Culture Magazine Washington December 2015 by Culture Magazine

CULTURE // December 2015

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december 2015

Contents 18

46 DAPPER AND DOMINATING

Features

52 . Holiday Gift Guide Check out the newest industry products that will make the perfect gift for your loved ones. 56 . INDUSTRY INSIDER The success of O.penVAPE is all because of Jeremy Heidl and his solid industry experience. 60 . lessons from medical Recreational cannabis could learn a lot from the medical industry. 64 . UNDER THE RADAR Silas Blak is a rare find in the local WA hip-hop scene.

George Zimmer, suit mogul and overall business professional, dishes all about his 50+ year appreciation of cannabis and how he’s changing the game in suit-buying. ON THE COVER: Photo by Tonya Perme

8 . Letter from the Editor

NEWS

12 . News Nuggets 15 . By the Numbers 18 . Washington Has No Cap on Rec Stores 22 . legal corner

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66 . Growing Culture 68 . Destination Unknown 70 . Profiles in Courage 72 . Recipes 74 . let’s do this 76 . News of the Weird

reviews

42 . STRAIN & concentrate

WEB Exclusive! Canadian Prime Minister Starts the Process of Legalization

26 . access point highlightS 38 . advocate highlight

Cannabis Censorship on Social Media: The Tricky Divide

ReviewS

44 . Entertainment Reviews

Israel Steadily Rising in the Global Cannabis Market

Departments

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Vol 7 IssUE 6

/freeculturemag

/ireadculture

letter from the editor

Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas

Presentation Has

Power

recent study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science specifically studies how formal attire changes people’s thought processes. “Putting on formal clothes makes us feel powerful, and that changes the basic way we see the world,” says Abraham Rutchick, an author of the study and a professor of psychology at California State University, Northridge. Rutchick and his co-authors found that wearing formal clothing makes people think more broadly and holistically, rather than narrowly and detail-oriented. People often say dress for the job you want, not for the job you have. Formal menswear mogul George Zimmer knew this psychological fact instinctually, even at an early age. His obsession with suits and the luxury of the perfect fit helped him create an empire of innovation, invention and success, with a lot of style. The cannabis sector has seen this same psychological effect take hold and help shape our growth as a culture and industry. The original “stoner culture” that birthed the bright and shiny cannabis culture we all know now started without much thought into how it appears to others, its presentation or its packaging. Now, the cannabis world is a thriving

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and booming industry where presentation is of the utmost importance—to change stigmas, misrepresentations and decades of anticannabis propaganda. With countless tragic events occurring every day, all over the world, it is important to consider how the visual presentation of ideas affects people, positively and negatively. In our industry, cannabis legalization and medical access is the most important shared goal— we are looking to help each other, whether it’s through groundbreaking natural medical treatments or through decriminalization of a natural plant, no one in this industry is trying to harm anyone else. It’s all about the betterment of our society, our community and our world. Taking time to shape our message to the world and to each other, with attention to presentation and respect, can only help our ongoing fight for legalization, access and worldwide peace. c Sincerely,

Editorial Contributors Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson, Rick Thompson Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Jonathan Ibarra Account Executives Greg Andes,Callie Belo, Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Ryan Dunn, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Yolanda Imoberstag, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher, Paulina Porter-Tapia, April Tygart Office Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital media Editor Kimberly Johnson Ctv Video Editor Deonica Panlilio Ctv Contributors Anna Logan,Chris Salazar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes 25,000 magazines at over 600 locations throughout Washington. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® 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

Evan A. Senn

Editor-In-Chief

CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.

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C STATE NEWS NUGGETS

care provider of the department to make appropriate recommendations, fill out forms, or take steps to comply with such a program.”

__________________________

_________________________

is federally illegal, providing business documents to the city would infringe on its fifth-amendment right against selfincrimination.

Low-Level Cannabis Convictions Vacated in Spokane

The Spokane City Council voted 6-0 to allow convictions to be vacated from those guilty of misdemeanor in possession of cannabis, according to The Spokesman Review. City Council President Ben Suckart stated that those with convictions of possession should be able to fill out a form with the Spokane Municipal Public Safety Building to get their conviction vacated by early 2016. With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Washington, many found it unfair that conviction was still being held against those caught in possession prior to legalization. A lowlevel cannabis conviction can create obstacles for those looking for housing or employment, which was a major factor in Suckart’s decision to move forward with the legislation. The decision does not affect offenses in Spokane County District Court and will not go away automatically.

Seattle Medical Cannabis Shop Sues the City for Regulating

Columbia City Holistic Health in Seattle is suing the city due to its decision to regulate and license local access points. The access point believes that the city’s decision to do so is “unlawful” because cannabis is still illegal under federal law, and this prevents the city from having any authority over how access points should be regulated, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. The defendants in the case include City Mayor Ed Murray and Seattle Director of Administrative Services, Fred Podesta. While Columbia City Holistic Health and its lawyer believe the city is not in a position to regulate the way access points run their business, Seattle City Attorney Office, Deputy Chief, John Schochet says the city has the right to regulate businesses and will defend this belief in court. The access point however, sees things otherwise, stating in the lawsuit that because cannabis

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__________________________

NATION New Bill Allows Doctors to Administer Medical Cannabis To Veterans

The Senate has approved the FY2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which will allow veterans to access medical cannabis. Before the bill was passed, The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) prohibited doctors who worked with veterans from administering medical cannabis, even in the 23 states where it is legal, according to Congress. gov. The bill prohibits the VA from spending money on enforcement of these regulations, stating that it cannot “interfere with the ability of a veteran to participate in a state-approved medicinal marijuana program, deny any services from the Department to a veteran who is participating in such a program or limit or interfere with the ability of a health

World Mexico Supreme Court takes step toward recreational cannabis use

Wednesday, Nov. 5, The Mexican Supreme Court ruled in a 4-1 vote that growing, possessing and smoking cannabis for recreational use is not illegal. The Court decided on this ruling based on the principal that the personal use of cannabis falls under the right of “free development of personality.”Although this is a big step for Mexico in terms of cannabis legalization, the ruling only applies to the cannabis club who took up a case with the court asking for the right to legally utilize cannabis, and does not include sales or commercial production of the substance, according to 9&10 News. President Enrique Pena Neito addressed the ruling on his Twitter account, agreeing to respect the court’s decision but giving orders to the Mexican Government to thoroughly explain the guidelines of the ruling. Following this ruling, a senator from Neito’s governing party introduced a bill that will allow easier access to cannabisbased medicines for patients in Mexico, according to Fox News Latino. VISIT US AT

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by the numb3rs

“Art, AIDS, America”

The number of votes from the Spokane City Council’s decision to allow patients with low-level cannabis convictions to remove them from their criminal record: 6 (Source: The Spokesman-Review)

1,817 18,363 64 91 2,000 The number of people that could potentially be affected by a new measure that will erase low-level cannabis convictions from permanent records in Spokane: 1,817 (Source: The Huffington Post)

The amount of money, in dollars, that the city of Ellensburg will receive from the state cannabis excise tax: 18,363 (Source: Daily Records)

The amount of money, in dollars, that Whatcom County estimates it will receive from annual cannabis tax revenue: 160,438 (Source: Bellingham Herald)

The number of remaining medical cannabis access points located in Seattle after the city began to close non-I-502 storefronts: 64 (Source: King5)

The percentage of Australians who believe that cannabis should be made legal for medical purposes: 91 (Source: The Guardian)

The estimated number of people who attended the first Southwest Cannabis Conference in Phoenix, Arizona: 2,000 (Source: The Monitor Daily)

The newly published percentage of Americans who believe that cannabis use should be made legal: 58 (Source: Gallup)

“Art, AIDS, America” is a unique perspective into the world of AIDS in America and how it evolved into an urgent topic, still as prevalent today as it was in the early 1980s. The artists featured in this exhibit express their individual experiences with HIV in a somewhat biographical manner, allowing viewers to learn the stories of those affected by HIV and dismiss the stigma associated with the life-threatening illness. Spanning over 30 years, with over 120 works by various artists, using various mediums, the exhibit is curated by the Tacoma Art Museum in partnership with the Bronx Museum of Art. Artists included in this exhibit include Nan Goldin, Keith Haring, Kiki Smith and Thomas Mc Govern. Described by previous visitors as “necessary” with a sense of “pride and beauty” this exhibit is helping to changing the way we look at AIDS in American and what we can do to help fight it.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Art, AIDS, America” exhibit. WHEN/WHERE: On view through Jan. 10. Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. INFO: Visit www. tacomaartmuseum.org for details.

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Cannabis Uncapped

No More Caps on Washington Rec Stores

by Emily Manke

When I-502 rolled out, one of the many criticisms was the conservative cap on recreational cannabis stores. First there was the lottery with only a few lucky applicants’ allotted licenses at a time. In the opening months of Cannabis City in Seattle, it was the only recreational cannabis store in the city. As such, they were constantly running out of cannabis, and prices basically had to be unreasonably high. Though more stores did eventually open, and prices eventually dropped, the whole process seemed overly complicated and restrictive. But no more! Just in time for the state-required transition of medical access points to recreational stores, the cap on applications has been lifted. Cities in Washington may apply for as many new recreational cannabis store licenses as they please. Of course, cities are allowed to impose restrictions if they choose. But no more of the holdup at the state level–at least for now. Washongton State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) spokesman Mikhail Carpenter gave a statement to KUOW about the new regulations. “While there is presently no cap, we have also been very upfront about the fact that we may shut it off,” Carpenter said. “An upcoming report from the RAND Corporation . . . will estimate how much marijuana Washington residents are consuming,” KUOW says. “Those numbers will help guide his agency’s decision on how many licenses to grant.” While more data is always a good thing, projecting how much cannabis people in a region consume seems like an incredibly difficult thing to do accurately. Especially when you consider, according to

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Randy Simmons, State Marijuana Project Director, that recreational stores are only providing cannabis to about 9 to 10 percent of the available market. Figuring out exactly how much black market cannabis buyers are consuming seems like a difficult, if not impossible task. So while the data Rand Corporation is collecting is wonderful in many ways and will be useful for some applications, hopefully the WSLCB doesn’t limit the amount of access points based on iffy numbers. The WSLCB has certainly made some mistakes along the way, but the new lift on rec store caps seems to be a step in the right direction. A step that very well may be data based as well. In September, the Washington State

Institute for Public Policy released a report titled I-502 Evaluation Plan and Preliminary Report on Implementation. The report examined the cost-benefit analysis of legal recreational cannabis in Washington State. While the report didn’t offer any conclusive findings, it did offer a wealth of data. And with the release of the report so close to the lift of the cap, it seems the preliminary findings may very well have influenced this particular policy. Though the future for recreational cannabis stores in Washington is still waiting to unfold, the lift on caps does seem like positive progress. As more solid data becomes available, perhaps the state will become a more supportive place for cannabis entrepreneurs. c VISIT US AT

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C r e n r co l a g le by Hilary Bricken

Understanding WA’s New Emergency Rules

he Washington Department of Health (DOH) recently issued emergency medical cannabis rules. These rules were promulgated as part of the Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, which brings medical cannabis under the authority of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) and DOH beginning on July 1, 2016. The DOH appears to have adopted a broad interpretation of what the term “medical marijuana” means. Essentially, it’s going to be patient’s choice when it comes to what “medical grade” cannabis is. “At this time, the decision of what marijuana products may be beneficial is best made by patients in consultation with their health care practitioners. For this reason, the department will not limit the types of products available to qualifying patients. Instead, the department intends to create standards for products that any consumer can rely upon to be reasonably safe and meet quality assurance measures.” Most importantly, these emergency rules are effective immediately. Under Washington law, when an agency files emergency rules, those rules go live when filed if they are necessary for the

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“preservation of the public health, safety or general welfare.” In filing these rules, the DOH’s reasoning for their emergency status is due to the fact that the LCB started accepting applications from potential medical cannabis retail distributors on October 12, and those applicants cannot sell medical cannabis without DOH guidance. The DOH is currently seeking public comment on these emergency rules and they are, as always, subject to change. The emergency rules create a new category of “compliant marijuana products,” which, in turn, have three subcategories: general use, high THC and high CBD. General use compliant products contain less than 10mg of THC per serving, with no more than 10 servings per unit. High THC compliant products contain between 1050mg of THC per serving. Each unit may not contain more than 10 servings. High THC compliant products may be sold only to qualified patients or designated providers. High CBD compliant products must meet one of the following ratios: (1) Marijuana concentrates with less than 2 percent THC and 25 times more CBD concentration by weight; (2) Edible products with less than two milligrams of THC and at least five

times as much CBD per serving by weight for solids or volume for liquids; or (3) Topicals containing five times more CBD than THC concentration. The rules also establish a process for testing cannabis for pesticides and heavy metals. Testing will be required for all parts of the cannabis plant. The minimum sample size for testing is three grams per three pounds. With respect to labeling, the emergency rules prohibit products from using words, symbols or images commonly used in the medical or pharmaceutical industry. For example, labels cannot include the words “prescription” or “RX.” The labels must also prominently display the following statement: “This product is not approved by the FDA to treat, cure or prevent any disease.” The emergency rules also require standards for safe product handling. All processing facilities must maintain clean and sanitary conditions through each stage of cannabis handling. This includes promoting personal cleanliness, regular and thorough hand washing and prohibiting employees or volunteers from handling cannabis when they are ill. Finally, the emergency rules require specific training for employees. Employees must be trained to identify valid medical cannabis authorizations and state IDs and must learn to enter information into the state’s voluntary medical cannabis database. Employees are also required to learn to adhere to confidentiality requirements regarding medical cannabis patients. Additionally, employees are to be trained about the science behind cannabinoids, including concentrations of CBD and THC, in order to assist patients and designated providers at retail stores. These rules will require careful compliance from cannabis businesses and all interested stakeholders should keep a close eye on how these rules develop and change, as they are sure to change again as the new medical-recreational hybrid marketplace rolls out. c VISIT US AT

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Access Point HIGHLIGHT

Center Street Collective Interviewed: Chad (Owner)

4915 Center St., Ste. D, Tacoma, 98409 instagram.com/centerstreetcollective How and when did your access point start up? We opened our doors in November of 2012 with the goal of creating a positive and friendly environment to serve patients. We simply wanted to help those in need within our community. What’s the story behind the name of your access point? We almost opened at a different location under a different name. Before I took the leap, I found where we are now. Center Street Collective was a perfect name. What does your access point offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? Our patients repeatedly tell us that they continue to come for our consistent quality and friendly, educational volunteers. We also offer affordable, quality medicine. We have always strived to keep our patients happy. 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 is always changing, yet we feel as though

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we have prevailed and hope to maintain our position in the community. One of our goals is simply to try and kill the stigma marijuana has had for decades. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? . . . Biggest joys? Our biggest obstacles we face would be the lack of understanding from people who don’t understand the benefits of medicinal marijuana. We are here to help patients in need, and that is what gives us satisfaction. We really care about our patients. The politics are probably our biggest challenge that we face being in this industry. It’s frustrating to fight to be here and stay open when we follow the law. We hope that in the near future, the city regulates the industry appropriately so patients still feel the same way they do today when visiting us and getting their medicine. The joys of being in this industry would be

servicing the medical marijuana community and assisting to help find the appropriate medicine for the patients. We look forward to seeing our patients leave happy every day. What is the one thing you want patients to know about your access point? We want patients to know that we are here for them; to help them find the right form of medicine and to always have a welcoming and safe environment for them to visit. If someone wanted to open an access point and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Maintaining quality products for your patients is necessary along with making sure you are participating in accordance with state laws. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/ MMJ community? I hope to spread the education of this miraculous plant. It has been used by many cultures for longer than our own written history, yet we are just rediscovering it again. c

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Access Point HIGHLIGHT

Diamond Green

Interviewed: Malkit Singh (Owner) 4002 S. 12th St., Tacoma, 98405 www.diamondgreentacoma.com Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the story behind the name of your shop? We named our location after the shimmer of THC crystals and the color of cannabis. The Diamond was used to represent the highest qualities in the products we carry.

variety of products with industry regulations that make people test the safety and quality of products. We would like to see it go in a direction that would provide consumers with a transparent industry standard for products, ensuring safety and quality.

How has the cannabis industry in Washington changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? The biggest change we have seen is the prices of cannabis products going down, making the recreational market more affordable here in Washington. We would like to see it become user friendly with a larger

What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? . . . Biggest joys? Initially, just getting the word out and having people know our location, making sure the public knew where we are located and who we are. High prices when cannabis first became legal within the market was also a challenge, but as mentioned, it

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is getting better as this market matures. Biggest joy is providing the community with the quality products and services that they desire, and being able to fulfill those needs. It is also very rewarding to see the overall excitement of our clients when they come to the store and legally purchase cannabis for the first time. What is the one thing you want patients to know about your store? The one thing clients should know about our store is that it is a safe environment with a knowledgeable staff serving quality products. Most importantly that we genuinely

care about matching the correct product to our client needs, and we will take the time with everyone that walks into our store to make sure that happens. 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 follow the rules and regulations. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/ MMJ community? We would like to be known as a trusted resource and a place to go for quality cannabis needs. c

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Access Point HIGHLIGHT

Green Kings Interviewed: Doc Hansen (Owner) 11812 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 98444 www.instagram.com/greenkings1

What’s the story behind the name of your access point? Picked a name to convey that we are the “Kings of Cannabis.” The founder has been working with cannabis for decades. He and his family have helped thousands of patients with their MMJ needs. What does your access point offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? We strive to provide superior products and knowledge with a caring staff that will take the extra time with new patients to learn their needs. That extra time we spend with them allows us to recommend the best product for each patient on a individual basis. How has the cannabis industry in Washington changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? We feel the biggest change in the industry is that the public is more informed and aware that in Washington, MMJ is available as a health alternative, and more people than ever are using it to

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live a healthier life. In the future, we would like to see some cannabis facilities stay medical, because there are patients that need our products to walk, eat and function as normal as possible without having to pay recreational prices. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? . . . Biggest joys? The biggest challenges we face is having specific meds on the shelves for patients right when they need it. The biggest joy is seeing the relief and help our meds provide them. It is also great to see our patients regularly, just getting to know them and see the progress and the positive changes we bring to their quality of life and their overall health via MMJ. If someone wanted to open an access point and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Have industry knowledge and do your homework. Read the LCB Blog to stay updated on the changes of the rules and regulations. c

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Access Point HIGHLIGHT

The Healing Leaf Collective Garden 9626 32nd St. SE., Lake Stevens, 98258 www.healingleaf.net How and when did your access point start up? The Healing Leaf Collective opened doors in June 2012. There were little to no access points in Snohomish County; a new collective was a great opportunity to provide the community with a safe place to access their medication. What does your access point offer patients that they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find anywhere else? The Healing Leaf Collective offers a large variety of fully tested medicine. Testing in-house has really set us apart from other collectives, giving us the opportunity to match specific cannabinoids to the needs of our patients.

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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 MJ industry has been extremely challenging with the legislation constantly changing. We have to make sure that we stay compliant with current laws and prepare for future changes. What is the one thing you want patients to know about your access point? Patients need to know that our collective is a great place to gain knowledge. Our staff

has been trained to explain what different cannabinoids are used for different medical conditions and can help patients feel comfortable with trying new products If someone wanted to open an access point and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Having a fully tested staff that is able to match which cannabinoids will be most beneficial to that individual. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/ MMJ community? One thing, as a collective, that we hope to accomplish in the industry is to make sure that patients and or customers feel they have received the best experience possible that they could have by coming to our shop. c

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Advocate HIGHLIGHT

Adrian Reinstein Occupation: Administrative Consultant for Retail Cannabis

When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis? I have always supported the legalization and responsible consumption of marijuana. It wasn’t until a little over a year ago, when those dreams were realized with the opening of the first I-502 stores, that I became actively involved in promoting the products. How has cannabis benefited your life? For me, smoking a joint after work or eating an infused cookie before bed is a great way to unwind. But, the effects of cannabis and its benefits are not limited to physical sensations. With the up-shoot of this new industry, thousands of new jobs have been created, careers are being established and money is being made on both the private, corporate and most importantly, taxable level. I’ve been lucky enough

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to be actively involved in helping to create the model for a successful retail business; I have been able to seek a career in a brand new world. Being a part of history and a noble cause is life changing! It provides me with purpose and drive—two words typically considered the antonym of a stoner’s life. What’s your greatest achievement to the cannabis cause? There can be a lot of controversy over marijuana; many associate the proverbial brain dead stoner with all marijuana users. Changing this perception is the key to eliminating the stigma of cannabis. By working closely with the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce in order to establish community connection, and use the backing of the typically conservative group to add legitimacy to our

industry, I am able to show our community and business leaders that we are more than a bunch of couch-locked, glazed out people. We are true business professionals that can have lunch with a senator, chat with a CEO and blaze a doobie after work. The change in attitude is clear already, and more and more of the public and professional world are gaining new perspective on what it means to be a “stoner.” Adding professionalism and structure to a world that has thrived for so long in the shadows, helps to change the attitude of those who may have once vehemently opposed the industry. Who do you look up to or admire? There are so many figures who have fought for the cause to get us to where we are today with legalization. Too many to name, because I admire and respect

them all. However, for me, I look up to the pioneers, those who have started a business from scratch and who work hard to stay structured amidst the constant changing of rules and regulations, tax structures and laws. It’s the Wild West right now and to stay afloat means being able to adapt and evolve quickly. I admire those who have put it all on the line to realize their dream of changing this business from a seedy under world to a professional market. If you could change one thing about the way cannabis is viewed and/ or treated right now, what would it be? The people that imbibe—they are represented in every class and culture, age range, gender and beyond. There’s no “typical stoner.” Success, motivation and intelligence have nothing to do with cannabis consumption. c VISIT US AT

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STRAIN + concentrate

WA Kush 2

Available AT: Hypeherbally in Everett and Ranier Express in Olympia.

The Truth

This flower is reminiscent of a tasty, rich pastry. Not only because the smell and flavor emit intense notes of white-cake, but because the notably dense, decadently sugar-glazed nuggets pack a lot of punch in a little package. This 50-50 indica-sativa hybrid comes from Mana Gardens. WA Kush 2 is a sister plant, meaning same strain different phenotype, of Dungeness OG. In addition to the wonderful and powerful smell and flavor of baked goods, the flower also maintains the flavor integrity of a nice OG Kush—the signature cannabis combo of pine, wood and earth. The combination of sweet and savory flavors make for a complete and complex flavor profile even the most selective connoisseurs will enjoy. Once consumed, which we did using a vaporizer, the benefits of this evenly split hybrid became apparent. While the indicia supplied the intense mind and body effects, the sativa kicked in to keep the feeling uplifted, euphoric and creative. The hybrid nature also makes it a good fit for a variety of uses. From social anxiety to pain management, we could see WA Kush 2 being useful in a variety of applications.

Upon first glance, The Truth is dazzling. It’s hue is pinkish purple pretty much all over, it’s incredibly dense and absolutely dripping with THC crystals—The Truth is truly a stunning flower. When it comes to aroma and flavor, this flower is true to its strain, yet delicate and not overwhelming. Hints of earth, spice, and wood serve as the backdrop to the mostly piney flavor. We consumed this using a water pipe, and the effects were immediate and powerful. The Truth lived up to its name and provided a cerebral, visceral, and overall strong effect that was felt in both mind and body. Even after just a tiny puff, the relaxation began at once. The indica-dominant strain is known for its pain-relieving properties, and you can certainly tell. For flower, the body effect from The Truth is pretty phenomenal. This is a perfect option for pain management. While it’s powerful enough to help deal with pain, as long as you use in moderation, it won’t render you incapacitated either. It may not be suitable for daytime use, for some. It is however, a comparable, but slightly milder option than extracts for those who need the most powerful medicine.

Available AT: Seattle Quality Collective in Seattle.

Organic Dutch Treat

Available AT: Trees Collective in Seattle.

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It’s always a pleasure to review an organic Dutch Treat! The signature strain was identifiable almost just by looking at it. This Organic Dutch Treat flower tends to grow into these lovely little peaks. Even the densest of buds feature a topography not normally seen on closely trimmed flower. This Organic Dutch Treat flower was an exquisite example of that. Among the peaks and valleys of this lovely flower, are the prominent and abundant orange hairs. This is all topped off with a heavy dusting of crystals. Once consumed, which we did using a water pipe, we noticed a light and pleasant fruityeucalyptus flavor. The effects were both immediate and terrific. This indicadominant strain (though that’s up for debate) was impressively heady. While it didn’t produce the brain fog that can sometimes occur with highly potent flower, it did give a sense of relief, happiness and a spirit boost within five minutes of consumption. This Organic Dutch Treat is an impeccable choice in flower for those who suffer from anxiety or depression, as it offers relief from symptoms without being overwhelmingly intoxicating.

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Available AT: 8th Wonder in Tacoma.

HD Fruity Flower Rosin

The HD Fruity Flower Rosin was a complete delight. To start, the rosin comes in a cute little envelope with a PNW Native American design on the front, which is the logo for PNW Roots, the company responsible for this tasty treat. The package also contained vital info on the product, such as the facility and date tested, and of course the THC content, which is a whopping 71.80 percent. But it’s not the packaging that makes this rosin so wonderful! The product itself was some of the more malleable and nicely textured rosin I’ve come across. While some rosin can get spread so thin, and is textured so flakey that it’s hard to work with, and inevitably consume. But this rosin was perfect. It had an almost waxy texture that made it a breeze to use. As soon as you consume the rosin, which we did using a water pipe, you’ll see where it gets its name. Fruity, with a hint of pineapple, this rosin has a robust flavor undoubtedly chalk full of terpenes, which is frankly remarkable for rosin. This extract hits incredibly smooth. In fact it hits so smooth, it’s easy to not notice the size hit you’re taking, until the THCladen smoke expands in your lungs. Once consumed, we felt the high-voltage impact of a strong extract. Though not completely incapacitating, this is certainly not the product you want to consume before any serious thinking or doing needs to happen.

Available AT: All Natural Wellness Center in Tacoma.

Critical Mass (Rosin)

The rosin version of Critical Mass is a wonderful incarnation of the strain. Flakey, pliable and neat, this is the perfect product to enjoy in any number of ways. Like the flower, the flavors present in this extract varied. Sweet, earthy, citrusy and complex, this rosin maintains some of the strain’s signature flavor, though they’re much more subtle than in the flower. When it comes to this rosin’s high, it’s intense. Happy and relaxed like its flower counterpart, it’s the perfect extract for relaxing at home, or even attending a small social gathering. It’s an indica, so you don’t want to go to any dance parties or job interviews (obviously), but it’s definitely a manageable effect.

December 2015 // CULTURE

entertainment Release Date: Tues, Dec. 1 Available on: PC, PS4 and Xbox One

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Pub. Ubisoft Dev. Ubisoft Montreal

The Medicinal Power of Cannabis: Using a Natural Herb to Heal Arthritis, Nausea, Pain and Other Ailments John Hicks, MD Skyhorse Publishing

The newest game to release in the Tom Clancy line is Rainbow Six Siege, an intense online multiplayer, first-person tactical shooter game that requires some excellent communication and teamwork in order to win matches. The environment is highly destructible, which opens up many options for how to overtake enemy teams. Thanks to the game’s use of the AnvilNext engine, Siege features amazing level design and realistic gameplay in the different 11 maps that are available at launch.

The Orange Glow Globelamp Psychedelic Thrifstore Recordings

On Globelamp’s most recent release, The Orange Glow, singer Elizabeth le Fey collaborates with the rising indie/psychedelic rock songwriter/producer, Joel Jerome (La Sera, Peach Kelli Pop), to awesome effect. While the stripped down, raw beauty of Globelamp’s sound is still present within The Orange Glow, it’s wonderful to see le Fey pushing herself to create something that remains true to her original vision—haunting and enchanting—but which expands and develops into something even more dynamic, lush and rounded. (Simon Weedn)

American Ultra Dir. Nima Nourizadeh Lionsgate Pictures

Dr. John Hicks’ new holistic health book focuses on cannabis and healing, targeting and discussing the root cause of most diseases— inflammation. Hicks illustrates how inflammation progresses into the various diseases and ailments that plague us. He shows how cannabis and CBD can stop the inflammation and heal the issues. With information ranging from easy-to-understand terminology to scientific studies based on Hick’s four decades of experience in integrative medicine, this book can really help patients seeking longterm holistic relief. (Alex Bradley)

Fast-paced action comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart— amongst other talented actors—American Ultra is a cannasseur’s ideal DVD rental. A little distracted, much like its protagonist, the film jumps from scene to scene and plot line to new plot line jaggedly. Unbeknownst to bored and boring Mike (Eisenberg’s character), he is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as he discovers his real identity and Jason Bourne-style skills, Mike and his girlfriend Phoebe (Stewart) find themselves in the middle of a deadly government operation and are forced to try and fight for their lives in this intense, slightly awkward dark comedy. (Alex Bradley)

CULTURE // December 2015

+ Coalition for Cannabis Standards and Ethics Meeting The Coalition for Cannabis Standards and Ethics (CCSE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating qualified adults and patients on the ethics, standards and quality of medical and recreational cannabis throughout Washington state. CCSE meetings are open to the public with a $5 suggested donation for non-members. Not only does CCSE offer educational resources, members are able to network with other cannabis advocates as well as make business connections with the various professionals associated with the organization, good benefits for being a member. Aside from the various meetings held throughout the year, the group continues to work on various projects which aim at improving cannabis regulations and harvesting. This is a great opportunity for those seeking to enhance their knowledge and impact on the cannabis industry in Washington as well help build a strong cannabis community.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Coalition for Cannabis Standards and Ethics Meeting. WHEN/WHERE: Thurs, Dec. 10. Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave., Seattle. INFO: Visit www.ccsewa.org for details.

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December 2015 // CULTURE

CULTURE // December 2015

Photos by Tonya Perme

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There’s a fine line between looking average and looking excellent when it comes to formal attire. When men want to look impressive, whether it’s in the realm of the normal office environment, meeting clients or to look dapper for a date, a suit can make or break any situation. Men’s Wearhouse Founder, George Zimmer, knows all too well the power of a good suit. Zimmer found the expressive niché art of personalized suits a profitable industry and a fulfilling endeavor, for all parties concerned. Zimmer founded Men’s Wearhouse in 1973 and 40 years later, he has opened over 1,200 stores across the United States and Canada. Instead of opting to hire an actor, Mr. Zimmer chose to be the commercial personality for Men’s Wearhouse, making his image synonymous with suit-buying in America. Zimmer drove Men’s Wearhouse from a small company into an international empire. Zimmer left his role as Executive Officer at the Men’s Wearhouse in 2013, collecting his holdings of the company which are estimated at $67.45 million. Zimmer owns 1.8 million shares of the Men’s Wearhouse stock which is 3.5 percent stake in the company. Last August, Zimmer told CNBC that he’s smoked cannabis on a regular basis for the last 50 years. Zimmer has publicly pushed for cannabis legalization several times in the past, even in non-election years. Zimmer conceived his second brain child, zTailors on New Year’s Day, 2014. Zimmer launched zTailors publicly in June 2015 and Generation Tux in September 2015. Zimmer describes zTailors as traditional tailoring for the millennial consumer. Mr. Zimmer holds advisory roles in the company. Zimmer created Generation Tux to improve the experience of buying a tuxedo for weddings and prom events. Zimmer shared with CULTURE his insight into his entrepreneurship and how cannabis has played a role in his journey to success. >>

December 2015 // CULTURE

going to be on the ballot next year for responsible adult use, so I think the time is right. You were the keynote speaker at the Cannabis World Congress & Expo in September. What do you have to say to young aspiring entrepreneurs? Well, really what I told them was not to become entrepreneurs like their fathers. What we don’t need in the cannabis business is crony capitalism where people make decisions that only serve themselves and their friends. What they would make for a great example of the type of capitalism that the world would benefit from- is a form of cannabis distribution that respected the individual’s right to personally cultivate for personal use only and to have a fair taxation system so that the tax revenues will be earmarked by states and localities for public education, and not confiscated by the IRS for general federal purposes.

As a businessman, you have founded many companies over the years. What events led you to your very first foray into business? What was the name of the business? Actually the first company I significantly founded was Men’s Wearhouse when I was 24 years old, but after I graduated from college, and before I founded Men’s Wearhouse, I got involved with some college friends who started a company called Fmali, which was the name of somebody’s cat. It went on over several generations to become The Good Earth Tea company, but I was long gone by then. I started Men’s Wearhouse in 1973. That really was the beginning of my business career. I used to say it was the beginning and end of my career, but that’s not true anymore. You have worked in Men’s suits for quite some time. Do you have a personal interest in menswear; what

CULTURE // December 2015

is it that attracts you to that industry? Other than lawsuits, I’m wearing right now a sport coat and slacks. What attracted me to the business was very simple. I only had $7,000 in cash and very few business contacts, so at the age of 24, opening a clothing store was the only thing I could do. In fact, I didn’t even sell suits when we first opened. Just sport coats and slacks. Do you always wear a suit? What’s your favorite item of clothing you wear regularly? I don’t wear a suit every day. I don’t believe that most men should wear suits every day, but most men should wear suits probably more often than they do. You’ve said you have smoked cannabis regularly for 50 years. How did cannabis come into your life? I’m a student of the ‘60s. It was troubling then. As my

life unfolded, and I came to understand both experientially as well as intellectually, there’s far more damage done to the body by the drugs that are being legally promoted. Alcohol, cigarettes and pharmaceutical products—there’s far more damage from those, including deaths. Cannabis, interestingly, even in a state like Colorado, which has legalized as you know, traffic deaths are down. Crime, like domestic abuse, is down. Clearly there is an aspect of cannabis that leans towards nonviolence. We’ve seen CEOs that are now willing to publicly show support for cannabisrelated investment and legislation including Michael Bloomberg, Peter Lewis, Richard Branson, PayPal’s Peter Thiel and Facebook’s Sean Parker. How is it easier to open up about personal cannabis use nowadays? It’s really not any easier, other than I live in California, as you know, it’s

You donated $50,000 towards Proposition 19 in 2010. Why is supporting recreational cannabis important to you? Many years ago, 30 to be exact, my mother died. At that time there was no medical marijuana. I simply said to her, “Why don’t you try marijuana?” She said, “Well, it’s illegal,” and got very irritated and did not try it. She died shortly thereafter. Fifteen years later, I was delighted to be involved in medical marijuana in California. In 2010, a friend of mine literally put that proposition together. I really demonstrated solidarity with him. Even though he knew that most people thought it would be better presented during a presidential election year. So next year, during the presidential cycle, the responsible adult use act will be on the ballot in California. Has smoking cannabis ever changed the way you’ve run an enterprise—for better or for worse? I’m an alpha male, I’ve built a successful business and I >>

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December 2015 // CULTURE

consider myself competitive, sometimes to a fault. In my new company, Friday, I challenged anybody in my office to play a game of ping pong, and offered to pay anybody $100 for beating me. Well, only a competitive jerk does things like that. I think [cannabis] has softened that aspect of my personality. I think it belongs as an adjunct in some people’s lives. Not for children, but alcohol is not for children either. Your method of corporate management has been described as cutting-edge and unique. For example in 2004, a spiritual advocate was nominated onto the Men’s Wearhouse board. Can you tell us about your involvement with that decision and how it affected your business? That would be Deepak Chopra. He and I were friends, then. I brought him on knowing that most of my board members didn’t know who he was, but feeling that capitalism needed a heart and a soul. That’s what I wanted him to bring to the table. Not to mention he’s a brilliant man. I was disappointed, to be candid, that it was during the disturbance that ultimately led to my termination. He was out of the country, but nonetheless went along with the board’s decision.

CULTURE // December 2015

Some business sectors suffer the consequences of the changing times. What makes a business survive through these technological changes? I think that competition is fierce, so we need to bring a combination of high tech and high touch. We really need a hybrid model, in which we combine people with sophisticated technology, because one without the other doesn’t work as well, which is why we created Generation Tux and zTailors, which combines tailors with technology. In other words, renting tuxedos with the internet so that you never have to leave home. Right now if you rent the tuxedo in a store you make three trips. One to rent it, one to pick it up, and one to return it. If you do in online,

you never have to leave your house, and if there is a tailoring adjustment needed, a tailor can be dispatched to your home, so that you don’t leave home until you get married. You run your new enterprises differently than how you operated in the past. Can you tell us more about Generation Tux and Tailors? I’d love to. The main business is Generation Tux, which of course is tuxedos. It’s very simply an online tuxedo rental business, although we do rent suits as well as tuxedos because so many weddings now involve suits. Most of the business is actually for weddings. Proms are next in importance. Because weddings are the main business, we actually target millennial weddings. What I think makes it very exciting is that in 1999, for a quarter of a century, after I opened the first Men’s Wearhouse, I brought tuxedo rentals inside Men’s Wearhouse stores and over 13 years grew into, quite successfully, into an enormous business, renting millions of tuxedos. Now, what I’m doing is replicating that business but doing it online instead of doing over 1,000 stores. The network in fact, if you will, that we live to create is that we have zTailors, which is a nationwide on-demand tailor service, in which tailors come to your home or office to do alterations. In the event that there are issues with the tuxedos that we rent, we have tailors around the United States that are able to go and make it right, including being available to be hired to attend actual weddings. Instead of hiring an actor for the ad campaign at Men’s Wearhouse, you chose to take on the role of the video personality. How did you come to this idea? It was pretty simple, actually. My team at the Men’s Wearhouse just asked me if I’d appear in the ads, and I said “of course.” Interestingly, the “I guarantee it” line was never scripted. I said it on the set while we were shooting, and it became iconic almost VISIT US AT iReadCulture.com overnight. c

December 2015 // CULTURE

Kannastör® GR8TR™ VAPE Grinder

The Kannastör® GR8TR™ VAPE is an all new grinder design and a must-have for any dry herb vape user. It provides the finer grind preferred by experienced vape enthusiasts, and it’s modular design easily transforms to a pocketable travel puck. The GR8TR™ Vape is made from high quality, medical grade aluminum and includes a limited lifetime warranty. Worldwide patents pending. Visit www.kannastor.com and use Promo Code Holiday420 to receive 20 percent off purchase.

Holiday Vdab200 EverSmooth Portable Vaporizer

Introducing the world’s first “Load n’ Go!” portable vaporizer for waxes and shatters of all kinds, the Vdab200 provides 200 puffs that are truly EverSmooth. The QanTeq engineers have outdone themselves with a Controllable Chamber that holds one full gram and allows you to twist the patent-pending steel top a quarter-turn to fill the heater cup with NO HASSLE and NO MESS! This unit comes with a vv battery to get the temps where you like ‘em. Visit www. vdab200.com promo code HOLIDAY for $50 off. $195

CULTURE // December 2015

G UI D E ! 2015

Toker Poker

Get the hottest gift item of the season—the legendary Toker Poker! Finally your poker/dabber, tamper, hemp wick and lighter are all in the same place. This 420 multi-tool has everything you need to vape, dab, roll and toke. Its ergonomic design provides the most basic but essential tools for any smoker. Glow in the dark, chrome and other limited editions now available online. Sure to be a stocking stuffer hero! $7.95 www.tokerpoker.com

The SmokeBuddy

Just in time for Christmas! The Smokebuddy company has just now released Smokebuddy glow-in-the-dark, available in two sizes, Original and JR; and in two colors: White that glows green, and blue that glows blue! The Smokebuddy is a personal air filter designed to reduce second hand smoke and odor, simply blow your smoke in and clean air comes out on the other side. Original smoke buddy is good for about 300 uses and Smokebuddy JR is good for about 150 uses. Glow in the dark original $24.95 | Glow in the dark Jr $19.95. 20 percent OFF use discount code CULTURE. Smokebuddy.com VISIT US AT

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Bhanga Box

Holiday

Bhanga Box is an odor proof, pocket-sized case for your smoking essentials. Whether you smoke joints, blunts or concentrates—the four uniquely sized compartments keep your stash odor-free from the outside world with no risk of cross contamination within the box. The Bhanga Concentrate Kit includes food grade silicone inserts for each compartment. The inserts provide a nonstick surface for your extract; and are completely removable so you can customize your setup, include a vape pen and USB charger, or a combination of herb and extract material. These intelligent products from Bhanga Goods help you smoke smarter, while on the go. www.bhangagoods.com $27.95-$49.95

G UID E !

RYOT® Pack and Protect™ NoGoo® Collaboration Packs.

Magic Flight

Leave the torch at home! Voted “Best Portable Concentrate Vape” at last year’s Kush Cup, the MuadDib from Magic-Flight has a newly engineered screen design that fully vaporizes concentrates in three to five seconds. This batterypowered vape lasts for 50+ uses at a time, making it easy to dab on the go. Upgrade to the optional gold batteries for the perfect pairing. Lifetime warranty included. Visit magic-flight.com and use promo code CULTURE10 at checkout to save 10 percent on the Muad-Dib through January 31, 2016.

As the use of concentrates has expanded, so has the need to better manage the important accessories and super gooey substances. RYOT®, a designer of modern smoke accessories since 2003, now incorporates top quality NoGoo® silicone mats into select styles to create the ultimate concentrate utility cases, able to Pack and Protect™ your glass rig, dab tools and more. Visit www.RYOTcom and use Promo Code RYOTXMAS to receive 20 percent off purchase.

THE CRIPPLE CREEK Dab Kit

This 7” x 7” dab box is made out of beautiful Colorado aspen and beetle kill pine. The CRIPPLE CREEK Dab Kit comes with three 7-mil silicon jars, a 4” titanium dab tool and a 3” x 5” medical silicon dab mat. Only the best products go into our stash boxes. This dab box is made with our with coloradostashbox.com custom airtight lid, which is perfect for a rolling tray. No hinges, no clasp, just that perfect lid to keep your dab rig in one box.

December 2015 // CULTURE

Ankit Dope Lights Need a little ambient lighting to perfect the mood in your living space? Ankit has the solution for all cannabis-loving interior decorators with Dope Lights. These captivating string lights consist of 25 individual green lights, all shaped like cannabis leaves, that comes with a 10-footlong wire that you can wrap around a number of fixtures within your home. The lights run off of three AA batteries, so you won’t have to hide excess wires. $24.99 www.theankit.com

The Stinky Candle Co. Marijuana Scented Candle

If you can’t get enough of the herbal smell of cannabis, this is candle is for you. Handmade in the U.S., this candle will have your home smelling like cannabis without having to partake in a smoke session. It’s legal in all 50 states, and The Stinky Candle Co’s Marijuana Scented Candle will make your home more welcoming with its potent and relaxing aroma. $9.99 www.stinkycandlecompany.com

Holiday

Aroha Silhouettes Thc Molecule Necklace

Display your love for cannabis without having to sacrifice your fashion sense with this chic and light-weight necklace. With a charm shaped like the chemical compound for THC, this necklace is a minimal stainless-steel piece, available in silver and gold, that will go great with many looks. Supported by a double link chain, this necklace was made to last. A great gift for yourself of the cannabis lover in your life. $50-$75 www.etsy.com/shop/ ArohaSilhouettes

G UID E !

2015 cont.

Blundt Cake Mold

Have fun when baking your cannabis-infused goodies with these neat, cannabis leaf-shaped cake molds. A fun take on the word “bundt,” these “blundt” silicone cake molds will get your sweets shaped perfectly without sticking. The Blundt Cake Mold is great for parties when your guests need to differentiate between infused and non-infused sweets, or if you just want to have fun-shaped brownies or cupcakes. Bring out your inner Betty Crocker with these cannabis-friendly baking molds. $11.99 www.perpetualkid.com

CULTURE // December 2015

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December 2015 // CULTURE

When Jeremy Heidl came to Denver in 2010, you might say it was on a wing and a prayer. The recession had hit his trucking and construction businesses in Atlanta particularly hard. And as a lifelong lover of cannabis, he had been watching, with great interest, the medical cannabis boom going on in Colorado. “We ended up packing up everything, cashing in our life savings, selling most of our possessions and then we drove across the country in a Penske truck with our two cats and a dog and made it happen,” Heidl told CULTURE. The so-called “Green Rush” to Colorado produced plenty of successes and failures in those early days of changing regulations and uncertainty about federal enforcement, but few success stories can rival Heidl’s. Starting with a single dispensary, he went on to coby R. Scott Rappold found O.penVAPE, the vape pen that revolutionized the discreet vaporizing experience. Smaller, simpler and cheaper than anything else on the market at the time, it allowed cannabis users to puff practically anywhere. And the pre-filled cartridges of THC-infused oil, sold specifically for the O.penVAPE at medical cannabis dispensaries, eliminated the headache and mess of filling up the oil. Today, the pens and cartridges are available in 1,000 stores in nine states where medical or recreational cannabis is permitted, making it one of the largest consumer cannabis products in the nation. And with the tide of legalization continuing, Heidl, Chief Operations Officer, may only be getting started. “We dreamt, like everyone in this industry dreams, that we were going to someday grow up to become what we are, but it came true.” >>

Jeremy Heidl of O.penVAPE

CULTURE // December 2015

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Photos by Joel Meaders

“We dreamt, like everyone in this industry dreams, that we were going to someday grow up to become what we are, but it came true.”

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December 2015 // CULTURE

Small Start

The entrepreneurial spirit was instilled in Heidl at a young age. In third grade, he realized that since lunch cost 90 cents, each student would have a dime of change after lunch. So he began selling blow pops to his schoolmates, at 10 cents each. Fast forward to 2009. Looking for a lifeboat from the sinking ship of his own businesses, he and his wife made the decision to head west. The cannabis industry seemed rife with potential, and besides, it sure would be nice to live somewhere with legal cannabis. His first dispensary investment seemed rocky when a landlord issue forced him to abandon an entire grow operation, so Heidl learned quickly to partner with others in Denver’s medical cannabis industry for product and assistance. Vape pens were in their infancy in those days, and at his dispensary, Heidl fielded plenty of gripes about the products on the market. The oil was inconsistent, and if you loaded a pen but didn’t finish all the oil, get ready for a mess. And in many cases, the pens didn’t work right and manufacturers wouldn’t stand behind the product. He’d gotten to know Ralph Morgan, owner of several medical cannabis businesses and Organa Labs, a Denver-infused product manufacturer. “Let’s do a better vape pen,” he said one day to Morgan. Morgan replied, “I’ve got the formula,” and O.penVAPE was born.

CULTURE // December 2015

Freebies

Heidl isn’t quite sure how many O.penVAPEs he gave away in those first years, but it’s easily more than 100,000. The pen and oil cartridges hit Colorado medical dispensaries in 2012. As a new product, Heidl figured patients wouldn’t be willing to spend a lot of money on a pen when they could just buy a sack of buds. So the pens—basically just a battery and an atomizer—were to attract the customers. The oil would keep them, and the lifetime warranty would ease their minds. It helped that, with the passage of recreational cannabis in Colorado, there was a crackdown in Denver (amongst other places) about smoking in public. Here was a discreet, low-odor and tidy way to partake anywhere, whether at a concert at Red Rocks or in the bedroom while the kids are watching TV. And it was simple–just load the cartridge and inhale. There wasn’t even a button. A few months later, it debuted in California, then in Washington. Since every state had their own quirks on cannabis regulations and the feds were always hovering like the Sword of Damocles, competing oil producers weren’t branching into other states. O.penVAPE hired lawyers to navigate these murky waters and licensed with growers and oil producers in each state to produce the O.penVAPE cartridges. The battery and charger aren’t given away for free anymore, running about

$20, but that doesn’t appear to have hurt business. As of late 2015, O.penVAPE was available legally in nine states. Of course, there are plenty of other vape pens on the market these days, but O.penVAPE isn’t shying from the competition. In September, the company signed an agreement with Timeless Herbal Care in Jamaica to produce cannabis-infused products outside of the U.S. for the first time in history. Closer to home, the company has also announced a partnership with CBD Biosciences to open a massive industrial hemp oil extraction facility, which is expected to employ 163 workers in a former rocket factory in Pueblo, Colorado, by 2017. Thankfully, with the passing of the 2014 Farm Bill which contains an amendment to legalize hemp production, and the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015 which is currently in process, Heidl was able to work with local governments and acquire millions of dollars in incentives for the project. In fact, all across its history, O.penVAPE has thrived because of such partnerships, Heidl said. “What has made us as successful as we are is the ability to work in partnerships. It’s one of our core values and being able to partner with our licensees around the country and our vendors and our employees. Our tagline is ‘It’s what’s inside that counts,’ and it’s more than just the oil. It’s our people and our partnerships.” c VISIT US AT

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December 2015 // CULTURE

What recreational cannabis can learn from the medical movement

by Franco Faraudo

The cannabis industry was born from the act of giving

arly activists like “Brownie” Mary Rothburn brought the medical cannabis movement into public’s consciousness with her generosity. She collected donations and spent her social security money baking infused brownies for San Francisco AIDS patients in the 1980s. Her arrest in 1992 brought international attention, due in part to her age, adorableness and message of compassion. She was subsequently acquitted of her charges because, according to the judge, Rothburn “was able to testify that her deliveries were made to assist others in need, not to advance individual greed, that the nobility of her actions outweighed the

CULTURE // December 2015

reprehensibleness of her offense according to the law.” Since its inception, the medical cannabis industry has evolved greatly, but through all the changes, the spirit of compassion remains. Harborside Collective, one of California’s most successful and well-connected collectives, donates medicine to members that can prove financial hardship. They have free member services that range from yoga to acupuncture and are regularly the biggest corporate contributor to the Alameda County Food Drive. It is hard to find a collective that doesn’t give products or services to members in need. >>

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December 2015 // CULTURE

Now, producers and extractors are following suit. Jetty Extracts, a CO2 extraction company based in California, recently started its Shelter From the Storm Project, which aims to provide cancer patients with all the medicine they need for their treatment. “One for You, One for Cancer” is the slogan printed on a burlap sack hanging in the company’s office. Jetty, like many other companies in the medical space, was created with the idea of helping those in pain. Now, as they look forward towards a for-profit industry, the Jetty team believes that they can make the transition and still help people like Michelle Zagert, a recipient of donations and outspoken proponent of the Jetty’s Shelter From the Storm Project. Zagert uses cannabis products everyday for her Synovial Sarcoma, a rare disease that causes soft tissue tumors. In a recent interview, she told us about her initial struggles to pay for her medicine, “It became so expensive that it was almost the cost of a car bill and I was slowly weaning myself off of it right before I found Jetty Extracts.” Some outreach programs have gone on to change the industry as a whole. In 2013 CNN’s Sanjay Gupta told the world about Charlotte Figi, a five-yearold girl with Dravet Syndrome. Despite a variety of treatments, she suffered

CULTURE // December 2015

“It became so expensive that it was almost the cost of a car bill . . .” about 300 grand mal seizures a week. Her parents, in their search for a way to help their child, came into contact with the Stanley brothers, five siblings that had succeeded in breeding cannabis with industrial hemp. The result was a new strain of cannabis that had almost no THC, but contains high levels of CBD, a chemical that was being studied for its positive effects on brain function. Physicians noticed a reduction in the number of seizures after the first dose was administered.

Now the strain, named “Charlotte’s Web” after the brave little girl that pioneered its use, is one of the most sought after varieties on the market. Not bad for a product that was originally called “Hippie’s Disappointment.” The Stanley brothers went on to start The Realm of Caring, a non-profit organization that sells Charlotte’s Web products, sponsors research and consults patients thinking about trying the natural treatment. Their contribution to Charlotte, and countless others, have helped create a new product category and have given hope to many who suffer from seizure causing ailments. As legalization and permitting initiatives pass some worry that forprofit companies will not participate in the same types of programs that medical non-profits do. Founders of medical cannabis organizations had to risk a lot in the past decade from police raids and asset seizure to social stigma. To wade into the murky legal waters of a legalization movement without much precedent took a lot of courage. Often times the only people with this type of courage were those willing to risk everything to stand up for something that they believed in, namely, providing medicine. Luckily, new regulations and changing public perception have made it much less risky to be a cannabis entrepreneur. The downside is that we might not see the same kind of organizational cultures focused on altruism as we did with the medical movement. Ultimately, it is the consumer who will decide. Every dollar spent on organizations that give to people in need is a vote toward a compassionate future. To bastardize a great Gandhi quote, “Buy the change you want to see in the world.” We are witnessing a new industry sprout before our eyes, now it is up to us to make it into the type of industry we can be proud of. The type of industry “Brownie” Mary would have been proud of as well. c VISIT US AT

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December 2015 // CULTURE

Seattle Hip-Hop’s Hidden Gem Silas Blak by Emily Manke

iscovering Seattle rapper Silas Blak left us dumbfounded. How could an artist so original, so earnest and so necessary, be an established part of the Seattle hip-hop scene and remain so under the radar? As soon as that issue was corrected on our end, we had Blak on constant repeat. The video for “Cops On My Back” in particular, left our space bars a little looser. “Cops on my Back” was a track off of Blak Friday: The Mixtape. Four months ago, Blak released the Blak Friday mixtape in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. But that’s not where Blak got started in Seattle. About 15 years ago, Blak was part of Seattle hip-hop group Silent Lambs Project (SLP). SLP performed all over Seattle, and earned a reputation as serious, heady hip-hoppers. Next, Blak joined the Seattle group Black Stacks, who released their first album in 2010. Along with members MC Jace ECAj, vocalist Felicia Loud, the Black Stacks left an indelible mark on the Seattle scene. Known for their thoughtful lyrics and amazing live shows, the Black Stacks were a perfect Seattle launching pad for Blak—and launch Blak has. Not wasting any time after releasing Blak Friday: The Mixtape in June, Blak released a full-length album November 13. Editorials: (wartunes), Blak’s latest album, was released in conjunction with local labels K Records and Cabin Games. Kjell Nelson of the futuristic Seattle band Hightek Lowlives (Cabin Games) lent his hands in producing the album. Just before the album release, Blak made time to answer a few questions for CULTURE.

CULTURE // December 2015

When and how did you get started as an artist?

Silas Blak: I started rhyming automatic . . . when I heard Ultramagnetic. I don’t actually have a start date, but I’m def OMC [Original Emcee].

Where are you from?

I’m from Camden, New Jersey originally but I also spent my teens in Maysville, North Carolina.

What artists have influenced your work?

The list is long and all over the place. From KRS-ONE, to the mighty R, hip-hop first class basically. The rest are just like timepieces that affect the spit whenever I look or listen. But I think that’s pretty much the body of work emcees eat from, period.

Has the cannabis culture of the PNW impacted your art?

Most definitely; you can’t avoid it. I think it helps define the depth sometime and sometimes it just serves as backdrop to prolific or political rhyme matter that seems to be status quo in the pacific Northwest. I mean we blow all Primo all the time. Crazy cerebral.

Do you have a favorite piece of work to appreciate while under the influence of cannabis?

I mostly listen to “town” production when I’m under. The illest is the Green Lover cassette, classic from the artist Specs One. c VISIT US AT iReadCulture.com soundcloud.com/silasblak

December 2015 // CULTURE

by Ed Rosenthal

growing culture

Indoor-Outdoor

WINTER GARDEN

n early October, I asked my friend if he could give me a couple of plants for an experiment. A few days later, my friend dropped off two well-branched “3x Crazy” plants. They were used to test the toxicity of an organic pesticide on their leaves. The results were negative, the pesticide didn’t affect them and I was left with two healthy specimens. At the beginning of October, the plants were receiving approximately 12 hours of natural light daily, with early morning sundown in shade. One month later, they were receiving only 10.75 hours daily. Of course, under this regimen, the plants went into flower immediately. The weather was warm during the entire month of October, so I decided to keep the plants outside and let them flower under the short days of autumn. The plants are in small containers so it’s easy to move them around the yard three times daily as the sunny area shifts. Only now, in early November, has the nighttime temperature started dipping into the high 40 degrees. So I’ve decided on a routine change. Instead of leaving the plants out at night, each evening they are being carried inside and given supplemental light using a 1,000-watt high pressure sodium (HPS) light. The routine goes like this: 7am: Plants are indoors. Light goes on. 10am: Plants are carried outside to sunny section of yard, as long as it is not cloudy or rainy, and the temperature is above 68 degrees.

During those times, the plants are kept indoors with the light on. If outside, plants are moved various times during the day to keep them in sunny locations. 4:30pm: Plants are moved inside. Lights are on. 6pm: Lights go off. On most days, the light will be on only 4.5 hours, and on cold, foggy or rainy days, which are infrequent here in Northern California, the light will be on all day indoor. Plants can also be left inside if you’re away from home. I’ve also installed a UVB fluorescent tube in the middle of the garden so that only a part of each plant receives its light. After harvest, I will check for differences in the potency and terpene content of the buds that received the light and those that didn’t. This requires marking the plants in such a way that they are returned to the same position indoors each time, so the light falls on the same buds. Using this technique, I am minimizing energy use, but still getting light to the plants. I realize that in some areas of the country, it’s just too cold to put the plants out anytime during the fall, going into winter, and the light gets dim during the winter in many parts of the country too. In that case, you might be able to use a southfacing window or a skylight and supply supplemental light to meet the plants light requirements. c

you like, have heard about or have always dreamed of growing. Plants growing indoors or in a greenhouse can be trained into small bushes with a diameter of three to four

2 Close-up of one of the small flowers.

Each branch was developing into a cola.

4 Plants being moved to a sunny area of the yard.

5 With colder nights and dimming sun, the plants started receiving enhanced care: Supplemental lighting in the morning and evening and shelter from the cold.

TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED®

f you are planning to grow outdoors this spring, now is the time to start selecting varieties and to get the indoor starter garden together. Choose seeds or clones from varieties that

1 The plants were placed outdoors in early October. One month later, in early November, the plants are midway through flowering.

square feet for transplanting outdoors in the spring. If it’s warm enough to plant early in the spring, you will be able to get an early harvest because the dark period will be long enough to trigger flowering.

6 Plants basking under 1,000 watt lamp.

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

CULTURE // December 2015

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December 2015 // CULTURE

Vermont

destination unknown

by Sheryll Alexander

Vermont Lights Up as Winter’s Best Vacation Wonderland IF YOU GO:

Cannabis has been legal for only seven “debilitating” medical conditions since 2004, although it took until 2013 for just three not-for-profit dispensaries to open legally in the state with another one going live in 2014 for a total of four cannabis clinics. First, patients should unfortunately start online by finding the Vermont Crime Information Center, which oversees the Vermont Marijuana Registry (VMR). Any MD, DO, PA, PA-C, ND or APRN who has been certified by the state with a “special license endorsement” and a “bonafide health care professional-patient relationship” can prescribe cannabis. Fortunately, there’s dozens of MMJ docs even in this sparsely-populated, yet pro-cannabis state. Next, Vermonters are forced to make an appointment at a dispensary, show up with licensed always in hand and, interestingly, bring a locked box to securely stash justpurchased meds. This heavy regulation makes prices for cannabis products in Vermont sky high, but some clinics use a sliding scale for those in need. Vermont is one of five states that will potentially go recreational in 2016 with two recreational bills still alive in the legislature and pro-cannabis politicians such as Governor Shumlin, State House Speaker Shap Smith, State Sen. David Zuckerman, Sen. Patrick Leahy and Presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. Gov. Shumlin and other Vermont politicians now support legalization after a Rand Corporation study back in January revealed that 80,000 Vermonters are regular cannabis users and switching to a recreational status could harvest an estimated $20-75 million annually in tax revenue.

Fun-Filled Facts Solitude is something to discover in this far-flung state as there’s about 626,000 Vermonters in only 251 towns and cities with Burlington being the most populous at around 40,000 yearround residents.

Vermont is the U.S.A.’s No. 1 maple syrup producer. While the sap doesn’t run until spring, Vermonters put their locally-made sweet liquid treat on some of winter’s best comfort foods such as atop pancakes and inside everything from sausages to desserts.

CULTURE // December 2015

Time to Go: Winter Weather: Cold and snowy Budget: $$$$$

Vermont voters are so forwardthinking that it was the first state to legally recognize gay couples by creating civil unions and was the first state to pass a marriage equality act. 2

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or some, medicating amongst snow-laden pine forests can mean only one thing: A winter trip to Vermont. Plus, Vermont provides some of the very best of winter’s snowy mountain and trail activities. However, when it comes to medical marijuana, Vermont doesn’t quite live up to its tourism tagline of “independent, friendly and quaint.” Sure, Vermonters (as they call themselves) are mostly friendly, freedom-loving folks. Perhaps it is the state’s remote location, vast mountainous pine forests, raging rivers and cold winters that have kept Vermont one of the least populous states in the nation. And this isolation certainly makes for tough, independent-minded people who are open to visitors and most especially to their tourist dollars. Tiny and landlocked Vermont, however, has somehow become this country’s best winter playground with no less than 19 alpine ski resorts and 30 cross country touring centers. Outdoor recreation abounds in this stunningly beautiful state with such heart-pumping and body-warming activities as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice skating. Even culture and food blooms in Vermont’s winter wonderland. Concert halls, opera houses, art galleries and community halls open their doors and then turn the heat up for an eclectic mix of dance, music, festivities and performances. Other seasonal celebrations include costumed galas, holiday bazaars and First Night festivals. Don’t miss the Woodstock Wassail Weekend from December 11-13, Montpelier Christmas Antiques Market on December 22 and First Night Burlington on New Year’s Eve. Vermont makes for a fantastic winter’s getaway for those who love to medicate in crispy clean mountain air. c

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December 2015 // CULTURE

Hoot Gibson profile in courage

Age: 44 Condition/ Illness: Multiple Sclerosis, severe degenerative disk disease, tremors, muscle spasms, stuttering, chronic pain, cognitive difficulty. When did you start using medical cannabis? 2011

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

CULTURE // December 2015

Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes; surgery, chiropractic therapy, opiates, sedatives, injections, anti-convulsants, acupuncture and physical therapy. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I feel the most important issue facing medical cannabis patients today is the limited access created by the current infrastructure of state laws. Medical cannabis is not legal in my home state which forced me to move 2,000 miles to a state which would allow me access to the medicine I needed. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I would ask them if their family member, child or loved one had a serious illness and had tried every medical option available to them without success, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they want for that person to at least have the option of trying medical cannabis? Everyone does not have to be a believer in the medicinal benefits of cannabis but everyone should have the opportunity to make that decision for their own health. c

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December 2015 // CULTURE

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS Wonderful winter eats to satisfy that hibernation hunger recipes

Menu:

Classic Roast Beef Spinach and Gruyere Soufflé Cranberry Vanilla Cheesecake

Like clockwork, the holiday season has snuck up on humanity once again. It’s that time of year when gift shopping is an annual nightmare, but the togetherness caused by that good old “holiday spirit” makes up for the madness. Enjoy the company of friends and family while you dine together this month, enjoying a hearty meal that compliments the occasion. Bust out the fine china, silverware and cannabis ingredients to make a delicious holiday dinner featuring a classic roast beef, cheesy soufflé and a sweet cranberry and vanilla cheesecake. Cannabis makes everything better, and we here at CULTURE hope you enjoy exquisite dishes while you celebrate a safe and happy holiday season!

Spinach and Gruyere Soufflé Ingredients

Cranberry Vanilla Cheesecake Ingredients 4 ounces chocolate graham crackers 3 tablespoons cannabis-infused vegetable oil t Cooking spray 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup Chambord (raspberry liqueur) 3 tablespoons water 1 cup sugar

2 (8-ounce) packages blockstyle 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup (4 ounces) block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened 1 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs 2 large egg whites

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Wrap outside and bottom of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with a double layer of heavy-duty foil. Place graham crackers in a food processor; process until finely ground. Drizzle with oil; pulse until combined. Press mixture into bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of prepared pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes; let cool on a rack. Reduce oven temperature to 325°. Place cranberries, sugar, liqueur and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes or until cranberries pop and mixture is syrupy. Turn off and let cool 20 minutes. Place mixture in a food processor; process 1 minute or until smooth. Combine 1 cup sugar and cheeses in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Beat in yogurt, vanilla and salt. Add whole eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Place 2 egg whites in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form using clean, dry beaters. Fold beaten egg whites into cream cheese mixture. Pour filling over crust. Spoon cranberry mixture over filling. Place springform pan in a 13 x 9-inch metal baking pan. Add hot water to the pan, to a depth of 2 inches. Bake at 325° for 50 minutes or until center of cheesecake barely moves when pan is touched. Turn oven off. Cool cheesecake in closed oven for 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven. Run a knife around outside edge. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and let chill 8 hours.

CULTURE // December 2015

2 tablespoons unsalted canna butter t (room temperature, plus more for baking dish) 1/3 cup plain dried breadcrumbs 5 cups (5 ounces) packed spinach, trimmed and washed 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk (or whole canna-milk t) 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese Coarse salt and ground pepper 2 large eggs, separated, plus 2 large egg whites

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a round 1-quart tall-sided baking dish and dust with breadcrumbs; set aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons water over medium-high. Add spinach and cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a strainer to cool; press to release liquid. In a medium saucepan, melt canna butter over medium heat until bubbling. Add flour and whisk until a paste forms. Continue to cook until pale blond in color, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisking, gradually add milk. Cook, whisking, until lumps are gone and mixture is thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper. Transfer soufflé base to a large bowl. In a food processor, pulse spinach and egg yolks until coarsely pureed. Add 1/4 cup soufflé base; pulse until blended. Stir spinach mixture into remaining soufflé base. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 4 egg whites and pinch of salt on medium-high until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat), about 3 minutes. In 2 additions, gently fold egg whites into the soufflé base. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake until soufflé is tall, golden-browned on top and firm to the touch, about 35 minutes. (Avoid opening oven during first 25 minutes of baking.) Serve immediately.

t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com

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Classic Roast Beef Ingredients 3.3 lbs. quality topside of beef 2 medium onions 2 carrots 2 sticks celery 1 bulb garlic 1 small bunch fresh thyme,

rosemary, bay or sage, or a mixture Cannabisinfused olive oil t sea salt freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Take your beef out of the fridge 30 minutes before it goes into the oven. Preheat oven to 475°. Roughly chop up vegetables. Break the garlic bulb into cloves, leaving them unpeeled. Pile all the vegetables, garlic and herbs into the middle of a large roasting tray and drizzle with olive oil. Separately, drizzle the beef with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper, rubbing it all over the meat. Place the beef on top of the vegetables. Place the roasting tray in the preheated oven. Turn the heat down immediately to 400°F and cook for 1 hour for medium beef. If you prefer it medium-rare, take it out 5 to 10 minutes earlier. For well done, leave it in for another 10 to 15 minutes. When the beef is cooked to your liking, take the tray out of the oven and transfer the beef to a board or pan and let rest for 15 minutes. Cover it with a layer of tinfoil and a tea towel and put aside until you’re ready to serve.

Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.

Local eateries with similar dishes Bastille Cafe & Bar 5307 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle (206) 453-5014 www.bastilleseattle.com Lot No. 3 460 106th Ave. NE, Bellevue (425) 440-0025 www.lotno3.com Corina Bakery 602 S Fawcett Ave., Tacoma (253) 627-5070 www.corinabakery.com

December 2015 // CULTURE

event listings

LET’S

DO THIS

Dope Music Festival, Dec. 18

ODESZA, Dec. 5-6

The arrival of ODESZA back in its hometown of Seattle is quite possibly one of the best holiday gifts a band could give to its fans. Performing music from its newest album, In Return, ODESZA is ready to deliver a dose of electronic music that will knock your socks off. Paramount Theatre, Seattle www.stgpresents.org/ paramount

Next Dance Cinema, Dec. 7

With short films from around the world, this event educates guest on how cinema and dance have revolutionized filmmaking. Guest will experience a variety of intense emotions as they are inspired by the talent presented at this year’s event. Northwest Film Forum, Seattle velocitydancecenter.org

Lil Wayne will be headlining this year’s Dope Music Festival with Rich Homie Quan and Omarion. This is only the festival’s second year, and it definitely lives up to its name with this year’s performers. Tacoma Dome, Tacoma www.dopemusicfestival.org

Christmas Lighting Festival, Dec. 19-21

Join Washington’s small Bavarian town as it is covered with more than half a million Christmas lights. Aside from the quaint warmness in the air, the event will feature live musical performances and even an appearance from Santa Claus. Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, Leavenworth leavenworth.org

CULTURE // December 2015

Death Cab for Cutie, DEC. 15

Now on their eighth studio album, Death Cab for Cutie is one of those bands that doesn’t seem to want to go away (not that it’s a bad thing). Although their sound has changed to a more melancholic melody, that initial charm is still there. Showbox Sodo, Seattle showboxpresents.com revealing its intentions to go for a more pop feel. Showbox Sodo, Seattle showboxpresents.com

Jingle Bell Run, Dec. 24

Chris DeStefano, Dec. 11

You might know Christ DeStefano from the hit MTV show, Guy Code, but his sense of humor goes beyond that. Having performed at the biggest comedy clubs in New York, DeStefano is an energetic comedian you won’t want to miss. Tacoma Comedy Club, Tacoma tacomacomedyclub.com

featured event

The 1975, Dec. 20

UK-based band The 1975 has had their fans waiting for new music since 2013. With the release of their single “Love Me” the band has regained momentum

With various start times throughout the day, Tacoma’s Jingle Bell Run is a convenient and healthy way to spend Christmas Eve. Aside from traditional running gear, participants are encouraged to dress in their best Christmas attire to get a chance in winning the costume contest being held 30 minutes before race time. Wright Park, Tacoma metroparkstacoma.org

“Nature Connects: Lego Brick Sculpture,” through Feb. 7, 2016

Featuring 27 sculptures constructed by artist Sean Kenney with 500,000 Legos, this exhibit intends to promote creativity and playfulness amongst visitors of all ages. With featured pieces like an eight-foot-tall humming bird and five-foot-tall butterfly, you’re sure to feel inspired to construct a Lego masterpiece of your own. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Spokane northwestmuseum.org VISIT US AT

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December 2015 // CULTURE

Chuck Shepherd's

News of the

Weird

LEAD STORY—DOING TIME RIGHT u In October, a Harvard

University debate team (threetime recent champions of the American Parliamentary Debate Association) lost a match to a team of prisoners from the maximum-security Eastern New York Correctional Facility. Prison debaters “are held to the exact same standards” as college debate teams, according to the director of Bard College’s Prison Initiative, which coaches the inmates. Prisoners took the “pro” side of public schools having the right to turn away students whose parents had entered the U.S. illegally (though team members personally disagreed).

CULTURE // December 2015

The Bard trainers pointed out that the inmates perfected their presentation despite (or perhaps because of) the prison prohibition on Internet access.

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS u A black alleged gang

member, Taurus Brown, 19, under arrest in Clearwater, Florida, in September for having a marijuana cigarette casually tucked behind his ear as he talked politely to a white police officer, tried to flee on foot but was quickly taken down. Asked why he ran, Brown replied (according to the police report): “I don’t like white people touching me. White people do weird stuff.”

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT u The Merit Systems

Protection Board is (wrote The Washington Post) “a personnel court of last resort” for federal employees unfairly punished by demotion or firing—which is just what employee Timothy Korb needed when his federal agency suspended him in 2013, allegedly for revealing at a staff meeting that the agency’s actual case backlog was much worse than it was letting on. Korb’s employer, ironically, is the Merit Systems Protection Board, and in September 2015, an administrative law judge upheld his claim of unfairness.

SHAMELESS u In rare bipartisan action,

the U.S. Senate is preparing a bill to ban taxpayer funds for those military salutes at sporting events. Teams (the legislators believe) already benefit from the fan-friendly staging of heartwarming patriotic displays. (The Pentagon had paid $5.4 million just to the National Football

League over the last four years). An NFL spokesman, finally playing catch-up, said in September, “(N)o one should be paid to honor our troops.”

LEGISLATORS IN ACTION u In a recent resolution,

Blount County (Tennessee) Commissioner Karen Miller called for her fellow commissioners and state officials all the way up to the governor to prepare for “God’s wrath” for recent national policies (same-sex marriage, etc). she disagrees with. Though other states might be in for a smiting, Miller’s resolution calls on God to spare Blount County (by the “safety of the Passover lamb”). In October, the commission tabled the resolution, 105, but she promised to reintroduce it.

THE WEIRDOAMERICAN COMMUNITY u “Officially” declaring oneself not subject to the laws of any jurisdiction (i.e., a “sovereign”)

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opens a wide range of career choices. The FBI and Las Vegas police say that in Rick Van Thiel’s case, once his porn industry career ended (because someone stole his video equipment), he “decided to go into the medical field,” becoming “Dr. Rick” with expertise performing dozens of abortions, circumcisions and castrations (plus cancer treatments and root canals). Proudly avoiding actual licensing, Van Thiel promoted “alternative” remedies, with an office in a Nevada compound of trailers that one hesitant “patient” described as something out of a horror movie. Van Thiel, arrested in October, nonetheless staunchly defended his ability (acquired, he said, by watching YouTube medical videos). (Bonus entertainment: In court, he will be acting as his own lawyer).

PERSPECTIVE u In June, Tennessee’s muchpublicized program to kick drug users off of welfare rolls

(and only from welfare rolls, among all people receiving any type of state subsidy) wound up its first year cutting off fewer than 40 people out of 28,559 people on public assistance (“temporary assistance to needy families”). Nonetheless, the sponsoring legislators said they were pleased with the program and planned no changes. The state paid a contractor $11,000 to conduct 468 drug tests, but did not disclose staff costs of processing applications, deciding who to test and managing cases.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u Not Ready for Prime Time:

It was at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 8 that, according to Dallas police, Kristopher Jones, 18, and a buddy decided it would be Joy’s Donut shop they should rob. As they exited the store (one carrying the shop’s cash register), a uniformed, off-duty officer (who apparently had pulled up to the store—for doughnuts) saw the

whole thing and arrested Jones (though his partner was able to flee).

ARMED & CLUMSY (ALLNEW!) u More Men Who Accidentally

Shot Themselves Recently: A 16-year-old boy, in the leg— for the second time in three months (same leg) (Tulsa, Oklahoma, September). A road-rager waving a gun at a motorist, jarring his trigger finger as he subsequently crashed (Estero, Florida, September). Christen Reece, 23, shot in the head demonstrating to friends the gun’s “safety” (Navajo County, Arizona, September). A man celebrating his 21st (and, alas, final) birthday (Dallas, July). A 49-yearold man who failed the “removing the magazine does not clear the chamber” test (Mims, Florida, June). Martin Hoyer, 51, who failed the “waistband is not a holster” test (Wenatchee, Washington, September). Thomas Javier, 26, trying to hide his gun

(after being caught urinating in the street) and fumbling it, accidentally shooting himself in the vicinity of the organ in question. (Brooklyn, New York, September). Donald Watson, 43, slipping a forsale gun into his pocket and somehow firing on his penis (Sioux Falls, South Dakota, September).

A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (OCTOBER 2009) u The Power of Love:

Before Arthur Horn met his future bride Lynette (a “metaphysical healer”) in 1988, he was a tenured professor at Colorado State, with a Ph.D. in anthropology from Yale, teaching a mainstream course in human evolution. With Lynette’s “guidance” (after a revelatory week with her in California, searching for Bigfoot), Horn resigned from Colorado State and began seeking to remedy his inadequate Ivy League education. Lecturing at a conference in Denver in

December 2015 // CULTURE

September (2009), Horn said he now realizes that humans evolved from an alien race of shape-shifting reptilians that continue to control civilization through secretive leaders.

IS IT REALLY A “PROBLEM” IF 99 PERCENT WISH THEY HAD IT? u Among those struggling

with psychological issues in modern America are the rich “one-percenters” (especially the mega-rich “one-percent of one-percenters”), according to counselors specializing in assuaging guilt and moderating class hatred. London’s The Guardian, reporting from New York, found three such counselors, including two who barely stopped short of comparing the plight of the rich-rich with the struggles of “people of color” or out-of-closet gays. Sample worries: isolation (so few rich-rich); stress, caused by political hubbub over “inequality”; and insecurity (is my “friend” really just a friend of my money?).

CAN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE u Stories surface regularly

about a hospital patient declared dead but who then revives briefly before once again dying. However, Tammy Cleveland’s recent lawsuit against doctors and DeGraff Memorial Hospital near Buffalo, New York, reveals an incident more startling. She alleges that her late husband Michael displayed multiple signs of life (breathing, eyes open, legs kicking, attempted hugs, struggles against the tube in his throat) for nearly two hours, but with two doctors all the while assuring her that he was gone. (The coroner came and went twice, concluding that calling him had been premature). The lawsuit alleges that only upon the fourth examination did the doctor exclaim, “My God, he has a pulse!” Michael Cleveland died shortly after that—of a punctured lung from CPR following his initial heart attack—an injury for which he

CULTURE // December 2015

could have been treated.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS u For an October report, Vice

Media located the half-dozen most-dedicated collectors of those AOL giveaway CDs from the Internet’s dial-up years (“50 Hours Free!”). Sparky Haufle wrote a definitive AOL-CD collector’s guide; Lydia Sloan Cline has 4,000 unique disks; Bustam Halim at one point had 20,000 total, before weeding to 3,000. (The AOL connoisseurs file disks by color, by the hundreds of packaging styles, by number of free hours, and especially by the co-brands—the rare pearls, like AOL’s deals with Frisbee and Spider Man. Their collections, said both Halim and Brian Larkin, are simply “beautiful.”

PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM US u It would be exhaustive to

chronicle the many ways that the woman born Carolyn Clay, 82, of Chattooga County, Georgia, is different from us. For starters, she was once arrested for stripping nude to protest a quixotic issue before the city council in Rome, Georgia; for another, her driver’s license identifies her as Ms. Serpentfoot Serpentfoot. In October, she filed to change that name—to one with 69 words, 68 hyphens, an ellipsis and the infinity sign. One judge has already turned her down on the ground that she cannot recite the name (though she promised to shorten it on legal papers to “Nofoot Allfoot Serpentfoot”).

JUSTICE SERVED u Hinton Sheryn, 68, on trial

at England’s Plymouth Crown Court in September, denied he was the “indecent exposer” charged with 18 incidents against children dating back to 1973—that he would never do such a thing because he would not want anyone to see his unusually small penis. In response, the prosecutor brought in a prostitute known to have serviced Sheryn, to testify that his penis is of normal size. Sheryn was convicted and sentenced to 17 years in prison. VISIT US AT

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December 2015 // CULTURE