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contents04.16 Vol 7 IssUE 10
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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.
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ON THE COVER: Photo Š Jay Blakesberg Photography
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contents
inside 72 The Most Wonderful Day of the Year
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04.16
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! Have a safe and happy 420!
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420 Entertainment Forecast Hollywood has been playing with cannabis for years, but soon, it will take center stage in film and in television!
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The Ultimate Party Playlist Check out the cannabis-inspired party playlist we’ve created just for you and your 420 holiday gathering. You can even scan the QR code and download it straight to your mobile device!
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Canna-Honey Bees Take a look at the innovative use of bee pollination and cannabis flowers that a French bee keeper has come up with, in our exclusive interview.
p h o t o b y Scott E k lun d / R e d B o x P i cture s
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104 features
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Saving Gwen The story of young Gwenevere and how using cannabis has saved her from suffering from epileptic seizures.
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The Hills Are Alive Cannabis is the center of life to native villagers who live in the Himalayas.
online Exclusive!
departments news
20 News Nuggets 22 By the Numbers 28 Local News 30 Legal Corner
d Rocky Mountain High:
reviews
34 Access Point Highlights
48 Company Highlight 50 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 58 Cool Stuff
60 Entertainment Reviews
in every issue
103 Profile in Courage
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104 Recipes
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100 Growing Culture 102 Destination Unknown
106 Washington Now!
107 News of the Weird
X Games' Tanner Hall Always Skis with Cannabis d U.S. Supreme Court
Tosses Anti-Cannabis Lawsuit Against Colorado
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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 Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher, April Tygart general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson director of digital media Brian Gingrich digital media Editor David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture速 Magazine is published every month and distributes 25,000 magazines at over 600 locations throughout Washington. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture速 Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 815 1st Ave | #220 Seattle | Washington | 98104 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
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NEWS
nuggets Changes Made to Cannabis Access Point Licensing System With the passing of Senate Bill 5052 last year, medical cannabis access points in Washington are now required to apply for a retail license by June 1. Unfortunately, the state only plans on issuing 556 licenses, according to KVEW-TV. With the recent number of medical cannabis patients registered in Washington, the state needs roughly 1,200 access points to fulfill demands, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Washington. This limitation on licenses has access point owners worried that they may have to close. Steve Lee, owner of Green2Go Collective Garden stated that a retail license initially costed $1,000 but with limitations set by SB-5052, he would probably have to pay a quarter of a million dollars to obtain one from an already wealthy cannabis entrepreneur, as reported by KVEW-TV.
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. 20
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Tacoma Planning Commission Refines the City’s Cannabis Regulations Tacoma’s Planning Commission is clearing up its regulations concerning the production, retail and processing of medical cannabis, creating buffer zones and requiring access points to have state medical endorsements, merging retail and medical sales as implied in Washington’s current laws. According to Tacoma Weekly, the Planning commission proposed a 100-foot minimum buffer between access points and video game arcades, child care centers, public libraries, public transit centers and recreational centers. Access points are also required to be 300-feet away from other cannabis businesses, court houses and drug rehabilitation or detoxification centers. Other buffers include 1,000 feet away from schools and playgrounds. The city’s Planning Commission plans to hold a public meeting on these proposed regulations on April 19 with a first reading in City Council planned for April 26.
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The unanimous number of votes by the Washington House that were in favor of a farming bill that would legalize hemp, which the state Governor vetoed: (Source: Capital Press)
NEWS
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The number of child patients that researchers gave either Epidiolex or a placebo in a clinical study which later found that CBD can help (Source: reduce children’s seizures: United Press International)
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The numbered rank that Washington lies on a list of states with the most “cannabis enthusiasm:” (Source: 790 KGMI)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that has been made in recreational cannabis sales in Bellingham since legalization began in 2012: (Source: The Province)
The estimated number of people who attended the 2016 CannaCon per day: (Source: The News Tribune)
15,000
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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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Seattle Hempfest
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(Source: Forbes)
WHAT: Seattle Hempfest. WHEN/WHERE: Tues, April 19-Thurs, April 21. Centennial Regional Park (north entrance), 2711 Alaskan Wy., Seattle. INFO: Visit www.hempfest.org for more details.
Starting 25 years ago as the “Washington Hemp Expo,” with only 500 attendees and 20 volunteer workers, Seattle Hempfest has become one of the largest, “most sophisticated” cannabis events in the U.S. With its main focus on political content, Seattle Hempfest has helped pioneer change in the MMJ community in Washington and across the nation, even paving the way for Washington to become
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The increased percentage of one cannabis delivery service’s orders during Super Bowl 50 weekend:
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the first state to legalize cannabis medically and recreationally. This year’s event is no different, and will be featuring six different stages with speakers and musical performances, alongside 400 vendors in arts, crafts, food and more! There is no better way to celebrate 420 this year than at Seattle Hempfest, where you can find plenty of informative panels and fun activities to enjoy throughout the day.
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NEWS
LOCAL
420 Fashion Week
Evolving Education in Our Cannabis Industry Cannabis training is taking off in Seattle
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by Emily Manke
f you asked anyone in the U.S., maybe even the world, what the two most up-andcoming Seattle industries were, they would likely answer technology and cannabis. Seattle is no slouch when it comes to education either. So it’s only natural that Seattle is home to a business offering one of the world’s first cannabis training curriculums for medical cannabis dispensaries, The Cannabis Training Institute (CTI). Online courses are offered, with specialized curriculum, to all 23 states where medical cannabis is legal, and DC. The Cannabis Training Institute (CTI) recently released two new courses, Dispensary Workers Health and Safety Training and Medical Cannabis Training. The Medical Cannabis Training module CIT partnered with The Medical Cannabis Institute (MCI). MCI offers a wide variety of courses for healthcare professionals, patients or caregivers, and healthcare organizations. This healthcare focused slant provided by MCI, helped inform the Medical Cannabis Training module. This is in addition to their previous courses, Core Cannabis Business, Dispensary Technician and Patient-Focused Certification. In 2014, the respected nonprofit Americans for Safe Access named the CTI course “PatientFocused Certification” as their exclusive online training provider. This course is mandatory for licensed facilities in DC, Massachusetts, Nevada, Connecticut and Arizona, and is the
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only course based on the quality standards for medical cannabis businesses and the products they create, issued by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). It seems like this marriage of technology, cannabis and education is filling a much-needed void. Greta Carter, CTI President, told THC Biz about CTI’s place in the market, “CTI fills a critical need for cannabis industry training and certification in an economy that is rapidly moving to regulation and taxation,” Carter stated. “Presently, the demand for accurate cannabis knowledge comes from lawmakers, local governments, tax accountants, attorneys, medical professionals, law enforcement, journalists, investors, consumers, parents, property owners and displaced workers,” she continued. “We are proud to be at the forefront of the industry as a leading education and core curriculum site with advanced learning tools for the adult learner. Our purpose is to expand knowledge responsibly about cannabis use, cultivation, distribution, taxation and regulation.” When people think of cannabis innovation, they tend to think of attractive, delicious tasting edibles, or the latest and greatest extract technology. What many people fail to imagine is the endless business possibilities associated with cannabis. CTI is leading the way in efficient education for the booming cannabis industry. c
You’ve heard about hemp being used by fashion designers and have seen celebrities like Miley Cyrus donning cannabis leaf accessories and clothing, but have you ever seen a fashion event dedicated to the common cannabis lover? 420 Fashion Week is a must attend event for aspiring models, designers and fashion lovers who also enjoy the many virtues of cannabis. A great place to meet a variety of business professionals and creatives, 420 Fashion week is a two-day event that will feature a trendy runway show, musical performances and clothing launch party, where attendees can view and purchase cannabis inspired garments. After the fashion show, participants can join in on the after party bus hot box session—it is 420 after all. WHAT: 420 Fashion Week. WHEN/WHERE: Tues, April 19-Thurs, April 21. The Rendezvous, 2322 2nd Ave., Seattle. INFO: Visit www.420fashion week.com for more details.
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NEWS
legal corner
TOTAL RECALL
Preparing Washington for Cannabis Product Recalls by Hilary Bricken
Colorado is a prime example of the threat and power of cannabis product recalls. And though we’ve seen various cannabis businesses in Colorado pull their products from the shelves for illegal pesticides and/or manufacturing under unsanitary conditions, we have yet to see a single product recall in Washington State. In fact, Washington hasn’t recalled any products for pesticides at all, where the city of Denver, alone, recalled 19 cannabis products for pesticides in 19 weeks, according to the The Seattle Times. Unlike most states with robust cannabis regulations, Washington State does not have any protocol in place for how either consumers or businesses are supposed to deal with tainted or defective cannabis products. Washington instead relies on random inspections and third-party complaints to determine such violations and then accesses penalties for that range from monetary fines to suspension and/or cancellation of licenses. My sense is that states sometimes get so caught up in rule making to appease the federal government and its many rules relating to things like advertising to kids, security and traceability and restrictions on vertical integration, they completely forget about consumer protection and safety
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issues. I expect Washington State will soon change its tune and start enacting comprehensive regulations to address cannabis consumer safety and protection simply because consumers are at risk without it. Though Washington does not have mandatory pesticide testing for cannabis, the Department of Health has proposed rules to address pesticide residue testing as required by Senate Bill 5052. But for now, Washington cannabis consumers are forced to take cannabis cultivators at their word when they claim not to be using certain banned pesticides or chemicals on their products. One of the main issues here in Washington for both the cannabis industry and its consumers is that there is no established method for determining safe levels of pesticides for cannabis since the federal government does not generally permit research into the issue and the Environmental Protection Agency has no approved list of pesticides for cannabis (though it is slowly working on the issue). In December of 2015, two largescale Washington cultivators were busted for using impermissible pesticides on their crops. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board only found out about their pesticide use via third-party complaints. And though the Board issued a stop sales order against both companies, that order was not
“At minimum, every cannabis business (in Washington state and elsewhere) should be prepared to issue a recall even if their state doesn’t yet have its act together enough to require one.” announced to the public and it only came to light through a public records request. It’s fine that the Board eventually discovered these pesticide practices, but what about the cannabis and/or cannabis products that made their way to consumers? What should those consumers do? What redress do they have? What about other companies that purchased this cannabis? What redress do they have? No recalls against either of these two Washington cultivators have yet been mandated or reported and state health officials claim they don’t believe such recalls are warranted since the amount of pesticides used was allegedly “negligible.” But market fall-out from these incidents has already begun. In addition to the reputational risk posed by the situation, retailers can be held liable for putting tainted cannabis into the marketplace, even if all they did was buy it for resale. In Colorado, discovery of the application of illegal pesticides to cannabis and cannabis products by a cultivator in Denver led to a class action breach of warranty lawsuit. At minimum, every cannabis business (in Washington state and elsewhere) should be prepared to issue a recall even if their state doesn’t yet have its act together enough to require one. To prepare for that, every cannabis business should have a recall plan in place and ready to go and should know whether it has insurance to cover recalls and products liability claims. Because even if you can pull and re-purpose your tainted products and/or survive a products liability suit, you cannot repair your reputation after-the-fact. And the Washington cannabis market is likely soon going to find this out. c
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REVIEWs
access point highlight
KC Puff n Stuff
Interviewed: Michael and Gaylein Wright (Owners) 7052 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 98408 (253) 212-2764
How and when did your access point start up? When I was in the middle of remodeling, patients asked if I was going to open a collective. Immediately, I had an almost intuitive response. “Yes!” That is exactly what an area like this is in need of. Although the decision to open this access point delayed the opening process and came with great hurdles, in doing so
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it created this great environment that we extend to all patients. What’s the story behind the name of your access point? As a kid, the “puff dragon” was a special icon for the both of us. We decided to go with that as our family logo. What does your access point offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? We offer a unique experience that provides a private,
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personal and welcoming atmosphere where we strive to not only be a productive part of your holistic healing, but we also offer and spread love to any and all who come through our doors. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? The industry has become way too constrictive. It is imperative that we get back to the basics. What really matters in any of this is honest patient care. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? . . . Biggest joys?
The biggest challenge I see is in the municipalities and how the state’s selective process has become unfair. Our biggest joy is being able to extend that loving family aspect in our process of providing patient care to our community and hope that we are able to continue doing so. What is one thing you want patients to know about your access point? We will always greet you with a smile on our face and we pride ourselves on our friendly customer service. If we are unable to meet the needs of anyone at any
point, we will take it upon ourselves to get you started in the right direction. We expect you to leave satisfied. If someone wanted to open an access point and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? It is imperative that prior to any venture, you should always seek professional guidance at every level. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/MMJ community? That is such a big question because we intend to accomplish so much here as a whole, but at the end of the day we hope to provide a medical access point that anyone from any background will feel comfortable coming to. c
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REVIEWs
access point highlight Top Selling Strain: Green Valley Society Branded Cannabis Top Selling Concentrate: The Sauce Top Selling Edible: Verdelux Illumination Candy Drops
Clear Choice Cannabis Interviewed: Adam Schmidt (Owner) 8001 S Hosmer St., Tacoma, 98408 www.findclearchoice.com
How and when did your access point start up? We originally started as a medical store helping patients. We saw that Washington State was moving to a recreational model and wanted to be sure we were transitioning with the state. We obtained a recreational license and were the first store in Washington to be inspected by the Liquor and Cannabis Board.
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What does your access point offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? We really do our due diligence to find the best cannabis products in the state. When we operated our medical store it was like college, now we are in the big leagues. What customers will find when they come visit us at our store is a strong passion for cannabis and its culture. Along with friendly and knowledgeable staff in a very modern professional atmosphere.
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How has the cannabis industry in Washington changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? The cannabis industry has changed dramatically since we first started. In the beginning, it was a loosely regulated medical climate. Now, there are a lot more regulations and products available to the clients. Moving forward, I would like to see where our tax dollars are going to so we can have a
better understanding of how the tax money is helping our state and local community. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? . . . Biggest joys? Our biggest challenge is trying to operate like any other legal business but being held to different banking and tax standards. It
feels so great to know we help boost the economy and that I am able to employ 25 people by helping them grow professionally and creating opportunity for their families to have a good life. We love the fact that we have an opportunity to help educate and champion the plant; while providing safe, tested cannabis products to our clients. c
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REVIEWs
access point highlight
Green Collar Interviewed: Warren Birchard (Manager) 10422 Pacific Ave S., Tacoma 98444 www.greencollarcannabis.com
How and when did your access point start up? We started our recreational store in August 2015. We were originally medical and made the change to recreational last summer. What’s the story behind the name of your access point? As a medical collective, we wanted a name that broke the stigma associated with cannabis. We wanted
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a name that would be familiar and convey hard work and honesty like the term “blue collar,” so we chose Green Collar. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? . . . Biggest joys? We try to have a product to fit everyone’s individual needs and anticipating those needs by having those products in stock can be a challenging some times. Our biggest joy is knowing we are helping our community and making people’s lives better every day!
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Top Selling Strain: Harmony Top Selling Concentrate: Dawg Star Top Selling Edible: Zoots
What is the one thing you want patients to know about your access point? We will take time with every patron to educate and answer any questions they might have. Our goal is that when they leave our store, they leave with something they want and full knowledge about the products they purchase. If someone wanted to open an access point and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Make sure you have a deep knowledge of the cannabis industry and a true passion for the business you choose. c
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REVIEWs
access point highlight
Green Zen Interviewed: Robin Austin
22705-B Meridian Ave. E, Graham, 98338 (253) 732-4208
How and when did your access point start up? Allow me to introduce Doc Hansen, a true survivor who previously went through a liver transplant and suffered from Hepatitis C, and who also helped blaze a trail for the medical marijuana cause. In 2012, Doc put his heart and soul into building his dream, investing every penny he had. He gave up his home and moved into his first access point, Green Access, because he wanted folks to have access to their medication. Next
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came the access point Green Kings, followed by another one called Green Zen, each unique from the other, serving completely different patients. Top selling strain, concentrate and/or edible? It’s different at each access point (i.e. Green Access, Green Kings and Green Zen) but for the most part, anything that Doc and his son have produced with their green thumbs is a top seller. Some of Green Zen’s spotlights are CBD-infused creams, salves and lotions. Many of the collective’s edibles fly off the shelf!
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How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? Frequent law changes make it difficult to keep up with. On July 1, 2016, collectives will be abolished and replaced with “co-ops,” which in turn will add new rules, regulations and more laws, tracking seed from beginning to end. Basically, this means more government involvement. I recently attended several planning meetings where a handful of nice people, who were selected by the city council, were asked to work out details and present a plan. Someone asked, “Does anybody know the difference between collective gardens, a co-op, and a dispensary?” The answer was no. All they really need to know are a few facts: In areas where marijuana is legal, the accidental overdoses of opiates have gone down 25 percent. Or
how about the fact that the first steps towards heroin is Doctors prescribing opiates for pain when children are hurt. One collective member said the government pays their $4,000 prescription bill every month, but now that medical marijuana has replaced it, it only costs him $400 a month and offers a better quality of life! Let’s not forget to mention the amazing power of CBD, and how it has reduced epileptic seizures in children up to 95 percent. This plant is a medicine that can heal, clothe, shelter and more . . . but most people take it for its side effects. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? . . . Biggest joys? Number one: All the bad publicity, misinformed information/lack of education, negative propaganda, bureaucrats and people believing everything they read on the internet is truth, is a huge challenge to overcome. Sick folks are going to be forced to go to a recreational store or back to black market because they can’t afford recreational prices to get their medicine, while other folks are travelling to our state to get their party on and purchase marijuana legally. Medical patients need special care, dignity,
respect and privacy. Medical cannabis should be allowed to stand alone, or be represented in a rec store. Biggest joys: Seeing people being helped, and their pain relieved and healed—it just doesn’t get better than that! If someone wanted to open an access point and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Do what you know! Getting your feet wet is one thing, but jumping into a fast-moving river could lead to an unknown waterfall. Many unknowledgeable folks somehow got themselves into the cannabis system, which resulted in cutting out the other advocates who did all the hard work and fought to legalize. Those individuals will soon realize that the idea is the easy part, but applying it is often unreachable, and that they wasted their time and money. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/MMJ community? As I mentioned before, Doc Hansen has accomplished what others had not yet even begun to achieve when he opened his access point. Whatever happens next, Doc Hansen will continue to enjoy the journey. c
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REVIEWs
access point highlight
Greenside Recreational Seattle Interviewed: Seth Simpson 9804 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, 98115 www.greensiderec.com
How and when did your access point start up? We originally started as a medical dispensary five-and-a-half years ago at this location. We then opened our first recreational store in Des Moines. It was so well received by the public that we were able to reopen this second location a month ago now available to everyone over 21. Both of our locations are still able to help medical patients. What does your access point offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? We have a huge selection of products.
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We carry products from specialty companies that you might not find in other places. We always strive to have products for everyone’s individual needs and budgets. How has the cannabis industry in Washington changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? Five-and-a-half years ago, the products were not tested like they are now. Today’s products adhere to much more stringent regulations and monitoring, which is wonderful for the consumer because they are getting a much purer product. Moving forward, I would like to see less taxation to lower consumer prices
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along with products with higher milligram dosages to address certain client needs.
that I provide the public with a much safer alternative than alcohol, opiate pain medication and cigarettes.
What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? . . . Biggest joys? The biggest challenge is banking. My biggest joy is that I get to work in an industry I love because I love cannabis and it truly is my passion. It is also remarkable to know
What is the one thing you want patients to know about your access point? We want customers to know that all of our employees are very knowledgeable about all of the products we carry and we are here to provide the best
experience every time our clients visit our store. Our goal is that each customer finds a warm, comfortable environment an attentive staff every time they visit. We always have a large selection of cannabis products to fit everyone’s budget . . . at the end of the day we strive to carry the highest quality products for the best price. If someone wanted to open an access point and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? It is not as cut and dry as you would think, you are not an instant millionaire just because you own a retail marijuana business. Make sure you have a vast knowledge of all aspects of the cannabis industry. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight Cigaweed, LLC 515 116th Ave. NE, Suite # 108, Bellevue, 98004 (425) 214-4742
all industries who need a presence in marijuana retail stores. How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? Cigaweed, LLC is first and foremost a niche company. Not only do we offer a specialty retail product but we also are a marketing and co-branding company. We make and manufacturer Cigaweed, a premium marijuana cigarette. We utilize our special packaging to create co-branding opportunities for companies who need branding, marketing or additional marketing. We accomplish this by being the market leader in premium marijuana cigarettes. We are in discussions with numerous marijuana farms who would like to co-brand with us, as they themselves have very little or no presence at all in retail stores. We are also talking to farms with a very large presence that want to add another product to their inventory and take advantage of our marketing strategies. We are always looking for more partners from
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How and why did your company start up? I had been making hand-rolled Cigaweed at my dispensary (Seattle Green Light Care Center) in west Seattle years ago and sold out every time I produced enough quantity. Rolling by hand was difficult but the consumers loved them. Later, I sold my dispensary and got out of retail for a while. I came back in when I saw the lack of quality pre-rolls. Everyone was doing the same old pre-rolls, and the consumer was still hiding in the corner smoking their pre-roll or lighting up their pipe. Our Cigaweed premium marijuana cigarettes allow the consumer to smoke freely in public without the stigma that goes with smoking a pipe or joint. Cigaweed products look exactly like a cigarette, and when you are with a group of cigarette
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smokers, who is going to know? You can now enjoy smoking with your friends without the evil eye from John Q. Public.
With the changing landscape of MMJ and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? I think the changing landscape is a blessing for our company; we now will have more people than ever smoking legal marijuana, because those who did not previously have a card can now buy it. Our company is poised to take advantage of this explosive growth, as well as expansion into other states and other markets. We have a significant capital stack, we only hire the best people who know and understand marijuana, marketing, sales and trends. Cigaweed LLC will be the national leader in premium marijuana cigarettes. Our advantage is in the quality of the product we offer, no one can deliver the same quality as we do. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? Our company was founded by two very like-minded people with the purpose of producing the best premium marijuana cigarettes on the market. We have
accomplished this, however, we are always tinkering and trying to make our product better and better and better. We will never sit here and say “We have done it, time to quit.” We listen to consumer feedback and then go back to the drawing board and try to deliver on what the consumer is telling us. Consumer feedback is priceless, we always want to know what our consumers like and do not like. Any sneak peeks on new products or news you’d like to share? We do have several new products in beta testing, but it’s too early to talk about
them. We will be launching a line of Cigaweed gear soon. One thing I can say about new products, we will be offering celebration boxes. We will do a camouflage box celebrating veterans day, a pink box celebrating breast cancer awareness, a red, white and blue box for the Fourth of July and others as well. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Cigaweed in each box will go to charities with the associated boxes. c
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strain, edible & concentrate
REVIEWs
Available at: Hypeherbally in Everett.
Master Kush Master Kush is a sight to behold. Masterfully dense, lime-green with splashes of purple, especially at the base of the leaves, which are heavily frosted with crystals. This flower was a perfect specimen of Master Kush. The flower smelled sweet and earthy, but was not overwhelming. After consuming this flower via water pipe, the flavor exhibited a slightly more pungent characteristic than the smell conveyed. The effect produced by this flower was pretty incredible. After consuming only a small amount, we found that this flower was impressively mind altering. The first thing you’ll notice after hitting Master Kush is an intense loosening of body and mind. A more relaxing strain, you’ll be hardpressed to find—which is probably why people love this strain for help with sleep and pain management. Unless you’re a heavy-user, this strain may not be the best choice for anything that requires focus and concentration. Stick to relaxing activities and you’ll get the most out of this godsend of a strain.
Available at: Mana Gardens in Seattle.
Diablo OG Kush As soon as the package was unsealed, Diablo OG Kush announced itself. A pungent, musky and slightly sweet fragrance engulfed the room when this OG Kush phenotype was unwrapped. It was delightful, and gave the impression that this flower was a force to be reckoned with—and it was. Dense, jam-packed with crystals, dark-green with bright orange hairs poking through, this flower is beautiful. Large, well-formed buds give the flower an heir of sophistication and quality. We consumed the Diablo OG Kush using a water pipe. The flavor had a more pronounced sweetness than the smell, but other than that, the taste and fragrance were alike in their almost fermented-like quality. It’s a very unique smell and flavor. It took a small amount of time for the Diablo OG Kush to kick in, but once it did, it was pretty all-consuming. The effect was incredibly relaxing, both physically and mentally. The sativa-indica hybrid definitely falls on the indica side when it comes to the mental effect. Because with that deep, peaceful relaxation comes the standard brain fog that can make certain tasks off-limits. This is the perfect flower for pain management, binge watching your favorite show, and anything else you do from the safety of your own home. Available at: All Natural Wellness Center in Tacoma.
THC Capsules by Firebros Products like these THC Capsules by Firebros remind us all of how far cannabis has come as an industry. Gone are the days of foul-tasting brownies wrapped in tin foil. These THC capsules represent the future of cannabis products. Attractively packaged and totally professional looking, these babies will be sure to blow the minds of your out-of-state friends. To the untrained eye, when unpackaged, these THC capsules look more like multi-vitamins than they do cannabis products. But at 50mg of THC a piece, these two little capsules are to be taken with caution. This is the perfect product for when you need a scentless, small and perfectly reliable dose of THC. There are countless uses for these capsules; packing for a trip, low key daytime use, the list goes on.
Frank Available at: Hesperides in Seattle.
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Frank must be one cool guy, because this strain is fantastic. Literally sparkling with crystals, this flower is so visually stunning it’s almost breathtaking. Dense, and with leaves that start out as dark-green then gradually grow lighter until they look almost pure white with crystals in some places, this magnificent flower is intricately designed. The hairs grew in clumps, and were golden orange in color. The fragrance was mild, earthy and sweet with hints of fruity candy. After we used a vaporizer to enjoy this Frank, we noticed the flavor was earthy and fruit candy-ish as well, which was especially prominent in the aftertaste. The effect was mellow and steady, relaxing but not incapacitating. The perfect strain for all-day use. Frank helped ease mental anxiety and physical tension. What was really remarkable though, was the fact that it gave a significant burst of energy. Frank would be the perfect friend to hang out with before you go to the beach, on a hike or jog, or anywhere else your Pacific Northwest springtime activities might take you—maybe even a tulip field. If you make sure you have a designated driver, you’ll be in for hours of fun. You’re going to want to hang out with Frank all the time.
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REVIEWs
O.penVAPE Craft RESERVE There’s a new sheriff in town, and that’s completely unrelated to Peyton Manning retiring. The folks at O.penVAPE have done it again with their transcendent Craft Reserve line, pairing hand-selected cannabis with 100 percent cannabis-derived terpenes. Combined with their new variable voltage battery, testers were excited about the ability to change from 2.5v to 4.0v, finding new ways to enjoy their top of the line concentrates each time. Clear oil lead to supremely clean, tart apple flavored hits that left reviewers baffled it was actually a pen they were using. Bouncy and lively, we loved how chatty the cartridge left people, making it perfect for social settings.
Available wherever: O.penVAPE products are carried.
Delta 9 Oil Cartridge – Banana Kush
Available wherever: Delta 9 products are carried.
With a sweet banana candy flavor on the inhale, and a light diesel backnote mixed with fresh cut grass on the exhale, the Delta Vape Banana Kush oil cartridge is a vape-lover’s dream. Reminded us of the banana flavor in the candies, Runts. Sweet, not tart, and a little sherbety. Not only is it tasty, but it’s affordable too. Each cartridge comes with 400mg THC, which comes out to around 3.25mg per puff, you can control your effects with ease. Within just a couple of minutes, we experienced muscle relaxation at the top of the head, but it quickly moved down and throughout the rest of our body, accompanied by a lovely euphoric effect. a great hybrid, Banana Kush relieved body pain but didn’t give us couch-lock—it kept our mind engaged and energy heightened, but still gave us that great relaxation. Comes in 10 different flavors.
Madman OG Sticky, dense and exquisite, this flower makes quite an appearance. Dark-green with hints of purple, the crystals form flurries of white all over the flower with fuzzy, short orange hairs weaving out of the leaves throughout. When given a gentle squeeze, the flower exudes an intense pungent smell, with hints of pine and sweet fruitiness. The fruity scent is intensified in flavor once smoked or vaped. This fast-acting strain is high in THC, but low in CBD, making it ideal for mental and emotional relief. It’s the perfect strain to unwind after a hard day’s work, or loosen up with friends. Like so many geniusly engineered strains available on the legal cannabis market, this strain is a hybrid and offers positive traits from both sativas and indicas. While Madman OG does offer the aforementioned relaxation, it also provides an energy that is hard to match with most hybrid strains as potent as this.
Available at: Seattle Quality Collective in Seattle.
Jackpot Available at: Tacoma Holistic Collective in Tacoma.
It’s no surprise that this strain is named after treasure. At an affordable $11 a gram, this is a strain that all of us can enjoy. The flowers are a bit shaggy, with long crystal-laden sugary leaves and sizeable blood-orange hairs. The flowers form buds that are long and conical in shape, giving it a sativalike appearance. The fragrance is potently fruity, with hints of grape and strawberry. After tasting this flower using a water pipe, the flavor that was most prominent is strawberry. The aftertaste is reminiscent of a certain sugary, crunchy, cereal. Once consumed, Jackpot provides an even-keeled effect that is absolutely perfect for use all times of day. Jackpot provides so much versatility in use, and comes at such a bargain price, that you pretty much can’t go wrong. Perfect for both the occasional cannabis user who wants their money to last them, or for social smokers who want enough flower to share with the crowd!
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REVIEWs
Available at: Washington Herbal Remedies in Lynnwood.
Pie Face OG Strains like Pie Face OG remind us of why we refer to cannabis as flowers. These gorgeous buds can be described as nothing short of floral. Colorful and dense yet leafy, Pie Face OG transforms from light to dark-green, to snow white and icy with crystals, and back to green. Prominent and long light red-orange hairs protrude frequently all over the flower. The fragrance is tart, sweet and cheesy, giving it extra allure by meeting all the marks, like a sweet and salty snack. We used a water pipe and a vaporizer for this flower. The flavor was subtle, with the tart sweetness coming through, but the cheesiness was replaced by a mild and enjoyable skunk taste. The effects of Pie Face OG are optimal. This is a hybrid at its best, with the fun and joyfulness of a sativa, and the exceptional tension-reducing abilities of an indica. Though not quite a full-blown sativa in terms of daytime usability, Pie Face OG certainly has a larger variety of appropriate uses than many straight indicas and hybrids.
Available at: Cannabis retailers throughout Washington.
Flow CBD Deep Tissue & Joint Gel by Fairwinds If there’s anyone reading who has any doubt whatsoever about the effectiveness of cannabis as medicine they should try this product. If you have mild to moderate pain issues that you use topical gels to treat, try this instead and you’ll be amazed at the results. Lending credence to the legitimacy of this product is its elegant, tasteful packaging. In addition to being well-designed and attractive, the package is also informative. With instructions on the types of ailments the gel can be useful for: Sore muscles, arthritic joints, minor burns and abrasions. The package also states that the gel contains comfrey extract, natural essential oils and pure cannabis oil concentrate with 140mg of CBD, 6mg of CBDA and only 4mg of THC. The fragrance of the gel is delicate, sweet and citrusy. The texture of the gel is slightly watery, but it holds together well. Once applied, which we did to a variety of maladies, from aching shoulders to some irritated skin, the tingling sensation is immediate. The gentle warming grows on your skin until the gel’s effects reach a fever pitch about an hour after applying. If you’re using any kind of topical pain ointment currently, try subbing it with this. It is a pleasant and efficient product that will be sure to convert customers. 54
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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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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
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
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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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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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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)
Secrets Deep Sea Diver High Beam Records For indie rock fans out there, as well as those interested in incredibly well produced, textural music, Deep Sea Diver’s sophomore release, Secrets, is a record to be aware of. One need only listen to the opening track, “Notice Me,” to hear just how expansive the band’s sound has become. The song is an absolute tour de force of guitar tone and style, showing off how lead singer Jessica Dobson’s playing can be light on its feet and bouncy at times, and then absolutely roar and scorch at others. With Secrets, Deep Sea Diver shows it has fully realized its sound and is absolutely running with it. (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 68
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that was going on with the crowd . . . Here’s 70,000 people having this incredible moment together and it’s hard not to tear up talking about it. Jerry’s guitar style has been credited with helping to create an entire genre of music, jam rock. Do you see that as his greatest musical legacy? Trixie: That’s definitely a thing. But he was composing. His playing style was amazing and he wrote that music. We have (The Jerry Garcia Symphony Tour) and we’ve orchestrated a lot of the music Jerry and (lyricist Robert) Hunter composed and it’s fabulous with an orchestra and it really makes me appreciate Jerry as a composer and to think about what he might have accomplished had he lived longer and branched out, done more jazzy stuff, symphonic stuff. Annabelle: That’s the kind of stuff that will get you shot on some corners of HaightAshbury (Laughs). On one hand, he was a great improvisational guy. He was out there. On the other hand he wrote some of the most amazing guitar riffs, perfect power pop songs. He’s part of this gigantic cultural movement . . . I don’t think we’re going to know for a few hundred years his true impact, or this band’s impact. >>
Fall – Jerry forms The Black Mountain Boys with friends David Nelson and Eric Thompson.
December 8 – Daughter, Heather, is born to Jerry and Sara.
1964 Spring – Jerry joins Bob Weir, Pigpen McKernan, Dave Parker, Tom Stone and Dave Garbett as Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions.
October – Jerry and the rest of the band move into a communal house on Ashbury Street in San Francisco, CA. It becomes a fixture on the local music scene, and provides free concerts throughout the year and a half they all lived there. This leads to the Grateful Dead performing more free concerts than any other band in history.
December Jerry starts dating Carolyn Adams, also known as Mountain Girl, after she breaks off her marriage to George Walker, a member of the Merry Pranksters.
1969
1965 May 5 – Jerry joins Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Pigpen McKernan and Bob Weir to perform first gig as The Warlocks at Magoo’s Pizza in Menlo Park, CA.
December 4 – The Warlocks change their name to Grateful Dead, and
May – Jerry enters his “pedal steel flirtation period,” which continues through to 1974. During this time he records one of the best known steel solos on Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Teach Your Children.”
August 7 – Jerry joins New Riders of the Purple Sage, and continues to be a member of the band until November 1971.
August 23 – Jerry appears on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine for the first of 12 total covers.
1970 January 20 – Jerry records his only solo electric guitar performance at MGM Studios in Los Angeles, CA, for the movie Zabriskie Point.
February 2 – Mountain Girl gives birth to Garcia’s second daughter, Annabelle Walker Garcia.
September 7 – The band Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders is formed.
1973 March 2 - Jerry performs with John Kahn, David Grisman, Peter Rowan and Richard Green as Old & in the Way, for the first time, at the Record Plant in Sausalito, CA.
1974 April 20 – Jerry joins Richard Green, David Grisman, Taj Mahal and David Nichtern as The Great American String Band, and make their debut performance at the Pilgrimage Theater in Hollywood, CA.
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thing. Just a hilarious person. He could’ve been a great stand-up comedian. Trixie: He had this way of kind of not giving a f*ck and also being like really happy and amused about it. He was always finding the joke, finding the way to make it not heavy. It was just nice to be around him. He was also a great artist. He also innovated all these business models for the music industry, with free shows, and (audience) recording. It’s a large impact he’s had in our culture.
Lauren Parish, Trixie Garcia, Jerry Garcia and Steve Parish
How do you remember him best, as the father, the guitar player, the friend? Annabelle: The father, for sure, the giggler, the sly chuckler. He could crack a joke in under point-zero seconds and devastate anyone with the most hilarious joke you ever heard, yet with a benevolent smile. The smile is the first
September 21 Mountain Girl gives birth to Garcia’s third daughter, Theresa Adams “Trixie” Garcia. 1975 January 23 – Legion of Mary, consisting of Jerry, Merl Saunders, John Kahn, Martin Fierro and Ron Tutt, hold their first public performance at Sophie’s in Palo Alto.
August 5 – Jerry performs under the name Jerry Garcia Band for the first time, alongside John Kahn, Nicky Hopkins and Ron Tutt at Keystone in Berkeley, CA.
1977 November 5 – Jerry appears in the movie
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Were you worried about his declining health in his last years? Trixie: We were all worried and I’d hear stories from the road about how bad he looked and it was progressing, but what do you do? . . . Drugs are bad. Heroin and coke are bad news. Stick with your psychedelics and weed. Annabelle: We would have interventions and he would promise to be better and he would try. He just wasn’t into accepting how bad he felt or how sick he was. I certainly witnessed a whole lot of pain out there on the road because those years were his declining health years. Then he got the reprieve after his coma (in 1986) and had this amazing rebirth. Then I think he kind of gave
Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
a near-fatal diabetic coma for five days, after which he has to relearn the guitar.
1979 January 30 – Reconstruction, featuring Jerry, John Kahn, Merl Saunders, Ed Neumeister, Ron Stallings and Gaylord Birch, make their first public appearance at The Keystone in Berkeley, CA.
1980 December 31 – Jerry and Mountain Girl marry.
1982 April 13 – Jerry and Bob Weir appear for the first time on Late Night with David Letterman.
April 21 – Jerry Garcia & John Kahn is formed.
December 15 – The Grateful Dead return to performing five months after Jerry emerges from his coma.
1987 Named in tribute to Jerry, ice cream-makers Ben & Jerry’s release Cherry Garcia.
March – Jerry records a number of radio commercials for Levi’s 501 jeans.
1986 July 10 – Jerry lapses into
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March 17 – The Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band
up after that. He’d been through a lot, health-wise. He really wasn’t as strong as everyone seemed to think. He was kind of a frail guy. After Jerry’s death, there was a great outpouring of grief, public gatherings in cities around the country and world. What does that say about how Jerry and his music impacted people? Trixie: People still come up to me and cry about how much they miss Jerry, 20 years later. He meant more to many people then their own families, for whatever reason, for that experience they had with him in the audience that one time, or whatever it was, these deep emotional connections. It’s overwhelming how deeply connected the fans are. Do you find yourself comforting fans or do you cry together? Trixie: We cry together . . . I’m helping to help manage Jerry’s legacy so I’m trying to desensitize myself with exposure, so I can enjoy a concert without crying, which is very difficult for me. But I went to see Prince last night and I cried there too, so maybe it’s just not a Grateful Dead thing. c
makes their first public appearance at The Fillmore during a benefit concert for Artists Rights Today.
February 14 – Jerry and Deborah Koons marry on Valentine’s Day in Sausalito, CA.
December 20 – Jerry’s partner, Manasha, gives birth to his youngest daughter, Keelin Noel Garcia.
1990 December 17 – Jerry and David Grisman perform together for the first time publicly at Sweetwater in Mill Valley, CA.
1994 January 19 – The Grateful Dead is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1995 August 9 – Jerry passes away at Serenity Knolls Treatment Center in Forest Knolls, CA, at age 53.
August 13 – Jerry is celebrated by 25,000 friends and family at a public memorial in Golden Gate Park. Memorial spans the nation as people all over mourn his passing.
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The Most Wonderful Day of the Year Our cannabis culture is expanding to new heights every day. It is crossing borders and boundaries, and shaping into a global cannabis community and thriving industry. Our nation is changing the way cannabis is viewed all over the world, as we explore all that cannabis has to offer us. The growing cannabis culture is helping local and national economies, families, and people suffering. Our cannacommunity is vast, and our diversity is great. On this, the most wonderful day of the year, let us celebrate our culture, our community, our cannabis. Have a safe and happy 420!
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p h o t o b y Scott E k lun d / R e d B o x P i cture s
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Cannabis allows me the opportunity to experience the world with fresh senses. Whether it be creating music and discovering new sounds or enjoying the landscape in Seattle with a slightly different lens. -D-Sea
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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
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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 420 on Netflix.
10 Kid Cannabis
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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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Aboriginal Native Americans have always depended on Mother Earth . . . cannabis is one of the plants that has helped, generations before it was a popular recreational drug. -Victor
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p h o t o b y V i ctor i a B a neg a s
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I love cannabis because it helps me relax after a long day. It’s my natural remedy. -Ashley Marie
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p h o t o b y E r i c Fowler
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Your Ultimate 420 Party Playlist Scan this QR code to get our Spotify 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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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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Cannabis has always been a part of my social circle. It’s mellow and makes me feel better in general. -Manny
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p h o t o b y Kell y W i l d e / J une L i on
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BEE-LIEVE Honey Bees Create Special Honey Using Pollinated Cannabis Plants by Addison Herron-Wheeler
W
hat do you get when you cross bees and cannabis? Honey made from pollinated cannabis plants. This cannabis-infused
honey doesn’t harm the bees at all to produce, and in addition to tasting delicious, the canna-honey could have some interesting medical benefits. CULTURE spoke exclusively with Nicolas “Trainerbees,” the French man behind this winning honey-cannabis combination, to find out the secrets of his bees. >>
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have felt less anxious. What makes it special is its taste, as if we munched directly in the plant with the taste of sweet flowers behind it.
“People who eat this honey have felt less anxious. What makes it special is its taste, as if we munched directly in the plant with the taste of sweet flowers behind it.” How did you get involved with beekeeping? I have loved honey since childhood. My first encounters with beekeeping date back to my childhood, with beekeepers in my area. I had wild colonies I was watching and I was collecting honey. Later, I helped beekeepers from time to time and it was seven years ago that I decided to take care of bees in order to collect bee products (honey, pollen, propolis). It was four years ago that I became a professional beekeeper. How did you get involved with cannabis, and are you a smoker yourself? Yes I am cannabis user,
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and have been for almost 30 years. I’m hyperactive and suffering from restless legs syndrome. I started to cultivate and educate myself on cannabis nearly 25 years ago. As the years passed, I have evolved techniques while remaining focused on organic cultivation. In the 2000s, I began to educate and help my friends with medical cannabis. How did you come up with this idea, and what made you sure it would work? The idea of using the resin came a little over six years ago, after several friends (cannabis users who knew my ability to understand the nature and behavior of bees),
said “you’re gonna do well to take the resin from bees to make honey!” It took me four years to get the surprise and joy of seeing the resin inside the hive. What is your process like for having the bees use cannabis to make honey? The bees do not use the resin as honey directly; they use it as propolis in the hive. Tips for how the bees to take the resin and then use it will clearly remain secret because they are still in development. What are the benefits of the honey—what is special about it? People who eat this honey
Does pollinating the cannabis have any positive or negative effects on the bees? The bees are not affected by cannabinoids, unlike alcohol, for example. The colony that produces honey has done so for two years without any particular problems. How do you feel about cannabis legalization so far? What could be done differently, or better? I hope for rapid legalization for all countries of the world. But I also see the slow countries like mine, France, where having a printed cannabis leaf on a t-shirt can take you to jail. Speaking well of cannabis also makes you go to jail. People still need to be educated to understand that cannabis is not as dangerous as they believe. Is there anything else you would like to add? Producing bee products (honey propolis) with trained bees is still not currently profitable because the bees lose a lot during the process and after that, the plants are unusable. I have already finished moving (for more security because of the laws of my country) in order to perfect the technique, before thinking about marketing honey. c
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Gwenevere’s Miracle
A young child’s life is a miraculous story of a family’s hope, courage and progress by Jamie Solis
The first three months of baby Gwenevere’s life were smooth sailing until she had her first seizure in September 2012. Gwenevere’s seizures continued to get worse, causing her parents, Alexander and ReaganLeigh Repetski, to make frequent trips to the doctor every week. Gwenevere was put on heavy medication right away, and her initial diagnosis of infantile spasms was eventually determined as intractable epilepsy. While certain pharmaceutical treatments Gwenevere received lowered the amount of observable seizures she had, she was still experiencing constant subclinical seizures. Alexander explained, “[Pharmaceutical medications were] a small step in the right direction, but it would remain that every time we took her for an EEG, where they read her brain waves, she was having constant epileptic activity, whether she was having a visible seizure or not.” >>
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The constant interruption of Gwenevere’s brain waves meant that at barely four months old, she stopped developing entirely, keeping her from hitting milestones like crawling, walking or talking. Over the next two years, Gwenevere’s doctors would prescribe her nine different medications to try and stop her seizures. However the medications were still failing to improve Gwenevere’s condition, and Alexander took it upon himself to find other options to improve his daughter’s quality of life. He shared, “I started researching
neuroscience, and along the away I came across all of these powerful neuroprotective elements of cannabis and some other stories about adults as well as children using it for seizure activity. And I said, ‘This has got to be looked at here.’” Alexander continued his research and even considered moving to the U.S. many times before realizing he could soon gain legal access to cannabis through Canada’s federal medical cannabis program. It was during this time Gwenevere’s doctors recommended putting her on other medications as well as a Ketogenic
diet, which would require her to eat a restrictive diet using a G-tube. Alexander knew eating was the only thing his daughter truly enjoyed, and he found himself at a crossroads. “So I literally felt I had two options,” Alex said, “The first being breakdown, go completely crazy, just turn into a bubbling crying lunatic, or I could spend some time and do as much research as I could find time to do.” Alexander would put in about 5,000 hours of reading through data to learn everything he could about making oil, titration, dosages, safety and more.
Left: EEG PreCannabis Right: EEG PostCannabis
“The only thing I can say is I’ve seen [cannabis oil] literally transform Gwenevere from a two-year-old who was almost in a vegetative state most of her life to a three-and-a-half-year-old who is off almost all pharmaceuticals at this point and pretty happy.”
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With the support of his wife and family, Alexander decided to start Gwenevere’s cannabis oil treatment. He was able to convince one of his daughter’s doctors to write her a script by presenting logical arguments and scholarly articles. The family moved forward, and Gwenevere started the oil. Miraculously, she did not experience a seizure for two days following. And although she had a seizure on the third day, she has not had a seizure since then. Five weeks into her cannabis oil treatment, Gwenevere went in for another EEG reading. Doctors were blown away by what they saw—her reading showed no epileptic activity. A few months earlier Gwenevere’s EEG showed constant subclinical
seizure activity, and now it was gone. Doctors even admitted they never thought they would see Gwenevere do so well and continue on to hit her milestones. Alexander shared, “The only thing I can say is I’ve seen [cannabis oil] literally transform Gwenevere from a two-year-old who was almost in a vegetative state most of her life to a threeand-a-half-year-old who is off almost all pharmaceuticals at this point and pretty happy. While she has a lot of hurdles to cross and jump over still, she’s developing, she’s having fun, she’s walking around. She’s doing kid stuff that we feared for very long that we’d never see her do.” At this point, many of Gwenevere’s neurologists have verbally admitted cannabis
must be what is working in her treatment. Cannabis oil has also been added to Gwenevere’s medical charts, which felt like a win to Alexander, “. . . I felt like it was a substantiated step to legitimize it and recognize this is working and to put it in writing. And as before they would not want to talk about it.” Grateful for his ability to find out what was best for his daughter, Alexander shared his hope for the forward path, “There are many “The family moved humans in the world, forward, and both health care professionals and Gwenevere started the private citizens who oil. Miraculously, she are as educated did not experience as myself (many a seizure for two considerably more days following. And so) on the topic of cannabis science. although she had a We need to open seizure on the third the discussions day, she has not had a about the science seizure since then.” and remove the interests of politics and business greed. This will provide a platform for all humans to move forward into the further discovery of the potential of cannabis as a therapeutic and healing agent. “ c
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“We were immediately fascinated by their culture and resilience, their ability to adapt to circumstances, their pureness and the humbleness of their life, where everything still depends on Mother Nature.�
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Humble Life in the Himalayas Village nestled in the Himalayan Mountains survives because of cannabis by Victoria Banegas
Atop a Himalayan mountain at 9,000 feet, resides a village of humble cannabis farmers, whose livelihood revolves around the plant, financially and spiritually. This village is just one portion of the thousands of families who survive off of cannabis cultivation in the Himalayas, particularly a valuable type of hashish called “charas.” According to journalist Maria Tavernini, who recently wrote on the farmers in National Geographic, charas was originated by Hindu holy men known as Sadhus, and in the ‘70s became ingrained in the culture of local villagers. Currently, charas is made the same way as it was back in the ‘70s—farmers rub their hands on live cannabis plants and spend hours collecting the resin from the palm of their hands. >>
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CULTURE got in touch with Tavernini about her experience with the villagers and how she earned exclusive access to their lifestyle and culture. “We discovered these communities while travelling in India researching for new stories, during spring four years ago, when escaping to the Himalayas to survive high temperatures. We were immediately fascinated by their culture and resilience, their ability to adapt to circumstances, their pureness and the humbleness of their life, where everything still depends on Mother Nature,” Tavernini told CULTURE. Tavernini and her photographer Andrea De Fransiscis spent a total of four years with different villages in different parts of the Himalayas to cover a wide spectrum of farmers during different seasons. While their documentation of the villagers is mesmerizing, it took the duo one year to be granted permission to photograph the different villages, “We needed to explain to them our project and intentions while, on the other hand, narrowing down the scope of the work and entering deeper into their lives, customs and traditions,” Tavernini stated. Because cannabis prohibition is alive and well in India, many villages are continually changing location to avoid conflict with police. But despite occasional raids, farmers remain loyal to their craft as many have never cultivated a legal crop throughout their lifetime. Villagers produce tons of charas a year to be sold to tourist and Indians from big cities, with charas costing up to 20 dollars per gram and price and demand rising each year, according to Tavernini. Although cannabis grows wild within the Himalayas, farmers choose to live humble lives, with an average field consisting of only 50 plants, which produces 10 grams of charas, a meager price for the strenuous work associated with harvesting the plant. >> Photo by Jonathan Tichon
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“Life is challenging in the mountains, although it feels like the time has a different meaning and pace. Women work as much as men, and the feeling is that it’s rather a matriarchal society. Despite many families in the valley thrive on the profitable, illegal business, many villagers still live a very meager, humble life,” Tavernini told CULTURE. While the farmers continue to work hard while remaining humble their connections with the outside world are ever increasing, slowly changing the “purity and closeness of the valley.” “They live between their ages98
long traditions and an appealing modernity they just recently managed to get in touch with,” stated Tavernini. As the Indian government continues to support cannabis prohibition, putting the livelihood of such villages in danger, Romesh Bhattacharji, former narcotics commissioner of India, stated “Nearly 400 of the 640 districts in India have cannabis cultivation,” adding, “It’s time for the Indian Government to stop being a slave of UNbacked policies: Since 1985, cannabis use and cultivation has only proliferated. Prohibition has failed.” c
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“Nearly 400 of the 640 districts in India have cannabis cultivation. It’s time for the Indian Government to stop being a slave of UNbacked policies: Since 1985, cannabis use and cultivation has only proliferated. Prohibition has failed.”
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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.
PROFILE
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by Ed Rosenthal
mover and the other is attached to the back wall to light the darker back part of the greenhouse. There are 35 plants in the garden. Each is a different variety. All were purchased as clones from local dispensaries. Each plant has just less than two square feet of space, a square measuring almost 18 inches per side. The purpose of the experiment is to get an idea in miniature of how each variety would perform if it had more space and time to develop into a larger plant. To do this, I forced the plants to flower when they were still small, only 10 days after they had been transplanted into six-inch containers. The lighting was switched from being on continuously to a split cycle of 12 hours on and 12 hours of darkness. Almost all varieties start to flower when they receive a minimum of 10 to 11 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily. Since the plants are close to one another, the sides of the plants and the understory leaves and branches don’t get much light. Since light powers both the plant’s growth and its metabolism, these parts don’t contribute to the plant’s growth. Instead they use energy produced by the canopy to fuel their metabolism, and they hinder the free flow of air between the plants. Removing them, which I did for this article, helps the plants by easing crowding, facilitating airflow and lessening the energy load nonproductive parts use. Save all the leaves from the pruning process and run them through the juicer to make a healthy drink. Some people use the fresh leaves as medicine for debilitating chronic medical conditions. At the end of this experiment I will have an idea of each variety’s morphology, the amount of space it requires, its yield, the quality of the bud and its cannabinoids and terpenes. c
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The greenhouse. Besides the 35 experimental plants, six plants that were living outdoors to get an early start on the summer have taken up temporary residence to stay out of the rain.
The plants in the garden before pruning away the lower branches.
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After pruning the air flows freely and the plants have a bit more space.
Five of the varieties being tested; THC Bomb, Sour Diesel, Kosher Kush, Sunset Sherbet and Purple Urkle.
Young bud of Sour Diesel close-up.
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culture
iReadCulture.com
GET YOUR CLICKS
growing
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Photo by Andrey Bayda
How to Plan for a Spring Trip to Australia’s Nimbin
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by Sheryll Alexander
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A trip to Nimbin during Australia’s tropical version of autumn (our spring months) is still filled with '60s hippie culture gone wild as well as some of Australia's most relaxing and breathtaking natural adventures. Plus, now is the time when cannabis enthusiasts all over the world gear up for Nimbin’s annual MardiGrass Festival, which will be held this year from April 30-May 1. The two-day festival is replete with events like the Nimbin Cannabis Cup, the Hemp Olympix, a protest rally complete with
“ganja faeries” and nightly musical entertainment. While the days of drinking a flat white with a slice of cake and openly smoking at Nimbin’s Hemp Bar may be over for now (after an infamous police raid several years back), the toking continues in private. Still, the ability to stock up on vacay stash in Nimbin any time of year is rather simple these days (quietly ask around town or enlist aide at the Nimbin Hemp Embassy). Day trippers and vacationers flock to Nimbin and the surrounding countryside for easy-to-score
cannabis, the village’s eclectic hippie-frontier vibe and the natural beauty of this place, which is ringed by mountain forests and lush valleys while nearly empty, pristine shoreline is but an hour’s drive away. Don’t just think Nimbin is some New Age Nirvana. The central village has attracted a nefarious drug culture in the past decade or two so visitors must be on their toes. Truly, Nimbin is a fun, cheap and mostly safe way for cannabis-seeking travelers to explore all of the delights of New South Wales’ northernmost country lifestyle. c
Fun-Filled Facts Nimbin has few accommodations, so planning ahead is essential during festival time especially. More and more visitors are opting for private rooms or entire mountain forest or beachside cottages via Airbnb rather than B&Bs near town. 1
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Hiking upstream to a fresh water river’s deep pond and then spending time swimming and sunning is a favorite pastime of outbackers in Australia. Nimbin is surrounded by some of the country’s best “holes” such as Dalwood Falls, Marom Falls, Tosha Falls and Killen Falls. 2
Time to Go: Spring Weather: Warm with high humidity and nearly constant rainfall. Budget: $$$$$
if you go: Australia’s Parliament finally made an amendment to its Narcotic Drugs Act on February 24 to allow for legally growing of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes. Pro-cannabis proponents called it a “historic day,” however, what happens next for MMJ patients is rather murky. So, buying, growing and consuming cannabis are still illegal as of today. Nimbin is quite the exception as this faraway tropical town was literally built as a pot paradise. Ever since a crackdown in 2008, the good ol’ days of lighting up inside cafes and outside on the frontier-style sidewalks are gone. In addition, a very unfortunate fire in 2014 took out the city’s priceless cultural artifacts at the Nimbin Museum. Fortunately, the free-wheeling spirit of the original hippie village remains and is resparked every year during the city’s high-flying MardiGrass Festival.
culture growing
Douglas Szklarski
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Age: 51 Condition/Illness: Disease in the spine, arthritis, carpal tunnel, chronic migraines, cholesterol issues, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, and other issues. Using Medical Cannabis since: 2007
Why did you start using cannabis? The pills weren’t working and someone brought me a joint in 2007—and afterwards, I realized I wasn’t in any pain. I was using cannabis as a subsidy because of cost and didn’t use it full-time until the VA threw me in the psych ward for three days, claiming that I said I wanted to commit suicide, which was a result of all of the pills I was taking. Cannabis has restored me—you can take care of anything by smoking the herb, but the true healing power comes from the oils. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Pills like vicodin, methadone, shock therapy, creams, lotions— my skin was so sensitive. The balance in my body was totally off because of the medical treatments, and my body is finally
getting back some kind of balance now—it feels pretty good. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The most important issue is that cannabis should be legalized across the country. No more of this hiding and telling lies. So, the big thing is having people being taught how to properly use cannabis, grow cannabis and be able to heal from cannabis, because it’s going to take the medical field about five to 10 years to catch up. The high CBD plants just do a wonderful job. I think that when people complain about plant counts in people’s homes—I look at them as heroes, especially for our veterans. What do you say to folks that are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Look at the research— what they are doing with research now is phenomenal. The truth is finally coming out, but there is still a lot of negativity. There are too many toxicities out there for us—that’s why a variety of cannabis works, because our body builds up an immunity to it. I need 16-20 different strains of cannabis to help my various ailments. c
Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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culture
Savoring the Season of Spring
Seared Salmon with Pea Puree Brown CannaButter Asparagus Arugula Bruschetta
recipes by Laurie Wolf photography by Bruce Wolf
April is a lovely time of year for eating seasonally. Asparagus, peas, baby arugula and wonderful wild salmon—no heavy sauces required. Let’s let the freshness and flavor of these natural ingredients shine through this spring. We suggest a teaspoon of canna-butter or canna-oil per person, going for a dose of about 10 percent THC. The CBD percent is your call. There seems to be no question that those two cannabinoids, along with lots of others, can work wonders on what ails you. Less is more, and have fun.
RECIPES
growing
Menu:
Seared Salmon with Pea Puree
UNKNOWN
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
DESTINATION
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.
The Harvest Vine 2701 E Madison St., Seattle (206) 320-9771 www.harvestvine.com Adriatic Grill-Italian Cuisine & Wine 4201 S Steele St., Tacoma (253) 475-6000 www.adriaticgrill.com
Brown CannaButter Asparagus
Bis on Main 10213 Main St., Bellevue (425) 455-2033 www.bisonmain.com
Ingredients
culture
4
growing
Local eateries with similar dishes
Serves
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.
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COURAGE
Salt and coarse black pepper
IN
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.
DESTINATION
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
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RECIPES
6 sage leaves, chopped
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washington NOW! event listings
The Fox on the Fairway, April 8-30
The Fox on the Fairway is a slapstick comedy that tell the story a country club president who finds himself in quite a pickle when a big bet goes awry and he’s caught in an unfortunate scenario. The production opened in 2010 and has continually received positive reviews. Spokane Civic Theater, Spokane spokanecivictheater.com
enjoy his wonderfully weird solo performance. Neptune Theater, Seattle noelfielding.co.uk
featured event
“Edvard Munch and the Sea,” Opens April 9
Edvard Munch is known for having a vast and ever-changing collection of art but one reoccurring subject happens to be the sea. This exhibit showcases Munch’s most prominent paintings of the seaside settings. Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma tacomaartmuseum.org
“Louis Khan: The Power of Architecture,” Ends May 1
Medieval Festival, April 30-May 1
Participate in the medieval celebration of “somour games,” that occurred at the beginning of every May. Feast on delectable foods and enjoy demonstrations of medieval crafts and activities. Camlann Medieval Village, Carnation camlann.org
Architect Louise Khan is known as one of the greatest builders of the 21st century. This exhibit showcases his undeniable talent and innovative contributions to the world of architecture. Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue bellevuearts.org
Emerald City Comicon, April 7-10
One of the biggest comic book conventions in the world is back with plenty of comics, merchandise and celebrity appearances to fulfill your pop-culture needs. This year’s entertainment guests will include Nathan Fillion (Firefly), Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) and more! Washington State Convention Center, Seattle www.wscc.com
Noel Fielding, April 8
Known in the U.K. for his surreal sketch comedy, Noel Fielding makes a stop in L.A. on his first big U.S. tour. If you loved him in the Mighty Boosh series, you’ll
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Joe Rogan, April 20
Joe Rogan is a cannabis loving comedian, podcaster and T.V. personality with over 20 years of stand up under his belt. With lots to say and tons of life-experience to back it up, Rogan brings a refreshing yet raw performance to his shows. The Moore Theater, Seattle joerogan.net
Seattle Ska Fest, April 22
On its 13 year, Seattle Ska Fest is a two-day event that celebrates ska culture. This year’s acts
Rihanna, April 24
With the recent release of new album Anti, Rihanna kicks of her Anti World Tour in San Diego. Touring with Riri on her North American leg of the tour is Travis Scott.
Key Arena, Seattle rihannanow.com
include Easy Big Fella, Skablins and Chris Murray. The Highline, Seattle highlineseattle.com
Northwest Tequila and Agave Spirits Fest, April 22-23 Tired of beer festivals? Check
out the Northwest Tequila and Agave Spirits Festival. Not only will you be able to try some tasty tequila and mescal, you can attend informative panels and enjoy delicious food and music. Freemont Foundry, Seattle nwtequilafest.com
Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—CHANNELING GEORGE CARLIN u “Military Intelligence”: The head of U.S. Navy intelligence has for more than two years been prohibited from accessing classified information (as the Pentagon disclosed to The Washington Post in January). Vice Admiral Ted Branch came under investigation in 2013 in a corruption scandal involving a foreign defense contractor and various Navy personnel and might have been suspended from all duties—except that, given the political gridlock in Washington, no consensus candidate has emerged. No charges have been filed against Branch, but before he enters any room at the Pentagon, classified material must be stowed away. RECURRING THEMES u New World Order: (1) Yet another woman gave birth to her own granddaughter in January. Tracey Thompson, 54, offered to be the surrogate mother for her fertility-challenged daughter, Kelley, and delivered a 6-pound, 11-ounce girl at The Medical Center in Plano,
Texas. (2) After notable successes in the United States, Latin America claimed in December its first transgender pregnancy after Ecuadorean Fernando Machado announced he was expecting a child with his partner Diane Rodriguez. Fernando used to be “Maria”; Diane used to be “Luis”; and though both undergo hormone therapy, they have retained their birth organs. u 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”
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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 long-time 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,
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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).
also try creating music for bored zoo elephants or stressed-out whales. In tests, cats responded well to Teie’s music, according to a 2015 journal article (but with less curiosity at the Washington cat cafe Crumbs & Whiskers).
CAT CULTURE u Longtime National Symphony cellist David Teie announced in November that his crowdfunding project was hugely successful, freeing him to produce an album of music meaningful to cats. (Cats, for example, relax in response to the earliest sound of their mother’s purring, which Teie clocked at 23 harp notes a second). Teie’s work, according to an October Washington Post feature, includes examining waveforms of real-time purrs and creating an organ sound to mimic the opening and closing of a cat’s vocal chords. His KickStarter pitch raised so much money that he might
LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS u Amazon.com has riled up Buddhist temples in Japan, according to a January Associated Press dispatch, by offering traveling monks rentable online to conduct funerals and other rituals. The monk would go to a home, grave or funeral home, at fees and upgrades ranging from the equivalent of $300 to about $8,500. (Many of Japan’s 75,000 Buddhist temples are struggling financially and destined to close. Complained a spokesman for the Japan Buddhist Association, what Amazon is facilitating “is allowed in no other country in the world.”)
u In February, Gawker. com introduced the semiserious Lube Crude Index as a poignant indicator of how far the price of oil has fallen. Comparing the world price of a standard 42-gallon barrel of crude (about $31) with that of a 55-gallon barrel of Passion Natural WaterBased Lubricant (retailing as, when packaged in smaller quantities, a sexual aid) shows that “sex lube” is more valuable than crude oil by a factor of 28—a barrel’s worth of the lube recently priced at $1,175 versus crude’s barreladjusted $41. As recently as June 2014, the Lube Crude Index was near 1. (Gawker reported that only two actual barrels of Passion Natural could be found and that the price would likely rise further if one of them were sold). UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT u (1) Angel Rivera, 49, was arrested in December in Orlando, Florida, on allegations that he punched a
child in the face because the boy was not getting dressed for church fast enough. (The boy was wearing an ankle brace, which slowed him down). (2) Ryan Dailey, 28, was arrested in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in February on several charges after, police said, he beat his mother by pounding her with a Bible. His explanation, police said, was that when he asked her who her soul belonged to, she repeatedly declined to answer. WHO KNEW? u The much-maligned pigeon was recently found by researchers to be as skilled as humans at distinguishing between slides of benign versus malignant human breast tissue. Writing in the journal PLOS ONE, specialists from the University of Iowa and University of California, Davis lauded the birds’ processing of color, contrast, brightness and image compression, marveling
that pigeons see more wavelengths of light than humans, even though their brains are one-thousandth the size. (Birds are already known to distinguish “hostile” humans in celebrated divepecking incidents). POLICE REPORT u A near-certain robbery of the PNC Bank in Zebulon, North Carolina, on Jan. 28 was prevented, with employees treated to an almost-slapstick scene in which the bank manager kept the suspect outside by winning a tug-of-war for control of the front door. The manager had grabbed the door after noticing an armed, masked man approaching from the parking lot just after the bank opened. (The frustrated perp fled emptyhanded, but was at large). u Awkward Moments Ahead in Lockup: (1) Joel Sloan, 51, was booked into jail for DUI by a sheriff’s deputy in
Birmingham, Alabama, in February. Sloan was dressed head-to-toe as a clown. (No explanation was offered). (2) Vaughn Tucker, 23, was booked into jail in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in February on drug charges. He was wearing a T-shirt with large lettering on the front: “I Would Cuddle You So Hard.” u Didn’t Think It Through: The robbers of the electronics store Compucell in Springfield, Massachusetts, in December came up empty, but are still at large. A man with a gun jumped the counter and demanded that the employee give him money from the locked cash register. The gunman moved to the back door to let in his accomplice, but that merely allowed the employee and two customers to run out the front door, and the accomplice fled, too, sensing that, with no one to unlock the register, the “robbery” was going nowhere.
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