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december 2015
Contents 16
36
24 DAPPER AND DOMINATING
48
52
Features
32 . Holiday Gift Guide Check out the newest industry products that will make the perfect gift for your loved ones.
36 . Big Time in the Big Apple New York is finally seeing progress for medical cannabis. 40 . HEMP HISTORY Hemp clothing is on the rise, and the world is ready to learn all about where the verstile fiber comes from.
George Zimmer, suit mogul and overall business professional, dishes all about his 50+ year appreciation of cannabis and how he’s changing the game in suit-buying. ON THE COVER: Photo by Tonya Perme
8 . Letter from the Editor
NEWS
Departments
46 . Growing Culture 48 . Destination Unknown 50 . Profiles in Courage 52 . Recipes 54 . News of the Weird
10 . News Nuggets 13 . By the Numbers 14 . legal corner
reviews
16 . Collective highlight
Canadian Prime Minister Starts the Process of Legalization
18 . STRAIN & concentrate
ReviewS
22 . Entertainment Reviews
WEB Exclusive!
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Cannabis Censorship on Social Media: The Tricky Divide Israel Steadily Rising in the Global Cannabis Market
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SEE MORE ON OUR WEBSITE
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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 6
/freeculturemag
/ireadculture
/ireadculture
letter from the editor
Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas
Presentation Has
A
Power
recent study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science specifically studies how formal attire changes people’s thought processes. “Putting on formal clothes makes us feel powerful, and that changes the basic way we see the world,” says Abraham Rutchick, an author of the study and a professor of psychology at California State University, Northridge. Rutchick and his co-authors found that wearing formal clothing makes people think more broadly and holistically, rather than narrowly and detail-oriented. People often say dress for the job you want, not for the job you have. Formal menswear mogul George Zimmer knew this psychological fact instinctually, even at an early age. His obsession with suits and the luxury of the perfect fit helped him create an empire of innovation, invention and success, with a lot of style. The cannabis sector has seen this same psychological effect take hold and help shape our growth as a culture and industry. The original “stoner culture” that birthed the bright and shiny cannabis culture we all know now started without much thought into how it appears to others, its presentation or its packaging. Now, the cannabis world is a thriving
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and booming industry where presentation is of the utmost importance—to change stigmas, misrepresentations and decades of anticannabis propaganda. With countless tragic events occurring every day, all over the world, it is important to consider how the visual presentation of ideas affects people, positively and negatively. In our industry, cannabis legalization and medical access is the most important shared goal— we are looking to help each other, whether it’s through groundbreaking natural medical treatments or through decriminalization of a natural plant, no one in this industry is trying to harm anyone else. It’s all about the betterment of our society, our community and our world. Taking time to shape our message to the world and to each other, with attention to presentation and respect, can only help our ongoing fight for legalization, access and worldwide peace. c Sincerely,
Evan A. Senn
Editor-In-Chief
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, 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 Account Executives Greg Andes, Callie Bello, Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Ryan Dunn, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Paulina Porter-Tapia, Chris Thatcher, April Tygart Office Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital media Editor Kimberly Johnson Ctv Video Editor Deonica Panlilio Ctv Contributors Anna Logan,Chris Salazar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes 25,000 magazines at over 500 locations throughout Michigan. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® 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® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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C STATE NEWS NUGGETS
care provider of the department to make appropriate recommendations, fill out forms, or take steps to comply with such a program.”
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opposition to the mayor’s initial proposal, the City Council has decided that they will discuss the topic at further meetings.
Detroit City Council to continue public hearing on proposed medical cannabis zoning rules
A public hearing is planned to be held in Detroit soon to discuss the proposed zoning ordinance that is to be placed on cannabis collectives within the city. The ordinance will restrict operation hours, prevent collectives, (addressed in the ordinance as care-giver centers) from opening within 1,000 feet of schools or parks and ban drive-thru collectives, all with the intent to reduce the number of collectives within the city, according to Crain’s Detroit Business. Although the Council has decided to move forward with various regulations on collectives, they are not prepared to provide the required resources for public information. The City Public Commission has not been able to show zoning maps revealing the acceptable locations for collectives because they were never created, while citations from the proposal are not available because the proposal is not viewable in its current form.
Possible Bill Proposal to Regulate Medical Cannabis in Warren
Warren Mayor Jim Fouts has proposed regulations on medical cannabis regarding how it should be cultivated, transported and how its odors can be controlled. The mayor says these proposals were brought forth due to his concern about growing cannabis in residential areas, according to Detroit Free Press. The regulations would specifically require that medical cannabis be grown and stored in a manufacturing district or on property occupied by a qualifying patient, rooms with windows must be shielded from 11pm-7am, grow sites to register with the city’s building and safety inspections and have a special ventilation system to manage odors. While over a dozen people stood up in
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__________________________
NATION New Bill Allows Doctors to Administer Medical Cannabis To Veterans
The Senate has approved the FY2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which will allow veterans to access medical cannabis. Before the bill was passed, The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) prohibited doctors who worked with veterans from administering medical cannabis, even in the 23 states where it is legal, according to Congress. gov. The bill prohibits the VA from spending money on enforcement of these regulations, stating that it cannot “interfere with the ability of a veteran to participate in a state-approved medicinal marijuana program, deny any services from the Department to a veteran who is participating in such a program or limit or interfere with the ability of a health
World Mexico Supreme Court takes step toward recreational cannabis use
Wednesday, Nov. 5, The Mexican Supreme Court ruled in a 4-1 vote that growing, possessing and smoking cannabis for recreational use is not illegal. The Court decided on this ruling based on the principal that the personal use of cannabis falls under the right of “free development of personality.”Although this is a big step for Mexico in terms of cannabis legalization, the ruling only applies to the cannabis club who took up a case with the court asking for the right to legally utilize cannabis, and does not include sales or commercial production of the substance, according to 9&10 News. President Enrique Pena Neito addressed the ruling on his Twitter account, agreeing to respect the court’s decision but giving orders to the Mexican Government to thoroughly explain the guidelines of the ruling. Following this ruling, a senator from Neito’s governing party introduced a bill that will allow easier access to cannabisbased medicines for patients in Mexico, according to Fox News Latino. VISIT US AT
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C,
+
by the numb3rs
5 500 178,629 3 55 91 2,000
The number of votes that pushed the city of Portage to pass a charter amendment that will remove criminal penalties associated with cannabis possession and use: 5,500 (Source: Wood TV)
The current number of medical cannabis patients in Michigan: 178,629 (Source: Crain’s Detroit Business)
The number of Bessemer City Council members that voted in favor of creating a business plan for a local medical cannabis facility: 3 (Source: Daily Globe)
The number of signatures that the cannabis initiative group, MI Legalize needs in order for its proposal to legalize cannabis to be put on the 2016 ballot: 253,000 (Source: WEMU 89.1)
The percentage of votes that helped remove criminal penalties from cannabis possession or use in Keego Harbor: 55 (Source: The Daily Chronic)
The percentage of Australians who believe that cannabis should be made legal for medical purposes: 91 (Source: The Guardian)
The estimated number of people who attended the first Southwest Cannabis Conference in Phoenix, Arizona: 2,000 (Source: The Monitor Daily)
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The newly published percentage of Americans who believe that cannabis use should be made legal: 58 (Source: Gallup)
Skywalker: A Star Wars Dance Party With the release of the new Star Wars movie this Christmas, fans of the film franchise are gearing up like never before by throwing a full-on dance party in celebration of the movie’s release. If you’re a Star Wars fan who’d like to express this excitement, this dance party is the perfect event for you. Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and join the fun with a photo booth, costume contest and of course, some pretty intense dancing (with an almost guaranteed rendition of the Cantina song). A prime example of the Star Wars fandom, this event will make you feel right at home amongst people who will get the film references your family and friends never seem to understand. This is a 21+ event, so enjoy celebrating the undying presence of Star Wars in the world of pop culture with people who actually saw the original trilogy in theaters.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Skywalker: A Star Wars Dance Party. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Dec. 5. 9pm. Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce SW., Grand Rapids. INFO: Visit www. pyramidschemebar.com for details.
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C r e n r co l a g le
by Denise A. Pollicella
A Sliver Of Daylight For Michigan Employees T
he Michigan Supreme Court recently denied leave to appeal an October 2014 court of appeals opinion protecting the rights of cannabis patients to receive unemployment benefits when they are terminated for their use of the substance. That makes the Kemp decision (f/k/a Braska), the law of the land. The legal implications are that, while you can be fired just for being a cannabis patient, because cannabis use in itself is not a protected class (think race, religion, age, etc.), you cannot be denied unemployment benefits so long as you were not using, in
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possession of or under the influence of cannabis while at work. The practical implications are that, knowing they will have to pay higher unemployment benefits as a consequence of purging their work places of cannabis users, employers might just start thinking twice before turning somebody’s life upside down for no good reason. What you should continue to be aware of, if you are a medical cannabis patient employee, is that you generally have no privacy rights at your workplace, and that extends to your locker, your purse, your lower right desk drawer where you think
nobody will look and even your car. That means a highly motivated employer may start conducting random drug searches instead of random drug screenings. What you should also remember if you are a medical cannabis patient employee is that even though using medical cannabis does not put you in a protected class, the medical condition that qualifies you to be a medical cannabis patient probably does. That is to say, your employer cannot fire you because you are disabled or, more specifically, because you have a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. And if you are a medical cannabis patient in Michigan you may well be “disabled” for purposes of the ADA and its state companion. Employers will need to be on their guard, and an astute employer will very likely give serious thought to ceasing screenings for cannabis use entirely rather than risking an employee’s disclosure of his or her ADA qualifying condition in response to an inquiry about a positive cannabis test. This practice may well lead to an uneasy workplace truce akin to the military’s “don’t ask don’t tell” policy of the ’90s. Before you go telling off your boss and planning out how to spend your millions, that is not at all how it works, and I want to be very clear that this is a complex body of rapidly developing legal doctrines that I am summarizing very simplistically, and it would take a book to cover this topic completely. Every employee, every ADA qualifying condition and every case is different. However, this was an important decision in Michigan and employee patients have been harshly treated by employers who often do not take the time to realize that medical cannabis is creating productive employees out of former social security disability recipients. Knowledge is power, and this kind of information is powerful, and requires dissemination far and wide. c VISIT US AT
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Collective HIGHLIGHT
Ann Arbor Wellness Collective Interviewed: Jonah Copi (Owner)
321 East Liberty St., Ann Arbor, 48104 (734) 929-2602 www.a2wellness.org How and when did your collective start up? Ann Arbor Wellness Collective opened in July of 2010, as one of the first collectives in Michigan. Our mission is to provide MMMP Patients with a truly unique, safe and high caliber experience. We offer a wide array of high grade, labtested cannabis products as well as therapeutic, healing and support services. What’s the story behind the name of your collective? Ann Arbor Wellness Collective pays homage to Ann Arbor’s long and rich legacy as a center for activism, and the progressive cannabis movement. We are a member-based collective of caregivers, patients and advocates, united by a common mission to embrace health and wellness, sensible cannabis policies and safe, sustainable cannabis practices. What does your collective offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? Ann Arbor Wellness Collective is a sanctuary. We offer a carefully curated menu of high grade cannabis options that feature the state’s largest selection of high CBD flowers, edibles and
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concentrate solutions. Our inhouse edible program produces a constant rotation of delicious, innovative and accurately dosed digestive options. Whether you use cannabis everyday or it is your first time considering it as an option, we offer a comfortable atmosphere. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? The most significant change has been the public acceptance of cannabis as medicine. We would like to see an end to prohibition. To be part of an industry and a movement that: Creates sustainable jobs, increases access to safe, lab-tested cannabis products, furthers cannabis decriminalization and legalization and changes laws that drain tax payer dollars and lead to disproportionate incarceration rates.
What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a collective? . . . Biggest joys? The biggest challenges we face are the contradictions between local, state and federal laws, and therefore the lack of access to legitimate banking options. Our greatest joys are working with patients and witnessing the positive impact that safe access to medical cannabis has on their quality of life. We feel honored to serve our local community and always appreciate the opportunity to build real and vibrant relationships with our patients. If someone wanted to open a collective and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? During California’s Gold Rush, one of the biggest profiteers was a tailor named Levi Strauss. Be innovative and think about sustainability. c
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STRAIN + concentrate DeathStar OG
Sometimes, relief can’t come quickly enough. You might not have the luxury of waiting for an edible to kick in, or taking a smoke break long enough to inhale puff after puff of a joint, so you turn to your trusty stash of concentrates. A light golden glob of goodness calls your name labeled DeathStar OG Organic Nug Run, BHO. Depending on your tolerance with extracts, and your current pain level, just a dab or two should do the trick. As you inhale, a strong cerebral effect begins to take hold. Exhale and swiftly blast off to space with a euphoric, relaxed sensation sure to leave you feeling right. DeathStar OG is particularly known for combating symptoms such as anorexia, chronic pain, stress and nausea. Don’t be surprised if you wind up with a wee-bit of dry mouth or a massively enticed appetite. Remedy this with munchies and hydration.
Available AT: Detroit Strain Station in Detroit.
Chem Dawg & Cherry Pie by Absolute Extracts Vape Cartridges
Absolute Extract’s vape cartridges offer discreet relief to patients on the go. Simply unbox your new disposable cartridge, take the small plastic piece off the bottom and attach it to the vape pen’s re-chargeable base. Each color coded, 500mg cartridge is filled with strain specific cannabis oil, safely extracted using a supercritical CO2 method. If for some reason this beautifully packaged bright red box makes you weary, as you’re expecting Cherry Pie to taste like every cherry flavored medicine you hate, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the oils are additive free, providing a non-artificial flavor profile (THC-A 60.5 percent, CBN 0.43 percent, CBD-A 0.62 percent). The blue box contains Chem Dawg, packing a punch with the sweet earthy flavor you’d expect from this reliable strain (THC-A 56.5 percent, CBN 1.30 percent, CBD-A 1.21 percent). Switch up your cartridge as often as you’d like, as they are currently available in eight other strain-specific cartridges including: Blackberry Kush, Blue Dream, Blue Jay Way, Girl Scout Cookies, Grape Stomper, Green Dragon, OG Kush and Sour Diesel.
GET YOUR CLICK HERE Available AT: Bloom Cannabis Club in Ann Arbor.
Available AT: Green Rock Café in Flint.
Jack F1
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Jack F1 will ensure a jolly holiday season for all. Purely medicine, Jack provides unbelievable relief to a wide variety of patients living with symptoms such as ADD/ADHD, arthritis, anorexia, chronic pain, cramps, depression, insomnia, migraines, loss of appetite and nausea. The buds are sativa-dominant in structure, with just a few pale hairs and some purple hues peaking through the layer of snow-like trichomes. The result of crossbreeding Northern Lights x Skunk 1 x Haze, Jack F1 has a light sweet note that rounds out to be a tad-bit spicy, much like cinnamon, and tastes very much like it smells. Relief begins with a strong cerebral effect that fades into a steady body sensation. Jack F1 as a notable amount of CBG (cannabigeroll), which is a non-psychoactive inflammatory paired with notably high THC levels (30.9 percent) proving to be extremely helpful in treating muscle, joint and neuropathic pain.
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Available AT: The Cure in Detroit.
Pluto OG
Whether or not NASA still recognizes Pluto as a planet, this strain’s name pays tribute to medicine that, forgive the pun, is truly out of this world. Pluto OG will knock out pain and emotional discomfort, putting you to sleep Rip Van Winkle style, as an indica-dominant strain should (85/15 indica/sativa). Known distinctly for treating chronic pain, nausea and cramps, you bet your stars, Pluto’s got your back when you need it most (21.9 percent THC and 0.7 percent CBD). Grind up these tiny tight nugs, roll them up, pack a cosmic bowl or just vape it! Pluto OG’s powerful pungent citrus aroma provides a euphoric sensation upon inhalation, leaving behind a light cerebral effect that slowly eases into the rest of your body. Feeling like a bit of a space cadet? Let that sensation take you over as your thoughts drift off into the night. Sweet dreams.
King Louie XIII
Available AT: Top Notch Solutions in Detroit.
Hear ye, hear ye! All hail the noble King Louie XIII. One and all shall know, this regal strain claims relief upon any nay-sayer, as he boasts confidently with his pungent aroma. Crack open a singular jewel-like nug and behold, a majestic whiff of sour OG as it wafts across the land. The mighty façade of King Louie XIII speaks for itself. It’s a dense nug that is crowned with a plethora of vibrant orange-hairs. This indica-dominant strain reigns from a “Louis XIII OG Kush clone” crossed with “Tahoe OG Kush” and grown locally by Stoned Farms. He or she who suffers from chronic pain shall surely feel brave enough to conquer the night ahead as 23.8 percent THC bestows the royal relief deserved. An uplifting but relaxing vibe will slowly release depression and stress, finding yourself comfortably sunken into your throne. Insomnia is no adversary—long live the king.
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entertainment
Release Date: Tues, Dec. 1 Available on: PC, PS4 and Xbox One
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Pub. Ubisoft Dev. Ubisoft Montreal
The Medicinal Power of Cannabis: Using a Natural Herb to Heal Arthritis, Nausea, Pain and Other Ailments John Hicks, MD Skyhorse Publishing
The newest game to release in the Tom Clancy line is Rainbow Six Siege, an intense online multiplayer, first-person tactical shooter game that requires some excellent communication and teamwork in order to win matches. The environment is highly destructible, which opens up many options for how to overtake enemy teams. Thanks to the game’s use of the AnvilNext engine, Siege features amazing level design and realistic gameplay in the different 11 maps that are available at launch.
Fare Thee Well The Grateful Dead Rhino Records
Whether loved or hated, The Grateful Dead’s influence and story is one to be respected, and its latest release, and possibly last of “new” material, is one that is at least worth giving a chance. Fare Thee Well is a double disc worth of highlights from the band’s final set of shows at Soldier’s Field in Chicago, which marked The Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary. The recordings capture spirited, vibrant performances by the veteran musicians who, though aging, have surely not lost their passion for playing. (Simon Weedn)
American Ultra Dir. Nima Nourizadeh Lionsgate Pictures
Dr. John Hicks’ new holistic health book focuses on cannabis and healing, targeting and discussing the root cause of most diseases— inflammation. Hicks illustrates how inflammation progresses into the various diseases and ailments that plague us. He shows how cannabis and CBD can stop the inflammation and heal the issues. With information ranging from easy-to-understand terminology to scientific studies based on Hick’s four decades of experience in integrative medicine, this book can really help patients seeking longterm holistic relief. (Alex Bradley)
Fast-paced action comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart— amongst other talented actors—American Ultra is a cannasseur’s ideal DVD rental. A little distracted, much like its protagonist, the film jumps from scene to scene and plot line to new plot line jaggedly. Unbeknownst to bored and boring Mike (Eisenberg’s character), he is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as he discovers his real identity and Jason Bourne-style skills, Mike and his girlfriend Phoebe (Stewart) find themselves in the middle of a deadly government operation and are forced to try and fight for their lives in this intense, slightly awkward dark comedy. (Alex Bradley)
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+
“Read Image, See Text” A book, typically known as a source of knowledge, can be a game changer for artists. The number of possibilities within the design and content of a book are never-ending, allowing artists to do as they please with relentless exploration, as showcased in this exhibit. Using the work of various contemporary artists and designers, including selections from the Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Academy of Art, various sculptures and print works are presented for their unique take on “the aesthetics of language and the artist’s book.” A few of the artists featured in this exhibit include Anne Vieux, Margaret Kaufman and Ed Ruscha. A part of the exhibit will be dedicated to Detroit and Cranbrook artists and will allow viewers to interact with the books. A great event for book lovers and artists, that is bound to inspire your next creative venture.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Read Image, See Text” exhibit. WHEN/WHERE: On view through March 20, 2016. Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. INFO: Visit www. cranbrookart.com/museum for details.
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Photos by Tonya Perme
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There’s a fine line between looking average and looking excellent when it comes to formal attire. When men want to look impressive, whether it’s in the realm of the normal office environment, meeting clients or to look dapper for a date, a suit can make or break any situation. Men’s Wearhouse Founder, George Zimmer, knows all too well the power of a good suit. Zimmer found the expressive niché art of personalized suits a profitable industry and a fulfilling endeavor, for all parties concerned. Zimmer founded Men’s Wearhouse in 1973 and 40 years later, he has opened over 1,200 stores across the United States and Canada. Instead of opting to hire an actor, Mr. Zimmer chose to be the commercial personality for Men’s Wearhouse, making his image synonymous with suit-buying in America. Zimmer drove Men’s Wearhouse from a small company into an international empire. Zimmer left his role as Executive Officer at the Men’s Wearhouse in 2013, collecting his holdings of the company which are estimated at $67.45 million. Zimmer owns 1.8 million shares of the Men’s Wearhouse stock which is 3.5 percent stake in the company. Last August, Zimmer told CNBC that he’s smoked cannabis on a regular basis for the last 50 years. Zimmer has publicly pushed for cannabis legalization several times in the past, even in non-election years. Zimmer conceived his second brain child, zTailors on New Year’s Day, 2014. Zimmer launched zTailors publicly in June 2015 and Generation Tux in September 2015. Zimmer describes zTailors as traditional tailoring for the millennial consumer. Mr. Zimmer holds advisory roles in the company. Zimmer created Generation Tux to improve the experience of buying a tuxedo for weddings and prom events. Zimmer shared with CULTURE his insight into his entrepreneurship and how cannabis has played a role in his journey to success. >>
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going to be on the ballot next year for responsible adult use, so I think the time is right. You were the keynote speaker at the Cannabis World Congress & Expo in September. What do you have to say to young aspiring entrepreneurs? Well, really what I told them was not to become entrepreneurs like their fathers. What we don’t need in the cannabis business is crony capitalism where people make decisions that only serve themselves and their friends. What they would make for a great example of the type of capitalism that the world would benefit from- is a form of cannabis distribution that respected the individual’s right to personally cultivate for personal use only and to have a fair taxation system so that the tax revenues will be earmarked by states and localities for public education, and not confiscated by the IRS for general federal purposes.
As a businessman, you have founded many companies over the years. What events led you to your very first foray into business? What was the name of the business? Actually the first company I significantly founded was Men’s Wearhouse when I was 24 years old, but after I graduated from college, and before I founded Men’s Wearhouse, I got involved with some college friends who started a company called Fmali, which was the name of somebody’s cat. It went on over several generations to become The Good Earth Tea company, but I was long gone by then. I started Men’s Wearhouse in 1973. That really was the beginning of my business career. I used to say it was the beginning and end of my career, but that’s not true anymore. You have worked in Men’s suits for quite some time. Do you have a personal interest in menswear; what
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is it that attracts you to that industry? Other than lawsuits, I’m wearing right now a sport coat and slacks. What attracted me to the business was very simple. I only had $7,000 in cash and very few business contacts, so at the age of 24, opening a clothing store was the only thing I could do. In fact, I didn’t even sell suits when we first opened. Just sport coats and slacks. Do you always wear a suit? What’s your favorite item of clothing you wear regularly? I don’t wear a suit every day. I don’t believe that most men should wear suits every day, but most men should wear suits probably more often than they do. You’ve said you have smoked cannabis regularly for 50 years. How did cannabis come into your life? I’m a student of the ‘60s. It was troubling then. As my
life unfolded, and I came to understand both experientially as well as intellectually, there’s far more damage done to the body by the drugs that are being legally promoted. Alcohol, cigarettes and pharmaceutical products—there’s far more damage from those, including deaths. Cannabis, interestingly, even in a state like Colorado, which has legalized as you know, traffic deaths are down. Crime, like domestic abuse, is down. Clearly there is an aspect of cannabis that leans towards nonviolence. We’ve seen CEOs that are now willing to publicly show support for cannabisrelated investment and legislation including Michael Bloomberg, Peter Lewis, Richard Branson, PayPal’s Peter Thiel and Facebook’s Sean Parker. How is it easier to open up about personal cannabis use nowadays? It’s really not any easier, other than I live in California, as you know, it’s
You donated $50,000 towards Proposition 19 in 2010. Why is supporting recreational cannabis important to you? Many years ago, 30 to be exact, my mother died. At that time there was no medical marijuana. I simply said to her, “Why don’t you try marijuana?” She said, “Well, it’s illegal,” and got very irritated and did not try it. She died shortly thereafter. Fifteen years later, I was delighted to be involved in medical marijuana in California. In 2010, a friend of mine literally put that proposition together. I really demonstrated solidarity with him. Even though he knew that most people thought it would be better presented during a presidential election year. So next year, during the presidential cycle, the responsible adult use act will be on the ballot in California. Has smoking cannabis ever changed the way you’ve run an enterprise—for better or for worse? I’m an alpha male, I’ve built a successful business and I >>
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consider myself competitive, sometimes to a fault. In my new company, Friday, I challenged anybody in my office to play a game of ping pong, and offered to pay anybody $100 for beating me. Well, only a competitive jerk does things like that. I think [cannabis] has softened that aspect of my personality. I think it belongs as an adjunct in some people’s lives. Not for children, but alcohol is not for children either. Your method of corporate management has been described as cutting-edge and unique. For example in 2004, a spiritual advocate was nominated onto the Men’s Wearhouse board. Can you tell us about your involvement with that decision and how it affected your business? That would be Deepak Chopra. He and I were friends, then. I brought him on knowing that most of my board members didn’t know who he was, but feeling that capitalism needed a heart and a soul. That’s what I wanted him to bring to the table. Not to mention he’s a brilliant man. I was disappointed, to be candid, that it was during the disturbance that ultimately led to my termination. He was out of the country, but nonetheless went along with the board’s decision.
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Some business sectors suffer the consequences of the changing times. What makes a business survive through these technological changes? I think that competition is fierce, so we need to bring a combination of high tech and high touch. We really need a hybrid model, in which we combine people with sophisticated technology, because one without the other doesn’t work as well, which is why we created Generation Tux and zTailors, which combines tailors with technology. In other words, renting tuxedos with the internet so that you never have to leave home. Right now if you rent the tuxedo in a store you make three trips. One to rent it, one to pick it up, and one to return it. If you do in online,
you never have to leave your house, and if there is a tailoring adjustment needed, a tailor can be dispatched to your home, so that you don’t leave home until you get married. You run your new enterprises differently than how you operated in the past. Can you tell us more about Generation Tux and Tailors? I’d love to. The main business is Generation Tux, which of course is tuxedos. It’s very simply an online tuxedo rental business, although we do rent suits as well as tuxedos because so many weddings now involve suits. Most of the business is actually for weddings. Proms are next in importance. Because weddings are the main business, we actually target millennial weddings. What I think makes it very exciting is that in 1999, for a quarter of a century, after I opened the first Men’s Wearhouse, I brought tuxedo rentals inside Men’s Wearhouse stores and over 13 years grew into, quite successfully, into an enormous business, renting millions of tuxedos. Now, what I’m doing is replicating that business but doing it online instead of doing over 1,000 stores. The network in fact, if you will, that we live to create is that we have zTailors, which is a nationwide on-demand tailor service, in which tailors come to your home or office to do alterations. In the event that there are issues with the tuxedos that we rent, we have tailors around the United States that are able to go and make it right, including being available to be hired to attend actual weddings. Instead of hiring an actor for the ad campaign at Men’s Wearhouse, you chose to take on the role of the video personality. How did you come to this idea? It was pretty simple, actually. My team at the Men’s Wearhouse just asked me if I’d appear in the ads, and I said “of course.” Interestingly, the “I guarantee it” line was never scripted. I said it on the set while we were shooting, and it became iconic almost VISIT US AT iReadCulture.com overnight. c
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Kannastör® GR8TR™ VAPE Grinder
The Kannastör® GR8TR™ VAPE is an all new grinder design and a must-have for any dry herb vape user. It provides the finer grind preferred by experienced vape enthusiasts, and it’s modular design easily transforms to a pocketable travel puck. The GR8TR™ Vape is made from high quality, medical grade aluminum and includes a limited lifetime warranty. Worldwide patents pending. Visit www.kannastor.com and use Promo Code Holiday420 to receive 20 percent off purchase.
Holiday Vdab200 EverSmooth Portable Vaporizer
Introducing the world’s first “Load n’ Go!” portable vaporizer for waxes and shatters of all kinds, the Vdab200 provides 200 puffs that are truly EverSmooth. The QanTeq engineers have outdone themselves with a Controllable Chamber that holds one full gram and allows you to twist the patent-pending steel top a quarter-turn to fill the heater cup with NO HASSLE and NO MESS! This unit comes with a vv battery to get the temps where you like ‘em. Visit www. vdab200.com promo code HOLIDAY for $50 off. $195
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G UI D E ! 2015
Toker Poker
Get the hottest gift item of the season—the legendary Toker Poker! Finally your poker/dabber, tamper, hemp wick and lighter are all in the same place. This 420 multi-tool has everything you need to vape, dab, roll and toke. Its ergonomic design provides the most basic but essential tools for any smoker. Glow in the dark, chrome and other limited editions now available online. Sure to be a stocking stuffer hero! $7.95 www.tokerpoker.com
The SmokeBuddy
Just in time for Christmas! The Smokebuddy company has just now released Smokebuddy glow-in-the-dark, available in two sizes, Original and JR; and in two colors: White that glows green, and blue that glows blue! The Smokebuddy is a personal air filter designed to reduce second hand smoke and odor, simply blow your smoke in and clean air comes out on the other side. Original smoke buddy is good for about 300 uses and Smokebuddy JR is good for about 150 uses. Glow in the dark original $24.95 | Glow in the dark Jr $19.95. 20 percent OFF use discount code CULTURE. Smokebuddy.com VISIT US AT
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Bhanga Box
Holiday
Bhanga Box is an odor proof, pocket-sized case for your smoking essentials. Whether you smoke joints, blunts or concentrates—the four uniquely sized compartments keep your stash odor-free from the outside world with no risk of cross contamination within the box. The Bhanga Concentrate Kit includes food grade silicone inserts for each compartment. The inserts provide a nonstick surface for your extract; and are completely removable so you can customize your setup, include a vape pen and USB charger, or a combination of herb and extract material. These intelligent products from Bhanga Goods help you smoke smarter, while on the go. www.bhangagoods.com $27.95-$49.95
G UID E !
RYOT® Pack and Protect™ NoGoo® Collaboration Packs
Magic Flight
Leave the torch at home! Voted “Best Portable Concentrate Vape” at last year’s Kush Cup, the MuadDib from Magic-Flight has a newly engineered screen design that fully vaporizes concentrates in three to five seconds. This batterypowered vape lasts for 50+ uses at a time, making it easy to dab on the go. Upgrade to the optional gold batteries for the perfect pairing. Lifetime warranty included. Visit magic-flight.com and use promo code CULTURE10 at checkout to save 10 percent on the Muad-Dib through January 31, 2016.
As the use of concentrates has expanded, so has the need to better manage the important accessories and super gooey substances. RYOT®, a designer of modern smoke accessories since 2003, now incorporates top quality NoGoo® silicone mats into select styles to create the ultimate concentrate utility cases, able to Pack and Protect™ your glass rig, dab tools and more. Visit www.RYOTcom and use Promo Code RYOTXMAS to receive 20 percent off purchase.
THE CRIPPLE CREEK Dab Kit
This 7” x 7” dab box is made out of beautiful Colorado aspen and beetle kill pine. The CRIPPLE CREEK Dab Kit comes with three 7-mil silicon jars, a 4” titanium dab tool and a 3” x 5” medical silicon dab mat. Only the best products go into our stash boxes. This dab box is made with our with coloradostashbox.com custom airtight lid, which is perfect for a rolling tray. No hinges, no clasp, just that perfect lid to keep your dab rig in one box.
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Ankit Dope Lights Need a little ambient lighting to perfect the mood in your living space? Ankit has the solution for all cannabis-loving interior decorators with Dope Lights. These captivating string lights consist of 25 individual green lights, all shaped like cannabis leaves, that comes with a 10-footlong wire that you can wrap around a number of fixtures within your home. The lights run off of three AA batteries, so you won’t have to hide excess wires. $24.99 www.theankit.com
The Stinky Candle Co. Marijuana Scented Candle
If you can’t get enough of the herbal smell of cannabis, this is candle is for you. Handmade in the U.S., this candle will have your home smelling like cannabis without having to partake in a smoke session. It’s legal in all 50 states, and The Stinky Candle Co’s Marijuana Scented Candle will make your home more welcoming with its potent and relaxing aroma. $9.99 www.stinkycandlecompany.com
Holiday
Aroha Silhouettes Thc Molecule Necklace
Display your love for cannabis without having to sacrifice your fashion sense with this chic and light-weight necklace. With a charm shaped like the chemical compound for THC, this necklace is a minimal stainless-steel piece, available in silver and gold, that will go great with many looks. Supported by a double link chain, this necklace was made to last. A great gift for yourself of the cannabis lover in your life. $50-$75 www.etsy.com/shop/ ArohaSilhouettes
G UID E !
2015 cont.
Blundt Cake Mold
Have fun when baking your cannabis-infused goodies with these neat, cannabis leaf-shaped cake molds. A fun take on the word “bundt,” these “blundt” silicone cake molds will get your sweets shaped perfectly without sticking. The Blundt Cake Mold is great for parties when your guests need to differentiate between infused and non-infused sweets, or if you just want to have fun-shaped brownies or cupcakes. Bring out your inner Betty Crocker with these cannabis-friendly baking molds. $11.99 www.perpetualkid.com
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Updates in the Big Apple 36
CULTURE // December 2015
Medical Cannabis Regulations in New York by Victoria Banegas
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n 2014, New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, signed the Compassionate Care Act, after various revisions were made to prohibit smoking cannabis and decreasing the amount of eligible illnesses, making New York the 23rd state to legalize medical cannabis. Since then, many patients and advocates have been worried about the restrictive guidelines of the bill. The Compassionate Care Act requires that patients diagnosed with a severely debilitating or life-threatening illness to pay a $50 fee to apply with the Department of Health (DOH), and must provide both their personal information as well as a doctor’s certification. If approved for a registry card, the card will only be valid for one year for patients who do not have a life-threatening illness, and for those who have a terminal illness, the card will be valid until death. Although these guidelines seem simple enough, what makes the bill so restrictive is the fact that only 10 illnesses are currently covered by the bill, while only five organizations are allowed to operate within the state by opening only 20 dispensaries for the almost 20 million people residing in the state, according to The Village Voice. Aside from this, the companies will only be able to carry five types of medical cannabis including oils, tinctures, capsules and other non-smokeable forms. >> VISIT US AT
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To clarify exactly what forms of cannabis New York patients are able to ingest under the Compassionate Care Act, CULTURE spoke with Legislative Director at Empire State NORML, Doug Greene, to get some professional insight, “Patients will be allowed capsules for oral administration and metered liquid or oil preparations for vaporization or oromucosal or sublingual administration, as well as any other forms approved by the Department of Health,” Greene stated. So far, patients will not be able to obtain cannabis in flower form or as edibles, unlike what is permitted in other states where cannabis is medically legal. On top of the restrictive list of allowable forms of cannabis, patients are only allowed a 30-day supply of whichever form of cannabis their physician prescribed with the ability to get a refill the last seven days of their 30-day trial. The prescribed cannabis must be in its original package and cannot be consumed in public. A more recent concern amongst patients and professionals is the mandatory course physicians are required to take in order to be certified to administer cannabis to patients. Doctors have to pay $249 to participate in a fourhour course titled, “Practitioner Education for the Medical Marijuana Program,” which will cover how to properly administer dosage and the various warnings and precautions associated with cannabis use. Although this seems reassuring for patients, many believe that four hours is not nearly enough for physicians to become properly educated
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on cannabis and its various strains and cannabinoids. In a recently published article by The Village Voice, the man who constructed the bill, Richard Gottfried, comments about how there are definitely changes that need to be made. Gottfried had first introduced the Compassionate Care Act in 1997 but it was given little to no consideration. Now, 13 years later, the bill was passed but carelessly deconstructed by Governor Cuomo. Gottfried, like many, believes that the bill makes it nearly impossible for patients to access the medicine they desperately need in its current state. Fortunately, for those concerned that various aspects of the bill will prevent medical cannabis from being legally accessible in January, Governor Cuomo signed two bills that will allow critically ill patients expedited access to medical cannabis. The bill will also allow for suppliers to apply with the Department of Health to offer services to patients, with the ability to possibly obtain resources from out of state, according to Crain’s New York Business. Gottfried, who sponsored the bills, agrees that immediate action needs to be taken for those in dire need of alternative medicine, “This emergency access law is designed to get medicine to the neediest patients, including young children, as quickly as possible.” There have already been a handful of deaths in the slow coming of the Compassionate Care Act, showing those in New York and the rest of the United States just how important cannabis is in the lives of so many. c VISIT US AT
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The history, invention and innovation in hemp clothing by Addison Herron-Wheeler Hemp has always been in production and use across the world—but as soon as cannabis started coming under fire for being a substance that causes altered states, even the non-smokable form of hemp came under fire. Today, as cannabis is starting to be accepted into society once more, we
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are also embracing the wonderful way that hemp works as a fiber, from hemp backpacks and purses to necklaces and shirts. As we move forward into this bold new world of clothing possibilities, we should also remember the awesome ways that hemp function as a garment fiber in the past. >> VISIT US AT
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How Does it Work? Hemp is a strong, canvas-like fiber (in fact, “canvas” comes from the word “cannabis”)—so while it makes amazing jewelry, purses and backpacks that can stand the test of time, it is not the most comfortable or soft thing to use for clothing that makes contact with skin. For that reason, hemp that is used in clothing is usually blended with either flax, cotton or silk, usually at a ratio of 55 percent hemp and 45 percent of the other material.
A Fiber of Firsts
Middle Ages
Hemp was actually one of the first plants that was processed into fiber for clothing, due to its durable nature and how easy it is to grow. Remnants of hemp have been found as early as 8000 BCE in Mesopotamia, making it one of the earliest examples of human industry. It was also grown to be made into cloth in the Sung Dynasty in China in 500 CE. The emperor of the Sung apparently liked having it around as a textile and ordered his subjects to grow it. By 1200 CE Europe was also cultivating cannabis for fabric.
Hemp served as very important crop during the Middle Ages, when Henry VIII actually declared that all farmers had to use at least ¼ of their land for hemp growing. The fiber was essential as the material for sails and painting canvases, two very important items at the time, and up until the 1920s it is estimated that about 80 percent of clothing in the U.K. were made from hemp fiber.
Annotated Bibliography CRRH. (2011) “Archeologists agree that cannabis was among the first crops cultivated by human beings at least over 6000 years ago.” “Industrial Hemp.” Agriculture and Agrifood Canada. Government of Canada. “The People’s History.” (Sept./Oct. 2000) The Thistle. Volume 13, Number 2. Retrieved from: http://www.mit.edu/~thistle/v13/2/history.html
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Early Days of Colonization Hemp was still grown as a major fiber during the early colonials days in the U.S., Jacques Cartier noted when he first got to the new world that hemp grew everywhere as a wild weed, and that the natural hemp that grew in the colonies was of a very strong variety. Hemp was grown in California, Kentucky New York, Oregon, Utah, Texas, New England, Virginia, Massachusetts, Louisiana and Missouri during the colonial days and the early days of the U.S., and was considered and important textile cash crop an one of the major ways that early American clothing was manufactured. The amazing ability of the American continents to produce hemp was not lost on the British– they imported hemp grown in Canada for textile until the 1800s.
“Remnants of hemp have been found as early as 8000 BCE in Mesopotamia, making it one of the earliest examples of human industry.”
Decline in Production Sadly, at the end of the 1800s and beginning of the 1900s, hemp production started to decline. The U.S. embraced the cotton gin and cotton production, and unfortunately, the evil of slavery that came with it. Since cotton was easier and more affordable to produce, it began to weigh out over hemp. Then in the 1930s, the combination of propaganda against cannabis and synthetic textile companies driving hemp out completely suppressed the production of hemp, to the point that it was actually outlawed along with smokeable cannabis. This victory of synthetic textiles over hemp has to be one of the most extreme cases of capitalist competition in history.
Modern Day Luckily, now that we are rethinking the insanity that is complete prohibition of something as helpful and benign as cannabis, we are also rethinking the prohibition of one of the world’s most useful fibers. Today, hemp clothing is back in fashion. Hemp necklaces made of macramé-woven hemp and beads are a great way to practice a hobby and make unique jewelry that is strong and durable but also very affordable. Similarly, hemp can be used to make things like backpacks and tote bags that really last, or woven in with cotton to make hearty clothing. Today, wearing hemp is a multi-layered statement—you are claiming you support the earth and sustainable practices, the legalization of cannabis, and a return to our natural roots. c
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by Ed Rosenthal
growing culture
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Indoor-Outdoor
WINTER GARDEN
n early October, I asked my friend if he could give me a couple of plants for an experiment. A few days later, my friend dropped off two well-branched “3x Crazy” plants. They were used to test the toxicity of an organic pesticide on their leaves. The results were negative, the pesticide didn’t affect them and I was left with two healthy specimens. At the beginning of October, the plants were receiving approximately 12 hours of natural light daily, with early morning sundown in shade. One month later, they were receiving only 10.75 hours daily. Of course, under this regimen, the plants went into flower immediately. The weather was warm during the entire month of October, so I decided to keep the plants outside and let them flower under the short days of autumn. The plants are in small containers so it’s easy to move them around the yard three times daily as the sunny area shifts. Only now, in early November, has the nighttime temperature started dipping into the high 40 degrees. So I’ve decided on a routine change. Instead of leaving the plants out at night, each evening they are being carried inside and given supplemental light using a 1,000-watt high pressure sodium (HPS) light. The routine goes like this: 7am: Plants are indoors. Light goes on. 10am: Plants are carried outside to sunny section of yard, as long as it is not cloudy or rainy, and the temperature is above 68 degrees.
During those times, the plants are kept indoors with the light on. If outside, plants are moved various times during the day to keep them in sunny locations. 4:30pm: Plants are moved inside. Lights are on. 6pm: Lights go off. On most days, the light will be on only 4.5 hours, and on cold, foggy or rainy days, which are infrequent here in Northern California, the light will be on all day indoor. Plants can also be left inside if you’re away from home. I’ve also installed a UVB fluorescent tube in the middle of the garden so that only a part of each plant receives its light. After harvest, I will check for differences in the potency and terpene content of the buds that received the light and those that didn’t. This requires marking the plants in such a way that they are returned to the same position indoors each time, so the light falls on the same buds. Using this technique, I am minimizing energy use, but still getting light to the plants. I realize that in some areas of the country, it’s just too cold to put the plants out anytime during the fall, going into winter, and the light gets dim during the winter in many parts of the country too. In that case, you might be able to use a southfacing window or a skylight and supply supplemental light to meet the plants light requirements. c
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you like, have heard about or have always dreamed of growing. Plants growing indoors or in a greenhouse can be trained into small bushes with a diameter of three to four
2 Close-up of one of the small flowers.
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Each branch was developing into a cola.
4 Plants being moved to a sunny area of the yard.
5 With colder nights and dimming sun, the plants started receiving enhanced care: Supplemental lighting in the morning and evening and shelter from the cold.
TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED®
f you are planning to grow outdoors this spring, now is the time to start selecting varieties and to get the indoor starter garden together. Choose seeds or clones from varieties that
1 The plants were placed outdoors in early October. One month later, in early November, the plants are midway through flowering.
square feet for transplanting outdoors in the spring. If it’s warm enough to plant early in the spring, you will be able to get an early harvest because the dark period will be long enough to trigger flowering.
6 Plants basking under 1,000 watt lamp.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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Vermont
destination unknown
by Sheryll Alexander
Vermont Lights up as Winter’s Best Vacation Wonderland IF YOU GO:
Cannabis has been legal for only seven “debilitating” medical conditions since 2004, although it took until 2013 for just three not-for-profit dispensaries to open legally in the state with another one going live in 2014 for a total of four cannabis clinics. First, patients should unfortunately start online by finding the Vermont Crime Information Center, which oversees the Vermont Marijuana Registry (VMR). Any MD, DO, PA, PA-C, ND or APRN who has been certified by the state with a “special license endorsement” and a “bonafide health care professional-patient relationship” can prescribe cannabis. Fortunately, there’s dozens of MMJ docs even in this sparsely-populated, yet pro-cannabis state. Next, Vermonters are forced to make an appointment at a dispensary, show up with licensed always in hand and, interestingly, bring a locked box to securely stash justpurchased meds. This heavy regulation makes prices for cannabis products in Vermont sky high, but some clinics use a sliding scale for those in need. Vermont is one of five states that will potentially go recreational in 2016 with two recreational bills still alive in the legislature and pro-cannabis politicians such as Governor Shumlin, State House Speaker Shap Smith, State Sen. David Zuckerman, Sen. Patrick Leahy and Presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. Gov. Shumlin and other Vermont politicians now support legalization after a Rand Corporation study back in January revealed that 80,000 Vermonters are regular cannabis users and switching to a recreational status could harvest an estimated $20-75 million annually in tax revenue.
Fun-Filled Facts Solitude is something to discover in this far-flung state as there’s about 626,000 Vermonters in only 251 towns and cities with Burlington being the most populous at around 40,000 yearround residents.
Vermont is the U.S.A.’s No. 1 maple syrup producer. While the sap doesn’t run until spring, Vermonters put their locally-made sweet liquid treat on some of winter’s best comfort foods such as atop pancakes and inside everything from sausages to desserts.
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Time to Go: Winter Weather: Cold and snowy Budget: $$$$$
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Vermont voters are so forwardthinking that it was the first state to legally recognize gay couples by creating civil unions and was the first state to pass a marriage equality act. 2
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or some, medicating amongst snow-laden pine forests can mean only one thing: A winter trip to Vermont. Plus, Vermont provides some of the very best of winter’s snowy mountain and trail activities. However, when it comes to medical marijuana, Vermont doesn’t quite live up to its tourism tagline of “independent, friendly and quaint.” Sure, Vermonters (as they call themselves) are mostly friendly, freedom-loving folks. Perhaps it is the state’s remote location, vast mountainous pine forests, raging rivers and cold winters that have kept Vermont one of the least populous states in the nation. And this isolation certainly makes for tough, independent-minded people who are open to visitors and most especially to their tourist dollars. Tiny and landlocked Vermont, however, has somehow become this country’s best winter playground with no less than 19 alpine ski resorts and 30 cross country touring centers. Outdoor recreation abounds in this stunningly beautiful state with such heart-pumping and body-warming activities as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice skating. Even culture and food blooms in Vermont’s winter wonderland. Concert halls, opera houses, art galleries and community halls open their doors and then turn the heat up for an eclectic mix of dance, music, festivities and performances. Other seasonal celebrations include costumed galas, holiday bazaars and First Night festivals. Don’t miss the Woodstock Wassail Weekend from December 11-13, Montpelier Christmas Antiques Market on December 22 and First Night Burlington on New Year’s Eve. Vermont makes for a fantastic winter’s getaway for those who love to medicate in crispy clean mountain air. c
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Hoot Gibson profile in courage
Age: 44 Condition/ Illness: Multiple Sclerosis, severe degenerative disk disease, tremors, muscle spasms, stuttering, chronic pain, cognitive difficulty. When did you start using medical cannabis? 2011
Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes; surgery, chiropractic therapy, opiates, sedatives, injections, anti-convulsants, acupuncture and physical therapy. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I feel the most important issue facing medical cannabis patients today is the limited access created by the current infrastructure of state laws. Medical cannabis is not legal in my home state which forced me to move 2,000 miles to a state which would allow me access to the medicine I needed. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I would ask them if their family member, child or loved one had a serious illness and had tried every medical option available to them without success, wouldn’t they want for that person to at least have the option of trying medical cannabis? Everyone does not have to be a believer in the medicinal benefits of cannabis but everyone should have the opportunity to make that decision for their own health. c
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HOLIDAY HAPPINESS Wonderful winter eats to satisfy that hibernation hunger recipes
Menu:
Classic Roast Beef Spinach and Gruyere Soufflé Cranberry Vanilla Cheesecake
Like clockwork, the holiday season has snuck up on humanity once again. It’s that time of year when gift shopping is an annual nightmare, but the togetherness caused by that good old “holiday spirit” makes up for the madness. Enjoy the company of friends and family while you dine together this month, enjoying a hearty meal that compliments the occasion. Bust out the fine china, silverware and cannabis ingredients to make a delicious holiday dinner featuring a classic roast beef, cheesy soufflé and a sweet cranberry and vanilla cheesecake. Cannabis makes everything better, and we here at CULTURE hope you enjoy exquisite dishes while you celebrate a safe and happy holiday season!
Spinach and Gruyere Soufflé Ingredients
Cranberry Vanilla Cheesecake Ingredients 4 ounces chocolate graham crackers 3 tablespoons cannabis-infused vegetable oil t Cooking spray 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup Chambord (raspberry liqueur) 3 tablespoons water 1 cup sugar
2 (8-ounce) packages blockstyle 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup (4 ounces) block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened 1 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs 2 large egg whites
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. Wrap outside and bottom of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with a double layer of heavy-duty foil. Place graham crackers in a food processor; process until finely ground. Drizzle with oil; pulse until combined. Press mixture into bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of prepared pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes; let cool on a rack. Reduce oven temperature to 325°. Place cranberries, sugar, liqueur and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes or until cranberries pop and mixture is syrupy. Turn off and let cool 20 minutes. Place mixture in a food processor; process 1 minute or until smooth. Combine 1 cup sugar and cheeses in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Beat in yogurt, vanilla and salt. Add whole eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Place 2 egg whites in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form using clean, dry beaters. Fold beaten egg whites into cream cheese mixture. Pour filling over crust. Spoon cranberry mixture over filling. Place springform pan in a 13 x 9-inch metal baking pan. Add hot water to the pan, to a depth of 2 inches. Bake at 325° for 50 minutes or until center of cheesecake barely moves when pan is touched. Turn oven off. Cool cheesecake in closed oven for 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven. Run a knife around outside edge. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and let chill 8 hours.
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2 tablespoons unsalted canna butter t (room temperature, plus more for baking dish) 1/3 cup plain dried breadcrumbs 5 cups (5 ounces) packed spinach, trimmed and washed 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk (or whole canna-milk t) 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese Coarse salt and ground pepper 2 large eggs, separated, plus 2 large egg whites
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a round 1-quart tall-sided baking dish and dust with breadcrumbs; set aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons water over medium-high. Add spinach and cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a strainer to cool; press to release liquid. In a medium saucepan, melt canna butter over medium heat until bubbling. Add flour and whisk until a paste forms. Continue to cook until pale blond in color, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisking, gradually add milk. Cook, whisking, until lumps are gone and mixture is thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper. Transfer soufflé base to a large bowl. In a food processor, pulse spinach and egg yolks until coarsely pureed. Add 1/4 cup soufflé base; pulse until blended. Stir spinach mixture into remaining soufflé base. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 4 egg whites and pinch of salt on medium-high until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat), about 3 minutes. In 2 additions, gently fold egg whites into the soufflé base. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake until soufflé is tall, golden-browned on top and firm to the touch, about 35 minutes. (Avoid opening oven during first 25 minutes of baking.) Serve immediately.
t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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Classic Roast Beef Ingredients 3.3 lbs. quality topside of beef 2 medium onions 2 carrots 2 sticks celery 1 bulb garlic 1 small bunch fresh thyme,
rosemary, bay or sage, or a mixture Cannabisinfused olive oil t sea salt freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Take your beef out of the fridge 30 minutes before it goes into the oven. Preheat oven to 475°. Roughly chop up vegetables. Break the garlic bulb into cloves, leaving them unpeeled. Pile all the vegetables, garlic and herbs into the middle of a large roasting tray and drizzle with olive oil. Separately, drizzle the beef with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper, rubbing it all over the meat. Place the beef on top of the vegetables. Place the roasting tray in the preheated oven. Turn the heat down immediately to 400°F and cook for 1 hour for medium beef. If you prefer it medium-rare, take it out 5 to 10 minutes earlier. For well done, leave it in for another 10 to 15 minutes. When the beef is cooked to your liking, take the tray out of the oven and transfer the beef to a board or pan and let rest for 15 minutes. Cover it with a layer of tinfoil and a tea towel and put aside until you’re ready to serve.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—DOING TIME RIGHT u In October, a Harvard University debate team (three-time recent champions of the American Parliamentary Debate Association) lost a match to a team of prisoners from the maximum-security Eastern New York Correctional Facility. Prison debaters “are held to the exact same standards” as college debate teams, according to the director of Bard College’s Prison Initiative, which coaches the inmates. Prisoners took the “pro” side of public schools having the right to turn away students whose parents had entered the U.S. illegally (though team members personally disagreed). The Bard trainers pointed out
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that the inmates perfected their presentation despite (or perhaps because of) the prison prohibition on Internet access.
COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS u A black alleged gang member,
Taurus Brown, 19, under arrest in Clearwater, Florida, in September for having a marijuana cigarette casually tucked behind his ear as he talked politely to a white police officer, tried to flee on foot but was quickly taken down. Asked why he ran, Brown replied (according to the police report): “I don’t like white people touching me. White people do weird stuff.”
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