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inside
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Cannabis CowboY Driven by his newest cannabis-themed song, country singer and musician Toby Keith discusses how songwriting and patriotism have played important roles in his career. O n the C O V E R :
andrew southam
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features 46
Prominent Professionals
CULTURE highlights leading businesswomen in Colorado’s cannabis industry in honor of Boss Women’s Month.
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Social Embrace Denver welcomes social cannabis consumption with the official arrival of Initiative 300.
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Industry Insider Matt and Leslie Bodenchuk, inventors of cannabis enthusiasts’ favorite tool, the Toker Poker, found success in necessity.
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Good Vibrations Meg Hennesseey, also known as local DJ Xenolinguist, shares all about her inspiration, creativity and how cannabis has healed herself.
departments 10 Letter from the Editor
news
Online Exclusive! 12 News Nuggets 13 By the Numbers 16 Local
News 20 Legal Corner 22 Healthy Living
reviews
26 Dispensary Highlight
28 Advocate Highlight 30 Strain & Concentrate Reviews 34 Cool Stuff 36 Entertainment Reviews
in every issue
64 Growing Culture 66 Destination
Unknown 68 Profile in Courage 70 Recipes 76 News of the Weird
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d Cannabis Stigma Harmful to Patient-Doctor Relationships d Medical Cannabis Bill Introduced in Texan Legislature
Vol 9 IssUE 2
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CULTURE M
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams managing editor Addison Herron-Wheeler Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Jefferson Van Billiard, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Damian Weiler Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic DesignerS Nathan Hernandez sales director Justin Olson Regional Manager
Kim Cook
Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy digital content manager David Edmundson Intern Sophia Rybicki Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla 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.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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LETTER
FROM
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EDITOR
U n i t e d We P r ev a i l
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hen thinking back to our time of youth, everyone can hear and recognize the soundtrack of their lives. From the rebellious punk rock music to the heart-wrenching ballads of R&B, each genre marks an era of personal growth and realizations about life. For me, country music held an important role as the anthem of my childhood, but in recent years, songs by Shania Twain and Garth Brooks are kept buried in nostalgia alongside tunes by Guns N’ Roses and Ace of Base. Even though I have embraced different approaches to music and found new favorites since then, country music has recently re-appeared in my life, as legendary country music Toby Keith just released a new music video about cannabis that features a joint-smoking Willie Nelson. I’ll be the first to say that in the past, not everyone saw a strong connection between cannabis and country music. But in an industry in which I am extremely involved in and passionate about—cannabis is now being promoted and whole-heartedly embraced by the country music world. It was then that I realized that much like music, cannabis transcends all people, regardless of what they believe. Known for his patriotism and support for the military, Keith has produced many conservative songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and “American Solider.” Keith’s newfound success with this cannabis anthem reminds me of how much the cannabis industry has evolved. Now, conservative and liberal politicians are working together to reform cannabis legislation at the state and federal levels. Although cannabis is notorious for the role it plays in the Rastafarian way of life, cannabis has a way of influencing many
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other cultures and religions around the globe. In the United States, we’ve seen everything from cannabis cultivating nuns to modern cannabis churches that are non-denominational out of respect for all religions. There will always be beliefs and ideologies that continue to separate us. Instead of focusing on those differences, let’s rally all fans of rock, rap and country, as well as every known religious affiliation, and we will continue to work together to reverse the negative stigmas associated with cannabis. Our relentless advocacy and dedication to professionalism and freedom will help us prove how cannabis has the ability to improve the planet and all the people who live on it. c
Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Cannabis Credit Union to Apply for Master Account with Federal Reserve Fourth Corner Credit Union, a credit union established in 2014 to provide cannabis businesses with a financial institution, is once again trying to get an account with the Federal Reserve. A recent ruling by the 10th United States Circuit Court of Appeals determined that despite earlier efforts, which were blocked, Fourth Corner can now legally apply for an account. However, if their application is accepted, the credit union will only be allowed to set up accounts for cannabis supporters and advocates,
and it won’t be able to create accounts for plant-touching businesses until cannabis is federally legalized. “This landmark case removes many of the shackles encumbering the legalized marijuana industry and validates the legitimacy of the 368 banks and credit unions providing cannabis-related businesses with financial services,” Steve Schain, counsel to Hoban Law Group, a law firm that specializes in cannabis and financial access told CULTURE. “By ruling that the Federal Reserve Bank lacks discretionary authority to select whom may participate in the banking system and the Federal Courts cannot make rulings based on whom they deem may break the law in the future, the Fourth Corner opinion is a decision of universal application beyond the cannabis industry.”
Veterinarians Studying Effects of CBD on Dogs Colorado State University (CSU) is currently conducting tests to see how certain canine ailments react to cannabidiol (CBD). Specifically, researchers are looking at how CBD can provide dogs with relief from muscle problems, anxiety and seizures. The study comes as a response to people who want more information about treating animal companions, rather than having to rely on limited research or selfdosing. “I believe this is important work, because it has immense potential to help with many common canine ailments,” said Stephanie McGrath, assistant professor of neurology
New Hampshire Decriminalizes Cannabis In mid-July, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed House Bill 640, which officially decriminalized cannabis in the state. The bill reduces the penalties for possession of threequarters or less of cannabis or five or less grams of hash, and it also minimizes the fines. The Marijuana Policy Project’s Political Director, Matt Simon, released a statement about the signing’s approval. “The governor deserves credit for his steadfast support of this commonsense 12
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and neurosurgery at CSU and researcher behind the experiments. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, and it’s time we put the science behind it. If cannabidiol (CBD) proves to be a safe and effective treatment for these diseases, the lives of thousands of dogs could be significantly improved,” she told CULTURE. Although the study is still facing hurdles like the Schedule I status of cannabis that still affects all types of cannabis research, this information will prove valuable to those interested in incorporating medical cannabis into veterinary medicine.
reform,” he stated. “Unlike his predecessors, who opposed similar proposals, Gov. Sununu appears to understand that ‘Live Free or Die’ is more than just a motto on a license plate.” HB-640 also implements a new misdemeanor charge for adults who do not properly store their cannabis edibles in child-proof packaging. New Hampshire is the 22nd state that has implemented cannabis decriminalization efforts. Although the bill was signed, it won’t become law until 60 days have passed since the initial signing.
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Colorado has collected in recreational cannabis tax revenue over the past threeand-a-half years: (Source: 9News)
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The number of active medical cannabis patients who are registered in Colorado, as of May 31, 2017:
86,964
(Source: Colorado.gov)
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Colorado collected from combined medical and recreational sales during the month of May: (Source: Forbes)
127.7
The number of Colorado Springs City Council members, out of nine, who said they would support a ballot measure that asks voters whether or not they want to allow recreational cannabis sales in the city: (Source: The Gazette)
The number of consecutive months that Colorado has reported having collected over $100 million from recreational and medical cannabis sales, per month: (Source: Newsweek)
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The percentage of voters who believe that states in the U.S. should be allowed to enact their own medical cannabis programs: (Source: Survey USA)
76 The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that will be taken from New York State funds to boost industrial hemp research and development in the state: (Source: WBFO 88.7)
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The number of new medical cannabis dispensary licenses that were awarded in Pennsylvania:
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(Source: Philadelphia Magazine)
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Louisiana State University will receive over the course of five years as part of a medical cannabis production contract: (Source:
3.4
San Francisco Chronicle)
Colorado State Fair WHEN: Fri, Aug. 25–Mon, Sept. 4 WHERE: Pueblo Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo WEBSITE: coloradostatefair.com People love state fairs, and after 147 years, Colorado’s fair has become one of the most famous celebrations of local cuisine and performances in the community. Attend the Colorado State Fair to kick off the end of the summer at the Pueblo Fairgrounds with live music featuring Chris Janson, Foreigner, Gabriel Iglesias and Skillet. Indulge in Pueblo’s famous chilis, funnel cakes and savory deep-fried pickles. Finally, you can wash it down with Colorado’s craft beers. Find popular
entertainment acts at the Budweiser Rodeo Arena like the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association where bulls, barrel racers and cowgirls get the show on the road. This year, over 10 competitions are being held, such as the Green Chili Championship or a competition to determine the spiciest salsa. Cool down with taste testing entries that includes a selection of homebrew craft beer. Attend arts and crafts classes covering needle art, floriculture and porcelain art. (Sophia Rybicki) iReadCULTURE.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
High Country Cup
The Scen t of Freedom Colorado Court of Appeals determines cannabis odor does not constitute probable cause By Benjamin M. Adams
O
n July 13, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that cannabis odor does not constitute probably cause in regards to warrantless vehicle searches, and the sound of the gavel resonated with cannabis consumers across Colorado. Judge Daniel Dailey ruled that police need more than just an odor to conduct a search on a vehicle due to the plant’s legal status in Colorado. People of the State of Colorado v. Kevin Keith McKnight has been called a precedent-setting case. Police officers, the judge ruled, cannot determine whether or not a crime has been committed based on odor alone. In 2015, Officer Bryan Gonzales pulled over Kevin McKnight, a resident of Craig, Colorado, according to Colorado Court of Appeals’ documents. Gonzales requested that Sgt. Folks bring a drug detection K9 auspiciously named “Kilo.” The dog alerted Gonzales of the presence of “illegal” drugs in the car. To make things worse, McKnight was allegedly followed by police because he was seen leaving a house that was “known” for cannabis activity. The dog was trained to detect cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine and cannabis. Drug-sniffing dogs only have the ability to
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alert police about the presence of any drugs, but they cannot differentiate between legal drugs such as cannabis and illegal drugs. The question now is whether dogs can be retrained on sniffing out concealed cannabis in motor vehicles. “Extinction training” is the process of teaching the dogs to avoid cannabis smells. Cannabis extinction training, however, has been debunked by the K9 Consultants of America. The Moffat County District Court originally convicted McKnight on possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance after initially finding a glass pipe. But an appeal would lead to the case being overturned, signaling a change in protocol for Colorado police officers. The legal status of cannabis invariably affects search and seizure policies, whether law enforcement approves of it or not. “Because Amendment 64 legalized possession for personal use of one ounce or less of marijuana by persons 21 years of age or older in Colorado,” Judge Daniel Dailey wrote in the ruling, “It is no longer accurate to say, at least as a matter of state law, that an alert by a dog which can detect marijuana—but not specific amounts— can reveal only the presence of ‘contraband.’ A dog sniff could result in an alert with respect to something for which, under Colorado law, a person has a legitimate expectation of privacy, i.e., the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana for personal use.” Colorado has sent mixed messages regarding probable cause in the past. Drug sniffing dogs alerted police officers about the presence of drugs in Victor Zuniga’s vehicle in Weld County in 2015. In 2016, the Colorado Supreme Court eventually ruled that cannabis odor can lead to warrantless searches in the case of the State of Colorado v. Victor Zuniga. Justice William Hood disagreed with the ruling, citing Amendment 64 as the reason the protocol needs to change. But the latest ruling effectively dismantles the idea that cops can automatically allow K9’s to follow the scent in vehicle searches. Currently California and Arizona are the only other states that have ruled that cannabis odor is not sufficient for a warrantless search. In Colorado, however, police officers can still conduct a warrantless search if cannabis odor is accompanied by any other indications of illegal drug use. c
Fans of cannabis, beer and wine are all invited to attend the High Country Cup in Aspen. Vendors of all three industries will compete to be crowned as the best in Colorado of their chosen trade. On 450 acres of a private resort, you will be showered with cannabis, beer and wine sampling. Live music will be provided as well as camping and VIP lodging. There will also be disc golf, paintball, horseback riding, ATV rentals and fly fishing to keep attendees entertained throughout the weekend. Get breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains from atop the grandiose mountains of Colorado. This event is for adults ages 21 and over, and attendees must obtain a private invitation to attend. WHEN: Fri, Aug. 4-Sun, Aug. 6 WHERE: Aspen Canyon Ranch, 13206 Co Rd. 3 Parshall WEBSITE: as pencanyon.com/ high-country-cup
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Cannabis Couriers The state’s newest cannabis business license By Corey Cox and Amber Lengacher, Vicente Sederberg LLC
O
n June 30 the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Divisions issued its very first cannabis transporter licenses. This new type of cannabis business license, which comes in both retail and medical variants, allows independent cannabis transporters, or “couriers,” to transport cannabis and cannabis-infused products between businesses throughout the state and to store products in their own licensed facilities. Effectively transporting product throughout the supply chain is a vital aspect to any business. Cannabis is no different. However, the regulations in place limited the ability of cannabis businesses to efficiently and cost-effectively distribute their products across the state. The cannabis transporter license seeks to address past inefficiencies and provide cannabis businesses with the flexibility and logistical expertise required to advance distribution practices within the industry. To appreciate the value of the transporter license, it is important to understand the (brief) history of regulated cannabis transportation in Colorado. Previously, the transportation of cannabis could be performed by anyone holding a valid occupational license. While this approach reduced barriers to market-entry for many couriers (an occupational license costs $75 compared to the $4,900 required
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for the transporter license), the regulatory structure provided limited oversight of transportation practices and industry participants in comparison to other businesses operating in the regulated cannabis industry. In addition, deliveries were required to be completed on the same day (within 24 hours) of the initial pickup. If the deliveries could not be completed within this specified window, the product would need to be returned to the originating location, documents would need to be adjusted, and the transport process would start all over. As you can imagine, this time limit proved to be a major challenge for companies doing business outside the greater Denver metro area, especially when accounting for winter weather. The transporter license and the privileges and obligations associated with it represent a major shift from prior practice in two important respects. First, the transporter license is now required for independent cannabis couriers. This change aligns the licensing of cannabis couriers with other cannabis businesses and subjects the couriers to similar levels of oversight and regulations. For instance, the sources of funding for license applicants are scrutinized by the Marijuana Enforcement Division, and a courier’s facility must meet the same security requirements as a cultivation or dispensary. Critics
have argued this license is simply an additional means for the state to generate revenue from the cannabis industry, and while this is true at one level, the increase in regulatory oversight brings an element of transparency and accountability that was not present in cannabis transportation before. Second, licensed cannabis transporters are given seven days to complete their deliveries and can establish licensed buildings across the state where they can temporarily store their product. This change is huge and has the potential to fundamentally alter cannabis distribution for the better. By giving couriers a longer window of time to complete their deliveries, the couriers have more control over their schedules, which in turn allows them to consolidate driving routes to promote efficiency. More efficient routing results in fewer trips, which over time reduces the costs of distribution. In the words of the CEO of one of the fist couriers to secure the transporter license, this storage capacity finally gives independent courier companies the opportunity to provide their clients with “true logistics services.” What hasn’t changed as a result of this new license? Cannabis businesses such as a cultivations and infusedproduct manufacturers can still distribute their own products without obtaining the transporter license. Cannabis is packaged for shipment the same way as before, and the documentation required remains largely unchanged. Finally, the state’s seed-to-sale system is utilized to ensure cannabis is continually tracked and accounted for throughout the distribution process. At the time of this writing, only three transporter licenses have been issued—a number certain to cause challenges in the short-term. However, this license represents an important step towards professionalizing and regulating cannabis transportation, and in the long run will better align cannabis distribution practices with those of the other consumer goods. c
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
“Significantly, it would seem that cannabis’ ability to enhance forgetfulness allows for more than just intelligent decision making.”
ThoughtProvoking
The importance of understanding how cannabis affects short-term memory By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
C
annabis’ impact on shortterm memory is one of its most notable and often criticized attributes. Never mind that it can reduce dependence on opioids, anti-psychotics, insomnia medications and decrease alcohol consumption— forgetting where you left your keys is deemed a greater danger. As it turns out, not only is forgetting where you left your keys no big deal, it may even be beneficial. New research by Paul Frankland and Blake Richards of the University of Toronto and published in Neuron, a peer reviewed journal for the neuroscience community, concluded that forgetting actually makes us smarter. In an interview on health.com, study researcher Richards explained his view on the subject. “It’s important that the brain forgets irrelevant details and instead focuses on the stuff that’s going to help make decisions in the real world.” Rather than just retaining information, the supposition is that memory functions to enhance intelligent decision-making by retaining what’s important and removing what’s not. Those who criticize cannabis for its purported short-term memory loss retain the view that memory is all about remembering. The new research places forgetting on par with remembering. The authors conclude in their research paper that it is the interaction between remembering and
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forgetting “that allows for intelligent decision-making in dynamic, noisy environments.” Significantly, it would seem that cannabis’ ability to enhance forgetfulness allows for more than just intelligent decision making. By blocking or erasing traumatic memories from memory regions of the brain, cannabis provides more comfort and aid to sufferers of PTSD than any prescription pharmaceutical. A previous study by author Paul Frankland found the connections made by new brain cells being created in the hippocampus overwrite old memories. The hippocampus is intimately involved in memory retention as it plays an important role in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Since cannabis has been shown to facilitate the creation of new brain cells in the hippocampus, it is a reasonable hypothesis that the very creation of these new neurons is responsible for some of the purported short-term memory loss attributed to cannabis use. Rather than being detrimental, Richards asserts the elimination of old memories caused by the creation of new neurons can be beneficial. According to Richards, “If you’re trying to navigate the world and your brain is constantly bringing up conflicting memories, that makes it harder for you to make an informed decision.” Cannabis might cause you to
forget where you left your car keys when it would be convenient to know where they are. Of greater significance is that cannabis can help you forget where you left your car keys when you no longer need to know you left them on the dining room table, because you put them in your pocket several hours ago. “You don’t want to forget everything, and if you’re forgetting a lot more than normal that might be cause for concern,” Richards’ cautioned, “but if you’re someone who forgets the occasional detail, that’s probably a sign that your memory system is perfectly healthy and doing exactly what it should be doing.” Expanding on Frankland’s research that the creation of new neurons can cause some memories to be lost, Richards emphasizes the importance of forgetting these old and insignificant memories through the creation of new neurons by touting the benefits of exercise. “We know that exercise increases the number of neurons in the hippocampus, but they’re exactly those details from your life that don’t actually matter, and that may be keeping you from making good decisions.” Not that cannabis should replace exercise, but if the loss of memories from exercise is beneficial, why freakout over the loss of memories from cannabis when it, just like exercise, can help reduce pain, mitigate psychotic symptoms and facilitate a good night’s sleep. c
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REVIEWs
dispensary highlight
Smokin Gun Apothecary 492 S. Colorado Blvd., Glendale smokingunapothecary.com What’s the story behind the name of your dispensary? The Smokin Gun Apothecary promotes the end of prohibition worldwide. We want to inspire consumers in the hopes they will develop a voice, speak out against oppressive drug laws, put a stop to prohibition entirely and push to regain our country’s liberty. What does your dispensary offer customers that they can’t find anywhere else? Our culture, design, aesthetic and a comfortable shopping experience. Anyone who visits the Smokin Gun will immediately notice that we are truly a one-of-a-kind dispensary. We are the only dispensary that is also a “Drug War” museum. Customers can walk through the speakeasy-styled hidden doorway, back in time to 1870, five years before the first drug laws were passed and the dawn of prohibition began. Customers can pick out their pre-rolled joints inside “The Joint.” The mural behind the counter is a tribute to the major players involved in the “War on Drugs.” 26
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How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? Consumers are becoming more educated and outspoken. The industry isn’t as taboo anymore. There is still a stigma, but is now more culturally accepted. The cannabis industry is heavily regulated, and it seems to be getting worse. It would be nice if the federal government would take a step back and let industry flourish to its maximum potential. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a dispensary? . . . Biggest joys? There is so much competition in the Colorado market. It’s not hard to get lost in this sea of dispensaries. We strive to stay ahead of the curve by using an ever-evolving comprehensive marketing mix. Uncertainty and heavy restrictions make it hard to predict what’s heading our way next. It’s an incredible feeling to pioneer this new cannabis frontier. The opportunities are endless, and we are lucky to be a part of something so revolutionary.
Photos by Nick Moscia
Top-Sellin g Str ain: Doctor Shakalu, Sour Maui Top-Sellin g Co ncentr ate: Concentrated Love Shatter Top-Sellin g Edible: AmeriCanna Sweet & Sour Gummies
What is the one thing you want patients to know about your dispensary? We are about more than just selling cannabis; we truly believe in “lighting the way to liberty.” If someone wanted to open a dispensary and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? It’s a privilege to sell cannabis, but remember it’s still a business. With that comes margins, bottom lines and cost of goods—all this has to be taken into consideration. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the cannabis community? Continuing to educate consumers on the on the “War on Drugs” and how it continues to impact their lives. c
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REVIEWs
advocate highlight
Andrea Fasoli Cannabis Symposium & Farm-toTable Dinner
Occupation: Communications Director When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis? I was 18 years old, traveling for the first time to Amsterdam for my high school senior trip, not knowing much about cannabis whatsoever. I was with two other friends, and when we first smoked in a coffee shop, I was amazed by how many different people I met from all walks of life. I thought to myself, “Of all the legal poisons in our life that can damage us, cannabis is the least of our problems; quite the contrary it may be beneficial to our physical and mental sanity.” How has cannabis benefited your life? I used to be a very impatient person and frequently stressed out about many aspects of my life—school, family, friendships, etc. Once I started consuming cannabis, I was finally able to calm down, take a step back and realize that problems and challenges are an essential part of life. Cannabis allowed me to become much more introspective on the person I was, allowing me to see life from a much brighter and positive perspective. What’s your greatest achievement for the cannabis cause? It is a little too early for me to attest my “greatest” achievement for the cannabis cause. With that being said, I can say with certainty that becoming an active member of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) was by far the best thing I have done since I arrived in the United States in July of 2016 to join the legalization movement. I am very honored to be the Communications Director for the local chapter of Denver NORML, which has empowered me to express my creativity and embark on many exciting projects, like “A NORML Week In America” podcast I started in partnership with WeedStream Radio, to 28
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educate others by inviting entrepreneurs, activists and researchers that belong to the cannabis movement. How did that manifest? I became obsessed with all the literature, studies and simply the vast amounts of information that was readily available to me on the web about the cannabis topic. In a matter of days, I quickly came to the realization that governments all across the globe were willfully lying to their own people and rejecting a species of plants that not only has incredible medicinal properties; it’s also one of the most useful raw materials, applicable in virtually every sector of our economy. Who do you look up to or admire? I greatly admire all the NORML members, supporters, marijuana activists and freedom fighters that never gave in to the lies they were fed since birth. Through hard work, vision and perseverance they managed to successfully challenge the status quo over the decades, and I am proud to know that all those men and women have stood on the right side of history to create what is now the greatest social revolution of the 21st century. If you could change one thing about the way cannabis is viewed and/or treated right now, what would it be? I would want our government, as well as the rest of society, to quit this double standard game towards cannabis and understand that their fear and hatred towards this plant is incredibly hypocritical. c
Pull a chair up to this farm-to-table event where the most critical questions about the cannabis industry will be discussed. This year, the focus is on the legalities and ramifications surrounding cannabis. The event will cover in-depth information about House Bill 1220, the child welfare bill and Senate Bill 17-184, the cannabis tourism consumption bill. Speakers include Shavonne Blades, Dr. Joe Cohen from Holos Health, William Porter, head of marketing and communications for Starbuds Dispensary, Barbara Brohl from the Colorado Department of Revenue, and Truman Bradley of Southwest Alternative Care. This is a good place to start if you want to get informed about the changes in the cannabis industry. WHEN: Thurs, Aug. 24 WHERE: Lyons Farmette, 4121 Ute Hwy., Lyons WEBSITE: vspotz.com/ event/ 11466235 18817529
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrate
Organic Hemp Wrapped Whole Bud Blunts While blunts may be the oldest game in town, the Honest Marijuana Co. has found a way to teach this “old dog” a new trick or two. The company’s new Honest Blunt line comes six to a pack and are wrapped in 100 percent hemp leaves, so you can make rapper Danny Brown proud and smoke “Blunt After Blunt” (without the dreaded nasty tobacco leaf headache). The Obama Kush rolled into these fantastic pre-rolls is 19.92 percent, organically grown in soil and super sweet and earthy, lending even more character to the already-rich, smoky flavor of a hemp-wrapped blunt—it’s sure to make anyone proud to be an American. The effect is mild and sleep-inducing, perfect for relaxing or listening to some of your favorite classic tunes. Or better yet, invite over a couple friends, light one up, and spend the night trying to remember that movie, with the Marines, that starred that one guy. It was A Few Good Men . . . you’re welcome. “You can’t handle the truth!”
Available at: LivWell Enlightened Health’s recreational locations.
Available wherever: Honest Marijuana Co. products are carried.
Zeta Sage #LiveResin Crumble Long oppressed by the evil Emperor Zurg, the Zeta Quadrant was a dark and hopeless place filled with scum and villainy. But ever since its liberation at the hands of Buzz Lightyear and the Star Command, it has been exporting the galaxy’s most amazing cannabis. Next time you feel like tuning in and zoning out, pick a comfortable spot and take a dab of #HASH’s Zeta Sage #LiveResin Crumble. At 81.79 percent THC, it doesn’t take much to get you completely in the zone. The aroma and head rush are downright satisfying, and the flavor is light and floral. While Zeta Sage is sure to get you relaxed, this sativa-dominant hybrid will still allow for plenty of creative thought, perfect for reading or some classic movie and brainstorming time. And at just $45 a gram, there’s not a much higherconcentrated bang for your buck out there. So crank up the A.C., and infuse your day with a little live resin—or light reading. To infinity and beyond!
CBD:THC 3:1 Vape Pen by Mary’s Medicinals We knew we would be pleased when we saw the crystal clear, yellowtinged liquid inside the 3:1 vape cartridge by Mary’s Medicinals. As soon as we took a draw, our senses were enveloped by a rich fruity flavor with a fresh lemon and herbal scent after the exhale. Its 3:1 CBD:THC ratio is perfect for an instantly relaxing effect with clarity for functional, daytime consumption, with 18 percent THC and 55 percent CBD. The refillable 500mg pyrex glass cartridges are filled with additive-free distillate that contains a subtle blend of re-introduced terpenes. The CBD oil comes from Elite Botanicals hemp farm in Colorado, and will easily become a favorite of those looking for relief from anxiety, spasms, pain and serious diseases such as cancer. By finding the perfect balance of CBD and THC, this pen cartridge provided us at CULTURE with a pleasant effect that quickly followed before we could put the pen down. Keep your consumption discreet and mess-free with the slick, clean benefits of a quality vape pen that is sure to become your new favorite go-to product.
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Available wherever: Mary’s Medicinals products are carried.
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REVIEWs
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3 1. My Rolling Tray My Rolling Tray is a well-built tray that is built to last. The handmade customprinted rolling trays are made in California out of solid wood and quality materials. Each tray is capable of surviving a heat test, which consists of running a flame up and down the tray, as well as a scratch test—and its makers are happy to prove it on YouTube. There are no gaps around the edges in order to prevent herb from getting stuck and wasted during the rolling process. The tray area is also very slick and durable, which is perfect for sticky buds. Designs in the tray area can be customizable—from album covers to your own art. For every sale they make, My Rolling Tray donates 10 percent of your order to various charities. Price: $10-80 MORE INFORMATION: myrollingtray.com 2. JaK D’Rippa This strange contraption looks like the sorcery of H.H. Holmes or Jack the Ripper. The device allows you to “annihilate” your concentrates without leaving the slightest shred of evidence. The JaK D’Rippa is designed for those who are tired of wasting valuable concentrates after moving them from the container to the piece. No blowtorch means no burns and no mess. The Rip-Tip is best for dabbing out of glass or metal containers. The Rip-Receiver is designed for when the substance goes directly the heating surface, which minimizes transfer losses. Feel free to adjust the heating surface to your heart’s desire with an easy-to-use temperature dial. Just plug this baby in using its power adapter, and you will be awarded unlimited inhalations. Price: $140-170 MORE INFORMATION: magic-flight.com 34
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3. ResÖlution Gel It’s time to tackle your toughest glass and metal cleaning projects with ResÖlution’s ResGel. Just tear off the top of the re-sealable bag, and soak resinated stems, elbows, nails, stoppers and pipes, or whatever else needs to be cleaned. The gel automatically coats the pieces, making it more effective than runny cleaning compounds. ResÖlution’s clay-based cleansing formula is nontoxic and free of volatile compounds. Out of all the cleaning compounds that CULTURE has tried, this one impressed, as our pieces were free of any unwanted aftertaste following a rigorous cleaning session. The eco-friendly packaging is made out recycled plastic. The top of the bag also includes a nozzle tap for draining. Price: $11.99 MORE INFORMATION: resolutioncolo.com
4. Knife Hits by Diamond Glass Get the glass pipe that truly “makes the cut.” Diamond Glass redefines what a “knife hit” means with its knife-shaped glass pipe that is guaranteed to impress your friends and scare your enemies. Complete with a convenient carb on the left side, the pipe is 100 percent functional. This whopper of a pipe is about 10.6 inches long including the blade length with a decent-sized bowl at the base of the hilt. The serrated glass blade is transparent and features the Diamond Glass logo and four embossed circle designs. For the handle, the glass is blown in a way that resembles a wood grain, adding to its realism. The handle also features finger depressions for a better grip. This showpiece is great for gifts and special occasions, or to hang over your fireplace mantle to proudly display to your guests. Price: $79.99 MORE INFORMATION: smokingoutlet.net
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
Marijuana Harvest: Maximizing Quality & Yield in Your Cannabis Garden Pub. Quick American Publishing Ed Rosenthal and David Downs Expert cultivator and CULTURE columnist Ed Rosenthal has joined forces with the acclaimed cannabis editor David Downs to bring cannabis cultivating tips and techniques to aspiring cultivators of all skill levels. Readers will learn how to work smarter, not harder, with detailed chapters of best practices for each step of cannabis cultivation, processing, drying, curing and even storing. This handy book will provide thorough guidelines and information to ensure your cannabis garden flourishes while saving you a little time in the process. (Jacob Cannon) 36
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Available on: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Release Date: August 25
GAME
Madden NFL 18 Dev. EA Tiburon Pub. EA Sports The Madden NFL series arrives like clockwork every August, bringing new players, challenges and modes to the classic game. However this year marks the first where EA Sports implemented a story mode that allows players to cinematically follow the success of the game’s fictional character. Madden NFL 18 also uses the new Frostbite engine, which improves the graphic excellence of of its in-game players. Fans of the series will be excited to see the return of online play, allowing fans to assemble their dream-team with “Mut Squads.” (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
The Fate of the Furious Dir. F. Gary Gray Universal Pictures As nice as it is to watch a poignant, thought-provoking drama or a heartwarming comedy, sometimes we all need some mindless action in our lives to make us “ooh” and “ah” over car chases and explosions. Enter The Fate Of The Furious, the eighth installment of the franchise, to draw you in and keep you hooked with all of the gorgeous, fast cars, incredible pyrotechnics and awesome stunt driving that comes expected from the series. Though series’ longtime star Paul Walker is tragically absent, Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson still make an awesome ensemble cast. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Contritions Cult of the Lost Cause Sailor Records Some metal is for blasting and moshing, and some is for quiet introspection. Cult of the Lost Cause falls into the latter category, and does it with style. Its instrumental postmetal stylings are rhythmic and relaxing, but also hardhitting, utilizing slow, chugging riffs that dredge up dark and sobering emotions. The band’s latest release, Contritions, dismally takes the listener on an angstfilled ride through regret and loneliness. Tracks like the epic “Wall of Bones” and “Hessian Crucible” will leave fans yearning for more live shows and another release in 2017. (Addison Herron-Wheeler)
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Authen Pa t r i o t
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Photo by Andrew Southam
tic ism Personally, I’ve always wondered if when they legalized [cannabis] whether crime will go down as a result. So, I’m anxious to hear how much the crime might be going down in the states that have made it legal.
Famous for his role as America’s good ol’ country singer, Toby Keith embraces cannabis By Simon Weedn Country music superstar Toby Keith probably isn’t the first person that comes to mind when thinking about cannabis and music. However, with the recent release of his song “Wacky Tobaccy,” Keith may start standing out alongside his friend Willie Nelson. Though this isn’t Keith’s first cannabisrelated song (he released his song “Weed with Willie” in 2003), it is his first to be released as a single and so heavily promoted. While cannabis and country music isn’t a recent fellowship, the shift in opinion about the plant amongst some of the genre’s most conservative fans could not be more clearly exemplified than by the runaway success “Wacky Tobaccy” is having right now. Country music was ready for a cannabis anthem, and Toby Keith was up to the job. Keith recently returned home to the United States after a historic performance in Saudi Arabia during the President’s diplomatic visit to Middle East. Keith’s new album The Bus Songs will be released September 8 and features seven new tunes on the 12-track collection. Recently, Keith took a few minutes away from his Interstates & Tailgates Tour to chat with CULTURE all about his latest album, the challenges of trying to occupy the middle of an increasingly polarized country, his upcoming reception of the Poet’s Award honor from the Academy Of Country Music Awards, as well as some crucial advice for beginner songwriters.
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Do you have any particular feelings about legalization now? It’s funny [. . .] In the legal world they treat it like it’s the devil’s grass, but in the real world I know people who smoke weed that you’d never assume even drink a beer much less smoke. Most people I know who smoke will come home at night, smoke about half of something, and then go lay down and go to bed. It’s just always been funny to me how much weight it carries in the world and how little it actually affects anybody. When I was really young, I had some friends in high school who ended up going to prison over [cannabis], and it was like, “Really?!” They were pretty serious convictions over something that grows out of the ground. Personally, I’ve always wondered if when they legalized [cannabis] whether crime will go down as a result. So, I’m anxious to hear how much the crime might be going down in the states that have made it legal. We watched the video for “Wacky Tobaccy” the other day and absolutely loved it. It seems like the type of song there’s probably a good story behind. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired it? Well, I was at the race track a bit ago, because I own some race horses in Oklahoma City. This older cat I know who’s about as country as cornbread was talking with me about all of this legalization of medicinal weed everywhere and about how it’s kind of coming over the hump. He’s old fashioned and he said to me, “Do you reckon they’re ever gonna legalize that wacky tobaccy in Oklahoma?” I started laughing, and he said I should write a song about it. And I said, “For you, I’ll go write you one!” It sounds like the song came together really organically. It was an easy write, because just the name alone was funny and catchy, and from there I just had to start piecing it together. So, I know in one verse I’m gonna tell you how many different ways you can burn it. In another verse I’m gonna tell you every kind of name for it, you know some folks say, “This is Mexican, this is Jamaican, this is Red Hair Sensimilla, this is Okeechobee Purple, and this is Humboldt County.” Everybody’s got their favorite little things they call it, so I know for one verse I’m going to put that all in there, piece it together, and make it rhyme. Then I said to myself, I need an opening verse to set all of this up. So, I thought I’d start soft so nobody would see it coming and talk about a woman in the office going out at lunch 42
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and then coming back in late and so stoned everybody knows it. It sounds like you had a really good time writing it. It was a fun one to write, and I had a lot of fun doing it. I’ve tried my whole life to love it, but I’m a whiskey guy so it’s just not my high. You could put all [the cannabis] I’ve smoked in my life in a coffee cup, but any time in the last 15 or 20 years I’ve been around Willie Nelson, I just can’t help it because, hey, you’re with Willie Nelson. Now, he’ll drink a little whiskey with me too, but when he fires one up, he just hands it to you, and you’re just not going to tell him no.
“When I was really young, I had some friends in high school that ended up going to prison over [cannabis], and it was like, ‘Really?!’ They were pretty serious convictions over something that grows out of the ground.”
Do you feel like releasing a song like “Wacky Tobaccy,” especially with all of the success that it’s having, will help to take away some of the negative associations that some people, who have probably never consumed the plant themselves, have with cannabis and people who consume it? Maybe. We live in a headline world, and you can’t fix that. I don’t even try. I just do my deal, and I just don’t even really care. I can’t talk to 300 million people around a campfire, share a beer with them, and let them all know who I am because in the end they’re gonna get their data, intel and information from wherever they get it from. If you get up every day and read The Drudge and Fox, you’re gonna get that. And if you get up and watch CNN and read Huffington Post, you’re gonna get that. So, I can’t talk them into one thing or the other; there’s just no way. You just have to let people find it on their own or just live in the dark. But, it’s always made me laugh when someone comes up to me with a real strong slant from one side or the other. Believe me, I get hit just as hard from the right as I do from the left because they don’t like that fact that I’m sitting here going, “So, my whole show is about drinking in a bar, hanging out with women, smoking weed with Willie and drinking from red solo cups.” The left doesn’t see it because all they see is my support for the military; they just see “American Soldier” and “Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue.” While the other side is saying, “What happened to our boy?! He’s smoking weed with Willie! What’s going on here?!”
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To talk about something a bit different, rumor has it that the Academy of Country Music Awards will be presenting you with the Poet’s Award, and that you’ll be honored alongside Willie Nelson and the late Shel Silverstein. How does it feel to have your songwriting recognized like that, especially to be in the company of two other legendary writers? To be on the stage with two of the biggest, Shel Silverstein and Willie Nelson, is magnificent. I’m a huge fan of both of those guys and know everything Willie’s done and most everything Shel ever did—I’m just in awe of them. To even be mentioned on the same ticket with them, I guess it means we’ve done pretty well in the last 24 years. To have a career that’s gone from working in the oil fields to playing honky-tonks in Oklahoma to busking in Nashville to performing in some of the biggest venues around the world and having such tremendous success, is it ever surreal for you looking back on it all? Yeah! You know, I got my record deal when I was in my 20s, and it’s kind of like everything that was before that is viewed in my mind as my childhood. Once my first single hit and was huge, it was like what they call “an overnight sensation.” But really, I’d been playing the clubs for four or five years before that, cutting my teeth, getting my chops, getting to where I could handle audiences and know how to be professional up there and get through the show no matter what. You know, if you can play for three people on a Wednesday night in Podunk, Texas and still stand up there and deliver, then it’s real easy to play for 100,000.
For those interested in getting started writing songs like you do, what kind of advice would you give for a beginning songwriter? Well, the simplest thing is to start with your idea and look at your idea as a wagon wheel; you’ve got the hub, you’ve got the spokes going out, and you’ve got the wheel on the outside. Well, the wheel is your turnaround, let’s just say that’s your chorus, the hub is your idea, you want your hub to be your center of attention, and those little spokes are the color, that’s what you’re trying
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“You could put all [the cannabis] I’ve smoked in my life in a coffee cup, but any time in the last 15 or 20 years I’ve been around Willie Nelson, I just can’t help it because, hey, you’re with Willie Nelson. Now, he’ll drink a little whiskey with me too, but when he fires one up, he just hands it to you, and you’re just not going to tell him no.”
to do in your verses; you’re trying to go out away from the hub, get out to the turn around, get back to another spoke, and then head back to the center again. You know, if you go try to write four verses and then use your idea at the end, people will be tired of listening to your song before you get to your idea. That’s the simplest first grade advice I can give on making your songs better. To wrap things up, are there any other things coming up in 2017 that your fans should be excited for? Through the years I’ve written these things called The Bus Songs
and they’re not really what a label would look for to put out. They’re incorrect, some of them are stupid, some of them are funny, some of them we would never play. Basically, they’re not for everybody. But, we’ve always had these laying around and somebody would say something and they’ll just take off. So for the people that like those kind of songs, they’re all gonna be on one little pile so we can throw that out. Then I’ve got another album in the can, just real songwriter stuff, that’s sittin’ on go. As soon as “Wacky” is done, we’re gonna release a single off of that, put it out and go back into the mainstream again. c
+ www.tobykeith.com
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Colorado has undoubtedly set the precedent over the years on the best practices for ensuring the right regulations are in place for a recreational cannabis market—all while maintaining an ability to continue its evolution and growth over time. Our great state is full of intelligent people who hold a mindset on how to regulate the industry, in a way that makes both legislators and the community happy, while still ensuring safety, consistency and a high level of professionalism along the way. But to continue that success, the cannabis industry needs smart and intelligent business owners—and many of these entrepreneurs are the Boss Women highlighted here. From small startups to booming businesses, it’s the experience, knowhow and success that these native business owners bring to the table to ensure that Colorado’s cannabis industry continues to flourish.
Missy Bradley Co-owner and Brand Director of Stillwater Brands
Megan Solano Owner of CannaBotica
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As co-owner and brand director of Stillwater Brands, Missy Bradley spearheads the company’s efforts to connect responsible adults with cannabis products that help them find the calm they need to stay focused, productive and in control of life’s many anxious moments. Originally starting her career as a journalist, Bradley uses her
strong communication skills to convey how Stillwater Brands’ products are a cut above the rest, providing a trusted, controlled and consistent experience. Representing the female consumer in a company coowned by men, Bradley’s influence resonates with Stillwater’s female audience, sharing how cannabis can fit into a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Megan Solano graduated from Falcon High School in 2004 with a scholarship to Pikes Peak Community College in the Culinary Arts field. She pursued baking for three years and managed the Bruegger’s Bagels’ downtown Denver location. During this time, her allergy to gluten was affecting her health, and she was using cannabis to help cope with the symptoms. This was around the time she decided to start a new career path in the industry. Solano switched her focus from managing
bakeries to managing her current cannabis company, CannaBotica. The compassion she has to help make lives better through cannabis has driven her to push through all the adversities that come with working in the cannabis industry. She has been in business for seven years, and it has been an amazing learning experience for her. Horticulture, compliance and marketing are just a few of the skills that Solano has cultivated along the way. This knowledge paired with her incredible staff have made CannaBotica into a successful company.
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Julie Dooley Founder of Julie’s Natural Edibles
Ashley Picillo Founder and CEO of Point Seven Group
Morgan Iwersen Owner and CEO of Canyon Cultivation
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“Eating cannabis is like no other cannabis experience,” said Julie Dooley. Dooley discovered this to be true in 2008 when she first began working with cannabutter to assist with digestive issues caused by Celiac disease. Her company, Julie’s Natural Edibles, is the culmination of all she has learned and the positive effects that her edibles
provide. They are easy to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle, discreet and less appealing to children, all while offering the consumer greater benefits because healthy fat actually helps the cannabis enter the body efficiently. Today, the company is run by a fantastic team that shares Dooley’s passion and strives to produce quality edibles in Colorado.
Ashley Picillo is the founder and CEO of Point Seven Group (P7G), a women-owned and operated consulting firm based in Denver. P7G specializes in pre-license cannabis consulting by supporting clients from coast-to-coast in the development of application and licensing materials, as well post-licensure operations and business setup. P7G is comprised of specialists in the areas
of cultivation, extraction, processing, dispensary management, human resources and content development. Picillo and her team also work closely with a number of business partners who are subcontracted on a clientby-client basis to support graphic and web design, social media management, architectural drawings and renderings, as well as professional security services.
Most parents might not encourage their child to pursue a career in legal cannabis—unless those parents were a product of the 1960s and believe in the true benefits of medical and recreational cannabis, like Morgan Iwersen’s. That’s how Iwersen jumped into the fascinating world of modern THC. A Colorado native, Iwersen has lived all over the western United States and has also traveled the world. Now, her focus is to keep building Canyon Cultivation, a successful pioneer in the legal cannabis industry.
It wasn’t just money that inspired her; Iwersen was also motivated by the real benefits that cannabis can provide to those who are ailing. A friend of hers had cancer and found true relief from cannabis. Now, helping people feel better is at the core of Iwersen’s career. Whether it’s relief from epilepsy and diabetes, or chronic ailments in children, the benefits cannot be denied. At home, two boys keep her on her toes—as does her business partner, who also happens to be her husband.
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Lauren Miele Founder of KushKards, LLC
Olivia Mannix Founder and CEO of Cannabrand
Elyse Gordon Co-owner of Better Baked
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Lauren Miele is the Founder of KushKards, LLC since inception in 2015. Miele received her Bachelor’s degree in Home Product Development from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she regularly attends seminars and is a guest speaker. Upon graduation, Miele worked as a Home Designer
and soon enough the KushKards idea was born. In October 2016, Miele moved to Denver to pursue her goals to grow KushKards full time. KushKards is now available in 15 states and three countries. KushKards deliver a unique gift that keeps on giving. Miele is passionate about her brand and the joy it brings to others.
Olivia Mannix is a cannabis industry pioneer and cannabis marketing expert. She is the founder and CEO of Cannabrand—an awardwinning, full-service marketing agency and business consultancy, as well as the first company of its kind to specialize in the cannabis industry. Cannabrand is also a consultancy that aids cannabis companies with business operations and capital services. The agency has played an integral role in shaping cannabis brands since its launch in January 2014 (at the onset of the burgeoning
adult-use market), and it helps clients to establish their unique brand identities and position themselves competitively in the marketplace. Mannix has been a crucial asset to the industry for “rebranding” cannabis and bettering its image, while opening up cannabis use to broader demographics through information and education. She is also an advocate for the medicinal benefits of cannabis and promoting medical cannabis for ailments. Cannabrand and partners Beta Killers are also the inventors of Kushmoji, the cannabis emoji marketing platform.
Elyse Gordon spent over 30 of her years in the real estate and mortgage industries. She consulted with custom builders from conception to completion as well as a large master community of which she sold in excess of $1 billion. Gordon also had a strong passion for cooking. As a result, she started a
catering company, which gave her the opportunity to integrate into the world of cannabis. Gordon and Deloise L. Vaden attended high school together during their junior and senior years, and they reunited 35 years later. The two women decided to go into the cannabis business together as chefs and created Better Baked.
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Deloise L. Vaden Co-owner of Better Baked
Genifer Murray Founder of Carbon Blue Consulting and Cofounder of GENIFER M
Maureen McNamara Founder and Chief Facilitator of Cannabis Trainers
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Deloise L. Vaden spent a good portion of her career in the corporate arena as a purchasing agent for energy companies. In 1991, she and her husband owned and operated an art gallery, which closed in 1997. From there, she spent time in Paris, France with her husband, a watercolor artist. In Paris, Vaden studied designing and creating
handbags and later became designer of “D’Va Baggs,” and she appeared in Sew News Magazine. Vaden also had a love for cooking and the opportunity to sharpen her culinary skills with her father-in-law, who was the head chef at Park Hill Golf Country Club. In 2010 to 2015 the Better Baked ladies taught at Greenway and Clover Leaf Universities.
Genifer Murray is a champion of cannabis health and safety and an established expert on cannabis science and business. Murray co-founded a premium cannabis jewelry line, GENIFER M, with her father. The line of jewelry was created to make a difference and start the conversation with cannabis, hopefully one day helping to end prohibition. Murray is also the Founder of Carbon Blue Consulting, which provides results-driven science, health and safety, laboratory setup, training and education intelligence
to new and existing cannabis companies. Murray serves as Science and Technology Director on the Board of Directors for Flowering H.O.P.E., which works to provide patients with affordable access to cannabis medicine. As a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, she actively lobbies members of congress on key issues affecting the cannabis industry. Murray often mentors and supports fellow women entrepreneurs through active participation, as a founding member of Women Grow.
Maureen McNamara wants to live in a world where compliance is a smile-inducing word and cannabis prohibition is as out of style as the rotary phone. McNamara is the founder and chief facilitator with Cannabis Trainers. With over 20 years of professional training experience, she has led thousands of workshops and inspires cannabis industry
professionals to create and sell products compliantly and professionally. When she’s not empowering people to ensure the legal cannabis industry can move forward powerfully and compliantly, you can find her laughing and enjoying a campfire while perfecting her marshmallow roasting technique for s’mores . . . perhaps with infused chocolate. c
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Steady Start Denver is preparing for a fruitful future with social consumption
By Addison Herron-Wheeler
T
he “missing link” of legal cannabis in Colorado is social consumption. Legislators have been wrestling with the intricacy of social consumption regulations since legalization first became accepted. On June 30, Denver made history as the city and county’s Department of Excise and Licenses adopted “Rules Governing Marijuana Designated Consumption Areas,” which then went into effect July 1. City officials created a fouryear pilot, as directed by Initiative 300, which was passed by voters November 2016. In Denver, social consumption businesses will be able to open up as early as fall of 2017, but not without going through an extensive permitting process first. They will need to receive approval from the city and also support or “non-opposition” from the neighborhoods where these businesses plan to open. It is the most progress any legal state has made so far towards regulating social use. CULTURE spoke to a few experts and hopeful smoking lounge entrepreneurs who can already envision a very bright future for social consumption.
B.Y.O.C. Locations Those who obtain a proper zone use permit will be considered Cannabis Consumption Business Locations, and locations will allow adults to bring their own cannabis. “This will affect the entire industry very positively by providing consumers, including local residents and tourists with more access to cannabis consumption areas and encouraging responsible use,” said Emmett Reistroffer of Denver Relief Counseling, who is currently counseling cannabis enthusiasts about starting social use spaces and considering starting one of his own. Restroffer shared a concern, however, that smaller coffee shops and art galleries may have a difficult time acquiring the funds necessary to pay permit fees, install proper ventilation systems and employ full-time security staff. Downfall for Dispensaries Currently existing businesses that sell or cultivate cannabis in Denver are ineligible to apply for consumption permits, however many dispensaries are hopeful that this rule will change. Existing cannabis businesses that sell or cultivate cannabis would like the opportunity to offer customers a chance to consume their product in attached
smoking lounges. “If they allow these shops to sell flower, edibles and oils, why would a tourist go to a dispensary?” asked Brendan Gillis, CEO of vape pen company Vapor Slide. “I think it is important for the industry to separate retail from consumption so it does not affect the dispensaries’ bottom line. The ideal location would be a dispensary attached to a lounge, so there is big opportunity for dispensaries to expand if they already have the right location.” Intermingle with Events and the Industry Permits will also still be issued for short-term events called “Cannabis Consumption Special Event Locations.” It will now be even easier for events like cannabis rallies, LGBTQ Pride parties and other shindigs to allow for legal social consumption. “I think we will see cannabis become more integrated into mainstream society, as we slowly move to overcome the stigma and prejudice that still affects cannabis consumers,” explained Reistroffer. Full Bar Flash Forward Of course, while current social use promises a safe place to smoke and a boom for the legal industry, it is fun to envision an even more distant future where public use will be more like the final episodes of the 2005 TV show Weeds, where cannabis is sold like alcohol. “The future of social use looks very much like the bars and nightclubs that we have today for alcohol consumption,” said Krista Whitley of Media Unicorn, a group tasked with branding for the cannabis industry, including imagining a future where the industry will have grown even more. However, as fun as long-term dreaming is, the reality is that social use is here today, but will need to start off slow in order to prove that it can be regulated responsibly. “The current rules prohibit combining cannabis and alcohol, which makes nearly all bars and restaurants ineligible from applying,” Reistroffer told CULTURE. In Denver, where plans are now underway for a public use structure, full-scale cannabis bars are not yet a reality. c iReadCULTURE.com
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Industry Insider
Matt and Leslie Bodenchuk’s Toker Poker has served as a game changer for the industry By R. Scott Rappold
“Necessity is the mother of invention.” - Plato
T
he idea for the Toker Poker—like many great ideas in the history of the world—originated in a room thick with cannabis smoke. Why, asked Matt Bodenchuk, then a college senior, was there never a poker around to clear the bowl? “My wife, to be honest with you, was probably sick of me and all my friends using her bobby pins and having resin-covered toothpicks floating around the apartment,” recalled Bodenchuk, 32, of Grand Junction, Colorado. And so, the Toker Poker was born. Some 350,000 sales later, the simple device has become musthave gear for many cannabis consumers—a lighter cover with a built-in poker, tamper and hemp wick to burn like a candle. But if the name rings a familiar bell, it could be for a much darker reason: Earlier this summer, authorities in Colorado announced 74 indictments in the largest cannabis bust in the state since legalization. Some 2,600 plants and 4,000 pounds of cannabis were seized. The name of the investigation: “Operation Toker Poker.”
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H.
Humble Beginnings
Matt Bodenchuk and his wife (at the time his girlfriend) Leslie played sports in college and used cannabis to relax and help recover from the physical pain of competition. After the “a-ha” moment of inspiration that launched the Toker Poker, the couple sat around the kitchen one night and played with ways to use acrylic paint molds to create a lighter case with a poker attached. “We thought to ourselves, ‘This is simple. Why is there nothing like this out there? How come nobody has put a poker and a little tamper on a lighter?’” he said. “Because everyone needs one. It was that moment of truth, that we may have stumbled on something that could be a big game-changer in the industry.” Matt and Leslie made some for friends and themselves, and they soon realized how essential having a handy poker and tamper had become. If you didn’t have the Toker Poker on you, said Bodenchuk, you missed it. Production on a large scale began in 2013, and they were selling the Toker Poker in stores the following year. Then, in May 2014, though his wife was due to give birth any day, Bodenchuk quit his day job to focus on the Toker Poker. In poker parlance, he was “all-in” now.
“How come nobody has put a poker and a little tamper on a lighter? Because everyone needs one.”
B.
Bad Publicity
“We took a complete leap of faith with really no other income than the Toker Poker and struggled, got by and dumped everything else into the business,” said Bodenchuk. By this year, they’d sold so many units that Bodenchuk finally felt financially secure enough to consider launching new products. Then, on what had been a normal June Wednesday, a buddy texted him about a story that was making news in Denver. “I’m not sure it’s good, but your name is out there,” the friend said. His mother called. Business partners called. Was he involved with this?
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The situation at hand was the aforementioned police bust that had nothing to do with Bodenchuk or his business. Authorities regularly look for clever names to generate headlines with big operations, and someone chose “Toker Poker,” allegedly due to some of the suspects knowing one another from poker games. That was little comfort to Bodenchuk when suddenly his website was blown way down on Google, and sales began to dip. “I was definitely angry when the news first broke, Bodenchuk said. “It’s like, ‘Really, Denver PD? Come on. Why did you choose this name? What’s going on?’” By mid-July, sales had recovered, and his website was again the top Google hit. But he doesn’t buy the adage that there’s no such thing as bad publicity. “When you wake up and realize 74 indictments, one of the largest pot busts in the history of the state, thousands of pounds of cannabis being illegally sold all around the country . . . when you find out all of that is summed up and tied with your company, I don’t think there’s anything positive to come with that.” He holds the trademark to Toker Poker and could seek legal action, but doubts it will come to that. He’s just counting on the ordeal to blow over. In the meantime, the husband-wife team (they have a few other employees and outsource production to Asia) is busy at work on the next innovations for the company. As of this interview he wasn’t at liberty to divulge what’s next, but promised new products would be coming out soon. “We’re just really enjoying the ride right now. It’s really fun to see this product taking off and people recognizing it.” c
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“Without cannabis, I would get so caught up with my own thoughts that I couldn’t function in society.”
P sychedelic Sounds Xenolinguist maintains a creative life infused with the healing powers of cannabis By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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xenolinguist is someone who studies alien languages. It is also the altername of Meg Hennessey, who is a DJ, producer and music enthusiast. Cannabis saved her life, and she isn’t afraid to talk about it. She is part of the ever-expanding underground electronic music scene in Denver, and she is also a diehard cannabis advocate. This month, CULTURE caught up with her to talk music, cannabis and all things that inspire her. Watch for her upcoming EP, Axiom Syntax, which is coming out this summer, and let her vibes speak to you at a local club or music venue. 62
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How did you get started making music? Growing up around my dad and playing in a blues band inspired me to pursue music from a young age. I started writing lyrics and playing guitar when I was 13 and was very involved with the music program at my school. Vocal and flute studies were my main focus, until the music theory class that introduced Logic Pro. I told my principal about electronic music and how I was using Logic at the school to make it, and he surprisingly thought it was interesting, so he gave me access to the Mac lab for study hall. I had no idea what I was doing, but having the freedom to use all the aspects of music to create something was very intriguing. After high school, I became a DJ and was part of a collective called Cave Life, which is when I was introduced to Ableton. It wasn’t until the end of 2013 that I changed my name to Xenolinguist and started really pursuing my dream.
How do you feel about cannabis legalization so far? Could anything be done better or differently? I feel that more states could accept that the majority of their citizens have tried cannabis and are accepting of it. Coming from New York where the laws were extremely strict, I am much more grateful about Colorado having accessible cannabis. However, it is very frustrating seeing the unhealthy lifestyle and debt back in New York. If the state legalized cannabis, maybe there would be lower opiate prescription and OD rates, schools could keep their music programs, have healthier school lunch options and be able to provide school supplies to children that may not have the resources. Cannabis helps so many people all over this country, and it really should be nationally legalized, for at least medical needs. I have high hopes for the national legalization of cannabis, and truly believe that it would benefit this country in so many ways. Colorado acts as a great template for the rest of the country to learn from. It’s about time the misconception and stigma that still exist with cannabis are abolished and replaced with accurate knowledge and awareness of the endocannabinoid system. How has cannabis affected your life and creative processes? That is a heavy question, with a heavy answer. Cannabis saved my mind when withdrawing from multiple psychiatric medications. I was basically insane for a few months, but when I would use concentrate, specifically indica hybrids, I would get relief without observable withdrawal symptoms. Without cannabis, I would get so caught up with my own thoughts that I couldn’t function in society. I spent two years using concentrate to cope with the symptoms, and now use flower throughout the day to help make everything a little more manageable, and to help keep focused while creating. I write mostly all of my music while using cannabis and always smoke before playing a set. It helps me get into a flow state of mind and “let go.” Is there anything else you’d like to add? Music and cannabis are both very important to me, and I’m extremely grateful for both! c facebook.com/megxenolinguist
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Summer Experiments 2 By Ed Rosenthal
Group One It’s July 13, in the heart of summer, with direct intense light lighting the plants. The fog burns off by 10:30 a.m., and the rest of the day is usually sunny. However, now the trajectory of the sun has changed with more shading than last month. Still, the plants are healthy and right on schedule. The first section is the 2’ x 4’, 9-inch deep tray that holds five Blue Dream plants. They are 3-3.5’ feet tall and have stopped growing in favor of flower production. Their regimen was changed to flowering a month ago. Each evening I pull the cart into its own dark chamber after dusk, which occurs at about 8:50 p.m. The plant stays there until 9 a.m., a dark period of 12-plus hours of darkness each evening. The plants are in the middle of flowering now. In about a month the colas will be ready to harvest. The plants were also pruned yesterday to eliminate bottom leaves and tiny flowers that steal the plants’ energy.
Group Two The second group consisted of four plants from clones including
The plants on wheels in full sun before deleafing. The cart is moved around as the sun and shadows trade places in the yard throughout the day.
Plants on wheels after manicuring. Removing the unnecessary vegetation forces the plants to concentrate more on bud production.
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two Ed Rosenthal SuperBud and two varieties Chocolate Tonic and Blackberry Fire. The first SuperBud reached maturity last week and was cut, but we are trying to regenerate it by giving it near continuous light. The Chocolate Tonic and the second SuperBud were cut today, leaving only the Blackberry Fire, which will be ripe in a few days. After picking them, I hung the branches leaving all their leaves on. The climate here is cool and the RH hovers at about 50 percent. After about five weeks they are both dried and cured, and ready to be stored and packaged.
Group 3 The third group turned out to be 11 female indicas that must be the progeny of a late pollen producing female times itself or another variety. The reason I say that, is that all the indicas were females. One plant is a sativa, and it has not indicated sex. The other plants started flowering with only 9.5 hours of darkness. They are in full flower now and should be ripe in another month. The indicas whose tops were clipped are squatter than the unclipped single-top plants, with more side branching and multiple tops.
A bud from one of the wheel plants. They have been flowering for 31 days.
Plants in 8” containers. They smell orangey so I am calling them Purple Citrus. Tops of half of them were clipped on June 19. All but one are sister indicas with the same parents. They have thick stems and wide leaves with purple flowers.
They are about two feet tall and have filled out as they have flowered. Soon after they started flowering I took cuttings from them and hope to root and regenerate them so I can use them for breeding. I never got to set up the CO2 experiment. The plants started flowering too soon for my schedule to catch up. c
TIP OF THE MONTH By this time, most of the outdoor plants have started to flower. However, there is still time to get in a crop of small plants. For best results, start with rooted clones. If you start with seeds the plants will be a little smaller and may take a little longer to ripen. Place them outdoors in 8” containers. As soon as they are placed outdoors they will begin to flower because of the longer late summer/ fall dark period, and they will ripen in seven to nine weeks. The containers are small enough to be moved easily to follow the sun or indoors for protection during threatening weather or cold nights.
The four plants induced to flower early are ripe. The varieties represented are two Ed Rosenthal SuperBud, one Chocolate Tonic and Blackberry Fire.
Close-up of the bud of Chocolate Tonic that is ready to cut.
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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if you go:
QuébEc City Captivates By Sheryll Alexander
For cannabis enthusiasts who love the look and feel of Europe, but don’t want to go all the way there, cannabis-friendly Québec City, Canada, is absolutely captivating especially during August’s vibrant events and outdoor festivals. Plus, the relaxed attitude towards cannabis in Québec City is as refreshing as this walled fortress town’s stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River. In summer, Québec City is best known for its outdoor festivals, its bodacious gastronomy and its plentiful recreational activities (such as cycling, sailing, canoeing, hiking, whitewater rafting and even soaking at hot mineral day spas). Called a Canadian “signature experience,” Québec City’s New France Festival (Les Fêtes de la NouvelleFrance) is definitely extraordinary. The New France Festival makes visitors feel like they have gone back in time as the city’s cobblestoned Old or Lower Town comes to life as if during the colonial era. Locals (and paid actors) dress in period fashions for a colonial-themed food market, games, music and a daily costume parade.
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Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec calls it “six soirées flamboyantes.” That’s roughly translated to six flamingly flamboyant evenings (August 2, 9, 12, 16, 19, 25) of competitive international pyrotechnics. Each night has a different theme (disco, country, classic, hip-hop, Latin), and there’s literally a long list of ways to enjoy summer’s most beautiful “festival” from standing on just the right romantic street corner to sitting at an observatory with a panoramic view. At the end of the month, from August 31 to September 3, the city revs up again and then relaxes for The Bordeaux Wine Festival (Bordeaux Fête Le Vin à Québec). QC’s Bordeaux Wine Festival attracts wine connoisseurs to participate in tastings of Québec’s regional delicacies and wines along with attending workshops and other food-and-wine activities. Ready for some of the best scenery, nature, food, wine, cannabis and club scenes in North America? Québec City marries the best of the past with the best of today when it comes to cannabisfriendly travel. c
Fun-Filled Facts
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Time to Go: August Weather: Highs 70s, lows 50s Budget: $$$$$
In Canada— including in the province of Québec—cannabis is only legal for medical cannabis patients who have visited their healthcare doctor and obtained a referral to a “licensed commercial producer.” In Québec, medical cannabis is only available via delivery. As for Americans, Québecois medical cannabis delivery services confirm they do accept valid “licenses” from medical cannabis states for purchasing flowers, oil and edibles. And while it seems the Québecois are quite cool when it comes to smoking cannabis, be safe and do not light up around the cops, government buildings, designer shops and family parks. If you don’t want to go the delivery route, then consider making some new cannabisloving friends (who can now legally grow their own) at a hipster club in the trendy Saint-Roch district.
Combine hospitality with history by staying at Auberge Saint-Antoine. This strikingly beautiful boutique hotel was built atop a treasure trove of colonial artifacts, and each of its comfortably chic rooms houses at least one ancient relic. 1
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Want to experience a little bit of Paris while in Québec City? Head to Café du Monde. This waterfront eatery has been serving Parisian-style bistro fare (think steak frites à la Béarnaise and a brunch dish of poached eggs swimming in hollandaise) to cruise passengers for decades. 2
Summer’s sunshine and warmth make Québec City’s historic Terrasse Dufferin the perfect place to take a stroll, jog, cycle or do yoga at sunrise. 3
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Mark M. Ward
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raised. I found this wasn’t treatment, but a numbing of all life’s feeling and emotion. It was apathy in a bottle, and it wasn’t for me.
When did you start using medical cannabis? I’ve used cannabis for well over a decade, but it wasn’t until 2014 when I joined NORML chapters that I really began to understand medical usage. I used cannabis recreationally without regard of different possible effects by different [strain] and potency. When I truly understood the different potentials, I was able to properly use cannabis as medicine.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Big business and big government are the biggest problems. CEOs that have no history with medical cannabis have no business playing “healer” with their dispensaries. Sub-par products are being sold to sick people with no concern of quality. Mislabeled cannabinoid content, mold ridden product, and product saturated with nonorganic and even poisonous chemicals is not medicine. Also, the stamping out of recreation and medical patient growing by medical lobbyists is not medicine, but an attempt to monopolize a market.
Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I’ve been on a barrage of different benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers and pain pills. I used pharmaceuticals as advised and still became very addicted. Eventually, each medication became less and less effective, so the dosage was
What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? It’s OK to be cautious of what you consume. And cannabis isn’t for everyone, but it’s never been directly harmful to anyone. And that cannot be said for any pharmaceutical prescription ever written. There’s a reason why so many patients fight for it . . . it works. c
Age: 32
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PTSD, agoraphobia, general anxiety disorder, manic depression, cluster migraines, GERD, Diverticulosis
Are you an 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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Bento Bites Photos and recipes by Monica Lo from Sous Weed
Menu: Spam Musubi with Infused Sweet Soy
Miso Cannabutter Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)
Infused Sweet Soy Glaze
Salmon Onigiri with Infused Sweet Soy
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August is here, and it’s the time of year where most people become sick of summer. We’re over the hot weather and overdone barbecue— it’s time for something new. The world is full of wonderfully unique flavors, and often enough, many of those tastes are specific to certain regions of the world. Enter the Japanese-inspired onigiri, which is also known as a Japanese rice ball. This perfectly portioned ball of rice can be decorated, flavored and infused with a variety of savory fillings. Although there are countless ways to make onigiri, the talented chef of Sous Weed, Monica Lo, has prepared three ways to both elevate and medicate. Learn how to whip up your very own infused sweet soy glaze to top off your fresh salmon onigiri and spam musubi—but realistically, you can use it on anything from chicken wings to grilled salmon!
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Local eateries with similar dishes: Osaka Ramen 2611 Walnut St., Denver (303) 955-7938 .osakaramendenver.com
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Motomaki 1600 28th St., Ste 1216, Boulder (720) 943-2030 www.motomaki.com
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Fuji Café & Bar 2018 Broadway, Boulder (720) 420-9050 fujicafebar.com
Spam Musubi with Infused Sweet Soy Makes 2 servings Ingredients:
Instructions:
2 slices SPAM, 3/8” thick
1. In a greased skillet, cook SPAM until brown and crisp on each side.
1 1/2 cups cooked rice, short grain 1 tablespoons infused sweet soy glaze 1/2 sheet nori
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Toasted sesame seeds to garnish (optional)
2. Lightly glaze each piece of SPAM with medicated sweet soy glaze. 3. Wet your hands and firmly mold rice into the
4. Using scissors, cut a piece of nori with a width of 2” to wrap around the SPAM and rice, like a belt. 5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Infused Sweet Soy Glaze
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Makes approximately 1/2 cup Ingredients:
Instructions:
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1. In a small saucepan, mix both sugars, soy sauce, water, and rice vinegar, and bring to a boil.
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1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup water 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 gram kief
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shape of the SPAM slice. You can also use a musubi press.
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2. Reduce heat to low, and stir in kief.
3. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, until the consistency is syrupy. 4. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until use.
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Miso Cannabutter Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball) Makes 2 servings Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups cooked rice, short grain 1 tablespoon cannabutter, room temperature
Vegetable oil for frying 1/2 sheet nori cut in half (optional)
1/2 tablespoon white miso paste
Instructions: 1. In a small bowl thoroughly mix softened cannabutter, miso paste and sugar until uniform.
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1 teaspoon sugar
Salmon Onigiri with Infused Sweet Soy Makes 2 servings
2. Wet your hands, and firmly mold half the rice into a ball or the classic triangle shape. Keep moistening hands while forming so that the rice doesn’t stick. Repeat with remaining rice. Set aside.
3. In a non-stick pan or cast iron, heat on medium-high with some vegetable oil. Brush each side of the rice balls with medicated miso butter, and grill until lightly brown and crisp. 4. Wrap a strip of nori around the middle of the rice ball, and serve immediately.
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Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, short grain
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
3 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced
Pinch of salt
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1/2 sheet of nori, cut in half
1 tablespoon infused sweet soy glaze
1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. 2. Cook the smoked salmon slices for about 15 seconds on each side, then remove from heat. 3. Flake the salmon with a fork, and mix salmon into the rice with infused sweet soy glaze, sesame seeds and salt.
4. Wet your hands and firmly mold half the salmon sushi rice into a ball or the classic triangle shape. Keep moistening hands while forming so that the rice doesn‘t stick. Repeat with remaining rice. 5. Wrap a strip of nori around the middle of the rice ball. 6. Serve immediately or wrap with plastic wrap to enjoy later.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird LEAD STORY—THE NEW POWER NAP If high-schoolers seem stressed by active lifestyles and competitive pressures, and consequently fail to sleep the recommended nine to 10 hours a day, it must be a good idea for the federal government to give grants (including to Las Cruces High School in New Mexico) to purchase comfy, $14,000 “nap pods” that drive out the racket with soft music, for 20 minutes a shot during those frenzied classroom days. A May NPR report based on Las Cruces’ experience quoted favorable reviews by students, backed
by a doctor and a nurse practitioner who pointed to research showing that adequate sleep “can” boost memory and attention and thus “can” improve school performance (and therefore must be a great use of federal education dollars). UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam argues that his “hands are tied” by “federal food laws” and that fresh, “all-natural” milk with the cream skimmed off the top cannot be sold in Florida as “milk” (or “skim milk”) but must be labeled “imitation milk”—unless the “allnatural” milk adds (artificial) vitamin A to the product. A family farm in the state’s panhandle (Ocheesee Creamery) decided to challenge the law, and
Putnam, who recently announced his candidacy for governor, said he would try to resolve the issue soon. COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS They’re “therapists,” not “strippers,” argued New York City’s Penthouse Executive Club, creatively characterizing its dancers to avoid $3 million in back taxes, but the state’s appeals board ruled against it in April. Penthouse had insisted that its performers were more akin to counselors for lonely men, and that the club’s “door charge” was an untaxable fee for therapeutic health services. James Pelletier, 46, was arrested in Hollis, Maine, in May after he fired a BB gun point-blank at his two sons, ages 9 and 11—but only, he said, as a “rite of passage” into maturity (perhaps thinking the experience would help them become as mature as their father). He said if the kids knew how it felt to get shot, perhaps they would not be so quick to fire their own guns. THE CONTINUING CRISIS You Mean Jethro and Abby, Too? In contrast to the exciting work of the TV series (near the top of broadcast ratings for the last decade), real agents in the Naval Criminal Investigative Service have labored over computer screens eight to 10 hours a day for two months now employing their facial-recognition software— just to scour websites to identify victims of nudephoto postings of military personnel that came to light earlier this year. “(Y)ou get pretty burned out,” said the NCIS director. A simple word search of “uniformed
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military nude” got nearly 80 million hits, according to a May Associated Press dispatch from the Quantico Marine base, where the 20 investigators labor side-byside. MILITARY ALLIES IN ODD PLACES (1) In April, three days after ISIS fighters reportedly executed 25 villagers about 50 miles south of Kirkuk, Iraq, the three murderers were themselves killed (and eight more wounded) when a pack of wild boars overran their position and gnawed them into martyrdom. (2) In April, a Russian naval reconnaissance ship sank in the Black Sea off of Turkey (likely op: Syria-related) when it collided with a livestock barge flying the flag of Togo. All aboard the Russian ship were rescued; the much-heavier Togolese vessel suffered barely a scratch. PERSPECTIVE Rights in Conflict: An elderly German man, unnamed in news reports, was fined the equivalent of $110 in May for “terrorizing” neighbors in the town of Hennef by violating a 2015 agreement to lower the sound of his pornographic videos. He demanded sympathy because of his hearing disability, arguing that if he wore headphones, he could not hear the doorbell, or burglars, and therefore would feel unsafe. (At his May hearing, he objected to the characterization that the “sex sounds” were from videos; on the day in question, he said, he had a prostitute in the room. “It was not porn,” he insisted, confusingly. “It was live!”)
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