Culture Magazine Colorado December 2015 by Culture Magazine

CULTURE // December 2015

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December 2015 // CULTURE

CULTURE // December 2015

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December 2015 // CULTURE

december 2015

Contents 64

116

120

Features

48 DAPPER AND DOMINATING

56 . Strict New Pesticide Ruling in Colorado

George Zimmer, suit mogul and overall business professional, dishes all about his 50+ year appreciation of cannabis and how he’s changing the game in suit-buying.

60 . Rec Can Learn A Lot from the MMJ Movement

ON THE COVER: Photo by Tonya Perme

8 . Letter from the Editor

. Industry Insider: Jeremy Heidl of O.penVAPE

70 . Hemp Fabric: A History 78 . The Vonckens are Fighting for their Daughter’s right to MMJ in Belgium 80

. New Regs in New York

86 . Christ and Cannabis 90 . CBD for the Holidays 94 . Local Artist Joe Triscari will Inspire and Ignite Your Passion 98 . Space Jesus is the Local Messiah of trap-hop and EDM

NEWS

10 . News Nuggets 12 . By the Numbers 18 . Voters Give Up Refunds For School Funding 22 . legal corner 26 . healthy living

Departments

112 . say WHAT?! 114 . Growing Culture 116 . Destination Unknown 118 . Profiles in Courage 120 . Recipes 124 . let’s do this 126 . shooting gallery 128 . News of the Weird

reviews

30 . Advocate highlight 32 . dispensary highlight concentrate ReviewS

44 . Entertainment Reviews

Israel Steadily Rising in the Global Cannabis Market

46 . LINER NOTES

102 . Analog Son Makes Creative and Passionate Tunes 106 . The Cannasseur’s Holiday Gift Guide 44

CULTURE // December 2015

Canadian Prime Minister Starts the Process of Legalization Cannabis Censorship on Social Media: The Tricky Divide

36 . STRAIN, Edible &

WEB Exclusive!

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Vol 7 IssUE 6

/freeculturemag

/ireadculture

letter from the editor

Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas

Presentation Has

Power

recent study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science specifically studies how formal attire changes people’s thought processes. “Putting on formal clothes makes us feel powerful, and that changes the basic way we see the world,” says Abraham Rutchick, an author of the study and a professor of psychology at California State University, Northridge. Rutchick and his co-authors found that wearing formal clothing makes people think more broadly and holistically, rather than narrowly and detail-oriented. People often say dress for the job you want, not for the job you have. Formal menswear mogul George Zimmer knew this psychological fact instinctually, even at an early age. His obsession with suits and the luxury of the perfect fit helped him create an empire of innovation, invention and success, with a lot of style. The cannabis sector has seen this same psychological effect take hold and help shape our growth as a culture and industry. The original “stoner culture” that birthed the bright and shiny cannabis culture we all know now started without much thought into how it appears to others, its presentation or its packaging. Now, the cannabis world is a thriving

CULTURE // December 2015

and booming industry where presentation is of the utmost importance—to change stigmas, misrepresentations and decades of anticannabis propaganda. With countless tragic events occurring every day, all over the world, it is important to consider how the visual presentation of ideas affects people, positively and negatively. In our industry, cannabis legalization and medical access is the most important shared goal— we are looking to help each other, whether it’s through groundbreaking natural medical treatments or through decriminalization of a natural plant, no one in this industry is trying to harm anyone else. It’s all about the betterment of our society, our community and our world. Taking time to shape our message to the world and to each other, with attention to presentation and respect, can only help our ongoing fight for legalization, access and worldwide peace. c Sincerely,

Editorial Contributors Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, Scott Rappold, Randy Robinson, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson, Rick Thompson Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Jonathan Ibarra Regional Sales Manager Kim Cook Account Executives Greg Andes,Callie Belo, Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Ryan Dunn, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Yolanda Imoberstag, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher, Paulina Porter-Tapia, April Tygart general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital media Editor Kimberly Johnson Ctv Video Editor Deonica Panlilio Ctv Contributors Anna Logan,Chris Salazar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes 50,000 magazines at over 1,400 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 8156 Wadsworth Blvd | #E239 Littleton | Colorado | 80128 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com

Evan A. Senn

Editor-In-Chief

CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.

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C STATE ________________________

NEWS NUGGETS

Poll Reveals that Most Coloradans Still Support Cannabis Legalization

A recent poll conducted by Quinnipiac University, which surveyed 1,262 Colorado voters, reveals that 55 percent of Coloradans think that cannabis legalization has been a good thing for the state. The poll also reveals that approval is divided between Democratic and Republican parties within with seven out of 10 Democrats approving of cannabis while the same portion of Republicans are opposed of its legalization, according to The Huffington Post. Amongst male and female citizens of Colorado, 60 percent of male participants believe that legalizing cannabis has been good, while 45 percent of female participants believe so. Although some Colorado voters may disagree with the state’s decision to legalize cannabis, the economic advantages of legalization are apparent. Colorado made $70 million in tax revenue during the last fiscal year, surpassing its estimated revenue.

World’s First Cannabis Scholarship Approved

Pueblo County voters approved a cannabis tax that also created the world’s first scholarship funded by cannabis revenue. With the five percent excise tax on medical cannabis growers expected to rise to $3.5 million a year by 2020, the county decided to use this money to support high school seniors planning to attend one of its two public colleges, according to The Gazette. This type of funding is projected to award 400 high school seniors at $1,000 for each student per year. Although this is a revelation in the cannabis industry, some skeptics worry about the perception this may give students. President of the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, Tyler Henson states, “It’ll be interesting to see how they balance that, telling kids to stay away from these products until they’re 21 but creating a reliance on the product paying for their schooling.” Many believe

CULTURE // December 2015

care provider of the department to make appropriate recommendations, fill out forms, or take steps to comply with such a program.”

__________________________

that the scholarships will not create a stigma amongst students, stating that it is no different than scholarships granted by alcohol companies.

__________________________

NATION New Bill Allows Doctors to Administer Medical Cannabis To Veterans

The Senate has approved the FY2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which will allow veterans to access medical cannabis. Before the bill was passed, The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) prohibited doctors who worked with veterans from administering medical cannabis, even in the 23 states where it is legal, according to Congress. gov. The bill prohibits the VA from spending money on enforcement of these regulations, stating that it cannot “interfere with the ability of a veteran to participate in a state-approved medicinal marijuana program, deny any services from the Department to a veteran who is participating in such a program or limit or interfere with the ability of a health

World Mexico Supreme Court takes step toward recreational cannabis use

Wednesday, Nov. 5, The Mexican Supreme Court ruled in a 4-1 vote that growing, possessing and smoking cannabis for recreational use is not illegal. The Court decided on this ruling based on the principal that the personal use of cannabis falls under the right of “free development of personality.”Although this is a big step for Mexico in terms of cannabis legalization, the ruling only applies to the cannabis club who took up a case with the court asking for the right to legally utilize cannabis, and does not include sales or commercial production of the substance, according to 9&10 News. President Enrique Pena Neito addressed the ruling on his Twitter account, agreeing to respect the court’s decision but giving orders to the Mexican Government to thoroughly explain the guidelines of the ruling. Following this ruling, a senator from Neito’s governing party introduced a bill that will allow easier access to cannabisbased medicines for patients in Mexico, according to Fox News Latino. VISIT US AT

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by the numb3rs

3.7

The amount of square footage, in millions, that cannabis businesses in Denver occupy with industrial space: 3.7 (Source: The Denver Post)

1.75

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, from cannabis tax revenue that will be used to send Colorado high school graduates to local colleges: 1.75 (Source: MetroUK)

The number of dispensaries in Colorado that act as both a dispensary as well as a gas station: 2 (Source: Marijuana Business Daily)

The number of industrial buildings, out of every 11, that are now being used to grow cannabis in Denver: 1 (Source: International Business Times)

The percentage of Australians who believe that cannabis should be made legal for medical purposes: 91 (Source: The Guardian)

The estimated number of people who attended the first Southwest Cannabis Conference in Phoenix, Arizona: 2,000 (Source: The Monitor Daily)

58 12

The number of patients that a North Aurora dispensary served on its first day of opening: 50 (Source: Kane County Chronicle)

2,000

The newly published percentage of Americans who believe that cannabis use should be made legal: 58 (Source: Gallup)

CULTURE // December 2015

Ugly Sweater Run With all the delicious holiday foods and sweets that will be readily available this season, it would be smart to stay active. A great event for keeping fit during the holidays is the Ugly Sweater Run being held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The Ugly Sweater Run is social and active, encouraging its participants to wear the most horrendous Christmas sweater they can get their hands on. This 3.1-mile run consist of fun inflatables and photo booths at the start line, delicious hot chocolate stations throughout the running course and fun sweater contests and holiday events to check out once the race is over. Adults will be able to partake in some delicious Samuel Adams beer or a refreshing Kahlua cocktail, a wellearned treat for all the hectic holiday tasks you’ve completed.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Ugly Sweater Run. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Dec.19. Race starts at 11am. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Wy., Commerce City. INFO: Visit www. uglysweaterrun.com for details. VISIT US AT

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Giving It Up

Voters Reject Cannabis Tax Refunds

by Addison Herron-Wheeler

One of the biggest recent debates in Colorado has been in reference to the hefty tax surplus after the first fiscal year of cannabis sales. Recently, the state government allowed residents to vote on whether or not they wanted an individual tax refund, or whether the money should be spent on improving schools and making the state a better place. The results are now in, and Colorado voters officially agreed to give the refund back to the state. Not only did voters decide to return the refund, they did so overwhelmingly. The $66.1 million from recreational cannabis will be kept and spent by the state. The state return plan appeals to both parties—it makes the cannabis industry looks good and responsible, and it also provides an extremely helpful boost for the community. The first $40 million of this return will go to Colorado school construction, and then $12 million will help out with youth substance-abuse programs, helping to keep underage kids away from cannabis, alcohol and harder, more harmful substances. Then, $14.1 million will be given to lawmakers’ discretionary accounts. The “Vote Yes on Prop BB” campaign was able to raise $14,000 while the “Vote No on Prop BB” did not raise any money— another early indication that this measure would be successful. “These election results shouldn’t surprise anyone,” Senator Pat Steadman, the Denver Democrat who originally wrote the measure, told the Denver Post. “Voters have twice indicated they wanted marijuana to be taxed, and the vote just reaffirms that for a third time.” Voters in Colorado have indicated in the past that they wanted to give tax

CULTURE // December 2015

revenues to schools, but because of the Colorado Taxpayers Bill of Rights, this most recent vote became necessary since the original tax revenues were miscounted. The measure passed by 69 percent, and only 23 out of 100 lawmakers voted against it. If individuals had received the tax refund, everyone would have gotten between $6 and $16 dollars. “We are just fulfilling the promises that were made when Amendment 64 was passed,” state Representative Polly

Lawrence, R-Douglas County, told the Post. “The original proponents of Amendment 64 were very clever . . . to tie pot taxes to school construction, even though the two have zero to do with each other,” Mike Krause of the Independence Institute added in an interview. “It made it an easy choice for a lot of voters.” If this year was any indication, the cannabis industry in Colorado will be extremely lucrative for schools and the community for years to come. c VISIT US AT

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C r e n r co l a g le by Ann Toney

Land of the Free, Because of The Brave E

ven though 23 of our United States, plus the District of Columbia, have adopted state medical cannabis laws to date, it is still difficult if not illegal for our mentally and physically compromised veterans returning home from war to access medical cannabis for their comfort and aid. Shame on politics, or should I say, shame on politicians. In 2002, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in Marcus Conant, et al v. John P. Walters, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, et al, No. 00-17222 D.C. No. CV97-00139-WHA, the right of physicians to recommend medical cannabis to patients regardless of cannabis’ illegality under federal law. These Plaintiffs were brave people who stood up to the federal bureaucracy defending a physician’s right to recommend medical cannabis to his or her patients and not suffer the loss of their DEA license to prescribe controlled substances or an investigation. Fast forward to 2015. Currently the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under VHA Directive 2011-004 prohibits their medical providers from both discussing with

CULTURE // December 2015

patients and recommending medical cannabis to patients, so a veteran could obtain medical cannabis legally from a state provider. The VA is the only federal healthcare program which prohibits physicians from discussing medical cannabis with their patients as a treatment option even in the states where medical cannabis is legal. In November 2015, the U.S. Senate version of a spending bill, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act for 2016, contained the Veterans Equal Access Amendment. This amendment, also known as DainesMerkley Amendment, sponsored by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), was passed in the U.S. Senate. The amendment authorizes VA doctors to provide recommendations for patients for the use of medical cannabis to Veterans who live in medical cannabis states. Section 246 of MilCon-VA reads as follows “Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to: Interfere with the ability of veterans to participate in a stateapproved medicinal marijuana program, deny services to veterans participating in

a program, or interfere with the ability of a VA healthcare provider care to comply with a program.” It is a long way from over though, as the House of Representatives version of the spending bill does not include the Veterans Equal Access Amendment language. Actually, the House rejected a similar amendment earlier this year. Previously though, both houses did pass a federal law banning federal prosecutors and anti-drug agents from interfering with state medical cannabis laws. So we are crawling towards a just outcome for veterans. Now is a good time to contact your U.S. Representative: Ken Buck (202) 225-4676 Doug Lamborn (202) 225-4422 Scott Tipton (202) 225-4761 Diana DeGette (202) 225-4431 Mike Coffman (202) 225-7882 and tell them to give veterans access to medical cannabis treatment through the VA. c VISIT US AT

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C g n i v i l y h t l hea by Lanny Swerdlow, RN

Have a Safe, Sane and Cannabis-Infused New Year

or all its traditional vibes of home and hearth, for many, the holiday season is a time of party, party, party. Family, work, friends, organizations, clubs and more all vie to celebrate the holidays in the most extravagant and joyous fashion. Alcohol plays a central role in many of these parties as a social facilitator, consciousness transformer and a celebratory symbol of the season. Yet the result of this alcohol consumption is tragic. The National Safety Council reports that over the last decade an average of 400 people are killed each year in traffic accidents during the holiday period, with an estimated 40 percent of these fatalities being the result of drinking and driving. Although one might reasonably expect New Year’s Eve to be the worst of the holiday season, it is actually at the very beginning, with Thanksgiving Eve seeing such a substantial rise in DUIs that bartenders and police refer to it as “Blackout Wednesday.” During the holiday season, alcohol consumption is promoted everywhere. Ads abound across the media for alcoholic beverages. Bars and restaurants exalt their offerings

CULTURE // December 2015

of specialty libations. Billboards and shopping malls display images of joyful alcohol-infused celebrations. The message is unmistakable—consumption of alcohol is de rigueur—so de rigueur that about 15 percent of all holiday alcohol consumption is by underage drinkers. The media that makes over two billion dollars annually from alcohol and alcoholrelated ads, atones for these windfall profits by running articles offering safety tips on alcohol consumption during the holiday season. The advice is not about abstaining or even cutting down, but usually centers on avoiding hangovers. Business journal, Forbes advises executives to eat before consuming alcohol. CBS News recommends watering down your drinks. Cosmopolitan endorses taking antioxidants, while WebMD warns against using carbonated mixers. Even the Mayo Clinic jumps in with advice noting that many people take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen to prevent hangover symptoms with a cautionary note that acetaminophen may cause liver damage if too much alcohol is consumed. Alcohol abstinence most definitely will prevent a

hangover, but let’s get real here—people like to alter their senses, get a little crazy, reduce their inhibitions and partake of communal traditions and abstinence doesn’t cut it. What every single advice article on how to best handle holiday alcohol consumption doesn’t mention is consuming cannabis— the one substance that actually can provide all the socialenhancing, mind-altering and spirit-lifting qualities of alcohol without the negative consequence of hangovers. If the holiday season is truly about peace on Earth and good

will towards men, then what is more likely to bring that about— booze or cannabis? Whether it be in preparation for shopping on Black Friday, suffering silently at family Christmas reunions with relatives who drive you up a wall or heading out to welcome in the New Year, nothing satisfies like cannabis. Toasting with the passage of the ceremonial joint is far more communally bonding than booze-filled glasses momentarily clinking together before going down the hatch. High quality, potent cannabis gladdens the heart, delights the senses, fulfills the spirit and heightens the feelings of pleasure more assuredly than alcohol ever will—not to mention the medical benefits. If you are part of the significant minority that likes to get totally blitzed, then dabbing, the newest trend in cannabis consumption, is your ticket to a fun-filled, hazeinduced holiday season and an almighty New Year’s Eve. Unlike alcohol, where multiple drinks will eventually knock you unconscious after multiple dry and not-so-dry heaves, dabbing cannabis concentrates can go on all night long. One of the best parts of consuming cannabis to celebrate New Year’s Eve is that come New Year’s Day morning, you’ll wake up bright-eyed and bushytailed. Fit as a fiddle, you will be ready to enjoy the Rose Parade, the Rose Bowl or whatever you choose to do on the first day of the New Year, including imbibing more cannabis. c

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Advocate HIGHLIGHT

Jason Kamp Occupation: Owner of Cognitions Coaching and Consulting Services; Director of Organizational Development, Art of War Project; Veteran Success Training Coordinator, Red Rocks Community College; Consultant, Red Thread Creative Group

When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis? My advocacy for cannabis began many years ago when I found the use of marijuana beneficial for my own needs. Upon moving to Colorado, I felt empowered to vocally and publicly advocate for cannabis use. My first professional contribution to the industry was gathering various data and writing frameworks of business plans for multiple state entities to use as a framework for a legitimized system. Building on this experience, I then worked with Red Thread Creative Group, writing web copy for various companies within the industry. I assisted Red Thread Creative Group with the SMPS Colorado’s Legal Cannabis marketing event, and served as the database manager through Red Thread for the Colorado Cannabis Summit. I am now currently working with the Art of War Project to inform veterans of the use and benefits of cannabis in mitigating the symptoms of PTSD and TBI. We just hosted the Veteran’s Cannabis Education Panel with keynote speaker Dr. Sue Sisley. Dr. Sisley has been given funding by the federal government to research the effects of cannabis on PTSD and TBI. She presented current findings to our veteran

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attendees, and educated them on the chemical makeup of cannabis. We are working to develop a cannabis coalition for our veterans. Finally, I assisted Art of War and other partners in conducting the first annual Munchie Crawl here in Denver, where proceeds went to support Art of War in their contributions to the community. How has cannabis benefited your life? I sustained a back injury while serving in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. I have suffered with debilitating back pain for 20 years. Cannabis has allowed me to live a normal, productive life while managing my pain. I recently had an L5 discectomy resulting from my service connected injury. The use of cannabis for pain management allowed from me to get off of the narcotics very quickly. Thanks to cannabis, I rarely have to resort to using narcotics to manage my pain. Additionally, cannabis has helped me overcome social anxiety. What’s your greatest achievement for the cannabis cause? I feel my greatest achievement for the cannabis cause is working to connect veterans with resources allowing them

to manage various symptoms with fewer narcotics. This country is experiencing more than 22 veteran suicides per day that are attributed to the many difficulties they face dealing with PTSD and TBI. If we can prevent just one of these suicides by educating veterans about the use of cannabis in mitigating their symptoms, I would posit we are achieving great things. Who do you look up to or admire? I admire anyone who goes against the stream. I look up to anyone who stands up against injustices for the sake of others. If you could change one thing about the way cannabis is viewed and/or treated right now, what would it be? The stigma of the “pot head.” Our society needs to understand that the image of the “stoner” is a fallacy. Many prominent and productive members of our community use cannabis regularly, not only for recreation, but for medical purposes as well. Transcending this stigma will not only allow for more productive dialogue about the benefits of cannabis, but will also remove barriers from those seeking a new remedy, but concerned about how others might judge them. c VISIT US AT

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Dispensary

HIGHLIGHT

Good Chemistry Interviewed: Matthew Huron (CEO) 16840 E. Iliff Ave., Aurora, 80013 330 E. colfax ave., denver, 80203 goodchem.org (303) 745-2420 How and when did your dispensary start up? Good Chemistry’s story began in 2000 when I saw firsthand the benefits that people can experience from cannabis, when my father and his partner—along with many of their friends— used the plant to treat severe symptoms of HIV. Cannabis offered relief and became an excellent alternative treatment for HIV patients. At that time, my father and I set up a small, non-profit medical marijuana co-op in San Francisco that served AIDS patients and the assisted living and hospice facilities that treated them. In 2008, my father’s partner passed away, and shortly after that, my father passed away as well. Because of California’s lack of regulation, I decided to move the business to Colorado. In September of 2009, I opened my first dispensary, Wellspring Collective, as a side project while still running the co-op in California. I realized that to stay in an industry that is still federally illegal, I needed to operate in a highly regulated environment. When the Colorado legislature began the process to build a framework for medical marijuana regulation in 2010, the idea of

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moving my business entirely to Colorado became very attractive. By 2010, I closed the co-op in San Francisco and opened Good Chemistry in Denver. With longterm goals to expand in Colorado and eventually into other states, I launched a second Good Chemistry location in Aurora in April 2015. What does your store offer clients that they can’t find anywhere else? What do you specialize in, if anything? Good Chemistry is dedicated to cultivating the most consistent, high-quality cannabis available, including our exclusive strains Ingrid and Mr. Good Chem, and our highly acclaimed Sour Diesel, Blue Dream, OGer, Durban Poison and many others, each of world-class quality. Because we believe in leading the way and making life better for everyone, every strain is priced at $30 per 1/8, every day. We don’t have pricing tiers or shelf tiers. Just a great product at a great price.

What is the one thing you want patients and customers to know about your dispensary? Good Chemistry believes that the infinite range of desirable, enjoyable and beneficial effects and experiences provided by cannabis should be available and accessible to all who are interested at the highest levels of quality, consistency and reliability. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/ MMJ community? At the end of the day, our biggest accomplishment is helping people. Good Chemistry’s mission is to “Lead the Way,” and we do that by producing the finest cannabis in Colorado, educating our customers and supporting our community. Good Chemistry has a Compassion Program that stems from the co-op I started with my father in San Francisco, which provided free medical cannabis to patients in need. When I moved the business to Colorado, I wanted to continue the good work my father was doing so I started the Good Chemistry Compassion Program. Good Chemistry is also involved in many aspects of the Colorado LGBT Community. I would love to see other states follow the standard of regulation that Colorado has set, which would create a positive change in the industry. c

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STRAIN + EDIBLE + concentrate Golden Goat

Sorry, kittens, but little baby goat videos have taken over as the best thing on YouTube—we’ll fight you IRL if you disagree. If you’re looking to hop with happiness, like a baby goat, try checking out Chronic Therapy in Wheat Ridge, purveyors of one of the best Golden Goat cuts in the Front Range. Fuzzy, with light golden hairs flying every which way and a light green undercarriage, it’s a master course in how this strain should look. With a tropical fruit nose and a slightly nutty finish, it’s almost like a goat party on a beach with piña coladas everywhere. High end THC percentages mean you’ll feel a lot of elation initially. This is expert level Golden Goat, so we highly recommend grazing before going whole hog.

Available AT: Cure Colorado in Denver.

Available AT: Chronic Therapy in Wheat Ridge.

Yoda OG

With Star Wars: Episode VII creeping closer with each passing day, it can feel like we’re still far, far away from opening night. If you’re gearing up for long lines for the midnight showing, we’d recommend Yoda OG, one of our favorite indicas at Cure Colorado in Denver. With more crystals than a Tauntaun, these giant nugs wowed us with a gorgeous hand trim and their Death Star-like density. A cross of OG Kush and Master Yoda, this is fruitier than your traditional Kush phenos, with traditional pine and rubber notes trailing like the exhaust of a TIE Fighter. While the force may be with you, it’ll mostly be forcing you onto a couch instead of a raucous night at the Mos Eisley Cantina. For patients looking for severe pain relief and sleep that feels like a cryogenic chamber, Yoda OG is your friend.

Cookies Kush

If you’re looking to help Santa make his rounds this year, you definitely don’t want to leave these cookies next to a glass of milk. The product of a smart breeding project to bring stability to the sometimes finicky Girl Scout Cookies, Cookies Kush is a great balance of flavor and potency. Chocolate and spearmint blend well with subtle rubber notes in the bag, but the crisper notes are all you’ll taste as you put it in the air. Don’t let the smaller nugs (apropos of the Kush genetics) fool you, this is a heavy-hitter whose effects are apparent from the first hit. Starting behind the eyes and moving down the neck, reviewers loved how it relieved pressure and eventually settled into their hands, leaving one arthritis sufferer raving about it. Overall indica-dominant, we found it manageable for late afternoon as well, not knocking you out immediately but also not leaving you wide-eyed as you wait for presents in the morning.

Available at: Canna Meds Wellness Center in Colorado Springs.

LA Chocolat

Available AT: Third Day Apothecary in Colorado Springs.

CULTURE // December 2015

“One taste is all it takes.” That’s exactly how we’d describe the phenomenally unique LA Chocolat. Originally bred by DNA Genetics, this cross of LA Confidential and Chocolope brings out all of the savory richness of a fresh brewed cup of coffee with the bitter sweetness of dark chocolate. Flecks of purple can be hard to see with the confectioner’s sugar like coating of trichomes that are seemingly everywhere. The taste is best enjoyed through a vape pen, where we found the hybrid-like effects strong enough to stave off an upcoming migraine, but also leaving us lucid and productive. Like Johnny Depp, in the movie Chocolat, it’s a seductive and mysterious strain that kept drawing us in for another hit.

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Purple Primus OG Solventless Hash Oil

In an era where teen pop stars claim to be “All About That Bass,” Les Claypool definitely doesn’t get the credit he deserves as one of the best bassists of all time. Consider this Purple Primus OG from Lightshade a fitting tribute, as it definitely knows how to get down. Thanks to crazy advances in rosin tech, this hard-hitting concentrate is made without the need of solvents that can be tough to purge, leaving a perfectly blonde square we couldn’t wait to break up. We also loved all of the terpenes preserved, with the sugary sweetness of Twisted Purple OG outshining the Primus OG as we tasted our first dab. More body than head in the initial effect, you can almost feel a wave of sound move through your body as muscles relax and loosen up. Rock on, Purple Primus OG!

Available AT: Lightshade in Denver.

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Golden Maui Available AT: Holistic Life in Lakewood.

In the throws of winter, nothing sounds better than a vacation to just about anywhere that doesn’t involve a down jacket. Golden Maui is the ideal strain for those suffering from the snow day blues, with an energy that feels like jumping off a waterfall. Coming to us courtesy of Holistic Life in Lakewood, this smart combination of Colorado Maui and Golden Goat has all the lime green calyxes of the former with the signature red hairs of the latter. Well cured, it has all of the great floral notes of an airport lei with a nice lingering spice on the finish. A few hits were all two samplers needed to start an experimental limbo game using a poster tube and two office chairs. One of the best mood boosters of the month, this sativa packs a hybrid punch that can knock out a migraine while you knock out some work.

Blurple Shatter

If Shakespeare was still alive today, we feel like the master of making up words would approve of “Blurple,” a tremendous portmanteau of Blue Dream and Mendocino Purps. Fused into shatter by Infusiasm and distributed by LivWell, there’s a lot to wax poetically about. First, the clarity is top notch, with the blonde shards as part of the consistency of the shatter and not just slapped on there. Second, you get all that great purple smell—yes, it’s a thing—of grape and dark berry sugar when you fire it up. The highlight may have been the effect for our team, however: Almost like a rush of adrenaline but with total mental clarity, like a genius playing Jeopardy. We couldn’t get over how light we felt while simultaneously smiling more than a court jester. Blurple Shatter by any other name just might not taste as sweet.

Available AT: The Herbal Cure in Denver.

Available AT: Livwell in Denver.

OG Kush Rosin

The stable isn’t just for horses anymore, it’s one of the highlights of what keeps Essential Extracts one of the best in the game. With their latest OG Kush Rosin, the office couldn’t stop raving about how well the stuff held up. Terp rich with huge notes of spice and Scots Pine, the baby slabs were easy to work with as we kept going back for more—not that you need to. Potency was off the charts as seasoned vets were scared of the nail on the second dab. Initially feeling like an isolation tank, you quickly come back to the world with your mind fully expanded, a slightly rambunctious effect giving way to a secure body effect that makes the OG Kush Rosin anything but a one-trick-pony.

CULTURE // December 2015

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Cannatopia

In our dreams, Cannatopia is a place where the hash oil flows like wine and cannabis users instinctively travel like the swallows of Capistrano. Now, we’d just request they’d have actual Cannatopia on tap, one of the best new beverages on the market. Developed by the dream team at Keen Greens, the bottle is well-designed and would look at home in any 7-Eleven. Our favorite touch, however, is the cap that doubles as a mini shot container so you know exactly how much you’re drinking. Light and delicious, it eschews the typical sugar rush that many drinks pack for a refreshing mango and pineapple flavor that doesn’t taste overly infused. The fast-acting formula is packed with myrcene-rich fruit, so we loved the heady and mentally stimulating effect that emerged about 15 minutes later. Even if it doesn’t physically exist, Cannatopia is definitely a state of mind we’ll drink up any day.

Available WHEREVER: Keens greens is available.

Hits Prefilled Mobile Dabbing Device

Not too long ago, a personal vaporizer made for wax was something you put on a Christmas wishlist that probably shouldn’t fall into mom’s hands. Now, thanks to Hits Prefilled, you can have your wax and vape it, too. The slick, white unit we picked up was ready to go with a push of a button, and in a nice touch, a transparent cap allows you to actually see what’s inside. Unlike clumsy models with dome tops, Hits Prefilled fit perfectly in our pocket or in a small handbag without having to worry about breaking it as we roamed the city. The sativa concentrate our vape came with was smooth and substantial, with several reviewers noting it was a more immediate, stronger high than other standard liquid cartridges they had tried. Even if you don’t have to ask for a Hits Prefilled for the holidays, it’ll definitely help you survive them.

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Available AT: Dispensaries in Colorado, Oregon & More States Coming Soon.

Black Eyed Katy

Available AT: Pueblo West Organics in Pueblo.

Red Raspberry Truffle

One of our hallowed December traditions is Phish’s New Year’s Eve run at Madison Square Garden, an event that inspires watch parties across the country for those not lucky enough to attend in person. Whether or not they play it, Black Eyed Katy should definitely make an appearance in strain form, as it’s being grown ridiculously well by the folks at Pueblo West Organics. We’d consider it the greatest hit of the Phishhead Kush series, with the large, thin nugs possessing the kind of earthy funk that turns heads when opening a jar. While indica-dominant in nature, several reviewers noted that the pain relief didn’t come with a paralyzing body effect, but rather a calming sense of euphoria that had them going back for more. We can’t wait to ring in 2016 in style. Available AT: mind, body, spirit in lakewood.

Pardon us, Lil Wayne and Drake, if we prefer our truffles in the form of delightful confections and not some stinky butter. The little treats from Paffen Edibles looked positively gourmet, a big plus in an industry where that’s not always guaranteed. Consistency-wise, the silky smooth bites had exactly the mouthfeel you look for, with the perfect balance of rich chocolate and tart raspberry making them feel lighter than you’d imagine. At 10mg each, they’re certainly no slouch: We were definitely feeling stiff joints loosen, particularly in our backs and shoulders. As the effect progressed, tired eyelids confirmed Red Raspberry Truffles as the dessert to end any dinner with, helping to give a sound night’s sleep without grogginess in the morning.

CULTURE // December 2015

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entertainment Release Date: Tues, Dec. 1 Available on: PC, PS4 and Xbox One

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Pub. Ubisoft Dev. Ubisoft Montreal

The Medicinal Power of Cannabis: Using a Natural Herb to Heal Arthritis, Nausea, Pain and Other Ailments John Hicks, MD Skyhorse Publishing

The newest game to release in the Tom Clancy line is Rainbow Six Siege, an intense online multiplayer, first-person tactical shooter game that requires some excellent communication and teamwork in order to win matches. The environment is highly destructible, which opens up many options for how to overtake enemy teams. Thanks to the game’s use of the AnvilNext engine, Siege features amazing level design and realistic gameplay in the different 11 maps that are available at launch.

Worrier The Milk Blossoms Tinyamp Records

The Milk Blossoms just released its debut full length, Worrier, and this band moves right into sounding full, mature and polished in all the right places, while still preserving an edginess and rawness in sound that can only come something that is fresh and new. Right from the get go, the band unleashes two of the most distinct aspects of their style, a ukulele as a primary instrument and vocalist Michelle Rocqet’s beat-boxing. For all of you indie rockers out there, Denver’s The Milk Blossoms is a trio to keep an eye on. (Simon Weedn)

American Ultra Dir. Nima Nourizadeh Lionsgate Pictures

Dr. John Hicks’ new holistic health book focuses on cannabis and healing, targeting and discussing the root cause of most diseases— inflammation. Hicks illustrates how inflammation progresses into the various diseases and ailments that plague us. He shows how cannabis and CBD can stop the inflammation and heal the issues. With information ranging from easy-to-understand terminology to scientific studies based on Hick’s four decades of experience in integrative medicine, this book can really help patients seeking longterm holistic relief. (Alex Bradley)

Fast-paced action comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart— amongst other talented actors—American Ultra is a cannasseur’s ideal DVD rental. A little distracted, much like its protagonist, the film jumps from scene to scene and plot line to new plot line jaggedly. Unbeknownst to bored and boring Mike (Eisenberg’s character), he is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as he discovers his real identity and Jason Bourne-style skills, Mike and his girlfriend Phoebe (Stewart) find themselves in the middle of a deadly government operation and are forced to try and fight for their lives in this intense, slightly awkward dark comedy. (Alex Bradley)

CULTURE // December 2015

“Encounters With the Universe” Kenneth Josephson’s photographs are a number of things, but boring isn’t one of them. Creating abstract images that are cleverly composed within a frame, Josephson reveals the world as he sees it. With the intent of drawing attention to the act of taking a photograph, Josephson’s images address the “curiosities of photography” from how the camera distorts reality to how objects interact with one another within the frame. Far ahead of his time, Josephson’s work is reminiscent of the various Instagram posts of objects being held in front of the camera to create some kind of relationship between content and setting. Featuring 62 photographs spanning from 1959-2003, this exhibit shows the various stages of the photographer’s career from conceptual to landscape images. This is great show for photography lovers looking for inspiration.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Kenneth Josephson: Encounters With the Universe” exhibit. WHEN/WHERE: On view through May 8, 2016. Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver. INFO: Visit www. denverartmuseum.org for details.

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liner notes

he largest story in music and in global news right now is the coordinated attacks on several locations throughout Paris on the night of November 14, 2015. Of course, this story will continue to develop and change after this story goes to print, but a brief summary of the events and its effects in this column should give the reader an understanding of the musical aspects of these tragic events. Firstly, one of the most deadly attacks in Paris occurred at Le Bataclan, a venue previously run by Jewish owners. (I mention this only because it is being discussed as a possible reason why the landmark venue came to be a target of who we know to be, at the time of press, ISIS militants). American rock group, Eagles of Death Metal were playing when armed attackers burst into the venue shooting randomly into the crowd with assault rifles and reportedly hurtling grenades. There are over 120 confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries confirmed. The worst of humanity has brought about cries of terror in Paris, but also songs of hope. While many artists—among them Coldplay, Julie Holter and Prince—have,

CULTURE // December 2015

by Kevin Longrie

citing security reasons, cancelled their shows throughout Europe, many people have taken to the streets and shown solidarity with the dead and with the survivors through music. This solidarity could be seen following an address by French president François Hollande, in which the members of the French parliament burst out into an impromptu version of “La Marseillaise” for the first time since the liberation of France after the First World War. Several members were seen in the video footage to be moved to tears, and while there is a significant portion of the French population who believe Hollande’s policies have precipitated an even more destabilized Middle East, France showed its fraternity in that moment. Another moment that’s gotten media attention is the pianist that set up outside Le Bataclan the next morning and played a rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The pianist has been identified as Davide Martello, a 34-year-old German musician who was watching a soccer game from a German pub when it was interrupted by a suicide bombing attack. He told The Guardian that he knew in that moment he had to do something, so he packed his grand piano into his car and drove seven hours through the night into France. “I just knew I had to do something.

I wanted to be there to try and comfort, and offer a sign of hope,” he told The Guardian. Surrounded by press and by mourners, he played through “Imagine,” getting increasingly emotional as he played. “I can’t bring people back,” he said in the interview, “but I can inspire them with music and when people are inspired they can do anything.” Paris, he said, is a city of love which cannot be conquered by senseless violence. Further North in Stockholm, Madonna performed for a massive crowd, but paused at the beginning of the show to say a few words about the attacks: “It’s been really hard actually to get through the show, because in many ways, I feel torn. Like, why am I up here dancing and having fun when people are crying over the loss of their loved ones? However, that is exactly what these people want us to do. They want to shut us up. They want to silence us. And we won’t let them.” People on various social media platforms have echoed these sentiments, not just about Paris but about places like Beirut and Iraq where similar slaughters occurred. Music brings people together, across cultures and across borders. It can heal wounds and inspire love and fraternity in the hearts of all. If music be the food of love, play on. c

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December 2015 // CULTURE

CULTURE // December 2015

Photos by Tonya Perme

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There’s a fine line between looking average and looking excellent when it comes to formal attire. When men want to look impressive, whether it’s in the realm of the normal office environment, meeting clients or to look dapper for a date, a suit can make or break any situation. Men’s Wearhouse Founder, George Zimmer, knows all too well the power of a good suit. Zimmer found the expressive niché art of personalized suits a profitable industry and a fulfilling endeavor, for all parties concerned. Zimmer founded Men’s Wearhouse in 1973 and 40 years later, he has opened over 1,200 stores across the United States and Canada. Instead of opting to hire an actor, Mr. Zimmer chose to be the commercial personality for Men’s Wearhouse, making his image synonymous with suit-buying in America. Zimmer drove Men’s Wearhouse from a small company into an international empire. Zimmer left his role as Executive Officer at the Men’s Wearhouse in 2013, collecting his holdings of the company which are estimated at $67.45 million. Zimmer owns 1.8 million shares of the Men’s Wearhouse stock which is 3.5 percent stake in the company. Last August, Zimmer told CNBC that he’s smoked cannabis on a regular basis for the last 50 years. Zimmer has publicly pushed for cannabis legalization several times in the past, even in non-election years. Zimmer conceived his second brain child, zTailors on New Year’s Day, 2014. Zimmer launched zTailors publicly in June 2015 and Generation Tux in September 2015. Zimmer describes zTailors as traditional tailoring for the millennial consumer. Mr. Zimmer holds advisory roles in the company. Zimmer created Generation Tux to improve the experience of buying a tuxedo for weddings and prom events. Zimmer shared with CULTURE his insight into his entrepreneurship and how cannabis has played a role in his journey to success. >>

December 2015 // CULTURE

CULTURE // December 2015

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December 2015 // CULTURE

going to be on the ballot next year for responsible adult use, so I think the time is right. You were the keynote speaker at the Cannabis World Congress & Expo in September. What do you have to say to young aspiring entrepreneurs? Well, really what I told them was not to become entrepreneurs like their fathers. What we don’t need in the cannabis business is crony capitalism where people make decisions that only serve themselves and their friends. What they would make for a great example of the type of capitalism that the world would benefit from- is a form of cannabis distribution that respected the individual’s right to personally cultivate for personal use only and to have a fair taxation system so that the tax revenues will be earmarked by states and localities for public education, and not confiscated by the IRS for general federal purposes.

As a businessman, you have founded many companies over the years. What events led you to your very first foray into business? What was the name of the business? Actually the first company I significantly founded was Men’s Wearhouse when I was 24 years old, but after I graduated from college, and before I founded Men’s Wearhouse, I got involved with some college friends who started a company called Fmali, which was the name of somebody’s cat. It went on over several generations to become The Good Earth Tea company, but I was long gone by then. I started Men’s Wearhouse in 1973. That really was the beginning of my business career. I used to say it was the beginning and end of my career, but that’s not true anymore. You have worked in Men’s suits for quite some time. Do you have a personal interest in menswear; what

CULTURE // December 2015

is it that attracts you to that industry? Other than lawsuits, I’m wearing right now a sport coat and slacks. What attracted me to the business was very simple. I only had $7,000 in cash and very few business contacts, so at the age of 24, opening a clothing store was the only thing I could do. In fact, I didn’t even sell suits when we first opened. Just sport coats and slacks. Do you always wear a suit? What’s your favorite item of clothing you wear regularly? I don’t wear a suit every day. I don’t believe that most men should wear suits every day, but most men should wear suits probably more often than they do. You’ve said you have smoked cannabis regularly for 50 years. How did cannabis come into your life? I’m a student of the ‘60s. It was troubling then. As my

life unfolded, and I came to understand both experientially as well as intellectually, there’s far more damage done to the body by the drugs that are being legally promoted. Alcohol, cigarettes and pharmaceutical products—there’s far more damage from those, including deaths. Cannabis, interestingly, even in a state like Colorado, which has legalized as you know, traffic deaths are down. Crime, like domestic abuse, is down. Clearly there is an aspect of cannabis that leans towards nonviolence. We’ve seen CEOs that are now willing to publicly show support for cannabisrelated investment and legislation including Michael Bloomberg, Peter Lewis, Richard Branson, PayPal’s Peter Thiel and Facebook’s Sean Parker. How is it easier to open up about personal cannabis use nowadays? It’s really not any easier, other than I live in California, as you know, it’s

You donated $50,000 towards Proposition 19 in 2010. Why is supporting recreational cannabis important to you? Many years ago, 30 to be exact, my mother died. At that time there was no medical marijuana. I simply said to her, “Why don’t you try marijuana?” She said, “Well, it’s illegal,” and got very irritated and did not try it. She died shortly thereafter. Fifteen years later, I was delighted to be involved in medical marijuana in California. In 2010, a friend of mine literally put that proposition together. I really demonstrated solidarity with him. Even though he knew that most people thought it would be better presented during a presidential election year. So next year, during the presidential cycle, the responsible adult use act will be on the ballot in California. Has smoking cannabis ever changed the way you’ve run an enterprise—for better or for worse? I’m an alpha male, I’ve built a successful business and I >> VISIT US AT

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December 2015 // CULTURE

consider myself competitive, sometimes to a fault. In my new company, Friday, I challenged anybody in my office to play a game of ping pong, and offered to pay anybody $100 for beating me. Well, only a competitive jerk does things like that. I think [cannabis] has softened that aspect of my personality. I think it belongs as an adjunct in some people’s lives. Not for children, but alcohol is not for children either. Your method of corporate management has been described as cutting-edge and unique. For example in 2004, a spiritual advocate was nominated onto the Men’s Wearhouse board. Can you tell us about your involvement with that decision and how it affected your business? That would be Deepak Chopra. He and I were friends, then. I brought him on knowing that most of my board members didn’t know who he was, but feeling that capitalism needed a heart and a soul. That’s what I wanted him to bring to the table. Not to mention he’s a brilliant man. I was disappointed, to be candid, that it was during the disturbance that ultimately led to my termination. He was out of the country, but nonetheless went along with the board’s decision.

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Some business sectors suffer the consequences of the changing times. What makes a business survive through these technological changes? I think that competition is fierce, so we need to bring a combination of high tech and high touch. We really need a hybrid model, in which we combine people with sophisticated technology, because one without the other doesn’t work as well, which is why we created Generation Tux and zTailors, which combines tailors with technology. In other words, renting tuxedos with the internet so that you never have to leave home. Right now if you rent the tuxedo in a store you make three trips. One to rent it, one to pick it up, and one to return it. If you do in online,

you never have to leave your house, and if there is a tailoring adjustment needed, a tailor can be dispatched to your home, so that you don’t leave home until you get married. You run your new enterprises differently than how you operated in the past. Can you tell us more about Generation Tux and Tailors? I’d love to. The main business is Generation Tux, which of course is tuxedos. It’s very simply an online tuxedo rental business, although we do rent suits as well as tuxedos because so many weddings now involve suits. Most of the business is actually for weddings. Proms are next in importance. Because weddings are the main business, we actually target millennial weddings. What I think makes it very exciting is that in 1999, for a quarter of a century, after I opened the first Men’s Wearhouse, I brought tuxedo rentals inside Men’s Wearhouse stores and over 13 years grew into, quite successfully, into an enormous business, renting millions of tuxedos. Now, what I’m doing is replicating that business but doing it online instead of doing over 1,000 stores. The network in fact, if you will, that we live to create is that we have zTailors, which is a nationwide on-demand tailor service, in which tailors come to your home or office to do alterations. In the event that there are issues with the tuxedos that we rent, we have tailors around the United States that are able to go and make it right, including being available to be hired to attend actual weddings. Instead of hiring an actor for the ad campaign at Men’s Wearhouse, you chose to take on the role of the video personality. How did you come to this idea? It was pretty simple, actually. My team at the Men’s Wearhouse just asked me if I’d appear in the ads, and I said “of course.” Interestingly, the “I guarantee it” line was never scripted. I said it on the set while we were shooting, and it became iconic almost VISIT US AT iReadCulture.com overnight. c

December 2015 // CULTURE

ecently, Colorado has been buzzing with pesticide recall issues surrounding cannabis. Tons of products were recalled for not being up to industry standardsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and part of the problem is that because the industry is so new and unregulated, it is not quite clear what those standards are. Now, Governor

Hickenlooper has decided to crack down on cannabis standards and enforce new rules that will cost the cannabis industry millions. >>

CULTURE // December 2015

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December 2015 // CULTURE

“We believe this brings much-needed clarification to the industry. We recognized there was a lack of standards in place in the past.” In mid-November, Governor Hickenlooper finally made the decision to quarantine and destroy all the products initially called out in the pesticide debacle. Because so many products were affected by the pesticides in question, this is taking major chunk out of business for many grows and dispensaries. “The facilities with products currently subject to recall are already planning to destroy those products,” Danica Lee, Denver’s food safety section manager for the public health inspections division, told the Denver Post. “(Hickenlooper’s order) reinforces the importance of protecting consumers from potentially dangerous pesticides. It is unclear at this point what impact this order will have on Denver’s investigations. We’re still evaluating it.” While this is certainly an economic blow, some local cannabis businesses already voluntarily recalled their products in order

CULTURE // December 2015

to keep their names clean, and many are supporting it. “We believe this brings much-needed clarification to the industry,” John Lord, owner of LivWell dispensary in Denver, told the Denver Post. “We recognized there was a lack of standards in place in the past.” “For all intents and purposes, these businesses broke the law, and there was no enforcement,” added Larisa Bolivar, a representative from the Cannabis Consumers Coalition, in reference to the businesses that used the illegal pesticides in an interview with the Post. “Their plants were put on hold; some businesses voluntarily destroyed their plants. But the fact remains that they used pesticides that weren’t approved by the state.” Overall, it appears that this is a case of all or nothing—because cannabis is still technically a Schedule I drug and there is

not enough scientific evidence to support what pesticides are within the safe range for consumption, the only way to truly be safe is to get rid of anything that may be contaminated or not safe for smoking, vaping, or eating. “Without the science to know one way or the other what specifically is a public safety risk, it has to be all of it. It either had to be all-in or not all-in,” Andrew Freedman, the Governor’s director of marijuana policy, stated. While this will certainly cost big bucks for the cannabis industry, almost everyone involved agrees it is much better to be safe than sorry. As with most other aspects of the cannabis industry, true progress can only be made once the substance is rescheduled so that pesticides and other contaminants can be properly tested in order to avoid mishaps like this in the future. c VISIT VISIT US US AT AT iReadCulture.com iReadCulture.com

December 2015 // CULTURE

What recreational cannabis can learn from the medical movement

by Franco Faraudo

The cannabis industry was born from the act of giving

arly activists like “Brownie” Mary Rothburn brought the medical cannabis movement into public’s consciousness with her generosity. She collected donations and spent her social security money baking infused brownies for San Francisco AIDS patients in the 1980s. Her arrest in 1992 brought international attention, due in part to her age, adorableness and message of compassion. She was subsequently acquitted of her charges because, according to the judge, Rothburn “was able to testify that her deliveries were made to assist others in need, not to advance individual greed, that the nobility of her actions outweighed the

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reprehensibleness of her offense according to the law.” Since its inception, the medical cannabis industry has evolved greatly, but through all the changes, the spirit of compassion remains. Harborside Collective, one of California’s most successful and well-connected collectives, donates medicine to members that can prove financial hardship. They have free member services that range from yoga to acupuncture and are regularly the biggest corporate contributor to the Alameda County Food Drive. It is hard to find a collective that doesn’t give products or services to members in need. >>

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Now, producers and extractors are following suit. Jetty Extracts, a CO2 extraction company based in California, recently started its Shelter From the Storm Project, which aims to provide cancer patients with all the medicine they need for their treatment. “One for You, One for Cancer” is the slogan printed on a burlap sack hanging in the company’s office. Jetty, like many other companies in the medical space, was created with the idea of helping those in pain. Now, as they look forward towards a for-profit industry, the Jetty team believes that they can make the transition and still help people like Michelle Zagert, a recipient of donations and outspoken proponent of the Jetty’s Shelter From the Storm Project. Zagert uses cannabis products everyday for her Synovial Sarcoma, a rare disease that causes soft tissue tumors. In a recent interview, she told us about her initial struggles to pay for her medicine, “It became so expensive that it was almost the cost of a car bill and I was slowly weaning myself off of it right before I found Jetty Extracts.” Some outreach programs have gone on to change the industry as a whole. In 2013 CNN’s Sanjay Gupta told the world about Charlotte Figi, a five-yearold girl with Dravet Syndrome. Despite a variety of treatments, she suffered

CULTURE // December 2015

“It became so expensive that it was almost the cost of a car bill . . .” about 300 grand mal seizures a week. Her parents, in their search for a way to help their child, came into contact with the Stanley brothers, five siblings that had succeeded in breeding cannabis with industrial hemp. The result was a new strain of cannabis that had almost no THC, but contains high levels of CBD, a chemical that was being studied for its positive effects on brain function. Physicians noticed a reduction in the number of seizures after the first dose was administered.

Now the strain, named “Charlotte’s Web” after the brave little girl that pioneered its use, is one of the most sought after varieties on the market. Not bad for a product that was originally called “Hippie’s Disappointment.” The Stanley brothers went on to start The Realm of Caring, a non-profit organization that sells Charlotte’s Web products, sponsors research and consults patients thinking about trying the natural treatment. Their contribution to Charlotte, and countless others, have helped create a new product category and have given hope to many who suffer from seizure causing ailments. As legalization and permitting initiatives pass some worry that forprofit companies will not participate in the same types of programs that medical non-profits do. Founders of medical cannabis organizations had to risk a lot in the past decade from police raids and asset seizure to social stigma. To wade into the murky legal waters of a legalization movement without much precedent took a lot of courage. Often times the only people with this type of courage were those willing to risk everything to stand up for something that they believed in, namely, providing medicine. Luckily, new regulations and changing public perception have made it much less risky to be a cannabis entrepreneur. The downside is that we might not see the same kind of organizational cultures focused on altruism as we did with the medical movement. Ultimately, it is the consumer who will decide. Every dollar spent on organizations that give to people in need is a vote toward a compassionate future. To bastardize a great Gandhi quote, “Buy the change you want to see in the world.” We are witnessing a new industry sprout before our eyes, now it is up to us to make it into the type of industry we can be proud of. The type of industry “Brownie” Mary would have been proud of as well. c VISIT US AT

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December 2015 // CULTURE

When Jeremy Heidl came to Denver in 2010, you might say it was on a wing and a prayer. The recession had hit his trucking and construction businesses in Atlanta particularly hard. And as a lifelong lover of cannabis, he had been watching, with great interest, the medical cannabis boom going on in Colorado. “We ended up packing up everything, cashing in our life savings, selling most of our possessions and then we drove across the country in a Penske truck with our two cats and a dog and made it happen,” Heidl told CULTURE. The so-called “Green Rush” to Colorado produced plenty of successes and failures in those early days of changing regulations and uncertainty about federal enforcement, but few success stories can rival Heidl’s. Starting with a single dispensary, he went on to coby R. Scott Rappold found O.penVAPE, the vape pen that revolutionized the discreet vaporizing experience. Smaller, simpler and cheaper than anything else on the market at the time, it allowed cannabis users to puff practically anywhere. And the pre-filled cartridges of THC-infused oil, sold specifically for the O.penVAPE at medical cannabis dispensaries, eliminated the headache and mess of filling up the oil. Today, the pens and cartridges are available in 1,000 stores in nine states where medical or recreational cannabis is permitted, making it one of the largest consumer cannabis products in the nation. And with the tide of legalization continuing, Heidl, Chief Operations Officer, may only be getting started. “We dreamt, like everyone in this industry dreams, that we were going to someday grow up to become what we are, but it came true.” >>

Jeremy Heidl of O.penVAPE

CULTURE // December 2015

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Photos by Joel Meaders

“We dreamt, like everyone in this industry dreams, that we were going to someday grow up to become what we are, but it came true.”

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December 2015 // CULTURE

Small Start

The entrepreneurial spirit was instilled in Heidl at a young age. In third grade, he realized that since lunch cost 90 cents, each student would have a dime of change after lunch. So he began selling blow pops to his schoolmates, at 10 cents each. Fast forward to 2009. Looking for a lifeboat from the sinking ship of his own businesses, he and his wife made the decision to head west. The cannabis industry seemed rife with potential, and besides, it sure would be nice to live somewhere with legal cannabis. His first dispensary investment seemed rocky when a landlord issue forced him to abandon an entire grow operation, so Heidl learned quickly to partner with others in Denver’s medical cannabis industry for product and assistance. Vape pens were in their infancy in those days, and at his dispensary, Heidl fielded plenty of gripes about the products on the market. The oil was inconsistent, and if you loaded a pen but didn’t finish all the oil, get ready for a mess. And in many cases, the pens didn’t work right and manufacturers wouldn’t stand behind the product. He’d gotten to know Ralph Morgan, owner of several medical cannabis businesses and Organa Labs, a Denver-infused product manufacturer. “Let’s do a better vape pen,” he said one day to Morgan. Morgan replied, “I’ve got the formula,” and O.penVAPE was born.

CULTURE // December 2015

Freebies

Heidl isn’t quite sure how many O.penVAPEs he gave away in those first years, but it’s easily more than 100,000. The pen and oil cartridges hit Colorado medical dispensaries in 2012. As a new product, Heidl figured patients wouldn’t be willing to spend a lot of money on a pen when they could just buy a sack of buds. So the pens—basically just a battery and an atomizer—were to attract the customers. The oil would keep them, and the lifetime warranty would ease their minds. It helped that, with the passage of recreational cannabis in Colorado, there was a crackdown in Denver (amongst other places) about smoking in public. Here was a discreet, low-odor and tidy way to partake anywhere, whether at a concert at Red Rocks or in the bedroom while the kids are watching TV. And it was simple–just load the cartridge and inhale. There wasn’t even a button. A few months later, it debuted in California, then in Washington. Since every state had their own quirks on cannabis regulations and the feds were always hovering like the Sword of Damocles, competing oil producers weren’t branching into other states. O.penVAPE hired lawyers to navigate these murky waters and licensed with growers and oil producers in each state to produce the O.penVAPE cartridges. The battery and charger aren’t given away for free anymore, running about

$20, but that doesn’t appear to have hurt business. As of late 2015, O.penVAPE was available legally in nine states. Of course, there are plenty of other vape pens on the market these days, but O.penVAPE isn’t shying from the competition. In September, the company signed an agreement with Timeless Herbal Care in Jamaica to produce cannabis-infused products outside of the U.S. for the first time in history. Closer to home, the company has also announced a partnership with CBD Biosciences to open a massive industrial hemp oil extraction facility, which is expected to employ 163 workers in a former rocket factory in Pueblo, Colorado, by 2017. Thankfully, with the passing of the 2014 Farm Bill which contains an amendment to legalize hemp production, and the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015 which is currently in process, Heidl was able to work with local governments and acquire millions of dollars in incentives for the project. In fact, all across its history, O.penVAPE has thrived because of such partnerships, Heidl said. “What has made us as successful as we are is the ability to work in partnerships. It’s one of our core values and being able to partner with our licensees around the country and our vendors and our employees. Our tagline is ‘It’s what’s inside that counts,’ and it’s more than just the oil. It’s our people and our partnerships.” c VISIT US AT

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The history, invention and innovation in hemp clothing by Addison Herron-Wheeler Hemp has always been in production and use across the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but as soon as cannabis started coming under fire for being a substance that causes altered states, even the non-smokable form of hemp came under fire. Today, as cannabis is starting to be accepted into society once more, we

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are also embracing the wonderful way that hemp works as a fiber, from hemp backpacks and purses to necklaces and shirts. As we move forward into this bold new world of clothing possibilities, we should also remember the awesome ways that hemp function as a garment fiber in the past. >> VISIT US AT

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How Does it Work? Hemp is a strong, canvas-like fiber (in fact, “canvas” comes from the word “cannabis”)—so while it makes amazing jewelry, purses and backpacks that can stand the test of time, it is not the most comfortable or soft thing to use for clothing that makes contact with skin. For that reason, hemp that is used in clothing is usually blended with either flax, cotton or silk, usually at a ratio of 55 percent hemp and 45 percent of the other material.

A Fiber of Firsts

Middle Ages

Hemp was actually one of the first plants that was processed into fiber for clothing, due to its durable nature and how easy it is to grow. Remnants of hemp have been found as early as 8000 BCE in Mesopotamia, making it one of the earliest examples of human industry. It was also grown to be made into cloth in the Sung Dynasty in China in 500 CE. The emperor of the Sung apparently liked having it around as a textile and ordered his subjects to grow it. By 1200 CE Europe was also cultivating cannabis for fabric.

Hemp served as very important crop during the Middle Ages, when Henry VIII actually declared that all farmers had to use at least ¼ of their land for hemp growing. The fiber was essential as the material for sails and painting canvases, two very important items at the time, and up until the 1920s it is estimated that about 80 percent of clothing in the U.K. were made from hemp fiber. >>

Bibliography CRRH. (2011) “Archeologists agree that cannabis was among the first crops cultivated by human beings at least over 6000 years ago.” “Industrial Hemp.” Agriculture and Agrifood Canada. Government of Canada. “The People’s History.” (Sept./Oct. 2000) The Thistle. Volume 13, Number 2. Retrieved from: http://www.mit.edu/~thistle/v13/2/history.html

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Early Days of Colonization Hemp was still grown as a major fiber during the early colonials days in the U.S., Jacques Cartier noted when he first got to the new world that hemp grew everywhere as a wild weed, and that the natural hemp that grew in the colonies was of a very strong variety. Hemp was grown in California, Kentucky New York, Oregon, Utah, Texas, New England, Virginia, Massachusetts, Louisiana and Missouri during the colonial days and the early days of the U.S., and was considered and important textile cash crop an one of the major ways that early American clothing was manufactured. The amazing ability of the American continents to produce hemp was not lost on the British– they imported hemp grown in Canada for textile until the 1800s.

“Remnants of hemp have been found as early as 8000 BCE in Mesopotamia, making it one of the earliest examples of human industry.”

Decline in Production Sadly, at the end of the 1800s and beginning of the 1900s, hemp production started to decline. The U.S. embraced the cotton gin and cotton production, and unfortunately, the evil of slavery that came with it. Since cotton was easier and more affordable to produce, it began to weigh out over hemp. Then in the 1930s, the combination of propaganda against cannabis and synthetic textile companies driving hemp out completely suppressed the production of hemp, to the point that it was actually outlawed along with smokeable cannabis. This victory of synthetic textiles over hemp has to be one of the most extreme cases of capitalist competition in history.

Modern Day Luckily, now that we are rethinking the insanity that is complete prohibition of something as helpful and benign as cannabis, we are also rethinking the prohibition of one of the world’s most useful fibers. Today, hemp clothing is back in fashion. Hemp necklaces made of macramé-woven hemp and beads are a great way to practice a hobby and make unique jewelry that is strong and durable but also very affordable. Similarly, hemp can be used to make things like backpacks and tote bags that really last, or woven in with cotton to make hearty clothing. Today, wearing hemp is a multi-layered statement—you are claiming you support the earth and sustainable practices, the legalization of cannabis, and a return to our natural roots. c

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Another Point For Cannabis

One Belgian Family’s Discovery of the Benefits of Cannabis Oil by Patrick Dewals

elgian’s public opinion of cannabis is currently gaining speed after word of the plant’s healing properties has recently reached mainstream news. Jean-Pierre Voncken, acting spokesman for his sick sixyear-old daughter, Sofie, is currently standing up for the health rights of both his toddler and other sick people after having witnessed the healing properties of cannabis oil firsthand. The Voncken family became a popular topic of conversation in Belgium after they revealed their story on an episode of Koppen on national TV, which showed viewers how Sofie suffers from a severe form of epilepsy which causes frequent epileptic seizures that remain a constant threat to her life. For 45 months, Sofie swallowed one pharmaceutical drug after another, sometimes in combination with excruciating diets prescribed by

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doctors and professors. Every possible combination of pills and/or doses was tested but without any positive evolution. After three-and-a-half years, the Voncken family was told to prepare for the worst. Their doctors couldn’t think of any other combination of medical treatment or diet that would give hope for Sofie’s improvement. News like that is disastrous, and many other families would be left without any other options to pursue. Fortunately for the Vonckens, JeanPierre has studied epilepsy in recent years online, constantly searching for possible alternative treatments which have proved successful for other young epilepsy patients. Eventually, his research led him to a United States-based family whose child experienced similar suffering. Later on, Jean-Pierre would also meet a Belgian couple in the same situation. Between the two couples that Jean-Pierre learned about, he discovered that their children had already reached a higher level in the survival game by using cannabis oil. When the Voncken family’s doctors confessed they couldn’t think of any other medical paths to explore, JeanPierre knew that the time had come to try out cannabis oil in the hopes that it would help his daughter. He even suggested that the team of doctors should administer Sofie cannabis oil in the hospital under medical supervision, and record the data should it be a successful aid. Unfortunately, the doctors refused because they didn’t want to be involved with any illegal substances. Instead, Sofie received her first drop of cannabis oil at home. Jean-Pierre told CULTURE in an interview about the miraculous effect that the oil had on Sofie, “From the first drop, the effect was spectacular. It’s like we witnessed the rebirth of our daughter. At last, we see a playful child, a child that likes to discover and wonders about the little things of life,” Jean-Pierre stated. According to the family, it was the cannabis oil that brought about this

“From the first drop, the effect was spectacular. It’s like we witnessed the rebirth of our daughter. At last, we see a playful child, a child that likes to discover and wonders about the little things of life.” complete transformation. Their daughter’s health keeps on improving and she is almost medication-free. Sadly, the only “side-effect” of Sofie’s cannabis oil treatment is that her parents are now labeled as criminals. Both parents are facing up to seven years in prison for having and administering an illegal substance to a minor, even if it was a lifesaving decision. Even more shocking is the fact that one physician at the hospital that the Vonckens frequented for Sofie’s treatment is fully aware of the success rate that cannabis oil often provides, and recommended that Sofie use cannabis oil with one percent of THC in order to help her condition. The Voncken’s fate is undecided as of this press, but it’s clear that acceptance of cannabis still has progress to make in Belgium. Fortunately, thanks to cannabis, there is one less little girl who has to worry about further suffering from seizures, for now. c

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Updates in the Big Apple 80

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Medical Cannabis Regulations in New York by Victoria Banegas

n 2014, New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governor, Andrew Cuomo, signed the Compassionate Care Act, after various revisions were made to prohibit smoking cannabis and decreasing the amount of eligible illnesses, making New York the 23rd state to legalize medical cannabis. Since then, many patients and advocates have been worried about the restrictive guidelines of the bill. The Compassionate Care Act requires that patients diagnosed with a severely debilitating or life-threatening illness to pay a $50 fee to apply with the Department of Health (DOH), and must provide both their personal information as well as a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certification. If approved for a registry card, the card will only be valid for one year for patients who do not have a life-threatening illness, and for those who have a terminal illness, the card will be valid until death. Although these guidelines seem simple enough, what makes the bill so restrictive is the fact that only 10 illnesses are currently covered by the bill, while only five organizations are allowed to operate within the state by opening only 20 dispensaries for the almost 20 million people residing in the state, according to The Village Voice. Aside from this, the companies will only be able to carry five types of medical cannabis including oils, tinctures, capsules and other non-smokeable forms. >> VISIT US AT

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To clarify exactly what forms of cannabis New York patients are able to ingest under the Compassionate Care Act, CULTURE spoke with Legislative Director at Empire State NORML, Doug Greene, to get some professional insight, “Patients will be allowed capsules for oral administration and metered liquid or oil preparations for vaporization or oromucosal or sublingual administration, as well as any other forms approved by the Department of Health,” Greene stated. So far, patients will not be able to obtain cannabis in flower form or as edibles, unlike what is permitted in other states where cannabis is medically legal. On top of the restrictive list of allowable forms of cannabis, patients are only allowed a 30-day supply of whichever form of cannabis their physician prescribed with the ability to get a refill the last seven days of their 30-day trial. The prescribed cannabis must be in its original package and cannot be consumed in public. A more recent concern amongst patients and professionals is the mandatory course physicians are required to take in order to be certified to administer cannabis to patients. Doctors have to pay $249 to participate in a fourhour course titled, “Practitioner Education for the Medical Marijuana Program,” which will cover how to properly administer dosage and the various warnings and precautions associated with cannabis use. Although this seems reassuring for patients, many believe that four hours is not nearly enough for physicians to become properly educated

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on cannabis and its various strains and cannabinoids. In a recently published article by The Village Voice, the man who constructed the bill, Richard Gottfried, comments about how there are definitely changes that need to be made. Gottfried had first introduced the Compassionate Care Act in 1997 but it was given little to no consideration. Now, 13 years later, the bill was passed but carelessly deconstructed by Governor Cuomo. Gottfried, like many, believes that the bill makes it nearly impossible for patients to access the medicine they desperately need in its current state. Fortunately, for those concerned that various aspects of the bill will prevent medical cannabis from being legally accessible in January, Governor Cuomo signed two bills that will allow critically ill patients expedited access to medical cannabis. The bill will also allow for suppliers to apply with the Department of Health to offer services to patients, with the ability to possibly obtain resources from out of state, according to Crain’s New York Business. Gottfried, who sponsored the bills, agrees that immediate action needs to be taken for those in dire need of alternative medicine, “This emergency access law is designed to get medicine to the neediest patients, including young children, as quickly as possible.” There have already been a handful of deaths in the slow coming of the Compassionate Care Act, showing those in New York and the rest of the United States just how important cannabis is in the lives of so many. c VISIT US AT

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“Although the New Testament does not talk much of Christ’s use of the anointing oil, the discovery of Gnostic texts, ancient documents found hidden in a cave in Egypt revealed that Jesus . . . share[d] this magical oil with all the people of the land. Not only did these texts reveal the true nature of Jesus Christ, they revealed that the anointing ceremony was the highest rite of passage in Christianity. . .”

CULTURE // December 2015

hristmas is the day that many people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and the events surrounding his life, including how he was miraculously born from a virgin named Mary in a quaint little stable in Bethlehem and how the angel Gabriel appeared to the shepherds telling them to visit the son of God. Although there are many beliefs revolving around Christ, one little known anecdote is that the anointing oil Christ used to bless and cure many people was infused with cannabis. According to Exodus: 30, 22-23, the holy anointing oil used by Christ, consisted of “500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of q’aneh-bosm, 500 shekels of cassia and a hind of olive oil.” The word q’aneh bosm was translated in the early 20th century by Polish scholar, Sara Benetowa. The term translated to English is kaneh-bosm, which in turn means “hemp,” according to The Herb Museum of Vancouver, revealing that “the anointed one” was actively administering cannabis to heal his people. Other hints that Jesus’ anointing oil was infused with cannabis are the references to psychoactive experiences mentioned in the Bible. As stated in author Chris Bennett’s book, Sex, Drugs, Violence, and the Bible: Origins of the Judaic Christian Traditions, “From the time of Moses until that of the later prophet Samuel, the holy anointing oil was used by the shamanic Levite priesthood to receive the ‘revelations of the Lord,’” while later, certain kings would use the oil to become “possessed with the holy spirit.” Such references suggest that the holy oil was creating some kind of mind-altering effect on those blessed by it. Although the discovery of the Book of the Law made use of the anointing oil prohibited, and was associated only with those conducting Pagan rituals, the holy anointing oil re-emerged, along with the Jewish Messiah-kings, under the ministry of Jesus. Although the New Testament does not talk much of Christ’s use of the anointing oil, the discovery of Gnostic texts, ancient documents found hidden in a cave in Egypt revealed that Jesus may have been more of a Greek Dionysus or Indian Shiva, ignoring the laws of kings in order to share this magical oil with all the people of the land. Not only did these texts reveal the true nature of Jesus Christ, they revealed that the anointing ceremony was the highest rite of passage in Christianity, according to Bennett. While religious scholars like Lytton John Musselman, author of A Dictionary of Bible Plants, believe that kaneh-bosm is indeed calamus, which has the ability to achieve the same medicinal effects as described in the Bible, we know the truth: Cannabis is the key to “unfading bliss” and the cure for many illnesses that are otherwise untreatable. So when you’re celebrating this Christmas, remember that Jesus Christ may have been one of the first cannabis advocates, and fully supported the healing power of the cannabis plant. c

Sources: Bennett, C. (2001). Sex,Drugs,Violence and the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 282). Vancouver, British Columbia: Forbidden Fruit. Bienenstock, D. (2013, December 12). “The Anointed One: Did Jesus Perform His Miracles with Cannabis Oil?” Retrieved VISIT US AT iReadCulture.com November 4, 2015, from http://www.vice.com/read/did-jesus-perform-his-miracles-with-cannabis-oil

December 2015 // CULTURE

“CBD isn’t just for cancers . . . CBD is whole body preventative wellness that will one day be rolled out in big box retail stores.”

CBD for the Holidays Giving the best gift possible by Sheryll Alexander

to those you love

This holiday season, consider an alternate route in the giftbuying arena, and pick up a CBD product for a loved one who is sick, has a chronic condition or just wants to feel better, but won’t take that step to get a CBD product for themselves. >>

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“The reason CBD works so wonderfully in the human body is a fact even most doctors don’t know: Our endocannabinoid system is the most widespread such receptor system in the human body.”

ne way to explain CBD use to friends and family is it allows the user to “stay functional.” That is, CBD is not psychoactive, so you don’t get that headin-the-clouds feeling. Rather, a high CBD cannabis product gives the body and mind a slight and more prolonged lift towards less anxiety and less disease, and to more health and more happiness. And who doesn’t want more peace and healing in their lives during the season of joy, right? In fact, CBD has such a mild effect on the psyche (yet powerful healing benefits on the whole body including having the power to tell cancer cells to commit suicide) that kids with debilitating conditions such as epilepsy and ADD/ADHD are being treated with CBD oil. The reason CBD works so wonderfully in the human body is a fact even most doctors don’t know: Our endocannabinoid system is the most widespread such receptor system in the human body. Clustered in the brain and other major organs like the liver, this system of cannabinoid “receptors”

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quietly runs through our bodies much like the lymphatic system. First discovered in 1992, the role of the human endocannabinoid system is to maintain balance (or homeostasis). “Cannabis tells the cells: Hey! Turn it down!” explains prominent cannabis doctor and advocate Bonnie Goldstein. To put it simply, she says cannabinoids help the body to relax, to eat, to sleep, to forget and to protect. Dr. Goldstein, who is the medical director for California-based Canna-Centers, also says our bodies don’t know the difference between naturally-made cannabinoids (yes, our bodies make their own form of cannabis chemicals) and ones introduced via smoking, teas, edibles or oils. She also says her patients react well to either constant, low doses of CBD products or shortterm high doses for acute conditions. Is Grandpa forgetting more than usual this year? Tell him Dr. Goldstein says cannabinoids such as whole plant extracts of CBD decrease the aging process, especially for the brain. Think a staunchly anti-cannabis relative still just won’t get it no matter what? How about if CBD is good enough for kids. Yes, CBD has been a breakthrough miracle medication for a growing number of children. Mother and now cannabis entrepreneur Tracy Ryan has spent the last several years trying to erase the stigma of CBD dosing for kids. After her daughter Sophie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, the family decided to add a CBD oil protocol to her chemotherapy and it worked. Sophie’s brain tumor has almost completely shrunk and she is in remission. Doctors even say the miraculous shrinking of the tumor may have even saved her from going blind in one eye. “CBD isn’t just for cancers,” says Ryan, who has created her own CBD oil products and sees about 250 patients a month in her Beverly Hills-based CannaKids clinic. “CBD is whole body preventative wellness that will one day be rolled out in big box retail stores.” Know an uncle or cousin who suffers from dry winter skin, eczema, psoriasis or skin rashes? CBD not only has anti-inflammatory properties, but also stops new capillaries from forming. (Yes, CBD-based creams and salves really can reduce the redness of winter’s cold noses and cheeks.) Ryan also swears by CBD as an anti-asthmatic and sore throat remedy. Armed with some cannabis education and a whole lot of compassion, this could be the year a relative or two has a breakthrough when it comes to understanding the healing wonders of cannabinol. c VISIT US AT

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Making His Own Way The life and art of Joe Triscari by Addison Herron-Wheeler For a visual artist, Colorado is full of inspiration. From snowy summits and delicious herb to all the awesome music that passes through, there is no shortage of creative energy for an artist to tap into. Joe Triscari, an avid music fan, snowboarding enthusiast, cannabis advocate and screen printer, is an artist who makes great use of that contagious energy. >>

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“I got into art as a young kid,” Triscari told us. “I was really into skateboarding graphics, Jim Phillips graphics, stuff like that as a kid—that is kind of what drew me in to art in general. Then in high school I was playing with bands and screen printing was kind of the best way to translate the art I was doing, so I got into that, making merch, t-shirts, and I kept doing that up into my mid20s. The bands I was in, we were just making tons of merch for our own; we got printing presses going on. We got into doing screen printing ourselves, and once that band evaporated I ended up taking it more seriously. People were asking me to do art for them and it kind of grew organically out of that. As far as the medium goes, it usually starts out with pencil sketches, painting sometimes, but my standard format is going from pencil to an ink drawing and to painting and then putting it into a computer and getting it ready to be screen printed.” Triscari does a lot of his work making fliers and designs for bands, an avenue that brings him satisfaction because of his deep love for music.

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“I grew up listening to punk, stuff like Minor Threat, and of course, metal—you can’t really top the first four Metallica albums for me,” he admitted. “I like Bjork, a lot of Dark Wave— it’s all over the board, the stuff I like. It’s really cool doing stuff for bands and being able to take your own interpretation of how the music sounds and putting your own touch on that and translating how you think it sounds. It is always a very interesting process and tends to be different from one process to the next . . . It makes the job so much easier when you are pulling from something that already exists, something like music that is an auditory experience, and being able to add that visual experience to it.” While Triscari is not an everyday smoker, he advocates for cannabis as both a recreational and medicinal substance and as an answer to some of our world’s bigger problems. “I’m not an everyday smoker—I’m very casual about it. I love smoking when I am skateboarding or snowboarding,” he told us. “I know the state is making a ton of money off of the taxing of cannabis—I think it is really positive that they are putting it into mass transit and into the school system, but I think it would be really cool to see some kind of situation where people are able to put together a system of textile factories, like people using the refuse from their plants and putting it into making t-shirts and pants, because hemp clothing that can be some of the most comfortable and long-lasting clothing items, so I think it is something that could really relieve our dependence on foreign companies and slave labor.” Look out for some of Triscari’s designs on snowboards in the next few months—especially boards from the company called Oz— and look out for new pieces being displayed in the near future. c VISIT US AT iReadCulture.com moonlightspeed.tumblr.com

December 2015 // CULTURE

Wonderfully Weird The addicting sound of local producer Space Jesus

by Addison Herrron-Wheeler The Boulderite known as Space Jesus, trap-hop and EDM producer and all-around musician, has gone from experimenting with software and learning how to produce, to touring the world supporting musicians like Zeds Dead and Die Antword. Throughout it all, he keeps his cool, remains downto-earth and humble, and always remembers to give plenty of love to the great green herb. “My dad got me this crappy music making program when I was 12,” he told us. “Through my teens I kept working on making beats, learning how to make beats, and as that progressed, I finally got something together and figured out how to make tunes. Since those days, Space Jesus has worked hard to make beats that people will dance to and establish himself within the EDM community. >>

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“Right now I am on tour–I play in Minnesota tonight and the show is sold out,” he told us. “I just recorded a full-length, Close Encounters, which comes out on November 20. I also finished an EP for the label Wakaan by Liquid Stranger and I’m working on another one–his label is very cool and I’m excited to be working with him.” Throughout all of his tour plans and nonstop music making, Space Jesus always takes the time to relax, smoke and appreciate all the goodness cannabis has brought to his life. “I always use cannabis differently,” he admitted. “Sometimes I use it as a creative spark, sometimes I use it to kind of reanalyze something, to shed a new light, open up a new perspective on a way of thinking about it. When I was young and I started getting into cannabis and listening to music I’d be able to see it—it always created that perception change to me to where when I smoke I can visually see the music. I’ll start working sober and then get high—do all these kind of happy accident things where I am feeling through the high and working on music–then come down and listen to it—then get really high again and listen to it. I also

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love in Colorado that you can go around the corner to a dispensary and ask for a recommendation based on the tune you are working on.” In addition to loving the cannabis in Colorado, Space Jesus finds the Denver and Boulder music scenes incredibly grounding, even though he lived in New York City before relocating to Boulder and has been all over the world touring. “Both are amazing,” he said. “The music scene in the Denver Boulder area has always been a hub for electronic music—the scene in Denver compared to the rest of the country is a lot more mature compared to what many people like. People have a higher standard of things that have to do with electronic music more so than in some other places. As a whole in Colorado there is a more condensed maturity about the EDM scene. And the cannabis scene can’t be compared.” Although Space Jesus’ most recent record just came out a few short weeks ago, keep your eyes peeled for more releases out soon, and look out for his name appearing on the bill at a Denver or Boulder venue once he returns from his tour in a few months. c

“. . . As a whole, in Colorado, there is a more condensed maturity about the EDM scene. And the cannabis scene can’t be compared.”

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UNDENIABLY UNCONVENTIONAL Analog Son is the Passion Project that Keeps on Giving by Addison Herron-Wheeler Sometimes the collective energy of loving music can be enough to sustain a musical project, more so than a steady lineup or an adherence to the traditional rules that apply to being in a band. Analog Sun is more of a passion project and a collaboration rather than a band in the strictest sense, and the raw passion and excitability that drives their musical momentum shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. >>

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“Josh [Fairman], the bassist, and I had been meaning to record a funk record for a while,” states Jordan Linit, the group’s founder, alongside Fairman, regarding how Analog Son got started. “We scheduled a studio day, wrote a few songs, and decided we would pursue this as a serious project after that first recording session. We play around Colorado and have a core group of people we perform with. Our records have 20 to 30 people on them from well-known national bands, and we incorporate people as we travel around.” This unconventional approach to writing and recording has been so successful that the group just put out as second record, Stomp and Shout, and are currently working on a third to be released in spring. They also sold out their album release show at The Bluebird Theater, and are selling records and getting booked across the state. The guys are especially happy when up on stage

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playing in front of a live audience, and feel that catching a show is truly the best way to get a sense of their sound. “We really thrive off of live shows, even though we are really proud of our studio albums,” Linit told us. “We thrive on making performances of each song really new and different each time. Even if you‘ve come to see us once, each time has a different flavor to it, so come out and see it. At our live shows, we just want everybody’s booty shaking, and to see that everyone’s having a good time.” They also see a strong link between the success of the thriving music scene in Denver and the growing positive influence of the legal cannabis industry. “We’ve got all sort of friends who worked in different aspects of the industry, and we’ve played some cannabis events,” Linit said. “What I will say is that I think the cannabis industry is really tied in with the music industry.

People who are doing well in the cannabis industry tend to really like live music, and I think it is great how they will help support events, and bands. Linit feels that cannabis can be a healthy alternative to overconsumption of alcohol when out partying and having fun, and that it has had a strong positive effect on the local economy. “I think it would be great if people were smoking a joint instead of drinking a bunch of booze all the time,” he admitted. “And on the economic side, I think it has brought a lot of jobs to the state. For that we are all really grateful. Cannabis can also lead to some nice creative moments. It is pretty nice that you can find some of the best stuff in the country right here.” Catch Analog Son around Colorado this year, and look out for their new album releasing this spring. Each performance and recording is bound to bring some new surprise performers. c

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The Kannastör® GR8TR™ VAPE is an all new grinder design and a must-have for any dry herb vape user. It provides the finer grind preferred by experienced vape enthusiasts, and it’s modular design easily transforms to a pocketable travel puck. The GR8TR™ Vape is made from high quality, medical grade aluminum and includes a limited lifetime warranty. Worldwide patents pending. Visit www.kannastor.com and use Promo Code Holiday420 to receive 20 percent off purchase.

Holiday Vdab200 EverSmooth Portable Vaporizer

Introducing the world’s first “Load n’ Go!” portable vaporizer for waxes and shatters of all kinds, the Vdab200 provides 200 puffs that are truly EverSmooth. The QanTeq engineers have outdone themselves with a Controllable Chamber that holds one full gram and allows you to twist the patent-pending steel top a quarter-turn to fill the heater cup with NO HASSLE and NO MESS! This unit comes with a vv battery to get the temps where you like ‘em. Visit www. vdab200.com promo code HOLIDAY for $50 off. $195

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G UI D E ! 2015

Toker Poker

Get the hottest gift item of the season—the legendary Toker Poker! Finally your poker/dabber, tamper, hemp wick and lighter are all in the same place. This 420 multi-tool has everything you need to vape, dab, roll and toke. Its ergonomic design provides the most basic but essential tools for any smoker. Glow in the dark, chrome and other limited editions now available online. Sure to be a stocking stuffer hero! $7.95 www.tokerpoker.com

The SmokeBuddy

Just in time for Christmas! The Smokebuddy company has just now released Smokebuddy glow-in-the-dark, available in two sizes, Original and JR; and in two colors: White that glows green, and blue that glows blue! The Smokebuddy is a personal air filter designed to reduce second hand smoke and odor, simply blow your smoke in and clean air comes out on the other side. Original smoke buddy is good for about 300 uses and Smokebuddy JR is good for about 150 uses. Glow in the dark original $24.95 | Glow in the dark Jr $19.95. 20 percent OFF use discount code CULTURE. Smokebuddy.com VISIT US AT

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Bhanga Box

Holiday

Bhanga Box is an odor proof, pocket-sized case for your smoking essentials. Whether you smoke joints, blunts or concentrates—the four uniquely sized compartments keep your stash odor-free from the outside world with no risk of cross contamination within the box. The Bhanga Concentrate Kit includes food grade silicone inserts for each compartment. The inserts provide a nonstick surface for your extract; and are completely removable so you can customize your setup, include a vape pen and USB charger, or a combination of herb and extract material. These intelligent products from Bhanga Goods help you smoke smarter, while on the go. www.bhangagoods.com $27.95-$49.95

G UID E !

RYOT® Pack and Protect™ NoGoo® Collaboration Packs

Magic Flight

Leave the torch at home! Voted “Best Portable Concentrate Vape” at last year’s Kush Cup, the MuadDib from Magic-Flight has a newly engineered screen design that fully vaporizes concentrates in three to five seconds. This batterypowered vape lasts for 50+ uses at a time, making it easy to dab on the go. Upgrade to the optional gold batteries for the perfect pairing. Lifetime warranty included. Visit magic-flight.com and use promo code CULTURE10 at checkout to save 10 percent on the Muad-Dib through January 31, 2016.

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As the use of concentrates has expanded, so has the need to better manage the important accessories and super gooey substances. RYOT®, a designer of modern smoke accessories since 2003, now incorporates top quality NoGoo® silicone mats into select styles to create the ultimate concentrate utility cases, able to Pack and Protect™ your glass rig, dab tools and more. Visit www.RYOTcom and use Promo Code RYOTXMAS to receive 20 percent off purchase.

THE CRIPPLE CREEK Dab Kit

This 7” x 7” dab box is made out of beautiful Colorado aspen and beetle kill pine. The CRIPPLE CREEK Dab Kit comes with three 7-mil silicon jars, a 4” titanium dab tool and a 3” x 5” medical silicon dab mat. Only the best products go into our stash boxes. This dab box is made with our with coloradostashbox.com custom airtight lid, which is perfect for a rolling tray. No hinges, no clasp, just that perfect lid to keep your dab rig in one box.

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Ankit Dope Lights Need a little ambient lighting to perfect the mood in your living space? Ankit has the solution for all cannabis-loving interior decorators with Dope Lights. These captivating string lights consist of 25 individual green lights, all shaped like cannabis leaves, that comes with a 10-footlong wire that you can wrap around a number of fixtures within your home. The lights run off of three AA batteries, so you won’t have to hide excess wires. $24.99 www.theankit.com

The Stinky Candle Co. Marijuana Scented Candle

If you can’t get enough of the herbal smell of cannabis, this is candle is for you. Handmade in the U.S., this candle will have your home smelling like cannabis without having to partake in a smoke session. It’s legal in all 50 states, and The Stinky Candle Co’s Marijuana Scented Candle will make your home more welcoming with its potent and relaxing aroma. $9.99 www.stinkycandlecompany.com

Holiday

Aroha Silhouettes THC Molecule Necklace

Display your love for cannabis without having to sacrifice your fashion sense with this chic and light-weight necklace. With a charm shaped like the chemical compound for THC, this necklace is a minimal stainless-steel piece, available in silver and gold, that will go great with many looks. Supported by a double link chain, this necklace was made to last. A great gift for yourself or the cannabis lover in your life. $50-$75 www.etsy.com/shop/ ArohaSilhouettes

G UID E !

2015 cont.

Blundt Cake Mold

Have fun when baking your cannabis-infused goodies with these neat, cannabis leaf-shaped cake molds. A fun take on the word “bundt,” these “blundt” silicone cake molds will get your sweets shaped perfectly without sticking. The Blundt Cake Mold is great for parties when your guests need to differentiate between infused and non-infused sweets, or if you just want to have fun-shaped brownies or cupcakes. Bring out your inner Betty Crocker with these cannabis-friendly baking molds. $11.99 www.perpetualkid.com

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Ronda Rousey (2015)

“It’s so unfair if one person tests for steroids that could actually really hurt a person and the other person smokes a plant that makes them happy and he gets suspended for five years, whereas the guy that could hurt someone gets a slap on the wrist. It’s not fair. It’s not fair at all.”

Rihanna (2015)

“I’d rather smoke weed whenever we breathe.”

Melissa Etheridge

Bill Maher

(2015)

“If Republicans can forgive people for armed insurrection, desertion, and speaking Spanish, a Democrat can forgive us for getting high.”

Morgan Freeman (2015)

“I have fibromyalgia pain in this arm, and the only thing that offers any relief is marijuana.”

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“It needs to be legalized across the board. Who draws the line of what’s medicinal? If a hardworking person comes home and they want to enjoy cannabis, who’s to say that it’s not medicine? It helps in many medicinal ways.”

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by Ed Rosenthal

growing culture

Indoor-Outdoor

WINTER GARDEN

n early October, I asked my friend if he could give me a couple of plants for an experiment. A few days later, my friend dropped off two well-branched “3x Crazy” plants. They were used to test the toxicity of an organic pesticide on their leaves. The results were negative, the pesticide didn’t affect them and I was left with two healthy specimens. At the beginning of October, the plants were receiving approximately 12 hours of natural light daily, with early morning sundown in shade. One month later, they were receiving only 10.75 hours daily. Of course, under this regimen, the plants went into flower immediately. The weather was warm during the entire month of October, so I decided to keep the plants outside and let them flower under the short days of autumn. The plants are in small containers so it’s easy to move them around the yard three times daily as the sunny area shifts. Only now, in early November, has the nighttime temperature started dipping into the high 40 degrees. So I’ve decided on a routine change. Instead of leaving the plants out at night, each evening they are being carried inside and given supplemental light using a 1,000-watt high pressure sodium (HPS) light. The routine goes like this: 7am: Plants are indoors. Light goes on. 10am: Plants are carried outside to sunny section of yard, as long as it is not cloudy or rainy, and the temperature is above 68 degrees.

During those times, the plants are kept indoors with the light on. If outside, plants are moved various times during the day to keep them in sunny locations. 4:30pm: Plants are moved inside. Lights are on. 6pm: Lights go off. On most days, the light will be on only 4.5 hours, and on cold, foggy or rainy days, which are infrequent here in Northern California, the light will be on all day indoor. Plants can also be left inside if you’re away from home. I’ve also installed a UVB fluorescent tube in the middle of the garden so that only a part of each plant receives its light. After harvest, I will check for differences in the potency and terpene content of the buds that received the light and those that didn’t. This requires marking the plants in such a way that they are returned to the same position indoors each time, so the light falls on the same buds. Using this technique, I am minimizing energy use, but still getting light to the plants. I realize that in some areas of the country, it’s just too cold to put the plants out anytime during the fall, going into winter, and the light gets dim during the winter in many parts of the country too. In that case, you might be able to use a southfacing window or a skylight and supply supplemental light to meet the plants light requirements. c

you like, have heard about or have always dreamed of growing. Plants growing indoors or in a greenhouse can be trained into small bushes with a diameter of three to four

2 Close-up of one of the small flowers.

Each branch was developing into a cola.

4 Plants being moved to a sunny area of the yard.

5 With colder nights and dimming sun, the plants started receiving enhanced care: Supplemental lighting in the morning and evening and shelter from the cold.

TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED®

f you are planning to grow outdoors this spring, now is the time to start selecting varieties and to get the indoor starter garden together. Choose seeds or clones from varieties that

1 The plants were placed outdoors in early October. One month later, in early November, the plants are midway through flowering.

square feet for transplanting outdoors in the spring. If it’s warm enough to plant early in the spring, you will be able to get an early harvest because the dark period will be long enough to trigger flowering.

6 Plants basking under 1,000 watt lamp.

Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.

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Vermont

destination unknown

by Sheryll Alexander

Vermont Lights Up as Winter’s Best Vacation Wonderland IF YOU GO:

Cannabis has been legal for only seven “debilitating” medical conditions since 2004, although it took until 2013 for just three not-for-profit dispensaries to open legally in the state with another one going live in 2014 for a total of four cannabis clinics. First, patients should unfortunately start online by finding the Vermont Crime Information Center, which oversees the Vermont Marijuana Registry (VMR). Any MD, DO, PA, PA-C, ND or APRN who has been certified by the state with a “special license endorsement” and a “bonafide health care professional-patient relationship” can prescribe cannabis. Fortunately, there’s dozens of MMJ docs even in this sparsely-populated, yet pro-cannabis state. Next, Vermonters are forced to make an appointment at a dispensary, show up with licensed always in hand and, interestingly, bring a locked box to securely stash justpurchased meds. This heavy regulation makes prices for cannabis products in Vermont sky high, but some clinics use a sliding scale for those in need. Vermont is one of five states that will potentially go recreational in 2016 with two recreational bills still alive in the legislature and pro-cannabis politicians such as Governor Shumlin, State House Speaker Shap Smith, State Sen. David Zuckerman, Sen. Patrick Leahy and Presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. Gov. Shumlin and other Vermont politicians now support legalization after a Rand Corporation study back in January revealed that 80,000 Vermonters are regular cannabis users and switching to a recreational status could harvest an estimated $20-75 million annually in tax revenue.

Fun-Filled Facts Solitude is something to discover in this far-flung state as there’s about 626,000 Vermonters in only 251 towns and cities with Burlington being the most populous at around 40,000 yearround residents.

Vermont is the U.S.A.’s No. 1 maple syrup producer. While the sap doesn’t run until spring, Vermonters put their locally-made sweet liquid treat on some of winter’s best comfort foods such as atop pancakes and inside everything from sausages to desserts.

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Time to Go: Winter Weather: Cold and snowy Budget: $$$$$

Vermont voters are so forwardthinking that it was the first state to legally recognize gay couples by creating civil unions and was the first state to pass a marriage equality act. 2

SEE MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

or some, medicating amongst snow-laden pine forests can mean only one thing: A winter trip to Vermont. Plus, Vermont provides some of the very best of winter’s snowy mountain and trail activities. However, when it comes to medical marijuana, Vermont doesn’t quite live up to its tourism tagline of “independent, friendly and quaint.” Sure, Vermonters (as they call themselves) are mostly friendly, freedom-loving folks. Perhaps it is the state’s remote location, vast mountainous pine forests, raging rivers and cold winters that have kept Vermont one of the least populous states in the nation. And this isolation certainly makes for tough, independent-minded people who are open to visitors and most especially to their tourist dollars. Tiny and landlocked Vermont, however, has somehow become this country’s best winter playground with no less than 19 alpine ski resorts and 30 cross country touring centers. Outdoor recreation abounds in this stunningly beautiful state with such heart-pumping and body-warming activities as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice skating. Even culture and food blooms in Vermont’s winter wonderland. Concert halls, opera houses, art galleries and community halls open their doors and then turn the heat up for an eclectic mix of dance, music, festivities and performances. Other seasonal celebrations include costumed galas, holiday bazaars and First Night festivals. Don’t miss the Woodstock Wassail Weekend from December 11-13, Montpelier Christmas Antiques Market on December 22 and First Night Burlington on New Year’s Eve. Vermont makes for a fantastic winter’s getaway for those who love to medicate in crispy clean mountain air. c

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Hoot Gibson profile in courage

Age: 44 Condition/ Illness: Multiple Sclerosis, severe degenerative disk disease, tremors, muscle spasms, stuttering, chronic pain, cognitive difficulty. When did you start using medical cannabis? 2011

Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.

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Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes; surgery, chiropractic therapy, opiates, sedatives, injections, anti-convulsants, acupuncture and physical therapy. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I feel the most important issue facing medical cannabis patients today is the limited access created by the current infrastructure of state laws. Medical cannabis is not legal in my home state which forced me to move 2,000 miles to a state which would allow me access to the medicine I needed. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I would ask them if their family member, child or loved one had a serious illness and had tried every medical option available to them without success, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they want for that person to at least have the option of trying medical cannabis? Everyone does not have to be a believer in the medicinal benefits of cannabis but everyone should have the opportunity to make that decision for their own health. c

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HOLIDAY HAPPINESS Wonderful winter eats to satisfy that hibernation hunger recipes

Menu:

Classic Roast Beef Spinach and Gruyere Soufflé Cranberry Vanilla Cheesecake

Like clockwork, the holiday season has snuck up on humanity once again. It’s that time of year when gift shopping is an annual nightmare, but the togetherness caused by that good old “holiday spirit” makes up for the madness. Enjoy the company of friends and family while you dine together this month, enjoying a hearty meal that compliments the occasion. Bust out the fine china, silverware and cannabis ingredients to make a delicious holiday dinner featuring a classic roast beef, cheesy soufflé and a sweet cranberry and vanilla cheesecake. Cannabis makes everything better, and we here at CULTURE hope you enjoy exquisite dishes while you celebrate a safe and happy holiday season!

Spinach and Gruyere Soufflé Ingredients

Cranberry Vanilla Cheesecake Ingredients 4 ounces chocolate graham crackers 3 tablespoons cannabis-infused vegetable oil t Cooking spray 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup Chambord (raspberry liqueur) 3 tablespoons water 1 cup sugar

2 (8-ounce) packages blockstyle 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup (4 ounces) block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened 1 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs 2 large egg whites

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Wrap outside and bottom of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with a double layer of heavy-duty foil. Place graham crackers in a food processor; process until finely ground. Drizzle with oil; pulse until combined. Press mixture into bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of prepared pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes; let cool on a rack. Reduce oven temperature to 325°. Place cranberries, sugar, liqueur and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes or until cranberries pop and mixture is syrupy. Turn off and let cool 20 minutes. Place mixture in a food processor; process 1 minute or until smooth. Combine 1 cup sugar and cheeses in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Beat in yogurt, vanilla and salt. Add whole eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Place 2 egg whites in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form using clean, dry beaters. Fold beaten egg whites into cream cheese mixture. Pour filling over crust. Spoon cranberry mixture over filling. Place springform pan in a 13 x 9-inch metal baking pan. Add hot water to the pan, to a depth of 2 inches. Bake at 325° for 50 minutes or until center of cheesecake barely moves when pan is touched. Turn oven off. Cool cheesecake in closed oven for 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven. Run a knife around outside edge. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and let chill 8 hours.

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2 tablespoons unsalted canna butter t (room temperature, plus more for baking dish) 1/3 cup plain dried breadcrumbs 5 cups (5 ounces) packed spinach, trimmed and washed 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk (or whole canna-milk t) 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese Coarse salt and ground pepper 2 large eggs, separated, plus 2 large egg whites

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a round 1-quart tall-sided baking dish and dust with breadcrumbs; set aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons water over medium-high. Add spinach and cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a strainer to cool; press to release liquid. In a medium saucepan, melt canna butter over medium heat until bubbling. Add flour and whisk until a paste forms. Continue to cook until pale blond in color, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisking, gradually add milk. Cook, whisking, until lumps are gone and mixture is thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper. Transfer soufflé base to a large bowl. In a food processor, pulse spinach and egg yolks until coarsely pureed. Add 1/4 cup soufflé base; pulse until blended. Stir spinach mixture into remaining soufflé base. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 4 egg whites and pinch of salt on medium-high until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat), about 3 minutes. In 2 additions, gently fold egg whites into the soufflé base. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake until soufflé is tall, golden-browned on top and firm to the touch, about 35 minutes. (Avoid opening oven during first 25 minutes of baking.) Serve immediately.

t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com

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Classic Roast Beef Ingredients 3.3 lbs. quality topside of beef 2 medium onions 2 carrots 2 sticks celery 1 bulb garlic 1 small bunch fresh thyme,

rosemary, bay or sage, or a mixture Cannabisinfused olive oil t sea salt freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Take your beef out of the fridge 30 minutes before it goes into the oven. Preheat oven to 475°. Roughly chop up vegetables. Break the garlic bulb into cloves, leaving them unpeeled. Pile all the vegetables, garlic and herbs into the middle of a large roasting tray and drizzle with olive oil. Separately, drizzle the beef with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper, rubbing it all over the meat. Place the beef on top of the vegetables. Place the roasting tray in the preheated oven. Turn the heat down immediately to 400°F and cook for 1 hour for medium beef. If you prefer it medium-rare, take it out 5 to 10 minutes earlier. For well done, leave it in for another 10 to 15 minutes. When the beef is cooked to your liking, take the tray out of the oven and transfer the beef to a board or pan and let rest for 15 minutes. Cover it with a layer of tinfoil and a tea towel and put aside until you’re ready to serve.

Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.

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Local eateries with similar dishes Barolo Grill 3030 E 6th Ave., Denver (303) 393-1040 www.barologrilldenver.com

D’deli 1207 Washington Ave., Golden (303) 279-8020 www.ddelisubs.com Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet 13251 W 64th Ave., Arvada (303) 425-5616 www.dasmeyerpastry.com

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event listings

LET’S

DO THIS

ground-breaking sound to the world of music. Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver cervantesmasterpiece.com

featured event

Jerry Seinfeld, Dec. 11

There are few comedians who are as recognizable as Jerry Seinfield—which is probably why he’s the highest paid in his field. With his signature voice and relatable topics, Seinfeld’s jokes are for audiences of all types. Buell Theater, Denver denver-theater.com

Falling in Reverse and Atreyu, Dec. 11 Join Falling in Reverse and Atreyu as they kick of their Christmas Vacation Tour in Colorado. Both bands have recently released new, highly awaited albums, sure to have fans pumped up for the show! Boulder Theater, Boulder bouldertheater.com

De La Soul, Dec. 12

Formed in 1987, De La Soul brought on subgenres of hiphop that had never been heard before. Recently honored for their achievements at De La Soul Day in Atlanta, the group continues to contribute its

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Dancing With the Stars Live, Dec. 17

Join special guests performers as they dance in a 90-minute production based off the hit TV show, Dancing With the Stars. Experience the magic, you’ve seen on TV live! Bellco Theatre, Denver www.bellcotheatre.com

“Greenscapes: A Survey of Sound Art,” Ends Dec. 27

This exciting exhibition highlights the work of Denver artist, Jim Greene, whose work consists of a variety of participatory sound installations. Four decades of work is shown in one single exhibit, showcasing Greene’s ability to flawlessly place his installations in realworld settings. Redline, Denver redlineart.org

Blossoms of Light, Thru Jan. 2

The perfect way to kick off Christmas with family and friends is to check out the local garden. Enjoy warm drinks and winter snacks as you go on a delightful walk through Denver Botanic Gardens as it is adorned with

Kevin Smith, DEC. 17

You probably know Kevin Smith as Silent Bob from Clerks, or the dude who’s always in a hockey jersey on the hit show Comic Book Men. Regardless of how you know of him, he’s sure to crack you up with his wise guy demeanor and adult language. The Boulder Theater, Boulder bouldertheater.com

thousands of Christmas lights. Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver botanicgardens.org

“Extraction,” through Jan. 9

This exhibit showcases the art of a hand-full of contemporary

artists whose works represent abstract emotion. Sculpture and paintings using gesture and shapes, make for a variety of engaging pieces, effortlessly complimenting one another. Walker Fine Art, Denver walkerfineart.com VISIT US AT

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shooting gallery

cannaball @ melrose hotel photos by Joel Meaders

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Chuck Shepherd's

News of the

Weird

LEAD STORY—DOING TIME RIGHT u In October, a Harvard

University debate team (threetime recent champions of the American Parliamentary Debate Association) lost a match to a team of prisoners from the maximum-security Eastern New York Correctional Facility. Prison debaters “are held to the exact same standards” as college debate teams, according to the director of Bard College’s Prison Initiative, which coaches the inmates. Prisoners took the “pro” side of public schools having the right to turn away students whose parents had entered the U.S. illegally (though team members personally disagreed). The Bard trainers pointed out that the inmates perfected their presentation despite (or perhaps because of) the prison prohibition on Internet access.

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS u A black alleged gang member,

Taurus Brown, 19, under arrest in Clearwater, Florida, in September for having a marijuana cigarette casually tucked behind his ear as he talked politely to a white police officer, tried to flee on foot but was quickly taken down. Asked why he ran, Brown replied (according to the police report): “I don’t like white people touching me. White people do weird stuff.”

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT u The Merit Systems Protection

Board is (wrote The Washington Post) “a personnel court of last resort” for federal employees unfairly punished by demotion or firing—which is just what employee Timothy

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Korb needed when his federal agency suspended him in 2013, allegedly for revealing at a staff meeting that the agency’s actual case backlog was much worse than it was letting on. Korb’s employer, ironically, is the Merit Systems Protection Board, and in September 2015, an administrative law judge upheld his claim of unfairness.

SHAMELESS u In rare bipartisan action, the

U.S. Senate is preparing a bill to ban taxpayer funds for those military salutes at sporting events. Teams (the legislators believe) already benefit from the fan-friendly staging of heartwarming patriotic displays. (The Pentagon had paid $5.4 million just to the National Football League over the last four years). An NFL spokesman, finally playing catch-up, said in September, “(N)o one should be paid to honor our troops.”

LEGISLATORS IN ACTION u In a recent resolution,

Blount County (Tennessee) Commissioner Karen Miller called for her fellow commissioners and state officials all the way up to the governor to prepare for “God’s wrath” for recent national policies (same-sex marriage, etc). she disagrees with. Though other states might be in for a smiting, Miller’s resolution calls on God to spare Blount County (by the “safety of the Passover lamb”). In October, the commission tabled the resolution, 10-5, but she promised to reintroduce it.

THE WEIRDO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY u “Officially” declaring oneself

not subject to the laws of any jurisdiction (i.e., a “sovereign”) VISIT US AT

iReadCulture.com

opens a wide range of career choices. The FBI and Las Vegas police say that in Rick Van Thiel’s case, once his porn industry career ended (because someone stole his video equipment), he “decided to go into the medical field,” becoming “Dr. Rick” with expertise performing dozens of abortions, circumcisions and castrations (plus cancer treatments and root canals). Proudly avoiding actual licensing, Van Thiel promoted “alternative” remedies, with an office in a Nevada compound of trailers that one hesitant “patient” described as something out of a horror movie. Van Thiel, arrested in October, nonetheless staunchly defended his ability (acquired, he said, by watching YouTube medical videos). (Bonus entertainment: In court, he will be acting as his own lawyer).

PERSPECTIVE u In June, Tennessee’s much-

publicized program to kick drug users off of welfare rolls (and only from welfare rolls, among

all people receiving any type of state subsidy) wound up its first year cutting off fewer than 40 people out of 28,559 people on public assistance (“temporary assistance to needy families”). Nonetheless, the sponsoring legislators said they were pleased with the program and planned no changes. The state paid a contractor $11,000 to conduct 468 drug tests, but did not disclose staff costs of processing applications, deciding who to test and managing cases.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u Not Ready for Prime Time:

It was at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 8 that, according to Dallas police, Kristopher Jones, 18, and a buddy decided it would be Joy’s Donut shop they should rob. As they exited the store (one carrying the shop’s cash register), a uniformed, offduty officer (who apparently had pulled up to the store—for doughnuts) saw the whole thing and arrested Jones (though his partner was able to flee).

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u I’m Da Man! John Morgan, 28, and Ashley Duboe, 24, were charged in September with robbing the Savings Bank in Ashville, Ohio—with their apprehension made easier by Morgan’s Facebook photos of himself riffling through (and with a mouthful of) his newly acquired stack of bills (a “McStack,” he wrote) and describing his current elation: “I got six bands bra ... I’m doing rrree=aaaalll good.” (Police were quick to find the Facebook page because Morgan was already on parole from a 2010 bank robbery). ARMED & CLUMSY (ALL-NEW!) u More Men Who Accidentally

Shot Themselves Recently: A 16-year-old boy, in the leg—for the second time in three months (same leg) (Tulsa, Oklahoma, September). A road-rager waving a gun at a motorist, jarring his trigger finger as he subsequently crashed (Estero, Florida, September). Christen Reece, 23, shot in the head demonstrating to friends the gun’s “safety” (Navajo County, Arizona, September). A man celebrating his 21st (and, alas, final) birthday (Dallas, July). A 49-year-old man who failed the “removing the magazine does not clear the chamber” test (Mims, Florida, June). Martin Hoyer, 51, who failed the “waistband is not a holster” test (Wenatchee, Washington, September). Thomas Javier, 26, trying to hide his gun (after being caught urinating in the street) and fumbling it, accidentally shooting himself in the vicinity of the organ in question. (Brooklyn, New York, September). Donald Watson, 43, slipping a for-sale gun into his pocket and somehow firing on his penis (Sioux Falls, South Dakota, September).

A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (OCTOBER 2009) u The Power of Love: Before

Arthur Horn met his future bride Lynette (a “metaphysical healer”) in 1988, he was a tenured professor at Colorado State, with a Ph.D. in anthropology from Yale, teaching a mainstream course in human evolution. With Lynette’s “guidance” (after a revelatory week with her in California,

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searching for Bigfoot), Horn resigned from Colorado State and began seeking to remedy his inadequate Ivy League education. Lecturing at a conference in Denver in September (2009), Horn said he now realizes that humans evolved from an alien race of shape-shifting reptilians that continue to control civilization through secretive leaders.

IS IT REALLY A “PROBLEM” IF 99 PERCENT WISH THEY HAD IT? u Among those struggling

with psychological issues in modern America are the rich “one-percenters” (especially the mega-rich “one-percent of one-percenters”), according to counselors specializing in assuaging guilt and moderating class hatred. London’s The Guardian, reporting from New York, found three such counselors, including two who barely stopped short of comparing the plight of the rich-rich with the struggles of “people of color” or out-of-closet gays. Sample worries: isolation (so few rich-rich); stress, caused by political hubbub over “inequality”; and insecurity (is my “friend” really just a friend of my money?).

CAN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE u Stories surface regularly

about a hospital patient declared dead but who then revives briefly before once again dying. However, Tammy Cleveland’s recent lawsuit against doctors and DeGraff Memorial Hospital near Buffalo, New York, reveals an incident more startling. She alleges that her late husband Michael displayed multiple signs of life (breathing, eyes open, legs kicking, attempted hugs, struggles against the tube in his throat) for nearly two hours, but with two doctors all the while assuring her that he was gone. (The coroner came and went twice, concluding that calling him had been premature). The lawsuit alleges that only upon the fourth examination did the doctor exclaim, “My God, he has a pulse!” Michael Cleveland died shortly after that—of a punctured lung from CPR following his initial heart attack—an injury for which he could have been treated. VISIT US AT

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THE CONTINUING CRISIS u For an October report, Vice

Media located the half-dozen most-dedicated collectors of those AOL giveaway CDs from the Internet’s dial-up years (“50 Hours Free!”). Sparky Haufle wrote a definitive AOL-CD collector’s guide; Lydia Sloan Cline has 4,000 unique disks; Bustam Halim at one point had 20,000 total, before weeding to 3,000. (The AOL connoisseurs file disks by color, by the hundreds of packaging styles, by number of free hours, and especially by the co-brands—the rare pearls, like AOL’s deals with Frisbee and Spider Man. Their collections, said both Halim and Brian Larkin, are simply “beautiful.”

u In 20th-century Chicago,

according to legend, one did not have to be among the living to vote on election day, and a 2013 policy of the city’s community colleges has seemingly extended rights of the dead—to receive unearned degrees. City Colleges of Chicago, aiming to increase graduation numbers, has awarded a slew of posthumous degrees to former students who died with at least three-fourths of the necessary credits to graduate. (The policy also now automatically awards degrees by “reverse transfer” of credits to students who went on to four-year colleges, where they added enough credits, hypothetically, to meet City Colleges’ standards).

PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM US u It would be exhaustive to

chronicle the many ways that the woman born Carolyn Clay, 82, of Chattooga County, Georgia, is different from us. For starters, she was once arrested for stripping nude to protest a quixotic issue before the city council in Rome, Georgia; for another, her driver’s license identifies her as Ms. Serpentfoot Serpentfoot. In October, she filed to change that name—to one with 69 words, 68 hyphens, an ellipsis and the infinity sign. One judge has already turned her down on the ground that she cannot recite the name (though she promised to shorten it on legal papers to “Nofoot Allfoot Serpentfoot”).

JUSTICE SERVED u Hinton Sheryn, 68, on trial

at England’s Plymouth Crown Court in September, denied he was the “indecent exposer” charged with 18 incidents against children dating back to 1973—that he would never do such a thing because he would not want anyone to see his unusually small penis. In response, the prosecutor brought in a prostitute known to have serviced Sheryn, to testify that his penis is of normal size. Sheryn was convicted and sentenced to 17 years in prison.

POLICE REPORT u A Jacksonville, Florida, sheriff’s SWAT team surrounded a mobile home on Oct. 14 to arrest Ryan Bautista, 34, and Leanne Hunn, 30, on armed burglary and other charges, but since two other women were being held inside, officers remained in a stand-off. Hunn subsequently announced by phone that the couple would surrender—after having sex one final time. Deputies entered the home around 4 a.m. on the 15th and made the post-coital arrest without incident.

u A 27-year-old owner of the

Hookah House in Akron, Ohio, was fatally shot by an Akron narcotics officer during an October raid for suspected drugs. The man had his arms raised, according to the police report, but dropped one hand behind him, provoking an officer to shoot. Only afterward did they learn that the man was unarmed; they concluded that he was reaching only to secure or to push back the packet of heroin he felt was oozing out of its hiding place in his buttocks.

BRIGHT IDEAS u In September, village

officials in Uzbekistan’s town of Shahartepeppa, alarmed that Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev would drive through and notice barren fields (since the cotton crop had already been harvested), ordered about 500 people into the fields to attach cotton capsules onto the front-row stalks to impress Mirziyoyev with the village’s prosperity.

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