Culture Magazine SoCal January 2016 by Culture Magazine

CULTURE // January 2016

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January 2016 // CULTURE

CULTURE // January 2016

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January 2016 // CULTURE

january 2016

Contents 24

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118

122

Features

70 . historic ruling for CANADA mmj 74

. HEMP CBD vs. CANNABIS CBD

80 . INDUSTRY INSIDER: IRVIN ROSENFELD, AUTHOR AND ADVOCATE 86 . HOPE IS RISING FOR THE INDUSTRIAL HEMP FARM ACT 88 . YOUR 2016 CANNABIS TRAVEL PLANNER 94 . THE CANNA-NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS 100 . GET COZY WITH CANNABIS TEAS 104 . Artist Daniel Leighton Explores Augmented Realities 110 . Lil Eazy E is following in his father’s footsteps

58 ORIGINAL ROCK

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Get a taste of Blues Traveler’s passion and dedication to its own blend of Southern rock—not to mention its pure love and support for the cannabis industry. On the cover: Photo courtesy of Blues Traveler

Departments

NEWS

12 . News Nuggets 18 . By the Numbers 24 . New Cannabis Breathalyzer in the Works 26 . legal corner 28 . political push 32 . healthy living

reviews

116 . Growing Culture 118 . Destination Unknown 120 . Profile in Courage 122 . Recipes 126 . Socal Now! 130 . News of the Weird

WEB Exclusive! Vermont Medical School Offers Cannabis Science Course

38 . Strain, edible and

Design Innovation Breaks Apart Open Floor Plans with HempBased Barriers

Concentrate Reviews 50 . cool stuff 54 . Entertainment Reviews

128 . U.S. Cannabis Reform Sets Global Pace for Change

Japan's First Lady is Completely Down for Hemp

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Look out for these icons to find out what website-only extras you’re missing out on!

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Vol 7 IssUE 7

Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas 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 Los Angeles Sales Manager Jon Bookatz Account Executives Greg Andes,Callie Belo, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, 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 director of digital media Brian Gingrich digital media Editor Kimberly Johnson Ctv Contributors Anna Logan,Chris Salazar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture速 Magazine is published every month and distributes 45,000 papers at over 1,200 locations throughout Southern California. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture速 Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com

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CULTURE速 Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.

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C STATE NEWS NUGGETS

_______________________

but Deputy City Attorney Adrian Guerra states that, if adopted, the motion will go into effect mid-January.

Santa Maria Prohibits Cannabis Cultivation but Approves Delivery Services The Santa Maria City Council voted unanimously on the ban of medical cannabis cultivation, but decided to allow delivery services from outside of the city to supply patients. Although the City Council has laid down legislation that prohibits collectives from running within the city, delivery services have not been banned, according to KSBY 6. With the recent passing of the Medical Marijuana Regulatory and Safety Act, state law dictates that medical cannabis can be delivered to certified patients by collectives in cities or counties that do not have laws against such services. Since there is currently no city legislation against delivery services in Santa Maria, state legislation is all that applies to these services, granting convenient access for medical cannabis patients. If the city decides it wants to regulate delivery services, it has until March to do so.

La Cañada Planning Commission Hopes to Reinforce Medical Cannabis Legislation

The La Cañada Flintridge Planning Commission is taking action to ensure that changes to the city’s cannabis laws are made before the Medical Marijuana Regulatory and Safety Act overrules its legislation. The Commission made a recommendation to the City Council on November 1, urging members to continue to prohibit collectives, while banning cultivation and delivery services within the city, according to The Los Angeles Times. In 2011, the La Cañada City Council voted unanimously to ban collectives within its region, but did not set any bans on cultivation or delivery services. The Council must update its legislation before March 2016, if it wants to keep medical cannabis out of the city completely. The Council will not review this recommendation before press time,

CULTURE // January 2016

__________________________

NATION

Intractable Pain Approved as a Qualifying Condition for MMJ in Minnesota

the demands of patients. Minnesota was the 19th state, out of the 24 that have legalized medical cannabis, to add intractable pain to its list of qualifying conditions. Ehlinger will be able to consider and approve other conditions throughout next year, prospectively expanding the list.

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World

Germany Embraces the Cultivation of Medical Cannabis

The German government has decided to permit the cultivation of medical cannabis within the country. This comes as a relief for the German Hemp Association (Deutscher Hanfverband - DHV), who made this demand long ago for patients to have guaranteed access to the plant, according to DHV. This new regulation will eliminate Germany’s dependence on imported medical cannabis and contribute greatly to the country’s economy. George Wurth, Spokesman for the DHV, states, “Finally, the German economy is not decoupled and can develop their own cannabis industry. We are increasingly being contacted by entrepreneurs, interested in the production of medical cannabis.” Although this is great news, the DHV still demands that the government should allow patients to grow their own cannabis, which would allow them to eliminate insurance agencies and grow strains they find more appropriate for treating their conditions. c

Minnesota has added intractable pain to its small list of conditions that qualify patients to use medical cannabis. The decision was announced by the Department of Health’s Chair, Ed Ehlinger, nearly a month before the state’s January 1 deadline, according to Lexington Herald-Leader. Intractable pain is defined by the state as “pain that can’t otherwise be treated or cured” and is common amongst those who have been in car crashes or have undergone back surgery. The state’s medical cannabis program already has 760 patients, it is unsure how much the recently added condition will add to this amount, but concerns have risen as to whether or not the state’s two approved medical cannabis providers will be able to meet VISIT US AT

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by the numb3rs

5.7

99 18

The number of MMJ collectives that have received a permit to operate in Palm Springs: 6 (Source: The Desert Sun)

The number of city council votes that approved the operation of medical cannabis delivery businesses in Santa Maria: 5 (Source: KSBY 6)

The number of months since the Santa Ana cannabis lottery was held, where 20 potential collective owners chosen to be given a permit: 11 (Source: OC Register)

1,081

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was found at an illegal indoor cannabis grow in Santa Ana: 5.7 (Source: ABC 7)

The number of collectives that will be considered if Long Beach officials decide to uplift its current ban on cannabis shops: 9 (Source: Press-Telegram)

The decreased percentage of cannabis possession arrests since cannabis was legalized last year, in Washington D.C.: 99 (Source: The GW Hatchet) The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that was collected by Illinois medical cannabis businesses during the first week of the state’s medical cannabis program: 211 (Source: Daily Herald)

211

The number of new medical cannabis license applications received in Maryland: 1,081 (Source: WBOC)

CULTURE // January 2016

Dab Crown LA As one of Los Angeles’ biggest cannabis competitions, this year’s Dab Crown, hosted by Chef Nugs, will feature live performances, a wide selection of vendors, free samples and a lot of giveaways. Those competing will be placed in categories like Best Shatter, Best Wax, Best Crumble and the grand prize of “Slab King.” Judging for strains will be based both on lab test results and opinions from the judges’ panel, ensuring fair competition. Exhibiting vendors include Blaze Candy, Caviar Gold and yours truly, CULTURE Magazine. With over a dozen performers, and counting, Dab Crown not only showcases some of the best vendors in Southern California, the event showcases some of the best up-and-coming local talent. In compliance with California’s cannabis regulations, this event is 18+ and requires proof of valid certification upon ticket purchase and entry.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Dab Crown LA. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Jan. 23. Location TBA, Los Angeles. INFO: Visit www.facebook. com/Dab-Crown for details.

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Innocent or Impaired:

That is The Question

O by Pamela Jayne

Operating out of Oakland in conjunction with scientists from the University of California at Berkeley, Hound Labs Inc. has set its sights on sniffing out drivers who may have recently smoked cannabis with a new device that tests your breath. Citing proprietary science, and thus unable to explain to the public exactly how the device actually works, Hound Labs claims to be able to detect and accurately measure THC in human breath. What sets apart this new technology is the fact that it is small and portable, making it easy for roadside use (or abuse) by law enforcement. Older technology relies on urine, saliva or blood tests that cannot distinguish between recent and chronic cannabis use. This new device also holds the dual purpose of being a cannabis and alcohol breathalyzer. Hound Labs CEO and founder, Dr. Mike Lynn, is an emergency room doctor in Oakland, as well as a reserve deputy sheriff for Alameda County, and a former venture capitalist. He describes the current standards for cannabis impairment as “sketchy,” and hopes that the handheld breathalyzers that he is marketing to law enforcement agencies at less than $1,000 each, will shift the national dialogue from being focused on whether or not THC is present in the body, to a broader discussion about creating standards that reflect actual impairment. Dr. Lynn stated, “When I started the company, it was my intention of finding a way to measure this stuff in breath. Every single death or injury from an impaired driver is preventable and there aren’t many things in life like that that are preventable.” The company plans to also offer a less costly version that will be available to the public.

CULTURE // January 2016

Possibly accurate cannabis breathalyzer coming soon to a city near you

“[Dr. Lynn] hopes that the handheld breathalyzers . . . will shift the national dialogue from being focused on whether or not THC is present in the body, to a broader discussion about creating standards that reflect actual impairment.” Hound Labs plans to begin testing in early 2016, beginning with the city of San Francisco. Hound Labs Inc. is not alone in its quest. Other inventors and companies have been perfecting their own versions of the breathalyzer for a couple years now, with Washington State, Canada and the U.K. in first-running. The trouble in creating the perfect breathalyzer lies in the difficulty to tell whether a person is impaired from cannabis or just has cannabis in their system. But, with the competition becoming steeper in this technology and industry, the positive influence of the proper kind of technology and investment in these devices, with the cooperation of the police and highway patrol will hopefully mean less innocent people being wrongfully given a cannabis DUI in the very near future. c VISIT US AT

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C r e n r co l a g le by Meital Manzuri

Big Tech Paves the Way for Recreational Cannabis

18 Proposals, But Only One Lead

Support for California to join the recreational club—along with Colorado, Oregon, Alaska, Washington and the District of Columbia—seems to be a bit overzealous. As of the end of November 2015, there were an overwhelming 18 proposals to legalize recreational cannabis. Now comes the sifting through . . . to date, only nine have been approved to gather the 365,880 signatures required to land a coveted spot on the 2016 ballot.

The CAUMA Leads The Pack

Amidst the scramble to create the perfect picture of a recreational California, the California Adult Use of Marijuana Act (CAUMA) leads the way. Since its debut on November 2, the CAUMA (“the Sean Parker initiative”) has been the legalization leader. The measure is backed by Parker, the billionaire at the forefront of the social media world, famous for founding Napster and the former Facebook President. Parker’s initiative received widespread support, including the Drug Policy Alliance, activist and Oaksterdam-founder Richard Lee. A CAUMA release also states that at the beginning of December 2015, the ReformCA withdrew their measure from the ballot process and its Board members now support CAUMA.

CULTURE // January 2016

Not Much Devil in the Details

The CAUMA would allow Californians, 21 and over, to carry one ounce of cannabis, grow up to six mature plants per household and buy cannabis, extracts, concentrates and edibles at licensed collectives.

Criminal Records For MJ To Be Wiped Clean

One of the most attractive proposals of Parker’s initiative is a fresh start for those convicted of cannabis related offenses. The CAUMA would spare Californians from legal limbo by including measures to apply the new cannabis laws retroactively. That means Californians would be able to apply to have convictions removed as soon as the act becomes law.

Shatter-Proof Regulations

Notably, the Parker initiative includes more license categories than any legalization measure to date. Similar to the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA), there are five cultivation licenses, six types of commercial licenses and non-volatile and volatile solvent (concentrates) manufacturers licenses. Constituents and supporters alike are particularly in favor

of the concentrates license. Even though concentrates are best sellers in collectives throughout California, the production of some concentrates remains illegal even medically. The Parker initiative works to ensure that concentrates are produced in a safe and controlled manner despite their bad reputation.

Coffee Shops!

If the CAUMA becomes law, California will become the second state to host Amsterdam style cannabis cafés right behind Alaska. Parker’s initiative would sidestep the hassle associated with allowing public consumption by making on-site smoking, vaping and edible-ing part of the law.

Clean Up Amendments

In response to several critics’ claims that “big money” was going to squeeze out the smaller business entities, the AUMA was recently amended. The CAUMA amendments seek to enhance labor provisions, establish local control by ordinance, enforce much-needed guidelines on packaging and labeling, and create incentives for minority-owned businesses. Further, a new five-year delay for large cultivation licenses, and limited restrictions on cross-ownership were added. Only after those first five years lapse, can state regulators issue large cultivation licenses and they must include the same restrictions on vertical integration as the MMRSA. The California Growers Association had said that the lack of protections against consolidation and monopolies was a “deal breaker” for them and it seems that Parker’s camp listened. Although it’s not perfect, supporters say that the CAUMA represents the best practices and has the best chance to replace a failed system of prohibition with an effective, legal and regulated system. Stay tuned as “Big Tech” tries to get California legalized! c VISIT US AT

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C political push

What kind of laws do you want?

T by Sean Donahoe

This month Assemblymembers and Senators will return to the Capitol in Sacramento and the legislative process begins anew. In the “last minutes” of the previous legislative session, we saw the passage of the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (AB-243/AB266/SB-643) which was seen by many outside observers as a surprise, with bold language supposedly introduced in the last hours of session. Except that’s not really true, as most of the language had been public for two months and the general stances of stakeholders had been firming up over the previous two years. What I’m saying is, there’s no need to be perplexed or surprised by California’s legislative process, there’s a clear tempo, an order of things, a fairly elaborate cast of characters and certain rules of the game that all parties agree to be governed by. After such a big legislative year last year, and in anticipation already of a few “cleanup” bills that will seek to tweak certain elements, let’s do a bit of a legislative preview. The situation in the Senate is pretty much the same as last year, as President pro tempore Kevin de León settles further into the leadership role, changing his staff up a bit, and driving hard on issues of environmental sustainability, matters of

CULTURE // January 2016

the working poor, education and health care issues. His district contains some of the smaller cities of southeast L.A. County, getting over towards Orange County, and is therefore not a hotbed for the cannabis industry. We’re going to be losing a cannabis champion when Senator Mark Leno from San Francisco is forced out at the end of the session due to term limits. Perhaps we can hope for a stellar cannabis policy reform bill if he wants to cross something off of his bucket list? Senator Mike McGuire is expected to continue to represent the interests of his Emerald Triangle district well and he is expected to preserve his leadership slot, moving bills along for the Democratic caucus. Over on the Assembly side, there is much more going on already—beginning with an anticipated new Speaker, Anthony Rendon from Los Angeles. A Prius-driving PhD from hipster Silverlake, he will come into the Speakership with a long remaining term ahead of him, being able to potentially serve until 2024 under the new term limits rules. With a background as an environmental advocate and a nonprofit activist, but also a member of the Latino caucus, it will be exciting to see what sort of policy choices he chooses to pursue. Speaking of caucuses, the businessfriendly “Mod Dems” faction has been gaining more and more strength, and they are widely expected to pick up a few seats in next November’s election. We should also see last session’s

bill authors Assemblymember JonesSawyer, Bonta, and Wood address “clean up” legislation. Some of the already announced bills will begin the process of creating a state-run bank for commercial cannabis businesses and would apply a minimal tax to dry flower, trim, and clones. Expect to see more specific legislation crafted to better address the particular concerns of delivery services and infused product manufacturers. The November 2016 legalization ballot measure will loom over the legislature as well, as new rules apply this year and ballot measure campaigns will face a joint legislative hearing after they gather the first 25 percent of necessary signatures. Let’s hope for constructive and helpful dialog but prepare for the worst, as legislators can be prone to grandstand during an election year. In closing, Sacramento is an interesting place and it is more important than ever for the cannabis movement to track the legislature and its attempts to (slowly) provide better access to commercially produced cannabis. c VISIT US AT

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

A Paradigm-Changing, LifeEnhancing New Year’s Resolution

t’s time to make your new year’s resolutions and if I may be so bold, I would like to suggest considering a resolution that will not only improve your own wellbeing, but the well-being of your family and community. For many people, the resolution I am suggesting may be frightening and bewildering because for many it takes them out of their comfort zone and thrusts them into a whirlpool of interpersonal connections, public communications and intimidating collaborations. Yet, I guarantee that if undertaken and followed through, your life will be transformed. 2016 will be a pivotal year for cannabis. Not only will there be half dozen or more states with medical cannabis and cannabis legalization measures on the ballot, but it will be a major component of the political discussions taking place throughout the country— even the world. This is where you come in. Resolve to not sit passively and watch this exciting year unfold on your TV screen, but to take that bold step into the fray and put your shoulder to the wall and shift the cannabis paradigm. Not only will you be

CULTURE // January 2016

making a powerful, meaningful and vital contribution to ending cannabis prohibition, but you will also be improving your own life. It’s more than just making cannabis easier to obtain. Family, friends and community are external parameters that develop feelings of self-worth whereas careers, avocations and pursuits are internal parameters that develop selfworth. For many the all-toocommon loss of a sense of self-worth is one of the most common causes of depression and is a precursor to excessive alcohol consumption, dependence on prescription pharmaceuticals and a principal cause of the development of a multitude of health problems. Some who have experienced a loss of self-worth and alienation may turn to cannabis for relief – but that’s all it does—provides relief without the collateral healthdamaging consequences of alcohol, methamphetamines, prescription pharmaceuticals or other drugs, but cannabis doesn’t resolve the underlying problems causing the loss of feelings of self-worth. Your resolution and follow

through to become actively involved in ending cannabis prohibition can reignite your feelings of self-worth as research strongly suggests that political participation increases feeling of well-being. Lynn Sanders, PhD from the University of Virginia in a research monograph entitled The Psychological Benefits of Political Participation writes that political “participation is a resource that alleviates psychological distress” and that “protesting injustice, fighting back, demanding rights, articulating claims and otherwise resisting oppression, is a healthy thing to do.” Granted, there are other worthwhile causes other than working to end cannabis prohibition that can be “a healthy thing to do,” but it is important to choose a cause that is meaningful to you personally. Since you are reading this magazine, it would not be too far off base to assume that cannabis plays an important role in your life. Even if low self-esteem is not your problem, multiple studies supported by the prestigious Mayo Clinic have shown that having a passionately enthusiastic purpose in life can reduce the

likelihood of cognitive decline, delay the onset of dementia and even add years to your life. No matter your level of self-worth, you know that cannabis plays a significant role as part of a healthy lifestyle. For yourself, your family and your community, make a resolution to use your valuable time to end cannabis prohibition. As if to underscore the importance of ending cannabis prohibition, cannabis ingestion can help significantly in following through on your resolution to shift the cannabis paradigm by enhancing and facilitating political participation through its legendary ability to reduce anxiety, ease socialization and just making whatever you do more fun. Do not feel guilty or hesitate to consume cannabis while you shift the paradigm. Prevent cancer, get a good night’s sleep and have safe, lively, enjoyable and productive times as you exuberantly join forces with friends, old and new, who are working alongside you to end cannabis prohibition. Make that resolution now! c

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STRAIN + EDIBLE + concentrate Available AT: Cannabis University in Santa Ana.

University OG

It doesn’t take a college degree to know that University OG is the real deal. A proprietary strain from Cannabis University, the dense dark green nugs covered in red hairs and saturated with milky trichomes exude a sweet pine aroma testifying to the quality and potency of this unique strain. Harvested at the peak of ripeness, the nug exhibits care in both its picking and manicuring. Burning smooth and evenly, the taste is a classic full flavor cannabis that reinforces its inherent quality and potency. Producing mild to moderate head effects, University OG has its cerebral qualities but it produces intense body stimulations. Studies show people using cannabis have a greater tidal volume, so breathe deeply and feel your lungs expand with each inhalation—it’s a trip. It all comes together as University OG facilitates and enhances shared community experiences for parties, meetings or group meditations.

PrimaCan CBD Tablets

With chronic pain management, there is no better medicine than a daily dose of CBD. Taken regularly, CBD has been proven to help decrease inflammation like no other natural supplement, and is also effective in decreasing seizures in many epileptic patients. As a supplement, it is being used to treat Multiple Sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, muscle spasms, bipolar disorder, asthma, nausea and many different kinds of cancers. Any pain in your aching or hurting body can benefit from CBD, and PrimaCan’s new CBD Tablets are odorless, tasteless, and shelf-stable, and is the only pressed CBD tablet available. We pop one of these at the first sign of discomfort—whether for an allergy attack, muscle pain, injury, inflammation or digestive disorder, we found this product to be a complete care medicine—takes care of mind and body, and lifts spirits too. These CBD tablets are made from highly purified, medical grade CBD cannabis and PrimaCan offers 12 tablets in each bottle, with each tablet containing laboratory certified 10mg CBD per tablet.

Available wherever: PrimaCan products are carried.

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Available AT: Evergreen in Riverside.

Evergreen OG

Indica season is upon us, and that means a taste for OGs in the winter months. Heavenly relaxing effects abound with Evergreen OG—a tightly compact, deep green strain revealing an endless amount of plushy orange hairs. A strain with this much character deserves to be experienced and broken down in hand, with much of its allure found in its sensational musky and earthy pine scent. Get up close and personal with this strain to see its most unique features, and then prepare for a welcomed flavor and a day of lucid and comforting ease upon intake. Evergreen OG leaves the consumer awake and alert, but noticeably overcome by the calming physical effects embedded in the strain—best recommended for those looking to target ailments including chronic pain, social anxiety, migraines and nausea.

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Zeus Extracts’ Lemon OG Crumble Available AT: Greenlife Herbal in Upland.

Zeus Extracts is a recent concentrate producer whose extraction techniques are exemplary. As confirmation of their ability to produce quality extracts is their most excellent Lemon OG Crumble. The pale yellow crumble can be easily pressed out for consistent and accurate dabbing. Not surprisingly, a super citrusy lemon odor wafts up from the extract laden nail as it is heated producing a subtle and pleasant menthol basil taste. The hit is expansive as it fills your lungs and within moments proceeds directly to your head. Although the effect should not disorient most veteran uses, beginners should be sitting down when taking their first dab of this potent crumble. The Lemon OG strain is known for its pronounced “psychoactivity” and delivers it in spades with an uplifting energy intensive rapid response. Expect an effervescent ambiance with a clear head, intensely bright colors and a feeling of abundant energy.

Available AT: Eutopia Collective in Los Angeles.

Jet Fuel OG

Prepare for a supersonic experience when you pick up the exemplary Jet Fuel OG, available at the Eutopia Collective in Los Angeles. With abundant frosty white trichomes liberally covering a medium green tight nug, the sticky qualities of this bud are evident when the bud is broken up. The aroma is hard to define but it definitely has a citrus flavor lurking in the background. As might be expected of a quality OG, Jet Fuel has a diesel fuel taste which mellows into a mild-to-medium orange flavor. You can literally feel the cannabinoids flow through your senses as it expands throughout your body. It’s really good for after work when you want to unwind but not zone out. Excellent to use before working out whether it be in a gym, riding a bike or jogging through the park.

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www.iReadCulture.com Available AT: Kushmart in Los Angeles.

Platinum Cookies

For a strain that is relatively new, there has been quite a few knockoff strains seeking to duplicate Girl Scout Cookies remarkable potent mix of euphoria and stress relief. Platinum Cookies not only duplicates, but takes euphoria and stress-relief to a new level. The freshness of the Platinum Cookies found at Kushmart in downtown Los Angeles is evidenced by the soft springy texture of the pastel green bud with purple highlights. The abundant aromas indicate a good terpine mix—the odor so pungent you can almost taste it. The robust longitudinal-shaped nugget is covered with red hairs and milky trichomes. When inhaling a mild metallic taste is evident but relates appropriately to its Platinum name. This is musical cannabis—close your eyes and drift off for a bit, but don’t be surprised if the accelerated euphoria makes you want to get up and dance, dance, dance.

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Available AT: Weed Cafﾃｩ in Riverside.

Grump Poison

A proprietary strain derived from the legendary Durban Poison strain, Grump Poison delivers the energy of its parent strain so rapidly it will make your head spin. A solid medium green nugget exudes a striking musky smell. Red hairs are nestled deeply in a bud covered with a wintry dusting of crystal clear trichomes. The flavor is more pronounced than one might expect as inhaling produces a nose-tingling lemon sucker taste that mildly numbs your tongue窶馬o surprise considering its Poison lineage. If poison means this is strong stuff, then Grump Poison definitely qualifies as poison. For many, one hit will take you where you want to go. If you are looking for classic cannabis euphoria and energy, this bang-for-the buck strain available at Weed Cafﾃｩ in Riverside will give you exactly what you are looking for.

Sugar Cookies PR

Although not part of the strain lineage associated with Girl Scout cookies, Sugar Cookies is a remarkable strain in looks, taste and potency. A solid and firm bright green bud, the copious red hairs and pastel purple highlights blend into a fruitcake appearance. Perhaps the name came from the white frothy trichomes which, seen under a microscope, resemble the smooth sugary coating of a sugar cookie. A slight diesel undertone and a more overt sweetness fills your mouth with flavor, slides down your throat and spreads comfortably to your eyes and head. Sticky Medz in Los Angeles carries an exceptional Sugar Cookies Private Reserve that is a classic creeper that slowly builds and just when you think not much is happening, it literally explodes. This most definitely energetic weed stimulate and arouses. Good for shopping and other routine tasks, it especially shines when you are getting a little sugar.

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Available AT: Sticky Medz in Los Angeles.

Hello Kitty Kush

Available AT: Big Mamas in Northridge.

CULTURE // January 2016

The name may sound cute, but Hello Kitty Kush is a super-potent and was selected by High Times magazine in 2014 as one of the 40 strongest strains of all time. The buds are dense and compact with a musty tinged kush/orange odor. Exorbitantly sticky, the buds break apart easily. The burn is smooth with an effervescent forest/floral taste, and it spreads fairly rapidly with a sharp punch when it hits. Producing a mild lightheadedness, stress will roll right off you as you wile away the time focusing on whatever you want to focus on. Takes you off into your own world so much so that you might get accused of bogarting that joint if imbibing with friends. If Hello Kitty used cannabis, this would be a most appropriate strain for an anthropomorphic white Japanese bobtail cat with a red bow.

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cool stuff Phantom Open D.E. System

The Commercial DE Open Lighting System is state-of-the-art doubleended technology that uniformly delivers optimum photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) value over a broad footprint. With the unique ability to remove its ballast, this product allows you to eliminate heat generated by the ballast, making it convenient for controlling temperatures. Designed with a high-precision microprocessor, the ballast is totally silent, lightweight, highly efficient and extremely reliable. Aside from its innovative design, Phantom Ballasts Commercial DE is equipped with an efficient reflector that dissipates heat and elongates lamp life.

miVape

GET YOUR CLICK HERE PRICE: $259.99

Utilizing high-quality quartz crystal glass components, including a glass heating element, heat chamber, airway and mouthpiece, the miVape delivers the truest tasting, full-flavored vapor of any portable vaporizers. The uniquely designed and patented spiraling glass airway cools the vapor long before it gets to the mouthpiece, so there’s no burning in your throat. Its long battery life is just as important as its clean and discreet ergonomic design. The miVape is also dual voltage and can charge on 110/220V.

Holmes Smart Wifi-Enabled WeMo TrueHEPA Premium Air Purifier

Thanks to this bad boy, you can keep the air in your home clean and pure for you and your loved ones, no matter where you are. The Holmes® Smart Air Purifier with WeMo® can be controlled from anywhere using your smart phone or device. Set a weekly schedule, receive air quality status and be informed when to adjust settings. This air purifier operates quietly and reduces common odors and allergens without any annoying buzz or hum. True HEPA filtration captures up to 99.97 percent of airborne particles like pollen, dust, mold, pet dander and smoke. Seriously clean air at the touch of your finger.

CULTURE // January 2016

PRICE: $589 MORE INFORMATION: growgeneration.com

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PRICE: $19.99 MORE INFORMATION: makingyoubetterbrands.com

Xternal Cream

PRICE: $199.99 MORE INFORMATION: holmesproducts.com

The wondrous aspects of cannabinoids and their capacity for cell rejuvenation are infused into this amazing facial grade, all natural Xternal Cream for full body relief. Simply massage onto an area that hurts! This amazing cream is cited in Ed Rosenthal’s book, Beyond Buds, and is great for sprains, stiffness, joint pain, arthritis, muscle aches and even skin irritation! Because the main ingredient in this cream is THCA, which is an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective, people are using the cream as a beauty aid showing impressive results. This cream is used by professional and weekend athletes alike to deter pain in 60 seconds before and after their sporting activities too!

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entertainment Release Date: January 26 Available on: PS4

Cannabis Regeneration: A Multiple Harvest Method for Greater Yields J.B. Haze Green Candy Press

The Witness Dev. Thekla, Inc. Pub. Thekla, Inc.

Shatner’s World

Coming from the mastermind behind the unique platformer, Braid, comes a new game about discovery. The Witness is a puzzle game set in first-person view with a simple goal: Complete the puzzles in all 10 sections of the island in order to reach the top of the mountain. There’s a total of 650 puzzles to seek out and complete, which will allow players to explore the vastly different genomes of the island and pick up clues about the its previous inhabitants who have long since disappeared. (Nicole Potter)

Archy Marshall A New Place 2 Drown True Panther Sounds

King Krule took the world by storm in 2013 with his genre bending debut full-length, 6 Feet Beneath The Moon, and just two years later he returns, this time under his real name, Archy Marshall, with his follow up, A New Place 2 Drown. His beats never get too outrageous or hard to follow, instead they seem to flow perfectly to stay brilliantly dusky, and bring to mind images of cool, dimly lit basements, shadowy alleyways or city streets on moonless nights. Marshall’s new album shows that he’s an artist of incredible, diverse talent, and one to continue watching in years to come. (Simon Weedn)

This is a great new book for cannabis growers, large and small. Written specifically for the intermediate cannabis grower, this book focuses on showing exactly how to get multiple harvests from one single plant. Including info about the basics of growing as well as expert tips, the author goes into great detail about his revolutionary grow method that increases plant production at home, and saves time and money. Utilizing the whole plant for multiple harvests using regeneration, this author shows us how easy it can be to use the same plant for as many harvests as possible, without compromising the quality of your buds. (Alex Bradley)

Cooties Lionsgate Dir. Jonathan Milott, Cary Murnion

Over the last few years, the zombie genre has undergone something of a renaissance. New directors Jonathan Millot and Cary Murnion put a new twist on some classic horror monsters with their debut film, Cooties. The film follows the harrowing struggles of a group of elementary school teachers, lead by Elijah Wood (Lord Of The Rings, Wilfred) and Rainn Wilson (The Office, Super), as they battle their way through ever growing hordes of zombie children and attempt to escape their infested school. For those with a particularly dark sense of humor, Cooties is one to watch immediately. (Simon Weedn)

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As one of America’s most iconic celebrities, William Shatner came to fame after starring in Star Trek TV series as the much-idolized Captain James T. Kirk. Aside from gaining fame as an entertainer, Shatner has gone on to write a variety of best-selling novels, creating a comic book series, William Shatner Presents and taking part in charitable activities. In 2011, Shatner’s World made its debut in Australia and New Zealand and was quickly followed by tours in Canada and the United States. A one-man show, Shatner’s World showcases the star’s talents through comedic story-telling, song and dance revealing Shatner’s journey, detailing his Canadian upbringing, early career and life as a world famous actor. With a career spanning 50 years, Shatner continues to win over the hearts of audiences, with his delightful charm and humor.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Shatner’s World. WHEN/WHERE: Fri, Jan. 29. Doors open at 8pm. Club Nokia, 800 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. INFO: Visit www.clubnokia. com for details.

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Photos courtesy of Blues Traveler and Brandon Hill

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Blues Traveler won our hearts with its original rock music, but its dedication and passion keeps us comin’ back for more by Paul Rogers The true success of a rock band is measured by decades of experience in musical creation and performances—but a band can only truly be honored when it manages to both, innovate and maintain its core sound over the course of a long career. Blues Traveler, for instance, didn’t win a multi-platinum Grammy Award for lack of hard work—its strides in the blues rock genre have transformed the category into the scene that you see today. Many believe that the “jam band” scene of the 1990s blossomed because of Blues Traveler. Others praise its unique approach to improvisation during live shows or uniquely segueing one song to the next. But everyone can agree that Blues Traveler has approached its Southern rock sound in a way that few can emulate. Blues Traveler, like many great rock bands, began as a simple garage band made of up high school students John Popper, Brendan Hill, Chan Kinchala and Bobby Sheenan living in New Jersey in the mid-1980s. However, it wasn’t until the group moved into a shared apartment in New York City following graduation that Blues Traveler began to gain notoriety at local venues. Soon enough, the band signed to its very first record label, and began touring the East coast following the release of its first self-titled album. Later on, following the group’s founding of the H.O.R.D.E. festival and its release of the next album, four, famous tunes such as “Run-Around” and “Hook” were conceived. One could say that the rest is history, but Blues Traveler’s rise to mainstream success was only the beginning. The band’s movement across the blues rock board has been steadily climbing, leading up to its newest album release, Blow Up the Moon, early last year. CULTURE caught up with the band’s drummer, Brendan Hill, at a tour-stop in Minneapolis to discuss the current progress and future of Blues Traveler’s music, what he thinks about medical cannabis, and his own personal venture into the cannabis industry. >>

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of the culture. So I think it hasn’t really changed that much from my perspective! I think we’re seeing it become more mainstream. I love the shift that I have seen [away] from the ecstasy and cocaine which was kind of in my lifetime, in the ‘90s, and heroine and those kinds of much harder substances that were highly addictive and destroyed peoples’ lives. My prediction is, a few years from now, you’re going to see there’s going to be a huge artistic blossoming from those places like Washington, Oregon and Alaska because these artists and people that have been hiding or not using [cannabis] openly being able to say “this is my artwork that was inspired when I was able to consume legally.” I think it’s just a wonderful time to be in the forefront of this industry and it’s a great opportunity to do some good as well as to be a part of this exciting venture.

Blues Traveler released its 12th studio album, Blow Up the Moon, in April and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in a couple of years. What are the secrets of this rare longevity? We’ve been through pretty much everything together and I think we’ve stayed friends, which is a very important part of making music together. You want to be able to trust the other people you’re playing with. This latest record reflects even a new approach to that trust, in which we’ve brought outside people [including 3OH!3, Plain White T’s, The Dirty Heads and Thompson Square] in to collaborate . . . I

think it’s one of the most innovative [albums] for us, in our career, just because it spans so many different styles, musically. Blues Traveler was associated with the 1990s jam band scene, which was somewhat synonymous with cannabis use. How have you seen attitudes to cannabis shift over the course of your music career? It was just part and parcel of being in the scene back in the day. We were in the New York club scene and it was very prevalent. Most of the groups that we played with in the early days were jam band music that we all listened to–Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, even The Beatles–and all those groups sort of had that same acceptance of cannabis and it was just kind of part

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You’ve been a professional musician for the great majority of your adult life. Is your dispensary, Paper & Leaf, your first business venture outside of the music industry? I’ve done production, producing of records and I’ve done a lot of [recording] engineering. I’ve been in other music groups. But outside of the music industry, yes. [My partner had] never done anything like this before either . . . and we had a shared vision, so I think for us both this was a really exciting adventure to do but we kind of needed somebody else to bounce ideas off of that we kind of spoke the same language with. Washington is one of only four U.S. states where recreational cannabis has been legalized. How does so-

called “pot tourism” factor into the Paper & Leaf business model? We’ve seen . . . people coming in from other states and even from Canada and other countries who are interested in just seeing what [cannabis] looks like. I think before Washington and Colorado legalized that Amsterdam was possibly the only place where you could actually go into a store and look at a menu and order something and feel like you weren’t doing something wrong. It’s a really good thing for people to see that the stores can be done in a way which is very friendly, very artistically done and very welcoming, so when they go back to their home state they’ll be more likely to encourage their friends and family to vote in the positive for initiatives that might come on the ballots in the future. >> VISIT US AT

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How have the (non-regulated) medical and (regulated) recreational cannabis industries coexisted in Washington since the state’s first recreational licenses were issued last July? And how could the overhaul of Initiative 502 earlier this year help to effectively merge the two? It’s been a fine line. There have been some excellent dispensaries that have been open for years and years and perhaps started on the underground but had been serving and doing everything correctly–basically serving as a coop and a collective garden for medical patients that really do need the product. I think the dispensaries that have followed the rules and have paid their taxes and had business licenses, I think with Initiative 5052, these will be the first ones to actually receive the next set of licenses . . . And I think that’s a really great way to do it. I think the state’s doing it basically merit-wise, which I think is a really good next phase. I think there’s going to be quite a few more medicinal/recreational stores opening up–it could be in the hundreds, maybe even the thousands, but I do see that there is a big move for the medicinal market to be kind of rolled into the recreational, because now it’s kind of this slightly grey line. I think the state’s just saying that if you kind of lump it all together and you’re able to tax the medicinal customers slightly less but increase the amount that they can buy . . . it’s a little more easily governed. That will also dissuade the

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black market and the other various elements which have given cannabis a bad name. Is the integration of medical and recreational going to become the new model for legal access to cannabis nationwide? I believe that there are many states now that have medicinal marijuana on their ballots and the way Washington did it and Colorado was perhaps different than other states are going to do. I think recreational first and then kind of putting the medicinal into the recreational was just how it happened in Washington, but in states like Michigan, I think even Florida and New York State have medicinal initiatives coming up on the ballot [and] actually it might be better to start that way because those are the people that really kind of feel like they’re being persecuted for something which they believe is medicine, which I think is very accurate. [Cannabis] should be accessible by everybody who needs it and then I think the recreational part is something that will follow hopefully quicker after that, because people will see that it’s not, in my opinion, as dangerous as alcohol—you can’t overdose on it. There are so many reasons why cannabis should be legal recreationally for people over 21. What could be the social and medical ramifications of such a proliferation of legalized recreational cannabis? So many people are clamoring for it–there’s

got to be a reason why. Let’s start studying [cannabis] and I think that will kind of force the hand of the federal government to deschedule it as a Schedule III, I’m hoping, so doctors and pharmacists and chemists can actually start doing the research. There’s so many unofficial studies about the effects of [cannabis on] chemotherapy, easing stomach pain and increasing appetite; and glaucoma, reducing stress on the backs of the eyes; to muscle aches . . . I think it would be so wonderful if we could finally say, OK, this does help treat X. It just baffles me that we’re not doing research on a plant which seems like it has so many wonderful medicinal benefits and we need to change this–declassify it so that the researchers can actually start looking at this and not fear prosecution. Finally, what does the near future hold for you–both with Blues Traveler and Paper & Leaf? Very busy, I think! I’m a player, so I love being on stage, I love playing my instrument, I love recording–I love those aspects, which I don’t think will ever go away. There’s a kind of adrenaline you get when you’re performing on stage–it’s hard to replace that with anything else, so I think music will always be a part of my life and Blues Traveler is a wonderful thing that I helped to create and so it’s always going to be a part of my life. c

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Historic Conviction in Canada May be One of Many Steps Towards Legalization by Victoria Banegas

recent conviction set forth by a Canadian judge reveals the gradual changes the country is making towards the acceptance of cannabis culture. Judge Pierre Chevalier of Quebec, made history one day in late November when he charged, 46-year-old cannabis patient, Mario Larouche $1.30 for cultivating 30 cannabis plants. Larouche, who suffers from pain as a result of a 2000 car accident, tried many times to get certification for medical cannabis, but was denied. Taking matters into his own hands, Larouche cultivated plants for personal use, which were seized from his truck by police in late June. When Chevalier announced Larouche was guilty, no one expected the verdict that he was to follow. “We are in a society where people are accused of possession and use of marijuana while more than half the population has already consumed. These are laws that are obsolete and ridiculous,” Chevalier said in support of his decision. So far, 600,000 Canadians have criminal records for possession of small amounts of cannabis, while statistics show that cannabis use amongst Canadians 15 to 24 is the highest amongst the developed world, according to the Washington Post. With the government spending 500

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million in Canadian dollars annually on drug reformation, roughly 50 million of that goes towards regulating cannabis as police forces conduct massive sweeps of cannabis grow sites each year. Although the country has shown indifference towards cannabis, recently instated Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau promised to make it legal as early as 2016, according to Yahoo News. Trudeau, like Chevalier, believes that cannabis prohibition is outdated and unjustified. So far, there is no specific information as to how Trudeau and the liberal party plan to begin this journey, but they have revealed plans to regulate cannabis similar to Colorado and Washington. Support from Canadians is evident as cannabis support is at its highest rate in three decades. A recent poll conducted by Forum Research revealed that 59 percent of those who participated were in support of the Liberal Party’s plans to legalize cannabis recreationally. Although things seem to be changing for the better, there are still those who are clinging onto cannabis prohibition for dear life. CULTURE got in touch with Larouche’s lawyer, Catherine Barriére Gratton, who informed us that the Crown’s office is appealing the sentence. Gratton went on to state in an email, “Legal precedents in similar cases were

“We are in a society where people are accused of possession and use of marijuana while more than half the population has already consumed. These are laws that are obsolete and ridiculous.” presented before the Court and have shown the Court’s clemency in such situations. Fines are sometimes presented as joint submissions and given in our district for similar cases.” Let’s hope the Court’s clemency allows Larouche to receive the medical attention he needs and is convicted fairly for his actions. c VISIT VISIT US US AT AT iReadCulture.com iReadCulture.com

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Hemp Derived CBD vs. Cannabis Derived CBD

CULTURE // January 2016

Where’s the

Difference?

by Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC

ven though most people who experience the cannabis high produced by THC find it to be pleasant and stimulating, for some reason medicine that makes you feel good while getting you well is frowned upon. Enter cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, as a way to obtain the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the THC psychoactive effects making CBD an acceptable gateway drug to the world of cannabis. CBD is a powerful cannabinoid with research showing it to be effective in reducing cancer cell growth, minimizing seizures and convulsions in children, decreasing inflammation, mitigating pain and providing therapeutic relief for many other ailments. This newfound interest in CBD has led to an explosion of CBD oils made from industrial hemp. In terms of its molecular structure CBD is CBD is CBD—it’s the same molecule whether the CBD comes from hemp, cannabis or a test tube. Hemp generally has a CBD concentration around 3.5 percent CBD which is pretty low but the concentration of THC is even lower, usually less than 1 percent. Hemp meets the criteria of being low in THC, but its level of CBD is relatively low especially in comparison to certain cannabis strains, which have significantly higher amount of CBD than industrial hemp. Whether the CBD comes from hemp or cannabis flowers is not the ultimate factor. The key factor is the process by which the CBD is extracted, concentrated and formulated. Cannabis strains such as Charlotte’s Web, Avidekel and ACDC are low in THC but high in CBD with up to a 20 percent CBD concentration level. By comparison, hemp’s typical 3.5 percent CBD concentration level is rather paltry. Since the concentration of CBD is low in hemp, it requires large amounts of hemp to produce a small amount of CBD oil. The most efficient and least expensive way to extract the CBD oil is to use solvents, but dangerous solvent residues can remain in the CBD oil. In 2014, Project CBD, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting and publicizing research into the medical uses >> VISIT VISIT USUS ATATiReadCulture.com iReadCulture.com

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“The whole effort to harness CBD from industrial hemp is fraught with challenges that are made more difficult by the fact that fiber hemp plants with high amounts of CBD by dry weight—like the ACDC cannabis strain—are not yet available for industrial grows.”

of CBD, tested several CBD hemp oil products available to the public over the Internet and found significant levels of toxic solvent residues in random samples. CBD oil extracted from industrial hemp is a thick tar-like substance that needs to be thinned with a compound such as propylene glycol. A widespread additive found in CBD vape oil cartridges, propylene glycol may convert to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, when heated and inhaled. Hexane, a solvent frequently used to extract CBDs from hemp, has been found by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be neurotoxic producing numbness in the extremities, muscular weakness, blurred vision, headache and fatigue, according to a official statement by the EPA. Even if it is possible to produce solvent-free CBD oil from hemp, there is another problem in that industrial hemp is a bio-accumulator that naturally absorbs toxic substances from the soil. Hemp is such an efficient

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bio-accumulator that it was used at the Chernobyl Nuclear power plant after the meltdown because it is excellent at sucking up heavy metals and radiation, according to McGraw Hill Education. Great for healing the earth, but not for healing humans. Martin Lee, co-founder and Director of Project CBD, summarizes the problems of obtaining CBD from hemp. “The whole effort to harness CBD from industrial hemp is fraught with challenges that are made more difficult by the fact that fiber hemp plants with high amounts of CBD by dry weight—like the ACDC cannabis strain—are not yet available for industrial grows.” There are other considerations as well. One of the most important is that CBD by itself does not work as well as CBD in conjunction with THC. In what is known as the entourage effect, the medical efficacy of CBD is enhanced in the presence of THC. The proper ratio of CBD to THC varies from person to person, but as Martin Lee points

out “the best ratio of THC to CBD is often the most THC a person can comfortably handle.” The bottom line is since hemp is so low in THC and other cannabis components, you don’t get much of an entourage effect when you use hemp oil as when you are using oil derived from a CBD-rich cannabis plant. If certain cannabis flowers are so much better for producing CBD, then why all this fuss over industrial hemp? Rather than anything to do with medical science, it has everything to do with the illegal status of cannabis. The manufacturers of CBD oil from hemp claim that it is legal to market their products as a dietary supplement even though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has refused to recognize hemp-derived CBD oil as a dietary supplement. The FDA singled out for criticism CBD oil producers for making unsubstantiated medical claims about treating pain, spasms, cancer and other ailments. The

FDA has never approved CBD as a supplement for any kind of medical use. Under current state medical marijuana laws, the only way a CBD-infused oil product—derived from hemp or cannabis—can be used legally for therapeutic purposes would be for it to be grown, harvested, processed and consumed by a certified patient in a state that has legalized medical cannabis. That is not the case with products made from CBD hemp oil imported from abroad which remain illegal under both federal and state laws. For many reasons, CBD-rich cannabis is a better source of CBD than industrial hemp. The only reason CBD derived from hemp is gaining any notoriety is as an attempted end-run around federal law. When cannabis prohibition is ended and cannabis is treated like any other agricultural product, CBD will be extracted from the best source of cannabidiol—CBD-rich cannabis. The need to derive CBD from industrial hemp will end. c VISIT VISIT USUS ATATiReadCulture.com iReadCulture.com

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Irvin Rosenfeld

is the longest surviving federal medical cannabis patient in the United States by R. Scott Rappold

Once a month, a tin case of 300 joints arrives at Irvin Rosenfeld’s pharmacy in Florida. Some people roll their own. Rosenfeld’s are rolled and shipped by Uncle Sam. Yep, that same Uncle Sam that considers cannabis a Schedule 1 drug with no medical benefits and locks up its own citizens for using it. It’s ironic that Rosenfeld has been living for more than three decades, as one of just a handful of people to receive government-grown cannabis for a medical condition. The

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Stockbroker and advocate

10 joints he smokes a day ease his pain from a rare bone tumor disorder and let him live a normal life. “I’ve not had a tumor grow develop since I was 21, and the doctors don’t know why, but I know why they haven’t developed. It’s cannabis,” said Rosenfeld, 62, a stockbroker. “Cannabis has saved my life.” Today 23 states allow some form of medical cannabis, but those two words had rarely been used in the same sentence in the 1970s, when he discovered how much it could alleviate the pain and grant him mobility. He fought to become only the second person to receive government cannabis under the Compassionate Investigational New Drug program. That program never reached more than a dozen patients, and only two are left, including Rosenfeld. But Rosenfeld believes the program, and the efforts of patients like himself to tell the American people about it, helped set the stage for cannabis law reform sweeping the nation. “It helped launch the whole national movement. When we could stand up and say, ‘We are using this. We are legally using it and doing very well,’ people stood up and took notice,” said Rosenfeld, author of My Medicine, a book about how he “forced” the government to provide his medicine. The government had only negative things to say for cannabis, but, Rosenfeld said, “If all that is true, if it’s so bad for you, explain me.” >> iReadCulture.com

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Another 28 were approved but awaiting final enrollment when President George H.W. Bush ended the program. The 13 patients were grandfathered in but no new ones would be accepted. Despite a campaign promise, President Bill Clinton never reopened the program, which might have vanished into obscurity but for the efforts of patients like Randall and Rosenfeld to tell the world about it.

Taking the fight to the states

Discovered by accident

Rosenfeld was 10 years old when, after throwing for the final out in a baseball game, he suddenly couldn’t move his arm. Movement returned shortly thereafter but he was eventually diagnosed with multiple congenital cartilaginous exostoses, which causes painful bone tumors. He survived four major surgeries by the age of 18 to remove the tumors, but doctors said the possibility of death from internal bleeding related to a jagged tumor was real. He couldn’t attend school or play sports and took a cocktail of medications and painkillers that left him in a fog. He moved to Miami for college and because he thought the warm climate would

all, he did some research that showed cannabis was used in many medications between 1850 and when it was outlawed in 1937. So he kept smoking and noticed his pharmaceutical use dropped by 80 percent. His sleep, appetite and movement all improved. He started playing sports again. But questions nagged at him. Why did he have to go to a drug dealer to get this medication? And why did using it make him a criminal?

Fighting the power In 1976, glaucoma sufferer Robert Randall defeated the federal government in court and won access to marijuana for his condition, which helped save his eyesight. The story

“My disorder had caused me lots of problems. I was able to take that disorder and make something good come out of it. I was able to help millions of people nationwide to help understand medical cannabis.” help his condition. A law-abiding citizen, he’d never smoked cannabis and once, he even kicked out a girlfriend for bringing a joint over. But cannabis was everywhere in Miami in 1971, and he gave into peer pressure, not feeling a thing until the tenth attempt. Though not feeling sedated or euphoric, he noticed that he had been sitting still for a half hour; normally stiff joints forced him to get up every 10 minutes or so. And then he realized he hadn’t taken a pain pill in six hours—also unusual. Maybe there was something to this. After

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inspired Rosenfeld, who had been conducting a scientific study with his orthopedic surgeon on himself and how cannabis improved his condition. He met Randall, who suggested he apply to the Compassionate IND program. After years of stonewalling , the Food and Drug Administration gave him a hearing before a panel of doctors. Much to his surprise, the panel approved and in 1982 Rosenfeld began receiving government cannabis. The little-known drug program survived the anti-drug furor of the ‘80s and expanded to 13 patients, many of them AIDS patients.

Rosenfeld insists he doesn’t get high. Maybe it’s tolerance, a side effect of his bone condition or the low THC content of the government cannabis, but he is able to take his medicine and live his normal life without being impaired. Supervisors and clients took some convincing, but they accept a stockholder smoking joints while working. His tumors haven’t returned and he hasn’t taken a narcotic for pain since 1990. Cannabis has improved his life so much he has spent much of it fighting to help others gain access. When California voters went to the polls in 1996 to become the first state to allow medical cannabis, Rosenfeld estimates he did some 50 radio shows in support of the measure. It’s one thing to tell people how medical cannabis can help people. It’s another to show them. Medical cannabis passed in one state after another, with the help of patients like Rosenfeld. “I felt exonerated. Here I’ve been saying for years that it’s medicine. Bob (Randall) and I had educated people to the point that the largest state in the country had recognized the use of medical cannabis and approved it,” Rosenfeld said. He self-published his book (available at his website Irvinrosenfeld.com and on Kindle) in 2010 to spread awareness and has watched with pleasure as many states have approved recreational cannabis. His utopia is a world where anyone can grow as much cannabis as they want without fear of prosecution. And he’ll keep supporting legalization efforts, because while some states have relaxed laws, most of the country has not. He remains the only legal cannabis smoker in the state of Florida, though activists hope to change that in the 2016 election cycle. For Rosenfeld, it’s a very personal fight. “My disorder had caused me lots of problems. I was able to take that disorder and make something good come out of it. I was able to help millions of people nationwide to help understand medical cannabis,” he said. “It’s like me giving the middle finger to my bone disease. F*ck you, look what I’ve done because of you.” c VISIT US AT

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HOPE FOR HEMP A Rundown of Hemp Farming Act History

by Nicole Potter

imilarly to the fight to legalize cannabis throughout the U.S., the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015 is a campaign that aims to legalize the cultivation of industrial hemp on a federal level for use in development and production. This particular movement was most recently introduced to the Senate with SB-134 on January 8, 2015, but has yet to garner any attention by congress. So far, almost 30 states have legalized industrial hemp for production— and more are likely to do so in the future. Considering the act’s history and the rapid increase of attention to hemp as a versatile material, 2016 may finally be the “Year of Industrial Hemp.” Over the past few years, a number of industrial hemp bills have been introduced to congress. The attempts to make industrial hemp legal have been many, largely increasing in popularity over the past decade or so. The

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Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2005 reached for the stars as the first bill of its kind, and aimed to define industrial hemp as different than cannabis, specifying that hemp is a cannabis sativa L. and the THC content is less than 0.3 percent, but it did not receive a hearing. Next came the proposal for the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007, a bill with the same language as its earlier predecessor, co-sponsored by Ron Paul and 13 others—but it also did not receive a hearing. Paul brought the bill back yet again as the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009, which also did not get a chance for a hearing or floor vote, but gathered 25 cosponsors by the end of the congressional session. Paul sponsored the bill one more time with the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011, which was his last attempt before retiring. Impressively, by the end of the legislative congress, it had 37 cosponsors despite a lack of hearing.

To date, no Industrial Farming Acts have been made legislative progress, but there was a victory with the Agriculture Act of 2014, which was signed by President Obama. That particular Farm Bill contains Section 7606, entitled “Legitimacy of Industrial Hemp Research,” which defines the THC levels of industrial hemp as 0.3 percent or less. It also allows both universities and state agriculture departments the ability to study hemp, so long as the states they are located in has already legalized hemp. It’s not nationwide legalization by a long shot, but an important step in spreading the word.

All of these bills lead to the most recent attempt to legalize industrial hemp, with the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015. It’s sort of a legacy bill, one of many in a long line of attempts to reach the members of congress. So far, according to the legislation tracker on Congress.gov, it was “Read twice and the referred to the Committee on the Judiciary” and has so far gained 10 cosponsors. It’s high time that the newest version of the Industrial Farming Act be taken into consideration, and there’s still hope. The best way to get congress to recognize the newest form of industrial hemp bill is to bring attention to it. Share its status, make people aware, and visit websites like votehemp.com or www. nationalhempassociation.org for updates on the bill and how to spread awareness. The Industrial Hemp Farming Acts have come so far, and it’s about time that it gets some much needed attention. c VISIT VISIT US US AT AT iReadCulture.com iReadCulture.com

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2016 Cannabis Travel Planner

Consider touring the great U.S. of A. with green-colored glasses!

by Sheryll Alexander

hether you live in a recreational or medical cannabis state, a soon-to-be legal state or your state is still in the dark ages when it comes to cannabis, travel to a recreational state seems like a whole lotta fun, right? In fact, cannabis tourism is still in its infancy and– even in legal states–the continued stigma has kept cannabis tours on the fringes of the multi-billiondollar travel industry.

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Still, with a whopping eight states (California, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio) having good potential at going recreational this fall in 2016’s election cycle, now is a good time to start planning for that ultimate cannabisfriendly trip. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of cannabis cups, music festivals, expos and business summits to please any and all travelers. And the list keeps growing every year. >>

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Ready to book a cannabis-themed trip in 2016? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a comprehensive global calendar to help with your travel plans:

Top 2016 Cannabis Events January 8-10: HempCon, Bakersfield, California January 9-10: THC Hemp & Cannabis Fair, Medford/Ashland, Oregon January 21-22: The Emerald Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada January 22-24: HempCon, San Jose, California January 29-31: Hawaii Cannabis Expo, Honolulu, Hawaii January 30-31: Indo Expo Show, Denver, Colorado January 30-31: High Times Cannabis Cup, San Bernardino, California February 1-2: Dispensary Next Conference, Portland, Oregon

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February 3-5: Women Grow Leadership Summit, Denver, Colorado February 5-7: High Times Cannabis Cup, San Bernardino, California February 13-14: Cannabis Business Conference, San Francisco, California February 18: California Year of Marijuana Law Symposium, Los Angeles, California March 3-5: Marijuana Investor Summit, San Francisco, California March 7-9: Canna Tech International Summit, Tel Aviv, Israel March 9: Dab.A.Doo Invitational, Barcelona, Spain March 11-13: Spannabis, Barcelona, Spain March 12-13: The Hemp & Cannabis Fair (THC), Roseburg, Oregon

March 18-22: National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference, Washington D.C.

April 24: Oregon Marijuana Business Conference, Eugene, Oregon

March 19: Cannabis Grand Cru, Seattle, Washington

April 30-May 1: MardiGrass, Nimbin, Australia

March 26-27: Abracadabs Cup, San Bernardino, California

May 7-8: CannaGrow Expo, San Diego, California

April 2: Ann Arbor Hash Bash, Ann Arbor, Michigan

May 14-15: THC: The Hemp & Cannabis Fair, Corvallis, Oregon

August (Dates TBA): Northwest Cannabis Classic, Tacoma, Washington

April 2-3: THC: The Hemp & Cannabis Fair, Bend-Redmond, Oregon

May 28-29: Lift Cannabis Expo, Toronto, Canada

August 19-21: Seattle Hempfest, Seattle, Washington

June 15-17: Cannabis World Congress, New York City, New York

August 28-29: CannaGrow Expo, Portland, Oregon

April 16-17: THC: The Hemp & Cannabis Fair, Salem, Oregon

June 19-25: International Weed Science Congress, Prague, Czech Republic

September (Dates TBA): Expo Cannabis, Madrid, Spain

April 23-24: Cannabis Film Festival, Garberville, California

June 20-22: Cannabis Business Summit, Oakland, California

April 23-24: New England Cannabis Convention , Boston, Massachusetts

June 25-26: Product Earth Hemp Music Festival & Exhibition, Peterborough, England

April 15-17: Hempcon, San Francisco, California

June 27-30: International Cannabinoid Research Society Symposium, Bukovina, Poland July 9-10: Chalice California, San Bernardino, California

November 12: Cannabis Grand Cru, Los Angeles, California

dates and locations are subject to change

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Get Rid of the Schedule I Status for Cannabis

It’s becoming clear that the Schedule I status for cannabis needs to be done away with if we want to move forward with scientific research. In 2015, a group of U.S. senators proposed that we re-schedule cannabis as Schedule II—a substance that has some medical value—so that tests can be done to determine why and how it helps people with conditions like chronic seizures. Some people didn’t like this because they wanted to make the substance completely legal— but either way it works out, it’s clear that there is no reason cannabis should be scheduled as something with no medical properties.

Legalization in California

The Sunshine State has been nearly-legal for a long time, and the great access they grant medical patients and variety of products they offer makes them one of the states at the forefront of the cannabis industry. “California was the first state to adopt a medical marijuana law and it inspired states around the country to adopt similar laws,” Mason Tvert, head of the Marijuana Policy Project, told Time Magazine. “It’s a state that carries a lot of weight nationwide. It’s a massive population center and it’s a very diverse state.” If this state legalizes, that could equal a lot of the money, scientific advances and huge strides in general for the cannabis industry.

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Medical Access Everywhere for Extreme or Chronic Conditions

As much as we’d all like to have cannabis fully legal in the U.S., it’s clear that it may take a while for certain states to warm up to the idea of recreational cannabis, or even of readily-available medical cannabis that can be prescribed for many ailments. However, there are people out there, including children, with severe, chronic conditions like epilepsy that only respond to cannabis. We would like to see those individuals get access to medicine regardless of where they live. Pennsylvania just legalized medical cannabis for serious conditions, and Virginia now allows people with severe conditions to import CBD oil and use it. In 2016, it would be great if everyone in the U.S. who suffers from these serious conditions has equal access to the medicine they need. >> VISIT US AT

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Better Access to Cannabis in Legal States

Lastly, let us hope for better access to cannabis in legal states. Although cannabis is legal in Colorado, for example, many counties still don’t allow dispensaries, meaning that access to the product is limited mostly to those in urban areas. And some urban areas don’t allow smoking lounges, meaning the only legal place to consume cannabis is inside the home instead of out on the town. Let’s hope 2016 brings us new products, access and areas to smoke, as well as better quality products for everyone! c

Legalization in the South-West and North-East

Yep, that’s right—right now these are the two areas of the country that are leaning the furthest towards legalization. In addition to California, Nevada and Arizona are considering legalization in 2016. Polls now show that most Americans support legal cannabis in general, but although Arizona will be voting on this issue, it’s a mainly conservative state. Arizona could go either way, but with any luck they may just take the leap and fully legalize. Nevada, although another conservativeleaning state, is also putting legalization on the ballot. “Voters will have the opportunity to end marijuana prohibition next year and replace it with a policy that actually makes sense,” Tvert told Time. “Law enforcement officials will be able to spend their time addressing more serious crimes, and adults will no longer be punished simply for using marijuana.” In New England, both Maine and Massachusetts are considering legalization. Maine already decriminalized in their major cities, and are notorious for voting liberally, even favoring Ron Paul as their political candidate one year. “There’s been an ongoing public dialogue,” stated Tvert. “I’ve always believed that the more people learn about marijuana and the fact that it’s not as dangerous as they’ve been led to believe, the more likely they are to support treating it that way.” In Massachusetts, cannabis is medical already, and polls are supporting the idea that most residents favor full legalization.

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n some areas–especially the Middle East, Russia, China and Japan–the tradition of serving up a piping hot cup of tea is not only warming, but also nourishing and nurturing. In winter, drinking tea also heats up cold hands, soothes the throat, relaxes the mind and can even reinvigorate the soul. These calming aspects of herbal teas are especially true when it comes to cannabis and hemp brews.

Drinking hot teas not only warms you up in winter, but also provides a bounty of healthful nutrients. Like edibles, cannabis infused into a tea takes longer for the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to get the message to chill out. Currently, our favorite kinds of cannateas are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC teas are psychoactive and will have similar effects to

that of your favorite edible, depending on dosage and product specifics. CBD is non-psychoactive, and will make you feel slightly relaxed, lighten your mood and provide healthful benefits (as CBD in high doses can literally kill cancer cells). Ready to try out cannabis teas to discover for yourself if you feel more overall happiness, balance and serenity?

Before getting into a taste test, consider these simple rules about making herbal teas:

Always use what is called “freshly drawn” water from a fastrunning faucet to oxygenate the water before boiling.

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How hot is too hot? Herbs should not be scalded so bring water to a rolling boil, but then let it sit a bit before pouring.

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Use at least one tea bag per mug serving (about 1¼ cups water).

It is best to use a warmed up two-cup porcelain teapot with a lid to get the best out of infusing and heat retention.

Let the tea steep for at least three minutes for black teas and up to five minutes or longer for lighter teas such as green and chamomile. >> VISIT US AT

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An even more ancient method to enjoying maximum nutrients found in herbal teas such as cannabis and hemp is to infuse freshly-drawn and boiled water along with several tea bags or a handful of loose leaves in a large mason jar. Leave on a counter overnight. In the morning and throughout the day, drink this nourishing brew at room temperature in place of plain water or other beverages. So, how do cannabis teas taste? Is the taste pungent and too earthy like some edibles? Or is it mild and drinkable? In fact, cannabisinfused teas look, smell and taste like any other herbal tea and provide a tasty way to fill your endocannabinoid receptors with cancerfighting health-promoting medicine. Perhaps this blistery winter is finally time to try cannabis in tea form for one of the most relaxing and yummy ways to medicate.

Top Cannabis Tea Brands

Venice Cookie Company’s Subtle Tea brand has four “flavors” each with 40mg of THC including black, green and chai. The “PM” tea is a potent sleepinducer as it is filled with chamomile, peppermint, lemongrass, lemon balm, catnip, tilla Estrella and 25mg of valerian root.

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Cannabis tea is just beginning to be recognized for its relaxing and healing properties. So far, just a handful of companies have created cannabis-infused teas, including:

Pure Hemp Botanicals has created a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free 25mg CBD tea, which comes in a delightful silver tin with bags also made from hemp.

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Jane’s Brew has some of the best-tasting brews including 20mg doses of green, black and chamomile teas in both bag and pod forms.

Pot-O-Coffee’s black and green (and soon-to-be-launched chamomile) teas come in both THC (10, 50 and 100mg) and CBD (10mg) bags and Keurig-style pods. Pot-O-Coffee sources its hemp-based CBD oil from highquality manufacturer, CannaVest.

The Mad Hatter Coffee & Tea Company claims it was the first to infuse cannabis into teas and has a long list of brews that come in 20, 60, 80, 120 and 160mg bags.

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Augmenting Reality Exploring the mind and world of artist Daniel Leighton by Sarah Elise Abramson

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ecall the iconic photographs of Frida Kahlo in

entire process, it becomes immediately apparent that

her full body cast, head propped up by some

these works are coming from an honest and undiluted

odd contraption, painting in bed. 45-year-old

place deep within himself. He emanates sincerity and

filmmaker, painter and app developer Daniel

has that very specific wisdom found in people who have

Leighton is a modern day Kahlo. Leighton was born

faced and overcome massive hardships throughout

with Crohn’s Disease and was diagnosed by the

their life. CULTURE sits down with Leighton at LAAA/

age of five. This had a major impact on almost every

Gallery 825 where his solo show is currently on exhibit

aspect of his life, including, if not especially so, on his

and gets the low down on life, art and of course his

art. Listening to him talk about his art pieces and his

recent app, “Augmented Reality.”

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How did “Augmented Reality” come to you? What inspired it?

When I first encountered “Augmented Reality,” and I realized what I could do with it, I became very excited. I could see a future with endless possibilities. In my work right now, I am combining film, sound, animation and interactivity.

What inspires you on a daily basis?

Love, pain, loss, connection and disconnection. Color, motion and curves. Music and movement. Expression. People and how they relate to each other and how they feel deep down inside. Beauty.

What are your thoughts on how medicinal cannabis has helped you personally?

It’s an extremely effective medicine for dealing with the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease. There are also many studies from highly regarded institutions showing great promise in how medicinal marijuana can help many diseases. There is no question that it should, and will be legal everywhere. Keeping medicine away from people who need it is unconscionable.

How has the tablet and the apps you work with changed the way you make and perceive art?

One of the biggest things is immediacy. My setup time is a matter of seconds. My studio (i.e., my iPad) is available all the time. This is especially important when I go through periods of more intense illness.

Can you describe your process?

Sometimes I start with a specific idea, but more often than not, I just start drawing and see what develops. I start moving my stylus across the screen—this brings instant calm. As I do this, I’m checking in with my body, feeling into what my body is telling me—it’s this constant feedback loop, a back and forth that brings me closer and closer to the center of my being.

How did you start making art?

There wasn’t really a point where I started—it’s just always been a part of who I am. I always saw things that others didn’t and I always had an intense drive to create. I think the need to express and create was intensified by all the trauma I’ve been through, but I think I would have been an artist regardless. I didn’t always identify myself as an artist, which is kind of bizarre now that I look back on it, because, clearly, I always was one.

What challenges do you enjoy? What challenges do you dislike?

I enjoy making new stuff and constantly learning and growing as a person and an artist. I dislike willful ignorance, which many people practice particularly when it comes to dealing with their feelings and taking responsibility for their lives. Life is hard, but it’s not that complicated. Find something you love to do and do it as much as you can; make the best of whatever circumstances you find yourself in and do what you can to make them better; and spread as much love as you can to yourself and others.

Would you say your art comes from a dark place?

In a sense, yes, because it’s unexposed and people don’t necessarily want to look at that. c

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Carrying an Empire Hip-hop prince, Lil Eazy E is following in his father’s footsteps by Kristopher Christensen

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The name Eric Wright Jr. may seem benign and unfamiliar to most, but the name Lil Eazy E invokes a singular bequeathed descriptor: Controversy. Hip-hop, in its infancy, embodied spoken word, fused with thumping fresh beats, funk and a powerful resonance; a spawning style that appealed to a broader audience than any other genre since rock and roll. NWA pioneered the movement and along with Dr. Dre, DJ Yella and Ice Cube (and Arabian Prince although he departed just prior to the crew’s explosion), Eazy E introduced a completely new realm of musical existence to all walks of youth. Kids loved it. And, those same kids were shocked into reality learning of Eazy E’s disconcerting early demise. Eric Wright Sr., aka Eazy E, was a towering influence on west coast hip-hop with the creation of Ruthless Records, and his legacy perpetuates. Attributed in part to this summer’s release of the biopic Straight Outta Compton, NWA is on fire again and attention has drummed up around the original member’s children. Lil Eazy E in his own unique style invokes these pioneering influences, while modernizing and originating, creating a sound that’s totally legit. Culture sits down and talks to Lil Eazy E, or Eric Wright Jr., about the music industry, his dad, life and his favorite cannabis. >> VISIT US AT

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What is it like being the CEO of NWA Entertainment at your young age? Lil Eazy E: It’s tough because I started so young. As I grew older, I started working with Ruthless Records run by my step mom Tomika, who helped me flourish in business. From that point, it was a transition of learning and doing things right, like I should have been doing when I first started out. Now I’m very hands-on running things. What’s in the future? I’m working on three projects; my first official LP coming out soon, my brother Derrek’s album, and I’ve got a group called Compton Money Gang (CMG). CMG is myself, Derrek and some other family members. I also just performed with NWA Family. I kept the melodies of my father going, included my brother’s work along with CMG in the new songs and the people really liked it. How does it feel being the son of someone so influential? It’s good and I’m happy now, but as a child, it was very hurtful. Everyone in the world knows what happened to my dad. As I grew

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up and got into the business, I realized that my father’s image had been stigmatized. I mean, I love life so don’t get me wrong, but it would be so much better if my dad was still here. You were only 11 when your dad died, how did you deal with that? As a kid my dad ran with his crew, so it was the street life for me. The anger from not having him pushed me to grow up tough, growing up in the streets and hustling. But I realized I was missing out on everyday things other kids did. The father/son thing with school, the person who teaches you how to throw a football the first time, helping you with your first date with a girl. Because of all this and growing up in Compton California, I know it made me a stronger individual. How do you feel about medical cannabis? I’m 110 percent for it; for medical and recreational use. On the medical side, it’s factual that patients with various illnesses are being cured and helped with cannabis. We all know that big pharmacy has been making money off America and it’s time to

climb that mountain. As for recreational use, it should be to help deal with stress and that’s a fact. Do you have a favorite strain and a way to medicate? I’m an Indica man, so OGs for sure, with rolling papers like Raw. Snoop, Shade Moss and Xzibit are joining the “Celebrity Canna Game.” Are you coming out with anything soon? A few years ago we did tests on a strain that would be named after my father. We have jumped back into that, working with some real green scientists. Soon everyone will be able to get an Eazy Roll and another big surprise. I can tell you the Eazy Roll will be a real strong OG. I’ll have a whole line of products and can’t wait for them to come out! Anything you want to say to all the NWA and Lil Easy E fans and cannabis patients out there? Big thanks for all the love and support from the fans. Wake and bake, keep yourself on the healthy high; don’t forget to show peace and love to the world. c VISIT US AT

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by Ed Rosenthal

growing culture

1 Plants are basking in the greenhouse. They will be cut to dry in a few minutes. I recently purchased another four clones from a local dispensary. They are now about 30 days into flowering.

Indoor-Outdoor

WINTER GARDEN II

wo months ago a friend delivered two well-branched, two-foot tall plants of “3x Crazy.” Since then, the plants have been in a flowering routine in a small greenhouse. At this time of year, dawn takes place around 7 a.m. Then at 8 a.m. a 400-watt HPS lamp hung from a light mover goes on and starts moving back and forth about 2 feet. It covers the length of the garden with light. During most of November it was sunny and warm enough for the plants to go outdoors for some natural sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When they returned to the greenhouse they received another two hours of light from the HPS lamp. Towards the end of the month, the weather turned cloudy and chilly. The plants have been enjoying the cozy greenhouse, which is kept at a minimum temperature of 60 degrees day and night. The two plants were about halfway through flowering when I reported on them last month. Now, another 30 days have passed and the plants are ready to harvest. The buds are small but are covered with trichomes and have an intense floral/pineapple/diesel odor. I have picked them and hung them to dry and cure. I am using an unheated indoor space.

At this time of the year, the temperature here varies between the low 50s and high 60s. The humidity varies between 43-54 percent with an average at just about 50 percent. These are ideal conditions for a long, slow dry and cure. The low temperature keeps the terpenes from evaporating. Terpenes, the odor molecules that give all marijuana varieties their particular “personalities” are essential oils. Many of them are volatile at room temperature so they are often lost in the dry, transport or storage phases. The low temperature in the drying space keeps them from evaporating and they will lend their odor and activity to the smoke or vapor. Rather than mess with cutting these small plants into branches I’m hanging them uncut with all of their leaves on. They will be cured, that is, aged for several weeks after they dry in continued cool temperature and 50 percent humidity condition. During this time they lose some of their harshness, becoming a smoother smoke. Then I’ll manicure them and place them in a glass or metal container. I’ll keep some buds in a small bar for easy access. The rest will be stored in a steel metal container made for that purpose, which comes with a pad that stabilizes moisture, keeping the buds fresh. c

TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED®

2 The Cut. The plants are being cut using a clipper on the first plant.

The bend and snap on the second plant, which was finished off with a clipper.

The Hang. The two plants will now begin the month-long drying-curing process. They will be manicured after that.

The Problem With Zip-Lock Bags

id you ever notice the sides of a Ziplock bag that has been holding grass? They are covered with gland heads that were pulled from the bud and have attached to the plastic, especially if you were carrying

it in a pocket and continually opening and closing it. The plastic’s electrical charge attracts them. If you tried to scratch them off you were largely unsuccessful, they were already locked in. Those glands were removed electrostatically,

and lost to your use. Glass, most hard plastics, metal and wood don’t have electrical charges that attract trichomes. Use containers composed of these materials and place them in a cool-tocold dark place for storage.

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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5 The greenhouse is heated by a gas burner, often called a CO2 generator that is controlled by a thermostat set at 60 degrees.

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by Sheryll Alexander

SEE MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

destination unknown

Nevada is Full of C Winter Fun and Frolic if you go: Yes, you really can fly or drive into Las Vegas and then buy your buds and edibles—if you remember to bring a government-issued form of identification that shows you are 21 and older and your up-to-date medical cannabis license. The Vegas area has five dispensaries including Euphoria Wellness, Nevada Wellness Center, Las Vegas Releaf, Inyo Fine Cannabis Dispensary and Nevada Pure. Sparks and Reno have one dispensary each in Silver State Relief and Sierra Wellness Connection, respectively. Nevada’s medical cannabis program is regulated by the state’s Division of Public & Behavioral Health and recognizes the following conditions for a MMJ license: AIDS, cachexia, cancer, glaucoma, PTSD, muscle spasms or seizures and severe nausea or pain. Plus, Nevada’s cannabis states “other conditions are subject to approval,” which opens the door for just about everyone with a chronic health problem. Inside a dispensary, cannabis patients can purchase a maximum 2.5 oz. of flower buds and a rather ambiguous “allowable” quantity of edibles and other THC-infused products. Time to Go: Spring or Winter. Weather: Mild with cool breezes in Spring; cold with some snow in Winter. Budget: $$$$$

Fun-Filled Facts

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The small Southern Nevada town of Sparks was the first city in Nevada to open a dispensary (Silver State Relief). While that may sound strange, it makes perfect sense when you realize the infamous Mustang Ranch brothel is located on the town’s east end. 1

Want to hit The Strip and ski in the same day? In-theknow locals go to Lee Canyon. Only an hour’s drive from Vegas proper, Lee Canyon is located just north of Mount Charleston. Although Lee Canyon has a rather small ski facility, this resort sits higher than any other ski resort in the state at 8,510 feet—giving it some of the best “dry” powder in the state. 2

annabis patients may be overjoyed to hear Nevada is one of the few states to allow out-of-state medical cannabis licenses at its five Vegas-area and two Northern Nevada dispensaries. Most travelers think of the glitz of Las Vegas and its surrounding desert towns when considering hitting Nevada for some down time. In winter, however, Nevada’s mountain cities such as Lake Tahoe, Reno and Sparks are the places to be for skiing, snowboarding and winter’s many other recreational activities. Nevada’s mountain towns celebrate January in grand style. Don’t miss the Fire & Ice Show in Ely. This snow and ice sculpture competition runs this year from January 15-17 and includes lots of food and drink, an ice fishing derby, rides on a historic “ghost trains,” sledding and ice skating. The weekendlong festivities are capped by a grand fireworks display set against the town’s snowy wonderland. Although the Lake Tahoe side of Nevada (only a 45-minute drive from Reno) does not have a cannabis dispensary, the city’s ski resorts are brimming with the best of winter fun and frolic. For example, Tahoe’s Diamond Peak Ski Resort celebrates every Saturday in January (and through April) with “last tracks.” Guests start at the resort’s mid-mountain Snowflake Lodge—which has an incredibly scenic view of Lake Tahoe—and sip on fine wines and craft brews paired with delicious appetizers at sunset. After drinks and apps, skiers then hit the slopes for the final run of the day down the resort’s perfectly-groomed trails. Wherever you decide to medicate in Nevada, winter’s chill seems just a little more exciting. c

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Clarissa profile in courage

Age: 37 Condition/ Illness: Ovarian cancer, depression, anxiety. 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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Why did you start using medical cannabis? When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I was 31, and at the time I had open abdomen surgery to remove my tumor, and then I underwent chemo. Marijuana was kind of this miraculous way to counteract the side effects of chemo, due to a lot of not sleeping, not eating and nausea. The edibles really helped me to sleep—more than the other pharmaceuticals that were prescribed to me at the time. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Oh yeah, they give you a pharmaceuticals to counteract every symptom. I just couldn’t sleep, and Ambien, which they prescribed to me actually, acted very weird on me. So I was like, Ambien is not working and I have to sleep, so that’s how that came about. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I think the stigma, because marijuana is considered a “drug,” you know. We also don’t have enough data, so I guess the best thing is to encourage skeptics

to research CBD because it doesn’t have the stigma with the “high” that comes with cannabis anyway. So I think the miseducation in the market in general about the differences between non-psychoactive components of the cannabis plant, which have an amazing potential for medicine, and those that have traditionally been more recreational because they have a psychoactive effect. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as a medicine? When I was undergoing conditional treatment for chemotherapy, marijuana helped me tremendously to survive. Cannabidiol (CBD) was not even available yet. Five years later now, I’m out of remission and was only recently pronounced cured, but CBD hemp oil now is becoming more well-known. Now, it’s is available in all 50 states. There are people I’ve seen that it has helped with epilepsy, glaucoma and PTSD, to name a few. I’d also like to mention projectCBD. org to skeptics—it’s a nonprofit group that is putting out really legit, impartial information on CBD and they’re not selling anything. It’s a really cool resource and I think people might be surprised. c

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Starting the New Year Off Right recipes

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Scallops with Cannabis-Infused Pesto Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Hemp Seed Parmesan

With January comes the arrival of a fresh new start. New Year’s resolutions have been made, and often not kept throughout the year, but if there’s one thing you can count on, it’s the blossoming innovation of cannabis and hemp foods. This year, more than ever, will be a time of great transformation for medical patients who choose to utilize cannabis and hemp in their daily meals. Coming far from the origins of the cannabisinfused brownies and cookies of yesteryear, this year we propose a culinary cannabis revolution. Make your own hemp seed parmesan and sprinkle it over a zesty roasted asparagus, or embrace cannabis in fine dining with scallops and a unique cannabis-infused pesto sauce. Embrace that hungering appetite and make this year a great one!

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Hemp Seed Parmesan Ingredients 1 pound asparagus spears (thick spears are best for roasting) 1-2 tablespoon cannabisinfused olive oil t 2 cloves garlic, minced kosher salt freshly ground black pepper lemon juice

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°. Rinse the asparagus spears. If the ends are tough, break them off and either discard or save for stock. In a large mixing bowl, toss the asparagus spears in the infused oil. Line a roasting pan with foil (or silpat), and drizzle some of the infused oil on the foil-lined pan. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the lined roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and minced garlic. Roast for 10 minutes or until the asparagus are just lightly browned and tender when you pierce them with a fork. To serve, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with hemp seed parmesan.

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Hemp Seed Parmesan Ingredients 1/2 cup hemp seeds 3/4 tsp garlic powder 2 tbsp nutritional yeast Heaping 1/4 tsp sea salt

Directions

Pulse all hemp seed parmesan ingredients together in a food processor until combined and crumbly. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. 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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Scallops

with CannabisInfused Pesto Ingredients 24 large sea scallops, muscles removed 2 tablespoons cannabutter t salt freshly ground black pepper Cannabis-Infused Pesto

Directions

Season scallops with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add butter. When butter begins to brown, add scallops and sear until golden, 1 1⁄2-2 minutes. Turn scallops and cook until opaque, 1 1⁄2-2 minutes more. Spoon pesto onto your choice of serving material, then set scallops in pesto for each serving.

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Local eateries with similar dishes

Enterprise Fish Company 174 Kinney St., Santa Monica (310) 392-8366 enterprisefishco.com Le Pain Quotidien 1103 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach (Fashion Island) (949) 287-5592 www.lepainquotidien.com Spago Beverly Hills 176 N Canon Dr., Beverly Hills (310) 385-0880 www.wolfgangpuck.com/ restaurants/fine-dining/3635

Cannabis-Infused Pesto Ingredients 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves ½ cup cannabis-infused olive oil t 3 garlic cloves, peeled 3 tablespoons pine nuts ¼ cup parmigiano-reggiano salt freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Pulse pine nuts and 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt together in a food processor until finely ground. Add garlic and basil and, with the motor running, drizzle in cannabis-infused olive oil. Add parmigiano-reggiano and process into a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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event listings

SOCAL

Bullets Over Broadway, Jan. 5-24

Adapted from the Woody Allen film with the same title, Bullets Over Broadway is a musical comedy about a young play write, David, whose production is backed by a mobster trying to impress his actress girlfriend. Hilarious and clever, the play is full of unexpected incidents, leading David to question his talent as a writer. Pantages Theater, Hollywood hollywoodpantages.com

Patti Smith, Jan. 9

Although she recently released a new album, Patti Smith has decided to resurface some old tunes at this event. Smith will perform her 1975 album, Horses from begging to end, a dream come true for die-hard fans. The Wiltern, Los Angeles thewiltern.com

An Evening with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jan. 11

As one of the most prominent voices in science today, Neil deGrasse Tyson is entertaining and extremely informative. Gain some insight on the universe and other scientific topics at this rare engagement. Pantages Theater, Hollywood hollywoodpantages.com

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NOW! featured event

“Mummies: The Secrets of the Tombs,” through Jan. 18

If ancient mummies from Egypt and Peru pique your interest then this exhibit is for you. Not only will mummies and coffins be on display, there will be 3D printed casts of bones and touch tables that virtually let you unwrap mummies. Natural History Museum, Los Angeles nhm.org

“Matthew Barney: River of Fundament,” through Jan. 18

Artist, Matthew Barney shares his unique vision in his first solo Los Angeles exhibit. “River of Fundament,” will feature various sculptures, story boards and drawings in conjunction with a film Barney produced with the help of composer Jonathan Bepler. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Los Angeles moca.org

Downtown on Ice, through Jan. 18

Just because the holidays are over, that doesn’t mean you can’t have some winter fun! Enjoy ice skating in the heart of Los Angeles, with special events happening throughout the month, including singles nights and skating showcases. Pershing Square, Downtown Los Angeles holidayicerinkdowntownla.com

Janet Jackson, Jan. 16

Living up to her famous family name, Janet Jackson is touring to promote her first album release in seven years. In ranks with performers like Madonna, Jackson’s shows are theatric and energetic. Honda Center, Anaheim hondacenter.com

Pretty, Funny Women, Jan. 20

Pretty, Funny Women has been a leading female comedy show since 1996. Showcasing some of the best up-and-coming talent, Pretty, Funny Women has helped well-known female comics earn their spot in show business. The Comedy Store, Hollywood prettyfunnywomen.com

Photo LA, Jan. 21-24

In its 25th year, Photo LA features a variety of photographers with different styles. This is one of

America’s first photo fairs, a place for the photographic community to connect, straying away from the confines of the internet. The Reef, Los Angeles photola.com

LA River Night Run, Jan. 24

Run along the LA River at this night time 5k including, a complimentary vegan taco bar and beers from Golden Road Brewing. Participants will also receive customized race bibs and t-shirts. Bowtie Parcel, Los Angeles active.com VISIT US AT

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“The renewal of the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment suggests most members of Congress are ready to end the federal government’s war on medical marijuana.”

New Spending Bill Prohibits Justice Department From Interfering in State Medical Cannabis Laws and Quietly Lifts Federal Ban

n Tuesday, a new federal spending bill was unveiled in Congress which will continue to prohibit the Justice Department from interfering in state medical cannabis laws. The provision included in the bill titled the RohrabacherFarr Amendment intends to prevent the Department of Justice and DEA from arresting or prosecuting patients, caregivers and businesses acting in compliance with state cannabis laws. The piece of legislation stems from an amendment sponsored by Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (RCA) and Sam Farr (D-CA) that was first approved in the House of Representatives last year. “The renewal of the RohrabacherFarr Amendment suggests most members of Congress are ready to end the federal

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government’s war on medical marijuana,” said Robert Capecchi, director of federal policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “There’s a growing sentiment that the Justice Department should not be using taxpayer dollars to arrest and prosecute people who are following their states’ medical marijuana laws.” The new spending bill as well renews the Harris Amendment, signed into law in 1962, which prevents the District of Columbia from regulating cannabis for adult use. Although District voters approved a ballot initiative in 2014 to make possession and growing of of cannabis legal for adults 21 years of age and older, the halfcentury-year-old amendment prevents the District of Columbia from regulating the cultivation and distribution of the substance, which for some, breeds a feeling of collective disappointment.

“Marijuana is now legal for adults in the District of Columbia, and it needs to be treated like a legal product,” Capecchi said. “It is irrational to prohibit D.C. officials from establishing a regulatory system to control the cultivation and distribution of marijuana. By renewing the Harris Amendment, Congress is posing a real threat to public health and safety in our nation’s capitol.” “This amendment has teeth, but only as long as it keeps getting renewed,” Capecchi said. “It’s time for Congress to adopt a more permanent solution. The CARERS Act is one option, but Senator Grassley is not allowing it to get a committee hearing. Unfortunately, some members are still clinging to antiquated prohibition policies.” The spotlight continues to shine on the country’s capitol as the presence of the cannabis scene continues to take shape. c VISIT VISIT USUS ATATiReadCulture.com iReadCulture.com

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Chuck Shepherd's

News of the

Weird

LEAD STORY—THE PATIENT WILL SEE YOU NOW u Professional patients

now help train would-be doctors, especially in the most delicate and dreaded of exams (gynecological and prostate), where a becalming technique improves outcomes. One “teaching associate” of Eastern Virginia Medical School told The Washington Post in September that the helpers act as “enthusiastic surgical dummies” to 65 medical colleges, guiding rookie fingers through the trainer’s own private parts. The prostate associate might helpfully caution, “No need for speed here,” especially since he will be bending over for as many as nine probings a day. A gynecological teaching associate, mentoring the nervous speculum-wielder, might wittily congratulate pupils on having a front-row sight line the “GTA” will never witness: an up-close view of her own cervix.

LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES u American Sharia: (1) U.S.

parents have a right to homeschool their kids, but are subject to varying degrees of regulation, with Texas the most lax, and one El Paso family will have a day before the Texas Supreme Court after one of its kids was reported declining to study because education was useless since he was waiting to be “raptured” (as described in the Bible’s Book of Revelation). (2) U.S. courts increasingly allow customers to sign away state and federal rights by agreeing to contracts providing private arbitration for disputes rather than access to courts—even if the contract explicitly requires only religious resolutions rather

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than secular, constitutional ones. A November New York Times investigation examined contracts ranging from Scientology’s requirement that fraud claims by members be resolved only by Scientologists— to various consumer issues from home repairs to real estate sales limited to dockets of Christian clerics.

LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS u At a ceremony in Kabul in

November, prominent Afghan developer Khalilullah Frozi signed a $95 million contract to build an 8,800-unit township and was, according to a New York Times dispatch, toasted for his role in the country’s economic rebirth. However, at nightfall, Frozi headed back to prison to resume his 15-year sentence for defrauding Kabul Bank of nearly $1 billion in depositors’ money. Because he remains one of Afghanistan’s elite, arrangements were made for him to work days but spend his nights in prison (in comfortable quarters). Said one Western official, laconically, “(I)f you have stolen enough money, you can get away with it.”

CULTURAL DIVERSITY u Before the terrorist murders

gripped Paris, President Francois Hollande and Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani had been trying to arrange a formal dinner during Rouhani’s planned visit to the city to celebrate the two countries’ role in the recent accord limiting Iran’s nuclear development. France’s RTL radio news reported that “dinner” is apparently more vexing than “nuclear weaponry”—as Rouhani demanded an alcohol-free meal, which was nixed by Hollande, VISIT US AT

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who insisted that the French never dine without wine.

looks somewhat “dodgy,” anyway).

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS u Skeptics feared it was just a

RECURRING THEMES u Lowering the Bar in Zero

matter of time, anyway, until the “political correctness” movement turned its attention to dignity for thieves. San Francisco’s SFGate.com reported in November on a discussion in an upscale neighborhood about whether someone committing petty, nonviolent theft should be referred to by the “offensive” term “criminal” (rather than as, for example, “the person who stole my bicycle,” since “criminal” implies a harsher level of evil and fails to acknowledge factors that might have caused momentary desperation by a person in severe need).

u In October, the student newspaper of Toronto’s Ryerson University reported a mighty scandal that upset the student body: The school’s executive offices’ restrooms routinely supply two-ply toilet paper while most other campus buildings offer only one-ply. Following up on the hard-hitting Ryerson Eyeopener’s expose, The Canadian Press noted that the universities of Guelph, Ottawa and Toronto comfort all toilet-users’ bottoms the same. Ryerson officials defensively noted that older plumbing in many of their buildings cannot handle two-ply paper. LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u Nicholas Allegretto, 23,

was convicted of shoplifting in Cambridge, England, in October (in absentia, because he is still at large). The prosecutor knows Allegretto is his man because, shortly after the February theft, police released a surveillance photo of Allegretto leaving the store with the unpaid-for item, and Allegretto had come to a police station to complain that the suddenly public picture made him look guilty. In fact, he claimed, he intended to pay for the item but had gotten distracted (and besides, he added, his body language often

Tolerance: The 6-year-old son of Martha Miele was given an automatic three-day out-of-school suspension at Our Lady of Lourdes in Cincinnati in October after, emulating actions of his favorite Power Rangers characters, he pretended to shoot a bow and arrow at another student. Principal Joe Crachiolo was adamant, insisting that he has “no tolerance for any real, pretend or imitated violence.” An exasperated Martha Miele confessed she was at a loss about how a 6-year-old boy is supposed to block out the concept of a super-hero fighter (and instead imagine, say, a super-hero counselor?).

u Cavalcade of Fetishes: (1) Among the approximately 100 arrests Seattle police made in an October drug sting were of a man, 63, and woman, 58, accused only of retail theft of $150,000 worth of goods—including about 400 pairs of jeans. Police said the couple “ordered” items from shoplifters and seemed to have an “insatiable appetite for denim.” (2) In November, police in Bethel, Connecticut, arrested Nelson Montalvo, 50—accused of taking about 30 items of underwear from one particular home. Montalvo’s motive is being investigated, but police said his modus operandi was to remove items, cut holes in them and return them to the home. A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (JANUARY 2011) u Name in the News: Sought

as a suspect in a convenience store killing in Largo, Florida, in December (2010) (and an example of the highly revealing “Three First Names” theory of criminal liability), Mr. Larry Joe Jerry—who actually has four first names: Larry Joe Jerry Jr. (He was convicted in 2013 and sentenced to 42 years in prison).

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IT’S SNOT HYGIENIC u The manager of the agency in

Louisville, Kentucky, responsible for, among other things, development planning, zoning changes and historic landmarks revealed in November that his headquarters has a “boogers” problem and ordered users of the third-floor men’s room to stop hocking them onto the walls adjacent to the urinals. According to an internal memo cited by InsiderLouisville.com, Metro Planning and Design Services manager Joe Reverman called the mucus buildup “a very serious situation” and had his executive administrator post signs instructing restroom users on the basics of proper disposal of “anything that comes out of or off a person’s body.”

GREAT ART! u The 1968 Cy Twombly

“blackboard” painting sold for $70.5 million at New York City’s Sotheby’s auction in November (higher than experts’ estimate of $60 million). The painting consists of six horizontal lines of continuous circular swirls (white chalk on a “blackboard”)— perhaps the same swirls that might be made by an extremely bored, aggressive first-grader given a supply of chalk and the absence of the teacher.

u The Baltimore-based “experimental music” creators Matmos announced the release of their new album, “Ultimate Care II,” consisting entirely of “music” made by a Whirlpool washing machine (the Ultimate Care II model). According to a November report in Time magazine, the machine’s 38-minute wash cycle will be “sampled and processed” to lighten the original sound. (Matmos previously “played” canisters of helium on stage at Radio City Music Hall and a cow’s uterus at the San Francisco Art Institute). CULTURAL DIVERSITY u In an enterprise somewhat

resembling “American Idol,” amateur performers in China become self-supporting online not by soliciting money directly,

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but through virtual gifts from enthralled fans, with performers getting a cut of each sale. Beijing’s YY.com hosts original performances, and two of the site’s favorites, Mr. Earth and Ms. Cloud, earned the equivalent of about $160,000 last year from their universe of 1.8 million fans (according to a November Wall Street Journal report). In an ancillary industry (led by 9158.com), hard-core fans can purchase access (think “virtual limousines,” shown “arriving” at a “concert”), giving them bragging rights. (A simple “applause” icon after a song costs about a penny).

BRIGHT IDEAS u The exasperated drug

enforcement chief of Indonesia told reporters in November (following confiscation of a massive quantity of methamphetamine from China) that the ordinary death penalty was insufficient for drug runners, who should instead be forced to overdose on their own shipments. Budi Waseso also mused that crocodiles would make better prison guards than humans because crocs can’t be bribed and later added tigers and pirhanas to the proposed guard roster. Even so, Waseso’s boss reiterated that the government is committed to rehabilitation over punishment.

NEW WORLD ORDER u Watch Your Language:

(1) Recently added to the list of words and phrases to be officially discouraged on campus, according to the University of WisconsinMilwaukee’s website: “political correctness.” The phrase is said to be a “microaggression” that might make some students feel uncomfortable or unsafe if they hear it or read it. (2) In November, the University of Vermont held a (voluntary) three-day “retreat” open only to students who “self-identify as white,” so that they can study the implications of “white privilege” in society (e.g., “what does it mean to be white?” and “how does whiteness impact you?”). VISIT US AT

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