Culture Magazine Michigan January 2016 by Culture Magazine

CULTURE // January 2016

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January 2016 // CULTURE

CULTURE // January 2016

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January 2016 // CULTURE

january 2016

Contents 16

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30 ORIGINAL ROCK

Features

40 . IMMINENT LEGALIZATION A historic conviction in Canada shows more support for legalization.

42 . THE ULTIMATE FACTOR Learn the difference between hemp derived CBD and cannabis derived CBD from experts.

44 . HEMP HOPE Could this be the year for the Industrial Hemp Farming Act? 46 . A NEW YEAR FOR OUR CANNA-COMMUNITY Go into the New Year with a goal to help complete all of these cannabis resolutions! 52 . industry insider Irvin Rosenfeld is helping change the way the U.S. treats MMJ patients—and he even got the government to supply him with medicinal herb.

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

Departments

NEWS

10 . News Nuggets 15 . By the Numbers 16 . Grand Rapids Cannabis Decriminalization Stands 18 . legal corner

56 . Growing Culture 58 . Destination Unknown 59 . Profile in Courage 60 . Recipes 62 . News of the Weird

reviews

Vermont Medical School Offers Cannabis Science Course

20 . collective highlight 22 . Strain, Edible and

Concentrate Reviews 26 . cool stuff

Design Innovation Breaks Apart Open Floor Plans with HempBased Barriers

28 . Entertainment Reviews

Japan's First Lady is Completely Down for Hemp

SEE MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

CULTURE // January 2016

WEB Exclusive!

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

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Vol 7 IssUE 7

Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas Editorial Contributors Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, 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 general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson director of digital media Brian Gingrich digital media Editor Kimberly Johnson Ctv Contributors Anna Logan,Chris Salazar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture速 Magazine is published every month and distributes 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

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C NEWS NUGGETS

__________________________

STATE

Michigan Judges Prohibit use of Medical Cannabis in Parked Cars

Court of Appeals judges made a ruling that states that medical cannabis patients can be prosecuted for using cannabis in their cars, while parked in public places. This ruling arose from a case involving medical cannabis patient, Robert Michael Carlton, according to The Detroit News. Carlton was charged with misdemeanor for smoking cannabis in his car outside of the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, but was later granted immunity by the lower courts. Court of Appeals judges disagreed with this decision, referencing the statewide ban of medical cannabis use in public places. The judges believe that although Carlton was in the privacy of his car, the parking lot he was parked in was an open public space. Carlton’s charges have been reinstated and he must go to trial to plead his case.

Gaylord Planning Commission Supports Movement to incorporate Medical Cannabis Collectives

The Gaylord Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend a medical cannabis ordinance to the City Council, according to Gaylord Herald Times. The Commission made its decision based off a petition that earned 300 signatures in support of incorporating medical collectives into the city’s zoning ordinance. If the City Council approves this amendment, the city’s current zoning ordinance would allow for regulated cannabis collectives to be located in the C-1 General Commercial District. Planning commission member, Vic Ouellette states that he would not

CULTURE // January 2016

have supported the movement if he had not visited a few collectives beforehand. “It’s a legitimate business,” Ouellette said revealing that he is aware of the collectives’ patients and their sincere need for medical cannabis. The City Council plans on reviewing this movement at a later date.

__________________________

NATION

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

__________________________

World

Germany Embraces the Cultivation of Medical Cannabis

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

Intractable Pain Approved as a Qualifying Condition for MMJ in Minnesota

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

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by the numb3rs

300

The number of signatures that were gathered in order to convince the Gaylord Planning Commission to recommend a medical cannabis ordinance to the city council: 300 (Source: Petoskey News-Review)

5,000 178,629 60 99 211 The number of signatures that MI Legalize will try to gather within eight-day period, following the extension of its original deadline, as it aims to get its cannabis initiative on the statewide ballot: 5,000 (Source: Detroit Free Press)

The current number of medical cannabis patients in Michigan: 178,629 (Source: Crain’s Detroit Business)

The total number of WomenGrow Chapters that will soon be operating in Michigan, as of this month: 2 (Source: Mlive.com)

The estimated number of people who attended the Gaylord City Planning Commission meeting to recommend that a medical cannabis ordinance be considered: 60 (Source: Petoskey News-Review)

The decreased percentage of cannabis possession arrests since cannabis was legalized last year, in Washington D.C.: 99 (Source: The GW Hatchet)

The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that was collected by Illinois medical cannabis businesses during the first week of the state’s medical cannabis program: 211 (Source: Daily Herald)

1,081

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

“Come as You Are” As the first major exhibit to highlight the historical significance of the 1990s, “Come as You Are” primarily focuses on the digital revolution, globalization and “identity politics” that occurred during this decade. Not only did ’90s art advocate political and social change, it introduced new mediums, and a more diverse array of artists in terms of race, gender and sexual preference. Using these artists as a link to this era, “Come as You Are,” reveals the “history of the ’90s through the lens of the visual arts.” Named after the iconic Nirvana song that serves as the anthem to the decade, “Come as You Are” is curated by Alexandra Schwartz, and includes installations, digital art, video, prints amongst other types of media, with works from prominent artists, Glenn Ligon and Kara Walker.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Come as You Are: Art of the ’90s” exhibit. WHEN/WHERE: On view through Jan. 31. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. INFO: Visit www.umma. umich.edu for details.

January January 2016 2016 // // CULTURE CULTURE

“Grand Rapids is now one of 14 cities in Michigan to have passed decriminalization laws on cannabis possession and use.”

Grand Rapids Cannabis Decriminalization Stands by Alex Bradley

The Michigan Supreme Court has let stand an amendment to the Grand Rapids city charter that decriminalizes cannabis. In 2012, Michigan voters approved the amendment, making possession of or sharing of cannabis a civil infraction with minimal fines and no jail time. It also makes cannabis cases a low police priority, and forbids city law enforcement officials from referring cannabis cases to the Kent County prosecutor’s

CULTURE // January 2016

The Michigan Supreme Court is allowing for the amendment to stay—County Prosecutor appeal denied

office. Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth had been trying to challenge this voterapproved amendment—but had failed in the Kent County Circuit Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals. Forsyth claimed that the amendment was an illegal restriction on his power to enforce state drug laws (which continue to make cannabis a crime). Forsyth took the appeal to the Michigan Supreme

Court, and although the majority of the Supreme Court justices refused to take the case, two justices dissented—Republican Justices Stephen Markman and David Viviano—pleading that the case needed to be on the court’s docket. “I would have granted the application because I believe this case presents an important constitutional question concerning whether a home rule city may, through

its charter, encroach upon a county prosecutor’s broad power to enforce state law,” wrote Viviano in the dissent. Justices Markman and Viviano were in the minority among the seven justices, so luckily, the Grand Rapids charter amendment still remains valid. Grand Rapids is now one of 14 cities in Michigan to have passed decriminalization laws on cannabis possession and use. c VISIT US AT

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C r e n r co l a g le by Matthew Abel

Michigan Medical Marihuana Act Recent Court Decisions

t the end of 2015, Michigan appellate courts issued several important opinions. The Michigan Court of Appeals held that smoking cannabis in a vehicle in a parking lot open to the public constitutes smoking in a public place, an activity specifically prohibited by the MMMA. (People v. Robert Carlton, No. 321630, issued November 24, 2015). The Court made clear that it is not prohibited to smoke in a private place which is in public view, but it is illegal to smoke in any place generally open to the public. Parking spaces at a casino are generally open to the public. On December 8, another panel of the Court of Appeals held that it was permissible for seven uniformed and armed police to wake residents at home to do a “knock and talk” at around 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. in order to persuade suspects to allow a “consent search”; one allowed “voluntarily” without demand for a warrant, but in a manner which many people would find unduly coercive. Those cases (People v. Frederick and People v. VanDoorne, case nos. 323642 and 323643) are likely to be appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court. Both the above-cited opinions are

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“published” opinions of the Court of Appeals—setting precedent for courts throughout Michigan. As bad as those decisions are, which stand until reversed by the Michigan Supreme Court, there is hope for eventual reversal by the higher court. The Michigan Supreme Court also rendered recent decisions as well. Both People v. Ryan Bylsma and People v. David Overholt, Michigan Supreme Court (no. 148440) were remanded to the Court of Appeals for consideration in each case “of whether the defendant, who possessed, cultivated, manufactured or delivered marijuana to a patient or caregiver to whom he was not connected through the registration process of the MMMA [“]may assert the medical purpose for using marijuana in a motion to dismiss, and the charges shall be dismissed following an evidentiary hearing where the person show the elements listed in subsection (a).[“] While the McQueen case decided in 2012 considered Section 4 of the act (regarding cards and their effect), it has taken the appellate courts much longer to address the broad protections of Section 8 of the MMMA. Section 8 provides that a person is protected

if three elements are met: A doctor recommended it, the quantity is “no more than reasonably necessary” to supply the patient(s), and the cannabis is for medical use. So long as none of the prohibitions are violated (such as possession on school property), any case should be dismissed. The Section 8 argument is one which has taken much time to come to the court, and in fact, the Court of Appeals had to be ordered to decide these cases “as on leave granted” which was something they refused to do on their own. The right to a separate potential defense also had to go to the Michigan Supreme Court to be established several years ago, in the Kolanek and King cases, No. 142695, decided in 2012. Ryan Bylsma’s case already has been to the Michigan Supreme Court, which held that collective or cooperative growing is not allowed under Section 4 of the act. The issue now pending is that although such growing may not be allowed, the Section 8 defense is broad enough to protect against criminal charges for that act. This case could be an eventual opportunity for the Michigan Supreme Court to revisit the bizarre holding in McQueen, which had to reach so far to avoid protecting transfers between any card holders, that it resulted in the crazy notion that the MMMA is “asymmetrical:” A patient is protected from prosecution no matter the source where they obtain their medicine, but the person on the other end of the transfer, who is selling, donating, giving or otherwise transferring or delivering cannabis to a patient is protected only if they are the caregiver for that patient connected through the official registry of the MMMA. Finally, the Michigan Supreme Court let stand the 2012 ballot measure decriminalizing cannabis in Grand Rapids. Meanwhile, MI Legalize expects to make the ballot in 2016. c VISIT US AT

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Collective HIGHLIGHT

TreeCity Health Collective 2730 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, 48103 www.annarborprovisioningcenter.com

How and when did your collective start up? Our collective began twoand-a-half years ago after the owners saw a glaring gap in the medical market with regard to cannabis knowledge, level of professionalism and quality of medicinal cannabis products and services. They felt that patients deserved a welcoming place, ran by knowledgeable and professional staff that could provide factual and relevant cannabis advice to experienced and inexperienced MMMP cardholders alike.

a second top shelf for free! Patients can also use this deal for edibles concentrates and accessories, but it is only good for your first visit!

What’s the story behind the name of your collective? Ann Arbor is known as the Tree City—we saw a pun in that so we ran with it! What does your collective offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? TreeCity Health Collective is regarded by many as having not only the highest quality cannabis products and services but for also having the most compassionate first time patient deal. For the past two-anda-half years we have matched every patient up to $60 on their first visit. The most common way patients typically use their first time deal is to donate for one top shelf 1/8th and receive

CULTURE // January 2016

What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a collective? . . . Biggest joys? The most formidable challenge we face as a collective predominantly revolves around federal law—it’s the trickledown effect. It is hard to scale as a business in this industry when the product that we promote is federally illicit. This makes professional relationships hard to manage as well as makes typical financial management practices extremely cumbersome if not impossible. We love making patients happy. We love hearing their testimonials about our tremendously compassionate staff, clean and welcoming facility and our OUTSTANDING cannabis. We are told on a daily bases that we are much

Photo courtesy of alycbphotography.com

different from the other collectives in the area, most patients do not know that a place like TreeCity exists and when they finally find us they tend to never go anywhere else again. What is the one thing you want patients to know about your collective? TreeCity Health Collective is establishing a higher standard in medical cannabis. Our difference is rooted in our knowledge of the cannabis plant and its medical benefits. We understand what it takes to provide an accurate, repeatable, and effective cannabis experience that you can depend on and trust. c

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STRAIN + STRAIN + concentrate Golden Goat

Available AT: Ann Arbor Wellness Collective in Detroit.

Golden Goat is a rare gem that can be sniffed out from a mile away. It has a super sweet aroma, with a hint of sour, graced with subtle spicy tropical-fruit undertones. This potent sativa-dominant hybrid came into existence accidentally, when a male Hawaiian-Romulan pollinated an Island Sweet Skunk mother, in Topeka, Kansas. Almost too beautiful to smoke, these small light green nuggets are decorated with robust orange hairs and glittery golden trichomes. This sativa-dominant strain has a potency on the higher side (THC 25.7, CBD.03, CBN .08) so you’ll quickly feel the effects envelop your body from head to toe. You may feel a sudden rush of inspiration to finish an old project you’ve been putting off, or even . . . dare I say . . . clean the house. Yep. Golden Goat has what it takes to relieve a variety of chronic pains, but most of all it will leave you feeling a desire for productivity. So, what are you waiting for?

Shatter Pops

It’s been a busy morning at work and you finally get a chance to sit down with your lunch. After practically inhaling the sandwich you slopped together before rushing out the door this morning, you rediscover a treat you left yourself: A white-chocolate-dipped, ultra lemony medicated cake pop! YES! With an average tolerance, this 60mg edible should set you up with the perfect amount of relief to get you through the rest of your work, without making you need to call it an early night. Not only is this little treat discreet and quick to eat, but it also lacks any lingering flavor of cannabis. It is simply sweet. Enjoy! (Please keep these cake pops out of reach from children, as they are medicated but taste and appear to be non-medicated treats that children may be used to consuming). Available AT: Green River Meds in Detroit.

Void

TGA Genetics cross bred Apollo 13 and Querkle, resulting in the strain known as “The Void.” Coincidentally, its name speaks much of the true nature of the plant, as this indica-dominant strain (70/30) will surely help you slip into a void. Whether your void is a project before bed, or the newest Netflix series you’ve been wanting to binge watch. So get comfy, and prepare for your night-time sesh. Friends from Happy Hippies ran a 72+ hour purge to bring you the concentrated goodness from the plant grown by Totally Herbal Care. This concentrate is very stable, so we recommend heating up your pick just a touch before loading up your medicine, to prevent pieces of shatter from flying off. You surely wouldn’t want any of this to go to waste!

CULTURE // January 2016

Available At: Holistic Earth in Davison.

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Available AT: Green Rock Cafe in Flint.

Cannabis Sublingual Spray

Cannabis sublingual sprays are perfect for fast relief and precise dosing. This product is a great introduction to medicating naturally for those who are new to the idea of medicating with cannabis and may be weary of inhaling combusted plant material. Care by Design offers 5ml CBD-rich medical cannabis in an easy-to-use spray. The professional packaging is more than approachable. Pop open a box and break the seal on your brand new spray bottle. Be sure to shake well before using. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re new to this kind of product, start off with just a few (1-2) sprays under your tongue. Flavor profile is earthy, but surprisingly not strong enough to need a chaser, as many oral medications do. The effects should be noticeable within 15 60 minutes. Looking for a bit of a stronger effect? Slowly increase your dosage until the desired effect is achieved. These products are made from locally grown, organic cannabis, and have been safely extracted without toxic solvents. The red spray has a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio, while the blue is 18:1 CBD:THC.

Available AT: Michigan Chronic Relief in Detroit.

Skywalker OG

A long time ago, in a galaxy not-so-far away, parent strains Skywalker and OG Kush were crossbred to create a potent indica-dominant hybrid (indica/sativa: 80/20), packing a spicy, herbal, jet fuel aroma pungent enough to strike fear in the heart of the Sith Lord, himself. The orange hairs on this stunning specimen hide deep within the dense vibrant green nug, peeking out just enough to tease. Resistance is futile; your destiny awaits! A strong cerebral effect fades into your body and lifts you up to the stars. Quickly become a Jedi Master of your pain and physical limitations, as Skywalker OG provides astonishing relief to those with AIDS/HIV, anxiety, cancer, chronic pain, insomnia and PMS. With 23.89 percent THC (.61 percent CBD), youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see for yourself: The force is strong with this one.

Chemsis Glue

Available AT: Motown Meds in Detroit.

The cornucopia shape of the structure of this hybrid (40/60) bud is simply divine. The nug is dense and very sticky, yet has a magical fluffiness to it. Aromatically, Chemsis Glue offers a floral sweetness, which is rounded out with a sour skunk note. Flavor profile is extremely similar to the way it smells. Medicinally, Chemsis Glue offers relief to patients with AIDS/HIV, anxiety, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, muscle spasms, nausea and more. The effects of 24.9 percent THC will travel from your head down throughout your body, leaving you feeling comfortably medicated. Medicine that tastes good and hits the spot; what more could you ask for?

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cool stuff Phantom Open D.E. System

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

miVape

GET YOUR CLICK HERE PRICE: $259.99

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

Holmes Smart Wifi-Enabled WeMo TrueHEPA Premium Air Purifier

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

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PRICE: $589 MORE INFORMATION: hydrofarm.com

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PRICE: $19.99 MORE INFORMATION: makingyoubetterbrands.com

Xternal Cream

PRICE: $199.99 MORE INFORMATION: holmesproducts.com

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

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entertainment Release Date: January 26 Available on: PS4

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

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

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

Archy Marshall A New Place 2 Drown True Panther Sounds

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

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

Cooties Lionsgate Dir. Jonathan Milott, Cary Murnion

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

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+ G-Eazy With his slick back hair, black clothing and a unique sound that’s comparable to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, G-Easy is a young, successful hip-hop artist. Staring his musical career in college, G-Easy spent many nights in his dorm producing music, rather than partying. Shortly after graduating, his efforts paid off when his 2012 album Must Be Nice came in at number three on the iTunes hip-hop chart that year. Success seems to have followed G-Eazy from his early days, as he started touring nationally and selling out shows in some of the country’s biggest cities. In 2014, his album These Things Happen came in at number three on the U.S. Billboard 100 and he recently released an album last month, When It’s Dark Out. CULTURE got a chance to catch up with G-Eazy a while back, and we found out that he’s both laid back and a huge fan of cannabis. Overall, he’s just one of those artists who continues to hustle even after achieving world-wide fame.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: G-Easy live. WHEN/WHERE: Thurs, Jan. 7. WaMu Theater, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle. INFO: Visit www. centurylinkfield.com for details.

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CULTURE // January 2016

Photos courtesy of Blues Traveler and Brandon Hill

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

January 2016 // CULTURE

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

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

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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

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

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CULTURE // January 2016

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January 2016 // CULTURE

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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

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

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

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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

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

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Hemp Derived CBD vs. Cannabis Derived CBD

CULTURE // January 2016

Where’s the

Difference?

by Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 2016 // CULTURE

HOPE FOR HEMP A Rundown of Hemp Farming Act History

by Ashley Bennett

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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

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

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

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CULTURE // January 2016

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Get rid of the Schedule I Status for Cannabis

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

Legalization in California

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

CULTURE // January 2016

Medical Access Everywhere for Extreme or Chronic Conditions

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

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January 2016 // CULTURE

Better Access to Cannabis in Legal States

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

Legalization in the South-West and North-East

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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January 2016 // CULTURE

Irvin Rosenfeld

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

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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Photos by FatCat305

Stockbroker and advocate

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

January 2016 // CULTURE

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

Taking the fight to the states

Discovered by accident

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

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

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

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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

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

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by Ed Rosenthal

growing culture

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

Indoor-Outdoor

WINTER GARDEN II

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

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

TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED®

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

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

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

The Problem With Zip-Lock Bags

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

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

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

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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

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

Fun-Filled Facts

CULTURE // January 2016

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

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

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

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Clarissa profile in courage

Age: 37 Condition/ Illness: Ovarian cancer, depression, anxiety. When did you start using medical cannabis? 2011

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

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

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

January 2016 // CULTURE

Starting the New Year Off Right recipes

Menu:

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

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

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

Directions

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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

Directions

Pulse all hemp seed parmesan ingredients together in a food processor until combined and crumbly. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.

VISIT USatATiReadCulture.com iReadCulture.com t Additional recipe can be found

Scallops

with CannabisInfused Pesto

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

Directions

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

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

Directions

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

January 2016 // CULTURE

Chuck Shepherd's

News of the

Weird

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

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

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

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

CULTURE // January 2016

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

LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS u At a ceremony in Kabul in

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

CULTURAL DIVERSITY u Before the terrorist murders

gripped Paris, President Francois Hollande and Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani had been trying to arrange a formal dinner during Rouhani’s planned visit to the city to celebrate the two countries’ role in the recent accord limiting Iran’s nuclear development. France’s RTL radio news reported that “dinner” is apparently more vexing than “nuclear weaponry”—as Rouhani demanded an alcohol-free meal, which was nixed by Hollande, who insisted that the French never dine without wine. VISIT US AT

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January 2016 // CULTURE