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contents 05.16 Vol 7 IssUE 11
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Fluffy and Fantastic Gabriel Iglesias’ impressions, jokes and friendly demeanor make this comedian one-of-a-kind in CULTURE’s exclusive interview! ON THE COVER: photo by JUSTIN STEPHENS
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inside
contents 05.2016
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features 70
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The Faces Of Success The high percentage of women in executive positions of the cannabis industry shows equality at its best.
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Motherly Support Mothers who use cannabis often face terrible repercussions, but there are some who are fighting for moms’ rights.
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Cannabis Survival With only an estimated one month left to live, 17-year-old AJ Kephart miraculously beat cancer with cannabis.
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Industry Insider Dr. Ethan Russo has held many prestigious titles in his career in researching cannabis as medicine.
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Standing Out Seattle’s own Kung Foo Grip is a hip-hop group that finds influence in many genres of music, and cannabis too!
online Exclusive!
departments news 14 News Nuggets 15 By the Numbers 20 Local News 22 Legal Corner reviews 26 Access Point Highlights 32 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 34 Cool Stuff 36 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 64 Washington Now! 66 Shooting Gallery 68 Growing Culture 70 Destination Unknown
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71 Profile in Courage
72 Recipes
76 News of the Weird
d Cannabis as Birth
Control? d Cannabis Chapel in
Las Vegas Offers CannaWeddings
Vol 7 IssUE 11
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas Editorial Contributors Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo Regional Manager Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher, April Tygart general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson director of digital media Brian Gingrich digital media Editor David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture速 Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout Washington. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture速 Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 815 1st Ave | #220 Seattle | Washington | 98104 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE速 Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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NEWS
nuggets Recreational Cannabis in Canada Proposed for 2017
Cannabis progress in Canada has been a constant topic in the industry, with a demand that could support a healthy and well-balanced market offering plenty of business opportunities. Now, Canada is finally making the jump towards decriminalizing and legalizing cannabis, according to Canadian Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott, who announced on April 20 that legislation for allowing the widespread use of recreational cannabis in Canada is in the works and will be introduced in Spring 2017. The rules will pay special attention to keeping cannabis out of the hands of children as well as public safety, according to Philpott. “I am proud to stand up for our drug policy that is informed by solid scientific evidence and uses a lens of public healthy to maximize education and minimize harm,” Philpott stated in her announcement to the United Nations General Assembly special session on drugs. If, or when, Canada legalizes cannabis next year, it will be the first G7 country—made up of the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.K.—to have made such a decision.
Washington Remains Optimistic Toward Cannabis Market Despite Competition from Oregon When Oregon legalized recreational cannabis in October of 2015, Washington collective owners did not expect their sales to drop exponentially. This reigned true for business owners such as 68-year-old collective owner Margie Lemberger, whose clientele consisted of residents from Hood River, Oregon. According to the Bellingham Herald, Lemberger saw a more than 50 percent drop in sales between October 2015 and February of this year. This drastic change is what economist Josh Lermer dubbed “The Border Effect,” which is defined by tax policy, convenience, selection and price, as reported by the Herald. Currently, Washington’s cannabis tax is higher than Oregon’s, with an average gram of cannabis in Washington costing $14.68 and in Oregon $13.67. Mark Kleiman, a public policy expert who was a consultant for Washington’s cannabis program, believes that Washington and Oregon should create similar tax rates to prevent “interstate trafficking.” Although some may see this as a bad omen for Washington’s cannabis market, the state’s chief economist believes cannabis revenue will increase this year to $207 million, as the state’s medical and recreational cannabis markets merge in July.
New Zealand Health Board Official Approves Cannabis Spray for Tourette’s Syndrome Patient In 2015, Dixie Brands released a line of health products under the name Aceso, and one of its cannabis sprays called Calm has been approved for use by a single patient in New Zealand. Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne approved the spray for an unidentified patient with Tourette’s syndrome hours after receiving an application from the patient’s doctor. This is only the second time that a patient has been approved by Dunne to medicate with a cannabis based-product. The first patient to receive Dunne’s approval was teenager, Alex Renton who was given a hemp-based oil called Elixinol. Currently, the only cannabis based product in New Zealand that does not need Dunne’s approval to be used is Sativex. Although Dunne did not want to share the recently approved patient’s name, he commented on why he approved the Aceso product, “While Sativex has previously been shown to be efficient in treating, the Aceso product has been chosen due to its reduced psychoactive effects,” Dunne stated. Though small, this is one more step toward full medical access in New Zealand.
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Cannabis Outsells Commodities Bread and Milk in Spokane County Sales numbers collected by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and a survey of household expenses conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, revealed that legal cannabis sales in Spokane County outsold household essentials like milk and bread this past March. According to The Seattle Times, this number only represents residents of Spokane County, as there are 17 access points in the county with a license to sell to anyone 21 and over. This is the first time that cannabis sales in Spokane County reached $5 million, and that number is expected to grow, surpassing revenue from arts and entertainment, according to the Washington Department of Revenue. Although cannabis sales have surpassed sales of products like bread, milk and wine, it has not surpassed beer sales. The Seattle Times reports that last year cannabis sales in Spokane County reached $225.64 per household and beer $232.70 per household.
NEWS
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the city of Spokane made in legal cannabis revenue during the first three months of 2016: (Source: Inquisitr)
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The number of access points that currently operate in Spokane: (Source: The Inquisitr)
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The decreased percentage of illegal cannabis that was seized in 2014, compared to 2010: (Source: Fox 13)
The estimated number of pages in an ArcView Market Research report that has predicted that Washington will make the most money in the cannabis industry (Source: The come 2020: Olympian)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was collected from cannabis sales in Washington in 2015: (Source:
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Mint Press News)
The length of a cannabis joint, in feet, that cannabis activists brought to protest outside of the White House in Washington D.C. in April: (Source: WTOP)
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The estimated amount of money, in billions of dollars, that Americans will spend on legal cannabis by 2020: (Source: The Week)
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EXPOCÁÑAMO
The estimated amount of money, in millions of dollars, which will be earned in revenue in Washington D.C. if it implements laws allowing recreational cannabis sales: (Source: The GW Hatchet)
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WHAT: Expocáñamo. WHEN/WHERE: Fri, May 13-Sun, May 15. Pavilion of the Future, Sevilla, Spain. INFO: Visit www.expocanamo.com for details.
In 2015, Expocáñamo was visited by over 4,000 visitors, 70 exhibitors, 25 speakers and 10 unique musical bands. Now that the convention is entering its second year, and it’s about to get much better. As one of Spain’s largest hemp and cannabis culture festivals, Expocáñamo aims to spread awareness of cannabis as a material that’s beneficial in both industrial and therapeutic ways. Countless exhibitors from the local area will show off their wares. A handful of famous speakers representing different aspects of
the cannabis industry will also be present and ready to spread knowledge to the event’s many attendees. Of course, a cannabis festival isn’t really complete without a few outstanding musical performances. Expocáñamo will have multiple bands performing, such as La Selva Sur, Scurro & Papa Wilson and more. With a wealth of information and entertainment, Expocáñamo is bound to be one of the world’s most interesting and influential cannabis festivals around. Make sure you don’t miss it! iReadCULTURE.com MAY 2016
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NEWS
LOCAL
Medical Cannabis Bike Tour
Putting our Cannabis to The Test Washington State Adopts Emergency Cannabis Testing Rules
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by Emily Manke ne of the many perks of legalized cannabis is quality control. With all of our local choices, one factor that buyers shouldn’t have to consider is product safety. Like all products, cannabis should be held to high standards to ensure consumer safety and satisfaction. Which is why the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) has recently taken measures to make sure cannabis testing is regulated properly. Since I-502’s inception, cannabis testing has always been a priority. All cannabis being legally sold in Washington State has been lab-tested for things like powdery mildew and pesticides. The problem isn’t a lack of testing. It’s with the proficiency of the lab-testing itself. A recent event in which a lab failed to test cannabis accurately, has brought to light some issues within the labs. The event has spurred the state of Washington to call for a new set of emergency rules aimed at regulating state cannabis testing labs. “New rules are needed to protect consumer safety through ensuring laboratories employ appropriate testing methodologies and achieve accurate testing results for marijuana. WSLCB also needs rules to suspend or revoke the
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certification of a laboratory that does not follow rule requirements for testing or for those laboratories that do not consistently achieve accurate testing results,” the WSLCB writes. “These emergency rules relating to accurate testing procedures and results and laboratory accountability are needed to ensure the public health, and safety of the citizens of Washington.” The WSLCB isn’t going to stop at the new rules however. They’ve also created a first version of a Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) Certification Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) checklist. Cannabis testing laboratories have also jumped on board and recently announced the creation of the Washington Laboratory Association, aimed at holding labs to a higher standard, and upholding cannabis testing integrity. It’s encouraging that the WSLCB is taking testing issues seriously. Because untrustworthy testing could be detrimental to ending the Federal prohibition on cannabis. Are these new steps enough to ensure consumer safety? It will become clear whether or not labs are indeed held to a higher standard than before, as these new testing regulations go into place. c
Backpacking through Europe is overrated, but biking in support of cannabis research definitely isn’t. Every year the Medical Cannabis Bike Tour asks cyclists to bike 420km in the course of three days, ending on May 19 at the Indica Sativa Trade Fair in Bologna. Since starting in 2012, with only two riders, the race has expanded and raised €250,000. This year, 100 cyclists will tour through Slovenia and Italy, and proceeds will go to Complutense University in Madrid who will be working with the Spanish Group of Neurological Investigation (GEINO). With funding provided by the bike tour, these institutions will conduct clinical trials of cannabinoid effects on glioma (brain tumor) cancer patients. As there is limited research providing solid evidence on the effects of cannabinoids on cancer cells, this research is very important and all contributions make a difference! WHAT: Medical Cannabis Bike Tour. WHEN/WHERE: Tues, May 17-Thurs, May 19. Tour begins in Ljubjana, Slovenia and ends in Bologna, Italy. INFO: For more details visit www. medicalcannabisbiketour.com.
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NEWS
legal corner
“If this bill were to pass, out of state U.S. citizens could take up to 49 percent equity in a Washington cannabis business.”
CLEARING THE AIR The Update on Washington Considering Out-of-State Cannabis Investing by Hilary Bricken Lately, I have received lots of calls and emails on whether the Washington State and Liquor and Cannabis Board (the “Board”) is finally going to allow out of state investors in Washington’s cannabis marketplace. This article is intended to clear the air regarding the current state of things on the out-of-state investor front. First, the Washington State Board has only proposed its new rule regarding out of state financing; it has not adopted that new rule yet. The Los Angeles Times broke the story in an article entitled “How New Rules in Two States Could Give Birth to Big Marijuana” and, for whatever reason (probably the story’s headline), many people interpreted this story to mean the Board had actually passed the rule, which is incorrect. The Board is
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set to take public comment on the new proposed rule until May 4 and if it were to adopt it, it won’t even take effect until June of this year. What also seems to be getting lost in translation is that even if adopted, the new rule will only remove the existing six-month residency requirement for out-of-state lending only. For instance, if you live in Nevada and want to take an equity position in a Washington State licensed cannabis business or if you expect a percentage of net or gross profit, you still need to show Washington residency of at least six months. It is true that the Washington State Legislature is considering allowing out-of-state ownership of cannabislicensed businesses via House Bill 2364, which came out in January. Two substitute versions of the bill were
proposed in the House, one of which came through in March during the legislature’s first special session. This proposed legislation limits cannabis licenses to the following: A business entity or nonprofit entity, unless formed under the laws of this state or holding a certificate of registration under chapter 23.95 RCW, and provided that: “More than 50 percent of the interest in the entity is held by one or more interest holders who lawfully reside in the state; and all interest holders who are not state residents are resident citizens of the United States.” If this bill were to pass, out of state U.S. citizens could take up to 49 percent equity in a Washington cannabis business. In addition, the Board would have “discretionary authority to deny a license or license renewal to an entity if [the Board] is unable to investigate a nonresident interest holder in the entity in accordance with the investigatory standards applicable to the investigation of a state resident.” The Washington State legislature concluded its first special session on March 29 and neither the Governor nor two-thirds of both houses have called for another special session. This means that we will not see this bill picked up again until the next regular session, which won’t be until January 2017. For now, the Washington cannabis marketplace will rely solely on the Board’s discretion regarding out of state financing through tweaking of current rules. So, don’t get too excited about out of state money coming into Washington State, as it’s going to be a while before out of staters can really invest. c
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REVIEWs
access point highlight
Green Solution
Top Selling Strain: OMG SYKES Cantaloupe Kush Top Selling Concentrate: Benzo Farms – Gorilla Glue
Interviewed: Stanley Johnson, Owner 2801 Auburn Wy., South Auburn, 98092 www.GreenSolLife.com
How and when did your access point start up? This particular location began September 2015. It has been a very long build out and process. It has not been easy but I have never known new ventures and success to be easy. What do you want visitors to know about your access point? Green Solution is a state-licensed retail marijuana store. As a licensed marijuana business, Green Solution is dedicated to supporting a safe, clean, professional environment and to a fully-compliant marijuana marketplace 26
as approved by voters in 2012. In addition to offering products for adults over the age of 21, Green Solution has also been awarded a medicalcertification by the Liquor and Cannabis Board to support the unique needs of patients. A dedicated member of the Auburn community, Green Solution works to partner with local neighborhood organizations, community groups and businesses to support a thriving city. What I hope is that in the weeks and months ahead, my fellow community members will allow me to prove that I’m as committed to a safe,
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clean, professional environment as any other business you want in your neighborhood. How has the cannabis industry in Washington changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? The change is nonstop. We hope to see the industry not get swallowed up in political tape, and would like to see it flourish with integral entrepreneurial women and men. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? Biggest joys? What is the one thing you want patients
to know about your access point? You are welcome, come and enjoy a one on one experience or shop without being encumbered by people. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/MMJ community? We hope to be a part of the negative stereo type change to recreational and medical use. We hope to be a part of the
community that sets the precedence for change in legislative and state laws on the way city, county and state deal with cannabis. As a business owner, I am dedicated to doing my part to support the neighborhood in which I operate. Whether it is special events, making charitable contributions or paying my fair share of taxes, all responsible businesses have an important role to play in our communities. I look forward to meeting my neighbors and helping strengthen the local economy. c
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REVIEWs
access point highlight
Top Selling Strain: Cherry Pie by Noble Farms Top Selling Concentrate: Chocolate Chip Cookies from Magic Kitchen
Trees Pot Shop
10532 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, 98133 (206) 257-4407 www.treespotshop.com
How and when did your access point start up? We started as a medical marijuana access point in 2012 and switched over to a recreational/medical hybrid store last month. What is the story behind the name of your access point? My brother Clark and
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I went back and forth for weeks throwing names around when one day I said, What about just “trees.” That day he came up with a logo and that’s what stuck. What do you want visitors to know about your access point? We offer patients/ customers a unique environment that is focused on friendliness and customer service.
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I believe that it’s our job to further remove the stigma surrounding cannabis and creating a safe friendly environment helps in doing this. Oh and really cool murals and wall art! How has the cannabis industry in Washington changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? When I started (Trees)
in 2012, Washington State had not legalized marijuana for recreational use yet. We were just a group of farmers and access points. I would love to see some serious tax reform on a state and federal level. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as an access point? Biggest joys? There are many challenges, but it’s
been very rewarding overcoming them and working toward new goals. My biggest joys are seeing how much joy we have brought to our community. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/MMJ community? I hope to continue to be a front-runner in the removal of the stigma still surrounding this industry. c
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strain, edible & concentrate
REVIEWs
KoF TriConeTM On the subject of elevated pre-rolls in this constantly evolving industry, we are extremely opinionated. Pre-rolls can be done well, and they can be done poorly. But let’s get one thing straight—when you combine kief, oil and flower into a pre-roll, you are embarking on a whole new adventure. You must be prepared for this adventure—it is not for the faint of heart, or the newbies. Interra Oil has a line of pre-rolls that literally sets the bar—and high, we might add. KoF TriConeTM is a truly high quality product that is created from kief, oil and flower (hence the very catchy K-o-F name) and it actually has a very smooth smoke, and an incredibly rich flavor. This cone packs a powerful punch as well though—we tested their latest sativa blend, which had a 44.6 percent THC level. The combination of Cinex, Alaska Thunder Fuck and Ghosttrain Haze made for a tremendously flavorful experience. This is a pre-roll for a dinner party with your cannasseur friends, not a kick back or a solo night, and not for newbs.
Available at: Various access points throughout Washington.
Optimum Extracts Super Lemon Haze Cartridge Available at: Cannabis retailers throughout Washington.
This Super Lemon Haze cartridge from Optimum Extracts is a fun, high quality product. The appearance of the product hints that you’re in for a good time. The chrome packaging and vaping products make Optimum Extracts standout. And the package promises that you’ll “taste the terpenes.” But it’s not just the packaging—upon first puff the incredible citrus flavor comes through. Optimum Extracts is not over exaggerating when they claim that you’ll “taste the terpenes,” you definitely do taste the sweet, skunky and sour flavors of the extract in a subtle, pleasant manner. This pure CO2 extract is fast-acting and powerful. So not only is it tasty, but it packs a punch as well. However, true to the sativa nature of Super Lemon Haze, even though it’s strong, you’ll still be able to function at a high level. It makes a perfect discreet product for a night on the town, or a fun and loveable companion for a night in.
Recharge by Fairwinds A cannabis-infused energy drink—how can it be? That’s what many of us asked upon hearing the description of this product. But this energy drink mix left all of us pleasantly surprised. Recharge is a powdery mix, infused with CBD and THC. When mixed with water, the flavor is pleasant and subtle. The effects of the drink are mild, yet effective. An energy buzz can be noticed soon after drinking, similar to that of a cup of coffee or tea. Except unlike a cup of coffee, Recharge doesn’t leave you jittery, anxious and crashing an hour after drinking it. Fairwinds has perfected their niche-products, offering a wide range of edibles which offer energy, relaxation or even rejuvenation, depending on your cannabis needs. This Recharge energy drink is a perfect example of the effectiveness of these products. If you know someone who is hesitant to try cannabis products because they don’t know exactly what the effects will be, Fairwinds products are the perfect recommendation.
Available at: Greenside in Seattle.
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Available at: Recreational cannabis stores throughout Western Washington.
Dutch Berry by Artizen Cannabis This Dutch Treat Blueberry cross is an incredible flower specimen. The color is truly striking. Bright lime green, with a thick, white coating of crystals and fuzzy, short orange hairs sprouting out from the leaves, make this flower picture perfect. And that’s just the visual! When it comes to flavor and aroma, this Dutch Berry was true to its genetic lineage. The lemon-lime citrus flavors from Dutch Treat are noticeable immediately, while the berry flavor from the Blueberry is a bit more subtle, and takes longer to notice. After consuming this flower using a water pipe, we were pleasantly surprised at its effects. Like Dutch Treat, a euphoric, energetic and creative effect take hold soon after consumption. Just when you think you have the Dutch Berry effect pegged as a Sativa-like, buzz, the Blueberry genes kick in. While the Dutch Treat energy and creativity are still present, the Blueberry provides a nice, mellow, relaxed effect that helps take the edge off. This is the perfect strain to enjoy on one of our incredible sunny spring days. Enough energy for any outdoor activities you may enjoy, with a nice calming effect to help you get the most possible relaxation out of your recreation.
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
3. Uma Sound Lantern If you’re not much into traditional design, Carmine Deganello and Pablo Pardo, have created something that is both, modern and practical, the Uma Sound Lantern. Fusing sound and light together the pair of designers have created the oil lamp of the 21st century. What makes the Uma Sound Lantern unique and practical is that it serves as a portable light source that can be used indoors and outdoors as well as a 12W speaker with a frequency range of up to 20,000Hz. Even more convenient is that the Uma Sound Lantern allows you to easily stream music via Bluetooth while it offers 360-degrees of sound. PRICE: $479 MORE INFORMATION: pablodesigns.com
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1. Mass Roots’ Strain Scented Candles Mass Roots Strain Scented Candles are truly ideal for cannabis lovers from all walks of life. Equipped with sleek packaging, these candles are all natural, hand-poured in America and burn 50+ hours. Omitting a strong and delightful scent that will eliminate unpleasant odors, Mass Root’s Strain Scented Candles come in six different scents: Green Crack, Blueberry Yum Yum, Maui Wowie, Purple Haze, Peppermint OG and Strawberry Cough. The perfect gift for any cannasseur, these candles will compliment any living space or office, with a pleasant smell and attractive pop of color. PRICE: $15 MORE INFORMATION: shop.massroots.com
4. Cannabis Rose Eau De Parfum Fresh® is a beauty brand dedicated to creating the best, most alluring products with only natural ingredients. To complement its popular Cannabis Santal collection, Fresh® has created a feminine perfume, Cannabis Rose Eau De Parfum. This fragrance is elegant with top notes of Bulgarian Rose, pomegranate and bergamot and intended to “capture the essence of an intimate moment between lovers.” Perfect for a night out or everyday wear, Cannabis Rose Eau De Parfum is the perfect fragrance for those who want to make an impression. PRICE: $90 MORE INFORMATION: www.fresh.com
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2. Smokies Toke Couture Cannabis Hair Comb Cannabis weddings are all the rage right now, and everything from hemp dresses to cannabis inspired fashion accessories are being created. Smokies Toke Couture offers a special vintage hair comb that features two silver cannabis leaves set around an ivory pearl and clear rhinestones. Its unique design is subtle and beautiful, but still allows the wearer, whether they’re a bride or just a fashionista, to look amazing while showing off their love for cannabis. This particular comb is also offered in gold, but the store seller has a handful of unique handmade hair combs, as well as necklaces and earrings. PRICE: $30 MORE INFORMATION: www.etsy.com/SmokiesTokeCouture
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GET YOUR CLICKS
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5. Podo Selfie sticks and tripods can come in handy for any group photo or selfie, but if you want to get a creative angle it’s not always easy to do so. Offering a new alternative to photo taking is Podo an 8 megapixel camera that you can stick anywhere, freeing up your hands and opening a world of creative possibility. How Podo works is it has an adhesive backing that can stick to most surfaces that is easily reusable, all you have to do is clean the adhesive backing after each use and let dry. Easy to use, Podo is a must have gadget for your next vacation or day out with friends! PRICE: $99 MORE INFORMATION: www.podolabs.com
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entertainment
REVIEWs
Release Date: May 24 Available on: PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
BOOK
Forty Years Stoned: A Journalist’s Romance
GAME
Tom Huth Heliotrope Books A touching and humorous memoir, Forty Years Stoned takes readers on a journey of care and love. The book follows Tom as he grows into a caregiver for his beloved wife Holly, who struggles with Parkinson’s disease. The story is more about the experience of cannabis as a bonding agent between this loving couple, and the personal exploration of using cannabis as a very successful medicine for Holly. This book serves as a small window into the very normal lives of millions of Americans who use cannabis for care and health. A poignant story to say the least. (Alex Bradley)
Sasquatch!
MOVIE
Dev. Blizzard Entertainment Pub. Blizzard Entertainment
The Revenant
Coming from the developers of World of Warcraft, Diablo and StarCraft games is the highly anticipated new competitive multiplayer first person shooter, Overwatch. There are over 20 unique characters to choose from, each with his or her own set of combat abilities and backstories, and many more are expected to be added in the future. The premise is simple: Two teams of six players are set against each other in maps with one of three objectives. Choose your strategy and work with friends to overcome the enemy team while you gush about immersive graphics and enjoyable backstory cinematics. (Nicole Potter)
Based loosely on the experiences of American frontiersman and explorer, Hugh Glass, The Revenant brings the early 1800s to life in the setting of roughly mapped Native American territory. The Revenant tells the story of Hugh Glass’s treacherous betrayal by his fellow fur-trappers, and his subsequent harrowing quest for survival and vengeance. With a cast of Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy (Mad Max Fury Road), Domhnall Gleeson (About Time) and Will Poulter (The Maze Runner) and excellent direction from Alejandro G. Iñárritu (21 Grams), The Revenant is certainly one not to be missed. (Simon Weedn)
20th Century Fox Dir. Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Lost Time Tacocat Hardly Art With only a two-year break between records, Seattle’s own Tacocat has returned with yet another awesome record of topical pop-punk glory in the form of their new album, Lost Time. In addition to growth in sound, the production style on the record is a bit more modern and polished than previous releases, but it’s lyrical wit, playfulness, humor and intelligence remains just as sharp as it’s ever been. Lost Time sees Tacocat working hard to drive their music into new areas, all the while refining and perfecting the qualities which have made them so endearing over the last few years. (Simon Weedn)
WHAT: Sasquatch! WHEN/WHERE: Fri, May 27- Mon, May 30. Gorge Amphitheater, 754 Silica Rd. NW, Quincy. INFO: Visit sasquatchfestival.com for more details.
What better way to kick off your summer than attending one of the biggest musical events in the U.S., Sasquatch! Not only is this music festival equipped with a killer line-up of performers like Florence and the Machine, Chet Faker, Alina Baraz and Grimes, but it is also happening at the glorious, scenic Gorge Amphitheater. Set in the great outdoors, Sasquatch! offers festivalgoers camping options,
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MUSIC
Overwatch
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from traditional camping to “glamping” in a luxury tent. Whatever your preference, camping should be a must at this festival because there’s nothing quite like waking up to a luscious landscape after partying all day with thousands of like-minded music lovers. What are you waiting for? Tickets are selling out fast and you don’t want to miss out on an event that’s in the ranks with Coachella and Lollapalooza, right?
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F l u ff y 38
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p h o t o b y M a a rten d e Boer
Comedian, actor, writer, producer and all-out amazing human being, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is on a roll, and he ain’t slowin’ down by Paul Rogers
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erhaps today’s ultimate everyman comedian, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ animated yet unpretentious stage persona is almost indistinguishable from his real-life self. Iglesias’ observational material, enhanced with uncanny impressions of everything from police sirens to GPS voices, revolves around his adventures as a touring comic and at home with his girlfriend and stepson. For all of his growing fame and critical acclaim (the San Antonio Express-News declared him a “comedy genius”), he’s still that great storyteller in your workplace or the sassy uncle who turns family dinners into laugh-fests. Though he’s yet to hit 40, Iglesias’ approachable, slightly self-deprecating personality (catchphrases include “I’m not fat, I’m fluffy”), and hilariously relatable tales have already made him a household name. His Fluffy Breaks Even reality television show was recently picked up for a second season by Fuse, he hosts a new weekly show on SiriusXM called Gabriel Iglesias’ Stand-Up Revolution Radio and fills theaters nationwide. The youngest of six children to a single mother, Iglesias spent his early years bouncing around numerous Los Angeles neighborhoods before settling in Section 8 housing in Long Beach, California, for the majority of his youth. Still an L.A. resident, he was working for a cell phone company before first trying his hand at comedy in the mid 1990s. Initially, littering his act with references to weight (Iglesias peaked at 437 pounds), including detailing different “levels of fatness” (including “Daaaaamn!!!” and “Oh, Hell No!”), Iglesias moved away from this theme after losing over 100 pounds while battling diabetes. Fluffy Breaks Even follows Iglesias and his entourage of fellow comedians as they travel the country, asking fans where they should eat in each city and how to best work off the resulting calories. His off-the-road antics may soon grace the small screen too, as Iglesias recently inked a pilot deal with ABC Television for a series based on his home life (provisionally titled The Fluffy Shop). A loveable and flawlessly polite man, Iglesias also comes across as a keenly focused self-promoter and brand-aware businessman. CULTURE grabbed a chat with Iglesias about his past, present, future—and this “Fluffy” thing.
Growing up, did people around you tell you that you should be a comedian, or was it more of a “hidden talent?” It was more of a hidden talent, just because around school I wasn’t trying to be funny. I was actually not the popular kid—I wasn’t the athlete; I wasn’t the loud jokester. I was actually very, very quiet. It wasn’t until I got on the speech team— for some reason that just brought it out of me . . . I would just get 42
“I think eventually it’ll get to the point where it’s legal everywhere; it’s just going to take a little bit more time.”
up in front of the class and just tell a random story about my day and incorporate some characters into it. And they started laughing.
fun and if I happen to crack something funny or silly, then cool, but if not, I don’t feel like I’m hurting myself by it. I’m just a regular dude.
So are you funny to be around in day-to-day life or is your comedic persona something you turn on for the stage and cameras? I’m a pretty witty guy, but I wouldn’t say that I’m going out of my way to entertain. There are some comics that never turn it off . . . [But] I just hang out and have
Is there a history of show business in your family? Actually there is . . . My whole family is mariachis, from Mexico, [and] also a couple of actors in Mexico. One of them was actually a comedian by the name of Pompin Iglesias . . . [in] the ‘70s and early ‘80s. >>
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photo by JUSTIN STEPHENS
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So did that help you break into the business? No, because I had no idea about [Pompin] until maybe a couple of years ago. I just thought it was kind of interesting . . . When they say it’s in the blood, in my case it really was! How did you break into professional comedy? Who and what were central to getting you to where you are today? It took a long time . . . From the time I was out of high school to the time I went up on an actual stage where it was called stand-up comedy; there were a few years in between. A buddy of mine actually pushed me up on stage and after that it was kind of like a slow [process of] meeting people and then finding out where I could go to perform and then, of course, television breaks. My first TV break happened in December of ’97—I went on a TV show called Make Me Laugh on Comedy Central, and that show right there, they booked me three times. Next thing you know, you wind up on The Tonight Show or you wind up getting a halfhour special, and it just kind of snowballed. Social media played a huge part of that, because I jumped on the whole MySpace deal when it first came out, after Dane Cook started popping up. And as soon as Facebook came around, I jumped on that right away—then Twitter, then Instagram . . . I just ran with it. I call it grassroots marketing. You stay in touch with the fans by being the actual person who sends out all the messages and interacts. I have people who help me with social media in the sense that they’ll help me structure the account, but they don’t put out the content for me. Who and what has influenced your style of comedy? In the beginning, only in the beginning, it was probably 44
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Eddie Murphy and Robin Williams. Eddie Murphy for the characters and Robin Williams for . . . the craziness and for making it look like it was all spontaneous. I think over the years, I’ve just started trying to incorporate my real life into my act . . . [and] instead of saying something, painting a picture incorporating sound effects and characters. I never write anything down. Everything that I put out on stage is either on video or audio recordings. I cannot fit structure, myself—I have to go out there and just kind of free-flow it . . . and if it’s funny then I’ll say it again the same way the next time—and if it’s not then I’ll change it until I find a way to make it funny. I try to tell stories that are relatable. I try to avoid things that make people uncomfortable. For example, I don’t get political; I try not to get religious . . . I avoid things that get people riled up. Some people say, well, I’m not taking chances. But I’m also not offending people, which opens the doors to more people coming in to see my show. For the uninitiated, can you introduce “Fluffy?” Is Fluffy just a nickname; an alter-ego; or is it gradually replacing “Gabriel Iglesias” as your brand? Fluffy’s always been the brand. Originally, I tried my [real] name . . . [but] for some reason “Fluffy” just stuck more than Gabriel Iglesias did. I’ll [nowadays] incorporate Fluffy into my name, so it’ll be Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. So now the name is in there and the branding is in there. I caught onto a word and it was catchy in the beginning. I used to get upset because people would call me Fluffy, and then I learned to embrace it. Why would it upset you? I didn’t want people to think I was a character—I wanted them to know that, hey, I’m a real person . . . The last
“I think I’m funny regardless of whether people are smoking or drinking or using anything else. I don’t rely on them doing that in order to have a successful career. But I don’t hate on ‘em for it—if that’s what they wanna do before the show, hey, have fun!” thing I wanted was to not have people know who I really was. Fluffy Breaks Even was recently picked up by FUSETV for a second season. What do you think lies behind the success of the show? I think it’s a combination of branding and incorporating fans into the show. I incorporate the fans in the sense that we ask fans what’s a good restaurant to go eat at when we’re in that area . . . [and] what’s a good way to work off this [meal]—what’s a good workout; what’s something different than just hitting the gym. So the success of the show is because the fans want it to go this way. By letting them pick, it’s a recipe for success. You’re currently crisscrossing the country on the Fluffy Breaks Even tour. How does the Fluffy Breaks Even concept translate to the stage? I think it went from the stage
to the [TV] show; I don’t think it went the other way around. It was something that we always do on the road—that’s why it felt so organic to do this type of show. We’re always going out to restaurant and, because I’ve recently lost 100 pounds, I’m trying not to gain that weight back, so we’re always trying to find a way of working off the meals. So we said, you know what, all we gotta do is incorporate cameras and let the fans have fun with us and it should be a good show. You recently signed a pilot deal with ABC Television to write and star in a multicamera series with the working title The Fluffy Shop. Is that something you can talk about in more detail? Absolutely! The Fluffy Shop concept comes from the three or four days that I’m home from the road. So I would be playing myself [and] how I come up with the show that people see on stage. >>
“If [cannabis] is going to keep somebody from getting upset to the point where they do something stupid and it’s going to keep them at home for that night, then I’m all for it.”
p h o t o b y R a n d y M ir a montez
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“. . . people are sure that [cannabis] does help out people with certain issues." Not just at home, but I also have a merchandising/ clothing business called The Fluffy Shop . . . I’m going on auditions; I’m doing other projects; I’m interacting with my son, with my girlfriend. There’s all kinds of things that are happening . . . and so that’s going to basically be the premise of the TV show.
wanted to look better, but because I wanted to be around; I wanted to be alive. My stand-up has very little to do with my weight. I mean, yeah, the title Fluffy’s in there, and maybe I might make a comment or two, but in the course of 90 minutes, you’re not going to hear any fat jokes anymore.
Your weight, weight-loss and eating are central to your comedy. So if you got, like, really skinny, how would you revamp your comic persona? I think that’s already happened in the sense that I’ve already let the fans know that I got to a certain weight [and] it was unhealthy. I had to lose—not because I
What is your personal history with cannabis? Has it played any role in your life or your comedy? Between the ages of 23 and maybe 27, I was quite the recreational user . . . It was relaxing. I’d come home from the road and I had a couple of buddies who’d hang out and we’d smoke and watch
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cartoons. We’d sit around and watch Family Guy . . . they were really good times.
the point where it’s legal everywhere; it’s just going to take a little bit more time.
In your experience with audiences, can using cannabis make things seem funnier? I think I’m funny regardless of whether people are smoking or drinking or using anything else. I don’t rely on them doing that in order to have a successful career. But I don’t hate on ‘em for it—if that’s what they wanna do before the show, hey, have fun!
And is that something you would support? I would . . . I mean, people are sure that [cannabis] does help out people with certain issues. If it’s going to keep somebody from getting upset to the point where they do something stupid and it’s going to keep them at home for that night, then I’m all for it. Obviously, with kids, I think people should wait ‘til a certain time before they allow their children [to be] doing it, even if it is legal—just like with alcohol . . . [There’s] a time and a place for everything. c
What are your thoughts about the current state of cannabis legislation in the U.S.? I think eventually it’ll get to
www.fluffyguy.com
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Big Business Women who are making their mark in the cannabis sector
Jessica Billingsley Image courtesy of MJ Freeway Software Solutions
by Jamie Solis
Although the cannabis business sector is largely male-dominated, female entrepreneurs and activists are known as significant influencers in the booming industry. According to a recent survey, 36 percent of the executives in the cannabis market are women. This is an increase from the percentage of women who hold executive roles in all markets, which was found as 22 percent of women by Pew Research Center. With so many prominent women moving the cannabis industry forward, it is only appropriate to once again shout out some of the top female entrepreneurs in the cannabis sector. Influencing public policy, educating the market, setting operational standards and making millions, find out how the following 12 cannabis businesswomen are
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taking the industry by storm. Dale Sky Jones is the Executive Chancellor at Oaksterdam University as well as the Chairwoman at The Coalition for Cannabis Policy Reform. A prominent activist in the cannabis industry, Sky Jones was considered to be one of the leading media spokespersons for Yes on Proposition 19 in California. Sky Jones and Oaksterdam University are hugely successful in establishing top quality education, skills and support on the control, regulation and taxation for the cannabis industry. Amy Poinsett and Jessica Billingsley are Co-Founders of MJ Freeway Business Solutions, and they both are considered national industry experts in their field. Amy Poinsett is the Chief Executive Officer of MJ Freeway
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Business Solutions, and Jessica Billingsley is the company’s Chief Operating Officer. These two women created software solutions made solely for the sale of cannabis at the onset of Colorado’s cannabis legalization. With top quality software and impeccable timing, MJ Freeway Business Solutions has been recognized on the Inc.5000 fastestgrowing companies list. Two more powerful women in the cannabis sector are Jazmin Hupp and Jane West. Jazmin Hupp is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Women Grow, which is an organization that brings together various types of leaders in the cannabis industry through networking, education and support. Forbes and Fortune Magazine recognized Hupp for her expert entrepreneurial skills within the cannabis industry. >>
Jane West Image courtesy of Jane West
Amy Poinsett Image courtesy of MJ Freeway Software Solutions
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“36 percent of the executives in the cannabis market are women. This is an increase from the percentage of women who hold executive roles in all markets, which was found as 22 percent . . .”
Dale Sky Jones Image courtesy of Dale Sky Jones
Jazmin Hupp Image courtesy of jazminhupp.com
Jane West is the Founder & National Events Director of Women Grow. She is also the CEO of Jane West Enterprises, which features her collection of cannabis accessories that are geared toward the female consumer. West is also the owner of Edible Events—a mainstream events company that is cannabis friendly. Another powerful businesswoman is AC Braddock. Braddock is the Chief Executive Officer at the extremely successful multi-million dollar technology company, Eden Labs. She also remains active in the industry by serving on two boards, The National Cannabis Industry Association and Council of Responsible Cannabis Regulation. In addition to these two boards, Braddock is also a member of The Marijuana Business Association’s Women’s Alliance and as well as another Washington-based cannabis business group, Women of Weed.
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Anne Holland and Cassandra Farrington are Co-Founders of Marijuana Business Media. Anne Holland’s success in the cannabis industry is due to her role in electronic publishing as the founder of Anne Holland Ventures, which is dedicated to publishing and professional education. Cassandra Farrington is the President at Anne Holland Ventures Inc., and it’s safe to say this two-woman powerhouse is connecting cannabis industry professionals in a big way. Youzdon’t have to be from Maine to know about the thriving Chief Operating Officer of Wellness Connection of Maine, Patricia Rosi. She runs four statelicensed medical cannabis dispensaries in Maine. Since 2011 her multi-million dollar company has grown to over 200 employees and counting. This wealthy businesswoman is providing her community with top quality medical cannabis and turning a huge profit.
A.C. Braddock Image courtesy of Cashinbis
Ophelia Chong Image courtesy of stockpotimages.com
Last but undoubtedly not least, established photographer and creative director, Ophelia Chong, has gained notoriety in the cannabis industry since her launch of StockPotImages.com. This company was the first of its kind, because it hosts cannabis specific stock photography, videos and illustrations that are rights-free and rights-managed. Chong’s attention to professional photos along with a persistent will to bring this much-needed resource into existence is worth noting. The progress of the medical and recreational cannabis industries is largely in part due to strong and successful women entrepreneurs. This is only scratching the surface of powerful, strong women who rock the cannabis sector day in and out, as they are many other women who dedicate their lives to making a difference in our community every day. c
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Shafted:
Moms Who Use Cannabis Need Our Help For Mother’s Day, CULTURE examines the sorry state of a mother’s right to use cannabis
Equal To Heroin
by David Downs
This Mother’s Day, CULTURE reports that the state of American mothers’ right to use cannabis is woefully poor, and we all have to fix it. Even in the most progressive states, moms or their children can be screened for cannabis without their consent, and the results forwarded to welfare agencies. In less progressive places, women face mandatory drug screens, then jail if their newborn fails a THC test. And that’s just the beginning—literally. As the kids grow up, moms who use cannabis can lose children to Protective Services, or in divorce proceedings, and face workplace discrimination, lack of access and stigma— for cannabis use alone. None of the consequences seem proportionate to the known scientific harms of cannabis exposure, especially in comparison to legal drugs, alcohol and tobacco, experts say. “Even in states that allow legal adult-use or medical use of cannabis, mothers and pregnant women continue to face devastating legal risks if they use cannabis, including losing their children,” reports Shaleen Title, representative of Moms United to End the War on Drugs. “This is outrageous.”
Every mom who has cannabis in the house is the parent of a federally designated “drug endangered child.” So keep your edibles locked up, or they will take your kids away. Since 1971, cannabis became a federally illegal, “Schedule I” drug, treated as though it is as dangerous as heroin. No matter the state law, federal funding warps the states’ perspectives. Women on welfare who give birth are a target for drug screenings in at least 15 states, even though welfare
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recipients use drugs at a lower rate that higher-income earners. New laws to combat methamphetamine abuse in the ‘90s, and efforts to combat the prescription opioid epidemic have also driven new punishments. Cannabis often gets swept up in the hysteria. According to the state of Colorado, “Marijuana is now legal for adults over 21. But this doesn’t mean it is safe for pregnant moms or babies. Some hospitals test babies after birth for drugs. If your baby tests positive for THC at birth, Colorado law says Child Protective Services must be notified.” >>
prescribed Zofran off-label. “I refused to take it because the physical risks seemed unclear,” she said. “But even though I lived in a state that allows medical cannabis, I was too afraid of the legal risks to try cannabis. The result was absurd—I didn’t feel comfortable taking any medicine, and I ended up having to quit my job and lost 30 pounds in the first few months of my pregnancy,” she said.
THe Science
“Even in states that allow legal adult-use or medical use of cannabis, mothers and pregnant women continue to face devastating legal risks if they use cannabis, including losing their children.” decades of looking and millions in research—says THC’s effects are so subtle, they can’t be distinguished from confounding factors like diet, parenting or other drugs. The strongest pregnancy warning states can muster refers to the plant’s “potential” to cause harm. But that’s versus alcohol and tobacco or antidepressants, which we know, 100 percent, “can cause birth defects,” premature birth, long-term deficits, and are fully legal. Shaleen has lived the consequences. During her pregnancy, she had nonstop vomiting and was
The Patchwork
Moms are subject to an unacceptable, gnarly patchwork of laws from state to state, and the “states rights” argument is no excuse. It’s not enough that some states are allowed to legalize cannabis, and thereby lessen the persecution of a whole class of innocent women, while others may keep imprisoning moms for the presence of a substance scientifically shown to be safer than legal recreational drugs and prescription alternatives. At a bare minimum, all 50 states must commit this year to legal language stating that “cannabis use on its own does not make a parent any more subject to sanction for child neglect or abuse than tobacco or alcohol use alone does.”
The Wins
In 2015, Colorado rejected a ban on selling cannabis to pregnant women, because the science doesn’t support it. Legalization in new states like Pennsylvania—and hopefully Florida— will continue to spread the notion that medical cannabis use alone cannot be considered child endangerment. Groups like Moms United to End the War on Drugs have also begun flipping the script on prohibition, the way women did at the end of alcohol prohibition. “Many of the moms in this group have been through the worst tragedy a person can go through (losing a child) and they are taking action to ensure it doesn‘t happen to others,” Title said. “They have some of the most powerful voices that you can hear, and you can tell people are listening as you see our culture gradually turning away from punishment-based approaches and starting to support non-judgmental harm reduction approaches.” c
Parallels: Moms Against Alcohol Prohibition
America’s punitive treatment of moms is out of proportion to the known harms of cannabis exposure, many experts state. “The research on the effects of cannabis on unborn children is at worst unclear, and at best shows it to be safer than other drugs prescribed to pregnant women,” Title said. Five percent of pregnant women use cannabis. The American Medical Association said in 2013 that fetal exposure to THC has the “potential” to cause harm; a summary of decades of mixed findings. At its worst, heavy fetal exposure to THC could be associated with some attention and learning problems and lower IQ. But even the National Institute on Drug Abuse—after
Moms helped lead America into alcohol prohibition, before they led the way out. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union went from pissed off “Mothers Against Drunken Dads” to a potent political force, working up from local alcohol bans to the Constitution of the United States. Prohibition began January 19, 1920. With 1,000 Americans dying every year from tainted liquor, and widespread corruption of all levels of law enforcement, women reversed course. The Women’s Organization for National Prohibition Reform (WONPR) in 1929 campaigned on protecting families from the crime, corruption, and secret drinking prohibition had created, and returning decisions about alcohol to families, where they belonged. With a secular, modern, rich and fashionable look, WONPR became the largest female repeal organization, even attracting disillusioned prohibitionists.
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Boy on His Deathbed is Cured with Cannabis
AJ’s parents were told their son had one month to live, but today he is cancer free after putting him on high dosages of cannabis oil
by Pamela Jayne
In a last ditch effort to save his life, 17-year-old Alexander “AJ” Kephart’s dedicated parents, Sheila and Chris, decided to try out cannabis oil on their dying son with miraculous results. Here’s one American family’s painful, inspirational, devastating and heroic medical cannabis-cures-cancer story. AJ’s super supportive father, Chris, admits his son’s story is complicated– even doctors have a hard time understanding everything he is now “missing” and how he’s been put back together (with titanium, prosthetics and even a “cage” around his back after having three vertebrae removed). It all started in August 2012, when AJ noticed a persistent pain in his knee. In January 2013, he was diagnosed as having bone cancer. Later it was found that he also had stage four lung carcinoma as well. That’s when AJ started
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chemotherapy. In May of the same year, his entire knee was removed along with some bone in his thigh and calf. At this point, doctors also found six tumors on all four of his lung chambers. To keep his lungs from collapsing, AJ was kept in the hospital for months hooked up to a breathing apparatus. AJ was healing up when the cancer came returned in 2014. He had his first three vertebrae removed, his top two ribs and sections of his back removed. The surgery itself even had to be stopped halfway as AJ was losing the use of his nerves. He ended up having to wear a cage around his body until the surgery could be completed a week or so later. Just a few months after the spine surgery, AJ’s oncologist, Dr. Susan Storch, informed Sheila and Chris that his left lung lobe was covered with 20 plus cancerous tumors. They started chemo. Again.
That’s when they got the news: It’s time to “get your son’s things in order,” said the doctors. They gave AJ only a month more to live. In complete desperation, Sheila and Chris asked their doctor about medical cannabis and its cancer-fighting effects. Dr. Storch agreed cannabis oil would be a good “alternative” medicine to pursue along with another series of chemotherapy sessions. She recommended cannabis pioneer Dr. Bonni Goldstein. In her Lawndale, California office, Dr. Goldstein explained how cannabinoids– especially CBD–work by telling cancer cells to commit suicide, plus it stops the formation of new capillaries, which cancer cells need to grow and spread. But even Dr. Goldstein had to admit AJ’s case was going to be experimental as she has never before treated a child with this particular cancer. >>
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On the way home to Simi Valley, the Kepharts made a stop in Beverly Hills to Tracy Ryan’s then new cannabis clinical built specifically for children, CannaKids. “When we met AJ, he was super frail and was wearing a neck brace. He was taking handfuls of pain medications daily. His Mother Sheila was terrified and she looked like her soul had been ripped out,” remembers Ryan, whose daughter Sophie was healed of a brain tumor via cannabis oil. In fact, AJ was in excruciating pain. His father Chris says AJ was taking two of the following each day for pain: OxyContin, Norco, Tylenol and Motrin. Without the pain killers, AJ would scream and cry in horrendous pain whenever he was awake. After five days on CBD and THC oils by CannaKids,
Chris says AJ’s pain has decreased so much that he was down to taking only one OxyContin daily. “Wow,” he exclaimed when remembering this stressrelieving moment for the whole family. Because AJ had nothing to lose, his loving parents decided to speed up the dosage process. Dr. Goldstein had recommended a threemonth process to increase the dosage, but Chris decided to fly at warp speed. In two weeks, AJ was up to the highest dosage, but he was also tired all the time and felt loopy. “No, son,” father Chris said to AJ, “you are just stoned out of your mind.” Chris admits that this was a sad, but comical moment for father and son. Two months later, the Kepharts visited their
oncologist who was shocked that AJ looked much better and stronger. She also discovered his white blood cell counts showed lots of improvement. Four months later, a scan showed the
“Dr. Goldstein explained how cannabinoids–especially CBD–work by telling cancer cells to commit suicide, plus it stops the formation of new capillaries, which cancer cells need to grow and spread.” multiple tumors on AJ’s lungs were completely gone. Chris says Dr. Storch told them something like: “I can’t explain it. There’s no reason for it. But your scan came back totally clear. There’s no cancer. There’s no tumors in his lungs. It’s all gone.” Since then, every scan has shown there’s no longer any cancer. “I believe cannabis is keeping him alive,” says Chris.
Very unfortunately, high dosage medical grade cannabis oil is expensive and costs the Kepharts almost $2,000 a month to keep AJ cancer and pain free. The stress this financial burden has put on the family has even affected AJ’s mental health. “He was freaking out about everything,” says Chris, who made sure to provide AJ with a psychotherapist and as relaxing an environment as he can provide given the extreme circumstances. Today, AJ is still cancer free. He has completely stopped chemotherapy after having more complications. He and his family are seeking less expensive ways to get high-grade cannabis oils, but they have yet to find a more affordable answer before this health crisis literally puts the family in bankruptcy. AJ’s very brave cancer survival story truly is a medical miracle and another reason cannabis needs to be legalized and affordable for everyone who needs it. c
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“Doctors get little or no training about cannabis in medical school and almost none about the endocannabinoid system. The system predates cannabis. It’s been present in us and animals for millions and millions of years, before there even was cannabis.”
I ndustry I nsider Board-certified neurologist, psychopharmacology researcher, innovator, author, editor and former Senior Medical Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals’
Dr. Ethan Russo by R. Scott Rappold
The first time Dr. Ethan Russo talked with a patient about medical cannabis, the canna-landscape was a very different place than today. The year was 1980. The Reagan Era would soon
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begin a backlash to the excesses of the 1970s that would evolve into a wide-spread war on cannabis and Americans who enjoyed it. A physician advocating for cannabis faced no small amount of personal, professional and even legal peril. Yet when Russo, then a young neurologist working at a Veterans Administration clinic, met a patient whose muscle deterioration had slowed since self-medicating with cannabis, he could not ignore it. In fact, it sparked a revolution in his thinking about medicine and natural treatments. “It occurred to me that I was giving increasingly toxic drugs to my patients with less and less return, whether it be treating epilepsy or migraines,” he said. Russo would go on to become one of the foremost advocates of the medical benefits of cannabis, writing several books and pioneering numerous pharmaceutical cannabis medicines. He had to battle the federal government and the mainstream medical establishment along the way. But with medical cannabis now legal in two dozen states and more countries each year, it sure looks like he won. Or at least he’s no longer a voice out of left field, but a founding member of a global movement. >>
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Opening Minds Like many who came of age in the ‘60s and ‘70s, he was already acquainted with cannabis. “Unlike some people, I inhaled frequently, deeply and with forethought, but that was a long time ago,” he told us in a recent phone interview. After completing his residency at the Seattle VA hospital, he opened a practice in Missoula, Montana, a liberal bastion in cowboy country. If a patient asked—or if he thought it could help their condition—he freely espoused the benefits of cannabis. Multiple sclerosis, muscle tightness, mood problems, depression; cannabis seemed to have benefits for these and more. A patient with ALS, a degenerative condition, taking only cannabis lived for a decade with no deterioration. “We didn’t cure anyone, however, the people that did use it tended to be better clinically and certainly had a better adjustment to their illness,” he said. And he was open about it, telling the state’s medical board that he was advising, but not prescribing, patients on cannabis. Soon other doctors were sending patients to him. Russo also began to wonder about what other plants out there could benefit human health. So in 1995, he took a sabbatical to live with an indigenous tribe in the jungles of Peru, studying the many plants and herbs used medicinally. The experience further shaped his curiosity of herbal benefits and helped inspire his first book, Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs. But one herb in particular was still his main focus.
Battling the Feds There was a twisted irony to anyone wanting to legally study cannabis in the 1990s. In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration denied his research request to study its effect on migraines. The FDA denied it again the next year. The study was approved in 1999, but cannabis for scientific research was required to come from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. That agency refused to provide it. Russo said, “I realized I was never going to be able to do the kind of cannabis therapeutic research I wanted in this country.” So in 2003, he quit his practice and began working for British company GW Pharmaceuticals. He didn’t have to move
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“I realized I was never going to be able to do the kind of cannabis therapeutic research I wanted in this country.” to Europe, but spent quite a bit of time there. He helped develop groundbreaking products like a liquid extract spray for MS patients, currently approved in 27 countries, but not the U.S. He remains frustrated by federal roadblocks to cannabis research, even as people in places like Washington and Colorado can simply walk into a store and buy the plant for recreational purposes. “Essentially what the government has set up is a situation in which American companies who might have a great deal of experience in this area cannot compete with companies from abroad,” he said. “What they’re doing is inhibiting commerce and proper research that could lead to better advancements and not only improved therapeutic applications but better safety as well.” Last year, he became medical director of startup company PHYTECS, where he is conducting research on the human endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors in the brain and nervous system that he believes holds the key for many more breakthroughs in cannabis medicine. Russo envisions a time when patients
will be able to go into a pharmacy to get their cannabis medicine instead of a tie-dye-draped dispensary. And of a time when mainstream doctors will be comfortable prescribing it. “Doctors get little or no training about cannabis in medical school and almost none about the endocannabinoid system. The system predates cannabis. It’s been present in us and animals for millions and millions of years, before there even was cannabis,” he said. “Why isn’t this important system that regulates how our bodies operate being taught in medical school?” Still, he has reason to be optimistic. “I do think when a cannabis-based medicine like (anti-seizure medicine) Epidiolex is approved in the US, physicians will take notice. If it’s been through the FDA process, they’re much more likely to accept it, be interested in it and be comfortable prescribing it so patients can get a script, go to a pharmacy and it will be like any other medicine at that point. The comfort level will increase and the intellectual curiosity will kick in and we’ll begin to make progress.” c
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Outkast, Pink Floyd, MF Doom; we’re inspired by good music because that’s what we were raised on. We watch a lot of battle rap, strictly for the technical aspect of being a lyricist in hip-hop. Aside from hip-hop, definitely anime, old blaxploitation and Kung Fu movies, MMA and sports are a huge influence as well. Greg: Weed’s a good influence too!
IN CONCERT
Bow Down to Kung Foo Grip Elevated and energetic Seattle hip-hop by Emily Manke
Seattle’s hip-hop scene is exploding. So much so, that it can be difficult to know which artists standout from the crowd. Kung Foo Grip saves you the trouble of wondering. Energetic and stimulating beats, topped with expertly delivered flows, make for a listening experience so exciting and unique, that it’s basically unforgettable. Kung Foo Grip’s lyrics reference heady subjects ranging from history to philosophy, making you scratch your head as you involuntarily bob it along with the beats. It’s not often that music makes you think and dance. So when you hear music with a good beat and a good message, you know you need to take note. Kung Foo Grip (KFG) consists of MCs Greg Cypher, and Eff is H, (AKA Fish). Since 2010, Kung Foo Grip has been putting out high-quality, progressive hip-hop. Their 2015 release, The New Flesh, was one of the best Seattle hip-hop records of the year. And Chemtrails, KFG’s much-anticipated new EP, drops this month! So CULTURE sat down with the MCs to chat.
May 22 @ The Crocodile in Seattle
When and how did Kung Foo Grip get started? Greg: We got started in 2009 through mutual friends. We met at a bus stop and the rest is pretty much history. Fish: It’s been a long journey, we’ve come a long way from home studios and shows with no one there to now. We’ve accomplished so much and now that we’re rocking with [their new record label] Cabin Games, we’re setting the stage for something completely new. Where are you from? Greg: In the beginning, a lot of people wanted to pigeonhole us to one central location. The fact is we’re a west coast hip-hop group reppin’ Seattle because that’s where we got our start and that’s where the music is based at. We aren’t just trying to make regional records though; we feel our music has a worldwide appeal.
Has the cannabis culture of the PNW impacted your art? Greg: Seeing how stoner culture in the PNW has changed so fast in the past five or so years, it has impacted our art in a huge way. I have seen hip-hop and stoner culture grow stronger just collaborating on shows; you’re seeing people in the cannabis industry starting to put money behind hip-hop artists more and I think that impacted us in a huge way. We’re blessed to live in a part of the country where that’s cool and we’ll always embrace and be looking for those opportunities to show our support and be a part of this growing culture. Do you have a favorite piece of work to appreciate while under the influence of cannabis? Greg: Any good type of music! Throw on some Jimi Hendrix and/or some jazz and it’s a wrap for me. Fish: That new CHEMTRAILS EP by Kung Foo Grip droppin’ May 1; go cop that! c
What artists have influenced your work? Fish: David Bowie (RIP), Tribe Called Quest (RIP Phife), www.kfgxhr.com
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washington NOW! event listings
featured event
2016 Walk/Run for the Animals, May 7
Help the Humane Society for Southwest Washington raise funds to help maintain its animal-loving establishment. Join hundreds of people and animals in this fun walk that is also a celebration for the Humane Society for the Southwest. Esther Short Park, Vancouver southwesthumane.org
Terry Fator, May 13
Terry Fator won over the hearts of audiences when he appeared on the second season of America’s Got Talent. With the help of his troupe of puppets Fator is able to present a colorful array of characters in his acts. Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie www.snocasino.com
Rainer Independent Film Festival, May 13-15 The Color Run 5K Seattle, May 8
It’s that time of year to wear all white and get doused in splashes of color at The Color Run 5K. This is an untimed run/walk and will feature some fun activities at the finish line. Seattle Center, Seattle www.thecolorrun.com
“Chuck Close,” Opens May 12
Chuck Close is a visual artist who is known for creating large-scale portraits in various mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking and photography. The Shack Art Center will have nearly 90 of Close’s prints on view until the beginning of September. Shack Art Center, Everett shack.org
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Explore the outdoors while going on a cinematic journey with the Rainer Independent Film Festival. This year’s event is set to have an impressive screening of innovative independent films as inspiring as the great outdoors. Mt. Rainer, Ashford rainer.film
4th Annual Aloha Brew Fest, May 21
Can’t make it to Hawaii this year? Head to the 4th Annual Aloha Brew Fest, which was created to help promote Hawaiian culture in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy delicious Hawaiian cuisine along with music, dance and delicious beers and wines. Cascadia Community College, Bothell www.cascadia.edu
Wanderlust 108 Seattle, May 22 Join the world’s only mindful
Violent Femmes, MAY 17
It’s been 15 years since the Violent Femmes have come out with a new album, which is why its latest, We Can do Anything, is kind of a big deal. Reminiscent of the group’s ‘80s sound, We Can do Anything is high energy and quirky with hints of sexuality. The Knitting Factory Concert House, Spokane www.sp.knittingfactory.com triathlon in its quest to bring spiritual awareness to the Seattle community. Refresh your mind, body and soul with the Wanderlust 108 5K walk or run, yoga flow and meditation session. Marymoor Park, Seattle wanderlust.com
Comedy Bang, Bang, May 26
This unconventional podcast is hosted by Scott Aukerman (The Mr. Show) and features a wide and unexpected array of guests. Join Auckerman as he casually chats with guests or engages in
friendly comedic competition. Moore Theater, Seattle www.stgpresents.org/moore
Motown: The Musical, Opens May 31
Motown changed music in America forever when it introduced artists like Diana Ross, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson. This musical tells the story of the Motown legacy and features memorable hits produced by the motor city music studio. Paramount Theater, Seattle motownthemusical.com
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SHOOTING GALLERY
Dab N Carts in Vancouver
photos by Duncan Rolfson 66
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culture growing RECIPES
Testing The Varieties: Part 4 The winter garden was started in January in a 4’ x 4’ tent. The 35 plants were in 6” containers that were lit by a 1000-watt HPS lamp and were irrigated using a wick system. They were kept in vegetative growth for about two weeks. Then the light regimen was switched to flowering; 12 on and 12 off, and the fertilizer was changed from a vegetative to flowering formula. The plants were getting crowded, so in late February they were placed in a 4’ x 8’ greenhouse that received a limited amount of natural light but which was also given supplemental light using two 1000watt lamps that were on during the early part of each day for five hours. This was a winter garden and it was before the Spring Equinox (March 22) so the plants received fewer than 12 hours of light. The garden
TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED® Get Ready For Growing Outdoors Are you planning to grow outdoors or in a greenhouse this summer? There’s still time to give your plants a headstart indoors. Whether you are starting from seed or clone, by starting indoors under lights the plants get more total growing time. This is important because cannabis plants of the same variety, whether big or small, will flower at the same time based on hours of uninterrupted dark time each day. With a headstart, the plants grow bigger before they transition to flowering which results in a much larger yield.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/ copyright holder.
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by Ed Rosenthal
harvest began on March 25, just six weeks after the plants were placed into flowering. All of them ripened within a two-week period. Once they were cut, some of the fan leaves were removed and the plants were hung to dry in a cool room. Usually the room stays between 65-70 degrees, but it has been cool recently and the room temperature has stayed in the low 60s, which slows drying. It’s also been cloudy and rainy, keeping the average relative humidity around 65 percent, but 50 percent is ideal for drying and curing. So after two weeks, the plants are still a little moist, very pliable and not ready to take the next step in their journey, manicuring. To speed things up, I have plugged in a dehumidifier that will heat the room a little bit as it removes moisture. The plants had a number of different shapes in life, and as they are hanging without their fan leaves it is easy to see the different shapes that the plants have developed. The buds will be manicured and then weighed and tested for cannabinoid content. Then we will have a profile of what they look like their relative yield and their shape. Having this information will help farmers to plan their gardens or fields, and help answer questions such as how far apart to space the plants and how to prune them for bigger yields. When this experiment was first started, we ended up with some extra clones that we eventually planted in threegallon containers. We placed the plants outside and let them go. Five of the six plants ripened about a week after the last greenhouse plants were harvested. So those plants were cut leaving only small immature buds and leaves from the lower part of the plant. Hopefully, the plants will regenerate and be ready to harvest later in the season. c
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The 35 plants in the greenhouse are ready to harvest.
A typical greenhouse plant.
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Six of the plants spent most of their flowering time outdoors.
Bud of one of the outdoor plants.
Harvesting one of the outdoor plants.
The fresh cut outdoor plants hanging next to the greenhouse plants.
The indoor plants were still too moist after two weeks.
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culture
iReadCulture.com
HERE
if you go:
May in Madrid Spain
Remember, cannabis is and isn’t legal in Spain. While most cannabis enthusiasts grow their own plants hydroponically or on a balcony or in a backyard, it is still illegal to grow big crops or to sell cannabis for public (or black market) consumption. A legal provision, however, allows for private use inside a residence. (Smoking cannabis outside or in public places is not a crime, but can end up in a hefty fine of 600 euros.) Spain’s now hundreds of non-profit cannabis clubs run with very little government intervention or police busts. Locals (and travelers) must become a “member” of the club, which usually means dropping a small cash donation and signing the community ground rules paper work. Some clubs focus more on medical cannabis applications because CBD oil is legal here. At “smoking” clubs, expect to hit your flower bud purchase immediately from a community bong or buy a few papers for rolling in a living room-like setting complete with strong Spanish espresso and a THC-laced chocolate treat.
by Sheryll Alexander
May is one of the best times to visit cannabis-friendly Madrid, Spain. While Barcelona may be known as Spain’s most groovy (and most cannabis friendly) Spanish beachside destination, Madrid is more metropolitan in a good way. As the capital of Spain and located smack dab in the middle of this charming Mediterranean country, Madrid is on the rise. Everything from Spain just seems a little better these days, including the cannabis culture. Plus, the people in this pulsating metropolis are known for their warmth and generosity. But cannabis in Spain isn’t yet fully legal. A loophole in Spanish law has, however, allowed
for not-for-profit private “cannabis clubs” to flourish. Most are set up like any dispensary in California, Colorado or Washington, but also have an available smoke room as toking indoors amongst friends is perfectly fine. Flower strains, edibles and paraphernalia can also abound at a Madrid-style cannabis club, but they are not for “sale.” The price is labeled a “cash donation” and this donation system seems to work rather well in a country that’s way into sharing homegrown plant strains. There’s no shortage of things to do, eat, drink and smoke in Madrid. Countless tourist attractions await as well as neighborhoods bursting with Old World charm, New
World music, taste bud titillating tapas and everflowing cava (a light, sparkling, champagnelike alcoholic beverage). The art of performance is also unleashed in this creative city too. Dance (ballet, flamenco and modern), Broadwaystyle musical theatre and live theatre abound, especially in spring and through summer. It’s no wonder Madrid—and all of Spain for that matter—should be number one on any cannabis enthusiast’s travel bucket list with a veritable feast of cultural assets along with some of the warmest people on the planet, easy-toget smoke and some of the world’s best hotels, attractions, food, drink and weather. c
Fun-Filled Facts Madrid has accommodations for every budget from funky apartment rentals to artsy boutique hotels to palatial resorts. But did you know this third largest city in Europe is also one of the most diverse with accommodations for romantics? Some springtime and summer visitors choose a hotel with a rooftop pool for some of the best views and vibes in the city. 1
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Time to Go: Spring Weather: Mild temperatures (average low is 52°F and average high is around 72°F) with sparse showers. Budget: $$$$$
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GET YOUR CLICKS
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Currently, Madrid’s elegant Teatro Lope de Vega is hosting a longstanding run of El Rey Leon, which is the Spanish version of Disney’s The Lion King. Other big box musicals in town through May are the Tony-award winning Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Nuevo Teatro Alcala) and what has been called an “ambitious” Cabaret (Teatro Rialto). 2
culture RECIPES
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Garth Wilson
Age: 55
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Condition/Illness: Severe Chronic Pain, PTSD Photo © Evan Brown
Using Medical Cannabis since: 2012
Why did you start using cannabis? Mental health medication all had unpleasant side effects. The pain medications impaired me; I was vomiting, constipated and I had little to no focus. I was unable to drive because of my feeling uncomfortable behind the wheel. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes. Opiates, as well as mental health pills for depression, anxiety and bi-polar disorder (which I later learned were not needed or beneficial for me at the time). What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? There are unnecessary
delays in issuing patient cards with a broken system that relies on the Department of Health, and now this year, BioTrackTHC. I feel like there are unnecessary and arbitrary rules, regulations and legislation, where numbers are simply pulled out of the hat. What do you say to folks that are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? The risk of death and the potential side effects from taking opiate-derived analgesics (pain pills)— these were the things that made my life nightmarish. When I use cannabis to control my pain, I do not consider death. However, before I started using cannabis, I would take a pain pill and I would worry about losing my life. Now, that worry has disappeared, thanks to cannabis. c
Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE 72
Light and Lean
Perfectly prepared dishes for the month of May
Menu: Sesame Canna-Chicken Salad with Strawberry Canna-Sesame Dressing Mini Ricotta Pineapple-Crepe Soufflés
by JeffThe420Chef
Spring is in full swing all over the country this month. May is also the month to celebrate Mom! So, this issue, renowned Canna-Chef JeffThe420Chef has prepared some lovely dishes in perfect harmony with moms across the board, and Spring taste buds too! Relying on fresh produce and the subtle sweetness of a mother’s love, he’s picked two of his favorite light dishes just in time for Mother’s Day or any special occasion, made even more special with some precise cannabis dosing. Dig in and enjoy the season! Dedicated to improving the lives of other people, JeffThe420Chef is the only cannabis chef in the world who specializes in cooking and baking with specially crafted canna-butters and canna-oils, created specifically
to achieve the health and wellness goals of those who choose to medicate with cannabis. Jeff also specializes in teaching how to properly prepare and dose cannabis edibles. Dubbed “The Julia Child of Weed” by The Daily Beast, “The Ganja Gourmet” by Newsweek and “The King of Edibles” by Elite Daily, JeffThe420Chef works with a myriad of both THC and CBD rich strains of cannabis known for their unique attributes. He then removes the majority of the cannabis odor and taste from the flower or “bud” and infuses the cannabinoid compounds from the cannabis into grass fed butter and healthy oils, creating “pedigree” canna-butters and canna-oils that he uses to create tasty, properly dosed cannabis infused gourmet meals and treats.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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photos by LEELA CYD
10%: 2.5 milligrams / 5 milligrams 15%: 3.8 milligrams / 7.6 milligrams 20%: 5 milligrams / 10 milligrams
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This colorful grilled chicken salad is a fan favorite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The salad is not only light, simple to make and chock-full of flavor, but it also kicks in pretty quickly since the cannabinoids are in the dressing and are therefore easily metabolized.
Approximate THC per Serving*
culture
Sesame Canna-Chicken Salad with Strawberry Canna-Sesame Dressing
Number of servings: 12 side salads / 6 entrée salads Preparation time: 40 minutes Cooking time: 8 to 10 minutes
Ingredients For the chicken and marinade:
¼ cup hoisin sauce ¼ cup barbecue sauce
½ teaspoon kosher salt
RECIPES
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons sesame oil (plain) ½ cup of water
For the dressing: ½ cup strawberries, muddled
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
2 tablespoons canna–sesame oil, plus 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil t
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ cup sesame oil (plain)
Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
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½ tablespoon strawberry jam
3 tablespoons rice vinegar For the salad:
1 cup green cabbage, shredded 1 cup red cabbage, shredded 1 cup brussel sprouts, shredded 2 blood oranges, divided into supremes (remove the membrane), or 1 small can mandarin oranges
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3 cups baby greens
1 cup broccoli florets ¾ cup strawberries, sliced 1 mango, diced 1 cup snow peas 1 Italian cucumber, sliced thin ½ package dry instant ramen noodles, crumbled 3 teaspoons sesame seeds
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3 cups kale, torn or as chiffonade
Directions
Make the dressing: Make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Set it aside to let the flavors develop. To finish the salad: Toss the kale, baby greens, green cabbage, red
cabbage, brussel sprouts and broccoli. Top with the marinated chicken, orange supremes, strawberries, mango, snow peas and cucumber. Drizzle with the salad dressing and sprinkle with crushed ramen noodles and sesame seeds before serving. *Approximate dose per serving is based on infusing 5 grams of cured/dried/ de-carbed cannabis into 5 ounces of oil.
t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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halfway through cooking time. Remove from the grill and let cool 5 minutes. Cut chicken breasts into bitesized pieces.
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Marinate the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts until the sides are even. Separately, mix the hoisin sauce, barbecue sauce, kosher salt, and plain sesame oil into ½ cup of water and stir well. Pour the mixture into a 1-gallon Ziploc bag along with the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, rotating each side 45°
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culture growing
Mini Ricotta Pineapple-Crepe Soufflés
One of my all-time favorite dishes! I make 6 minis to snack on during the week. You can also make one large soufflé by placing all the blintzes on top of the melted butter in a large baking dish. Then just pour the soufflé mixture over the crepes and bake for 1 hour.
For the crepes: 1 cup milk ¼ cup cold water 1 cup all-purpose flour
Number of servings: 6 2-ounce ramekins Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour
1 tablespoon sugar 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Local eateries with similar dishes:
1 stick grass-fed butter, cold (you won’t use the whole stick—it’s just to grease the pan)
Fifth Avenue Sandwich Shop 5th Ave. SE, Olympia (360) 705-3393 www.5thavesandwich.com Preservation Kitchen 17121 Bothell Wy. NE, Bothell (425) 408-1306 www.preservationkitchen.com
10%: 7.6 milligrams
For the cheese filling:
15%: 11.4 milligrams
1 cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup crushed
½ cup mascarpone
pineapple, drained
cheese
1 egg
20%: 15.2 milligrams
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar For the soufflé: 1 stick grass-fed butter, melted 1 cup sugar
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4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla Pinch of cinnamon ½ cup crushed pineapple ½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups sour cream 2 teaspoons pineapple juice
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Directions
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Blend together the crepe ingredients: Milk, cold water, flour, sugar, eggs and canna-butter. Heat a small nonstick pan on medium. Rub the stick of grass-fed butter around bottom and sides of the pan. Pour enough batter into the pan to coat the bottom. Cook for 30 to 40 seconds until the batter sets. Shake gently to loosen. Flip, using a small silicon spatula and cook another 30 to 40 seconds. Transfer to a plate and repeat until all the batter is used. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cheese-filling ingredients: Ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, confectioners’ sugar, crushed
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¼ cup creamy cannabutter, melted and cooled t
Approximate THC per Serving*
Greenbridge Café 9901 8th Ave. SW, Seattle (206) 762-3447 www.greenbridgecafe.com
RECIPES
Ingredients
pineapple and egg. Mix well. Place 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling in each crepe and fold them opposite edge to opposite edge, then roll open sides over folded edges to create a closed little blintz. Set aside and repeat. Preheat oven to 340°F. Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of melted butter to cover the bottom of each ramekin. Place 1 crepe in each ramekin. Blend the soufflé ingredients: Sugar, eggs, sour cream, pineapple juice, vanilla, cinnamon, crushed pineapple and salt. Pour the mixture over the crepes, filling each ramekin threequarters full. Bake for 1 hour until golden brown and then serve.
*Approximate dose per serving is based on infusing 5 grams of cured/dried/decarbed cannabis into 1 1/3 sticks of butter.
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©2015 JeffThe420Chef
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird LEAD STORY—TAKE THAT, PORTLAND! u Seattle’s ambitious Office of Arts & Culture has allocated $10,000 this year to pay a poet or writer to create a work while present on the city’s Fremont Bridge drawbridge. The office’s deputy director told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in January that the city wants to encourage “public art” and that the grant will oblige the recipient to create a work of prose or poetry from the bridge’s northwest tower, to help the people of Seattle understand the function of art in the city. (The artist will not be “in residence,” for the tower has no running water).
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THE CONTINUING CRISIS u The dominant-submissive lifestyle soared to higher-brow status in February when The New York Times reported on the recent marriage of the celebrated composer of “moody, queasy” works (and compulsive dominant) Georg Friedrich Haas to Mollena Williams, who blogs introspectively about her own kinky bondage as “The Perverted Negress.” Friedrich had introduced himself to her on a dating site with the note, “I would like to tame you,” and credits her acceptance for his improved productivity— because, he said, “I am not (any longer) disturbed by unfulfilled thoughts.” Although Williams-Haas is a black woman submitting to a white man, she explained that, “To say I can’t play my personal psychodrama out just because I’m black, that’s racist.” NEW WORLD ORDER u Exasperated, Columbia County (Pennsylvania)
District Judge Craig Long felt the need to post a sign outside his courtroom in January informing visitors that they should not wear pajamas to court. However, even Judge Long acknowledged that his admonition was not enforceable and that he was merely trying to encourage minimal standards. BRIGHT IDEAS u The roadside billboard giant Clear Channel Outdoor Americas announced in February that it would soon be recording the cellphone locations of drivers who pass the company’s signs in 11 cities in order to give advertisers more information on how to pitch products to people with those particular travel patterns and behaviors. Clear Channel asserts that no individual identifications would be sought, but privacy advocates fret about potential abuses, and even a Clear Channel executive
acknowledged that the program “does sound a bit creepy.” (On the other hand, as Clear Channel pointed out to The New York Times, cellphone users’ locations and characteristics are already being extensively monitored by advertisers). NOT THE USUAL SUSPECTS u A then-married couple, both graduates of elite California law schools, were convicted of felonies and went to jail briefly two years ago for a criminal scheme inexplicably tawdry—and in February 2016 lost a resultant civil lawsuit for $5.7 million to the scheme’s victim. A woman at their child’s school had referred to the lawyers’ son as “slow,” enraging Kent Easter (University of California at Berkeley) and then-wife, Jill (UCLA), who retaliated by planting drugs and paraphernalia in Kelli Peters’ car and then, a man identified via circumstantial
evidence as Kent (with an accent as if from India), called in a DUI tip to police, resulting in Peters’ arrest. According to Peters, neither perpetrator has ever expressed remorse, and although Kent admitted to “stupidity,” he now complains that Peters does not deserve her windfall (like a “Powerball winner,” he said). CAN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE u Vicky Leyton, 72, announced her retirement recently in Benidorm, Spain, over health concerns, but the lady’s 30-year run in her one-of-a-kind, “Sticky Vicky” magic show can hardly be forgotten by the 6 million fans who have witnessed it. Trained as a ballerina but emulating magicians who pull rabbits out of top hats, Vicky extracted an impressive array of items, also—from the body cavity that is occasionally the subject of News of the Weird stories. One review in Spain’s El Pais newspaper described
a typical inventory: fluffy flags, flowers, ping-pong balls, sausages, eggs, a string of razor blades, a bottle and a light bulb (that was aglow!). NOTHING MORE TO SEE HERE? u Additional Details Needed: (1) Andrew McNeil, 34, was arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska, in January and charged with disturbing the peace. According to the police report (and lacking follow-up reporting by local news outlets), McNeil was found around 11 p.m. naked and “covered in sawdust.” (2) Rob Moore, 32, was arrested for misdemeanor drug possession in Marathon, Florida, in February, but he had only come to police attention when an officer heard him banging on the trunk of his car from the inside. Without follow-up reporting, Moore’s story was that he was looking for something in the trunk, fell in, and couldn’t get out.
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