density and potency. The sugary leaves are absolutely crammed with crystals, with the light green color almost not visible behind the white layer of crystals. Light orange hairs poke through the crystalline layer. The CULTURE team used a water pipe and vaporizer to sample this lovely flower. The flavor was similar to the scent, with an earthy forward flavor followed by a lime and pine finish. It’s an overall very tasty flower. This strain provided a steady and strong effect, with a light energetic buzz accompanied by a blissfully relaxed body and mind effect. It’s the perfect flower for a spring hike, or any other outdoor or indoor endeavor. Its slight energetic effect also makes it perfect for social occasions, though it’s not so strongly energetic that it will impact your ability to sleep. CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
19
REVIEWs
company highlight
M-Brands 725 Industry Dr., Tukwila
| (253) 301-4062 | www.GaGaedibles.com
How would you describe your company? M-Brands owns and distributes a wide variety of quality cannabis products to over 240 retail stores throughout Washington. Its portfolio of brands includes GaGa Edibles and Concentrates, StacheCo. (the home of Mr. Twister and Mr. Vapester), Dvine (fine topical lotions and tinctures), and GaGa Gardens (premium indoor flower). What is your specialty? The foundation for our product lines is the production of exceptional oil. Our concentrates won three awards at last year’s Dope Cup in our first year of operations. [We] used to produce the popular “Juicy,” Hard Candies, Peanut Butter Cups and nondairy Creamers, [so] our edibles line enjoys a reputation for great flavor and potency. Our nine flavors of Mr. Twisters are consistently the number one selling infused pre-roll in the state, and customers love the experience of using our Dvine topicals. What do you offer consumers/ clients that others don’t? Most important is consistently highquality products. Next would be a broad range of products, each developed to serve specific market segments. How and why did your company start up? Our vision is to provide the finest cannabis delivery systems to legal markets throughout North America. Our research and industry experience date back about nine years to the operation of dispensaries, grow 20
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
facility and edibles kitchen in Colorado. Along the way we have assembled a team of top business and industry professionals, including a celebrity chef and a Ph.D. scientific researcher, who has created patent pending extraction processes that differentiate us from any other company in the industry. We chose Washington for our headquarters and national launching pad because it is a proving ground in one of the most competitive markets in the country. Our success here has led to opportunities to soon begin distribution in Nevada and Colorado. Discussions are also under way to enter the market in several other states and Canada. What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? Have more capital than your business plan projects you’ll need, and make sure you have a strong and diverse team in place. There is more complexity to this business than meets the eye, and no one person has the knowledge base and skill set to succeed alone. It takes a team, and by team we mean every member truly supports the company. Adaptation is key to survival. We are in the infancy in growth of this industry. In five years we will see remarkable changes, both in law and production technology. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? Our vision is to be an international leading supplier of quality cannabis
products and delivery systems. We intend to achieve distribution of our current and future brands in every legal market in the states and Canada. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? We have barely scratched the surface of cannabis applications to improve health conditions. We will devote substantial resources for research and development of new products to help people. We are in the process of forming a non-profit—Canna Friends, to raise awareness and financial aid for people recovering from cancer and other debilitating conditions. The cost of medications and the physical challenges of living through the side effects of radiation and chemo treatments can be devastating. We know cannabis can help on the health side, we want to raise funds to help folks on the financial side as well. There is already preliminary research that tells us cannabis is a viable alternative to the crisis we face with pain medications. We intend to be a leader in developing science to develop cannabis products to replace these devastating drugs. c
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
21
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 22
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
1 4
For More Products Go To CultureMagazine.com
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
3
2
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
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)
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)
MUSIC MOVIE
2534
The Post
Criminal Code Deranged Records
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)
After four years, Tacoma’s own Criminal Code has returned with another ferocious offering loaded with nine blistering songs on the new album, 2534. Picking up right where it left off with 2014’s No Device, the quartet comes in swinging for the head with opening track “Exiled” and it doesn’t let up. Though the recording quality is better and the vocals are a bit cleaner than the band’s previous releases, Criminal Code still delivers its signature blend of aggressive, driving punk mixed with darker, textural postpunk embedded with unwavering intensity. For those already digging on the enveloping sounds of bands like Culture Abuse and Bugg, Criminal Code is one to be aware of. (Simon Weedn) CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
23
maker of melodies 26
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Photos by Tim Cadiente
ziggy marley’s new album rebellion rises and new tours are bound to make this a banner year
n
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.
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
27
“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.”
28
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
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.
“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.
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
ziggymarley.com
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
29
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.”
30
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
stephen marley shares about his career and his plans for the future
i
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
stephenmarleymusic.com
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
31
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.
k.
“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
32
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
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.”
e.
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 business. 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.
i.
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
MAY 2018
33
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.
a.
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 34
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
“ 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 of 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 irreversible 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
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
35
Creating for the Masses Y o uTu b e i s h o me to the future of cannabis content d ive r s i t y By Addison Herron-Wheeler
C
reating cannabis content on YouTube, sometimes referred to as “weedtubing,” can take many forms. From becoming an outlet to show off consuming giant dabs and smoking supersized joints to an opportunity for activism and free expression, video creation allows many cannabis advocates to express their passion. In all cases, video content overall continues to gain a lot of attention, and as a result, videos continue to change the way we consume cannabis content. CULTURE spoke to some of the biggest names in the cannabis YouTube world to find out how they contribute to the cannabis community and about the future of cannabis video blogging. 36
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
K imm y Ta n With over 292,000 YouTube subscribers, Kimmy Tan is making a name for herself by sharing her multiple interests. Not only is she a legal cannabis patient in California, an advocate and an avid smoker, she is also a tattoo artist, model, singer, songwriter and artist. She also embraces an alternative fashion sense, coining a signature look with numerous tattoos and dreadlocks, and she even has a cannabis-inspired cosmetics line. But above all, Tan’s passion for cannabis is well-placed, as she’s found a niche of like-minded viewers “ H o p e f u l ly, w i t h who enjoy sharing t h e l e g a l i z at i o n o f her perspective marijuana becoming about cannabis more widespread legalization across the country. a c r o s s U . S . s tat e s , “Hopefully, with we’ll be seeing the legalization more and more of marijuana content centered becoming more widespread around cannabis and across U.S. states, normalizing cannabis we’ll be seeing m e d i c at i o n . ” more and more
content centered on cannabis and normalizing cannabis medication,” she told CULTURE. Her video channel isn’t just a form of entertainment for viewers, but also a positive force toward de-stigmatizing medical cannabis. “What I’m really hoping is that the message gets out there that cannabis is truly one of the safest ways of medication, backed with scientific research, and that the stigma will slowly lift and more ‘regular people of society,’ like moms, doctors and businessmen, can start to speak out on their cannabis use and how it enhances their lives,” Tan added. Tan started creating videos because cannabis helped treat her anxiety and depression, making her feel well enough to create as well as medicate. She decided to share this message with the world, which has led to her success as a well-known content creator and avid advocate. Tan hopes that in the future, more cancer patients will be able to come forward and share their journeys to remission, as well as how they medicate with cannabis in order to heal. “I’m hoping 2018 will be the year that society will see, more and more, that ‘lazy hippies’ and rap videos shouldn’t be the only things that pop into your brain when you think of cannabis,” she said.
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
37
The Gay Stoner
The Stoner Mom There’s a stigma when “stoner” and “mom” are used in the same sentence. However, famous video creator, known as The Stoner Mom, hopes to put all those preconceived notions to rest. What started as an outlet for talking about medicating to battle her depression and living the normal life of a mom who enjoys consuming cannabis, actually spiraled into a viral YouTube sensation. Now, The Stoner Mom educates over 41,000 followers. The Stoner Mom used Zoloft and Wellbutrin for an estimated 11 years 38
in order to treat her depression and anxiety— until she found that cannabis was a true lifesaver. She began making videos in early 2015, many of which began as simple “stoner sesh” videos, but evolved into vlog-style content about being a normal, responsible mom who also consumes cannabis. “The Stoner Mom was born out of a need to share my personal journey with cannabis and the desire to model what real adult cannabis use looks like,” she told CULTURE. “As a mom whose mental health was literally saved by cannabis, breaking the stigma of the lazy, unemployed, collegeaged stoner is very important to me.” She resents that responsible citizens are forced to break the law when they use cannabis for medicine or are arrested just for medicating. This is why it is so important for her to share the impacts of cannabis on health. Most recently, The Stoner Mom has embarked on a new journey to rid herself of pharmaceutical medication for depression, replacing it with CBD. She claims that it has lessened her need to consume cannabis in other forms, which has lowered her tolerance back to “newbie levels.”
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Originally, Arend Richard, aka The Gay Stoner, was trying to reach the LGBTQ crowd specifically with his YouTube videos, providing commentary and insight into queer life. One day, he combined that topic with smoking a bowl, which led his videos to go viral, and the rest is history. Now, he has over 112,000 followers on YouTube and an army of fans who love how open and unapologetic he is. Richard started making videos at the right time, as now is a crucial moment in the evolution of cannabis entertainment, with legalization of cannabis in some form is being welcomed by many American citizens. “I think we are moving into a phase where people are really starting to bring something unique to the category,” Richard explained. “In the past it was just sit down in front of a camera and sesh. Now it’s a bit more imaginative. We
have creators vlogging, teaching and so much more. In essence, I think where cannabis vlogging is headed is into the mainstream.” In addition to vlogging and making his cannabis message front-and-center, Richard is showing the world that LGBTQ folks also consume cannabis, and that the world of recreational cannabis isn’t just about scantilyclad women and the straight men who ogle them. Richard said that he takes inspiration from the thousands of thank you messages that his viewers have sent him, expressing their appreciation for his unique perspective and representation. “Any time that you can change a person’s outlook or make someone’s day . . . it’s totally worth it,” he added. “As far as my contributions to the cannabis community, I think my contributions are more for the noncannabis community. I’ve changed thousands of people’s minds about weed.”
“We have c r e at o r s vlogging, teaching and so much more. In essence I think where cannabis vlogging is headed is into the mainstream.”
Loaded Up Instead of one person putting a beautiful mug front and center, Loaded Up takes the group approach to cannabis blogging, using the efforts of multiple cannabis content creators to procure a channel that is of interest to many cannabis coinsumers. With 186,000 subscribers, this group has developed a method that works well for their videos. The members of Loaded Up aim to be original and create videos that are both enjoyable and informative. “Loaded Up started with one idea, that medicating with cannabis all starts with the best experience,” members of the group explained to CULTURE. The team wanted to create a solution so that interested parties could just press play and watch content unfold before their eyes instead of endlessly searching.
“Because we i n s p i r e , e d u c at e a n d e n t e r ta i n millions of people, we keep them u p d at e d o n c a n n a b i s r e g u l at i o n s , best strains and products and, m o s t i m p o r ta n t ly, h o w t o m e d i c at e r e s p o n s i b ly a n d b r e a k a w ay f r o m t h o s e n e g at i v e s t i g m a s t h at c o m e at ta c h e d w i t h cannabis.”
In an effort to combat channels based on reposting and memes, Loaded Up aims to make sure every video on their page was fresh and original. When the creators first began recoding video content, no one else was really focused on high-quality or consistently produced cannabis content. Like many others content creators on YouTube, Loaded Up hopes that their videos, and the videos of their peers, will help to change any negative perceptions of the plant. “We believe that as more states and countries legalize cannabis we make a huge impact on first-time patients and long-term patients,” they said. “Because we inspire, educate and entertain millions of people, we keep them updated on cannabis regulations, best strains and products and, most importantly, how to medicate responsibly and break away from those negative stigmas that come attached with cannabis.”
xCodeh xCodeh, or Cody, with 538,000 followers, has been creating videos and making a strong name for himself in the cannabis community. Although he’s among one of the most popular YouTube channels about cannabis, he is concerned about the recent shutdown of certain YouTube videos that has threatened the cannabis content community. “Cannabis video blogging in 2018 has started off to a rough start, with YouTube terminating many cannabisrelated channels with community guideline strikes,” Cody told CULTURE. He noted that since YouTube (like social media sites) is having trouble accepting cannabis culture, cannabis content creators may have to start looking for a new platform to express their views. Still, despite setbacks and red tape, he is happy doing what he does because of the joy it brings to other cannabis enthusiasts. “What inspires me the most to make content is seeing replies saying that my videos really helped [improve]
their day or mood,” Cody stated. “I want my videos to be a chill place, where you can relax and not worry about the stresses of daily life for even a few minutes. Money was a motivator in the beginning, but once the core fan base continued to grow the only thing that truly matters to me is if the viewers are happy, and if I’m happy making the content that they enjoy.” c
“I want my videos to be a chill place, where you can relax and not worry about the stresses of d a i ly l i f e f o r e v e n a few minutes.” CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
39
Compassion for Kara O n e fa m i ly ’ s succ e ss i n ad v oca t i n g fo r m e d i ca l ca n n a b i s By Benjamin M. Adams
M
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
40
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
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 T HC i s n o t very effective for Kara. We know this because we’ve t r i e d . I w i s h CB D strains were effective, but they a r e n ’ t. I ’ d c h o o s e ditch weed over the b e s t CB D s t r a i n o n 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
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
41
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 42
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
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
HEALTHY LIVING
Protect from Within C a n n a b i s ca n ass i s t t h e i m m u n e s y s t e m a n d p r o t e c t y ou r h e a lt h By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
O
ne of the most important but least understood systems in our bodies is the immune system. By protecting our fragile anatomy from harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites and other infectious organisms, we stay healthy. The immune system performs life-saving actions by mobilizing specialized immune cells at sites of infections or injury, causing an inflammatory response, which destroys these detrimental organisms. The problem occurs when there is too much inflammation resulting in chronic inflammation, causing the immune system to attack its own body rather than a foreign body. This is a major threat to health, as chronic inflammation can lead to depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, asthma, arthritis, allergies, diabetes, obesity and more. Cannabis provides therapeutic respite for all these diseases. These benefits are a result of the cannabinoids in cannabis acting as
immune-modulators that help regulate and influence the function of the immune system. As immune-modulators, these cannabinoids can aid in reducing the chronic inflammation at the root of these diseases. The immune system also plays a significant role in neuroinflammation, which can lead to neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Lou Gehrig’s disease, as well as being associated with strokes and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Through the process of neurogenesis, cannabinoids mitigate neurodegenerative diseases by regulating and promoting the development of new neural pathways. By reducing inflammation and at the same time facilitating neurogenesis, cannabinoids can be of immense benefit in helping people recover from the devastating effects of these diseases. If cannabis can provide benefits to people suffering from chronic inflammation by reducing the inflammation, what about healthy individuals who exhibit normal inflammatory responses?
Since inflammation is the process by which the immune system fights infections, can cannabis inhibit the immune system’s inflammatory response thereby interfering with its ability to protect the body from bacteria, viruses and other invading organisms? In answering this question it is important to recognize that the immunomodulatory effects of the immune system result from a coordinated cornucopia of responses from the “innate immune system” (the immunities we are born with) and the “adaptive immune system” (the immunities developed as we go through life). It is a complex system requiring multiple cell types to properly function, making it incorrect to infer its actions as the consequence of any one component. Cannabinoids have been shown to have a significant beneficial effect in controlling the inflammatory responses of the immune system when it comes to chronic inflammation, but there has been little evidence that these same cannabinoids impair the ability of the immune system to properly function. The fact is that people who consume prodigious amounts of cannabis do not show any health related consequences related to ailments that would be caused by the inability of the immune system to fight these harmful invading organisms. Substantiating that conclusion is research on people living with HIV whose compromised immune systems cannot produce adequate inflammatory responses. This is the reason they are
vulnerable to common opportunistic infections such as thrush and cancers like Kaposi sarcoma, which healthy immune systems can easily dispatch. A 2018 study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases found “that cannabinoids may have an immunological benefit in the context of HIV infection, as lowering the frequency of activated T cells could limit the risk of development of non-AIDS-associated comorbidities”—i.e. people living with AIDS who use cannabis may be less likely to develop these opportunistic infections than those who do not. If the cannabinoids in cannabis reduce the inflammatory response of the immune system, which is responsible for preventing diseases caused by bacteria, fungus and viruses, it would be reasonable to conclude that by reducing the inflammatory response, people living with AIDS and using cannabis should experience more frequent opportunistic infections and not less. The authors of the study recognize that “This novel finding is important.” Exactly why this is happening is not fully understood. Whether cannabis use by people living with AIDS leads to an increase in T-cells, which are integral part of the immune response, or they are killing HIV cells or something entirely different, the use of cannabis by people with compromised or healthy immune systems is not to be deterred. Instead cannabis needs to be recognized as something that’s essential for the betterment of health and continued quality of life. c
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
43
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
44
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
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-inchwide space between the cement walls. When pulling him out with a rope failed,
firefighters 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.
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
45
46
MAY 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
MAY 2018
47