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contents
inside
04.16
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20 A GRATEFUL LEGEND An inside look at Grateful Dead vocalist, guitarist, father and all out amazing performer, Jerry Garcia, and his influence on the cannabis scene. ON THE COVER: Photo Š Jay Blakesberg Photography
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40 The Most Wonderful Day of the Year We’ve got the tips on how to make your 420 party one for the books, trends to look forward to in the industry and so much more!
features
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Saving Gwen The story of young Gwenevere and how using cannabis saved her from suffering epileptic seizures.
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Get Canna-Fit A new study states that cannabis users tend to have a lower BMI and percentage of fat.
departments news 8 News Nuggets 10 By the Numbers 12 Local News 14 Legal Corner reviews 16 Collective Highlight 20 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 26 Cool Stuff in every issue 64 Growing Culture 66 Destination Unknown 67 Profile in Courage 68 Recipes
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70 News of the Weird
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online Exclusive! d Rocky Mountain High: X
Games' Tanner Hall Always Skis with Cannabis d U.S. Supreme Court Tosses
Anti-Cannabis Lawsuit Against Colorado
Vol 7 IssUE 10
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas Editorial Contributors Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, 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, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Jonathan Ibarra Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher, April Tygart general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson director of digital media Brian Gingrich digital media Editor David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture速 Magazine is published every month and distributes 25,000 magazines at over 500 locations throughout Michigan. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture速 Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 34841 Mound Rd. | #241 Sterling Heights | Michigan | 48310 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.iREADCULTURE.com
CULTURE速 Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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/freeculturemag
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NEWS
nuggets Group Hopes to Halt Dismantling of Detroit Cannabis Collectives Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform introduced a referendum that could reverse zoning rules on collectives if approved to appear on election ballots in August, according to Mlive. Last month, Detroit opened a 30-day window to allow collectives to apply to legally be run in the city. Although this seemed like an effort for officials to ease up on collectives, those who applied for a license found it nearly impossible not to run into some kind of zoning problem. As reported by Mlive, the collectives learned that many are located too close to a number of zoning areas including a “drug free zone,” child day care center and a church to name a few. The referendum is being reviewed by the City Elections Department to determine if all signatures are legitimate.
Vermont May be First State to Legalize Recreational Through Legislature Vermont could be the first state to legalize recreational cannabis through legislation rather than voter initiative, according to The National Memo. A bill that was passed by the Senate after a year of review will allow adults 21-and-over to enjoy recreational cannabis by 2018. During its year-long review, Senate determined limits on recreational cannabis use and determined that it would not permit personal cultivation or edible consumption. Aside from the restrictions set forth by the Senate, the bill will also impose a 25 percent tax on recreational cannabis that will go towards drug enforcement and drug education programs. While the bill has been approved by Senate, state representatives are expected to review it before the legislative session ends in May. Cannabis advocates in the state believe that this will encourage other states to pass recreational laws through legislation as well.
Switzerland Hopes to Fight Cannabis Black Market with Legal Clubs With cannabis reform in Europe slowly taking shape, Switzerland has revealed a plan to open four cannabis clubs in Geneva, Zurich, Bern and Basel. The clubs are pilot programs intended to help people with existing drug problems and are planned to allow 2,000 people to use cannabis therapy legally, according to RT. Although this seems like a legitimate approach on minimizing the cannabis black market in Switzerland, this topic has been under debate since 2014, with the Swiss People’s Party in Geneva opposing the movement because to them, cannabis is a “hard drug.” Currently, an estimated 500,000 people illegally use cannabis in Switzerland. In 2013, the federal government decided to remove possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis from its list of criminal offenses and only fine 100 francs for those convicted of possession. 8
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Protestors Vocalize Discontent Over Collective Raids On March 13, 100 protesters stood outside of the Michigan State Police Station in Gaylord to address 10 collective raids that occurred during the previous week. The raids were conducted by Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (S.A.N.E.) and resulted in two arrests. Of the 10 raids, nine were in Gaylord and one in Vanderbilt. “The businesses were operating within the spirit of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, and that the medical marijuana patients of Otsego county are being harassed,” protesters stated. Two collective owners from the Cannabis Stakeholders Group, Chad Morrow and Ben Horner, help organize the protests, and stated that it is the second time over the past several years that collectives in Gaylord have been raided, according to Up North Live. This has caused many patients in Gaylord to feel targeted by police.
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The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that one medical cannabis collective in Detroit must pay every year, which counts towards business licenses and inspection fees: (Source: Crain’s Detroit Business)
NEWS
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The number of medical cannabis businesses that applied to continue operating their collectives in Detroit: (Source: Detroit Free Press)
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The estimated amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Michigan could make annually from medical cannabis if it was regulated under bills currently being proposed in the Michigan Legislature: (Source: Mlive.com)
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The estimated number of people who protested medical cannabis collective raids in Gaylord: (Source: Petoskey News-Review)
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The number of medical cannabis collectives that were raided in Northern Michigan in mid-March: (Source: Mlive.com)
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The number of signatures required to get the Arkansas medical cannabis initiative on the ballot this fall:
85,000
(Source: Arkansas Times)
The percentage of Texans who support expanding medical cannabis access to include more qualifying conditions: (Source: Extract Suntimes)
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Twiztid’s Annual 420 Show
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(Source: Forbes)
WHAT: Twiztid’s Annual 420 Show. WHEN/WHERE: Wed, April 20. The Crofoot Ballroom, 1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac. INFO: For tickets visit thecrofoot.com.
While Michigan has been facing some troubles concerning cannabis legalization locally and statewide, native hip-hop duo Twiztid continues to support the plant. This year, join the duo as it hosts its fourth annual 420 show. With its alternative hip-hop sound, Twiztid has been found its way to the Billboard charts numerous times with its latest album The Darkness,
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The increased percentage of one cannabis delivery service’s orders during Super Bowl 50 weekend:
which ranked at 29 in the Top 100. With its continual success Twiztid created its own record label, Majik Ninja Entertainment, where they signed this year’s special guest and alternative hip-hop artist Blaze. Not only do these artists have a similar sound and don the same wicked face paint, they share a mutual love for cannabis. Get ready for a memorable show for this 420.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Dead Again’s Annual 420 Bash
Medical Cannabis Could Bring Millions of Dollars to Michigan Analysis of Proposed Legislation Shows Promise
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by Victoria Banegas
n 2008, the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act legalized medical cannabis, but has since then been scrutinized for its poor legislation. Recently, a three bill legislation including HB-4290, HB-4210 and HB-4827 has been proposed to help set framework for medical cannabis patients, growers and distributors within Michigan. According to a recent study, if enacted properly, the bills could garner the state millions of dollars. Commissioned by the Michigan Cannabis Association, Hillside College economist Gary Wolfram conducted the study in support of the bills and revealed that Michigan’s medical cannabis market could generate up $44.3 million to $63 million. According to Fox 17, in 2015 Michigan had an estimated 182,091 medical cannabis patients. Wolfram’s study assumes that if two thirds of those patients turned to licensed collectives for medicine, it could generate a minimum of $44.3 million annually. “It’s certainly a good number, if you’re a state representative trying to balance the budget right now dealing with Detroit Public Schools or Flint, whatever the latest problem is right now,” he said. “An extra $40 to $60 million would certainly be helpful,” Wolfram stated. Through clear legislation Wolfram believes that Michigan can increase its number of medical cannabis patients as well as the different usable forms of cannabis, which
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will ultimately help expand the market. Representative Lisa Lyons states that since 2008 there have been inconsistencies in defining usable forms of cannabis. Lyons believes that non-smokable forms should be available for medical cannabis patients, as they are a safer alternative to smoking for both adults and children patients. Wolfman’s analysis also revealed that the legislation could create 10,000 jobs in the cannabis market from growing to working behind the counter at a collective. Furthermore, that a three percent tax on medical retailers proposed in the legislation would be distributed throughout the state with $3.7 million to $5.3 million going into the general state fund, according to the Grand Rapids Business Journal. “Michigan residents could receive benefits from this revenue in the form of critical services,” Wolfram said. “The services could be anything the legislature wants, (including) improving infrastructures or roads.” As the legislation in the proposed bills is rather detailed, Vice President of the Michigan Cannabis Development Association Willie Rochon sees it as a way for the state to create a solid stance on medical cannabis. “These proposals will end the uncertainty that is causing confusion for patients and businesses, and help eliminate the black market that puts patients at risk,” he said. c
As made apparent in this month’s issue of CULTURE, the Grateful Dead and its many fans were, and still are, huge supporters of cannabis and its many aspects, socially, spiritually and medically. It’s only right to honor the band’s appreciation for the plant by heading out to see Dead Again, proclaimed to be the best Grateful Dead cover band in Michigan. Held at The Magic Bag, a hip venue with retro décor, Dead Again’s 420 Bash will be a lively concert sure to revive the spirit of the late Jerry Garcia and make for a great post-420 celebration. This is your chance to have a great time, enjoy some cannabis and dance and sing along to your favorite Grateful Dead songs, masterfully performed by the talented ensemble that is Dead Again. WHAT: Dead Again’s Annual 420 Bash. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, April 23. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. INFO: Visit themagicbag. com for ticket info.
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NEWS
legal corner
ef·fi·ca·cy
MILegalize Helps to Avoid Bad Policies by Denise Pollicella
“Efficacy” \ˈe-fi-kˈ-sˈ\ noun: The power to produce a desired result or effect. This has to be one of our world’s greatest words. We get up most mornings with a list of tasks to get through, but it is the days when we wake up filled with a sense of impending accomplishment, firm in the knowledge that we have the power to shape policy—maybe even change the world—that we feel truly great. The last several years have not been great for cannabis. The Michigan courts have been unhelpful, the legislature decidedly more than unhelpful, the administration absent and the municipalities lost.
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One after another, opportunities to repair and progress have withered while our state and her growing patient population have languished in a murky and untenable stagnation
“Bad things happen when we aren’t looking, when we assume there is no way that we can make a difference, when we are content to let somebody else carry the burden of progress and change.”
that, at times, feels eternal. It is this overwhelming feeling of dread and hopelessness that can paralyze even the most hopeful and energetic of advocates into immobility. This is right where they want you. You know who “they” are. They cite antiquated gateway drug crap like it’s science. They condescend and snicker and make really lame pot jokes. They don’t want you in their backyards. And they hope that if they just ignore you long enough you will go away. It is in these times that we absolutely must remember the impact of active participation on the political process. Effective citizenship doesn’t require money, a specialized degree or the skill of a great orator. Personal connection, sincere narratives and genuinely putting elected officials on the spot still make the greatest difference. We are, each of us, constituents that have not only the right, but the responsibility to demand accountability and action from our elected representatives. We can call our state representatives, meet them at their offices or attend local coffee hours. We can educate our communities, and demand that our colleagues stop asking us when something will change and get involved. Bad things happen when we aren’t looking, when we assume there is no way we can make a difference, when we are content to let somebody else carry the burden of progress and change. It is conveniently easy to lean on the excuse that we are too busy with our own lives, that it will somehow all magically get done, and let others make the personal sacrifices and take the professional risks that activism too often requires. Fitting then, that while we have enjoyed our eighth Ann Arbor Hash Bash since the MMMA passed in November 2008, we remember the very great power a determined group of individuals had to change Michigan’s future because they never stopped believing they could, and take from that both a sense of hope and a sense of our own efficacy, that we, each of us, has the power to advance medical cannabis policy in Michigan. Happy 420, Michigan. Now go call your Senator. c
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REVIEWs
collective highlight
Om of Medicine 112 S. Main St., 3rd Fl, Ann Arbor, 48104 www.omofmedicine.org
How and when did your collective start up? We have always been advocates of cannabis and believe in the healing power of this plant. Several years ago, we were approached to provide startup capital for a dispensary in Lansing. We took stock of our combined resources and with our passion for the science of the plant we opened the Om of Medicine in the summer of
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2010. We chose Ann Arbor for many reasons, including its progressive and sensible cannabis policy—decriminalizing possession, use and transfer 45 years ago. What’s the story behind the name of your collective? We originally wanted the name to be an acronym for “Organic, Holistic Medicine” then it occurred to us that “Ohm” is a unit of measurement and
APRIL 2016 iReadCULTURE.com
we were looking for the “Om” which stood for the sound of the universe. It’s a sacred chant made during meditation, prayer, and in rites of passage ceremonies. We see this symbol being an awakening for western medicine to return to a more natural path of healing. What does your collective offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? We set out to completely re-imagine the dispensary
experience from the perspective of a patient. We wanted a relaxing and inspiring space focused on education, science and advocacy. A critical component of this was the establishment of private consultation rooms so a patient can feel comfortable discussing health issues or symptoms instead of the typical “over the counter” design that may be intimidating or unappealing to patients disclosing sensitive information. We take the time to listen to our patients, to share the current medical information available,
and we are committed to continual learning as the potential of cannabis continues to be studied. We want patients to feel different leaving our space, to feel empowered about using a natural, organic medicine, to feel more confident in their knowledge of the plant, to feel more involved in initiatives to protect their access, to feel part of our larger community, to feel connected, to feel hopeful and inspired. >>
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How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? We will continue to focus our efforts advocating for responsible and sensible law changes on the local and state levels. The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was passed in November of 2008, making it the 13th state to pass such legislation. Every state to pass medical cannabis legislation since 2008 has enacted a functioning and regulated distribution (dispensary) system. Our lawmakers have been slow on
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implementing the same here, which puts the patients in Michigan at risk and with very few options on how or where to acquire their medicine. Once the state laws have changed, we will work with the city and local partners to ensure a licensing process is established further solidifying safe access for patients. Finally, we would like to see the expansion of medical cannabis research and we will continue our support of research projects. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a collective? . . . Biggest joys? The biggest and most frustrating challenge is our ever-changing legal/illegal status.
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The IRS considers us to be drug traffickers. The State of Michigan indicates we are operating in a legal gray area. Our City Council would like to proceed with a licensing process but is waiting on the state. There are many people suffering from debilitating medical conditions, many of whom have tried every pharmaceutical prescribed by their doctor only to find that synthetic drugs have done very little to improve their quality of life. Cannabis works with their body to alleviate a myriad of symptoms and conditions in a natural way. For many, it is the only treatment that
actually works, making it our biggest joy and why we take the risk. If someone wanted to open a collective and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Do your research, become educated on the science of the plant, reach out to reputable organizations operating in this space and most importantly get involved—commit to becoming an advocate and activist for patients and the larger injustice caused by decades of propaganda and misinformation. Upon opening our collective, we promptly invited the entire Ann Arbor City Council, mayor, city attorney, chief of police, as well as our state representative
and state senator for a meeting and tour of our new facility. Each visited individually and spent time asking questions, talking to our patients and learning about our operations. Upon leaving, many stated that they were more knowledgeable, comfortable, and supportive of the industry and movement as a whole. It is both an exhilarating and extremely challenging time to enter the cannabis industry. You need nerves of steel and the ability to deal with regulations that change on a daily basis. You need to be comfortable operating in the unknown and you need to be prepared to lose everything. c
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REVIEWs
strain, edible & concentrate Available at: AnnArbor Wellness Collective in Ann Arbor.
White Buffalo White Buffalo is a brilliant cross between parents Romulan, Blackberry Kush and Bay 11. Borrowing an impressively spot-on blackberry syrup aroma and mimicking flavor from its Blackberry Kush parent, this strain is truly a rare find. Beyond the incredible aromatics, beautiful flecks of purple lie deep within these nugs, with a structure almost too divine to grind. With 20 percent THC, patients with symptoms relating to arthritis, caner, chronic pain, migraines, Multiple Sclerosis and PMS sing their praises of the elusive White Buffalo for its stimulating happy vibes. Despite the sativa-dominant profile, (80/20), relaxation is sure to find your whole body, as the uplifting cerebral effects are a temporary distraction.
Super Glue
Available at: Arborside in Ann Arbor.
Proving true to its namesake, Super Glue is quite the sticky strain. Whether you break it apart by hand, or put it through your grinder, you’ll be sure to notice the heavy resin content alongside the syrup-like pine aromatics. A variety of greens mingle within one nug, as the most vibrant of the green leaves wrap their way around the heavily dusted calyxes with light-green appearance. Fine brownish-orange hairs peek their way through what appears to be a fluffy nug, but is surprisingly filled with a dense core. Super Glue is known to have higher than average CBD levels, as high as 1.4 percent. With parent strains as well-renowned as Northern Lights and Afghani, it’s no wonder this strain is such great medicine (29.5 percent THC). Varied relief with balanced cerebral and body effects (50/50) comes to patients looking for relief from symptoms associated with AIDS/HIV, anxiety, cancer, chronic pain, migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, muscle spasms and PMS. Enjoy a calming relaxation effect both mentally and physically, but remain energetic enough to be social.
Available at: Bigfoot Wellness in Burton.
East Coast Sour Diesel Holy-moly! These light and airy, tree-like buds are dominated by abundant hairs which appear to be significantly longer than your average nug. Beyond the captivating physical presence, 21.5 percent THC will provide comfortable sativa-dominant relief (80/20) to patients with a wide variety of symptoms relating to chronic pain or chronic illness. Feel euphoric, stress-free and functional after puffing away on this medicine that aromatically speaks to a sour pine, tea scent/flavor profile.
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HERE 20
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REVIEWs
Honey Tea Relief is just a sip away! Made with love, just for you, by Flavor for the Soul, this medicated Honey Tea is the bee’s knees. The 16oz glass bottle contains 200mg of cannabis extract. Half the bottle should set you up with comfortable relief both physically and mentally. The ingredients of this treat are simple, as it should be. Water, tea, honey and cannabis tincture. This product is labeled, but please be sure to keep it out of reach of children, or unsuspecting thirsty guests.
Available wherever: Flavor for the Soul products are carried.
Gorilla Glue #4 Available at: Green Planet in Ann Arbor.
Popularly known for its very sticky, resin coated buds, this potent strain (27.30 percent THC) is well-sought by patients, everywhere. The genetic profile for Gorilla Glue #4 is fascinating as it borrows traits from parents Chemsis, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel, (which has a uniquely complex genetic equation in itself). Although GG#4 is indica-dominant (75/25), it’s quite uplifting medication, providing both body and cerebral focused relief to symptoms associated with arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, migraines, multiple sclerosis, nausea and PMS. Aromatically, this strain has a bold chemy-fruit scent rounded out with a floral earthiness. If you’re onto rosin-tech, it’s likely you’re going to want to get to squishing, as the stickiness of this glue will be too tempting to just roll up and ignite. It’s been noted that a single press of a 1.1g nug had a 30 percent yield. Available at: Herbal Solutions in Ypsilanti.
Strawberry Banana Loyalty Extracts is a crowd favorite, and they’re back at it again. This crumble is a great consistency and color! The strain Strawberry Banana was developed by DNA genetics in collaboration with Serious Seeds who crossbred Crokett’s Banana Kush with a strawberry phenotype of Bubblegum. With indica-dominant effects (70/20), this strain is known to be both heavily relaxing and euphoric. With a heavy resin production and high THC content, it’s no wonder the concentrated form of this plant is so stellar. It hits super smooth and tastes like a strawberry banana smoothie. Stock up on this and treat yourself with some top notch relief.
Available at: Holistic Earth in Davison.
Super Chemdawg A sight for sore-eyes, this strain is quite captivating. Fluffy, resincoated fat calyxes boast their presence, while tangled in patches of golden brown hairs. Well-trimmed green leaves gently hug each cluster of calyxes. Grower’s notes label this strain as “Veganic.” Meaning: Methods use no animal products or by-products such as blood meal, fish products, bone meal, feces or other animal-organ matter—as the production of these materials is associated with the exploitation and consequent suffering of animals. Patients with varying chronic pains rely on Super Chemdawg of a varying phenotype on a regular basis. Each puff of this classically pungent, piney chemy-citrus taste, will remind you that this plant was grown with extra love.
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GET YOUR CLICKS
HERE
Available at: Bloom Cannabis Club in Ann Arbor.
Headmaster The balanced effects of this strain (55/45) prove it to be a great choice for those who’d like the best of both worlds. An immediate cerebral effect introduces you to relaxation and relief once again, as the body effect carries you steady through the next interval of time, before you feel the need to re-up. Patients looking for relief from symptoms associated with anxiety, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, insomnia and muscle spasms enjoy the sweet, earthy, relief that Headmaster is reliable for. The beautifully dense, chunky and full bud structure is a pleasure to break apart as you prepare it to be ignited into euphoria.
Available at: Michigan Chronic Relief in Detroit.
Hello Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Chocolate-lovers of the world, unite! Coming to you from Hello Labs, this medicated chocolatey treat is filled to the core with its forever-winning partner-in-crime, peanut butter. But of course, it’s got a special kick to it. An entire bar is dosed at 100mg. If you’re unfamiliar with the way your body may react to this medicated sweet treat, begin with two squares, (a quarter of the bar, 25mg). If rather, you’re a patient familiar with consuming edibles, start with half the bar and store the rest in a safe place for later. Within 15-20 minutes, comfortable body and head effects will sneak up on you. Patients looking for relief from symptoms associated with cancer, chronic pain, migraines, nausea and PMS almost feel guilty with relief this sweet. Please be cautious to keep this product out of reach of children, as once it’s unwrapped there is no indication this treat is medicated.
Blueberry Sativa No, that’s not a type-o. This Blueberry phenotype is indeed 100 percent sativa, as opposed to the indica many are most familiar with. The grower notes this 20-plus year old strain traveled from British Colombia, to Oregon to Colorado, and now is available in Michigan. The structure of this dense yet fluffy, leafy green nug is divine. With its rich golden orange hairs and bountiful frosted crystals, it’s sure to captivate you visually before you even have the chance to sniff. It smells much like it tastes, earthy and slightly fruity with a slight blueberry undertone. Blueberry Sativa’s 24 percent THC content greatly benefits those who combat daily struggles with arthritis, cancer, chronic pain and nausea. Cerebral effects will initiate nearly instantly; this strain is a heavy-hitter. Before long, the relief will begin to meet the rest of your body and have you back on track in no-time.
Available at: Motown Meds located in Detroit.
Available at: Michigan Compassion Center in Flint.
Platinum Cookie With some strains, it’s simple; love at first sight. Platinum Cookie’s extremely dense, vibrantly colored nugs flaunt hues of green, orange and purple. A phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies, the aroma and colors may be familiar but the density of the buds surely set this scout apart from the rest. This indica-dominant hybrid has what it takes to award you with the relief you deserve. Patients looking to alleviate symptoms that are associated with cancer, chronic pain, Multiple \ Sclerosis, nausea and PMS sincerely appreciate the 24 percent THC content. Powerful but balanced cerebral and body effects keep you feeling both euphoric and relaxed for quite a while.
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REVIEWs
Available at: OM of Medicine in Ann Arbor.
OG Kush Some strains are simply so physically divine that we feel inclined to capture their beauty via photograph. Clearly, OG Kush is no stranger to the camera, even with a singular nug, she strikes a pose like noother. Strains Los Angeles Kush and SFV (San Fernando Valley) are proud parents of OG Kush and all her achievements. With balanced cerebral and body effects (50/50), patients with arthritis, cancer, migraines, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms and PMS, know this gal is reliable. Her perfume is a bit funky and sweet, like a true OG, with a sweet floral undertone. And my, oh my, her kiss is like no other and will surely have you in a trance. The immediate effects are heavy on the chest and pineal region of the head. Clearly, with 23 percent THC, she’s much more than a pretty face.
Available at: The Green Bean in Flint.
Cannalope Haze If you’re looking for something new, reach for Cannalope Haze. This sativa-dominant hybrid (30/70) has parent strains Mexican Land Race & Haze to attribute its unique genetics. With documented 26 percent THC, many patients swear this strain is a solution for both fatigue and appetite loss. Equally so, those suffering from migraines and varying chronic pain find this strain’s cerebral-dominant effects to be quite the delight. The dense little buds are predominantly rich-green, but a few of the tips of the leaves display a dark purple. Give one of these puppies a squeeze and surprise your senses with a euphoric sweet mix of tropical, melon and bold floral flavors. 24
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To www.iReadCulture.com
3. RYOT® Utility Tool
1. Dabsolute Concentrate Pen
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Hand crafted in America, the Dabsolute Concentrate Pen is guaranteed not to disappoint users. Its patented airflow and coil design is guaranteed to prevent the pen from clogging so you won’t have to get a replacement. Other features include its stainless steel body with high heat ceramic components that guarantee its lifetime warranty. Easy to use, the Dabsolute Concentrate Pen is attractive in design and will vaporize any wax, oil or shatter if battery wattage is adjusted accordingly. All one has to do to ensure the pen lasts a lifetime is clean the unit every so often and enjoy! PRICE: $150.00 MORE INFORMATION: thedabsolutepen.com
2. Mighty Fast Herbal Infuser Making cannabis-infused edibles doesn’t get any easier than using the Mighty Fast Herbal Infuser. In three easy steps, this convenient machine takes the guess work out of making cannabis extracts for all cooking needs. The Mighty Fast Herbal Infuser has three settings that allow users to determine how long they would like to infuse their base of choice, giving an accurate dosage each time. To make things easier, the infuser has a “Mighty Clean” setting, which does a pre-cleaning of the machine after each usage (some hand cleaning is required). Small and convenient, the Might Herbal Infuser is great for cannabis cooks at all levels of expertise. PRICE: $159.95 MORE INFORMATION: theherbalinfuser.com
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4
RYOT® has just released what many are calling the Swiss army knife of the 420 market—but technically it’s called the RYOT® Utility Tool. This new tool has everything a dabber or smoker needs. Whether it be poking, scraping, dabbing, scooping, cutting, grinding, drinking or anything where having the right tool makes all the difference. The hardened stainless steel lightweight construction can easily be carried around in your pocket and has a variety of useful essential tools for everyone. As an additional bonus, the tool comes with a slick silicone case with a built in wax storage jar. The RYOT® guys really thought this one through and there is no mistake this will soon be a cannasseur’s household item! MORE INFORMATION: www.volotrading.com
4. O.penVAPE 2.0 Variable Voltage Pen
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7. GLÓ™ Portable Dab Nail
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Photos Š Jay Blakesberg Photography
erome John “Jerry” Garcia was a larger than life figure, the musical and spiritual leader of the Grateful Dead—a band so beloved that many fans devoted their lives to following them from show to show. And when he died, millions mourned as if they had lost a family member. Originating as the house band of the mid-‘60s San Francisco acid freak-out, the Grateful Dead built a cult following of stoners and vagabonds, flower children and closet
deadheads with day jobs. By the late 1980s, the travelling circus was so huge it could stop a city in its tracks. And Garcia was the driver, “Uncle Jerry” or “Captain Trips,” whose wildly improvisational guitar style melted the minds of generations of fans. He also shared his fans’ love of cannabis; when the house lights at a Dead show went down, the whole audience lit up. But it was heroin Garcia was battling when he checked himself into rehab after a summer 1995 tour. He died there of a heart attack at the age of 53. More than 20 years later, the music is as popular as ever, kept alive by a voluminous
online archive of concert recordings; surviving band members who have continued to tour in various incarnations; and dedicated fans who refuse to let go. Some 70,000 of them turned out in the summer of 2015 when the band played what was billed as their last show together, ever. CULTURE recently caught up with two of Garcia’s four children, Trixie, 40, who represents the Garcia family in the Grateful Dead organization; and Annabelle Garcia, 44, an artist and painter. They talked about the man behind the songs and why his music will never go away. >>
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What is your earliest memory of the Grateful Dead? Trixie: I suppose it was probably being surrounded by people dancing and spinning and hugging and stuff like that. I just remember a general air of festivity, just being in the crowd, seeing everybody you know, that kind of thing. Annabelle: It’s probably my very first memory period. I have a memory of being held in my mom’s arms and looking out over an audience and my dad on stage, so probably like one year old. What was it like to go to the concerts, to see the way people revered your father and his music? Trixie: It made Jerry uncomfortable, the way some people fixated on him. To me, I was always fascinated . . . I used to just sit on the side of the stage and watch the peoples’ faces, watch them go through the motions of a song or I’d find that one person who is really dancing their heart out and just be amazed by how free they were, how expressive they were, and how enraptured they were. How did Jerry balance the constant touring and spending time with his family? Trixie: I don’t know that he did a great job of balancing
From left to right: Mountain Girl AKA Carolyn Adams, Trixie Garcia, Sunshine Kesey and Annabelle Garcia
those things. It was kind of a given that music was his life. That is his purpose. That is his thing and I never really held it against him, for being on the road, because I didn’t really know any different. He wasn’t a perfect person. He was very human and I think he was so exhausted when he got off the road he had to rest for a while. Annabelle, at his funeral you called him “a great American but a shitty father.” Annabelle: He was a shitty father but he was also my best friend. He never made me brush my teeth or do
Uncle Jerry’s Story 1942 August 1 – Jerome John Garcia is born in San Francisco, CA to Jose Ramon “Joe” Garcia and Ruth Marie “Bobbie” Garcia, joining older brother Clifford “Tiff” Ramon.
1947 Spring – A wood chopping accident with his older brother at the Garcia family cabin causes Jerry
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to lose much of the middle finger on his right hand at the age of five.
Winter Jerry’s father drowns while on a fishing trip. 1950 Jerry and Tiff
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move to live with their maternal grandparents for five years. It is during this time that he explores his creativity and begins playing the five-string banjo.
He sacrificed pretty much everything to keep playing, because that’s what he understood best. my homework, none of that. He was like the most killer friend you could have as a kid growing up. He never wanted to sell himself as a great father, like, “Who am I to tell you what
to do, kid?” He just could not be a parent in that way. Jerry has been called a workaholic when it came to music. Do you agree? Annabelle: Completely dedicated to the task. He sacrificed pretty much everything to keep playing because that’s what he understood best. He wasn’t really cut out to be anything else other than this creative exultation of music and spirit. It’s pretty awesome on that level. He’s my dad but he’s also this positive force for so many other people that you kind of separate the two in your head a bit. >>
to his disappointment. He exchanges it for an electric guitar and amplifier, and his stepfather soon introduces him to an open-tuning style.
over his hobby of painting and drawing.
1962
1960 April – Jerry enlists in the U.S. Army at age 17.
1957 August 1 – On his 15th birthday, Jerry receives an accordion,
December – Jerry is discharged from the Army on the basis of “lack of suitability to the military lifestyle.”
1961 February 20 – Jerry narrowly survives a major car accident, which he cites as a “slingshot for the rest of [his] life.” This revelation causes him to choose the guitar
Spring – Jerry and Phil Lesh meet during a party in Menlo Park. Phil later suggests recording one of Jerry’s performances to broadcast on local radio station KPFA. The recording lead to a 90-minute special broadcast, “The Long Black Veil and Other Ballads: An Evening with Jerry Garcia.”
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It’s no secret that cannabis was everywhere at Dead shows. Did your parents try to shelter you from it? Trixie: No, not at all . . . I was sheltered from hard drugs, cocaine and heroin and stuff like that, but not from cannabis. And drunk people were definitely not welcome around the scene. Annabelle: We were rolling weed when we were kids because little tiny fingers could clean up stems and seeds better. Every kid I grew up with, we all have the skill of digging the seeds out, which is a lost skill nowadays. I have very fond memories of the smell of weed, everything about marijuana. My mom wrote the first book about how to grow at home, called The Primo Plant, and we were part of her experimental garden, so it was totally 100 percent with us our whole lives.
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How do you think he’d feel about it being sold legally in stores? Trixie: He’d be amazed. It’s such a huge deal for everybody who watched their friends spend their lives in prison for an ounce or whatever . . . There are so many things Jerry would be delighted about these days and weed for the people is definitely one of them. Annabelle: He was a firm believer in using cannabis and our culture to kind of further his own ability to explore the guitar. It was a huge part of how they got to where they were . . . It was one of the reasons he decided to have fun instead of becoming a really square, normal person. He got turned on early and realized there was a more positive way to get things done than the grind. I think weed in general was kind of the seed for all of that. >>
There are so many things Jerry would be delighted about these days and weed for the people is definitely one of them.
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1963 Spring – Jerry and Sara Ruppenthal form Jerry & Sara. They marry later that same year.
perform their first show as the house band at a Ken Kesey Acid Test in San Jose, CA.
1966 Jerry joins the Zodiacs formed by Bill Kreutzmann, with Ron “Pigpen” McKernan and Troy Weidenheimer.
Annabelle Garcia and Jerry Garcia
How do you explain the Dead’s popularity more than 20 years after Jerry’s death? Trixie: I think there’s just something timeless about the music they composed and played. Hopefully going forward, like a fine wine, it’s just going to become more and more special as time goes on. The whole Baby Boomer generation, this is the music of their lives and everyone is trying to reconnect with that time when they felt connected with something, a bigger picture, and that’s why the Grateful Dead has such an enduring legacy. Annabelle: I met so many amazing 18-year-old kids last year at shows . . . and I ask them, “How did you come across the Grateful Dead? You’ve got tattoos? You’re only 18.” And they say it’s the one thing that made them feel like they belong somewhere. The fact that it still has that value is really humbling to be a part of on our end. How did it feel to see so many people come together to celebrate the legacy of Jerry and the Dead (at last year’s concert?) Annabelle: I had a great time. It was amazing, incredibly sentimental and overwhelming on too many levels I can’t even put into words. I was sad at first, and by the end of it I was so happy with this incredible spirit 34
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that was going on with the crowd . . . Here’s 70,000 people having this incredible moment together and it’s hard not to tear up talking about it. Jerry’s guitar style has been credited with helping to create an entire genre of music, jam rock. Do you see that as his greatest musical legacy? Trixie: That’s definitely a thing. But he was composing. His playing style was amazing and he wrote that music. We have (The Jerry Garcia Symphony Tour) and we’ve orchestrated a lot of the music Jerry and (lyricist Robert) Hunter composed and it’s fabulous with an orchestra and it really makes me appreciate Jerry as a composer and to think about what he might have accomplished had he lived longer and branched out, done more jazzy stuff, symphonic stuff. Annabelle: That’s the kind of stuff that will get you shot on some corners of HaightAshbury (Laughs). On one hand, he was a great improvisational guy. He was out there. On the other hand he wrote some of the most amazing guitar riffs, perfect power pop songs. He’s part of this gigantic cultural movement . . . I don’t think we’re going to know for a few hundred years his true impact, or this band’s impact. >>
Fall – Jerry forms The Black Mountain Boys with friends David Nelson and Eric Thompson.
December 8 – Daughter, Heather, is born to Jerry and Sara.
1964 Spring – Jerry joins Bob Weir, Pigpen McKernan, Dave Parker, Tom Stone and Dave Garbett as Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions.
October – Jerry and the rest of the band move into a communal house on Ashbury Street in San Francisco, CA. It becomes a fixture on the local music scene, and provides free concerts throughout the year and a half they all lived there. This leads to the Grateful Dead performing more free concerts than any other band in history.
December Jerry starts dating Carolyn Adams, also known as Mountain Girl, after she breaks off her marriage to George Walker, a member of the Merry Pranksters.
1969
1965 May 5 – Jerry joins Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Pigpen McKernan and Bob Weir to perform first gig as The Warlocks at Magoo’s Pizza in Menlo Park, CA.
December 4 – The Warlocks change their name to Grateful Dead, and
May – Jerry enters his “pedal steel flirtation period,” which continues through to 1974. During this time he records one of the best known steel solos on Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Teach Your Children.”
August 7 – Jerry joins New Riders of the Purple Sage, and continues to be a member of the band until November 1971.
August 23 – Jerry appears on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine for the first of 12 total covers.
1970 January 20 – Jerry records his only solo electric guitar performance at MGM Studios in Los Angeles, CA, for the movie Zabriskie Point.
February 2 – Mountain Girl gives birth to Garcia’s second daughter, Annabelle Walker Garcia.
September 7 – The band Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders is formed.
1973 March 2 - Jerry performs with John Kahn, David Grisman, Peter Rowan and Richard Green as Old & in the Way, for the first time, at the Record Plant in Sausalito, CA.
1974 April 20 – Jerry joins Richard Green, David Grisman, Taj Mahal and David Nichtern as The Great American String Band, and make their debut performance at the Pilgrimage Theater in Hollywood, CA.
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thing. Just a hilarious person. He could’ve been a great stand-up comedian. Trixie: He had this way of kind of not giving a f*ck and also being like really happy and amused about it. He was always finding the joke, finding the way to make it not heavy. It was just nice to be around him. He was also a great artist. He also innovated all these business models for the music industry, with free shows, and (audience) recording. It’s a large impact he’s had in our culture.
Lauren Parish, Trixie Garcia, Jerry Garcia and Steve Parish
How do you remember him best, as the father, the guitar player, the friend? Annabelle: The father, for sure, the giggler, the sly chuckler. He could crack a joke in under point-zero seconds and devastate anyone with the most hilarious joke you ever heard, yet with a benevolent smile. The smile is the first
September 21 Mountain Girl gives birth to Garcia’s third daughter, Theresa Adams “Trixie” Garcia. 1975 January 23 – Legion of Mary, consisting of Jerry, Merl Saunders, John Kahn, Martin Fierro and Ron Tutt, hold their first public performance at Sophie’s in Palo Alto.
August 5 – Jerry performs under the name Jerry Garcia Band for the first time, alongside John Kahn, Nicky Hopkins and Ron Tutt at Keystone in Berkeley, CA.
1977 November 5 – Jerry appears in the movie
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Were you worried about his declining health in his last years? Trixie: We were all worried and I’d hear stories from the road about how bad he looked and it was progressing, but what do you do? . . . Drugs are bad. Heroin and coke are bad news. Stick with your psychedelics and weed. Annabelle: We would have interventions and he would promise to be better and he would try. He just wasn’t into accepting how bad he felt or how sick he was. I certainly witnessed a whole lot of pain out there on the road because those years were his declining health years. Then he got the reprieve after his coma (in 1986) and had this amazing rebirth. Then I think he kind of gave
Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
a near-fatal diabetic coma for five days, after which he has to relearn the guitar.
1979 January 30 – Reconstruction, featuring Jerry, John Kahn, Merl Saunders, Ed Neumeister, Ron Stallings and Gaylord Birch, make their first public appearance at The Keystone in Berkeley, CA.
1980 December 31 – Jerry and Mountain Girl marry.
1982 April 13 – Jerry and Bob Weir appear for the first time on Late Night with David Letterman.
April 21 – Jerry Garcia & John Kahn is formed.
December 15 – The Grateful Dead return to performing five months after Jerry emerges from his coma.
1987 Named in tribute to Jerry, ice cream-makers Ben & Jerry’s release Cherry Garcia.
March – Jerry records a number of radio commercials for Levi’s 501 jeans.
1986 July 10 – Jerry lapses into
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March 17 – The Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band
up after that. He’d been through a lot, health-wise. He really wasn’t as strong as everyone seemed to think. He was kind of a frail guy. After Jerry’s death, there was a great outpouring of grief, public gatherings in cities around the country and world. What does that say about how Jerry and his music impacted people? Trixie: People still come up to me and cry about how much they miss Jerry, 20 years later. He meant more to many people then their own families, for whatever reason, for that experience they had with him in the audience that one time, or whatever it was, these deep emotional connections. It’s overwhelming how deeply connected the fans are. Do you find yourself comforting fans or do you cry together? Trixie: We cry together . . . I’m helping to help manage Jerry’s legacy so I’m trying to desensitize myself with exposure, so I can enjoy a concert without crying, which is very difficult for me. But I went to see Prince last night and I cried there too, so maybe it’s just not a Grateful Dead thing. c
makes their first public appearance at The Fillmore during a benefit concert for Artists Rights Today.
February 14 – Jerry and Deborah Koons marry on Valentine’s Day in Sausalito, CA.
December 20 – Jerry’s partner, Manasha, gives birth to his youngest daughter, Keelin Noel Garcia.
1990 December 17 – Jerry and David Grisman perform together for the first time publicly at Sweetwater in Mill Valley, CA.
1994 January 19 – The Grateful Dead is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1995 August 9 – Jerry passes away at Serenity Knolls Treatment Center in Forest Knolls, CA, at age 53.
August 13 – Jerry is celebrated by 25,000 friends and family at a public memorial in Golden Gate Park. Memorial spans the nation as people all over mourn his passing.
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The Most Wonderful Day of the Year Our cannabis culture is expanding to new heights every day. It is crossing borders and boundaries, and shaping into a global cannabis community and thriving industry. Our nation is changing the way cannabis is viewed all over the world, as we explore all that cannabis has to offer us. The growing cannabis culture is helping local and national economies, families and people suffering. Our cannacommunity is vast, and our diversity is great. On this, the most wonderful day of the year, let us celebrate our culture, our community and our cannabis.
CU LT U R E 420
Cannabis gives me the strength to fight past daily struggles with my health, often invisible to the outside world. I am forever grateful for the medical marijuana community and everyone’s individual efforts to create a positive reputation surrounding this natural medication; allowing the world to fearlessly educate themselves about the true healing powers of this plant. -Madison
Have a safe and happy 420!
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p h o t o b y Br i ana A utran
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CU LT U R E 420
Your Ultimate 420 Party Playlist Let the Good Times Roll
A
p arty just isn’t a party without good tunes, so we’ve set up the best arrangement of upbeat cannabis-related music to act as the soundtrack for your ultimate 420 bash. With an awesome selection of musicians hailing from multiple genres (not to discredit the songs that didn’t make the cut), this list is bound to keep your party bouncing from start to finish. Get down with Snoop Dogg, kick it old school with Bob Marley and sway to the mood of every cannabis-inspired song in between. >>
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Scan this QR code to get our Spotify playlist
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CU LT U R E 420 “Young, Wild and Free”
“Legalize It”
“I Am the Walrus”
by Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars
by Peter Tosh
by The Beatles
“Can’t Feel My Face”
“Because I Got High”
“Doses & Mimosas”
by The Weeknd
by Afroman
by Cherub
“You Don’t Know How it Feels”
“Joke”
“Sail”
by Tom Petty
by Chastity Belt
by AWOLNATION
“New Americana”
“Kaya”
“Rainy Day Women #12 & 35”
by Halsey
by Bob Marley
by Bob Dylan
“How High”
“How to Roll a Blunt”
“Light My Fire”
by Method Man, Redman
by Redman
by The Doors
“Blow Dumb”
“Don’t Step on the Grass”
“One Toke Over the Line”
by NoBunny
by Steppenwolf
by Brewer and Shipley
“We Be Burnin”
“High By The Beach”
“I Like Marijuana”
by Sean Paul
by Lana Del Rey
by David Pee l
“The Next Episode”
“Marijuana”
“Summer Mood”
by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg
by Kid Cudi
by Best Coast
“Goodbye”
“Hits from the Bong”
“Nip Slip”
by Best Coast
by Cypress Hill
by Chastity Belt
“Sweet Leaf”
“Smoke Two Joints”
“Pass the Koutchie”
by Black Sabbath
by Sublime
by Might Diamonds
“Habits (Stay High)” by Tove Lo
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CU LT U R E 420
Cannabis keeps me calm and rational. -Johnny Nunn
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Hollywood Goes Green Your 2016 Cannabis Entertainment Forecast
Get a Job comedy
FILM The big screen has always been a big supporter of cannabis. Every generation has their cannabis films. The ’70s brought us Cheech and Chong. The ’80s saw younger kids achieve a whole new high with films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Revenge of the Nerds. The ’90s made it cool in films like Friday, Dazed and Confused and Clerks. The new millennium brought with it broader acceptance and an influx of films like Harold and Kumar, Pineapple Express and Ted. So what does the near future hold?
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Meet the Blacks comedy
A coming-ofage tale starring Anna Kendrick and Miles Teller. March
A spoof of The Purge films starring Michael Epps. April
Super Troopers 2
Welcome to Sparkeyville
comedy
The hilarious Vermont state troopers from the 2001 film are back in this sequel. 2016
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comedy
An anti-cannabis Senator wakes up in an alternate universe where everyone smokes cannabis. 2016
Everybody Wants Some comedy
The spiritual successor to Dazed and Confused about college kids dealing with the freedoms and responsibilities of adulthood. April
Midnight Delight comedy
A group of characters in a smoking lounge get into hilarious antics over conversations with total strangers. 2016
CU LT U R E 420
by David Edmundson
C
annabis has always been a popular trope to mine for comedy gold and tragic woes in film and television. While “stoner” films have thrived as part of a counter culture, where the illegality of cannabis made it more appealing, nowadays the cannabis landscape is significantly different. With a growing number of states legalizing cannabis, it is becoming more acceptable, and thus more lucrative. There’s an old adage in Hollywood, if there is money to be made, there are producers looking to cash in. Here is what can we expect of cannabis in pop culture this year.
Sausage Party comedy
Bad Santa 2 comedy
Seth Rogen stars as an animated sausage on a quest to discover the truth about his existence. August
A new adventure with Santa impersonator Willie Stokes. November
Strain Wise
Boulder Budzz
thriller
Shawn Phillips struggles to survive the dangers of becoming the kingpin of America’s legalized cannabis market, at least long enough to save his family, his fortune and his own life. 2016
comedy
A burnt out cannabis dealer struggles with medical cannabis, the lady of his dreams and long arm of the law. 2016
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CU LT U R E 420
420 Edition
TV If the big screen has embraced cannabis for comedic fodder, the small screen typically used it as a cautionary tale. Many episodes of Law and Order began or ended with an anticannabis message. But in 2016, new cannabis acceptance may bring new opportunities. It looks like networks are stepping over each other to have their share of the proverbial pie.
Here are the top 10 cannabis films to watch this 4/20 on Netflix.
10 Kid Cannabis
9
Highland dramedy
Margaret Cho is forced to move in with her dysfunctional family who now runs a cannabis dispensary. Amazon
Super High Me
8 Trailer Park Boys: The Movie
7
Buds comedy
Parks & Recreation’s Adam Scott stars in a show about the day-to-day operations of a dispensary. NBC
Wet Hot American Summer
6 Scary Movie
High Maintenance
5
comedy
Follow a cannabis deliveryman called “The Guy” as he delivers cannabis to clients in New York City. HBO
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
4 Dude, Where’s My Car?
Kevin Smith’s Hollyweed comedy
3
Two cannabis users do battle with a cookie magnate in a Los Angeles dispensary. TBD
Half Baked
2 Untitled Chuck Lorre’s Cannabis Comedy
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
comedy
The Big Bang Theory creator is developing a comedy that takes place in a Colorado dispensary. TBD
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1 Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke
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CU LT U R E 420
I love cannabis because it allows me to see reality from a different perspective, one that is much simpler. -Amanuel
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Gwenevere’s Miracle
A young child’s life is a miraculous story of a family’s hope, courage and progress by Jamie Solis
The first three months of baby Gwenevere’s life were smooth sailing until she had her first seizure in September 2012. Gwenevere’s seizures continued to get worse, causing her parents, Alexander and ReaganLeigh Repetski, to make frequent trips to the doctor every week. Gwenevere was put on heavy medication right away, and her initial diagnosis of infantile spasms was eventually determined as intractable epilepsy. While certain pharmaceutical treatments Gwenevere received lowered the amount of observable seizures she had, she was still experiencing constant subclinical seizures. Alexander explained, “[Pharmaceutical medications were] a small step in the right direction, but it would remain that every time we took her for an EEG, where they read her brain waves, she was having constant epileptic activity, whether she was having a visible seizure or not.” >>
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The constant interruption of Gwenevere’s brain waves meant that at barely four months old, she stopped developing entirely, keeping her from hitting milestones like crawling, walking or talking. Over the next two years, Gwenevere’s doctors would prescribe her nine different medications to try and stop her seizures. However the medications were still failing to improve Gwenevere’s condition, and Alexander took it upon himself to find other options to improve his daughter’s quality of life. He shared, “I started researching
neuroscience, and along the away I came across all of these powerful neuroprotective elements of cannabis and some other stories about adults as well as children using it for seizure activity. And I said, ‘This has got to be looked at here.’” Alexander continued his research and even considered moving to the U.S. many times before realizing he could soon gain legal access to cannabis through Canada’s federal medical cannabis program. It was during this time Gwenevere’s doctors recommended putting her on other medications as well as a Ketogenic
diet, which would require her to eat a restrictive diet using a G-tube. Alexander knew eating was the only thing his daughter truly enjoyed, and he found himself at a crossroads. “So I literally felt I had two options,” Alex said, “The first being breakdown, go completely crazy, just turn into a bubbling crying lunatic, or I could spend some time and do as much research as I could find time to do.” Alexander would put in about 5,000 hours of reading through data to learn everything he could about making oil, titration, dosages, safety and more. >>
Left: EEG PreCannabis Right: EEG PostCannabis
“The only thing I can say is I’ve seen [cannabis oil] literally transform Gwenevere from a two-year-old who was almost in a vegetative state most of her life to a three-and-a-half-year-old who is off almost all pharmaceuticals at this point and pretty happy.”
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With the support of his wife and family, Alexander decided to start Gwenevere’s cannabis oil treatment. He was able to convince one of his daughter’s doctors to write her a script by presenting logical arguments and scholarly articles. The family moved forward, and Gwenevere started the oil. Miraculously, she did not experience a seizure for two days following. And although she had a seizure on the third day, she has not had a seizure since then. Five weeks into her cannabis oil treatment, Gwenevere went in for another EEG reading. Doctors were blown away by what they saw—her reading showed no epileptic activity. A few months earlier Gwenevere’s EEG showed constant subclinical
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seizure activity, and now it was gone. Doctors even admitted they never thought they would see Gwenevere do so well and continue on to hit her milestones. Alexander shared, “The only thing I can say is I’ve seen [cannabis oil] literally transform Gwenevere from a two-year-old who was almost in a vegetative state most of her life to a threeand-a-half-year-old who is off almost all pharmaceuticals at this point and pretty happy. While she has a lot of hurdles to cross and jump over still, she’s developing, she’s having fun, she’s walking around. She’s doing kid stuff that we feared for very long that we’d never see her do.” At this point, many of Gwenevere’s neurologists have verbally admitted cannabis
must be what is working in her treatment. Cannabis oil has also been added to Gwenevere’s medical charts, which felt like a win to Alexander, “. . . I felt like it was a substantiated step to legitimize it and recognize this is working and to put it in writing. And as before they would not want to talk about it.” Grateful for his ability to find out what was best for his daughter, Alexander shared his hope for the forward path, “There are many “The family moved humans in the world, forward, and both health care professionals and Gwenevere started the private citizens who oil. Miraculously, she are as educated did not experience as myself (many a seizure for two considerably more days following. And so) on the topic of cannabis science. although she had a We need to open seizure on the third the discussions day, she has not had a about the science seizure since then.” and remove the interests of politics and business greed. This will provide a platform for all humans to move forward into the further discovery of the potential of cannabis as a therapeutic and healing agent. “ c
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Cannabis for Health Weight-loss and wellness with cannabis use—it’s a fact by Jasen T. Davis
As long as men and women have enjoyed eating, dieting has been a large part of human health and development. Especially in the modern era, where calories are a factor and every type of food you eat either kills you or make you unhealthy, going on a diet makes a difference between dying old or diabetes. The people who smoke cannabis are usually depicted by film and television as being cartoonish stoners that alternate between getting high or ingesting massive amounts of fast food because of the munchies. If this is the case, why are some health wonks advocating that smoking cannabis helps lose weight? In 2011, the American Journal of Epidemiology published a study that clearly indicated cannabis users enjoy lower levels of obesity, even if they only imbibed three times a week, than their non-cannabis using counterparts. This can be confusing, since cannabis is also used to stimulate the appetites of cancer patients as a form of medical treatment. The American Journal of Medicine published a similar study in 2015 that also gave evidence to the claim that using cannabis leads to weight loss. Out of 4,657 adults that were surveyed, 579 claimed that they also used cannabis three or more times a week. These people ended up having lower insulin levels than their counterparts. If you are trying to lose
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weight, or keep the pounds off, low insulin is a good thing. According to the science of our bodies, there is a clear connection between insulin levels and obesity. Normally, the liver produces glucose, sending it to your blood to convert sugar that has been consumed into glucose, which gives your body energy. Insulin stops the production of glucose. If the human body does not make enough insulin, diabetes can be a painful result for some. When the body does not use the glucose it has created, insulin helps store the excess energy as fat. If there is too much insulin, the increased amount can result in possible obesity. It has been clearly demonstrated by numerous scientific studies that cannabis use regulates the production of insulin in the human body, preventing too much, or too little, from entering the bloodstream. This prevents obesity due to an overproduction of insulin, which would normally create fat out of the unused glucose. Additionally, one proven factor is that cannabis users have a lower fasting insulin rate than their non-cannabis using counterparts. This means that, in between meals, cannabis users are also not getting fat from excess glucose in their blood. Any diet must be a combination of several factors to be successful, including what you are eating and how you exercise. All the donuts, fast food and high cholesterol food you see will never replace
“The most important finding is that current users of marijuana appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers. Their fasting insulin levels were lower, and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced by their body to maintain a normal blood-sugar level.” the positive benefits of fruits, vegetables, low fat foods and low-cholesterol foods a person can eat to stay healthy and fit. How can cannabis help out, beyond this? A study published in the journal Obesity demonstrates that cannabis users not only had lower fasting insulin, they also had a lower body mass index and a much lower percentage of fat. “The most important finding is that current users of marijuana appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers,” Murray Mittleman, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the lead author of the study, said. “Their fasting insulin levels were lower, and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced by their body to maintain a normal blood-sugar level.” In fact, cannabis users also were shown by similar studies to be 30 percent less likely to get diabetes, compared to those who don’t. Clearly, if you like to eat, smoking cannabis is beneficial whether you exercise, diet or just enjoy food. c
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culture growing
Testing The Varieties: Part 3 The plants have been flowering since February 18, but they have another three to five weeks before they ripen. There are several reasons why ripening has been delayed by a few weeks. First, this area has had multiple weeks of mostly cloudy or rainy weather, limiting the amount of light the plants received as compared with what they receive on sunny days. Even in the low light months of February or March. Secondly, about three weeks into flowering the lighting schedule failed due to a mal-functioning timer. The plants received two to four extra hours of light each day for five days. This probably delayed ripening for 10 to 12 days. The plants were started in a tent with a four-by-four-foot canopy but were moved into the greenhouse four weeks ago because they were outgrowing their quarters. The move doubled the canopy size to four-by-eight-feet. They have filled that space too, but they have stopped growing larger and are concentrating their energy on flowering. The greenhouse receives light only from the top and the front. The other sides are building walls. To supplement the natural light two 1000-Watt HPS lamps switch on from 10a.m. to 4p.m. One is on a light
TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED®
When the buds are near ripening there are a few advantages to keeping the temperature high day and night. With CO2 enrichment the plants grow fastest and yield the most when the top leaves have a surface temperature of about 85 degrees. During the dark period lower the temperature by 10 degrees. The high temperatures are above the preferred range for both powdery mildew and botrytis so an attack is much less likely to occur.
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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by Ed Rosenthal
mover and the other is attached to the back wall to light the darker back part of the greenhouse. There are 35 plants in the garden. Each is a different variety. All were purchased as clones from local dispensaries. Each plant has just less than two square feet of space, a square measuring almost 18 inches per side. The purpose of the experiment is to get an idea in miniature of how each variety would perform if it had more space and time to develop into a larger plant. To do this, I forced the plants to flower when they were still small, only 10 days after they had been transplanted into six-inch containers. The lighting was switched from being on continuously to a split cycle of 12 hours on and 12 hours of darkness. Almost all varieties start to flower when they receive a minimum of 10 to 11 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily. Since the plants are close to one another, the sides of the plants and the understory leaves and branches don’t get much light. Since light powers both the plant’s growth and its metabolism, these parts don’t contribute to the plant’s growth. Instead they use energy produced by the canopy to fuel their metabolism, and they hinder the free flow of air between the plants. Removing them, which I did for this article, helps the plants by easing crowding, facilitating airflow and lessening the energy load nonproductive parts use. Save all the leaves from the pruning process and run them through the juicer to make a healthy drink. Some people use the fresh leaves as medicine for debilitating chronic medical conditions. At the end of this experiment I will have an idea of each variety’s morphology, the amount of space it requires, its yield, the quality of the bud and its cannabinoids and terpenes. c
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The greenhouse. Besides the 35 experimental plants, six plants that were living outdoors to get an early start on the summer have taken up temporary residence to stay out of the rain. APRIL 2016 iReadCULTURE.com
The plants in the garden before pruning away the lower branches.
After pruning the air flows freely and the plants have a bit more space.
Five of the varieties being tested; THC Bomb, Sour Diesel, Kosher Kush, Sunset Sherbet and Purple Urkle.
Young bud of Sour Diesel close-up.
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culture
iReadCulture.com
GET YOUR CLICKS
growing
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Photo by Andrey Bayda
How to Plan for a Spring Trip to Australia’s Nimbin
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by Sheryll Alexander
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A trip to Nimbin during Australia’s tropical version of autumn (our spring months) is still filled with '60s hippie culture gone wild as well as some of Australia's most relaxing and breathtaking natural adventures. Plus, now is the time when cannabis enthusiasts all over the world gear up for Nimbin’s annual MardiGrass Festival, which will be held this year from April 30-May 1. The two-day festival is replete with events like the Nimbin Cannabis Cup, the Hemp Olympix, a protest rally complete with
“ganja faeries” and nightly musical entertainment. While the days of drinking a flat white with a slice of cake and openly smoking at Nimbin’s Hemp Bar may be over for now (after an infamous police raid several years back), the toking continues in private. Still, the ability to stock up on vacay stash in Nimbin any time of year is rather simple these days (quietly ask around town or enlist aide at the Nimbin Hemp Embassy). Day trippers and vacationers flock to Nimbin and the surrounding countryside for easy-to-score
cannabis, the village’s eclectic hippie-frontier vibe and the natural beauty of this place, which is ringed by mountain forests and lush valleys while nearly empty, pristine shoreline is but an hour’s drive away. Don’t just think Nimbin is some New Age Nirvana. The central village has attracted a nefarious drug culture in the past decade or two so visitors must be on their toes. Truly, Nimbin is a fun, cheap and mostly safe way for cannabis-seeking travelers to explore all of the delights of New South Wales’ northernmost country lifestyle. c
Fun-Filled Facts Nimbin has few accommodations, so planning ahead is essential during festival time especially. More and more visitors are opting for private rooms or entire mountain forest or beachside cottages via Airbnb rather than B&Bs near town. 1
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Hiking upstream to a fresh water river’s deep pond and then spending time swimming and sunning is a favorite pastime of outbackers in Australia. Nimbin is surrounded by some of the country’s best “holes” such as Dalwood Falls, Marom Falls, Tosha Falls and Killen Falls. 2
Time to Go: Spring Weather: Warm with high humidity and nearly constant rainfall. Budget: $$$$$
if you go: Australia’s Parliament finally made an amendment to its Narcotic Drugs Act on February 24 to allow for legally growing of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes. Pro-cannabis proponents called it a “historic day,” however, what happens next for MMJ patients is rather murky. So, buying, growing and consuming cannabis are still illegal as of today. Nimbin is quite the exception as this faraway tropical town was literally built as a pot paradise. Ever since a crackdown in 2008, the good ol’ days of lighting up inside cafes and outside on the frontier-style sidewalks are gone. In addition, a very unfortunate fire in 2014 took out the city’s priceless cultural artifacts at the Nimbin Museum. Fortunately, the free-wheeling spirit of the original hippie village remains and is resparked every year during the city’s high-flying MardiGrass Festival.
culture growing
Douglas Szklarski
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Age: 51 Condition/Illness: Disease in the spine, arthritis, carpal tunnel, chronic migraines, cholesterol issues, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, and other issues. Using Medical Cannabis since: 2007
Why did you start using cannabis? The pills weren’t working and someone brought me a joint in 2007—and afterwards, I realized I wasn’t in any pain. I was using cannabis as a subsidy because of cost and didn’t use it full-time until the VA threw me in the psych ward for three days, claiming that I said I wanted to commit suicide, which was a result of all of the pills I was taking. Cannabis has restored me—you can take care of anything by smoking the herb, but the true healing power comes from the oils. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Pills like vicodin, methadone, shock therapy, creams, lotions— my skin was so sensitive. The balance in my body was totally off because of the medical treatments, and my body is finally
getting back some kind of balance now—it feels pretty good. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The most important issue is that cannabis should be legalized across the country. No more of this hiding and telling lies. So, the big thing is having people being taught how to properly use cannabis, grow cannabis and be able to heal from cannabis, because it’s going to take the medical field about five to 10 years to catch up. The high CBD plants just do a wonderful job. I think that when people complain about plant counts in people’s homes—I look at them as heroes, especially for our veterans. What do you say to folks that are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Look at the research— what they are doing with research now is phenomenal. The truth is finally coming out, but there is still a lot of negativity. There are too many toxicities out there for us—that’s why a variety of cannabis works, because our body builds up an immunity to it. I need 16-20 different strains of cannabis to help my various ailments. c
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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culture
Savoring the Season of Spring
Seared Salmon with Pea Puree Brown CannaButter Asparagus Arugula Bruschetta
recipes by Laurie Wolf photography by Bruce Wolf
April is a lovely time of year for eating seasonally. Asparagus, peas, baby arugula and wonderful wild salmon—no heavy sauces required. Let’s let the freshness and flavor of these natural ingredients shine through this spring. We suggest a teaspoon of canna-butter or canna-oil per person, going for a dose of about 10 percent THC. The CBD percent is your call. There seems to be no question that those two cannabinoids, along with lots of others, can work wonders on what ails you. Less is more, and have fun.
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Seared Salmon with Pea Puree
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Ingredients 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil t 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 sprigs of thyme 8 scallions, trimmed, halved and cut in thin strips
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2 cups fresh peas (or 10-ounce package frozen) 2 tablespoons plain yogurt 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon canola oil 4 6-ounce pieces of salmon Salt Pepper
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t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
Instructions In a large skillet, heat the canna-olive oil. Add the garlic, thyme, scallions and peas. Sauté for 7-9 minutes, until the peas are tender and the scallions have softened. In a food processor, process 3/4 of the pea/scallion mixture. (You just want to have enough left in the pan to garnish the salmon pieces). Add the yogurt and lemon juice to the pureed mixture and process until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. In a skillet, heat the canola oil. When hot, place the salmon, skin side up in the skillet. Cook over medium high heat, for 4-5 minutes. Turn and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Spread the green sauce over the bottom of four plates. Place a piece of salmon in the center of each. Top with a sprinkling of peas, scallion and thyme. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.
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Brown CannaButter Asparagus
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Serves
Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons canna-butter t 1 teaspoon lemon zest Sage for garnish
Instructions
Arugula Bruschetta Serves
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Ingredients 8 slices bread, toasted 2 garlic cloves, peeled 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups baby arugula 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion 10 cherry tomatoes, halved 4 tablespoons goat cheese, crumbled 4 teaspoons canna-oil t
Instructions Place the toasted bread on your work surface. Take the garlic cloves and rub the cloves on one side of the bread. Drizzle with the olive oil. In a large bowl, combine the arugula, onion, tomatoes and goat cheese. Place the lettuce mixture on the bread slices. Drizzle with the infused oil.
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.
iReadCULTURE.com APRIL 2016
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Salt and coarse black pepper
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Laurie Wolf is a regular recipe developer and edibles contributor to The Cannabist, High Times, Oregon Leaf, and Cannabis Now. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked as a chef, caterer, and food stylist in New York before relocating to Portland. She is a published author—recent works include A Food Lover’s Guide to Portland and The Portland, Oregon Chef’s Table. She is currently co-authoring two cannabis cookbooks including HERB, a crowdfunded cookbook from the folks behind The Stoner’s Cookbook. Laurie has been a trained chef, food stylist, food editor, recipe developer and cookbook author for over thirty years. Her company, Laurie and MaryJane, is dedicated to producing high-quality medicated food. Laurie’s passion for cannabis as treatment stems from her exposure to her father’s endof-life care as well as her own successful management of a seizure disorder.
PROFILE
In a large skillet, heat the butter. Add the asparagus and sauté over medium heat, shaking the pan gently to cook evenly, 5-7 minutes. Place the canna-butter in the pan, sprinkle with the lemon zest and cook an additional minute or two. Garnish with the sage.
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1 pound asparagus, trimmed
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6 sage leaves, chopped
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—CHANNELING GEORGE CARLIN u “Military Intelligence”: The head of U.S. Navy intelligence has for more than two years been prohibited from accessing classified information (as the Pentagon disclosed to The Washington Post in January). Vice Admiral Ted Branch came under investigation in 2013 in a corruption scandal involving a foreign defense contractor and various Navy personnel and might have been suspended from all duties—except that, given the political gridlock in Washington, no consensus candidate has emerged. No charges have been filed against Branch, but before he enters any room at the Pentagon, classified material must be stowed away. RECURRING THEMES u New World Order: (1) Yet another woman gave birth to her own granddaughter in January. Tracey Thompson, 54, offered to be the surrogate mother for her fertility-challenged daughter, Kelley, and delivered a 6-pound, 11-ounce girl at
The Medical Center in Plano, Texas. (2) After notable successes in the United States, Latin America claimed in December its first transgender pregnancy after Ecuadorean Fernando Machado announced he was expecting a child with his partner Diane Rodriguez. Fernando used to be “Maria”; Diane used to be “Luis”; and though both undergo hormone therapy, they have retained their birth organs. u Overexcited police departments occasionally feel the need to safeguard towns by zealous enforcement of anti-gambling laws. In November, police in Altamonte Springs, Florida, raided the Escondido Community Clubhouse, formally shutting down the retirement village’s games of bingo, bunko, penny poker and—most controversially— the weekly sessions of the culturally venerated mahjong. Although none of the games is illegal under state law, advertising for-money games is, and the notices in the Heritage Florida Jewish News were such attention-getters that the pots for the games often grew to exceed the $10 legal maximum. (Given mahjong’s sociological significance, news of the bust was even reported in Jerusalem’s Times of Israel). u Perspective: On the heels of a similar program in Richmond, California, Washington, D.C.’s D.C. Council authorized
funding in January to pay stipends to notorious criminals if they stop committing crimes. Police would identify up to 50 residents likely to violently offend again in 2016 and offer them periodic cash payments plus special training and educational benefits— as long as they stay out of trouble. Officials in Richmond (once overwhelmed by gun deaths) say their program, commenced almost 10 years ago, has produced a 76 percent drop in gun-related crime. u Reports of the prominence of animal urine in various cultures’ health regimens have surfaced periodically in News of the Weird, and in December, in Al Qunfudhah, Saudi Arabia, a shop selling camel urine (with a long history of alleged medicinal qualities) was closed by authorities after they found 70 camel-urine bottles actually filled with shopkeeper-urine. u About a decade ago, several fast-food restaurants (especially during evening shifts staffed by sometimes inadequately trained managers) were plagued by a prank phone-caller, posing as law enforcement requesting investigative help, asking managers to strip-search employees for “contraband” and to describe the searches in real time to the caller. (A suspect was arrested, and the calls stopped). Managerial judgment was also on display at a Morro Bay, California, Burger King in January when a prank caller somehow convinced BK employees to begin shattering the store’s windows because of a purported “gas leak.” Several windows were smashed in, and an investigation of the call is ongoing. u Awkward: In January, Israeli television journalist Eitam Lachover became the latest to be injured in a high-profile
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test of a “protective” vest when he volunteered to be stabbed on camera for a news segment. Vest company officials’ faces turned quickly sour as the blade penetrated the vest (though the wound was described as “light”). u In January, 15-year-old Anthony Ruelas, trying to rescue a classmate gasping from an asthma attack, became the latest casualty in public schools’ relentless insistence on “zero tolerance” of any deviation from rules. Gateway Middle School in Killeen, Texas, suspended Ruelas for two days for what others called his “heroic” assistance in gathering the girl in his arms and taking her to the nurse’s office—while the teacher, following “procedure,” waited passively for a nurse to email instructions. (Ruelas had defied the teacher, declaring, “(F-word) that—we ain’t got time to wait for no email from the nurse.”) The school district’s superintendent later cited a federal law that he interpreted as justifying the procedure. u Least Competent Criminals: (1) In January, a 27-yearold man in North Pole, Alaska, became the most recent forced to flee a crime scene on foot because he had locked his keys inside the getaway car. He was identified by surveillance video outside the two businesses he burglarized, but he was still at large. (2) Also in January, David Boulet, in Tacoma, Washington, became the most recent to haplessly try to steal a police car. As officers chased him on an earlier charge, Boulet spotted a parked, marked squad car (with lights flashing), but apparently thought, in the night’s darkness, that the car was momentarily unoccupied. He climbed in—and landed on the lap of a Tacoma police sergeant in the front seat.
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