Culture Magazine Colorado August 2018 by Culture Magazine

AUGUST 2018 CultureMagazine.com

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AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 2018 CultureMagazine.com

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AUGUST 2018

inside

contents 8.2018

38 20

Simply Sublime

Keeping the punk and reggae genres alive, Sublime with Rome talks to CULTURE about inspirations for its new album and how frontman Rome Ramirez incorporates cannabis into his daily life. O n the C O V E R :

P h o t o by A n t h o n y d u t y

30 32 26

features 48

Rolling out the Red Carpet Every day more mainstream celebrities are finding lucrative new business opportunities in the cannabis industry.

Pack Your Bags Refer to these cannabis-friendly travel agencies to plan your late-summer getaway.

Bub the Superhero Famous feline Lil BUB and her owner advocate for hemp-derived CBD medicine for pets everywhere.

departments 12 Letter from the Editor news 16 News Nuggets 20 By the Numbers 22 Local News 24 Healthy Living reviews 26 Company Highlight 30 Strain & Concentrate Reviews 32 Cool Stuff 34 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 60 À La Carte 64 Growing Culture 66 Colorado Now! 68 News of the Weird

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Online Exclusive! d Oklahoma AG Supports Amending Medical Cannabis Rules d Israeli Medical Cannabis Researchers Move to CA

Vol 10 IssUE 2

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AUGUST 2018

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 Wolf Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic Designer John Venegas Associate Publisher & Bob Waters Advertising Director REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Kim Cook Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Rocki Davidson, Matt Knuth, Casey Roel, Rick Schwartz, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla INTERN Cole Graves 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.

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AUGUST 2018

LETTER

FROM

THE

EDITOR

Prevailing Process

ugust is a bittersweet month. As heat waves continue to scorch certain regions of the country, this rain-free time of year also means that arms are bare and good hair days are aplenty. August also reminds us that we’re well past the mid-year mark. Reflecting on the highlights of 2018 so far, the amount of progress made by our cannabis community deserves recognition. Legislation in favor of medical and recreational cannabis continues to sweep the world. Some of the biggest headlines from the past year include the federal legalization of cannabis becoming official in Canada, with the date for the law to go into effect recently announced to be set for Oct. 17, 2018. Provinces will have control over the details of how cannabis is locally regulated. On the other hand, progress continues to happen across the United States, with Oklahoma becoming the most recent state, as of late June, to approve medical cannabis so far this year. Overall, cannabis continues to become more widely accepted, both through legislation and everyday conversation. Those who personally imbibe in cannabis are no longer the only ones who are part of the cannabis conversation. Within and beyond the United States, humankind at large is starting to recognize the medicinal potential of cannabis. For instance, just about everyone is talking about cannabidiol (CBD). People who don’t personally consume cannabis are even turning to CBD for treating their pets, while people of all ages are considering how cannabis might improve their daily lives. Local coffee shops are

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infusing their drinks with CBD for patrons, while on a much larger level, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the first medically extracted cannabis-based drug, Epidiolex. It’s without a doubt that one of the hottest healthcare topics right now is the single cannabinoid, CBD, which is just one of the 100+ cannabinoids that exist within our favorite plant. As CBD in particular gains in popularity, in terms of legality, the cannabinoid is still in a state of limbo in the United States. As it can be derived both from the hemp plant and cannabis plant, the legal grey area surrounding CBD continues to be an important topic of discussion and frustration, particularly among cannabis business professionals. Like cannabis, individual states in the U.S. continue to pass legislation surrounding hemp cultivation and extraction. Michigan regulators made headlines when clarifying CBD laws in the state back in May, and most recently the California Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch issued a memo in early July to clarify the use of hemp-derived CBD in edible products. The setbacks and challenges of existing within this changing industry don’t define us. Let’s continue to do what we can to bring cannabis and its many cannabinoids into the mainstream. c Cheers!

Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief

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NEWS

nuggetS

Retail Sales of Cannabis to Begin in Longmont On July 2, the Longmont Marijuana Authority announced the names of four businesses whose applications were approved to operate cannabis dispensaries in the city of Longmont. On Oct. 10, 2017, the Longmont City Council ruled to approve retail cannabis sales. Interested business owners submitted their applications by Nov. 29 and the Longmont City Council

made a decision on March 29. Thirteen applications were submitted, which were reviewed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and resulted in a lengthy, but reliable process. “Although the licensing process set up by the city was timeconsuming and challenging, in the end it, produced four highly qualified businesses,” said Rigo Leal, public information officer for the city of Longmont. “It was a worthwhile process from the city’s perspective, and from the applicant’s perspective too. They all agreed that the high standards demanded by the city were well worth the effort. That bodes well for the future of these businesses in Longmont.” The Green Solution, Medicine Man, Terrapin Care Station and Yuma Way were given 60 days to accept or deny their approvals.

New Jersey Doubles Number of Dispensaries According to a July 16 announcement, officials from the New Jersey Department of Health will begin accepting applications for six more dispensaries. The state has recently dealt with cannabis shortages due to the cap on businesses. “We look forward to the opening of six new dispensaries so we can ensure that all qualifying patients who want access to medicinal marijuana can have it,” Gov. Phil

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State Welcomes New Director of Marijuana Coordination Gov. John Hickenlooper announced on July 5 that Dominique Mendiola is the new Director of Marijuana Coordination. Mendiola has replaced Mark Bolton. Mendiola has vast experience in cannabis regulation and policy, serving as the Deputy Director of the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division since 2014. Gov. Hickenlooper welcomed Mendiola to the team in a press release. “We are excited to welcome Dominque to the team. I look forward to her guidance as new issues emerge that require our attention,” Gov. Hickenlooper stated. Mendiola is clear in her priorities, which she graciously shared with CULTURE. One of her goals is to ensure Colorado maintains the most effective approach

Murphy stated. “Due to the steps that Commissioner Elnahal and I have taken since January, we have seen the addition of 10,000 new patients. Accordingly, we have to expand the number of businesses who are growing product and serving patients.” It’s the first step towards addressing the shortage problems seen in New Jersey. No provisions for equity applicants will be added, however. Winning business applications are scheduled to be announced on Nov. 1.

to cannabis regulation. “With Colorado being the first in the nation to regulate adult-use marijuana, coordination is key to ensuring we maintain an effective approach to regulation. In this role, there’s opportunity to enhance and expand on our national and international coordination,” she said. “Working closely with other states and countries allows us to identify best practices (e.g. packaging, labeling, and testing), learn from the experience of others, and proactively get ahead of issues others may be facing.” Mendiola also plans to continue strengthening the legal cannabis market in order to continue the displacement of the black market.

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The percentage of Colorado recreational cannabis sales that reflects an overall increase during the first six months of 2018: (Source: Yahoo! Finance)

The percentage of surveyed homeless inmates who stated that legal cannabis was one of the reasons that they traveled to Colorado: (Source: CNN)

The percentage of adults in Colorado who stated in a phone survey that they consumed cannabis in 2017: (Source: Westword)

15.5

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Colorado collected in recreational cannabis sales in June: (Source: Yahoo! Finance)

The number of commercial cannabis permits that have been approved in Pittsburg, California: (Source: ABC 7)

99.4

The amount of cannabis, in kilos, that Canadian company Tilray sold during the first quarter of 2018 in Canada and Europe: (Source: MarketWatch) The projected amount of money, in billions of dollars, that the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. will collect in sales by 2030: (Source: PR Newswire)

1,299

The number of pages in a New York State Department of Health report describing how there are more pros than cons in legalizing cannabis for recreational consumption: (Source: Vox)

High Plains Comedy Festival

WHEN: Fri, Aug. 23-Sun, Aug. 25 WHERE: Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver WEBSITE: www.highplainscomedyfestival.com You might think you’re funny, but you’ll probably never be as funny as this group of comedians. Come out and support some of the best local and national comedians, all of whom are guaranteed to bring you genuine laughter. The High Plains Comedy Festival features famous comedians like crowd favorite and Grammy Award nominee David Cross, whom many will recognize from the popular series Arrested Development. Other familiar faces will be making 20

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an appearance too, including Paul Scheer (The Disaster Artist) and Jason Mantzoukas (Dirty Grandpa). In addition to the live stand-up acts, June Diane Raphael (Grace & Frankie) will host a live podcast episode of “How Did This Get Made?” that features a hilarious breakdown of some of the worst films ever produced. The podcast was recently voted “The Best Comedy Podcast” by LA Weekly and like this event, is definitely worth checking out. (Cole Graves)

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NEWS

LOCAL

Entrepreneurial Spirit Big cannabis franchise opportunities are coming to Colorado By Benjamin M. Adams

ispensary chains have capitalized on the boundless economic opportunities that legal cannabis can provide in Colorado. However, an emerging way of entering the industry is through franchise agreements. Christian Hageseth, author and founder of Green Man Cannabis, has big plans in mind—to eventually open as many as 50 cannabis stores in Colorado and in other states, perhaps within the next 30 months. The retail cannabis franchise will be called ONE Cannabis. Announced on June 22, Hageseth revealed that deals for five franchise agreements have been signed. CULTURE interviewed him to get a better glimpse into the pros and cons of franchising in the potentially volatile cannabis industry, and some of the legal considerations behind it. Hageseth sees franchises as perfect opportunities for industry newcomers. “While some markets are more established than others, cannabis is very much a nascent industry,” Hageseth told CULTURE. “Countless newcomers enter each year, trying to navigate the new waters but it’s extremely challenging. I know because I’ve been there. I entered the cannabis industry nine years ago when I founded Green Man Cannabis, with more than a decade of experience as a successful serial entrepreneur and all the confidence in the world. I’ve been fortunate to make millions, but I’ve also lost millions due to costly mistakes, missed opportunities and outright failure of some ideas. Many of these likely could’ve been avoided had I had a partner, like a franchisor.” Hageseth reminded us that there are special considerations that are unique to the cannabis industry when it comes to taxes, security, compliance, insurance, banking and marketing. 22

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“So, even if you’ve operated a business in the past, managing a cannabis business is likely far more complicated than anything you’ve done before,” he said. “Franchising eases this barrier to entry and makes cannabis entrepreneurship much more feasible to a broader audience.” Another benefit, he said, is being able to share the expertise and best practices his team. His goal is to help others operate their business in compliance with state law, without having to learn the expensive lessons of building a cannabis dispensary or cultivation facility from the ground up. If you want to operate at that level right out of the gate, you should consider joining a franchise. Under Green Man Cannabis, Hageseth and his team won six Cannabis Cup awards. Hageseth chronicled his experiences building a stable cannabis business in his book, Big Weed: An Entrepreneur’s High-Stakes Adventures in the Budding Legal Marijuana Business. Large dispensary chains, including Native Roots, LivWell and Starbuds, already operate successfully in Colorado. However, there is more than one way to run a dispensary chain. Hageseth was initially open to other concepts including opening his own locations or licensing his intellectual properties, but he ultimately saw the biggest opportunity with franchising locations. “Both have their advantages,” he said. “But, compared to the licensing route, franchising allows us to maintain greater consistency in quality when it comes to operations, products and the overall customer experience. That’s important to me.” Franchising opportunities in the cannabis industry are not limited to the United States. Across the border in Canada, a company called Canndara is strategically offering franchise opportunities in anticipation of recreational cannabis sales, which begin in October in Canada. “We are also beginning to offer some stability and continuity to an industry that has been a bit—Wild West,” Hageseth said. He reminded us that much of the cannabis industry is made up of independent businesses that have limited resources and are trying to figure everything out on their own. “We’re offering these owners the opportunity to learn from a trusted industry source that has been in their shoes and can provide them the direction and tools they need to achieve their goals.” c

Reggae On The Rocks Whether you like your drinks on the rocks, or you simply like to rock out to reggae tunes, Reggae On The Rocks is the place to be. Enjoy the beautiful scenery at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre while relaxing to the sounds of some of the best bands that the reggae genre has to offer. This concert is celebrating its 30th anniversary of performances at this venue, which in the past has hosted some of the most iconic reggae artists. This year Rebelution, former CULTURE featured artist Stephen “Ragga” Marley and Zion I are just a few of the artists scheduled to rock the amphitheatre this year. Leading up to those amazing musicians will be bands such as Common Kings, Judge Roughneck, Chronixx, DJ Mackle and New Kingston. (Cole Graves) WHEN: Sat, Aug. 25 WHERE: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy., Morrison WEBSITE: www. redrocksonline. com/events/detail/ reggae-on-therocks-2018

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NEWS

HEALTHY LIVING

High Altitude Hydration Locals are seeking wellness right t h r o u g h t h e i r v e i n s at H y d r at e I V B a r By John McClain

esidents and visitors in Denver have a unique wellness option that alleviates the physical stress of high altitude living while giving their body an infusion of vitamins and ingredients fitting their needs. Hydrate IV Bar uses intravenous vein (IV) therapy to deliver hydration and vitamins in a spa-like, comfortable setting. Katie Wafer, who owns Hydrate IV Bar along with co-owner Blake Whealy, had visited an IV bar in Las Vegas, Nevada and saw the perfect opportunity to promote wellness in a dehydrating high-altitude climate. “I was seeing all of these patients that were so ill and taking so many pills, and their quality of life was just not so great,” said Wafer, who has worked in medical sales and pain management. “We’re doing the same service as a hospital.” Hydrate IV Bar uses the same equipment and safety policies as a hospital. The staff is made up of registered nurses and paramedics, and its medical director is a doctor who has been using IV therapy in her practice for 30 years. “I saw these types of clinics popping up in other cities, and Denver didn’t have anything like it,” Wafer said.

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Photos by Joel Meaders

At the initial visit, new customers go through a consultation that includes discussing current medications, allergies, vitals and more to identify if they are a good candidate. The IV bar serves patrons ages 18 and over, but currently does not serve pregnant women. “We really try to promote general health and wellness,” she said. “Of course we get altitude sickness, hangovers . . . we have cancer patients and a lot of people who are ill. But a majority of our clientele is doing this preventatively, regularly, for just a basic health regimen.” Half of Hydration IV Bar’s business is from members with monthly memberships. The $125 monthly plan includes an IV treatment, a shot of B12 and a discount on other services. “Once a month is a really good regimen just to get your full hydration and a boost of all of your vitamins,” Wafer said. She continued to explain that the monthly package pair wells with clients who are using the treatment as part of their wellness care, or for anyone who is having health issues and uses alternative treatments, including cannabis. “We have a lot of people who whether they are in pain or they’re not sleeping well, they have anxiety . . . a lot of them use medical cannabis,” said Wafer, who mentioned they carry cannabidiol (CBD) products in their retail. “They like this because it’s an alternative therapy as well. They work really well hand-in-hand.” Services offered by Hydrate IV promote general wellness or shorten the duration of illness. They have several defined options that are suited for treating colds and flu, jet lag, overindulgence, and treatments to help with aging and physical performance. Prices start at $69 for a basic IV bag and go up to $169 for an anti-aging mix. Other options include the “Meyers Cocktail” containing B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and zinc. B12 shots can be added on or sold separately. The treatments do not claim to cure illness, but instead alleviate

“We have a lot of people who whether they are in pain or they’re not sleeping well, they have anxiety . . . a lot of them use medical cannabis.”

Co-owner Katie Wafer

symptoms and provide vitamins to help the body heal itself and shorten the duration. “The best is to come in at the very beginning, at the onset when you’re beginning to feel sick, and it’s just a super boost to the immune system,” Wafer said. “It’s helps your body fight whatever’s going on.” Hydration IV Bar also puts a lot of attention into the customers’ comfort during the treatment, offering Wi-Fi, TV, blankets and lowering the temperature in the bar. “You can just sit back and relax,” she said, mentioning people are often surprised by how easy it is. “Our biggest hurdle is that people are nervous about needles, so we do our best do make them comfortable and to distract them.” Hydrate IV Bar also uses the smallest catheters possible and warms all the bags. “We’ve put a lot of attention into the small details to make it as easy as possible.” Hydrate IV Bar does house calls for groups of five or more. Wafer mentioned, for instance, they have done bachelor/bachelorette parties and wedding parties during the day of the wedding, in case someone had overindulged at the rehearsal dinner. Hydrate IV Bar has three locations in the metro Denver area. c

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REVIEWs

company highlight

Rocky Mountain High

T h e P at P e n i s s e t t i n g the bar high for cannabis-based products By Richard Saunders

ituated in Pueblo West, Colorado, The Pat Pen has become established as a trusted brand in the local community and beyond. The Pat Pen’s variety of high quality oils, salves, tinctures, nectars and crowd-pleasing pens loaded with 100 percent CO2 hash oil are very popular throughout the state. The customer is always right, and The Pat Pen employees acknowledge that they cannot forget about their core client base. “We keep our focus on the needs of our customers and are very involved in developing new products to continue to excite and delight our clientele,” Manufacturing Infused Products (MIP) Manager Gail Walker told CULTURE. “Keeping our needs for production and shipping in line with the need of our customers is my primary goal.” Walker advises others who are interested in the cannabis industry to stay current on legislation, because the cannabis laws are constantly changing in any state, including Colorado. She hopes to see the cannabis community band together. “Lawmakers in many cases, business people and customers are learning this business as it grows; in its infancy we must work together to create reasonable legal requirement that are cohesive to melding to a national stage; those entering this industry must be aware of and take part in educating the populace of the benefits and pitfalls of our products,” she stipulated.

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By offering fine products at very reasonable prices, the company is building up demand and creating a foundation in order to be poised to compete in a national market— one that is expanding quickly to other states. The Pat Pen expanded beyond Colorado and into the New Mexico market. A strong sales team is critical in any production company. The Pat Pen’s sales team is always busy at work in a fast-paced environment. “In my department, we focus on sales for our Pat Pen products and Honestly Herbals line,” Sales Manager Brianna Triplett told CULTURE. “Between my sales team and the MIP employees, we work hard to produce and distribute the finest CO2 products on the market, while maintaining a high level of customer service.” With CO2 extraction, there is less toxic solvent residue, and it is one of the cleanest extraction methods around.

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The Pat Pen’s products are available at licensed dispensaries throughout Colorado. The Pat Pen sales team tries to reach every store in the state, and they offer 24 to 48 delivery schedules, with no minimum orders and with one-on-one communication. Triplett has watched her department grow from a single sales representative and single driver to five sales representatives and two drivers. Behind every great concentrate is a great cannabis strain. Grow Manager Mike Martin described the company’s multiple facets within the cannabis industry. “We’ve got the lab, the grow and the storefront, so having all three of those really would be our specialty, especially running all three of those operations together,” he said. With three years of experience running a cannabis business under his belt, Martin encourages other cannabis industry insiders to be prepared for a lot hard work which will eventually become very rewarding. Martin, of course, cannot speak on behalf of the whole company, but sees the company moving forward and becoming a leader in the future. “In five years I definitely think we will continue working towards this goal

“Keeping our needs for production and shipping in line with the need of our customers is my primary goal.” and really building a team who want to work towards that goal,” he said. “We are already well on our way.” The Pat Pen’s team works together as a single unit, all working together to provide businesses, patients and consumers with a reliable product. c The Pat Pen 609 E. Enterprise Dr. #140 Pueblo (719) 547-3680 www.patpenproducts.com

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REVIEWs

strain & concentrate Doc’s Lucky Strawnana Crystals Doc’s Lucky Strawnana Crystals are magically delicious! From Doc’s Apothecary our review team received light yellow, transparent THC diamonds that had some of the most sparkle and glimmer we’ve seen in awhile. These crystals were almost too beautiful to consume. Out of a water vape, the first hit was smooth and tasted like sweet, floral bananas. This concentrate is straight funk, thanks to its parents, Lucky Charms and Strawnana. Our team reported instant feelings of relaxation. The effect wasn’t overly heavy, but more so relaxing and really took away the day’s stresses, aches and pains. The significant amount of THCA (939mg), THC (15mg) and CBGA (7mg) could make this a wonderful product for medical patients in need of physical pain relief. Produced in small batches, Doc’s Lucky Crystals are made with 14er Boulder genetics and processed by Dabs Labs. Stop by Doc’s Apothecary in Denver or Northglenn to pick up your own pot of gold.

Available at: Doc’s Apothecary in Denver or Northglenn.

Available at: LivWell in Denver.

Delta 8 THC Vape Pen by Evolab

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We can honestly say that this is one of our new favorite products. The Delta 8 Vape Pen by Evolab has everything we look for in a concentrate: No butane, propylene glycol or glycerin, naturally-grown cannabis and CO2-processed oil. What really allows the Delta 8 THC Vape Pen to stand out from the rest is that it contains the cannabinoid delta-8tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a cannabinoid similarly structured to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Although delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol has not been fully studied yet, reviewers are reporting that it produces minimal psychoactive effects and has motivating properties. The oil came preloaded in a slick black pen. After charging the pen, and taking a few puffs, the cannabis-derived terpenes produced a pleasant, clean hashy taste. At 335mg of THC and 62mg of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, we noticed a head change that was clear and focused. Reviewers were able to continue their normal work for the day feeling perfectly productive. This is a great pen to have on hand for daytime consumption.

Platinum Valley Platinum Valley for the win! Our team had a great time sampling this delicious strain bred by High Level Health. We legit could not stop smelling this. It had the most uplifting and fragrant, sweet, lemony funky scent. The nugs were perfectly dense, covered in trichomes and flecked with orange hairs. In our glass water pipe, the smoke turned milky white upon inhalation, with a variety of citrusy and earthy terpene flavors. The finish was deliciously haze forward and the scent lingered in the air. We couldn’t get enough of the flavor. The effects were just as amazing as the taste and smell. Reviewers felt uplifted, happy, focused and creative without any feelings of anxiety, which may be attributed to the 30-ish percent of indica in this hybrid. Although a heavy strain, it produced a clear body effect. The award-winning platinum Platinum Valley is bred by High Level Health from their own San Fernando Valley Headband crossed with Silver Grapes. Visit one of the High Level Health locations in Denver and scoop up some Platinum Valley to enhance your summer days. 30

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Available at: High Level Health in Denver.

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REVIEWs

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1. Rosin Stamp Rosin Stamp by The Press Club is the perfect hassle-free way to remove concentrates from parchment paper—just press and lift. Rosin Stamp rises above the competition, with a satisfaction guarantee and a 365-day return policy to back it up. Three different sizes are available, and it won’t rip your parchment paper like a dab tool, so precious concentrates won’t be wasted in the process. If you’re serious about concentrates, or just enjoy an occasional dab, you may want to consider investing in a Rosin Stamp for your collection needs. Price: $19.95 More Information: thepressclub. co/products/rosin-collection

2. OTTO™ by Banana Bros. Let’s face it—every time you try to roll a pre-roll, your friends laugh at you and your end result looks more like a miniature bowling pin than a joint. Do you want pre-rolls that are uniform in size and shape? What you need is the OTTO™ from Banana Bros.—it does everything, from grinding your cannabis to filling pre-rolls. CULTURE tried it out at a house party, and we were impressed that it does what Banana Bros. says it does. OTTO™ Grinder is able to roll up to 30 perfect pre-rolls per charge and is odor and spill-proof. Price: $129.99 More Information: bananabros.com

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3. Fresh Cannabis Santal A fragrance is so much more than an aroma—it boosts confidence, self-esteem and general appeal. With a sensual woody masculine scent that blends rich fruits like kumquat and dark plum with patchouli, magnolia, chocolate, vetiver and vanilla, this is a winner. Made by Fresh®, this essence produces a diverse bouquet of fragrances. Rich earthy notes will leave a lasting impression. The scents are not too overpowering, making it possible to use as a unisex fragrance. Its retro artisan bottle will also make an impression in your bathroom quarters. Price: $50-$90 More Information: www.fresh.com

4. GenKit So you’ve planted a few seeds and they’re in the early stages of vegetation, but you want to ensure you’re dedicating your time to only the flowerproducing females. Look no further, Steep Hill Labs has come out with the GenKit, a genetic testing kit that identifies the sex of your seedlings, as well as other important factors from a leaf sample sent to the lab by you. Often, sex is determined too late and one male plant can pollinate and ruin an entire cultivation operation, turning buds into seeds. GenKit also documents your plant’s genetic makeup, which will identify your plant’s strain or if it is genetically unique. Price: $99 More Information: store.steephill.com

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REVIEWs

entertainment

MOVIE BOOK

Cannabis for Canines

We Happy Few

Beverly A. Potter PhD

Dev. Compulsion Games

Ronin Publishing

Pub. Gearbox Publishing/ Microsoft Studios

For anyone who has welcomed a dog into their home, it is common knowledge that canines are not just pets—they’re family. And like any other family member, dogs face ailments, diseases and aging. Luckily, the emergence of medical cannabis for pets, like canines, provides our fourlegged friends with a natural wellness tool. Cannabis for Canines is a great resource for pet owners who would like to learn more about cannabis therapeutics for their pets, as well as the importance of keeping your pet’s veterinarian in the loop when considering a cannabis regimen. (Jacob Cannon) 34

GAME

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In an alternate 1960s dystopian timeline where citizens consume a hallucinogenic drug called Joy on the regular, things appear to be going swell. But Joy creates a false sense of reality, hiding the inhabitants of an English city from the awful truth. In this game, players see the world through the eyes of three different individuals who begin to realize that Joy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and your actions as a player help contribute to eventual societal collapse. (Nicole Potter) Release Date: Aug. 10 Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC

Blockers

MUSIC

Dir. Kay Cannon

Surfacing

Universal Pictures

Kinesics Self-Released

Throughout the history of the genre, the teen sex comedy has been a mostly manly affair, with movies like American Pie (and its many sequels) and Porky’s (and its two sequels) standing as defining pillars. First-time director Kay Cannon’s newest film Blockers not only brings the genre into more feminine territory but does so with huge laughs and spectacular performances. Following the antics of Mitchell (John Cena), Lisa (Leslie Mann), and Hunter (Ike Barinholtz) as they try and stop their daughters from going through with a prom night sex pact, the film delivers hilarious, ridiculous slapstick as well as some tender, thoughtful moments. (Simon Weedn)

After a few years of building a reputation as one of Denver’s hardest working bands, Kinesics has finally arrived with its debut album, Surfacing. With full, rich production, honest lyrics, beautiful melodies and powerful performances, the album is everything any indie rock lover could want. While many bands struggle with capturing live energy on their debuts, Kinesics never stumbles and is captured both incredibly tight and strong in these recordings. For those who love the emotional energy and depth of bands like Hop Along, Big Thief and others on the Saddle Creek label, Kinesics is for you. (Simon Weedn)

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Sound of Summer Sublime with Rome is back with a new full length album on the way

By Benjamin M. Adams

Sublime with Rome, in all of its iterations, has become one of the most important and popular reggae/rock acts in recent memory, selling over 17 million albums as either Sublime or Sublime with Rome. Many bands over the years would attempt to duplicate the sound of Sublime with Rome—fusing punk, reggae, ska and hip-hop. The reigns of lead vocalist were handed to Rome Ramirez in 2009, which led to a slight name change, creating a new synergy. The trio now consists of Ramirez, original bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Carlos Verdugo. Over the last decade, Ramirez has taken Sublime with Rome back into the charts as one of the top reggae acts in America—including a top 10 album on the Billboard 200 and a charting a top 10 single on U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs. Rome Ramirez also hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs and U.S. Billboard Rock Songs providing vocals for his duet “Lay me Down” with The Dirty Heads in 2010. Ramirez then went on to record extensively with Enrique Iglesias on tracks including a song co-written by Pitbull. On July 27, Sublime with Rome debuted its new single, “Wicked Heart” from its forthcoming new studio album, and fans love it. CULTURE caught up Ramirez to discuss the new album, the creative process and of course, cannabis. CULTURE: Good morning, how are you? [Bubbler noise as Rome takes a dab] How’s it going, bro? I’m just getting ready to take off to Canada. We’ve got a cool show happening there. What are you currently working on in the studio? Right now we’re just finishing up our new record. Eric is actually cutting some bass tracks today up in North Hollywood near Burbank. We’re finishing up the last touches for our third studio album. It’s fuckin’ nuts. We’ve been working on it for a minute, so it’s really been nice to arrive at this 10-year stretch. 38

What is it like working with producer Rob Cavallo—a legend himself—with so many albums under his belt? It’s just been amazing. It’s been a real life blessing, being able to work with a bunch of legends. I mean, all these guys really know what the fuck they’re doing. It’s constantly a learning experience. I’m like a sponge by nature—so I probably ask too many questions, and I just observe how everyone does things, because I myself am a producer as well. I’m really lucky. From an educational standpoint, it’s like the fuckin’ ultimate crash course.

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Are there any details about when readers can expect your upcoming album? [We dropped] a single [Wicked Heart on July 27]. And then, I can imagine that the album will be released [in] not too long—probably early next year. The album title is kind of under wraps.

we’ve always done it. When I started working with the guys, that was how we were able to shake [things up]. I think it’s really cool. Eric has a really good system. It’s not like we just play a song and then that’s all there is to it. We have to rough it up, then chop it up in a very unique way.

Sublime has always been a genre-jumping force in the world of music. Beyond reggae, were you shaped by punk rock and hip-hop? For me personally, I just kind of see the evolution of what punk has become, and also edgier hip-hop music. But it’s kind of morphed into a pseudo-genre, it feels like. I feel like, as far as what we do, and how we encompass those kinds of genres on an album, we just find a way to go there sonically. And then, we make it cohesive, and we work backwards from there. We’ll start out with a super rough cut of a song and then we’ll be like, “Let’s take it back,” so we can fit it into Sublime’s world a little bit more. That’s how

After you took the reigns as lead vocalist of the band, how much did your life change? My life changed completely. It completely changed. I went from sleeping in a van to owning a house. Now, I’m traveling around the world, and I’m able to buy myself a car, get married and have a baby. I’d say every little aspect of my life changed 100 percent.

“I feel that if you only do one kind of music, you’re limited geographically as to where you can travel. With reggae music, there’s a huge pocket for it everywhere around the world.”

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Do you remember which song you sang that impressed Sublime and made them decide to have you join the band? I never really auditioned for it. I would just go over to Eric’s house and get high and jam. This one day, he asked me to play a set at his house at a party, and the two of us played five Sublime songs. After that, everyone wanted me to be in the band. I think we played “Johnny Butt.” We played “Ebin” a lot. We also played “Pool Shark” and a bunch of covers. Is there a different vibe surrounding your live shows when you travel to remote areas like Japan? As far as the vibe of the people, they are some of the best people I’ve ever met in my entire life. Japanese culture is incredible. Every place has different laws,

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“I smoke all day. That’s my thing. I don’t even know what a day without smoking cannabis is like—to put it that way. I smoke herb when I do the dishes. I smoke herb in the studio. I smoke herb to work out. I just smoke herb all the time, basically.” Photos by Andreas Ramirez

so the weed thing changes depending on where we go. For the most part, Sublime has a certain type of fan. In our band, everybody is on the same page, and we’re the same kind of people, on and off the stage. We really get along well with them. Everyone is always super respectful. Obviously, cannabis is important in your daily lives. But do fans hook you up with bud? A lot. When we’re somewhere that we’ve never been, or somewhere where we don’t have a lot of friends, that shit comes in handy. As soon as we get into town, we’re like “Who’s got the fuckin’ herb?” It’s always the same. Fans always get us hooked up first. Before the promoter can or before a stage hand can. Fans always provide it first.

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Sublime with Rome is notorious for working alongside cannabis companies to create exclusive products. What is an Orange Dynamite Stick, and how did the name originate? We have the song “Dynamite” on the first album. We really wanted to infuse some citrus flavors and at the time, we were doing a chocolate bar with Dixie Brands. It was going really, really well. It was orange chocolate with 100mg of THC. We sold a fuckin’ butt-ton of those. We were like, “Yo. Let’s work with our boy Brett to release a really badass citrus strain.” He was already doing Orange Cookies. We hit up him, and I was like, “I’d really like to do some sort of Orange Cookies cross with a really nice hybrid.” So we used Orange Wreck and crossed it with Bubblegum, which was a Cannabis Cup winner back in the ’90s. So, we

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came up with Orange Dynamite. That was a really big seller for us as well. We’re in the process of coming up with some new stuff as well. We distinctly remember reviewing WonderBrett’s Orange Dynamite Stick Sauce, and the concentrate was honestly incredible— both sweet and potent. Do you have any more cannabis-related endorsements? Dude—it’s fuckin’ crazy. Nobody makes sauce like Brett does. Harvest Moon Gardens is really bomb, too. It’s just a small handful of guys who really know what they’re doing when it comes to sauce. There are a lot of people who can really kill the shatter game, but sauce can be a really particular thing, and you gotta know what you’re looking for, as far as terpene profiles, etc.

Photos by Andreas Ramirez

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Do you use cannabis to enhance creativity in the studio, or do you incorporate more like a work hard, play hard later mantra? I’ve already done two dabs since we’ve been talking. I smoke all day. That’s my thing. I don’t even know what a day without smoking cannabis is like—to put it that way. I smoke herb when I do the dishes. I smoke herb in the studio. I smoke herb to work out. I just smoke herb all the time, basically. Dabs, weed, whatever. I don’t like edibles too much. I know this sounds real salesey, but I really do like our line of bars, which are currently out of stock. About eight years ago, we had Dirty Heads on the cover of CULTURE. Can we expect any more collabs with Dirty Heads in the future? Yes. Those are my brothers. I’m on some of their older albums. I do [cut] beats with Jared [Watson], whenever

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he’s in the mood to do music outside of Dirty Heads. I worked with Duddy [Dustin Bushnell] on his solo work. They’re literally like my brothers, in the sense that sometimes they annoy me, and sometimes I annoy the fuck out of them. A lot of the time we get together and play music together. I’ll work with them forever. As far as I know, we’ll probably skip them on this album, but you know, we’ll work with them on the next. Who knows. Reggae is a language that everyone seems to understand. Do you thrive on diversity in the crowds at your shows? Yes. That’s a really big thing for us. Like you said, it’s a really versatile type of music, and we have a versatile fan base. So we fuckin’ eat that shit up. What’s become of that is that we’re able to go to a lot of other countries. I feel that if you only do one kind of music, you’re limited

Photos by Andreas Ramirez

geographically as to where you can travel. With reggae music, there’s a huge pocket for it everywhere around the world. Specifically, what Sublime did and what [it] did for the genre in the ’90s and moving forward, it allows us to exist in different genres and still be able to travel. Are there any noteworthy shows coming up in the following months that readers should plan for? We have the new album that’s coming next year, at the top of the year. We have a lot of shows planned for the end of summer. One of the biggest is going to be Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, [Nevada]. We’re really excited about that. That’s always a really big show for us. We touring now in preparation for the new album, and after it drops, we’ll be doing a formal tour. c www.sublimewithrome.com

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Eric Wilson Dropping a Bassline with

Eric Wilson has been playing for Sublime or Sublime spinoff bands since 1988. In the early days, Wilson, along with Floyd “Bud” Gaugh VI and Bradley, played music at locations as small as house parties with the then-unknown starlet Gwen Stefani and her band, No Doubt. Stefani later recorded the duet “Saw Red” with Sublime. Through the mid1990s, the sound of California included third wave ska, a blend of punk and ska that dominated the airwaves. Sublime mirrored bands like Save Ferris, No Doubt, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish and The Offspring, as well as Bay Area punk bands emerging from Gilman St. in Oakland, California, such as Green Day, Rancid, Operation Ivy and more. But Sublime incorporated both third wave ska and the G funk sound of Long Beach along the lines of Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg and Warren G. Rolling Stone ranked Sublime’s selftitled album as number 25 on its list of the 100 Best Albums of the ’90s. The album documented the 1992 riots perfectly with “April 29, 1992” and songs like “Santeria” still get radio play. While Sublime purists still mourn the loss of the band’s original front man Nowell, who left us over 20 years ago, fortunately

the band forged on and embarked on a new era. After the death of Nowell, Wilson and Gaugh formed Long Beach Dub Allstars. Following that, Wilson went on to form Long Beach Shortbus while Gaugh formed Eyes Adrift and Volcano. The two would reunite in 2009 to reform Sublime—but this time with Rome Ramirez. A lawsuit forced them to slightly change the name. The rest is history. Drummers Bud Gaugh and Josh Freese would eventually be replaced by Carlos Verdugo. Cannabis constantly plays an important role. While Rome is clearly a dabber, Wilson prefers the tried-and-true classic delivery method. When CULTURE asked him if he prefers dabs or flower, “Flowers,” Wilson quickly said. Sublime with Rome’s last full-length studio album Sirens incorporated a level of experimentation including some psychedelic elements. Wilson tried to explain the direction of the new album. “Oh I definitely don’t know how to describe it,” Wilson said. “[We’re] getting away from the psychedelic thing.” As an original member of Sublime since 1988, Eric represents a connection to the past while Rome brings a whole new creative direction to the band. c

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Photos by Andreas Ramirez

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Show Me the Money A recent flood of celebrities have entered the cannabis arena By David Edmundson Celebrities pride themselves on being on top of hot trends. And right now, nothing is hotter than the cannabis industry. (Unless you count fanny packs, because nothing is hotter than those—right?) Celebrity cannabis endorsements go back decades, hitting their stride in the ’70s when cannabis became the focal point for Cheech Marin’s and Tommy Chong’s Cheech & Chong films. It was relegated to part of the counterculture of that time, but as Cheech & Chong made way for teen stoner comedies of the ’80s, the mindset started to change. No longer was it only a back room remedy for outcasts and musicians, the late ’70s and ’80s comedies brought cannabis to college in movies like Animal House and Revenge of the Nerds. The ’90s catapulted it further with films like Friday and Kevin Smith’s View Askewniverse series of films that culminated in the hysterical Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. This brings us to the current century, where cannabis is not only a rich avenue to mine for laughs, but it has become a huge business. And where there is money to be made, there is an agent looking to diversify the portfolio of a celebrity—and take his 15 percent commission, of course. But unlike boring investments like mutual funds and certificate of deposits, cannabis is not only highly lucrative, it can make a celebrity seem cool, and better yet, help heal the world. Throughout the years, there have been staunch supporters and investors in the cannabis industry. These people include the aforementioned Cheech & Chong, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg and many others, but recently a new crop of celebrities has entered the fray. Here is a rundown of the most recent entrants into the cannabis business world.

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Gene Simmons The iconic member of the rock band KISS has never consumed cannabis, but if there is one thing the musician knows, it’s how to make a buck. Short of Star Wars, no brand is as well-managed, and eclectic, as KISS merchandise. This is a brand that features a KISS-branded coffin and KISS strings for your air guitar (let that sink in). Simmons was notorious for his anti-drug stance, once saying that cannabis was akin to heroin. He attributed his change of heart on the matter to simply researching cannabis, something he urges everyone to do. “The Demon” recently invested $10 million in Canadian cannabis producer Invictus MD. Simmons will be the company’s Chief Evangelist Officer and will provide counsel, serve as a spokesperson for the company and make public appearances for the brand.

Gwyneth Paltrow The Academy Award-winning actress’ lifestyle brand Goop will be partnering with cannabis dispensary chain MedMen™ to release a line of cannabis products. The line is currently focused solely on the purported medical applications of cannabis, which includes vape pens, cannabisinfused teas, edibles, bath bombs and transdermal patches.

Jim Belushi The funnyman, who grows cannabis on his Oregon farm, recently announced that he has rolled out his own line of cannabis products, Belushi’s Vault. One of the products is to be named after The Blues Brothers, the comedy classic starring his late brother John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Belushi also recently hosted a dinner where he invited several cannabis companies to pitch their products to a group of investors, including Kevin O’Leary of television’s Shark Tank.

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Amber Rose

Kevin Smith

American model, celebrity icon and podcast co-host of Loveline with Amber Rose, Amber Rose is an outspoken sex-positive feminist who has gained many fans over the years as the organizer of The Amber Rose SlutWalk. In the past, Rose has launched a clothing line, eyewear line and emoji app. She is also a published author and had her own talk show on VH1 entitled The Amber Rose Show. In July, Rose finally branched into the cannabis industry, launching a limited edition vaporizer by KandyPens.

The acclaimed director is no stranger to cannabis. He even appeared on the cover of CULTURE once upon a time. His new project is a scripted cannabis comedy that centers around a Los Angeles dispensary, and he needs your help. Smith is currently attempting to crowdfund the first season of Hollyweed, and you can watch the first episode now on Rivit TV. The pilot was shot in 2006 and has been on a shelf while he awaited on traditional investors. After his recent health scare and seeing firsthand how cannabis aided in his recovery, he has decided to skip the â&#x20AC;&#x153;money menâ&#x20AC;? of Hollywood and instead go directly to his audience. Fans can check out the pilot, and if you would like to help fund additional episodes, the crowdfunding goes through Aug. 25.

Mike Tyson The legendary boxer and ear connoisseur purchased a 40-acre lot of land 110 miles away from Los Angeles, California, with the intention of transforming it into Tyson Ranch. The compound would produce top-shelf cannabis products, but also take advantage of new technologies to research the medicinal value of cannabis. In June, the former boxing champion launched Tyson Holistic Holdings for medicinal cannabis and Tyson Ranch, his recreational cannabis line.

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End of S U MM E R G e taway

Pack your bags and book a c a n n a b i s v a c at i o n t h at b e s t f i t s y o u r d e s t i n at i o n d e s i r e s

By Kiara Manns

The summer season often brings an influx of vacationers to almost every part of the world, and cannabis consumers are no exception when giving into the temptation of summertime travel. Oftentimes it can be difficult to come across the perfect, cannabis-friendly destination. Given the increasing boom of the cannabis industry, the market has opened doors for various companies to tailor specific services to those who love imbibing cannabis while getting away. Get to know a few travel agencies that cater specifically to those looking for the perfect cannabis-friendly getaway.

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Bud and Breakfast Take the convenience of Airbnb and combine it with cannabis to create a stress-free getaway! With Bud and Breakfast, guests have “instant access to safe and legal cannabisfriendly accommodations worldwide.” This company allows potential guests to have an array of lodging choices, while also giving property owners exposure to travelers eagerly in search of the perfect getaway home away from home. This service is great for anyone hoping to enjoy their travels in a comfortable and welcoming environment, rather than the impersonal atmosphere that is often found with hotels. However, properties can range from private homes to charming villas to fit the preferences of every kind of wanderer. Bud and Breakfast promises “an accessible network of accommodations that meet high standards for quality, reliability, and satisfaction for travelers who also enjoy the benefits of the wonderful healing plant, marijuana.” Offering the ability to venture out as far as Uruguay or Canada, this service is helpful to even the most adventurous of travelers.

Kush Tourism For those looking for an online resource to expose them to a variety of travel options within the United States, Kush Tourism might be the way to go. Kush Tourism connects potential travelers with lodging, dispensaries and cannabis tours in several states. “We partner with travel agencies, cannabis tour companies, pot friendly lodging establishments, farmers, processors and retailers,” the company explains. Kush Tourism provides valuable information about travel opportunities, and operates its very own cannabis culture tour in Seattle, Washington. For those curious about cannabis destinations outside of Washington, Kush Tourism also maintains a forum for consumers to discuss and ask questions based on locations they’d like to vacation to.

travelTHC Cannabis-friendly rental properties are just a click away at travelTHC. Cannabis consumers can be at peace knowing their green lifestyle is welcomed at any of the properties listed with travelTHC. What began as a small startup

in Colorado has now expanded to include locations such as Washington, Oregon and Alaska. International visitors looking for the right ambiance have taken travelTHC into their own hands in assisting them in booking their ideal vacation home. Bungalows, cabins, suites and more can all be found through this website. Whether vacationers are in need of a metropolitan city or a hideout in the mountains, travelTHC will match them to the location to best fit their preferences.

RastaVacations Planning out every detail of a vacation can be exhausting, especially when attempting to navigate cannabis-friendly activities and sites. RastaVacations sets customers with preplanned itineraries and travel packages to allow vacationers all the fun experiences without all the hassle of planning and booking during their trip. RastaVacations proudly shares, “We are a ‘green,’ pro-personal choice, pro-legal marijuana, travel resource and company. Our guests are both individuals and groups who prefer a more tolerant vacation experience—and those who appreciate great, unique adventures and destinations.” With each package, every day is organized with events, cultural excursions and sightseeing. Embark on the Amsterdam trip that includes museum visits, countryside trips and a coffee shop crawl in what is recognized as one the cannabis Capital of Europe. Other international packages include Jamaica, Uruguay, Colombia, Canada and the Dominican Republic.

HotBox Jamaica Sizzling temperatures of summer cause many to flock to the tropical islands of the Caribbean, and without a doubt, Jamaica will be on the brain for anyone hoping to kick back on the beach with green by their side. HotBox Jamaica offers specialty lodging, tours of cannabis farms and popular sites on the island overall. Ocean views, balconies and private beach access are just some of the few perks HotBox Jamaica provides its guests. The company is operated by the owners of Canada’s original cannabis lounge, HotBox, and it promises to offer “the most relaxing Jamaican Ganja vacation.” Located in the heart of Runaway Bay, a town on the northern coast of Jamaica, accommodations are in close proximity to nightlife, restaurants and transportation services. c CultureMagazine.com

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Famed Feline Lil BUB is the internet’s most adorable advocate for CBD oil and homeless pets

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By John McClain

ooking at Lil BUB can feel like an out-of-this-world experience. Lil BUB’s walleyed eyes, protruding tongue and exceptionally cute appearance helped this one-of-a-kind cat gain international fandom and help advocate for special needs and homeless pets with positivity and acceptance. She also discovered a new purpose recently after her owner shared her experience using hemp-derived CBD oil, making her become a public face for medical cannabis and CBD hemp oil use for pets. Lil BUB was discovered as the runt of a feral litter and was recognized immediately as a cat with special needs. Mike Bridavsky took her in to

live in his apartment with him after several friends shared pictures of the singularly unique kitten. Bridavsky already owned four other adopted cats that live at his Russian Recording studio in Bloomington, Indiana. The now four-pound, seven-year-old cat has several conditions that make her healthcare a unique challenge. Her conditions include dwarfism, an underdeveloped lower jaw, no teeth, one extra toe on each paw and osteopetrosis, which causes her bones to gradually grow denser as she ages. Bridavsky has used a variety of treatments to help Lil BUB live her life to the fullest, including Reiki, energy healing and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with an Assisi Loop. Bridavsky said he prefers more alternative treatments since traditional ones left her listless. “She doesn’t respond very well to those,” he said. Her internet fame started as a YouTube video of Lil BUB as a playful kitten pouncing on camera and now includes several social media channels, including over three million likes on Facebook. Her playful nature, unique chirping sounds and precociously protruding tongue make her a unique addition to the viral age of feline internet sensations. She is a published “author,” has her own merchandise line including plushies in her likeness, and starred in an awardwinning VICE Media documentary about internet cats called Lil BUB & Friendz. Lil BUB and her “dude,” Bridavsky, have also created Lil BUB’s Big FUND for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which provides grants to shelters to assist with special needs care.

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For the last year, Lil BUB has been taking hemp-derived CBD oil daily to manage her discomfort from her debilitating conditions. “Her mood and spirit seemed to be lifted,” said Bridavsky, who said after reviewing one of her older videos, he noticed a marked change in level over the years. The challenge with a cat like Lil BUB, who has several medical conditions, is being able to track how the oil is benefitting her. “Everything with BUB seemed to be a question mark,” he said, noting a cat with one condition, like seizures, would be easier to track the response from the treatment. His followers have surprised him with the amount of support showered on Lil BUB’s recent pet CBD hemp oil campaign with cbdMD, which has been featured in recent social media posts. “Overall, extremely positive,” he said, noting some 95 percent of comments were in support of the treatment option. Videos and images depict her happily playing with cat toys and scampering around, something that was a challenge more recently as her osteopetrosis condition grows worse, making it hard for her to move around. “She’s been spryer and more with it than ever before,” he said. Many commenters mentioned their own administering of CBD oil to their pets for treatment of various ailments and, sometimes, their own use. Comments also thanked Bridavsky for discussing the treatment option openly. “I always recommend to talk to your vet before giving anything to your own pets,” said Bridavsky, who said he had met with Lil BUB’s vet and received their approval before giving her any CBD oil. He echoes that advice in the comments section of posts, including to the few skeptics who comment adversely about the CBD oil treatment, citing the lack of data about it. Considering her small size, Bridavsky slowly worked Lil BUB up to a current two 300mg 58

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dropperfuls of CBD oil, which she happily takes. He acknowledges that is a high dose for a four-pound cat. He also administers CBD oil to one of his recording studio cats, Special Agent Dale Cooper, to help with his arthritis. Bridavsky said it was a great idea that the California legislature is

“She’s been spryer and more with it than ever before.”

currently considering Assembly Bill 2215 that would regulate cannabis for pets just like how it is for adults in California and empowering more veterinarians to recommend this type of treatment. Similarly in New York, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin recently introduced an amendment, Bill No A10104, which would allow pets to have access to medical cannabis. In addition, the potential of CBD on epileptic dogs is currently being tested at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Cannabis-derived CBD contains a lot more cannabinoids,” he said, noting that a cannabis-based fullspectrum oil could have medical properties beyond hemp-derived CBD oil. “I think it would be great to legally give it to your pet if they would benefit.” c

+ lilbub.com

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“When I’m home and it’s time to get down to business with s o m e c o c k ta i l s , t h e m o u n ta i n v i b e s a r e d e f i n i t e ly i n f l u e n c i n g w h at guests are seeing on the menu—pure, b r e at h ta k i n g a n d blissful.”

H e y L o l i ta , H e y L

C o c k ta i l C a r ava n pa r t n e r s w i t h cannabis businesses and serves in the m o s t u n i q u e way

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By John McClain

olita is the life of the party everywhere she goes. She’s the cutest cocktail server there is. She is a remodeled 1960s caravan that was carefully refurbished by a Colorado wilderness lover who brought her passion for the outdoors to the bartending scene. Cocktail Caravan is a mobile highend full-service cocktail and beverage station service with bartenders based in Denver and Boulder. Lolita is the center of the company, a charming 15-foot caravan with counter space, an open window for serving and a bench

Photos by Kelsey Huffer, Poppies + Paisley Photography

seat on one side. Crystal Sagan is the founder of Cocktail Caravan, which has been pouring locally-sourced libations for a year and a half. After a decade of bartending, Sagan stepped into a role in publishing, but kept her hand on the cocktail shaker. After standing behind the bar for a friend’s wedding serving 300 guests, the phone never stopped ringing. After that, she started serving at events exclusively. The business has grown to become a group of bartenders sourced out of Denver and Boulder and a kitschy little trailer who is the center of attention, along with the cocktails she serves.

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“We’re having a blast,” said Sagan. When she first found Lolita, the 1969 caravan trailer was a mess and had to be taken down to her frame and rebuilt, salvaging the original windows. “I’d seen the caravan bar trend growing in popularity in Australia and Europe and thought it would go over well here so took a gamble and went for it.” Lolita dresses for the events in vintage and modern kitsch accessories—along with her “ridiculously” named plant friends. She helps credit the ingenuity and freshness of her drinks to her love of nature, using locallysourced ingredients and a blast of wilderness to keep them fresh. “When I’m home and it’s time to get down to business with some cocktails, the mountain vibes are definitely influencing what guests are seeing on the menu—pure, breathtaking and blissful,” said Sagan. Active in the local ski community, she also has experience as a writer and photographer for ski publications. “Being in the mountains where you’re the exception, not the rule, and the mountains are the boss and take-your-breathaway beautiful at the same time is my happy place.” Her love of the mountains and nature has brought a mountain-fresh quality to her cocktails, sourced locally and 62

constantly rotating depending on the availability of produce and local offerings. “It sounds supermega cheesy, but those are my big takeaways from being way out there in the mountains and what we’re in turn aiming for with our cocktails,” she said. “We’re using fresh ingredients and keeping things simple in cocktail recipes to let the integrity of the natural ingredients shine through, and the fresh ingredients are so much more powerful than using a flavored liqueur that guests at events are often blown away by the difference.” Part of working with local herbs includes partnering with local cannabis businesses to offer a different kind of herbal refreshment. “We’ve been lucky enough to work some very high-end dinners with Kendal Norris of Mason Jar Events, where we’ve paired cocktails with various strains,” said Sagan, who mentioned she has done cocktail pairings with edibles as well as incorporated cannabis into beverages. “For those events we’re working to enhance the flavors of a flower with cocktails, just as you would in pairing wine with your dinner.” The recent summer heat waves have inspired beverages for the latest events Cocktail Caravan has catered to. “We’re using fresh ingredients and being mindful of summer heat and

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Cocktail Caravan Founder Crystal Sagan

offering things that double as refreshing,” Sagan said. “Fresh herbs are always a big hit throughout the summer, things like basil, thyme, sage and mint are great in cocktails. Cucumbers are in season and a perfect way to introduce a refreshing twist into cocktails when it’s a million degrees outside.” At a recent scorching event, a twist on the julep that included Breckenridge Bourbon, black tea, fresh mint and lemon and a dash of simple syrup was reminiscent of a cool breeze with every sip— hence its name, Mountain Julep. “Every single guest gushed over how amazing it was.” Whether you’re planning an event or hosting a fabulous cannabis-infused dinner party, don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your cocktail service, courtesy Lolita of Cocktail Caravan. c

“We’ve been lucky enough to work some very high-end dinners with Kendal Norris of Mason Jar Events, where we’ve paired c o c k ta i l s with various strains.”

+ mycocktailcaravan.com

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GROWING CULTURE

Ketama, Morocco’s Cannabis Paradise By Ed Rosenthal

lose your eyes and imagine a land where almost every bit of arable space is planted with high THC cannabis. If you opened them in the province of Ketama, in northern Morocco, that would be reality. My partner Jane and I took a three-and-a-half hour flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands to Marrakesh, Morocco, hung out there for a few days, then hired a car and driver for the five-hour ride to cross the countryside to the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen, which flourishes on both domestic and international tourism. We saw no sign of cannabis in the two cities, no paraphernalia in shops, no one consuming it and certainly none in the fields. However, that scene changed as soon as we crossed the border into the province of Ketama. It is located in the Rif Mountains, which have a pattern of steep hills, protected valleys and broad slopes. Its inhabitants are Berbers, indigenous people who have lived in North Africa for thousands of years, and they have their own culture, distinct from the rest of Morocco. And one of the only sources of income is cannabis. 64

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Before we set out, we met a grower who lived 15 minutes from the town center. The house is built around an inner courtyard. Our host showed us three bags of kief made from last year’s crop—each a different variety. Hashmaking has improved tremendously over the 30 years, since I first toured Morocco. His product was very satisfying. We took a tour of our host’s farm, which consisted of fields ranging from fairly flat to moderately steep slopes. Cannabis was planted everywhere. Of course it did better on flat land, because the soil has more nutrients than on sloped land. Our host gave us full rein to explore on his property and the surrounding farms. But before he drove us back to town, he took us up the mountain. At the very top, the land was leveled flat, and his cousin was building a large house there. The geography was plainly visible. These young mountains pushed up steep and jagged with a valley separating the peaks. We could see that every section of land that could support a crop was planted with cannabis. It reminded me of Van Gogh’s paintings of farms and fields. Differing techniques and the varieties being planted resulted in a patchwork of green and tan shades delineating each farmer’s holdings. Farmers here were still growing using the traditional technique

of planting plants close together to produce a single bud. Done properly and supported by nutrients, this can be an efficient technique for commercial production, because it would save the time and energy spent keeping plants in vegetative state. Most of the farmers do not understand that a pollinated female plant will not produce a resinous bud. It would be better if they pulled the male plants so that the female plants’ energy went into producing bud, rather than seed. There weren’t many tourists in town, probably because it wasn’t hash buying season. In fact, there were so few guests at our hotel that we were assured of a “superior room.” The hotel was located in a valley. The land was flat and the plants were well cultivated and very healthy. I was looking at 25 acres right outside the hotel window. It was hilly on the back of the hotel, but parts of the slope had been terraced to make space for more cultivation. We left Ketama shortly after we took photos and then we travelled to Fez, Morocco by car. It is a long journey because of the road winding its way through the mountains. The entire area, everywhere we could see, was planted with weed. It only stopped at the border of the district. At the official border the landscape abruptly changed into olive tree orchards, wheat, alfalfa and other crops, but no cannabis was visible. c

View of the area from the top of the mountain. The land is flat towards the town center and then the slope increases into steep mountains. Every arable space is used. More was created using terracing.

The Shotwa Hotel. Ketamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandest. Our room cost about $20 a night. Hot water is available only on the first floor. The glory has faded but the bed was comfortable. No TV or AC.

Workers removing males. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an impossible task because the fields are so vast. Even if they were all removed, pollen from other fields would still pollinate the females.

A bag of premium kief that will be pressed into hash. Years ago the hash was very weak. Interbreeding with modern varieties has increased its potency to acceptable levels.

To deal with the steep slope, individual planting areas were constructed to make level planting areas.

The town is surrounded by fields. Not a tomato plant in sight.

Male flowers. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first week of July and all the male plants are flowering. Even in midsummer the plants receive more than 10 hours of darkness, inducing them to flower.

The author standing by a field with the city in the background.

After the males are picked they are bundled up and carried out of the field. They are fed to livestock.

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.

CultureMagazine.com

AUGUST 2018

COLORADO NOW! event listings

Hemp Temps University Canna Career Fair, Aug. 8 If you’re thinking about a job in the cannabis industry, come out to Hemp Temps University Canna Career Fair. This event is hosted by a staffing and placement company, which manages over 180 dispensaries that are currently looking to hire qualified professionals who garner a love for cannabis. Hemp Temps, Aurora hemptemps.com

combines all things great— music, beer, biking and food. For three days, the RiNo Art District of Denver will be rockin’ with The Growlers, Cold War Kids and Modest Mouse, among others. Enjoy craft beer, live music and bike races while chowing down on some grub from some of the 20 best food trucks Denver has to offer. 27th St. and Blake St. Denver veloramafestival.com

Save the Ales, Aug. 9 If you’ve ever seen a 20ton ale up close, you know the awe-inspiring feeling they radiate. Enjoy unique craft beer from Colorado breweries while participating for a good cause in preserving ale’s number one necessity—water. Mile High Station, Denver conservationco.org/ savetheales

CannaVenture Hike, Aug. 18 Hate running into judgy acquaintances or family friends when you decide to leave the house high? Join CannaVenture, a group of like-minded people who like to hike, camp and explore all Mother Nature has to offer while enjoying the benefits of cannabis. Trek through the beautiful Betasso Preserve on a 3.3 mile hike where participants consume at their own risk. Betasso Preserve, Canyon Loop Trail, Boulder www.cannaventure.org

Denver BrunchFest, Aug. 12 The most important meal of the day is undoubtedly brunch. Join other brunch lovers in trying a variety of food samples provided by some of the best brunch restaurants in Denver. Gorge yourself on mouthwatering eggs, flaky biscuits, bacon, sweet treats—and don’t forget the bottomless libations. Civic Center Park, Denver denverbrunchclub.com Velorama Festival, Aug. 17-19 The Velorama Festival 66

Slayer, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Aug. 18 Listen to wonderful, hateinspiring music while banging your head back and forth and summoning evil spirits from the netherworlds. Slayer, Lamb of God and Anthrax will shake the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre all night long. Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Englewood fiddlersgreenamp.com

AUGUST 2018 CultureMagazine.com

featured event

Chef & Brew Festival 2018, Aug. 29 If you love beer and food, you won’t want to miss out on the 7th annual Chef & Brew Festival. Some of Colorado’s best chefs are joining forces with local independent craft breweries in a competition to create the best food and beer pairing. Attendees get to create, sample and vote for the best combination. Exdo Event Center, Denver www.chefandbrew.com Brews & Bodyslams, Aug. 24 There is nothing like enjoying a cold one, surrounded by hundreds of screaming people, all watching two athletes duke it out. Rocky Mountain Pro wrestling is the number one place in the Rocky Mountain region to witness someone get body-slammed for sport and entertainment. Rackhouse, Denver therackhouse.com/events Conscious Community Collective, Aug. 25 Live music, guest speakers and CBD-infused facials? Count us in! If you’re looking for fun ways to incorporate cannabis into your health

routine, join Conscious Community Collective at the International Church of Cannabis. International Church of Cannabis, Denver elevationists.org 3rd Annual Cannabis Symposium, Aug. 30 Yellow Scene Magazine is connecting supporters and the general population with accurate information and research on cannabis with their 3rd Annual Cannabis Symposium farm-to-BBQ event. Discuss questions on regulations in the cannabis industry. Lone Hawk Farm, Longmont lonehawkfarms.com

CultureMagazine.com

AUGUST 2018

News of the

Weird

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

made from found objects. Arkelian passed away in 2008, and his widow welcomes tourists to her museum, which includes his shredded work boots and tools. But she says the couple argued about the project. “He ruined his health because of this hole,” she told RFE.

LEAD STORY—KARMA Walt Dean King, 69, just wanted to take a look at a used car for sale on July 4. But when he approached the vehicle in the small California town of Tracy, about 60 miles east of San Francisco, he was suddenly knocked off his feet by a bull that had gotten loose. King felt the bull’s horn go through his side and crawled between a bush and a house as the bull stood over him snorting for about 20 minutes. FOX40 reported that King underwent three hours of surgery, after which doctors told him his belly fat had saved him from worse injury. King believes karma kept him alive: “Back in the ’70s, I had pulled a lady out of a burning building, so now I think I’m being paid back, by not dying,” King said.

WAIT, WHAT? Brigadier Gen. Gholam Reza Jalali, the head of Iran’s Civil Defense Organization, announced in a press conference on July 2 that Israel is manipulating the weather over Iran to prevent rain. “Israel and another country in the region have joint teams which work to ensure clouds entering Iranian skies are unable to release rain,” Jalali posited, according to YNet News. “On top of that, we are facing the issue of cloud and snow theft.” However, the head of Iran’s meteorological service was skeptical: “It is not possible for a country to steal snow or clouds. Iran has suffered a prolonged drought, and this is a global trend that does not apply only to Iran.”

IT’S A COMPULSION In 1985, Tosya Garibyan of Arinj, in Armenia, asked her husband, Levon Arkelian, 44, to dig a pit under their home where she could store potatoes. But once he got started, Radio Free Europe reported, he just couldn’t stop. Twenty-three years later, the underground oasis Arkelian created is a tourist attraction. Working as many as 18 hours a day with only a hammer and chisel, Arkelian created seven rooms, stairwells and passages running as deep as 65 feet and adorned them with carvings and decorations

WEIRD SCIENCE If summer’s heat is making you anxious about body odor, you might want to investigate a helpful gadget launched on July 1 by Japanese health tech company Tanita: The ES100, an odor-sensing device that will detect body odor or too much perfume or cologne. IT Media reported that the user simply points the sensor toward the underarm area (or other problematic spots), and in 10 seconds a numerical score will appear on the LED display. If you’re a 10 . . . you’re not a 10.

AUGUST 2018 CultureMagazine.com

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS In Madison, Wisconsin, an unidentified 19-year-old driver flipped his car after overcorrecting in traffic on July 3. The Wisconsin State Journal reported that the man left the scene and removed some clothing, then pretended to be a jogger who happened by when police questioned him. Police said he was not impaired; he was later charged with leaving a crash scene and driving without a license. A 62-year-old security guard named Ramdin in the city of Kanpur, India, told doctors he was robbed in June of about $722 (proceeds from the sale of his motorbike) by muggers who attacked him and knocked him out. When he woke up, Ramdin was suffering from severe abdominal pain, which brought him, 10 days later, to Rama Hospital, where a scan revealed a steel cup lodged in his abdomen. Senior surgeon Dr. Dinesh Kumar told Metro News: “It seems that the metal cup was inserted into Ramdin’s rectum by the goons, and it got stuck near the intestines.” Doctors couldn’t remove the cup using the route it went in, so they had to operate. Ramdin was discharged from the hospital on July 4. EWWWWW! In what can only be a testament to curiosity, a Staffa, Ontario, Canada, man has created an eBay listing for the McDonald’s meal he placed on a shelf in his home six years ago to see what would happen. CBC Radio reported on July 5 that Dave Alexander

also set aside a homemade burger and fries, five years ago, in order to make a comparison. The McDonald’s meal held up much better: “The fries are stunningly good looking,” Alexander said. “The burger itself has darkened a little bit. The bun is about as hard as a hockey puck, but it looks just like it’s brand-new cosmetically.” Alexander is downsizing and listed the meal—”original owner, never eaten”—for $29.99. “We live in the country and we’ve never seen a fly land on it. Ever,” he said. OOPS! Finished with her shopping at the Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, Walmart in late June, an unnamed woman returned to the parking lot and drove off in the black rental car she had just picked up. Two weeks later, when she returned the car to the rental agency, she complained about the car’s messy condition and the set of golf clubs left in it. Nation Valley News reported the “slightly confused” manager informed her the car she had rented was a Nissan Sentra, but the car she returned was an Infiniti. Sure enough, the Infiniti owner had reported his car stolen from the Walmart parking lot, and when the woman and the agency manager returned to the lot, the Nissan was still parked there. The Infiniti owner got his car back, the woman was a “wee bit embarrassed,” and the Cornwall Community Police Service reported on July 8 that there was a “happy and funny ending to the story.” They also urged citizens to “not leave your key fobs in your vehicle when not being operated.”

CultureMagazine.com

AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 2018 CultureMagazine.com

CultureMagazine.com

AUGUST 2018