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contents
inside
04.16 22
34 A GRATEFUL LEGEND
An inside look at Grateful Dead vocalist, guitarist, father and all out amazing performer, Jerry Garcia, and his influence on the cannabis scene. ON THE COVER: Photo © Jay Blakesberg Photography
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46 The Most Wonderful Day of the Year We’ve got the tips on how to make your 420 party one for the books, trends to look forward to in the industry and so much more!
features
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California Cannabis Policy Reform We’ve got your cannabis ballot measure rundown.
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Good Vibes The Cali Roots Music and Art Festival is back in town, and is bringing one hell of a show.
online Exclusive!
departments news
d Rocky Mountain High:
& Concentrate Reviews 28 Cool Stuff 32 Entertainment Reviews Culture 72 Destination Unknown 73 Profile in Courage
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reviews 22 Strain in every issue 70 Growing
12 News Nuggets 14 By the Numbers 16 Local News 18 Legal Corner
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74 Recipes
76 News of the Weird
X Games' Tanner Hall Always Skis with Cannabis d U.S. Supreme Court
Tosses Anti-Cannabis Lawsuit Against Colorado
Vol 7 IssUE 10
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas Editorial Contributors Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Jonathan Ibarra Regional Manager Beau Odom Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Emily Musser, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher, April Tygart general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson director of digital media Brian Gingrich digital media Editor David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture速 Magazine is published every month and distributes 20,000 magazines at over 500 locations throughout San Diego. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture速 Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE速 Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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/iReadCulture
/iReadCulture
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NEWS
nuggets Buffer Zones Eased for Collectives in San Diego The San Diego City Council voted on March 14 to measure the 1,000-foot buffer zone between “sensitive use” areas differently. Previously, the city would measure the distance between collectives and sensitive use areas—which include schools, churches and parks—in a straight line, through buildings and other geographic obstructions. Now the city will measure the zone in walking distance along streets or sidewalks, according to KPBS. Although this is a positive change, the city’s current restriction of only four collectives per district still stands in place. San Diego medical cannabis lawyer Kimberly Simms believes that this will still leave neighborhoods or districts with no reasonable locations for collectives to operate. However, it is still a small victory for collective owners and as Simms stated, “Those who are part of the regulated cannabis industry are happy with the small, incremental steps.”
Vermont May be First State to Legalize Recreational Through Legislature Vermont could be the first state to legalize recreational cannabis through legislation rather than voter initiative, according to The National Memo. A bill that was passed by the Senate after a year of review will allow adults 21-and-over to enjoy recreational cannabis by 2018. During its year-long review, Senate determined limits on recreational cannabis use and determined that it would not permit personal cultivation or edible consumption. Aside from the restrictions set forth by the Senate, the bill will also impose a 25 percent tax on recreational cannabis that will go towards drug enforcement and drug education programs. While the bill has been approved by Senate, state representatives are expected to review it before the legislative session ends in May. Cannabis advocates in the state believe that this will encourage other states to pass recreational laws through legislation as well.
Switzerland Hopes to Fight Cannabis Black Market with Legal Clubs With cannabis reform in Europe slowly taking shape, Switzerland has revealed a plan to open four cannabis clubs in Geneva, Zurich, Bern and Basel. The clubs are pilot programs intended to help people with existing drug problems and are planned to allow 2,000 people to use cannabis therapy legally, according to RT. Although this seems like a legitimate approach on minimizing the cannabis black market in Switzerland, this topic has been under debate since 2014, with the Swiss People’s Party in Geneva opposing the movement because to them, cannabis is a “hard drug.” Currently, an estimated 500,000 people illegally use cannabis in Switzerland. In 2013, the federal government decided to remove possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis from its list of criminal offenses and only fine 100 francs for those convicted of possession. 12
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Oceanside Allows Cannabis Delivery Under Strict Guidelines Although medical cannabis collectives are strictly prohibited in Oceanside, the City Council made a split decision on March 2 to allow delivery services. Delivery services interested in working with medical cannabis patients in Oceanside will have to apply for a city business license that must be approved by the city attorney and police chief, as well as provide the names of all drivers along with copies of their licenses and proof of insurance, according to The San Diego Tribune. Other restrictions include clean driving and criminal records for drivers and liability insurance policy of $1 million. These requirements are a far stretch to some concerned citizens as Oceanside resident David Newman stated, “A dispensary an hour away is not going to go out of its way to register every driver with the Oceanside Police Department, get a restrictive business license, carry a $1 million policy and be subject to background checks to deliver a $50 order.”
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The number of cannabis plants that a primary caregiver can grow for qualified patients in Imperial Beach: (Source: San Diego Union-Tribune)
NEWS
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The total number of collectives that will soon be serving San Diego patients, with the opening of a location in Torrey Pines and Kearny Mesa: (Source: San Diego Union-Tribune)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that former Facebook president Sean Parker donated to legalizing recreational cannabis in California: (Source: USA Today)
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The percentage of California voters who participated in a phone survey, stating that they support the full legalization of cannabis: (Source: NORML)
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The number of districts in San Diego that have (Source: San not approved any collectives yet: Diego Union-Tribune)
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The number of signatures required to get the Arkansas medical cannabis initiative on the ballot this fall:
85,000
(Source: Arkansas Times)
The percentage of Texans who support expanding medical cannabis access to include more qualifying conditions: (Source: Extract Suntimes)
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San Diego Cannabis Farmers Market
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(Source: Forbes)
WHAT: San Diego Cannabis Farmer’s Market. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, April 2. Location to be revealed on April 1, San Diego. INFO: For ticket purchases visit flavorus.com.
Support local growers and collectives at the second annual San Diego Cannabis Farmer’s Market. Vendors at the Cannabis Farmer’s Market will be offering top shelf strains to patients attending the event, as well as professional insight for patients who want to learn more about cannabis as a medicine. Delicious infused and non-infused edibles will also be available at the farmer’s market for patients to enjoy as
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The increased percentage of one cannabis delivery service’s orders during Super Bowl 50 weekend:
a refreshing snack or therapeutic medicine. While this event is intended to cater to the best interest of medical cannabis patients, a recommendation must be presented at time of ticket purchase. As this event is rather exclusive, the event’s location will not be announced until the day before. Expanding San Diegan’s knowledge of locally sourced cannabis, this year’s famer’s market will be fun, informative and well worth your while.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Eden After Service A Wounded Warrior’s Path to Healing
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by Pamela Jayne
SMC, PTSD, TBI—these are just letters for most citizens, but for 25-year-old Wounded Warrior Sergeant Sean Major, they define every aspect of his life. He enlisted in the Marine Corp at the age of 18, suffered multiple TBIs (traumatic brain injury), and developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He has no regrets in his service, except that he did not pay the ultimate price while defending the country he loves so dearly. Now that he is close to being medically discharged, his goal is to continue to serve his fellow veterans of war with another commonly known, but often overlooked acronym—THC. Sergeant Major vows to not rest until his vision comes to fruition not only in California, but all across the country. His vision for Eden After Service (EAS) is to provide temporary transitional housing in the form of “tiny homes” powered by solar energy, and agricultural education for veterans. On the current site, hidden deep in San Diego County on a 40-acre oasis, veterans will learn to cultivate their own food, herbs, and perhaps most importantly, their own medicinal cannabis. As he learned as a teenager on his Grandmother’s ranch in Spokane, Washington; growing and tending to the land is therapeutic. While Sergeant Major completely abstains from cannabis use as he is still currently on active duty, he does believe in the healing powers of the cannabis plant. Watching his own stepfather, who also suffers from PTSD, benefit from medicating with cannabis really opened up Sean’s mind to the possibility of it helping not only himself, but other former service members who are not being well served by the dozens and dozens of pharmaceutical pills that they are given. When Sean’s dad began to use cannabis as medicine, his social withdrawal, anxiety and sometimes explosive anger, all went away. He became a brand new man. Seeing those results prompted Sergeant Major to seek out and obtain his own doctors recommendation for medical cannabis, which he believes will alleviate his
Bone Thugs-nHarmony
anxiety and insomnia from PTSD. While he does hope to be the first active duty service member to be approved to use medical cannabis, he has no intention of actually using medical cannabis without permission. In his own patriotic words, “I’m a Marine, I love my country. I would never set a bad example for any other Marine. I need to prove that I can be in the environment, and be around it, and not medicate, because I’m around it a lot.” To a civilian, it may seem unfair, hypocritical even, that a man who has dedicated his entire adult life to protecting the freedoms of Americans, is not permitted to choose his own course of treatment. However, Sergeant Major is steadfast in his belief, saying “As a man, not only of God, but a man of this country, it’s easy for me to realize that it’s not about me. At 18, I signed a contract knowing (as much as I could understand at 18) that I was going to do what I needed to do for my country. I need to follow the rules. I take that as a service to my country.” “When I say something, it’s not just me I’m speaking for, it’s the entire Marine Corp.” That dedication is admirable, and will be a valuable asset to the cannabis community, when Sergeant Major transitions from full-time, lifelong Marine, to Sean Major, cannabis advocate. What Sergeant Major needs most, is funding for Eden After Service. His GoFundMe page fully explains his mission, and how donated monies shall be spent. Any amount is appreciated. Other than that he only asks for people to, “Spread the word. There is nothing more important than for people to be educated.” c www.gofundme.com/easnow
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Having worked with Tupac, Easy E and Notorious B.I.G., hip-hop legends Bone Thugs-NHarmony created music in the ‘90s that still holds merit to this day. In 1997 Bone Thugs-NHarmony released its double album The Art of War and in its first week the album sold 394,000 units. In June 1998, The Art of War was certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, and is the group’s most successful album to date. Memorable songs from The Art of War include the platinum single “Look into to my Eyes” and “If I Could Teach the World,” which went gold that same year. At this special concert event, Bone ThugsN-Harmony will be performing The Art of War amongst other singles that helped raise the group to stardom in the ‘90s. WHAT: Bone Thugs-nHarmony. WHEN/WHERE: Thurs, April 14. The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., San Diego. INFO: Visit observatorysd.com for tickets.
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NEWS
legal corner
Banking and Cannabis Banking in the cannabis industry still has a long way to go by Attorney Kimberly Simms
Nearly two years ago, I wrote an article for CULTURE about the cannabis industry’s access to banking. The article focused heavily on the advisories issued by the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), which sought to make it easier for state-legalized cannabis businesses to have greater access to financial institutions. Sadly, the advisories fell short of the explicit legal authorization that banking industry officials wanted in order to feel safely shielded from potential money-laundering prosecution. The banking industry largely agreed that it would require an act of Congress authorizing their involvement with the cannabis industry. Two years later, one of the top questions I receive is, “What’s the deal with the banking situation in the cannabis industry these days?” The current state of affairs in cannabis and banking is definitely a “good news/bad news” scenario. In early 2015, several banks in states like Washington and Colorado were working with the cannabis industry or announced their plans to do so. However, ultimately, they ended up pulling back because compliance with FinCen requirements was too time consuming and too expensive
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for the small institutions. Further, a survey conducted in December of 2015, by Marijuana Business Daily painted a grim landscape. The survey found that 60 percent of all cannabis companies currently do not have a banking relationship. With the highest percentage of companies without bank accounts, 81 percent to be exact, being those who work directly with the plant. Astoundingly, 49 percent of ancillary cannabis businesses are without bank accounts and these businesses are not even touching the plant! For those cannabis businesses lucky enough to secure a bank account, 22 percent of those companies pay $1,000 or more each month, with no guarantee their account won’t be closed by the financial institution. Another dismaying setback comes from Colorado. The state of Colorado chartered Fourth Corner Credit Union, which would allow the credit union to
“Two years later, one of the top questions I receive is, ‘What’s the deal with the banking situation in the cannabis industry these days?’”
acquire a bank routing number and to apply directly to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for a master account. This master account is needed in order to transact business. After an eight-month delay, the Federal Reserve denied the master account. In response, the Fourth Corner Credit Union filed a lawsuit asking the judge to grant it a master account. In January of 2016, U.S. District Judge R. Brooke Jackson made it clear that he would not be forcing the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City to grant the master account. When referencing the advisories issued by the Treasury Department and the DOJ, Judge Jackson stated, “These guidance documents simply suggest that prosecutors and bank regulators might ‘look the other way’ if financial institutions don’t mind violating the law.” In his nine-page opinion, Judge Jackson said that he was compelled to reject The Fourth Corner Credit Union’s suit because cannabis remains illegal under federal law. By now you must be wondering what the good news is, given the grim aforementioned information—we can also find good news right here on our own home turf. California State Board of Equalization Board Member Fiona Ma has quickly become a champion for our industry as she works hard to help legitimate cannabis businesses get access to banking. In July of 2015, Ma convened a meeting to focus on the challenges facing the cannabis industry in the banking arena. Industry experts gathered to discuss actual opportunities and recommendations for California. Ma has realized that the vast majority of cannabis businesses would be willing to pay their share of taxes but that a major roadblock in doing so is lack of access to banking services and financial institutions. Board Member Ma wants to encourage the industry to come out of the shadows and to become legal and that “until federal law changes, California has to step up.” Ma truly believes that California can regain cannabis leadership and one way it can accomplish that is to truly explore state-run banking options and ensure that any ballot initiative legalizing recreational use of cannabis in 2016 includes provisions that allow the state of California to establish a statechartered credit union for the cannabis industry pending federal action. c
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrate Available through: Alternative Patient Care in San Diego.
Quality Concentrates XJ-13 Nug Run Shatter This XJ-13 Nug Run Shatter from Alternative Patient Care is a seriously next-level concentrate. Tested by SC Labs at a whopping 84.68 percent THC and 0.17 percent CBD, this is a dabber’s dream. It is a beautiful deep amber color with impressive clarity. The aroma is very strong, piney and citrusy, with an outstanding concentrated XJ-13 flavor. Expect to be fully sedated both physically and cerebrally for at least an hour or so. The long lasting effects are ideal for patients in need of heavy, long lasting pain management.
Sour Sister This hearty and beautiful hybrid strain has excellent nug structure, with both dark and bright shades of green, and is completely covered with glistening trichomes. Its sweet, peppery, sour aroma is a delight, and its taste is savory and full flavored with a heavily sour citrus kick. The clean and smooth hit offers deep expansion, and leads to instant physical and mental relaxation, making the Sour Sister from California’s Kindest an ideal strain for both daytime and nighttime medicating.
Available through: California’s Kindest Delivery.
Available at: Green Lady in Chula Vista.
Super Gorilla Glue#4 We have been lucky enough to review some great Gorilla Glue strains in the past, and the sample of Super Gorilla Glue #4 from Chula Vista’s Green Lady is another shining example of California grown flowers. This potent hybrid gets its name of Glue because it does just that—it glues you to the couch or chair you are sitting in! Trichromes shine like diamonds on this sample. The flavor was distinctly Gorilla Glue and this sample tested at 30.6 percent THC, making it a strong earthy and pungent example of the strain. Make sure to check these guys out in South Bay and pick up some Super Gorilla Glue #4.
Gorilla Valley OG This indica-dominant hybrid is a mix of Gorilla Glue X Hero Valley. The bud structure is tight and dense with an overwhelming aroma. Flavors are spicy and earthy with a hint of almost fruity flavor on the back note. This hybrid gives an instant calming effect as you can feel your eyes sink into your skull. This sample, given to us by House of Dank, was a supreme example of a top shelf flower. It is great for patients looking for extreme pain-relief or needing help with sleep. This strain immediately puts you in an instant state of relaxation.
Available at: The House of Dank in San Diego.
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REVIEWs
POP Naturals CBD Gel Caps Modern medical cannabis doesn’t get much more professional this 420 than POP Naturals’ CBD Gel Caps—which look and function much like mainstream nutraceuticals. Each softgel contains 20mg of cannabis-derived CBD extracted with super-pure CO2 and no co-solvents or additives. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to reduce epileptic seizures in double blind placebo controlled human trials, and has many other uses. These softgels don’t have a cannabis odor, and are extremely high quality, pure and consistent. They go down tastelessly and begin to work in up to 90 minutes. The small amount of THC (3.35mg) doesn’t result in a heady effect, but rather provides pain-relief, nausea-reduction and other benefits. CBD is also used to manage inflammation from arthritis and muscle spasms.
Available at: Left Coast Collective in Pacific Beach and La Mesa.
Available wherever: POP Naturals products are carried.
Jesus OG by Unrivaled Meds This sativa-dominant hybrid from Left Coast Collective was grown in organic soil and tested at 29 percent THC. Its several shades of vibrant green leaves are complimented by plenty of bright red hairs, and dusted in shining trichomes. Being a cross of Jack the Ripper and Hells Angels OG, the piney scent of the Jack really shines through with a hint of fuel aroma coming from the Hell’s Angels OG as well. It has a mouthwatering flavor of pine and citrus, with a fuel-flavored undertone, and the exhale smells amazing. One hit is very expansive, and follows with a heady euphoric effect and full body relaxation.
Available at: ManKind Cooperative in San Diego.
ATF Alaskan Thunderf*ck (ATF) is a notoriously strong Sativa (29.97 percent THC, .07 percent CBD as tested by SC Labs), and this sample from ManKind Cooperative is no exception. Deep, dark emerald and jade green leaves alongside a large amount of orange hairs make for a stunning specimen. The density of these large nugs is impressive! The flavor profile is sweet and citrusy with a slight taste of licorice. The hit is powerful, with a nice, clean punch to the lungs and is super expansive. Immediately, the cerebral effects settle in, leading to a creative, thought provoking effect. The physical effects soon follow, making the ATF a very well-rounded strain that can be enjoyed by all cannabis patients.
Available at: Outliers Collective in El Cajon.
Northern Lights #5 A true classic, Northern Lights #5 from Outliers Collective offers ridiculously dense nuggets of deep emerald green color with auburn colored hairs that encompass a fresh, piney aroma. This NL #5 has an exquisite flavor that is earthy and piney, and a bit peppery on the exhale. The hit is incredibly expansive and clean, followed by cerebral euphoria and sedative physical relief. This strain is ideal for pain management and deep, restful sleep.
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REVIEWs
710 Kingpen Cali-O Made with Loud Pack extracts, the 710 Kingpen Cali-O from Point Loma Patients Consumer Cooperative is a High Times Cannabis Cup winner (2015) in the Best Vape Product category. It is a strikingly attractive honey color with a clean and sweet flavor that has a hint of an orange taste. It hits smooth and clean, and is not at all harsh. Patients will enjoy the instant cerebral effect and the long lasting pain relief. The Cali-O pen is perfect for quick, discreet medicating. A truly top shelf product.
Available at: Torrey Holistics in San Diego.
Available at: Point Loma Patients Consumer Cooperative in Point Loma.
Kush Co OG An enchanting forest green color with thick burgundy hairs and trichrome throughout, the Kush Co OG from Torrey Holistics is not only a beautiful specimen, it is the perfect example of what an OG should smell like— earthy, sour and with a hint of fuel. It also has that mouth-watering textbook OG flavor. It hits very smooth and clean, and testing at 27.28 percent THC, provides a quick head change with just a couple of hits. Its effects are cerebrally tranquil and physically sedative. It’s no surprise that the Kush Co. OG took 2nd place at the 2016 San Bernardino Cannabis Cup. It’s an all around A+ strain.
Available through: Citadel Alternative Care.
Platinum GDP Go ahead and treat yourself to something platinum this 420. Citadel Alternative Care in San Diego has Grand Daddy Purple-lovers covered with this cut of Platinum GDP. Our sample had GDP’s trademark, dark indica berry aroma and looked like a true classic example of the cut: Ample-sized, dense and purple-colored, with copious amounts of THC resin. Platinum GDP is an elemental strain in modern medical cannabis—the result of generations of selective breeding for aroma and potency. Grinding unlocked even more woody, candy-grape aroma and Platinum GDP smoked medium-bodied, sweet and delicious with a smooth finish. Patients are smoking or vaping hybrid indicas for instant relief of neuropathic pain as well as sleep assistance.
Available at: Royal Collective in Chula Vista.
Royal O.G. This amazing sample of Royal OG or otherwise known as Royal Kush comes to us from Royal Collective in Chula Vista. Royal OG is an indicadominant Hybrid, this one testing at over 21 percent THC by SC labs. The nose on this sample is deep and pungent and it fills the room after you pop the top of the container. The inhale is smooth but immediately expansive and the flavor is spicy with an almost pine back note, and it reeks of a true regal OG! This would be a great option for patients looking for pain-relief or relaxation as it is heavily sedative. Talk about couch-lock—this strain has it in Royal abundance!
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To www.iReadCulture.com
3. RYOT® Utility Tool
1. Dabsolute Concentrate Pen
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Hand crafted in America, the Dabsolute Concentrate Pen is guaranteed not to disappoint users. Its patented airflow and coil design is guaranteed to prevent the pen from clogging so you won’t have to get a replacement. Other features include its stainless steel body with high heat ceramic components that guarantee its lifetime warranty. Easy to use, the Dabsolute Concentrate Pen is attractive in design and will vaporize any wax, oil or shatter if battery wattage is adjusted accordingly. All one has to do to ensure the pen lasts a lifetime is clean the unit every so often and enjoy! PRICE: $150.00 MORE INFORMATION: thedabsolutepen.com
2. Mighty Fast Herbal Infuser Making cannabis-infused edibles doesn’t get any easier than using the Mighty Fast Herbal Infuser. In three easy steps, this convenient machine takes the guess work out of making cannabis extracts for all cooking needs. The Mighty Fast Herbal Infuser has three settings that allow users to determine how long they would like to infuse their base of choice, giving an accurate dosage each time. To make things easier, the infuser has a “Mighty Clean” setting, which does a pre-cleaning of the machine after each usage (some hand cleaning is required). Small and convenient, the Might Herbal Infuser is great for cannabis cooks at all levels of expertise. PRICE: $159.95 MORE INFORMATION: theherbalinfuser.com
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4
RYOT® has just released what many are calling the Swiss army knife of the 420 market—but technically it’s called the RYOT® Utility Tool. This new tool has everything a dabber or smoker needs. Whether it be poking, scraping, dabbing, scooping, cutting, grinding, drinking or anything where having the right tool makes all the difference. The hardened stainless steel lightweight construction can easily be carried around in your pocket and has a variety of useful essential tools for everyone. As an additional bonus, the tool comes with a slick silicone case with a built in wax storage jar. The RYOT® guys really thought this one through and there is no mistake this will soon be a cannasseur’s household item! MORE INFORMATION: www.volotrading.com
4. O.penVAPE 2.0 Variable Voltage Pen
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The innovative product development team at O.penVAPE is poised to shake up the market with the launch of their latest dynamic device. The new 2.0 Variable Voltage Battery allows consumers to suit their preferred taste and intensity of experience by changing voltage settings. The new multi-function battery enables selection from four different settings. They range from 2.5V-4.0V, and have a wax mode to use with your favorite concentrates, the variable voltage settings are designed for optimal performance with the original O.penVAPE cartridge, O.penVAPE Reserve and the newest Craft Reserve (debuting this month). The O.penVAPE 2.0 Variable Voltage battery pairs perfectly with each cartridge to provide the finest experience in vaping today. PRICE: $30.00 MORE INFORMATION: www.openvape.com
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REVIEWs
7. GLÓ™ Portable Dab Nail
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The Gló™ wireless electronic dab nail was designed by cannabis minded engineers to deliver a better concentrates experience. The compact fireless e-torch can heat to 600 degrees in mere seconds, so concentrates get vaporized with no direct flames or harmful petro-chemical residues. If you love concentrates, you should get to know Gló™. PRICE: $165.00 MORE INFORMATION: gloproduct.com
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8. The Adventurer water pipe by Strong Silicone 5. Delta 9 Vape Pen For all natural products made without butane or chemical extractions Delta 9 is the way to go. With a sleek design Delta 9 vape pens are small enough to fit in your pocket and come in a variety of 10 different flavors. Easily refillable, Delta 9 vape pen cartridges are disposable and each new cartridge comes with a new atomizer head, to ensure a smooth and consistent vape each time. FDA approved, Delta 9 offers an effective vaping experience with a variety of delicious flavors to choose from with each cartridge containing 400mg of THC with approximately 3.2mg of THC per puff. MORE INFORMATION: delta9.com
6. Haze Dual Vape 3 Allowing users to customize their vaping experience, Haze Dual Vape 3 has a variety of settings to choose from. With interchangeable mouthpieces, two different heat settings and impressive compatibility with dry herb, oils and concentrates, this vape pen is remarkable. An upgrade from the Haze Dual Vape 2.5, the Haze Dual Vape 3 has a more precise temperature regulation system, and dry herb canister with a stainless steel perforated lid that allows a better air flow and heat distribution. With its added features and upgrades from past designs, the Haze Dual Vape 3 is a great tool for beginners and experienced vapers. PRICE: $249.99 MORE INFORMATION: hazevaporizors.com
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This bendable, foldable, nearly unbreakable Strong Silicone water pipe is perfect for traveling, festivals or parties. The Adventurer is made from BPA free, non toxic, 100 percent FDA approved food grade silicone with a boro-silicate downstem and bowl. One of the best things about this water pipe is that the base suctions to any smooth surface. No more knocking your device over while you’re trying to load it. This gem comes in several colors, and they even have a brand new glow-in-the-dark model too, for extra fun! PRICE: $40+ MORE INFORMATION: www.strongsilicone.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
Getting High: Marijuana through the Ages John Charles Chasteen Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Working his way backward in time, author John Charles Chasteen takes an engaging look at cannabis’ global history, over the past 2,000 years. What feels like forbidden knowledge, Chasteen’s scholarly account of cannabis history is insightful and thorough, and dispels myths and misunderstandings about this controversial plant. He is able to place cannabis within larger historical patterns such as migration, colonialism and religion, and helps us understand a larger picture of how people have used cannabis most often as a spiritual, mind-expanding drug throughout our recorded human history. Regardless of your stance on cannabis, Getting High will give you a panoramic perspective on the history of this plant. (Alex Bradley)
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Release Date: April 5 Available on: Xbox One
MUSIC
GAME
Quantum Break Dev. Remedy Entertainment Pub. Microsoft Studios Quantum Break is a beautifully rendered third-person shooter that features a widely talented cast of actors. It boasts both a unique action-adventure plot, as well as a digital live-action series tie-in that coincides with the events of the story. After a time traveling experiment fails, time begins to break down at an alarming rate and during the chaos, the player must explore their newfound abilities that allow them to manipulate time in order to survive. Players can create a time shield that deflects bullets or instantly spawn at an enemy’s location for a melee takedown—the world is your timealtering oyster! (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
The Hateful Eight Double Feature Films Dir. Quentin Tarantino Quentin Tarantino’s films have always been shocking, challenging, controversial and have reintroduced many long forgotten film styles and genres of the past. It should come as no surprise that his latest film, The Hateful Eight, would continue the director’s love affair with popular genres of the past and showcase his affinity for vintage Westerns. The Hateful Eight tells the story of eight strangers taking refuge from a winter storm in a rural inn, and how their situation intensifies and unravels throughout the course of the blizzard. Including an all-star cast, The Hateful Eight is certainly not one to be missed. (Simon Weedn)
Post Pop Depression Iggy Pop Loma Vista Recordings What Iggy Pop and Josh Homme deliver with Post Pop Depression is an album of tunes that seem more influenced and pointed at Pop’s early, Bowie produced, solo material, which was artsy and a bit avantgarde while still having its feet firmly planted in pop and "motor city" rock and roll. The result is a record that seems to recall the past, yet still sounds fresh and contemporary, and doesn’t find itself basking in any type of nostalgia trip. If this is to be Pop’s final album, it is as solid, bold and different as anything we might expect. (Simon Weedn)
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Photos Š Jay Blakesberg Photography
erome John “Jerry” Garcia was a larger than life figure, the musical and spiritual leader of the Grateful Dead—a band so beloved that many fans devoted their lives to following them from show to show. And when he died, millions mourned as if they had lost a family member. Originating as the house band of the mid-‘60s San Francisco acid freak-out, the Grateful Dead built a cult following of stoners and vagabonds, flower children and closet
deadheads with day jobs. By the late 1980s, the travelling circus was so huge it could stop a city in its tracks. And Garcia was the driver, “Uncle Jerry” or “Captain Trips,” whose wildly improvisational guitar style melted the minds of generations of fans. He also shared his fans’ love of cannabis; when the house lights at a Dead show went down, the whole audience lit up. But it was heroin Garcia was battling when he checked himself into rehab after a summer 1995 tour. He died there of a heart attack at the age of 53. More than 20 years later, the music is as popular as ever, kept alive by a voluminous
online archive of concert recordings; surviving band members who have continued to tour in various incarnations; and dedicated fans who refuse to let go. Some 70,000 of them turned out in the summer of 2015 when the band played what was billed as their last show together, ever. CULTURE recently caught up with two of Garcia’s four children, Trixie, 40, who represents the Garcia family in the Grateful Dead organization; and Annabelle Garcia, 44, an artist and painter. They talked about the man behind the songs and why his music will never go away. >>
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What is your earliest memory of the Grateful Dead? Trixie: I suppose it was probably being surrounded by people dancing and spinning and hugging and stuff like that. I just remember a general air of festivity, just being in the crowd, seeing everybody you know, that kind of thing. Annabelle: It’s probably my very first memory period. I have a memory of being held in my mom’s arms and looking out over an audience and my dad on stage, so probably like one year old. What was it like to go to the concerts, to see the way people revered your father and his music? Trixie: It made Jerry uncomfortable, the way some people fixated on him. To me, I was always fascinated . . . I used to just sit on the side of the stage and watch the peoples’ faces, watch them go through the motions of a song or I’d find that one person who is really dancing their heart out and just be amazed by how free they were, how expressive they were, and how enraptured they were. How did Jerry balance the constant touring and spending time with his family? Trixie: I don’t know that he did a great job of balancing
From left to right: Mountain Girl AKA Carolyn Adams, Trixie Garcia, Sunshine Kesey and Annabelle Garcia
those things. It was kind of a given that music was his life. That is his purpose. That is his thing and I never really held it against him, for being on the road, because I didn’t really know any different. He wasn’t a perfect person. He was very human and I think he was so exhausted when he got off the road he had to rest for a while. Annabelle, at his funeral you called him “a great American but a shitty father.” Annabelle: He was a shitty father but he was also my best friend. He never made me brush my teeth or do
Uncle Jerry’s Story 1942 August 1 – Jerome John Garcia is born in San Francisco, CA to Jose Ramon “Joe” Garcia and Ruth Marie “Bobbie” Garcia, joining older brother Clifford “Tiff” Ramon.
1947 Spring – A wood chopping accident with his older brother at the Garcia family cabin causes Jerry
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to lose much of the middle finger on his right hand at the age of five.
Winter Jerry’s father drowns while on a fishing trip. 1950 Jerry and Tiff
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move to live with their maternal grandparents for five years. It is during this time that he explores his creativity and begins playing the five-string banjo.
He sacrificed pretty much everything to keep playing, because that’s what he understood best. my homework, none of that. He was like the most killer friend you could have as a kid growing up. He never wanted to sell himself as a great father, like, “Who am I to tell you what
to do, kid?” He just could not be a parent in that way. Jerry has been called a workaholic when it came to music. Do you agree? Annabelle: Completely dedicated to the task. He sacrificed pretty much everything to keep playing because that’s what he understood best. He wasn’t really cut out to be anything else other than this creative exultation of music and spirit. It’s pretty awesome on that level. He’s my dad but he’s also this positive force for so many other people that you kind of separate the two in your head a bit. >>
to his disappointment. He exchanges it for an electric guitar and amplifier, and his stepfather soon introduces him to an open-tuning style.
over his hobby of painting and drawing.
1962
1960 April – Jerry enlists in the U.S. Army at age 17.
1957 August 1 – On his 15th birthday, Jerry receives an accordion,
December – Jerry is discharged from the Army on the basis of “lack of suitability to the military lifestyle.”
1961 February 20 – Jerry narrowly survives a major car accident, which he cites as a “slingshot for the rest of [his] life.” This revelation causes him to choose the guitar
Spring – Jerry and Phil Lesh meet during a party in Menlo Park. Phil later suggests recording one of Jerry’s performances to broadcast on local radio station KPFA. The recording lead to a 90-minute special broadcast, “The Long Black Veil and Other Ballads: An Evening with Jerry Garcia.”
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It’s no secret that cannabis was everywhere at Dead shows. Did your parents try to shelter you from it? Trixie: No, not at all . . . I was sheltered from hard drugs, cocaine and heroin and stuff like that, but not from cannabis. And drunk people were definitely not welcome around the scene. Annabelle: We were rolling weed when we were kids because little tiny fingers could clean up stems and seeds better. Every kid I grew up with, we all have the skill of digging the seeds out, which is a lost skill nowadays. I have very fond memories of the smell of weed, everything about marijuana. My mom wrote the first book about how to grow at home, called The Primo Plant, and we were part of her experimental garden, so it was totally 100 percent with us our whole lives.
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How do you think he’d feel about it being sold legally in stores? Trixie: He’d be amazed. It’s such a huge deal for everybody who watched their friends spend their lives in prison for an ounce or whatever . . . There are so many things Jerry would be delighted about these days and weed for the people is definitely one of them. Annabelle: He was a firm believer in using cannabis and our culture to kind of further his own ability to explore the guitar. It was a huge part of how they got to where they were . . . It was one of the reasons he decided to have fun instead of becoming a really square, normal person. He got turned on early and realized there was a more positive way to get things done than the grind. I think weed in general was kind of the seed for all of that. >>
There are so many things Jerry would be delighted about these days and weed for the people is definitely one of them.
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1963 Spring – Jerry and Sara Ruppenthal form Jerry & Sara. They marry later that same year.
perform their first show as the house band at a Ken Kesey Acid Test in San Jose, CA.
1966 Jerry joins the Zodiacs formed by Bill Kreutzmann, with Ron “Pigpen” McKernan and Troy Weidenheimer.
Annabelle Garcia and Jerry Garcia
How do you explain the Dead’s popularity more than 20 years after Jerry’s death? Trixie: I think there’s just something timeless about the music they composed and played. Hopefully going forward, like a fine wine, it’s just going to become more and more special as time goes on. The whole Baby Boomer generation, this is the music of their lives and everyone is trying to reconnect with that time when they felt connected with something, a bigger picture, and that’s why the Grateful Dead has such an enduring legacy. Annabelle: I met so many amazing 18-year-old kids last year at shows . . . and I ask them, “How did you come across the Grateful Dead? You’ve got tattoos? You’re only 18.” And they say it’s the one thing that made them feel like they belong somewhere. The fact that it still has that value is really humbling to be a part of on our end. How did it feel to see so many people come together to celebrate the legacy of Jerry and the Dead (at last year’s concert?) Annabelle: I had a great time. It was amazing, incredibly sentimental and overwhelming on too many levels I can’t even put into words. I was sad at first, and by the end of it I was so happy with this incredible spirit 42
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that was going on with the crowd . . . Here’s 70,000 people having this incredible moment together and it’s hard not to tear up talking about it. Jerry’s guitar style has been credited with helping to create an entire genre of music, jam rock. Do you see that as his greatest musical legacy? Trixie: That’s definitely a thing. But he was composing. His playing style was amazing and he wrote that music. We have (The Jerry Garcia Symphony Tour) and we’ve orchestrated a lot of the music Jerry and (lyricist Robert) Hunter composed and it’s fabulous with an orchestra and it really makes me appreciate Jerry as a composer and to think about what he might have accomplished had he lived longer and branched out, done more jazzy stuff, symphonic stuff. Annabelle: That’s the kind of stuff that will get you shot on some corners of HaightAshbury (Laughs). On one hand, he was a great improvisational guy. He was out there. On the other hand he wrote some of the most amazing guitar riffs, perfect power pop songs. He’s part of this gigantic cultural movement . . . I don’t think we’re going to know for a few hundred years his true impact, or this band’s impact. >>
Fall – Jerry forms The Black Mountain Boys with friends David Nelson and Eric Thompson.
December 8 – Daughter, Heather, is born to Jerry and Sara.
1964 Spring – Jerry joins Bob Weir, Pigpen McKernan, Dave Parker, Tom Stone and Dave Garbett as Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions.
October – Jerry and the rest of the band move into a communal house on Ashbury Street in San Francisco, CA. It becomes a fixture on the local music scene, and provides free concerts throughout the year and a half they all lived there. This leads to the Grateful Dead performing more free concerts than any other band in history.
December Jerry starts dating Carolyn Adams, also known as Mountain Girl, after she breaks off her marriage to George Walker, a member of the Merry Pranksters.
1969
1965 May 5 – Jerry joins Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Pigpen McKernan and Bob Weir to perform first gig as The Warlocks at Magoo’s Pizza in Menlo Park, CA.
December 4 – The Warlocks change their name to Grateful Dead, and
May – Jerry enters his “pedal steel flirtation period,” which continues through to 1974. During this time he records one of the best known steel solos on Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Teach Your Children.”
August 7 – Jerry joins New Riders of the Purple Sage, and continues to be a member of the band until November 1971.
August 23 – Jerry appears on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine for the first of 12 total covers.
1970 January 20 – Jerry records his only solo electric guitar performance at MGM Studios in Los Angeles, CA, for the movie Zabriskie Point.
February 2 – Mountain Girl gives birth to Garcia’s second daughter, Annabelle Walker Garcia.
September 7 – The band Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders is formed.
1973 March 2 - Jerry performs with John Kahn, David Grisman, Peter Rowan and Richard Green as Old & in the Way, for the first time, at the Record Plant in Sausalito, CA.
1974 April 20 – Jerry joins Richard Green, David Grisman, Taj Mahal and David Nichtern as The Great American String Band, and make their debut performance at the Pilgrimage Theater in Hollywood, CA.
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thing. Just a hilarious person. He could’ve been a great stand-up comedian. Trixie: He had this way of kind of not giving a f*ck and also being like really happy and amused about it. He was always finding the joke, finding the way to make it not heavy. It was just nice to be around him. He was also a great artist. He also innovated all these business models for the music industry, with free shows, and (audience) recording. It’s a large impact he’s had in our culture.
Lauren Parish, Trixie Garcia, Jerry Garcia and Steve Parish
How do you remember him best, as the father, the guitar player, the friend? Annabelle: The father, for sure, the giggler, the sly chuckler. He could crack a joke in under point-zero seconds and devastate anyone with the most hilarious joke you ever heard, yet with a benevolent smile. The smile is the first
September 21 Mountain Girl gives birth to Garcia’s third daughter, Theresa Adams “Trixie” Garcia. 1975 January 23 – Legion of Mary, consisting of Jerry, Merl Saunders, John Kahn, Martin Fierro and Ron Tutt, hold their first public performance at Sophie’s in Palo Alto.
August 5 – Jerry performs under the name Jerry Garcia Band for the first time, alongside John Kahn, Nicky Hopkins and Ron Tutt at Keystone in Berkeley, CA.
1977 November 5 – Jerry appears in the movie
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Were you worried about his declining health in his last years? Trixie: We were all worried and I’d hear stories from the road about how bad he looked and it was progressing, but what do you do? . . . Drugs are bad. Heroin and coke are bad news. Stick with your psychedelics and weed. Annabelle: We would have interventions and he would promise to be better and he would try. He just wasn’t into accepting how bad he felt or how sick he was. I certainly witnessed a whole lot of pain out there on the road because those years were his declining health years. Then he got the reprieve after his coma (in 1986) and had this amazing rebirth. Then I think he kind of gave
Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
a near-fatal diabetic coma for five days, after which he has to relearn the guitar.
1979 January 30 – Reconstruction, featuring Jerry, John Kahn, Merl Saunders, Ed Neumeister, Ron Stallings and Gaylord Birch, make their first public appearance at The Keystone in Berkeley, CA.
1980 December 31 – Jerry and Mountain Girl marry.
1982 April 13 – Jerry and Bob Weir appear for the first time on Late Night with David Letterman.
April 21 – Jerry Garcia & John Kahn is formed.
December 15 – The Grateful Dead return to performing five months after Jerry emerges from his coma.
1987 Named in tribute to Jerry, ice cream-makers Ben & Jerry’s release Cherry Garcia.
March – Jerry records a number of radio commercials for Levi’s 501 jeans.
1986 July 10 – Jerry lapses into
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March 17 – The Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band
up after that. He’d been through a lot, health-wise. He really wasn’t as strong as everyone seemed to think. He was kind of a frail guy. After Jerry’s death, there was a great outpouring of grief, public gatherings in cities around the country and world. What does that say about how Jerry and his music impacted people? Trixie: People still come up to me and cry about how much they miss Jerry, 20 years later. He meant more to many people then their own families, for whatever reason, for that experience they had with him in the audience that one time, or whatever it was, these deep emotional connections. It’s overwhelming how deeply connected the fans are. Do you find yourself comforting fans or do you cry together? Trixie: We cry together . . . I’m helping to help manage Jerry’s legacy so I’m trying to desensitize myself with exposure, so I can enjoy a concert without crying, which is very difficult for me. But I went to see Prince last night and I cried there too, so maybe it’s just not a Grateful Dead thing. c
makes their first public appearance at The Fillmore during a benefit concert for Artists Rights Today.
February 14 – Jerry and Deborah Koons marry on Valentine’s Day in Sausalito, CA.
December 20 – Jerry’s partner, Manasha, gives birth to his youngest daughter, Keelin Noel Garcia.
1990 December 17 – Jerry and David Grisman perform together for the first time publicly at Sweetwater in Mill Valley, CA.
1994 January 19 – The Grateful Dead is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1995 August 9 – Jerry passes away at Serenity Knolls Treatment Center in Forest Knolls, CA, at age 53.
August 13 – Jerry is celebrated by 25,000 friends and family at a public memorial in Golden Gate Park. Memorial spans the nation as people all over mourn his passing.
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CU LT U R E 420
The Most Wonderful Day of the Year
Cannabis is like my cup of coffee in the morning and my shot of whiskey at night. It keeps me groovin throughout the day. -Malia
Our cannabis culture is expanding to new heights every day. It is crossing borders and boundaries, and shaping into a global cannabis community and thriving industry. Our nation is changing the way cannabis is viewed all over the world, as we explore all that cannabis has to offer us. The growing cannabis culture is helping local and national economies, families and people suffering. Our canna-community is vast, and our diversity is great. On this, the most wonderful day of the year, let us celebrate our culture, our community and our cannabis. Have a safe and happy 420!
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p h o t o b y E r i c F owler
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CU LT U R E 420
Your Ultimate 420 Party Playlist Let the Good Times Roll
A
p arty just isn’t a party without good tunes, so we’ve set up the best arrangement of upbeat cannabis-related music to act as the soundtrack for your ultimate 420 bash. With an awesome selection of musicians hailing from multiple genres (not to discredit the songs that didn’t make the cut), this list is bound to keep your party bouncing from start to finish. Get down with Snoop Dogg, kick it old school with Bob Marley and sway to the mood of every cannabis-inspired song in between. >>
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Scan this QR code to get our Spotify playlist
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CU LT U R E 420 “Young, Wild and Free”
“Legalize It”
“I Am the Walrus”
by Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars
by Peter Tosh
by The Beatles
“Can’t Feel My Face”
“Because I Got High”
“Doses & Mimosas”
by The Weeknd
by Afroman
by Cherub
“You Don’t Know How it Feels”
“Joke”
“Sail”
by Tom Petty
by Chastity Belt
by AWOLNATION
“New Americana”
“Kaya”
“Rainy Day Women #12 & 35”
by Halsey
by Bob Marley
by Bob Dylan
“How High”
“How to Roll a Blunt”
“Light My Fire”
by Method Man, Redman
by Redman
by The Doors
“Blow Dumb”
“Don’t Step on the Grass”
“One Toke Over the Line”
by NoBunny
by Steppenwolf
by Brewer and Shipley
“We Be Burnin”
“High By The Beach”
“I Like Marijuana”
by Sean Paul
by Lana Del Rey
by David Pee l
“The Next Episode”
“Marijuana”
“Summer Mood”
by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg
by Kid Cudi
by Best Coast
“Goodbye”
“Hits from the Bong”
“Nip Slip”
by Best Coast
by Cypress Hill
by Chastity Belt
“Sweet Leaf”
“Smoke Two Joints”
“Pass the Koutchie”
by Black Sabbath
by Sublime
by Might Diamonds
“Habits (Stay High)” by Tove Lo
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CU LT U R E 420
I enjoy cannabis because it enhances the moment with good friends and good weather in America’s finest city. -Josue
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p h o t o b y E r i c F owler
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Hollywood Goes Green Your 2016 Cannabis Entertainment Forecast
Get a Job comedy
FILM The big screen has always been a big supporter of cannabis. Every generation has their cannabis films. The ’70s brought us Cheech and Chong. The ’80s saw younger kids achieve a whole new high with films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Revenge of the Nerds. The ’90s made it cool in films like Friday, Dazed and Confused and Clerks. The new millennium brought with it broader acceptance and an influx of films like Harold and Kumar, Pineapple Express and Ted. So what does the near future hold?
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Meet the Blacks comedy
A coming-ofage tale starring Anna Kendrick and Miles Teller. March
A spoof of The Purge films starring Michael Epps. April
Super Troopers 2
Welcome to Sparkeyville
comedy
The hilarious Vermont state troopers from the 2001 film are back in this sequel. 2016
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comedy
An anti-cannabis Senator wakes up in an alternate universe where everyone smokes cannabis. 2016
Everybody Wants Some comedy
The spiritual successor to Dazed and Confused about college kids dealing with the freedoms and responsibilities of adulthood. April
Midnight Delight comedy
A group of characters in a smoking lounge get into hilarious antics over conversations with total strangers. 2016
CU LT U R E 420
by David Edmundson
C
annabis has always been a popular trope to mine for comedy gold and tragic woes in film and television. While “stoner” films have thrived as part of a counter culture, where the illegality of cannabis made it more appealing, nowadays the cannabis landscape is significantly different. With a growing number of states legalizing cannabis, it is becoming more acceptable, and thus more lucrative. There’s an old adage in Hollywood, if there is money to be made, there are producers looking to cash in. Here is what can we expect of cannabis in pop culture this year.
Sausage Party comedy
Bad Santa 2 comedy
Seth Rogen stars as an animated sausage on a quest to discover the truth about his existence. August
A new adventure with Santa impersonator Willie Stokes. November
Strain Wise
Boulder Budzz
thriller
Shawn Phillips struggles to survive the dangers of becoming the kingpin of America’s legalized cannabis market, at least long enough to save his family, his fortune and his own life. 2016
comedy
A burnt out cannabis dealer struggles with medical cannabis, the lady of his dreams and long arm of the law. 2016
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CU LT U R E 420
420 Edition
TV If the big screen has embraced cannabis for comedic fodder, the small screen typically used it as a cautionary tale. Many episodes of Law and Order began or ended with an anticannabis message. But in 2016, new cannabis acceptance may bring new opportunities. It looks like networks are stepping over each other to have their share of the proverbial pie.
Here are the top 10 cannabis films to watch this 4/20 on Netflix.
10 Kid Cannabis
9
Highland dramedy
Margaret Cho is forced to move in with her dysfunctional family who now runs a cannabis dispensary. Amazon
Super High Me
8 Trailer Park Boys: The Movie
7
Buds comedy
Parks & Recreation’s Adam Scott stars in a show about the day-to-day operations of a dispensary. NBC
Wet Hot American Summer
6 Scary Movie
High Maintenance
5
comedy
Follow a cannabis deliveryman called “The Guy” as he delivers cannabis to clients in New York City. HBO
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
4 Dude, Where’s My Car?
Kevin Smith’s Hollyweed comedy
3
Two cannabis users do battle with a cookie magnate in a Los Angeles dispensary. TBD
Half Baked
2 Untitled Chuck Lorre’s Cannabis Comedy
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
comedy
The Big Bang Theory creator is developing a comedy that takes place in a Colorado dispensary. TBD
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1 Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke
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CU LT U R E 420
I love cannabis because it helps me relax after a long day. And it’s my natural remedy. -Ashley Marie
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CU LT U R E 420
420 Celebration Cake INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
CAKE:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray.
2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking powder 11/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon espresso powder 1 cup milk 3/4 cup cannabis-infused vegetable oil t 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the cake, add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a standing mixer. Whisk through to combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well. Add milk, infused oil, eggs and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter. Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 3035 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
3/4 cup boiling water Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: 3/4 cup butter 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder 5 1/3 cups confectioners sugar
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and let cool completely. To make the frosting, cream butter light and fluffy. Stir in the cocoa and confectioners’ sugar alternately with the milk and vanilla. Beat to a spreading consistency.
2/3 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Frost cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, and enjoy with friends! c
t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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California Cannabis Policy Reform The Ballot Measure Rundown by Sean Donahoe
Twenty years after the medical cannabis was approved by voters with the passage of Proposition 215, Californians are going to be asked (again) to take the next big leap, to legalize the adult use of cannabis. The stage was indisputably set by the ground-breaking Proposition 19 six years ago, which earned more votes than the Republican candidate for Governor but came up short at the ballot
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box due to a spooked political class, low youth turnout and an unconvinced cannabis industry. After moving the ball forward, four states and D.C. have since legalized, with four to seven states currently slated for legalizing recreational this year, and two or more slated to pass medical cannabis ballot measures. With the strong promise of legalization of cannabis in California over the past few years, a total of 19 state ballot initiatives were created, all with
the intent of giving California its best chance at a fairly legalizing cannabis. As time passed, initiatives slowly dropped from the race to legalize— currently leaving us with only four more initiatives fighting for your vote. 2016 will be a very, very big year for cannabis policy reform, and the remaining initiatives are California’s last hope in creating a better future for cannabis. Here’s a breakdown of the remaining initiatives and what they’re bringing to the table. >>
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Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) (15-0103) This is the “consensus” ballot measure, also known as the Control Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Initiative, drafted and funded by Sean Parker and Weedmaps’ Justin Hartfield, and promoted by the Drug Policy Alliance and the Marijuana Policy Project, which can now claim a broad coalition has backed it (after amendments were accepted). This ballot measure is 62 pages long and funded by national organizations, high net worth individuals and also supported by the California Cannabis Industry Association.
Pro: Professionally managed, this measure gives the best-funded chance for allowing businesses to receive adult use licenses. It allows for private use for adults over 21, and claims it is “the toughest regulations of any adult-use marijuana proposal submitted to date—in the interests of protecting children and preventing diversion to the illegal market.”
Con: Creates the potential for different standards throughout California, allows cities and counties to set local bans without a vote of the people, and transporting or gifting more than an ounce would remain a criminal offense. Allows for single corporate entities to hold all license types and be fully vertically integrated. Taxation at multiple levels may discourage consumers from leaving the illicit market.
Find out more at: www.letsgetitrightca.org
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Marijuana Control Legalization Revenue Act (MCLR) (15-0120) The MCLR, aka California Marijuana Control, Legalization and Revenue Initiative, was initially crafted in an “open source” manner as an editable-byanyone Google Doc which went through revision after revision for three years, as various policy concepts were studied by grassroots activists, reformers and small business supporters. The ultimate work product of these efforts, however, resulted in Version 7.0 being a streamlined legalization language with a one-page signature form to print at home, collect five signatures, and then mail back to the campaign.
Pro: Would legalize for adults over 21 and create a statewide set of standards for adult use cannabis and its cultivation, manufacture, sales and usage. Would not allow local governments to ban cannabis activities without a local vote of the people. Implementation would be left to the legislature.
Con: Run by political outsiders, it is still unclear where funding to gather signatures and pay for the campaign will come from, unclear whether this generally more permissive language will encourage increased opposition spending. Implementation would be left to the legislature.
Find out more at: MCLR.us
ReformCA (15-0075) This is a ballot measure developed by the board, staff and hired consultants of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy Reform after two years of town hall meetings, stakeholder outreach and public opinion polling. Oaksterdam University Chancellor Dale Sky Jones and NAACP chair Alice Huffman, among other notable supporters, are proponents for this initiative. In late 2015, a majority of the board members split from ReformCA and individually endorsed AUMA. However, despite that fact, this initiative is technically still in the running. No documentation confirms that ReformCA has given up hope just yet.
Pro: Would legalize for adults over 21 and create a statewide set of standards for adult use cannabis and its cultivation, manufacture, sales and usage. Would not allow local governments to ban cannabis activities without a local vote of the people. More reasonable taxation policies to encourage small businesses.
Con: This organization did not gain support from national reform organizations or their significant donors. It was unable to implement its small donor fundraising strategy, and did not receive significant backing from grassroots activists or cannabis industry leaders. It may or may not continue its journey to November ballot.
Find out more at: ReformCA.com
California Cannabis Hemp Initiative (15-0050) Roughly speaking, this is the “free the weed” measure supported by purists, some grassroots activists, and a loose coalition of decadeslong supporters. This measure is affectionately known as The Jack Herer Initiative, the Marijuana and Hemp Legalization Initiative, or simply CCHI, and is inspired by Jack Herer and other vanguard activists. Although it has received much less favor by potential voters in comparison to competing initiatives, it is still in the running, and is currently working on collecting signatures up until April 20.
Pro: Would create the least restrictions regarding cannabis and would liberate those incarcerated for cannabis offenses. The initiative’s longevity and legacy of activism is impressive, and it should be applauded for the honesty and truth of its vision.
Con: CCHI has not presented its passion for cannabis legalization in a way that allowed it to gain notable followers of the general public, unlike its competitors. Was unable to successfully promote previous older versions of the initiative, and failed to reach the ballot multiple times in the past. It may or may not continue its journey to November ballot.
Find out more information: cchi2016.org
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IF YOU GO WHAT: California Roots Music and Arts Festival. WHEN/WHERE: Fri, May 27-Sun, May 29. Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairgrounds Rd., Monterey, 93940. INFO:
Bringing Music and Art to Monterey California Roots Music Festival If there’s one festival to look forward to attending this year, it’s the California Roots Music and Art Festival 2016 (Cali Roots). Whether you’re a cannabis lover or just in love with great music, this festival has been all about positive vibes, music and fun since its inaugural year in 2013. Since then, the festival has continued to grow in size, even adding a live stream for Cali Roots lovers around the world who can’t attend in person. This year, the festival will be just as spectacular, giving festivalgoers tons of entertaining activities to engage in as it works with nonprofit organizations to spread the positive energy and oneness inspired by music. Since its first year, Cali Roots has done its best to provide fans with some of the best up and coming and headlining musical acts. This year’s festival will include a stellar line-up with performers like Pepper,
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Damien Marley, Atmosphere, Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Tribal Seeds and so many more hitting the stage over the weekend. Although music is the main reason fans come to Cali Roots each year, the festival also offers a ton of accommodations that add to its welcoming vibe. Working with the non-profit environment and social awareness organization, REVERB, Cali Roots will be offering free water refill stations to help fans stay hydrated throughout the day (fans can bring their own refillable water bottle or donate $15 for one that will go towards environmental and social organizations associated with the festival). Cali Roots has also teamed up with Sierra Nevada Brewing to give festivalgoers access to Hoppy Roots IPA. Not only is this beer exclusive to Cali Roots, it contains less alcohol by content, creating a tasty
Photos by Josue Rivas
Tickets are $85+, for more information visit californiarootsfestival.com.
and responsible drinking experience for beer lovers. In between the countless awesome musical performances, fans are invited to enjoy live painting sessions and scope out secret performances, accessible only with the help of the Cali Roots mobile app. Not to mention that when the festival is done for the day, attendees can enjoy after-parties and the fest’s “After Dark Lounge” to keep the party going. It’s a comfy spot for festivalgoers to relax in after a long day in the sun and will include comfy pillows, tea service, LED/Fire dancers and more! Cali Roots is a pretty big deal, and it’s well-known for going above and beyond to create a positive, warm and exciting experience for fans. Because of this, Cali Root’s popularity continues to double each year, with tickets selling out many weeks in advance. This is that “what are you waiting for?” moment where you should immediately order tickets to this year’s hottest festival! c
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culture growing
Testing The Varieties: Part 3 The plants have been flowering since February 18, but they have another three to five weeks before they ripen. There are several reasons why ripening has been delayed by a few weeks. First, this area has had multiple weeks of mostly cloudy or rainy weather, limiting the amount of light the plants received as compared with what they receive on sunny days. Even in the low light months of February or March. Secondly, about three weeks into flowering the lighting schedule failed due to a mal-functioning timer. The plants received two to four extra hours of light each day for five days. This probably delayed ripening for 10 to 12 days. The plants were started in a tent with a four-by-four-foot canopy but were moved into the greenhouse four weeks ago because they were outgrowing their quarters. The move doubled the canopy size to four-by-eight-feet. They have filled that space too, but they have stopped growing larger and are concentrating their energy on flowering. The greenhouse receives light only from the top and the front. The other sides are building walls. To supplement the natural light two 1000-Watt HPS lamps switch on from 10a.m. to 4p.m. One is on a light
TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED®
When the buds are near ripening there are a few advantages to keeping the temperature high day and night. With CO2 enrichment the plants grow fastest and yield the most when the top leaves have a surface temperature of about 85 degrees. During the dark period lower the temperature by 10 degrees. The high temperatures are above the preferred range for both powdery mildew and botrytis so an attack is much less likely to occur.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/ copyright holder.
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mover and the other is attached to the back wall to light the darker back part of the greenhouse. There are 35 plants in the garden. Each is a different variety. All were purchased as clones from local dispensaries. Each plant has just less than two square feet of space, a square measuring almost 18 inches per side. The purpose of the experiment is to get an idea in miniature of how each variety would perform if it had more space and time to develop into a larger plant. To do this, I forced the plants to flower when they were still small, only 10 days after they had been transplanted into six-inch containers. The lighting was switched from being on continuously to a split cycle of 12 hours on and 12 hours of darkness. Almost all varieties start to flower when they receive a minimum of 10 to 11 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily. Since the plants are close to one another, the sides of the plants and the understory leaves and branches don’t get much light. Since light powers both the plant’s growth and its metabolism, these parts don’t contribute to the plant’s growth. Instead they use energy produced by the canopy to fuel their metabolism, and they hinder the free flow of air between the plants. Removing them, which I did for this article, helps the plants by easing crowding, facilitating airflow and lessening the energy load nonproductive parts use. Save all the leaves from the pruning process and run them through the juicer to make a healthy drink. Some people use the fresh leaves as medicine for debilitating chronic medical conditions. At the end of this experiment I will have an idea of each variety’s morphology, the amount of space it requires, its yield, the quality of the bud and its cannabinoids and terpenes. c
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The greenhouse. Besides the 35 experimental plants, six plants that were living outdoors to get an early start on the summer have taken up temporary residence to stay out of the rain. april 2016 iReadCULTURE.com
The plants in the garden before pruning away the lower branches.
After pruning the air flows freely and the plants have a bit more space.
Five of the varieties being tested; THC Bomb, Sour Diesel, Kosher Kush, Sunset Sherbet and Purple Urkle.
Young bud of Sour Diesel close-up.
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iReadCulture.com
GET YOUR CLICKS
growing
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Photo by Andrey Bayda
How to Plan for a Spring Trip to Australia’s Nimbin A trip to Nimbin during Australia’s tropical version of autumn (our spring months) is still filled with '60s hippie culture gone wild as well as some of Australia's most relaxing and breathtaking natural adventures. Plus, now is the time when cannabis enthusiasts all over the world gear up for Nimbin’s annual MardiGrass Festival, which will be held this year from April 30-May 1. The two-day festival is replete with events like the Nimbin Cannabis Cup, the Hemp Olympix, a protest rally complete with
Nimbin has few accommodations, so planning ahead is essential during festival time especially. More and more visitors are opting for private rooms or entire mountain forest or beachside cottages via Airbnb rather than B&Bs near town. 1
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“ganja faeries” and nightly musical entertainment. While the days of drinking a flat white with a slice of cake and openly smoking at Nimbin’s Hemp Bar may be over for now (after an infamous police raid several years back), the toking continues in private. Still, the ability to stock up on vacay stash in Nimbin any time of year is rather simple these days (quietly ask around town or enlist aide at the Nimbin Hemp Embassy). Day trippers and vacationers flock to Nimbin and the surrounding countryside for easy-to-score
cannabis, the village’s eclectic hippie-frontier vibe and the natural beauty of this place, which is ringed by mountain forests and lush valleys while nearly empty, pristine shoreline is but an hour’s drive away. Don’t just think Nimbin is some New Age Nirvana. The central village has attracted a nefarious drug culture in the past decade or two so visitors must be on their toes. Truly, Nimbin is a fun, cheap and mostly safe way for cannabis-seeking travelers to explore all of the delights of New South Wales’ northernmost country lifestyle. c
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by Sheryll Alexander
april 2016 iReadCULTURE.com
Hiking upstream to a fresh water river’s deep pond and then spending time swimming and sunning is a favorite pastime of outbackers in Australia. Nimbin is surrounded by some of the country’s best “holes” such as Dalwood Falls, Marom Falls, Tosha Falls and Killen Falls. 2
Time to Go: Spring Weather: Warm with high humidity and nearly constant rainfall. Budget: $$$$$
if you go: Australia’s Parliament finally made an amendment to its Narcotic Drugs Act on February 24 to allow for legally growing of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes. Pro-cannabis proponents called it a “historic day,” however, what happens next for MMJ patients is rather murky. So, buying, growing and consuming cannabis are still illegal as of today. Nimbin is quite the exception as this faraway tropical town was literally built as a pot paradise. Ever since a crackdown in 2008, the good ol’ days of lighting up inside cafes and outside on the frontier-style sidewalks are gone. In addition, a very unfortunate fire in 2014 took out the city’s priceless cultural artifacts at the Nimbin Museum. Fortunately, the free-wheeling spirit of the original hippie village remains and is resparked every year during the city’s high-flying MardiGrass Festival.
culture growing
Douglas Szklarski
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Age: 51 Condition/Illness: Disease in the spine, arthritis, carpal tunnel, chronic migraines, cholesterol issues, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, and other issues. Using Medical Cannabis since: 2007
Why did you start using cannabis? The pills weren’t working and someone brought me a joint in 2007—and afterwards, I realized I wasn’t in any pain. I was using cannabis as a subsidy because of cost and didn’t use it full-time until the VA threw me in the psych ward for three days, claiming that I said I wanted to commit suicide, which was a result of all of the pills I was taking. Cannabis has restored me—you can take care of anything by smoking the herb, but the true healing power comes from the oils. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Pills like vicodin, methadone, shock therapy, creams, lotions— my skin was so sensitive. The balance in my body was totally off because of the medical treatments, and my body is finally
getting back some kind of balance now—it feels pretty good. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The most important issue is that cannabis should be legalized across the country. No more of this hiding and telling lies. So, the big thing is having people being taught how to properly use cannabis, grow cannabis and be able to heal from cannabis, because it’s going to take the medical field about five to 10 years to catch up. The high CBD plants just do a wonderful job. I think that when people complain about plant counts in people’s homes—I look at them as heroes, especially for our veterans. What do you say to folks that are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Look at the research— what they are doing with research now is phenomenal. The truth is finally coming out, but there is still a lot of negativity. There are too many toxicities out there for us—that’s why a variety of cannabis works, because our body builds up an immunity to it. I need 16-20 different strains of cannabis to help my various ailments. c
Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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Savoring the Season of Spring
Seared Salmon with Pea Puree Brown CannaButter Asparagus Arugula Bruschetta
recipes by Laurie Wolf photography by Bruce Wolf
April is a lovely time of year for eating seasonally. Asparagus, peas, baby arugula and wonderful wild salmon—no heavy sauces required. Let’s let the freshness and flavor of these natural ingredients shine through this spring. We suggest a teaspoon of canna-butter or canna-oil per person, going for a dose of about 10 percent THC. The CBD percent is your call. There seems to be no question that those two cannabinoids, along with lots of others, can work wonders on what ails you. Less is more, and have fun.
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Seared Salmon with Pea Puree
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Ingredients 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil t 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 sprigs of thyme 8 scallions, trimmed, halved and cut in thin strips
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2 cups fresh peas (or 10-ounce package frozen) 2 tablespoons plain yogurt 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon canola oil 4 6-ounce pieces of salmon Salt Pepper
Serves
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t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
Instructions In a large skillet, heat the canna-olive oil. Add the garlic, thyme, scallions and peas. Sauté for 7-9 minutes, until the peas are tender and the scallions have softened. In a food processor, process 3/4 of the pea/scallion mixture. (You just want to have enough left in the pan to garnish the salmon pieces). Add the yogurt and lemon juice to the pureed mixture and process until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. In a skillet, heat the canola oil. When hot, place the salmon, skin side up in the skillet. Cook over medium high heat, for 4-5 minutes. Turn and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Spread the green sauce over the bottom of four plates. Place a piece of salmon in the center of each. Top with a sprinkling of peas, scallion and thyme. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.
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Brown CannaButter Asparagus
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Serves
Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons canna-butter t 1 teaspoon lemon zest Sage for garnish
Instructions
Arugula Bruschetta Serves
4
Ingredients 8 slices bread, toasted 2 garlic cloves, peeled 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups baby arugula 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion 10 cherry tomatoes, halved 4 tablespoons goat cheese, crumbled 4 teaspoons canna-oil t
Instructions Place the toasted bread on your work surface. Take the garlic cloves and rub the cloves on one side of the bread. Drizzle with the olive oil. In a large bowl, combine the arugula, onion, tomatoes and goat cheese. Place the lettuce mixture on the bread slices. Drizzle with the infused oil.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
iReadCULTURE.com april 2016
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Salt and coarse black pepper
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Laurie Wolf is a regular recipe developer and edibles contributor to The Cannabist, High Times, Oregon Leaf, and Cannabis Now. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked as a chef, caterer, and food stylist in New York before relocating to Portland. She is a published author—recent works include A Food Lover’s Guide to Portland and The Portland, Oregon Chef’s Table. She is currently co-authoring two cannabis cookbooks including HERB, a crowdfunded cookbook from the folks behind The Stoner’s Cookbook. Laurie has been a trained chef, food stylist, food editor, recipe developer and cookbook author for over thirty years. Her company, Laurie and MaryJane, is dedicated to producing high-quality medicated food. Laurie’s passion for cannabis as treatment stems from her exposure to her father’s endof-life care as well as her own successful management of a seizure disorder.
PROFILE
In a large skillet, heat the butter. Add the asparagus and sauté over medium heat, shaking the pan gently to cook evenly, 5-7 minutes. Place the canna-butter in the pan, sprinkle with the lemon zest and cook an additional minute or two. Garnish with the sage.
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1 pound asparagus, trimmed
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6 sage leaves, chopped
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—CHANNELING GEORGE CARLIN u “Military Intelligence”: The head of U.S. Navy intelligence has for more than two years been prohibited from accessing classified information (as the Pentagon disclosed to The Washington Post in January). Vice Admiral Ted Branch came under investigation in 2013 in a corruption scandal involving a foreign defense contractor and various Navy personnel and might have been suspended from all duties—except that, given the political gridlock in Washington, no consensus candidate has emerged. No charges have been filed against Branch, but before
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he enters any room at the Pentagon, classified material must be stowed away. RECURRING THEMES u New World Order: (1) Yet another woman gave birth to her own granddaughter in January. Tracey Thompson, 54, offered to be the surrogate mother for her fertilitychallenged daughter, Kelley, and delivered a 6-pound, 11-ounce girl at The Medical Center in Plano, Texas. (2) After notable successes in the United States, Latin America claimed in December its first transgender pregnancy after Ecuadorean Fernando Machado announced he was expecting a child with his partner Diane Rodriguez. Fernando used to be “Maria”; Diane used to be “Luis”; and though both undergo hormone therapy, they have retained their birth organs. u Perspective: On the heels of a similar program in Richmond, California, Washington, D.C.’s D.C. Council authorized funding
in January to pay stipends to notorious criminals if they stop committing crimes. Police would identify up to 50 residents likely to violently offend again in 2016 and offer them periodic cash payments plus special training and educational benefits—as long as they stay out of trouble. Officials in Richmond (once overwhelmed by gun deaths) say their program, commenced almost 10 years ago, has produced a 76 percent drop in gun-related crime. u In January, 15-year-old Anthony Ruelas, trying to rescue a classmate gasping from an asthma attack, became the latest casualty in public schools’ relentless insistence on “zero tolerance” of any deviation from rules. Gateway Middle School in Killeen, Texas, suspended Ruelas for two days for what others called his “heroic” assistance in gathering the girl in his arms and taking her to the nurse’s office— while the teacher, following “procedure,” waited passively for a nurse to email instructions. (Ruelas had defied the teacher, declaring, “(F-word) that—we ain’t got time to wait for no email from the nurse.”) The school district’s superintendent later cited a federal law that he interpreted as justifying the procedure. UPDATE u News of the Weird’s longtime super-creative serial litigant Jonathan Lee Riches filed yet another claim
in January—against the Tennessee couple identified as winners in the recent $1.6 billion Powerball lottery. John and Lisa Robinson, Riches says, “owe” him half their winnings because he says he sent their daughter (and his pen pal), Tiffany, $20 to buy Powerball tickets. Riches’s lawsuit, written in longhand, claims that he and Tiffany were to be married and move to “a remote island full of milk and honey.” Riches had been serving a federal prison term for parole violation, but his current situation was unreported (except that he now claims an alias, “Jihadi Schitz,” and wrote from a Philadelphia mosque). It is expected that this lawsuit will suffer the same fate as his against, among others, George W. Bush, Britney Spears, Steve Jobs, Nostrodamus, Plato and the various Kardashians. A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (OCTOBER 2011) u A judge in Nice, France, ruled in September (2011) that Article 215 of the French civil code (defining marriage as a “shared communal life”) in fact requires that husband and wife have sex. A husband identified only as Jean-Louis B. had evidently lost interest years earlier, and his wife was granted a divorce. Apparently emboldened by her victory, she then filed a monetary claim against the husband for the value of his 21-year-long lack of service, and the judge awarded her 10,000 euros (then worth about $13,710—$653 a year).
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