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inside
contents 4.2018
features
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Musical Legacy
Revered as the “greatest guitar player of all time,” Jimi Hendrix’s life was a vehicle of transcendental inspiration, and his music shaped rock ‘n’ roll as we know it today.
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Broken Lizard Shenanigans CULTURE got the inside scoop with the cast of Super Troopers 2 and their latest film.
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Making Headway The Coffee Joint is the first business to receive a consumption facility license in Denver.
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The Latest and Greatest Cannabis culture is thriving, and its new representation in a legal world is inspiring some of the best cannabis films and TV shows of 2018.
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Time to Splurge When you’ve got the munchies, nothing satisfies a craving like this crazy, over-the-top edible amalgamation.
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Ask CannaSexual Anything Ashley Manta answers your questions about cannabis and sex, taking intimacy to the next level.
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Party On Some of the hottest 420 parties are happening in your area—which one will you choose to attend?
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Genre Fusion Boulder local DJ Mikey Thunder has been blending musical styles for over a decade.
On the COVER:
P hoto b y D a v i d M o n tgome r y / G etty I mages
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departments 10 Letter from the Editor news 12 News Nuggets 13 By the Numbers 16 Local News 22 Legal Corner reviews 26 Company Highlight 30 Dispensary Highlight 34 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 50 Cool Stuff 52 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 90 Growing Culture 92 Profiles in Courage
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Online Exclusive! d First Dispensary Opens in Jamaica d Celebrate 420 According to Your Zodiac
Vol 9 IssUE 10
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolfe Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolfe Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic DesignerS Payden Cobern, John Venegas REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Kim Cook Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Rocki Davidson, Matt Knuth, Casey Roel, Rick Schwartz, Natasha Tanksley, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla INTERNS Cecilia Juarez, Ryan Leuteritz Publisher David Comden Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,400 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
10940 S. Parker Road, #237 | Parker | CO | 80134-7440 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Ce l e b r a t i n g i n U n i t y
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hat does the 420 holiday mean to you? Consumers everywhere look forward to April 20 for various reasons, but overall we can all agree that 420 is the official time of year to celebrate cannabis. Let your mind wander and take a journey to a new plane of existence with a special new strain packed with THC. Pay homage to your ancestors who may have used cannabis long before prohibition took place. Spend time with friends or family, and share cannabis with open arms and bowls packed. Watch some of your favorite cannabis flicks with a bowl of infused popcorn. Attend a massive local gathering of cannabis advocates and enthusiasts and smoke a joint at 4:20 p.m.—these events and activities are what make the holiday of 420, and our community, so incredible. In the return of CULTURE’s Annual 420 Collector’s Edition, we want to express our gratitude to our readers by dedicating these pages to honor our community, as well as all things 420. And most 10
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importantly, we want to party with you! After all, the best 420 traditions are centered on getting together with other consumers to smoke, vape, feast and enjoy our right to consume. We’ve prepared a little bit of everything for you this year—from an in-depth look into the life and legacy of Jimi Hendrix, a recipe for one of the most beautiful, amazing, gorge-worthy treats, a cannabis entertainment forecast, and we even landed an exclusive interview with Broken Lizard in anticipation of Super Troopers 2—it’s everything you need to get the most out of your 420 celebration. Regardless of what this day means to you personally, it’s hard to ignore the infectious energy in the air this month. Dispensaries are busy preparing for lines on 420, which will make November’s Black Friday shopping crowd pale in comparison. Consumers everywhere are ready to drop cash for ridiculous deals on their favorite flower, concentrates and edibles. This year more than ever, April 20 will also be a day when
many first-timers will try cannabis in its many forms, and maybe even take their first journey to a dispensary. Don’t let the woes and setbacks of this maturing industry discourage you from taking pride in the work and dedication that our community has persevered through all these years. Instead, focus on the huge progress that we have made collectively as we bring safer cannabis to all who have a right to consume it. Let’s light one up and celebrate ourselves! Happy 420 from all of us at CULTURE Magazine. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Mistrial Declared for Church of Cannabis The International Church of Cannabis’ Denver branch faced a trial after a 2017 undercover sting operation revealed that members were consuming cannabis at church events. However, a mistrial has been declared, allegedly because many of the jury members favored cannabis legalization. Of the 21 people called to jury selection, although only six would actually be chosen to serve, and nearly city prosecutors were unable to seat six jurors. One had a medical issue, two claimed their support of cannabis would make them biased, and eight questioned the case against the defendants.
Legal Cannabis is Raising Colorado Insurance Premiums Legal cannabis may be exciting for Coloradans, but some are upset about rising car insurance premiums. According to The Zebra, an insurance search engine, rates have been rising in almost all legal states. “In every state where marijuana is recreationally legalized except Massachusetts, car insurance rates have increased both since 2011 and since 2016,” a spokesperson for The Zebra told CULTURE. “In Massachusetts, rates have decreased since 2011
“My opinion from watching the reactions of the jury is that they truly represented the voters of Denver, especially the majority that voted for medical and recreational use of cannabis, but were not seeing their democratic wishes being represented,” Lee Molloy, co-founder of the church, explained to CULTURE. According to Molloy, the city is planning to ask for a pool of 50 jurors next time, in the hopes that more people will be chosen to serve on the jury.
Virginia Governor Signs Medical Cannabis Bill On March 9, Gov. Ralph Northam signed House Bill 1251, which expands access to cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) oils for medicinal purposes. “Gov. Northam signed HB-1251 on March 9, 2018. He added an emergency clause to the bills during the legislative process allowing immediate enactment with his signature,” according to Virginia NORML. First, this expands the affirmative defense for possession to
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but are up over 2016.” In Colorado, average premium rates increased 54.2 percent, between 2011 and 2017. These increases could be due to other factors that have arisen alongside legal cannabis, such as distracted driving from smartphones. Based on other states where the rates are increasing, it appears legal cannabis could be a contributing factor.
all patients with written certifications. Second, it will expand access to Virginia’s regulated medical cannabis program once it becomes operational. The affirmative defense certificate has been updated to reflect the change in law.” Before now, only a limited number of patients with extreme forms of epilepsy were allowed to have access to medical cannabis oil. The bill also increases the 30-day supply limit to a 90-day supply. The expansion could help fight the state’s ominous opioid problem by providing alternatives.
The estimated percentage of electricity usage that is consumed by cannabis businesses in Denver: (Source: Colorado Public Radio News)
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The number of points scored, out of 100, that Colorado received on its Americans for Safe Access annual report card about the effectiveness of state cannabis laws: (Source: Westword)
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The number of pages contained in a Pueblo County-based study observing the social impact, economic impact and water/energy impact of cannabis: (Source: Colorado Public Radio News)
The projected number of students who will be granted college scholarships funded by legal cannabis in Pueblo County: (Source: The Pueblo Chieftain)
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The number of business licenses created solely to favor minorityowned cannabis businesses in Maryland: (Source: The Baltimore Sun)
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The estimated amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the state of Nevada has collected in cannabis tax revenue during the first six months of legal sales: (Source: Forbes)
30 The number of medical cannabis dispensary applications filed in Iowa: (Source: Des Moines Register)
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The number of acres that were used to grow hemp plants in 19 U.S. states in 2017: (Source: VoteHemp.com)
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420 Wellness Retreat Tour
WHEN: Fri, April 20 WHERE: Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater, 350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Englewood WEBSITE: www.fiddlersgreenamp.com It’s 420, which means that Snoop Dogg is working overtime. The famous rapper will be touring to four major cities in a matter of two days for the 420 holiday, but his first stop is of course Denver. Get ready for an early show featuring some of the biggest names in hip-hop: Snoop Dogg, Migos, Lil’ Pump, Rae Sremmurd and more. The
event is sponsored by Uncle Snoop’s Army and Snoop’s media platform Merry Jane. The 420 Wellness Retreat is a fan favorite event where you can find all kinds of gear and merchandise. In the meantime, pick up some cannabis or edibles from Leafs by Snoop, Snoop’s line of high quality cannabis. CultureMagazine.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
Facts First
Study exhibits how legal cannabis and the rise of homelessness in P u e b l o a r e u n r e l at e d By Benjamin M. Adams
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edia outlets across the nation have been attempting to link legal cannabis with the rising rates of homelessness in Colorado. Homelessness is an ongoing issue in Pueblo County and other areas of the state, but recent data reveals cannabis is not to blame. There is no significant correlation between cannabis and homelessness in Pueblo County, according to an extensive pilot study conducted by Colorado State UniversityPueblo’s Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) to observe the socioeconomic impacts of legal cannabis. The real culprit, researchers observed, could be rising utility costs, not cannabis. The findings indicate that cannabis sales haven’t impacted homelessness rates one way or the other. The draft version of the study was presented to the Pueblo Board of County Commissioners on March 12, and the complete study was released March 26. Funding for the study was provided by state and local taxes, and the project was commissioned by the Board of Pueblo County Commissioners in 2016. The study was completed at the end of 2017. The 218-page study consisted of the following three categories: Social impact, economic impact and water and energy impact. Each category was further split up into subcategories. Dr. Rick Kreminski is director of the Institute of Cannabis Research at Colorado State
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“ We we r e n ot a bl e t o fi n d p r e c i se qu a n t i ta t ive evi d e n c e t o sta t e t o w h a t e x t e n t t h e i n c r e a se i n h omel e ssn e ss i n Pue bl o C ou n t y i n r e c e n t ye a r s c a n be a t t r i bu ta bl e t o t h e l e ga l i z a t i on of r e c r e a t i on a l c a n n a bi s. ” University-Pueblo and a lead investigator in the study. “We’ve emphasized that the study is preliminary,” Kreminski told CULTURE. “In many instances, published or otherwise verified data were not directly available—there are a lot of data holes, and one goal of the Institute of Cannabis Research is to help identify those holes and see what we can do to find good data sources, or help entities collect more and better/reliable data. Many issues in social science research are complex and often reliable quantitative data aren’t available.” Colorado has attracted “trimmigrants,” medical cannabis refugees and other migrants from a number of states seeking out looser cannabis laws. Migrant workers were observed for any potential impact on poverty or homelessness, but researchers found that “outof-state migrants to Colorado generally bring college degrees, experience and affluence that enriches Colorado.” “The issue of homelessness is very complex, involving many factors—e.g. high housing costs, high utility costs, availability and pay rates of jobs and related poverty, family issues, mental health issues and substance abuse, to name just a few,” Kreminski added. “Given our resources, we couldn’t, for instance, attempt to interview all the homeless. We were not able to find precise quantitative evidence to state to what extent the increase in homelessness in Pueblo County in recent years can be attributable to the legalization of recreational cannabis; there surely are some individuals who have come to Pueblo to seek jobs in the industry, for instance, and have struggled and found themselves homeless—but how many? Homelessness in Pueblo has a large seasonal/transient component.” The real reason for the rise in homelessness in Pueblo, the research suggests, could be disconnected utilities. Black Hills Energy is the area’s leading source of disconnected utilities, which forces people out of their homes and ultimately leads to homelessness. Officials in Pueblo County need additional research to understand the underlying problem behind the rising rate of homelessness in the area. c
Mile High 420 Festival Historically Civic Center Park has hosted the Denver 420 Rally for years, but the event was recently denied a permit. Have no fear, however, because the Mile High 420 Festival, sponsored by Euflora, will take its place. The lineup is equally as impressive, with Lil’ Wayne and Lil’ John headlining this year’s event. They will be joined by The Original Wailers, Inner Circle (who composed the Cops theme song “Bad Boys” and whose original singer was a close friend of Bob Marley’s) and more. Don’t forget the local music stage, where you can support Denver artist. This year, the event will be focused more on cannabis commerce and merchandise than a rallying political cry for legalization. WHEN: Fri, April 20 WHERE: Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Ave., Denver WEBSITE: mile high420festival. com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Solving Practical Problems
Public safety inspires proposals for delivery pilot programs in Colorado By Daniel Garfield
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ill Colorado finally allow for the delivery of cannabis from stores and dispensaries? We will find out very soon. In mid-February the Finance Committee of the Colorado House of Representatives advanced House Bill 18-1092, which would allow for delivery pilot programs. As currently written, the bill would allow Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) to enter into up to three memoranda of understanding with cities and counties to allow delivery in those jurisdictions. The MED has discretion to limit the number of dispensaries and stores that could deliver within that jurisdiction, and contiguous jurisdictions could agree to allow delivery between them. Indeed, the bill gives the MED a great amount of discretion, including limitations on the amount to be delivered (which could be a problem for high-dosage medical patients), tracking and training. 22
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Parts of the cannabis industry have been pushing for delivery for years, but bills have quickly died in the past when introduced. Proponents have focused on delivery as a way to decrease the incidence of DUIs and cut down on delivery sales made through websites such as Craigslist. Detractors, including law enforcement and (historically) the MED are concerned about diversion and public safety in general (such as robberies and carjackings). Indeed, in 2017 a delivery bill was withdrawn after Gov. John Hickenlooper said delivery would be a “hazard” that would draw the ire of the federal government. Given Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ pronouncements in 2018, one wonders whether the governor’s mind will change. That said, businesses make B2B deliveries in the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars quite often with minimal public safety problems. More likely, law enforcement and the MED are concerned about further liberalization of cannabis laws, which after all was the intent of Amendment 64—to regulate cannabis like alcohol. Delivery would also be a boon to the apps and websites that are seeking to become the Uber or Lyft of cannabis delivery.
“ E ven so, t h e p r a c t i c a l p r obl ems wi t h d e l ive ry, g ive n t h e se c u r i t y r e qui r eme n t s f or g r ow s, st or e s a n d M IP s, c ou l d be e n or m ou s. ”
Representatives from Eaze, a San Francisco-based delivery service, testified at the Finance Committee’s hearing in February and touted their facilitation of more than two million deliveries of medical cannabis in California and asserted that incidents of crime have been rare. Even so, the practical problems with delivery, given the security requirements for grow operations, stores and MIPs, could be enormous. Would tracking be similar to package delivery services liked UPS or FedEx, or would something more be required? It would be easy to track delivery to a residence, but how sure would regulators be that the purchased cannabis went to a lawful purchaser? (On the other hand, once a purchaser leaves a store, regulators have no control over what that person does with his purchase; is that really significantly different from delivery?). Similarly, packaging requirements, already onerous, could be multiplied for deliveries, making them more expensive for those (e.g., medical patients, the elderly) who can least afford them. Colorado government has been successful at liberalizing cannabis laws while the market continues to evolve. Consumers are demanding access to cannabis in the same way they access alcohol and other regulated products. While law enforcement’s concerns are not to be discounted, opponents of liberalization who focus on the legal industry should focus their concerns on the black market. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight
E D I BL E E L E GANC E C o d a S i g n at u r e ’ s award-winning products are u n d e n i a b ly i m p r e s s i v e By Richard Saunders
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oda Signature’s mind-bogglingly beautiful edibles are truly something to behold, from the mirror-glazed icing on its truffles with modern art flair to its bark-like gourmet chocolate bars. The company’s offerings are not unlike what you’d find from fine chocolatiers in Europe or abroad. Mark Grindeland, CEO of the company, describes Coda Signature as “a premium brand company that manufactures infused edibles, topicals and concentrates for adultuse and medical markets.” Coda Signature, of course, is best known for its infused gourmet edibles. “Since our launch two years ago, we have received a great amount of market recognition,” Grindeland told CULTURE. “This includes six first place awards for our edibles from the industry, including High Times, Dope Magazine, THC Magazine/The Hemp Connoisseur, Westword and the Cannabis Business Awards.” Over the last few years, Coda Signature has quickly become a favorite with dispensaries, growing to become the number two company as measured by market share for cannabis-infused chocolates. “Out of the top 20 best-selling chocolate products, Coda Signature has captured six spots,” Grindeland said. “This includes the number one selling chocolate bar, Coffee & Doughnuts. It is made with
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a unique combination of milk chocolate, coffee, toasted milk and cinnamon sugar. In fact, the quality and uniqueness of our products have helped us grow quickly.” Coda Signature’s products are currently being sold in more than 450 dispensaries across Colorado. Consumers who buy infused products typically buy them to produce an effect they’re looking for, Grindeland explained. It could be for recreational enjoyment, pain relief or to treat a specific health issue.
“We believe the efficacy of the cannabinoids and terpenes used to infuse products should be ‘table stakes.’ To be successful, an infused products company must deliver a consistent and reliable effect,” Grindeland explained. “But we also believe that if the consumer isn’t ‘wowed’ by the taste of our edibles, or our concentrates, or the luxuriousness and effectiveness of our topicals, they won’t buy our products a second time.” Grindeland is so mindful of his brand that he ensures a consistent
customer experience for consumers when visiting any dispensary that chooses to sell Coda Signature products. The people at Coda Signature have thought through each touchpoint the company has with dispensaries, including everything from how orders are taken, fulfilled and delivered. They’ve designed an entire on boarding process for new dispensaries to ensure they are successfully equipped to expand their revenues by selling Coda Signature products. This includes, Grindeland said, making sure all budtenders are trained to tell the story about Coda Signature and its products to their customers. Finally, Grindeland makes sure dispensaries have collaterals and merchandising that beautifully illustrate their products. The story behind Coda Signature’s beginning is interesting, to say the least. “I have a favorite saying, ‘We’re making plans, and God is laughing.’ I never imagined I would be the co-founder and CEO of a cannabis company.” Grindeland’s background includes many years as a management consultant. He’s worked in a number of public companies in
executive roles, and he’s also co-founded five companies, with Coda Signature being the fifth. “I met my co-founder and our company president, Elizabeth Cooke, in the summer of 2014,” Grindeland said. “Elizabeth was one of the early cannabis pioneers in Colorado. She owned and operated a medical dispensary and grow. When adult-use was legalized and started to rollout in 2014, Elizabeth started looking for a way to parlay her early experience and take advantage of what she felt would be a huge opportunity. When we met, she was looking for assistance to analyze the market opportunity, develop a business plan, financial proformas and for a CEO to run the company.” The two spent just under a year working together on the plan. Through that process, Grindeland agreed that it was a massive opportunity and decided to leave his senior role at a public company to jump back into another startup. Grindeland finds that there are many challenges in this industry that create significant challenges for his company, which also affect every other licensed
cannabis-related company. “Any evolving industry has its fair share of challenges, but our industry has some doozies!” he said. “From banking restrictions, taxes, constantly changing regulations, different rules for each state, not to mention the fact that what we do is still federally illegal with threats of property forfeiture, jail or both. That said, companies that successfully navigate these challenges have an opportunity to build something great.” This industry is not for the faint-of-heart, he reminded us. It’s fiercely
competitive, fast-moving, but it can also a lot of fun. “We have a big hairy audacious goal, which is to be the number one premium infused products company, globally,” he explained. “Our early success in Colorado is only the beginning. We are currently working on plans to launch in California and Canada.” Grindeland believes that every business founder hopes to create something greater than themselves. He hopes to create a lasting legacy, creating something that will continue for many years. c www.codasignature.com
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REVIEWs
dispensary highlight
To p-Sellin g Str ain Dank By Pank’s Ghost Train Haze
Starbuds Niwot 6924 N. 79th St., Niwot (720) 340-4548 www.starbuds.us How and when did your dispensary start up? Eight years after turning down their son Charles in his search for a loan to open a medicinal marijuana dispensary in his college town of Bozeman, Montana, Callie and Ernie reconsidered and banded together with their daughter Caitlin to start a recreational marijuana dispensary of their own. What does your dispensary offer customers that they can’t find anywhere else? Customer experience is our top priority; we want everyone to leave feeling happy, well-informed and accommodated. From our customer service to our aesthetic, everything has been thought through with the customer in mind. Our dispensary was designed 30
from the ground up, meaning every aspect of the space was thoughtfully and intentionally designed by us to create a welcoming and pleasant environment. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? Callie came to the cannabis industry after many years in the floral industry, while Caitlin made the transition to the industry to escape her high-stress sports marketing career and three-hour commute. Being in the cannabis industry has changed our lives for the better, bringing the family together. “I’m still in the flower business (which I love), but this is a very different opportunity,” said Callie of transitioning from one “feel good” industry to another. Ultimately, we’d like to see cannabis legalized in all 50 states.
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To p-Sellin g Co ncentr ate West Edison wax and shatter To p-Sellin g Edible Coda Signature chocolates
What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a dispensary? . . . Biggest joys? Some days it’s difficult being the new guys in town, just getting started and learning something new every day, but being with family makes it easier. It’s been exciting to go through each stage of the process together!
industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Go for it! It’s hard work but a lot of fun, and you’ll meet a ton of great people along the way. It’s always rewarding when a customer comes back and lets us know that what we recommended helped improve their life.
What is the one thing you want patients/customers to know about your dispensary? We have something for everyone, with one of the biggest selections in the industry. Using cannabis is not always about getting high, which is why we carry approximately 250 products including a large selection of CBD items to help with pain, sleep, anxiety and other medical issues.
What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? Short-term, we hope to continue to make our customers happy and provide a great experience for them. Long-term, we want to continue to build upon the success of the Starbuds brand and give back to the community at large by providing educational seminars. As the brand continues to grow, we are excited to open Starbud’s 12th location this spring in Longmont located at 75th and Ute Highway #66. c
If someone wanted to open a dispensary and get their feet wet in the
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REVIEWs
strain, edible & concentrate
Night Nurse THCA Crystals and Terp Sauce
Available wherever: RMextracts products are carried.
Products with actual medical benefits are important to a large number of cannabis users, which is why the cannabinoid THCA is gaining popularity recently. THCA is suggested to provide antiinflammatory, neuro-protective, anti-anemic and anti-proliferative properties. We set out to locate some of RMextracts’ Night Nurse THCA Crystals and Terp Sauce. Made from the hydro-grown BC Hash Plant x Harmony x Fire OG, this heavy indica concentrate was fun to play with. The THCA Crystals were tiny, shiny and easy to sprinkle or dab. The Terp Sauce was a bit more difficult to manipulate because of its stickiness, but the delicious terpenes it added to whatever were smoking was well worth it. We first dabbed a combination of the Crystals and Terp Sauce, which resulted in an effect that was extremely relaxing, smooth and that we felt deep in our muscles. For the next round, we topped bowl of light sativa with the crystals that we had rolled in the sauce. We ran out of product before we could roll a joint with the two, but now we have something to look forward to getting our hands on again, just in time for 420.
Available wherever: Double Black Concentrates are carried.
Chemdawg X VVS Carat Diamonds by Double Black Concentrates This sauce is bananas. Take one look at these shiny rocks in their translucent sauce, and you’ll see why this type of concentrate is a current industry favorite. We took a trip to Urban Dispensary to pick up the Chemdawg X VVS Diamonds from Double Black Concentrates. The THCA crystal “diamonds” we received sat in a goopy, high terpene extract in a glass jar. The diamonds and sauce had that strong kushy, gas-like Chemdawg flavor. The first dab produced thick smoke that petrified the air. The effect was deep and heavy. We felt an immediate head rush that made its way into our toes, lingering in our limbs for a good while. Double Black Concentrates starts with whole plant matter from Mountain Flower, which is then fresh frozen. Then, the THCA and terpenes are extracted using a very cold mix of butane and propane. Once the hydrocarbon mix has been purged, this mixture is where the diamonds, a.k.a. THCA crystals are grown in the terpene sauce, a.k.a. high terpene extract. In the jar, the diamonds and sauce are a balanced ratio equal parts, so you’re getting the best of both products. This is sure to impress just about any cannabis connoisseur.
Honestly Herbals 3X THC Pain Stick by The Pat Pen You know how some of our reviewers know they aren’t in their 20s anymore? Consistent, recognizable back pain. You know how we know that we are living in an (mostly) awesome day and age? Pain relief topicals that contain THC and other natural ingredients. Despite what you may think, just because we work for a cannabis lifestyle magazine doesn’t mean we like to be super high all the time. Even more so, aches and pains sometimes need you to medicate from the outside, which is what Honestly Herbal’s 3x THC Pain Stick is great for. The 0.75mg stick has approximately 85 percent THC in the little travel deodorant bar, which makes it easy to apply to hard-to-reach places and is mess-free. Other ingredients include extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, THC oil, peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Shortly after application, that lovely, mentholated feeling kicked in, letting us know that the product was working. Our back pain was alleviated and our senses were heightened from the essential oils. The little stick may not be very large, but a little sure does go a long way! 34
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Available wherever: The Pat Pen products are carried.
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REVIEWs
Skyrunner Right out of the gate we could taste that the Skyrunner was going to do us good. The sweet, earthy, diesel taste was extremely noticeable and strong from the first hit. The gas comes from both of the Skyrunner’s parent strains: OG strong Skywalker Kush (think older, heavier, bigger brother) and diesel-based, sativa-dominant Jet Fuel. Although Skyrunner is an indica-dominant strain, thanks to Jet Fuel’s strong plant characteristics, it provides an uplifting effect. The nugs were extremely dense, peppered with crystals and smelled of fruity gasoline (in a good way). The effect started light and airy, but eventually the sinking feeling a good Kush provides kicked in. We were enjoying this strain in the early evening because it allowed us to truly unwind from the day’s stresses, but not so much that we were put right to sleep. The Skyrunner from High Level Health was grown in a no-till substrate with bio-organic nutrients and soil. It is then cured slowly and carefully, which we can directly attribute to its great smell, taste and look. All of High Level Health’s careful growing methods ensure tasty flavor profiles are kept intact. Our team felt the Skyrunner to be effective against anxiety, insomnia and arthritis.
Available wherever: Keef Brands products are carried.
Keef Life Cranberry-Lime from Keef Brands Wake up those bored taste buds and sleepy brain with the Cranberry-Lime Keef Life drink from Keef Brands. This noncarbonated, fruity drink is made with CO2-extracted cannabis oil, reverse osmosis water, agave, monk fruit and natural flavors, which make it extra tangy and smooth with just a hint of cannabis taste. This 100 percent sativa drink is fast-acting and a great way to consume cannabis, as it’s refreshing during the daytime. Its effects produce uplifted mood, inspiration and euphoria, as well as energy, mental focus and creativity. Be careful not to overserve yourself if you have a list of tasks to accomplish, because the effect of this drink is strong. We’ve noticed that cannabis drinks can react differently than edibles, meaning they don’t always take two hours to fully kick in and can produce a smoother effect. It’s also just nice to give your lungs a break from smoking. Each bottle is 12 ounces and contains 100mg, which can be divided into 10 servings. Shots, anyone?
Platinum OG from Green Dragon Perfectly round green and purple nugs with tiny orange hairs filled a glass jar and sat in our lineup of reviews. The Platinum OG, which gets its name for its abundance of crystals, was a good-looking selection of flower. Knowing the characteristics of its parents, Platinum Kush x Joe’s OG Kush, we knew this would be a heavy hitter. Since we didn’t want to wreck our motivation for the day (which was created by an awesome sativa), we saved this for an evening smoke. The nugs were easy to break up by hand and looked beautiful once they were packed into the bowl. The first hit tasted earthy and gassy, with the flavor lingering about our mouths. Although a hybrid, the indica in this strain conquers all, as the effect was very heavy and sedating. It first hits you behind your eyes and in your head, but then settles into your joints and limbs for ultimate relaxation. 38
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Available at: High Level Health in Denver.
Available at: All Green Dragon Colorado locations.
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REVIEWs
Panacea Lemon G Infused Nug Cone We are so grateful that here are the days of infused pre-roll joints that contain top shelf flower and clean concentrates. The Panacea Lemon G Infused Nug Cone from Craft Concentrates is a perfect example of how far the industry has come with something as basic as a pre-roll. The Lemon G flower in the cone we received was grown in Craft’s gardens, dried and cured, then ground up and lightly sprayed with THC distillate made from flower. Since distillate is flavorless and odorless, the natural terpenes of the Lemon G are not masked, which we love because flavor is so important to us connoisseurs. The joint itself emitted a nice lemon cleaner scent. It burned perfectly, and the terpenes danced on our tongues, which reminded us we were craving lemon bars. Lemon G has indica and sativa characteristics and produces a very heavy feeling when smoked. The effect is just as happy as its smell and taste, making this a great mood booster and allowing you to forget where you’re going or where you’ve been, just for a little while.
Available at: Seed and Smith Cannabis in Denver.
Available wherever: Craft Concentrates are carried.
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Sunset Sherbert from Seed and Smith Cannabis Sunset Sherbert is one of the most beautiful alliterations we’ve ever heard; it’s also a recently awarded cannabis strain from Seed and Smith! Sunset looks like no other strain, with purple and light green hues that make the orange hairs pop! The flowers we received were perfectly formed, medium-sized, dense nugs that reeked of citrus and skunk. The first hit was smooth and tasted like ripe oranges upon the exhale. Sunset Sherbert is a true thoroughbred strain with genetics like Girl Scout Cookies (OG Kush, Cherry Pie and Durban Poison) and Pink Panties (an OG-dominant strain). It’s no wonder this strain placed in the 2018 Rooster Cup, here in Colorado. It is indica-dominant and heavy providing relaxation, but with a happy, cerebral effect. Seed and Smith uses small batch cultivation and packages flower into glass jars to ensure the final product comes out perfectly. Stop by to enjoy a free 20-minute tour of their all-in-one cannabis facility and see where the magic happens!
Black Sugar Rose Terp Sauce by Absolute Terps From its smell to its taste to its effects, this 100 percent indica is something to talk about. The Black Sugar Rose concentrate grown by Quality Choice Dispensaries and processed by Absolute Terps is an easy-to-work with, crystallized terpene sauce. It’s a result of Black Dominia x Critical Mass. It smelled like fruity wine in the jar, and we couldn’t wait to taste it. It had a whopping 92 percent THCA, which really helped to alleviate any tension we were feeling. The sauce itself was soft but not sticky, making it easy to work with. Using our skillet tool, we placed a bit on a rig and dabbed away. The hit was smooth, tasted as fresh as spring and made the room smell so fresh and so clean. The hit went from our heads, all throughout our bodies like a freight train of heat. Our limbs felt heavy and our minds happy. We felt as if we were in a catatonic, euphoric state of mind, making it a perfect end to a hectic weekday. Stop by Quality Choice Dispensaries to pick up the Black Sugar Rose to give your mind and body the rest you deserve.
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Available at: Quality Choice Dispensaries in Colorado Springs.
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Vader Kush Perhaps if Anakin Skywalker could have gotten his hands on something as tranquil as the Vader Kush, he wouldn’t have turned to the Dark Side, however, then there wouldn’t be such a premise for Star Wars. So, there’s that, too. The Vader Kush from Urban Dispensary was love at first sight. Parent strains of Deathstar X Tres Dawg give the Vader the heaviness it exudes. Upon popping open the jar a bright, gas-like smell emerged, plunging its way into our nostrils and creating a feeling of excitement because we love pungent cannabis terpenes. The lime green nugs were tightly formed and had a plethora of orange hairs and visible trichomes. Using a grinder, we broke up a piece of Vader and loaded it into a clean water pipe. It smelled just like it tasted, which we were excited about. The effect was cerebral, yet sedating and eventually, we weren’t motivated to do anything at all, so we opted for a Star Wars movie marathon. When used heavily, the Vader Kush could act as a sleep aid and chronic pain reliever. “May the Force be with you.”
Available wherever: Willie’s Reserve products are carried.
Available at: Urban Dispensary in Denver.
Red Headed Stranger Ready Rolls by Willie’s Reserve Country music legend Willie Nelson has been influencing the cannabis scene for years, so it’s really no wonder that his brand of cannabis products pay homage to his successful past. Red Headed Stranger is the title of Willie Nelson’s 18th studio album, a concept album that went multiplatinum, made him a household name and laid the foundation for a movie plot, starring Willie himself. We received a pocket-sized box from Willie’s Reserve decorated with a happy sun logo, which contained five, half gram pre-rolls of Red Headed Stranger, which is a cross of Tom Hill’s Haze and William’s Wonder. The 100 percent sativa effect was energetic and happy, yet light and functional. It had a spicy, earthy yet slight citrusy taste. Curious about the contents of the pre-roll, we broke one open and found light green, finely ground flower. The Red Headed Stranger from Willie’s Reserve is grown with Colorado sunshine by a team of botanists, horticulturists and industry experts, who grow without inorganic nutrients and fertilizers in a probiotic-rich soil. Learn what Willie Nelson’s soul is really about by enjoying one of these pre-rolls while listening to the entire Red Headed Stranger album.
Alpine Glacier Mint Dark Chocolate by BlueKudu Do you remember the York Peppermint Pattie commercials from the 1990s, where the actor takes a bite of the peppermint candy and describes how amazing and refreshing their experience was? That’s how we felt after our first bite of the Alpine Glacier Mint Dark Chocolate bar from BlueKudu. Made from antioxidantpacked dark chocolate, this mouthwatering treat gives off the most satisfying cool mint chocolate taste with barely a hint of cannabis taste. The entire bar contains 400mg each of THC and CBD and has 40 servings, making each square a manageable 10mg. We experienced ultimate relaxation after one dose, and after doubling that we felt no pain and no worries. We like the fact that one square was functional and that two or three produced a welcomed relaxation of the mind and body. Because of this, the Alpine Glacier Mint Dark Chocolate from BlueKudu could be great for combating chronic pain, PMS and muscle spasms. Two things to be careful of when enjoying this bar: Don’t eat the whole thing just because it tastes good, and make sure your friends don’t eat it all, because you’ll want this around for nighttime relaxation and sleep. 44
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Available wherever: BlueKudu products are carried.
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REVIEWs
Golden Goat Available at: The Lodge Cannabis in Denver.
Goat cheese, fainting goats, Golden Goat—we love all things “goat.” And we can honestly say it’s been too long since we’ve seen a good version of this strain—until now. The extremely dense, good-sized nug we received from The Lodge Cannabis was lime green, covered in red spiky hairs and smelled of sweet, citrusy cleaner and tasted just the same. Golden Goat gives off the most amazing, uplifting, motivating effect that we can attribute to the dominancy of Island Sweet Skunk, however, the Hawaii and Romulan comes through and gets you right behind the eyes, letting you know that indica is in the house. This is a strain that can get into your head and sit there like fog in a canyon. Yet despite that comparison, the Golden Goat is quite functional. This is one of our favorite strains for organizing the junk drawer or getting fired up for an outdoor activity. We also love it for relieving physical pain, muscle tension and curing those Monday blues. You’ve goat to be kidding us if you’re not a fan of this strain.
Mile High Purps by Cherry Mile High Purps will send you soaring among the stars. From Green Heart dispensary in Aurora and grown by Cherry, we received Dr. Seuss-looking, deep purple colored, fruit smoothie-scented buds that we couldn’t stop smelling. Promptly upon arriving in the safety of our homes, we rolled a joint up to burn one down. Immediately our taste buds were tantalized with the sweet, fruit taste of the purps’ terps. The joint doubled as incense, as it filled the room with grape-smelling smoke. Made from crossing Grape Ape and Purple Kush, Mile High Purps is an indica that leaves your head clear and your body at ease. This is one of those strains that soothes thoughts and those stressed out wrinkle lines around the eyes. It’s a great afternoon pick-me-up, or can be used as a pain reliever during the day to stay functional. Do yourself a favor an pick up some Mile High Purps to encourage daytime chilling, while easing headaches, pain or anxiety. We still can’t get over how delicious this strain was and can’t wait to refill our jars.
Available at: Green Heart in Aurora.
Ghost Train Haze G Pen Gio Cartridge processed by Evolab Available wherever: G Pen products are carried.
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The notoriously strong Ghost Train Haze has showed in the new G Pod thanks to Evolab. The G Pen Gio fits perfectly in your hand and has a sleek design. The oil itself is a CO2 extract, which we love because it’s really clean and free of residuals. It took a few tokes, but once we got it ripping, the G Pod and pen hit like a champ. The oil itself is a light yellow color and tasted rich in terpenes. Ghost Train is known for its strong flavors, which is why it’s often used in extracts, and this G Pod was no exception to that. The taste of this oil was incredible. Ghost Train Haze is a sativa-dominant strain, making the effect very uplifting, social and cerebral. It provided a non-anxious, upbeat effect, and it paired well with a crowded bar at happy hour. This could be effective in reducing chronic pain, anxiety and migraines. This tasted so good that if it didn’t get us so lifted we would have hit it 100 more times. Visit evolab.com or gpen.com/gio for locations.
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3. Adhesive Glass Protector
1. Cross Bar Pipe We’ve all been there—after setting the pipe aside to reply to a text, you reach over to grab the pipe, just to see that is has tipped over and made a mess. Thanks to the sophisticated designers at Love + Destroy, you can kiss that petty problem goodbye. This beautiful Cross Bar Pipe is an elegant smoking device that was designed to capture the eye of discerning consumers with its sleek geometric design. It is cleverly designed with cross bars underneath to prevent it from toppling over. It’s available in three colors—matte black steel, polished gold steel and blasted stainless steel. Price: $68 Website: loveanddestroy.com 2. Gold Cannabis Leaf Roach Clip Bracelet This is where fashion and functionality collide. This beautiful accessory not only acts as a stylish bracelet that shows your love for cannabis with detailed gold cannabis leaves, but it also doubles as a functioning roach clip, too. Ladies and gentleman alike don’t have to burn their fingertips any longer when trying to puff every last bit of greens with this inconspicuous accessory. The interlinking detailed design of this bracelet is discreet enough to wear at school or work, and your friends and acquaintances would never know that it is also a roach clip. Price: $36 Website: bluntedobjects.com 50
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Have you broken a couple bongs or hookahs in the past and are starting to get tired of it? Back up and protect your favorite glass piece with the help of Adhesive Glass Protector. No more annoying slipping or gliding for your prized water pipe. This silicone design not only protects your favorite smoking accessory, but complements your favorite glass with a pleasing floral or Mandela-shaped design. It’s perfect for protecting both round and flat glass bottoms of bongs and rigs. Now you can be worry-free when passing your glass pieces to your friends this 420. Price: $12.50 Website: damagecontrolsilicone.com 4. Dipper Vaporizer
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Meet the Dipper Vaporizer—one of the most functional and unique vapes on the market. The Dipper Vaporizer by Dipstick Vapes is a sleek and versatile wax pen that provides two ways to smoke or vaporize. One way is with the Vapor Tip Atomizer, and the other is with the Quartz Crystal Atomizer. The Vapor Tip Atomizer actually allows you to dip the atomizer end of the vape into your favorite concentrate to produce a clean hit through the mouthpiece on the other end, similar to a straw. The Quartz Crystal Atomizer is more traditional; it goes in the chamber of the vape and can be loaded up with concentrates directly. Either way that you choose consume your concentrates, you’ll love this state-ofthe-art vaporizer. Price: $149.99 Website: dipstickvapes.com
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entertainment
Release Date: APRIL 20
BOOK
The Cannabis Cultivation Coloring Book Edna & Otis Ellison Pub. Stacey Neff Informative books are great, but during 420 we want to kick back and enjoy ourselves. That’s why we found The Cannabis Cultivation Coloring Book to be the perfect companion to this famed holiday. Paired with a joint of a sativa-dominant strain, adult coloring has been brought to a whole new level. As the only adult coloring book that focuses specifically on the horticultural perspective of cannabis, this is also a great gift item for your favorite consumer who has a green thumb. Packed with pictures of the cannabis plant in various stages of growth and development, all the way from seed to smoke, this book will keep your busy mind relaxed for hours. (Jacob Cannon) 52
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Available on: PlayStation 4
MUSIC
GAME
God of War Dev. SIE Santa Monica Studio Pub. Sony Interactive Entertainment The God of War series began back in 2005 and focused on the story of Kratos, a warrior whose intent was to defeat Ares, well-known as the God of War, by interacting with and defeating various other Greek gods. Kratos’ “been there, done that” story seemed to have ended, until Sony breathed new life into the series. Now the eighth game in the series returns (with the same name as the first game) and focuses on Norse inspirations, revolves around Kratos’ relationship with his son Atreus, and is filled with glorious combat displayed in high definition. With a new camera system, this one has a lot in store for diehard fans. (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
Lady Bird Dir. Greta Gerwig Universal Pictures With all of the wonderful attention being given to female artists and storytellers these days, one female coming-of-age story that shouldn’t be missed is the beautiful film, Lady Bird. The movie takes viewers inside all of the drama, confusion and intensity of a young girl’s last year of high school as she tries to escape her mundane hometown and her parents’ unraveling lives to seek out greener pastures. Helmed by Writer and Director Greta Gerwig and brought to life with stunning performances by Saoirse Ronan as the titular character Lady Bird and Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts as her parents; Lady Bird is not one to be missed. (Simon Weedn)
Both Sides of the Sky Jimi Hendrix Legacy Recordings What may even be more mind-blowing than the fact that there is a new Jimi Hendrix record out nearly a halfcentury since his passing, might be the realization of just how prolific he was in his tragically short life. Loaded up with 13 new tunes culled from sessions recorded after the release of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1968 album, Electric Ladyland, Both Sides of the Sky adds even more magic to an already untouchable catalog of work. Though the new album might lack the energy and flow of a more authentic Hendrix release, the record still showcases a true virtuoso at the peak of his talents. (Simon Weedn)
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ver 47 years ago, Jimi Hendrix passed away unexpectedly at the tragically young age of 27. In the nearly five decades since his untimely death, the reverence for his music, the stories of his virtuosity and the estimations of his influence have grown to a point where his mythology has nearly fully eclipsed his humanity. For many, Hendrix is an inimitable powerhouse of guitar playing who seemingly came out of nowhere, took the world by storm, and died so suddenly that it seemed he’d vanished almost as quickly as he arrived. For those willing to dig a little deeper though, the story of Jimi Hendrix’s rise adds a richness and context to his playing and the music he created that might take away some of the mystique, but none of the value. From instinctively setting his guitar on fire at the Monterey International Pop Festival to performing his unforgettable rendition of “The StarSpangled Banner” at Woodstock, Hendrix is undeniably an icon in rock ‘n’ roll history. Recently, CULTURE Magazine had the privilege of talking with Jimi’s younger brother and one of his best friends, Leon Hendrix, to hear all about his and Jimi’s childhoods, his perspectives on the Jimi Hendrix legacy, and the roots and revelations of a true music icon. Leon Hendrix poses at Purple Haze Properties Photo by Ted Soqui
It’s quite a journey from Hendrix’s humble youth in the Northwest to playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” after a two-hour encore at Woodstock, which would define the hippie generation. Hendrix accomplished more in 27 years than most accomplish over the course of their entire life. Here’s some, but not all, of Hendrix’s finest moments.
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1950s
November 27 - Johnny Allen Hendrix is born. His mother is only 17 years old.
Young Hendrix’s father renames him James Marshall Hendrix, because he dislikes Jimi’s birth name.
Jimi and his friends become instantly obsessed with a new music style called “rock ‘n’ roll,” after witnessing performers like Little Richard and Elvis.
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Photos courtesy of Purple Haze Properties
1958 1959 When you close your eyes and think of Jimi, what are the things about him that come to your mind? How do you picture him? Is it just his gentle spirit and nature? No, because his spirit is not gentle anymore, it’s omnipresent now and I feel him all the time. I even have confidence that we live again now because of my experiences with Jimi.
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To get started, so much has been written (and will continue to be written) about your brother’s skills as a musician and songwriter. But we feel like people might not know your brother as a person quite as well. What do you wish more people knew about who Jimi was? Well, people haven’t dug deep, because his image and music were so great; it’s been the only thing people could really concentrate on. But what I wish people would know? That he was a gentle person who never spoke harshly, he treated me very well, he was very humble and also very artistic; he was like Michelangelo when he was a kid. Before he ever picked up a guitar, he used to draw these fantastic pictures;
It’s incredible that is how your passion for graphic arts started out! Like I said, Jimi as a kid was such an artist. He was a sculptor, too. He’d get clay and mold it up into beautiful things. He even crafted some cars and submitted them to Ford. So you might be driving around in a Hendrix original today and not even know it!
Hendrix’s father buys him his first electric guitar, a white Supro Ozark.
May 31 - After being caught in a stolen car twice, law enforcement gives him an ultimatum: Go to jail or the Army, so he enlists in the Army. He completes basic training at Fort Ord, California and gets sent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
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it’s how I learned to draw. When he started playing guitar, I used to bug him when he practiced, so he’d find some paper and tie a pencil around my wrist. It was better than going to college, because I ended up working for Boeing as a draftsman because of it.
Hendrix’s mother, whom he idolized, dies of cirrhosis when he is only 15.
July 2 - Captain Gilbert Batchman grants Hendrix an honorable discharge from the 101st Airborne Division, mentioning that Hendrix is meant for other things, not the military.
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One thing that comes up time and time again with your brother’s work is his creativity and inventiveness. He had incredible talent for bringing fantastic, far out ideas to life with his music. Where do you think that aspect of his nature came from? Was it something you noticed in him when you were little kids? Well, look at music. You can’t physically touch music. Music is a spirit. It has no body, it just flows. That’s how inspiration comes, and Jimi had this ability to capture that. He didn’t have a guitar early on, but he would go to our grandma and say, “Grandma, I hear stuff!” And our grandma would just swab his ears out with baby oil. Then a week would go by, and he’d be back yelling, “Grandma! Grandma!” and
the same thing would happen again. He was hearing music, but he had no way to bring it, because he had no instrument. But when he hit about 14 and got his first guitar, he was off to the races. Everything fell in place for him; the cosmos were calling, and he captured that because he was born for this, he just needed his instrument. He even told me once that he wished that he had a bigger instrument. He took the guitar and that’s all he had, but really he wanted to be conducting symphonies and write orchestral music too. Do you have any other favorite early memories of your brother and his music? Well, like I said, he heard the voices;
he heard the call. When he finally got an instrument, a ukulele with only one string at first, he was able to make songs with that one string. He learned that he could tighten and untighten the string and get all the notes on just one string. Then at 15 he was in a band and wasn’t supposed to be able to get into the clubs, because he was too young, but they’d let him in anyway because he was the best guitar player around. Then at 16 he worked for Ray Charles when Ray was living in Seattle. If you remember in the movie, at one point a guy says, “We should have stayed in Seattle playing with that kid.” They were talking about Jimi! Jimi went by Buster back then, but playing for Ray Charles was his first job.
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The young guitarist’s career soars as he’s hired as a backup R&B and blues musician for a slew of major recording artists, although some instances are disputed. Hendrix joins Little Richard’s band, tours with them, and records “I Don’t Know What You’ve Got But It’s Got Me” with Little Richard.
Hendrix wins first prize in the Apollo Theater amateur contest. Ronnie Isley takes notice, and The Isley Brothers hire Hendrix.
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Hendrix forms Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, and he plays hippie clubs around Greenwich Village, New York.
Linda Keith, Keith Richard’s girlfriend, notices Hendrix’s greatness and immediately gives him Keith Richard’s Fender Stratocaster.
What kind of music were you two searching out on your own that was inspiring your creativity? Oh, we were listening to Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Willie Dixon and all of those other blues guys. We’ve read your stories about Jimi taking apart 62
your father’s radio and trying to find out where the music was coming from. Was the radio how you two were discovering these artists? No, because in those days you just had what they called the Top 40, and the Top 40 was the only music you’d hear in the whole United States. Every night at seven o’clock one channel would play those 40 songs, and that was it. So, at the time, we didn’t have a record player, and there were no black people on the radio. If a black person wrote a song, they’d have to sell it to a white artist for them to record it and get it played on the radio. Would you two listen to the Top 40 songs too? Oh yeah, that’s all we did was wait for seven o’clock so we could listen
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to that radio. Then there was that one time when my Dad wasn’t home, and Jimi wanted to know where the music was coming from because he wanted to grab it, but he couldn’t. So, he took the radio apart, and when we opened it, it was just some tubes and wires; there wasn’t anything to really investigate. We tried to put it back together, but just couldn’t do it. When my Dad came home and saw the radio wasn’t working we got scolded, to put it mildly. Jimi took up for me because he didn’t want me to get a whoopin’ and my Dad was a little inebriated and yelling, “Why did you do it?! Why did you do it?!” And Jimi told him, “I just wanted to know where the music was coming from.” He could hear it, he just wanted more information.
In London, Hendrix hires Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell to form The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Rock ‘n’ roll will never be the same.
1967
We know that you’re a graphic artist and a musician yourself. Was there anyone when you two were kids that was encouraging you both to pursue your creativity and develop it? No, not at all. In fact, they fought it. They wanted us to work with our hands; I’d help my Dad out gardening. They wanted us to work hard and become mediocre. We didn’t really break out of that until Jimi left, and then I left.
Sept. 23 – Chas Chandler quits The Animals, specifically to manage Hendrix. Chandler brands his name as “Jimi Hendrix” and takes Hendrix to London to help him break into the mainstream and solidify his psychedelic image.
June 18 - Jimi’s performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival is a pivotal moment in rock history. After Pete Townshend from The Who makes a statement by smashing his guitar, Jimi makes an even bigger statement by kindling a fire on top of his electric guitar. The crowd goes nuts.
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means transport and "vision” means to see into the future. And if you notice a lot of the stories we were watching on early TV have come true. So, there’s some type of natural progression of knowledge and Jimi got on board; he was in the vortex or something. There’s a rhythm to the universe, and he was in it, and he never fought it. He just went with it and enjoyed it. All that he wanted to do was play music. Do you think your childhoods contributed to that? Because you two were left on your own a lot of the time and forced to be imaginative and create your own fun? You know, everyone here has their own personal experience and whatever you do with that is what it is. I kind of went off the deep end. I was a street kid when the welfare people stopped looking for me when I was 13 or 14. I went on a different journey, another pathway. I joined the Army for the same reason Jimi did, because a judge made me. Then Jimi came home, and I forgot I was in the Army and went on tour with him. Jimi said, “Let’s go!” And I was gone. Two years later I ended up in a penitentiary for it.
When you guys were growing up in Seattle, Washington, were there a lot of blues musicians touring through the Northwest? What kind of acts were you seeing? All of them, all of them were coming through. Little Richard came through right after he’d quit rock ‘n’ roll and become a preacher. He came to Seattle because his mother’s sister lived right around the corner from us. That’s where we met Little Richard the first time, he gave us pictures and everything. Then we went to his sermons, and he was telling the whole congregation how he’d had this dream that rock ‘n’ roll was going to kill him. Jimi and I tried to get dressed up for it, but we were raggedy with wrinkled shirts and broken shoe laces. We thought we were looking good though. I’ve read about you two going to see Flash Gordon movies together and taking in a lot of science fiction. Several of your brother’s songs talk about space themes. Do you know how he became interested in outer space and the bigger universe? Well, the word “television” is made up of two things. “Tele"
I know you’ve got your own radio show on Purple Haze Radio where you play some of your brother’s music. When you’re listening to your Jimi’s records, what are your favorite to go to? Do you have a favorite Jimi Hendrix song? I don’t really because I feel like I’m not done listening to it all yet. When I listen to his music, I still hear stuff that I’ve never heard before. It’s all so beautiful. I mean he’s such a composer, and in between all of the main stuff there are so many tiny riffs, butterfly flutters, and stuff with the music. I just love it. It’s like when you read the Bible or good text from prophets, every time you read it becomes something different. Jimi used to say that music and sound isn’t investigated enough because it’s a spiritual force, and we can only use our instruments to bring it. It’s been almost 50 years now since your brother’s passing. What do you think Jimi would say about his legacy? Well, I think he’d say it’s pretty powerful. In places like South America and Madagascar some people think he’s a saint. Jimi did all of this, he created his own immortality. Because of his music he’s still here jamming and inspiring other guitar players; he inspires me. I’m very thankful for Jimi. c
1969 August 15 - Hendrix’s legendary performance at Woodstock in New York would go down for eternity, forever ingrained in history. 64
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1970 December 8 – Hendrix testified to the Toronto Supreme Court about hashish and other drugs he was caught possessing at the airport.
Sept. 18 - Hendrix was found dead in a London hotel room. The autopsy revealed he had died form an overdose of barbiturates, despite his friends explaining that Hendrix rarely overused drugs.
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For almost 30 years Broken Lizard has been delighting audiences with hilarious shenanigans By David Edmundson
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roken Lizard, the comedy hive mind behind comedy gems like Super Troopers, Beerfest and Club Dread began in New York in 1990. And while nearly 30 years have elapsed since the comedy troupe’s inception, these guys are as quick and funny as ever. With Super Troopers 2 being released on Friday, April 20 this year, CULTURE sat down with Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme and Paul Soter; four of the five members of the comedy troupe. We discussed filmmaking, their long history in comedy and how cannabis helps them in their creative process.
Photos by John Gilhooley
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“Some of the most epic jokes from our movies came while we were stoned.” What did it feel like to put the uniforms back on? Lemme: Like mother’s milk. Chandrasekhar: It felt great; you look in the mirror, and you’re like, “Oh yeah, there’s that guy from the movie.” I told these guys I wouldn’t roll camera unless everybody weighed the same as the first movie. So, they could say we looked older, but they couldn’t say we looked fatter and older. You guys have been doing comedy together for almost 30 years, can you tell us a little about the genesis of the group? Heffernan: We all went to college together and started doing sketches there. Then we moved to New York and reassembled in the cabaret scene. We had been making short films and videos, and the idea was to make a feature film. So, we made this movie, Puddle Cruise, with credit cards and whatever. Lemme: That was in the early ’90s, when the independent film scene was exploding then with Tarantino, Rodriguez, Linklater, Soderbergh and Kevin Smith making movies quickly and cheaply. Soter: And you would go see them in the multiplex. We were like, wait a minute, a small movie can be on the big screen everywhere. 68
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Was filmmaking always the goal? Chandrasekhar: Originally, we really just wanted to do sketches. We were such big fans of Saturday Night Live, I think we would have liked to do a sketch show. We had an opportunity to do it, it was between us and a group called The State, and they won the show. So, then we were like, “What are we going to do now?” There’s no need for another sketch
show. So, we decided to try and make a movie. Super Troopers cames out in 2001 and becomes a cult smash when it hit DVD. Very quickly there were rumblings of a sequel, so why the long wait? Heffernan: We didn’t want to dive back into the exact same characters again. We wanted to make a few other movies.
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Troopers? Oh my god we play all those games you guys play, the meow game, the repeater.” Heffernan: It’s super flattering, that they play all the same games we do. Lemme: There was a great one with an Atlanta Falcons football player where he played the meow game on ESPN, and just carried it all the way through the interview. We saw a video from Felucca with guys at checkpoints playing the meow game with an Iraqi person, but the joke was lost because you kind of have to speak English. Chandrasekhar: I was parked in a car smoking a joint with a friend of mine, and we literally saw a cop car stop behind us. The cop walked up, and I put [the joint] out and threw it out the window, but there was smoke in the air. I didn’t want the cop to see me, because I didn’t want to have a publicity arrest issue. He shines the light in my friend’s face and asks, “What the hell are you doing here?” He can see smoke in the car, and then he shines it up at me and says, “Oh, I’m sorry sir, you have a good evening.” And then he walks away.
Chandrasekhar: We were afraid that if we did that, we would become, and I say this in a friendly tone, we’d become the Police Academy guys, who are mainly known for that one series of movies. Lemme: In retrospect, we probably should have made Super Troopers 2 after Super Troopers. We made Club Dread instead, and that tonal shift threw our fans off quite a bit. Beerfest ends with a tease of a potential cannabisthemed sequel. Was there, or is there a plan to possibly explore that idea? Chandrasekhar: We’d written 70
40 pages of it, and we just kind of got too high and meandered away from it. Then we wrote an animated version of it, kind of never finished that, but I think if this movie does well, I think we’ll do it. One of the things that makes Super Troopers so great is the way you mess with the people you are giving tickets to. What’s the general feeling amongst law enforcement officers when they see you? Lemme: I got let out of a 120 mph speeding ticket. The cop looked into the car and said, “Mister, do you have any idea how fast you were . . . Super
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Super Troopers is such a beloved classic. Did that put pressure on you guys to top it with the sequel? Chandrasekhar: The problem is the first movie caught on in a way we didn’t anticipate. People sort of look at that movie that they all watched together with friends, they got high, they drank and they bonded over this thing. They have an emotional attachment to it. With the new one, we just decided to make another one. It’s a little bigger, the mustaches are a little bigger, the action’s better, we’re more skilled writers, but whether it catches that magic is sort of up to the audience. Heffernan: That is the trick to making a sequel, though. You want to reference the first one, but how much do you reference the first one? How much do you revisit jokes versus creating new ones? It was a fine line.
“ . . . They’re putting so many people in jail for t h i s g e n e r a l ly harmless drug t h at I d i d v o t e to legalize i t. I t ’ s a n interesting time; we’re in the moment of the end of prohibition.”
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You guys mentioned cannabis. Are you cannabis consumers? Lemme: It’s part of the creative process. There’s only so much you can do when writing a script without getting high. Some of the most epic jokes from our movies came while we were stoned. You’re in a different place, and you’re laughing your ass off, and the hope is when you’re going over your notes the next day . . . Chandrasekhar: . . . You’ll be able to fit it into your structure. We write our structure sober, we write the magical flourishes and the jokes in sessions where we smoke a lot of joints. Soter: In the opening of Super Troopers, the whole comedy is born out of how freaky things can get when you’re high, and interactions with the police especially. Why do you think cannabis is so helpful to the creative process? Chandrasekhar: It opens a portal to a joke machine that we are able to access. What are your thoughts on the current state of cannabis? Chandrasekhar: You know, I liked it when it was illegal. It was a little more underground, you could be rebellious. Soter: It was dangerous. Chandrasekhar: And I thought about it when 72
legalization came up, that I might vote no, but really, they’re putting so many people in jail for this generally harmless drug that I did vote to legalize it. It’s an interesting time; we’re in the moment of the end of prohibition. Heffernan: It’s certainly a wave. It’s interesting how much it’s changed. My kids aren’t going to grow up with the idea that this is a hide behind the building kind of thing. The way my parents look at it will be so different from how my kids do, which is super interesting. Soter: There’s something very cool about the specificity of it now. The idea that I can find something that will give me a very particular experience. For our lives, up until recently, you just got what got you high. It’s wild that it has been science up to this point.
See Super Troopers 2 i n s e l e c t t h e at e r s F r i d ay, A p r i l 2 0 !
Your films are extremely quotable, what is the quote you hear the most? Chandrasekhar: “Who wants a mustache ride?” Lemme: “You boys like Mexico?” is a big one. People also scream “Eye of the Jew” at me a lot. Heffernan: People call me “chicken fucker,” “shenanigans” and “liter of cola.” A lot of stuff gets yelled at me. Soter: I go every day having “meow” yelled at me. ‘Til the day I die, I’ll be the “meow” guy. c
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+ foxsearchlight.com/supertroopers2
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S a f e H av e n
The Coffee Joint is set to become Denver’s first public cannabis club By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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he first cannabis consumption establishment license in Denver, allowing for vaping and edibles onsite, has been granted to The Coffee Joint, a local coffee shop. Ever since Denver approved cannabis consumption establishments, excitement has been brewing about what they might look like. However, there have been many pitfalls on the road to establishing legal locations. Many Denver locals were hoping that bars and nightclubs could become cannabis clubs, a dream that was shot down once it was ruled out that none of the cannabis consumption locations could serve alcohol. Dispensaries were also hoping to partially convert their facilities to include smoking lounges, but then it was announced that cannabis consumption establishments couldn’t sell cannabis. And a lot of businesses felt that the red tape of getting approval and paying for the fees associated with such a business wouldn’t even be worth it to run a club. But one optimistic business remained in the race for the very first license and received it. Now, they are set up to be one of the only places in the entire city where public consumption of cannabis for tourists and locals alike is allowed. The Coffee Joint is run
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by Kirill Merkulov and Rita Tsalyuk, business owners who have a careful plan for success. “The reason a lot of people didn’t apply for the license was because they couldn’t figure out how to make it profitable,” Tsalyuk explained to CULTURE. “But hopefully the dispensary next door will benefit, and we also wanted to use this opportunity because we got a lot of publicity [when we got approved]. We want to take it to another level, give back to the community.” Tsalyuk’s husband and Merkulov also own the dispensary next door, so the hope is that folks will
“There was a lot of paperwork and a lot of r e g u l at i o n s , b u t o n c e you are following the rules, the city was very f r i e n d ly a n d e x p l a i n e d w h at t h e y w a n t e d . ”
purchase cannabis, then head next door to vape. Another part of the plan is to offer cannabis classes and other educational events to benefit the community. Tsalyuk hopes this will help spread awareness about cannabis and shake negative stigmas, as well as increase business by drawing people to the site. “We will be emphasizing on the educational part of things to provide the consumer a better understanding of cannabis laws, and lots of classes, anywhere from the tasting classes, new research, etc.,” she explained. “We see there is a need for a big emphasis on that. But we will also have arts and music; it is going to be a high-class establishment.” The Coffee Joint is poised to be a tourist attraction, a local venue, a meeting spot and a hub for cannabis information. Considering this, combined with the fact that the owners have a dispensary next door, the owners’ optimistic attitude about their success as the first cannabis consumption establishments makes sense. “There was a lot of paperwork and a lot of regulations, but once you are following the rules, the city was very friendly and explained what they wanted,” Tsalyuk said. “For example, the healthcare department asked us to revise our health plan about 18 times, but it was not anything we couldn’t do; they were very helpful.” Expectant tourists and local cannabis enthusiasts can hang out and vape at The Coffee Joint very soon, according to Tsalyuk, hopefully in time for the 420 festivities. c
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Cannabis Entertainment in 2018:
G o Bi g o r G o H o m e
If you’re a fan of seeing cannabis on your television or at your local movie theater, then 2018 might be the best year yet. While the normalization of cannabis has done wonders in the arena of acceptance and exposure, there is something to be said about the art that was created around it when it was part of the counterculture. The taboo aspect of cannabis’ past brought us numerous comedy gems. That’s not to say that cannabis entertainment is dead. Far from it—check out a few of the highlights in cannabis entertainment in 2018.
By David Edmundson
NEW
“Who wants a mu s ta c h e ride?”
R e l e as e d : M arc h 9
Gringo Gringo is an action-comedy that follows a down-on-hisluck man who is tasked with delivering his company’s medical cannabis formula to Mexico. A wacky adventure featuring the Mexican cartel, a mercenary going through a spiritual crisis and a group of backstabbing co-workers ensues. An all-star cast featuring Charlize Theron, Joel Edgerton, David Oyelowo and Amanda Seyfried bring this absurd tale to life.
R e l e as e s : A pri l 2 0
Su p e r T r o o p e r s 2 The Broken Lizard team is back in uniform in the sequel to 2001’s cult hit. Featuring bigger jokes, action and mustaches, the film finds our favorite Highway Patrol officers going north of the border to Canada. There they are tasked with bringing a reluctant city full of Canadians into the fold as flag-waving Americans. What could possibly go wrong? A lot . . . A whole lot. R e l e as e : T B D R e l e as e d : A pri l 3
4/20 Massacre While cannabis comedies get the lion’s share of attention, horror is also a very popular genre for cannabis. Over 420 weekend, five young women have decided to celebrate their friend’s birthday by taking a camping trip to a secluded part of a nearby national park. However, their fun is quickly snubbed out when they stumble upon an illegal cannabis grow operation hidden in the greenery and protected by a bloodthirsty maniac. 4/20 MASSACRE is a comedy thriller that mixes gore, suspense, humor and is the perfect film to accompany your next joint.
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Se a r c h i n g f o r t h e Cu r e If you are looking for something a little more refined, Searching for the Cure is a feature length documentary that explores “the world of medical cannabis, tracing its origins, scientific research, clinical trials, legalization and miraculous claims of curing cancer.” It will feature three former CULTURE cover figures—Tommy Chong, Montel Williams and Sanjay Gupta. The film will follow a number of cancer patients as they undergo a 60-day cannabis oil treatment. Their entire journey will be documented, and the film will intersperse the history and science of cannabis from throughout the world.
R e l e as e : T B D
T h e Be a c h Bum A tagline like “A rebellious stoner named Moondog lives life by his own rules” might not inspire a lot of confidence in a project, but when Moondog is played by Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey, then you have our attention. The rest of the cast includes Snoop Dogg, Isla Fisher, Zac Efron, Jonah Hill and Martin Lawrence. The film is said to be a comedy in the vein of Cheech and Chong, with McConaughey and Snoop Dogg taking over for the cannabis icons. The film will take place in Key West, Florida, and it looks like a visual feast of flesh and neon colors.
Returning Favorites
B r o a d Ci t y (Comedy Central) Broad City is scheduled to return for its fifth season in 2018. The show has been a breath of fresh air during its run, and stars the amazingly talented duo of Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson. The pair have proven that no subject is too taboo for them to cover, and the show is constantly evolving and pushing the limit of what can be shown on television.
W ee d i q ue t t e Season 4 and B o n g A p p é t i t Season 3 (VICELAND) Hi g h M a i n t e n a n c e (HBO) Everyone’s favorite cannabis delivery man will return for a third season of this HBO comedy. The show centers on a group of eccentric New Yorkers who all share a cannabis delivery person known only as “the guy,” played by series creator Ben Sinclair. The series began as a web series in 2012 before making the jump to HBO in 2016. High Maintenance is currently under contract through its third season.
VICELAND’s one-two punch of cannabis entertainment has yet to get release dates for its respective premieres, but both are listed as currently active. If they follow suit with past seasons, we should hear about their premiers sometime this month. Weediquette is a docuseries that centers on the science, culture, economics and legalization of cannabis. Bong Appétit, which is produced by Jason Pinsky, centers on the world’s most elaborate cannabis dinner parties. The show invites world renowned chefs to flex their culinary muscles with the greatest herb of them all.
In Memoriam Di s j o i n t e d (Netflix)
The streaming giant has decided to cease production on the Kathy Bates comedy that shared the story about a dispensary staffed by all manners of cannabis stereotypes. While the reviews in the cannabis community were mixed, it was overall a big step for cannabis normalization, and it was able to thrust the plant into the mainstream. c
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Ultimate Munchie RECIPE
By Laurie Wolfe Photo by Bruce Wolfe
This over-the-top recipe should satiate your most extreme 420-induced munchie dreams.
B a n a n a Nu t e l l a M i n d - A lt e r i n g W a ff l e S ta c k S e rv e s 2
There is no law saying you can’t make waffles from scratch, in fact, that would be impressive. For those of us who choose to go the frozen route, you will be rewarded with far less effort. If you are looking for an infused waffle recipe; just send an email to Laurie@laurieandmaryjane.com. This is meant to be a delicious, decadent mess. Take a moment to admire and appreciate this fine work of art before shamelessly devouring it.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Nutella
5 frozen waffles, any type, toasted
2 teaspoons cannabutter, melted, or mild flavored cannabis-infused oil
1 large or two small bananas, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons orange juice Instructions:
4 strips of bacon, cooked until crisp Maple syrup
2. In another small bowl, combine the Nutella with the cannabutter.
and spread with Nutella. Layer with another waffle and place the bacon on top. Place another waffle on the bacon. Once again top with banana and cover with the remaining waffle. Place Nutella on the last waffle, and add the remaining banana slices.
3. Place a waffle on your plate. Top with some banana slices. Layer with another waffle,
4. Pour maple syrup over the whole, beautiful mess, and enjoy.
1. In a small bowl, toss the banana slices with the orange juice (which keeps the bananas from turning brown).
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+ laurieandmaryjane.com
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Rory A., 56 In reference to intoxication and sexual contact: Firstly, what are your thoughts on intoxication and a reduction of agency and/ or the ability to give consent? And secondly, what meaningful differences do you see between cannabis and other intoxicants in regards to this?
Intimate Moments S e x e x p e r t A s h l e y M a n ta a n s w e r s reader-submitted questions about cannabis and intimacy Ashley Manta, also known as the “CannaSexual,” is a bimonthly CULTURE columnist who shares her expertise about intimacy, sex and the many ways in which to incorporate cannabis into daily life. Thanks to the questions submitted by CULTURE readers, Manta has answered some of the most important sex and cannabis questions to date. Keep reading to see if she answered your question!
T o mm y T. , 3 6 Is there any reason to incorporate CBD into sex? If so, what’s the best way to incorporate infused CBD products into oral sex? CBD is a fantastic option for a lot of reasons! Hemp-derived CBD is great for folks who live in prohibition states and can’t legally get THC products. It’s
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non-psychoactive so you can consume it without getting high, which is useful for folks who want to squeeze in a quickie before work or for those who have kids running around. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, and there is limited but promising data that suggests that CBD could help to treat anxiety disorders. Anxiety and pain/inflammation are two common conditions that can get in the way of pleasure and intimacy, so if CBD counteracts those factors, it could be helpful for sex. For oral sex, you could use a CBD-infused topical on a vulva (assuming there’s one involved), and let it soak into the tissue for 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re trying to use CBD to relax your throat for fellatio, I will admit that I haven’t tried that yet. But since it takes time to soak in, I imagine gargling with a CBD-infused oil would be more effective than a spray. If anyone has experienced CBD being helpful for throat comfort, please reach out and let me know—for scientific purposes.
This is such an important question. Consent is mandatory, always, and is something that is especially important to be mindful of when there are psychoactive substances involved. Coming from a sexual violence prevention background, I spent most of my 20s drawing hard lines between substances and sex, especially alcohol. The National Institute of Justice research report “The Sexual Victimization of College Women” found that “43 percent of the sexual victimization incidents involve alcohol consumption by victims and 69 percent involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrators,” and I quoted those stats liberally while championing sober sex at my college lectures from 2008 to 2012. When I experienced medical cannabis for the first time after moving to California in 2013, I discovered that there was room for nuance when it comes to combining cannabis and sex, because there are multiple ways to use cannabis therapeutically without getting high—most notably through using topicals and high-CBD products. “Negotiate before you medicate” became my golden rule for using psychoactive cannabis products, because if you’re going to be using something that can impact your ability to consent, it’s important to be with a partner you trust and establish some guidelines and agreements in advance—most importantly how to communicate (both verbally and non-verbally) when you’re ready to stop. Having a clear picture of what you want to co-create together in a given sexual interaction
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(Do you just want to make out? Just receive oral? Just dry hump over clothes?) allows you to play within each other’s boundaries. I’m not a proponent of going to a party, getting super stoned and hooking up with someone you just met. I do support having safer sex conversations, negotiating sexual interactions and thoughtfully using cannabis to enhance sensations and intimacy and help relieve stress and anxiety. Here’s the crux: Decide you’re going to have sex, obtain and maintain mutual consent, figure out what you want cannabis to do for you, and then use the appropriate product or strain. That’s how I navigate cannabis and consent from a trauma and sexual violence prevention informed lens.
T r y s ta n H . , 3 0 I am a cannabis professional, and I’m wondering what the best lubricant base would be to make my own lubricants. I usually use coconut oil for my massage oils, but have had some users complain of a grittiness to it. I use a couple essential oils along with an extract. I care about the body and natural Ph of the nether regions. Quick caveat: I am not a doctor or chemist and I don’t play one on TV. This is not medical advice. Coconut oil that is solid at room temperature can have some grittiness to it because it’s unrefined—meaning there are still tiny bits of coconut still in it. One way to solve that is to use MCT oil—it’s refined so that it stays liquid at room temperature rather than solidifying. Most coconut oilbased cannabis products actually use MCT oil. In terms of essential oil additions, I generally don’t like to see them on the ingredients list
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(except possibly tea tree oil) in genital products, because I’ve had a lot of vulva-owners share with me that they’re sensitive to them. Less is more when it comes to ingredients that touch the mucous membranes of a vulva. That said, I’ve met plenty of folks who totally avoid putting coconut oil on their vulvas—some have a coconut allergy while others find that it’s just irritating or causes yeast infections. Your mileage may vary.
Sandra C., 29 I have an ex-boyfriend who couldn’t get an erection without smoking weed beforehand. He said it helped with his anxiety and nerves. Is there a chance that smoking weed also helped him physically? Anxiety and nerves are some of the most common factors that get
in the way of intimacy. Cannabis, especially when consuming a high-CBD product or strain, can be effective in counteracting anxiety and helping folks be more present during sexy times. The research on cannabis and erections has been inconclusive—some studies suggest that THC inhibits erections on a physical level, while others suggest that it helps. Since erections (and more broadly, sexual response) function on both a physical and a mental level, it’s important to look at both. Dr. Emily Nagoski, a sex educator and researcher, writes about the Dual Control Model of sexual response in her book, Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life. The Dual Control Model posits that we have two main processes in our brain that impact sexual response: The sexual excitation system (which Dr. Nagoski refers to as “the gas pedal”) and the sexual inhibition system (“the brake pedal”). These processes send signals to our brains telling us to turn on and turn off, respectively. Arousal requires turning on the “ons” and turning off the “offs” and I hypothesize that cannabis helps with both—but especially with turning off the “offs” of anxiety, self-doubt, shame, etc. However, as with all things sex and cannabis-related, sexual response varies from person to person, and context matters. Some strains and products may be especially good for getting penis-owners out of their heads and into their bodies, while others might leave them feeling sleepy or distracted. This makes it especially important to track the strains and products that give you the sexual effects you’re looking for, whether that’s erections, heightened sensations, decreased anxiety or anything else that helps you connect and be present. c
Photo by Nikolay Mikheev
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PART I E S U r b a n Di s p e n s a r y 4 2 0 P a r t y, A p r i l 2 0 Get some unbelievable deals and discounts this 420 holiday at Urban Dispensary near downtown Denver, including $8 grams and $145 ounces. Arrive early to avoid long lines and stock up on cannabis, gear, accessories and more, which you’ll need for your holiday shenanigans. Urban Dispensary, Denver urbandispensary.com
4 2 0 E ve o n t h e Rocks, April 19 The lineup includes Method Man, Redman, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Collie Buddz, Joey Bada$$, Stick Figure, Dizzy Wright, The Underachievers and Jarren Benton. Start the holiday a little early, and get ready to partake in one of the hottest 420 celebrations in all of Colorado. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, Morrison redrocksonline.com
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Liv W e l l p r e s e n t s Method Man & Re d m a n wi t h C o l l ie Bu d d z , C h a l i 2 n a and Project 432, April 20 Sponsored by CULTURE Magazine, this event features some of the top cannabis-friendly names in hip hop and reggae, for a celebration that you’ll remember for years. Method Man & Redman, for instance, have been a major part of cannabis culture since the 2001 film How High. Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom cervantesmasterpiece. com
A Shotgun’s Ci r c u s , A p r i l 2 0 Rain or shine, the Smokin Gun Apothecary is hosting A Shotgun’s Circus. This unique event features live artists, prizes, games, band performances and a DJ. Smokin Gun Apothecary, Glendale smokingunapothecary. com
Hi g h Leve l He a lt h Re - O p e n i n g Ce l e b r a t i o n , April 20
420 on the Block, April 20-22
Take part in the rotating vendor pop-ups, deals and fun this holiday! High Level Health has been touted as “Colorado’s Most-Awarded Cannabis,” which is a telltale sign of the quality of cannabis you can expect to stock up on this 420. High Level Health, Denver hlhcolorado.com
Action Bronson and reggae star Matisyahu will headline and they will be joined by Washed Out, Evidence, Protoje and more. This is the block party to end all block parties, with some cannabis flair and fun. Fox Street Compound, Denver 420ontheblock.com
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“ I r e a l ly e n j o y g o i n g t o A corner dispensary to pick up a J when I need one. I think we need legal places to smoke, like coffee shops and social clubs.”
Thundering Vibrations
Get ready to celebrate the most epic 420 with beats by DJ Mikey Thunder By Addison Herron-Wheeler
L
ocal DJ Mikey Thunder has been doing his thing and doing it well for years. He has been DJing since the age of 15, when he started opening for and touring with national acts and refining his sound and style. Today, he has become a staple of the Colorado music scene, blending a multitude of genres, including funk, hip-hop, soul, jazz, blues, swing, reggae and EDM. Thunder has become the very essence of a DJ, living to fuse together genres and songs to create something uniquely his own. Based out of Boulder, he has shared the stage with impressive acts like The Wailers, The String Cheese Incident and Pretty Lights, to name a few, and he regularly sells out shows, even at impressively-sized outdoor venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Thunder is also known for playing big festivals and parties, and has played a 420-themed show or event almost every year since his career got started. CULTURE spoke with DJ Mikey Thunder about his musical career so far, support for the earth and cannabis and his plans to perform at our very own 420 party in Denver. 88
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How did you get started making music? I started DJing in my parents’ basement in the ’90s and making beats on a Roland JS-30 [sampling workstation]. How do you describe your style? Funky electro hip-hop. How do you feel about the local electronic scene? I feel great about it and honored to call Colorado my home. We have a deep-rooted music scene with ton of talented bands, producers and DJs of all styles. Also, new artists are moving to town on the daily, which is very inspirational. Do you produce as well as DJ? Yes, but I would consider myself a DJ first and foremost. What are some of the songs you can’t stop playing right now? Anything produced by Fort Knox Five, and “Party Remedy” by Bobby C & Stickybuds [feat. The Jungle Brothers] has been in rotation for a long time now. How has cannabis affected your life and/or your creative process? It is with me every step of the way.
How do you feel about legalization so far? Is there anything you think could be done better or differently? I love it. I really enjoy going to corner dispensary to pick up a “jay” when I need one. I think we need legal places to smoke, like coffee shops and social clubs. I’ve been dreaming of playing a coffee shop gig since Amsterdam. Have you ever worked cannabis into your music as a theme? If so, how? Yes, I played The Cannabis Cup back in early 2000. I have an extensive music collection about the cheeba spanning from the swing era to today, and I think I’ve played a 420 party almost every year. How do you feel the experience of using cannabis can affect people’s lives? I believe the herb can heal. I’ve been selfmedicating depression with it for a long time now. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Please, no more antihuman behavior or destruction of our habitat. We are all in this together, so act like it. Thank you, and I love you! c
Catch DJ Mikey at CULTURE’s invite-only houseparty happening on Sat, April 21 in Denver. Visit culturemagazine. com/houseparty for more information.
+ soundcloud.com/mikey-thunder
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GROWING CULTURE
Variable Sexuality By Ed Rosenthal Last month was Women’s History Month, which reminded me that one of the first researchers that wrote a study on cannabis was Sister Mary Etienne Tibeau. She was associated with Mount Mercy Junior College of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and wrote a research paper entitled Time Factor in Utilization of Mineral Nutrients by Hemp (1936). I honored her in the first book I wrote, and I recently decided to take another look at her article. Tibeau chose hemp for experimentation “because it shows marked sexual dimorphism (marked differences between the sexes) and grows well under laboratory conditions.” In her research, she performed three experiments. The first was “a series in 90
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which the plants were supplied with a high content of the essential elements K, Mg, Ca and N [potassium, magnesium, calcium and nitrogen] added to a Knop’s solution (a standard laboratory fertilizer solution)”. Her second experiment was “a deficiency series in which the plants were supplied with a nutrient solution in which K, Mg, Ca and N respectively were omitted from the complete solution.” The third experiment was “a series in which the plants after first undergoing periods of starvation of a single element were then supplied with a nutrient solution having a high content of this element.” Plants were starved of nitrogen for 27, 44 and 58 days. The results of her experiments caught my eye as I reread the
report again, specifically regarding her experiments with nitrogen. She wrote, “The most striking contrast was between the plants supplied with a high N solution and those supplied with an N-deficient solution. The plants that were given eight times the normal amount of N produced an abundance of dark green foliage, and all plants had begun to differentiate into females before they wilted and died.” Her results continued to elaborate on the effects of nitrogen on her plants. “After an initial shortage of 27 days, plants were able to utilize available N (supplied in high amounts) and the plants were all females. After an initial starvation of 44 days, the plants were unable to adequately use N (supplied in high amounts) and male plants resulted. The plants starved of N for 58 days had already differentiated into males when N was supplied. After 64 days they were still hardy, growing slowly as males plants.”
days they were still hardy, growing slowly as males plants.” I decided to duplicate that portion of her experiment and see if plant sex could be manipulated by N availability to the plant. The experiment consists of 40 cups with seeds planted. They are divided into three groups that will include only 10 cups each. One group, the control, is supplied with a fertilizer containing equal amounts of N-P-K. A second group is given fertilizers with. The second group is provided with fertilizer containing only P-K. The third group is supplied N-P-K, but the N is oversupplied by a factor of 8 until the plants indicate sexuality. In addition to
the seedlings, 10 clones purchased at a store and already identified as female will be included. Five each will be added to the N starved group and the N oversupplied group. Tibeau kept the seeds/seedlings under constant light for 12 days. She then transferred them to natural light on May 27. On May 27, dawn to dusk in Cedar Rapids, Iowa lasts 16 hours, two minutes, a long enough light regimen to promote vegetative growth. In this experiment, the seeds/ seedlings will have continuous light for 14 days. Then they will be provided with 16 hours of light for 14 days. They are being provided with 12 hours of light daily; a long enough dark period to promote flowering. c
I attended the Hawaii Cannabis Expo in Honolulu, and while I was there I was invited by a colleague who has a medical cannabis garden that provides medicine to patients. Each patient’s 10 plants (the legal limit in Hawaii) is behind a locked chain link fence. Here are some pictures from that garden.
829 – This is a garden for an individual patient.
831 – All of the plants are supported using netting for the sea of green.
839 – Another view from inside.
The Results So Far: Seeds and clones were placed in cups filled with coir that had been soaked and rinsed to remove any nutrients. They were placed in a space with a light regimen of 16 hours and will remain there for another 13 days. Upon germinating, they will be irrigated with nutrient-water solution.
843 – Each plant was in its own 100-gallon container.
One month later the buds look like this
One Love
Star Killer
Star Killer
White Fire OG
(Photos by MM)
One Love
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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Age: 26 Location: Denver Condition/Illness: Anxiety and depression Consuming medical cannabis since: 2013 Why did you start using cannabis? My very first experience with cannabis was when I was 13; it was me and my two childhood friends. Of course, I had no idea at the time that cannabis would become such a important part of my life. Many years went by before I started using it habitually and for medical use. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Oh yeah, in college, my depression and anxiety got pretty bad to the point I was in the psych ward for about a week. It was there that they put me on anti-depressants and antianxiety medication. After
Emily Eason
profiles in courage
being on those for almost a year, I did not feel like myself; I felt numb, like a sad zombie. I lost all passion and creativity, so I slowly weaned off of them and began using cannabis again. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I think an issue cannabis patients face is the lack of education regarding the benefits of cannabis. So many people still view cannabis as dangerous or think it causes a lack of ambition. Fortunately, I don’t have any lack of ambition; I just feel simply good. Stress is not a constant weight around my neck; I can handle issues with ease instead of getting overwhelmed. What would you say to those who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Don’t let fear-mongering affect your opinion on cannabis; it’s legal in [many states] for good reason. It has been studied and tested for all of its benefits, so do your research instead of blindly listening to fearmongering. c
Are you a medical cannabis 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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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—Wait, What? Police in Mainz, Germany, responded to an apartment building after cries were heard from within one unit early on Feb. 17, The Associated Press reported. When they arrived, officers found two men, the 58-yearold tenant and a 61-year-old visitor, “hopelessly locked up” with a mannequin dressed as a knight and a large remote-controlled car. The men were too drunk to explain how they had become entangled, and one officer remarked that “the whole thing would have remained a funny episode” if the younger man had not become “more than impolite.” He now faces a charge of insulting officers. The Litigious Society Crestline, California, resident Claudia Ackley, 46, has teamed with “Discovering Bigfoot” filmmaker Todd Standing to sue the state of California, requesting on Jan. 18 that state agencies acknowledge the existence of a Sasquatch species. Ackley and her daughters, 11 and 14, say they were hiking a trail at Lake Arrowhead in March 2017 when they spotted a large figure braced in a pine tree. “I ran into a Sasquatch—a Bigfoot. We were face to face,” Ackley told the San Bernardino Sun. Forest rangers insisted at the time that Ackley and her daughters had seen a bear, and Ackley fears that by not acknowledging the presence
of the legendary creatures, the state is putting the public at risk. “People have to be warned about these things,” she said. “They are big.” Compelling Explanation A woman claiming to be on a mission from God led a Kentucky State Police trooper on a chase at speeds up to 120 mph on Feb. 10, stopping only when another trooper pulled in front of her car. According to the Elizabethtown (Kentucky) News-Enterprise, Connie Lynn Allen, 52, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, told officers that she was Mother Mary, en route to pick up Baby Jesus, and that God had given her permission to speed. She also said that she had died six years ago. She was charged with several offenses and is being held in Hardin County. Awesome! Staffers at a Bangor, Maine, day care called Watch Me Shine were happy to receive Valentine’s cookies made by a parent—until those who ate them started to feel high. “Within 15 minutes, teachers were reporting they had concerns about those cookies,” Tiffany Nowicki, director of the center, told the Bangor Daily News. About 12 staff members felt the effects of the treats, which were confiscated by the police and are being tested. “If they find something that shouldn’t be in those cookies,” Nowicki said, “that’s a big problem and we’ll make sure it’s addressed.” The day care has instituted a new policy that no outside food can be brought in for the children or staff. CultureMagazine.com
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