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inside
contents 12.2018
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BEL OVED DIVA
R&B songstress Toni Braxton talks about her multifaceted career in entertainment, suffering from lupus and how topical hemp products have improved her quality of life.
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features 52
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departments
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Tis the Season CULTURE ’s complete Holiday Gift Guide is chock-full of gifts that are sure to impress all the cannabis aficionados on your holiday shopping list.
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Charity for the Cause Embrace altruism this month by purchasing from cannabis companies that support local charities and causes.
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Mixing Things Up Some holiday customs are ancient and odd, and now’s the time to reimagine those traditions by bringing much-needed cannabis cheer to the holidays.
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Effortless Charisma Shaun Latham’s comedy is hilariously relatable and best of all, it’s available Monday through Friday on SiriusXM.
12 Letter from the Editor news 16 News Nuggets 18 By the Numbers 20 Local News 22 Healthy Living reviews 24 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 60 À La Carte 64 Growing Culture 66 Colorado Now! 68 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Recreational Cannabis Legislation Expected in Illinois d Infuse Your Hanukkah Celebrations with Cannabis
VOL 10 ISSUE 6
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Solis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Bennett EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Benjamin Adams EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Edmundson, Caroline Hayes, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf ART DIRECTOR Steven Myrdahl PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Aguirre GRAPHIC DESIGNER John Venegas REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Kim Cook ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Casey Roel, Vic Zaragoza OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Cruz Bobadilla CULTURE® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,400 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. CULTURE® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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LETTER
FROM
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EDITOR
‘Tis the Season
C
heerful and festive cards arriving in the mail, shopping for the hottest deals, warm cinnamon rolls in the morning and spiked eggnog in the evening—there are endless signs that the holiday season is upon us. When it comes to holiday shopping, the experience wouldn’t be complete without small bells ringing outside of grocery stores, as volunteers accept donations for mainstream charities. As we get ready to wrap up the year, there is also no denying our cannabis culture’s
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focus on giving back to the communities we live in. While we support the sentiment, altruism shouldn’t be limited to the holiday season alone. Year-round, our friends and neighbors are facing economical hardships, from not being able to feed their families to unemployment, low incomes and homelessness. Don’t limit your charitable actions to just the month of December—give back through donations and volunteer work year-round. And if you’d like to witness inspiring examples of how to act every day and month of the year, you need
not look further than the cannabis industry. Countless dispensaries, cannabis companies and entrepreneurs have adopted a culture of altruism into the identity and mission of their brands. While we can assume the desire to do this stems from compassion and dedication to helping others, it’s clear that these charitable actions also help dismantle the negative stigma that cannabis companies often face in mainstream society. It’s essential that as consumers we continue to support companies in the cannabis industry that elevate our identity and work to improve their surrounding communities. Be inspired and find ways to support those in the industry who are so dedicated to giving back to their communities throughout the year. In this issue of CULTURE, you can rest assured that you’ll find everything you need to elevate your holiday celebrations. From our annual Holiday Gift Guide to infused and shareable dessert recipes, we’ve packed these pages with loads of holiday cheer. Let’s continue to demonstrate through our actions the world in which we hope to live in. Happy holidays from the CULTURE family to you and yours. c Cheers!
JAMIE SOLIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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NEWS
NUGGETS
Record-Breaking Cannabis Sales Recorded in Colorado Undoubtedly, 2018 will mark a record-breaking year for cannabis sales in Colorado. From Jan. 1 through June 30, combined recreational and medical sales in the state generated over $1 billion and $200 million in tax revenue, according to the Marijuana Enforcement Division’s 2018 MidYear Update. The progress report shows the growth or decline of the industry during each year. Colorado’s total cannabis sales increased by 1.4 percent during the first six months of 2018, when compared to the first six months of 2017. With numbers and a pace like this, the Centennial State is
on pace to break its existing record of $1.5 billion in annual sales by the end of the year. In terms of weight, and comparing the same six-month periods, total pounds of flower sold increased from 30,769 to 35,865. Some of the most compelling figures come in regards to edibles and concentrates; edible sales grew 13.8 percent and concentrate sales grew 94.6 percent during those same first six months of the year, proving their popularity and demand in the industry.
Longmont Welcomes First Recreational Dispensary Terrapin Care Station, Longmont proper’s first recreational cannabis dispensary, opened on Nov. 19. The city of Longmont reversed a cannabis dispensary moratorium in September 2017, allowing existing Colorado dispensaries to apply to operate in the south Boulder area. On July 2, city officials announced that Terrapin Care Station was one of four applications approved. To better its involvement with the local community, Terrapin has gotten involved in five local nonprofit groups including Out Boulder County, Longmont Community Justice Partnership, Centennial State Ballet, Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement (HOPE) and The 16
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Reentry Initiative. Longmont City Council officials are welcoming Terrapin and are thrilled with the company’s participation in the city’s wellbeing. “Terrapin looks forward to a positive and healthy relationship with the Longmont community, and as we continue to plant local roots, we hope to forge a long-lasting partnership with our friends and neighbors,” Terrapin CEO Chris Woods stated in a company news release. The Boulder-based store chain officials are excited to expand their services to more people in the county they started in.
New York Health Department Releases Medical Cannabis Report The New York State Health Department issued its latest two-year report on the state’s medical cannabis program on Nov. 14. The report outlines recommendations including allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis at their discretion and allowing doctors who can prescribe controlled substances to become registered providers. It also recommends initiating a pilot study to explore insurance coverage for medical cannabis. “New York’s Medical Marijuana Program has grown quickly since its launch almost three years ago,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Nearly 81,000 certified patients and more than 2,000 registered practitioners are now participating in the program. The recommendations in the two-year report are part of the continuous work to improve the quality of this program to help New Yorkers who are suffering from serious and debilitating conditions.” The report also recommends making amendments to promote research and allowing third-party contractors to work as security officers.
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The number of Colorado police officers who are certified Drug Recognition Experts, as of Oct. 26: (Source: Colorado Division of Criminal Justice)
214
The numbered ranking of the cannabis industry in Pueblo County among the county’s largest tax contributors: (Source: KOAA News 5)
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment awarded in grant money for two medical cannabis research studies: (Source: Summit Daily)
2.7
The number of epileptic syndromes that the new FDA-approved cannabis medicine Epidiolex can be used to legally treat: (Source: CNN)
2
2
The percentage of Coloradans who cast their votes in favor of passing Amendment X, which redefines the state’s definition of industrial hemp: (Source: Westword)
60.5
The estimated number of patients who registered for Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program since it began accepting applicants in 2018: (Source: Philadelphia Magazine)
80,000
The percentage of Americans who said that they believe that cannabis should be legal: (Source: Gallup)
66
The estimated number of Americans who live in states that passed pro-cannabis legislation on Nov. 6: (Source: Yahoo! Finance)
14.8
Weed the People Denver Premier
WHEN: Fri, Dec. 7 WHERE: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Sloans Lake, 4255 W Colfax Ave., Denver WEBSITE: weedthepeoplemovie.com/screenings
See the film the cannabis industry is raving about. Directed by Abby Epstein, and paid for out of Executive Producer Ricki Lake’s own pocket, Weed the People follows families of children suffering from pediatric cancer. Parents are turning to medical cannabis oil when chemo just isn’t enough. “I have real high hopes,” Ricki Lake recently told CULTURE, “that [Weed the People] can do a lot to move the 18
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needle and give people a new understanding of the power of this plant, the smear campaign that took place 75 years ago and how we really need to get back into the mindset that this is just a plant that should be available to everyone and anyone who needs it.” After resorting to medical cannabis oil, some of the families in the film witnessed outcomes that are nothing short of miraculous.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Doobie
Hope for Hemp Colorado to Reclassify Industrial Hemp under Amendment X By Caroline Hayes
‘T
is the season for new possibilities, thanks to the recent election. Colorado voters have altered Amendment 64, one of the most important additions to the Constitution of Colorado in its history. In 2012, Amendment 64 was passed by voters, which allowed the use of recreational cannabis and the growth of the industrial hemp industry in Colorado. On Nov. 6, voters passed Amendment X, which removes the language about industrial hemp from Colorado’s constitution. Colorado was the only state with industrial hemp written into the state’s constitution and because of this, the growth and production of industrial hemp was protected from federal involvement. However, those who are in favor of Amendment X argue that removing industrial hemp from the Constitution of Colorado will benefit farmers by allowing them to keep up with national industry trends. Those who opposed it expressed worry that allowing the federal government to call the shots would be risky and that changing the regulations could affect hemp farmers’ business. According to the Colorado Legislative Council’s ballot analysis of Colorado’s industrial hemp industry, Amendment X will help the state’s industry remain competitive as the industry evolves. “Colorado is the leading producer of industrial hemp in the country and the only state with a definition of industrial hemp in its constitution,” the analysis reads. “Striking this definition will allow Colorado’s hemp industry to remain competitive with other states as the regulatory landscape evolves for this crop.” Sen. Vicki Marble, bill sponsor of SCR 18–003, stated that the importance of this bill was to allow Colorado hemp farmers the ability to adjust to hemp federal regulations in a timely fashion. “The Concurrent Resolution did move the definition from the Constitution to statute but it also made 20
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it possible for the Colorado hemp definition to automatically adjust to federal limits,” Marble said. “This is a critical part in keeping Colorado competitive in the hemp market. If the Farm Bill changes the hemp definition after the Colorado Legislature has adjourned for the year, it is not a problem for farmers because they do not have to wait for legislation to pass the next year in order to move Colorado into compliance with federal law.” Marble continued to explain if Amendment X didn’t pass, the state of Colorado could could have a decent amount of money by not keeping up with evolving federal trends that affect the industry and market. Having the ability to quickly adjust to new regulations would be an important advantage for the state’s hemp industry, especially considering that Congress continues to negotiate the Farm Bill. Hemp originates from the cannabis sativa genome. Industrial hemp is grown for a variety of uses, such as clothing, food, rope, fuel, plastic substitute and medicine. Hemp contains trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive component and when grown well, the THC levels can rise. According to the Amendment 64, industrial hemp grown in Colorado cannot contain THC levels higher than 0.03 percent. If hemp crops are found to have more than 0.03 percent THC, they must be destroyed, thus wasting farmers’ time, money and resources. There are talks that the federal government may raise the allowed THC levels in hemp to one percent, giving farmers more leeway and preserving more crops that may test higher in THC. Implementing Amendment X allows farmers to fully engage in the national hemp market without restrictions from local laws. It may also help businesses in the hemp industry to sell their products easier nationwide. Amendment X passed with an approximately 60/40 affirmative vote, revealing that not everyone in the state is convinced this is a good idea. Time will tell if Colorado hemp farmers will benefit from this, but allowing the local entities to evolve with a national industry is will help them stay competitive and possibly keep Colorado as the leaders in the nation’s hemp industry. c
Not to be confused with The Doobie Brothers, Ohiobased rapper Doobie will be rolling up another show for Colorado Springs after receiving a lot of attention there during his last concert. His grill is full of metal and jewels, and his attitude is wild and carefree. Elevator Magazine wrote that Doobie is “spearheading Ohio’s rap renaissance.” Doobie’s 2017 track “When the Drugs Don’t Work” garnered nearly 25 million views on YouTube, making him one of YouTube’s “Artists on The Rise” and propelling him into stardom as one of the rising newcomers in the rap industry. Doobie’s new Dark Holiday Tour features the opening acts Krash Minati and DJ Hylyte to get everything warmed up. The next generation of young, heavily tattooed rappers owes it to Doobie and the work that he’s doing. WHEN: Fri, Dec. 7 WHERE: Sunshine Studios Live, 3970 Clear View Frontage Rd., Colorado Springs WEBSITE: itsdoobie.com
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
cognitive functioning due to cannabis consumption, regardless of the subjects’ age of initiation. These findings are in contrast to similar studies assessing the impact of alcohol use and other controlled substances on cognitive performance, which “have shown medium to large effect sizes.”
TOP 10 CANNABIS HEALTH STORIES OF 2018 By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC 2018 has been another record-breaking year when it comes to the sheer amount of cannabis news. More states have legalized recreational or medical cannabis, and many progressive peer-reviewed health studies on cannabis interacting with various medical conditions were published. As we complete 2018 and move into the last year of the decade, let’s review some of the top health and cannabis issues that were discussed this year.
Doctors and nurses support medical and legal cannabis Recent articles referenced a survey by WebMD of 1,544 doctors covering 12 specialties in 48 states found that 69 percent of those surveyed believe cannabis can help with certain treatments and conditions, 67 percent believe it should be a medical option for patients and 56 percent support making it legal nationwide.
Cannabis dependence is down A study published in 2018 in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found the risk of developing cannabis dependence among heavy cannabis consumers to have declined since 2002 and that reported tolerance showed no significant change.
Youth cannabis consumption has not increased In October 2018, the journal Preventive Medicine found that adolescent cannabis use in Canada fell nearly 50 percent between the years 2008-2009 and 2014-2015 with similar declines in the U.S. Maybe cannabis is no longer the forbidden fruit to youth, since parents are more frequently using it.
Study confirms cannabis consumption can treat insomnia Although cannabis has been used for 22
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thousands of years to treat insomnia, a July 2018 study in the journal Medicines confirmed that test subjects “experienced a statistically and clinically significant improvement in perceived insomnia levels.” Insomnia causes multiple health problems costing the U.S. over $100 billion per year in lost productivity and healthcare costs.
Legalization does not increase traffic fatalities A study published in March 2018 by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that cannabis legalization in Colorado and Washington is not independently linked to an increase in traffic fatalities. These studies confirmed a previous study published in 2017 in the American Journal of Public Health, which reported that “crash fatality rates for Washington and Colorado were not statistically different from those in similar states without recreational marijuana legalization.”
Cannabis consumption not associated with reduced cognition or motivation A comprehensive review published in April 2018 of 69 separate studies involving 8,727 subjects published in JAMA Psychiatry reported no significant long-term deficits in memory, attention or other aspects of
Cannabis can reduce in-hospital mortality PLOS One published in July 2018 the largest analysis ever done of hospital heart attack admissions reporting that cannabis consumers had a significantly decreased risk of in-hospital mortality. Separate studies have similarly identified an association between cannabis use and decreased in-hospital mortality in trauma patients, those undergoing orthopedic surgeries, patients with traumatic brain injuries, heart failure patients and burn victims.
FDA approves first cannabis plant medicine Although the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has previously approved synthetic cannabinoids, on June 25, 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, the first plant-derived CBD for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy. The Drug Enforcement Administration then reduced Epidiolex from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule V.
Cannabis is effective as opioid replacement Multiple research studies have been undertaken to confirm findings in 2014 that states with legal cannabis have 25 percent fewer deaths from opioid overdoses. Confirming the ability of cannabis to replace opioids and why cannabis can reduce opioid overdose deaths, studies released in 2018 have shown that in states with legal cannabis doctors prescribe fewer opioids and over two-thirds of chronic pain patients substitute prescription opioids for cannabis.
Legalization increasing adult cannabis use The August 2018 Annals of Internal Medicine released the survey results of 16,280 adults finding 14.6 percent using cannabis in the past year, including 8.7 percent admitting use in the last 30 days—the consumption rate doubling in just 10 years. c
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REVIEWS
entertainment
BOOK
The Essential Cannabis Book: A Field Guide for the Curious
RELEASE DATE: DEC. 7 AVAILABLE ON: NINTENDO SWITCH
Rob Mejia Pub. Spring House Press There are cannabis novices and cannabis experts, the cannasseurs and the cannabis curious. While The Essential Cannabis Book has the potential to be enjoyed by all who love the cannabis plant, it was written specifically with the cannabis-curious in mind. Covering some of the most basic cannabis questions like, “Can you really use cannabis and not get high?” this book might be a little boring at times for the monthly CULTURE reader. However, it is a great gift for those in your life who want or need to learn more about the intricate world of cannabis. (Jacob Cannon)
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GAME
Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate Dev. Bandai Namco Studios Pub. Nintendo This year the game industry is blessed with the fifth installment of the Super Smash Bros. series, entitled Ultimate, which features new characters and endless hours of soaring wins and epic losses. Play as Simon Belmont from Castlevania, Isabelle from Animal Crossing, a Piranha Plant from Super Mario Bros. and many other notable characters, all while testing out new stages and playable modes. Ultimate brings a lot to the table, both for seasoned fighting game aficionados as well as those who are new to the concept, and it’s the perfect game to play with your friends and family together this holiday. (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
BlacKkKlansman Dir. Spike Lee Focus Features For almost four decades now, Director Spike Lee has been bringing powerful and compelling stories to the silver screen. His most recent film, BlacKkKlansman, continues in this tradition telling the true story of retired Colorado police officer Ron Stallworth (played by John David Washington) and the incredible work he did infiltrating and investigating the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. Filled out with stellar performances by Alec Balwin, Adam Driver and Topher Grace, BlacKkKlansman does well bringing this nearly unbelievable tale to life through Lee’s unique lens and adds yet another stellar film to his already incredible body of work. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Fireside THEY. Mind of a Genius Records Though it has been several years since Dante Jones left Aurora, one can still hear that clean Colorado air in the music he’s been making as one half of the hip-hop duo, THEY. On the group’s most recent EP, Fireside, Jones and collaborator Drew Love continue to blur genres across six new tracks of pop R&B mixed with tinges of rock. Although the EP has a bit of the feel of artists still defining their sound and style, it captures Jones and Love pushing themselves and their music into new territory and bringing friends like Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih and Vic Mensa along for the ride. (Simon Weedn)
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SINGER TONI BRAXTON PUSHES PASSED THE HURDLES OF LUPUS TO EMPOWER HERSELF AND OTHERS
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“BEING OPEN ABOUT MY CONDITION HAS BEEN EMPOWERING, AND IT LETS OTHERS W H O M AY B E SUFFERING KNOW T H AT T H E Y A R E N ’ T A L O N E A N D T H AT T H E Y D O N ’ T H AV E T O G I V E UP THEIR DREAM. I DON’T LET THE D I S E A S E S T O P M E .”
By Kiara Manns
With a decorated career and involvement in just about every corner of the entertainment industry, legendary singer Toni Braxton is more than just an R&B icon. Through years of success and dedication to her craft, Braxton has become a household name. From her solo music career to producing and starring in a hit reality TV show series, Braxton Family Values, the multitalented Braxton has nearly done it all. She first stepped into the scene with her four sisters as the musical group, The Braxtons, during the 1980s. Soon after, her first selftitled album debuted in 1993, which featured the hit song “Another Sad Love Song.” The album alone led to three Grammy Award wins, and Toni Braxton became one of the top female artists in R&B. Braxton’s next studio album Secrets was even more commercially successful and generated the chart-topping hits “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “Un-Break My Heart.” Currently, she has released eight studio albums, achieved a total of seven Grammy Award wins, 11 Grammy Award nominations, sold 67 million records, mothered two boys, produced two reality series and tapped into a successful career of acting and producing. She’s also the recipient of five Billboard Music Awards, an
Echo Award, a NAACP Image Award and several Soul Train Music Awards. Only a few years ago, in 2010, did Braxton publicly share her diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus. As an autoimmune disease, lupus causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues and can affect any part of the body. The disease can also cause unwanted butterfly rashes to appear on the skin. Pain and inflammation are often side effects of the disease, but Braxton refused to let these challenging symptoms stand in her way. Braxton took her diagnosis story to the world in hopes of bringing a sense of community and connection for those who have also been diagnosed with lupus. She encourages others to not let their diagnosis halt their ambitions and hopes to lead by example. By committing to a healthy lifestyle and using all-natural health and beauty products, she continues to maintain her own plans for her performance career and future projects. Braxton is now taking on a new role as the brand ambassador for Uncle Bud’s Hemp, a company that specializes in “natural hemp-infused products for pain relief, skin care and personal care.” Uncle Bud’s Hemp prides itself in incorporating natural hemp oil, which is rich in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that help to promote healthy skin and slow cell damage. It’s a brand that Braxton can personally stand behind. CULTURE caught up with Braxton to receive insight into her career thus far and to learn how hemp products have aided in providing her a lifestyle that is healthy, safe and fulfilling. CultureMagazine.com
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You have been involved in reality TV show Braxton Family Values not just on-screen, but behind the scenes as executive producer. What is it like producing a reality show that centers on your own family? I am enjoying being the executive producer on both Braxton Family Values and my recent movie roles. I like the control of making decisions that has a positive impact on my acting. You were also a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in its seventh season. How was that experience? It was really exhausting. At the time, I didn’t want the world to know that I was living with lupus. I committed to Dancing with the Stars to show that I was healthy and strong. You’ve been in the entertainment industry as both a solo recording artist and you’ve worked in various projects with your family. How have those endeavours impacted your life today? Family is first and foremost, of course. Professionally, music is my first love, and I have enjoyed the opportunities I have had to act both in movies and on Broadway.
1967
OCT. 7, Toni Michelle Braxton is born to Minister Michael Braxton and his wife Evelyn in Severn, Maryland.
1970s
Braxton grows up in a strict religious household, but she finds her true passion while singing with her younger sisters Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar at their father’s church.
1992
JUNE 30, Braxton’s breakthrough moment arrives. Anita Baker is unable to sing for the soundtrack of Eddie Murphy’s Boomerang, and Braxton is asked to fill in. The soundtrack attracts a lot of attention with several hit singles.
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Not only do you have a big family, but you all have collaborated together from singing with your sisters to filming reality TV. What are the benefits of working with your family members? We love each other. If feelings are running high, you know at the end of the day, you are family, and you have to settle your differences.
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1993
Tell us about your upcoming role in the Lifetime movie, Every Day is Christmas. It was fun to be the bad guy as a female Scrooge. I enjoyed doing a woman’s take on that wonderful holiday parable.
1990
Braxton and her younger sisters form The Braxtons. The group releases its first single “The Good Life,” and singer, songwriter and producer Babyface is impressed by what he hears. Babyface quickly signs Braxton to LaFace Records.
JULY 13, Braxton’s eponymous debut album is released and becomes an enormous hit, eventually selling over eight million albums and reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
1994
MARCH 1, “Another Sad Love Song” earns her Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance awards at The Grammy Awards.
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How has life changed for you since you were diagnosed with lupus? Being open about my condition has been empowering, and it lets others who may be suffering know that they aren’t alone and that they don’t have to give up their dream. I don’t let the disease stop me. I help manage my symptoms by using safe, natural pain-relief products like Uncle Bud’s, along with other healthy lifestyle alterations.
You’ll also be on tour at the start of the New Year. What can fans expect from this upcoming tour? I love my fans, and I will be doing all of my hits. It’s no secret with your extensive resume that you enjoy working in so many aspects of the entertainment industry. From singing and acting to producing, is there a favorite form of entertaining you have among them? I enjoy them all; music was my start, so that will always remain my favorite. How do you feel about being referred to as a diva? It is an honor to be a celebrated female singer. Many doors are open to me, because of that description. You’re a mother of two teenage boys; what are some of the lessons you hope to instill in your sons? I want them to be honest, kind, honorable and hardworking young men.
1995
MARCH 1, Braxton earns a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 37th Grammy Awards for “Breathe Again.”
2000
APRIL 25, The Heat, Braxton’s studio album, is released.
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“ . . . THERE ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING HEMP VERSUS CBD PRODUCTS, AND MANY M I S TA K E N LY U S E T H E T E R M S I N T E R C H A N G E A B LY. HEMP SEED OIL IS A N A L L- N AT U R A L O I L T H AT C O N TA I N S N O PSYCHOACTIVE PROPERTIES AND IS LEGAL IN THE U N I T E D S TAT E S .”
1996
FEB. 28, Braxton is nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards.
JUNE 18, Braxton’s second solo album Secrets is released and is also massively successful. “Un-Break My Heart” becomes her most successful single to date, followed by “You Make Me High.”
2001
FEB. 21, Braxton wins a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance with “He Wasn’t Man Enough” and is nominated for another Grammy Award.
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1997
FEB. 27 Braxton collects another two Grammy Awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She is also nominated for two additional Grammy Awards.
2002
OCT. 23, Snowflakes, Braxton’s first holiday album is released.
NOV. 19, Braxton’s studio album More Than a Woman is released.
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What is something about overcoming the symptoms of lupus that you would like others to know? Never stop living your life. Take control of your body, and carefully work yourself through life’s hurdles. It can be done. When were hemp-based products first introduced to you as a treatment option for lupus? I was first introduced to the power of hemp through Uncle Bud’s products. I am hooked. For those who are considering using hempinfused topical products, what’s something you’d like to share about how it helps you? That there are some misconceptions surrounding hemp versus CBD products, and many mistakenly use the terms interchangeably. Hemp seed oil is an all-natural oil that contains no psychoactive properties
2005
SEPT. 27, Libra, named after Braxton’s Zodiac sign, is released as her latest studio album. Braxton takes a short hiatus from the studio.
relief products, making them an essential part of an everyday routine for me, as I have long suffered from the painful and debilitating effects of lupus.
and is legal in the United States. Uncle Bud’s Hemp Pain Relief & Skin Care products do not contain any CBD. The industry can help dispel the conceptions by continuing to educate the consumer, and Uncle Bud’s will continue to be a source of information with the launch of their efficacious products, packaging and website. What types of treatment options did you try before resorting to hemp topical products? Rest, clean living, staying out of the sun.
2010
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The company shares that it provides a natural remedy for various conditions; why is it important to you to work with a company that utilizes natural ingredients in its products? Having had to make healthy alterations to my lifestyle, this hemp-healthy brand specializes in pain
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? You are strong, and you can meet the challenges that life throws your way. c
2011
MAY 4, Braxton releases her studio album Pulse, and shortly afterwards, she decides to focus on other parts of her career.
MAY 14, Braxton releases her memoir Unbreak My Heart: A Memoir published by HarperCollins.
Why did you choose to partner with Uncle Bud’s over another brand or treatment option? I believe in the product, and it really works for me. I wanted to share that experience with others.
What is your favorite Uncle Bud’s product? Why? It is hard to pick just one. But right now, I am loving the Uncle Bud’s Topical Pain Reliever as it works super-fast, penetrates deep and relieves aches and pains better than any other over-the-counter product I have tried. All you need is a small dab. A close second is the Massage and Body Oil. It adds a touch of pampering to pain relief.
APRIL 11, The reality television series Braxton Family Values debuts on WE tv, and it receives three times the ratings of typical WE tv series.
2015 FEB. 8, Love, Marriage & Divorce wins a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
2014
FEB. 4, Braxton releases her collaborative album Love, Marriage & Divorce with Babyface.
OCT. 30, The Braxtons release a holiday album Braxton Family Christmas, in which all five of her sisters participate.
2018
MARCH 23, Sex & Cigarettes, Braxton’s most recent studio album is released.
www.tonibraxton.com
“ H AV I N G H A D T O M A K E H E A LT H Y A LT E R AT I O N S T O MY LIFESTYLE, THIS HEMPH E A LT H Y B R A N D S P E C I A L I Z E S IN PAIN RELIEF PRODUCTS, MAKING THEM AN ESSENTIAL P A R T O F A N E V E R Y D AY R O U T I N E F O R M E , A S I H AV E LONG SUFFERED FROM THE P A I N F U L A N D D E B I L I TAT I N G E F F E C T S O F L U P U S .”
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2018
gifts for the cannabis lovers in your life
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UNCLE BUD’S HEMP PRODUCTS Each good-for-you Uncle Bud’s Hemp product is formulated with pure organic hemp oil and is safe for men and women of all ages. Uncle Bud’s Hemp pain relief, skin care and personal care products utilize vitamins and antioxidant-rich hemp oil—a natural remedy to relieve arthritis, muscle pain, joint pain and other aches and skin conditions that affect millions of people worldwide! Products can be found at Walmart and GNC stores nationwide or at unclebudshemp.com.
CBX ESSENTIALS INTENSIVE SALVE Based on the awardwinning CBx Sciences line, CBx Essentials products contain all the benefits, with zero THC, so they can be shipped to anyone, nationwide. The new product line includes CBx Sciences’ Intensive Salve, the first product to introduce CBG to Colorado—and now the first CBG product available nationwide. Use promo “CULTURE15” for 15 percent off through Dec. 31, 2018.
PRICE: Prices range from $2.50 - $13.97 MORE INFORMATION: unclebudshemp.com
EYCE SPOON The patented Eyce Spoon pipe has been one of the most popular cannabis products for two years running. Why is this pipe so popular? Because it’s durability that rips. Eyce’s Spoon pipe is an all-in-one smoker’s arsenal, complete with a removable inlaid glass bowl, hideaway poker tool, hidden stash compartment and an unbreakable platinum cured silicone body that is protected by Eyce’s Lifetime Warranty. What more could you ask for under $20? Use code “CULTURE10” for 10 percent off when you buy two pipes or more at EyceMolds.com. Offer expires Dec. 31, 2018. (Patent US D825,101)
PRICE: $25 for 2 ounces MORE INFORMATION: CBxEssentials.com
PRICE: $19.99 MORE INFORMATION: eycemolds.com
RYOT ® SIFTER BOXES RYOT® Sifter Boxes are known for their quality and being constructed of the highest quality woods. Their monofilament screen and seamless glass base tray make them the perfect option for collecting the finest kief and storing your herbs. Not only are these stylish and sleek, the RYOT® Sifter Box makes for a timeless addition to anyone’s collection. PRICE: $36 and up MORE INFORMATION: ryot.com CultureMagazine.com
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PRESSIES Everyone knows someone who could use a little more sleep, energy, or even a bit more focus. That person may even be you. And it’s for that reason that Pressies were made, a series of wellness supplements that contain effective, targeted nutraceuticals plus a healthy dose of THC to help you do the things you do—on your own terms. Kind of like a present to yourself. MORE INFORMATION: pressiepills.com
THE CRESCENDO COLLECTION
THE SYMPHONY COLLECTION – BATH BOMBS Looking for a gift for someone who has everything? Coda Signature’s Bath Bombs are the answer with three unique luxurious experiences—Uplift, Balance and Calm. Uplift blends notes of grapefruit with undertones of rosemary and black pepper. Coda Signature’s Balance Formula harmonizes patchouli with rose geranium and lavender. Finally, Calm blends cedar and floral scents of marjoram.
Coda Signature’s Crescendo Collection is an impressive lastminute stocking stuffer for your favorite foodie. Using ethically sourced Cacao from South America, each truffle is handmade with breathtaking attention to detail. The Crescendo Collection includes six truffles to excite the palate with three distinctive flavors: Burnt Carmel, Earl Grey and Juniper Lemon. MORE INFORMATION: codasignature.com/all-products/theindica-ensemble
MORE INFORMATION: codasignature.com/all-products/ the-symphony-collection
FIND THESE GREAT PRODUCTS AT ANY OF HIGH LEVEL HEALTH’S 4 LOCATIONS
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970 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO (303)-839-9333 8am-10pm
1620 Market St #5W, Denver, CO (303) 953-0884 8am-10pm
2028 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, CO (303)-355-9333 8am-10pm
1221 Co Rd 308, Dumont, CO Off Exit 234 On I-70 (720) 242-8692
HighLevelHealth.com
@HighLevelHealth
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Kannastör ® GR8TR ® V2 JAR BODY The Kannastör® GR8TR® V2 stands out above all other grinders, and this one has it all! The immediate standout features are the interchangeable Vape and Standard Easy Change Grinder plates for a variance of grinding options. Plus it has an Easy Change Sifting Screen, bonus storage options and all the variations of modularity that one could ever hope for. On top of that, the Kannastör® GR8TR® V2 comes in three amazing colors, comes with a lifetime warranty and is made from food grade hardened aluminum. Rest assured you’re getting quality, as it was rated number one by HuffPost and High Times in 2017! PRICE: $89 MORE INFORMATION: kannastor.com
BABA G’S DIY SOUR CANDY KIT Choose your own adventure with Baba G’s DIY Sour Candy Kit! With this kit you can easily create edibles crafted to your potency preference. Add your favorite concentrate and in 60 minutes or less you’ll have 64 delicious sour gummy candies. Use the kit again and again with refill packs! Multiple flavors are available. MORE INFORMATION: oregonbaba.com
SNOWCAP BY SILVER STEM Silver Stem’s Snowcap is a fan favorite and for good reason! Its large and dense flowers will impress you. Its lemony, menthol scent will lead to a cerebral, creative happiness and a case of the giggles. This strain is a must-have on your shelf and perfect for the holiday season, as it is sure to bring good cheer and joy!
CBX SCIENCES GEMS Formulated to take effect quickly and last, Gems are small pharmaceutical-grade lozenges made from natural ingredients with a refreshing light flavor. Since they’re designed for sublingual administration that bypasses first-pass metabolism, these little Gems pack more punch than you might expect. Available in Amplify and Meditate, choose the right approach for the right time. PRICE: $30 per tin MORE INFORMATION: CBxSciences.com
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MORE INFORMATION: silverstemcannabis.com/ cannabis-products/flower
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WILLIE’S RESERVE™ MULTIPACK TIN - HIGH FIVE PACK Willie’s Reserve™ High Five Pack contains five whole-flower half-gram joints. The only thing better than a beautifully rolled joint is having enough to go around! So, whether it’s a festival weekend or a night with the band, you’re prepared to share the legendary stash. PRICE: $30 MORE INFORMATION: williesreserve.com
SORRY! NOT SORRY! ADULT PARTY BOARD GAME Everyone’s childhood favorite board game, Sorry! just got a lot more intimate for you and your adult friends. Much like the classic board game that is family-friendly, the point of this game is to get all your pawns slid into home for the win. This much more adult-centric game will have you answering “have you ever” questions, favoring those who are willing to say “yes” and spill the beans. PRICE: $19.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.target.com
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PEPPERMINT LATTE BATH BOMB Everyone needs to treat themselves with a little self-care after a long, hard day’s work. Soothe dry and cracked winter skin with the fresh and timely scents of peppermint and latte. The limited edition Peppermint Latte Bath Bombs by Kush Queen only come around during the holiday season. Each ball is infused with 25mg of CBD and is made using 100 percent organic materials. This Peppermint Latte Bath Bomb is perfect for those seeking the healing benefits of cannabis without any unwanted effects of cloudiness or laziness. Other CBD Bath Bomb varieties include Pumpkin Spice Latte and nourishing bath bombs with organic cloves, peppermint, citrus, lavender and rosemary. PRICE: $12.99 MORE INFORMATION: kushqueen.shop
BLUE KUDU BONBONS Handmade, decadent and irresistible. BlueKudu’s dark chocolate bonbons are filled with a creamy vanilla bean caramel, and milk chocolate bonbons are filled with a smooth peanut butter filling. Each package contains five of each bonbon sealed in BlueKudu’s in-house childresistant packaging. The company’s 1:1 recently won First Place in the CBD Edibles Category and The Connoisseur’s Choice Award at the THC Championship, making this the perfect stocking stuffer when only the best will do. MORE INFORMATION: bluekudu.com
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MINDSET Hybrid Vape Cartridge Discover the most consistent, best-tasting, highest potency vape cartridges currently on the market. 500mg MINDSET Hybrid Vape Cartridges are available with oil made from premium hybrid strains. During the CO2 extraction process, terpenes are removed at low temperatures to preserve taste, consistency and profile. The MINDSET Hybrid Vape Cartridge is available only where Dixie Elixirs products are sold. MORE INFORMATION: dixieelixirs.com
TOKER POKER ® Your stocking stuffer search ends here! Finally, your poker, tamper, hemp wick and lighter are in one, tidy place. This soulfully designed smoking tool has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Artist Editions are certain to be the hit of the season—as unique as they are useful. Use promo code “CULTURE25” at the checkout for 25 percent discount online at tokerpoker.com (offer expires Dec. 31, 2018). PRICE: $7.95 and up MORE INFORMATION: tokerpoker.com
GENIUS MINI With the Genius Mini’s incredible Genius Taster attachment, you can dab on-the-go and still experience all the benefits that the technology offers for flower. A waterless rig maximizes taste and allows the full flavor profile to be experienced. Other features include the Genius Mini’s Waterless Dimple Technology that cools and filters smoke and leads to less waste. It’s also amazingly efficient and virtually indestructible.
SYNERGY Relief Balm Infused with THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio, SYNERGY Relief Balm delivers harmonious health benefits—so you can work hard and recover faster. Consumers report that its powerful anti-inflammatory properties are great for treating chronic and localized pain and can assist with neuropathic conditions. Added bonus: The balm is absorbed through the skin, so it doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. SYNERGY Relief Balm is available only where Dixie Elixirs products are sold. MORE INFORMATION: dixieelixirs.com
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PRICE: $75 MORE INFORMATION: geniuspipe.com
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AIRFRESHY Give the gift of delightful scents with the AirFreshy, a cannabis scented air freshener. Real hemp terpenes are utilized in this pleasant air freshener, which will help set a festive scene at holiday celebrations and beyond. Improve upon the atmosphere and mood of those around you with various scents inspired by well-known strains, such as Blue Dream, Space Dream, Sour Diesel and many others. PRICE: $6 MORE INFORMATION: www.airfreshy.com
THE PAT PEN - 500MG ADJUSTABLE AIRFLOW CARTRIDGE Still hunting for that perfect holiday gift? Look no further than the new Pat Pen adjustable airflow cartridge. Inside these durable, yet discreet cartridges you’ll find 500mg of the world’s finest CO2 extracted distillate cannabis oil. The experts at The Pat Pen don’t believe in cutting their oil with any fillers or flavors, instead, they only use the purest oil in all their products. With three adjustable airflow settings, this cartridge offers a completely customizable experience. These potent cartridges are available in many strain-specific varieties all over the state! MORE INFORMATION: www.patpenproducts.com
TROPIC TWIST GUMMIES Give the holidays a tropical twist this year. These fruity, delicious, indica-dominant gummies are guaranteed to relax your mind and whisk you away from wintry nights to sunny Caribbean shores. Fully infused, handmade Tropic Twist Gummies are easy to share with friends— and like all Dixie Edibles, they’re triple lab tested for consistency and quality. Tropic Twist Gummies are available only where Dixie Elixirs products are sold. MORE INFORMATION: dixieelixirs.com
THE AXE HAT BY CHIEFTON SUPPLY CO. This six-panel snapback is made from the highest quality hemp and organic cotton. Attention to detail makes this hat stand out from the rest. The game changer with this piece is the small tab on the right side panel appropriately called the “Joint Caddy.” No more sweaty broken joints will be tucked behind your ear. Check out www.chieftonsupply.com for a great selection of hemp apparel and accessories. MORE INFORMATION: www.chieftonsupply.com
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EMBER ® CERAMIC MUG Elevate your experience of sipping hot cocoa in front of the yule log this Christmas. For those on your holiday shopping list who are tired of hot drinks getting too cold, Ember® is the new way to keep every last drop of drinks at the perfect temperature and for long periods of time. Working alongside the Ember® app, this smart mug notifies users when their drink has reached the preferred temperature. The app also allows users to remotely adjust the temperature setting, and presets can also be saved for specific drinks. Each Ember® Ceramic Mug comes with a charging coaster for easy recharging. PRICE: $79.99 MORE INFORMATION: ember.com
HUNI BADGER ® VERTICAL VAPORIZER KIT For $189, you can skip the torch and get a Huni Badger®, the premium vertical dab rig with a full ceramic heating tip. Powered by a single rechargeable battery, the interchangeable high and low temperature on the HuniTip heats up in seconds and works on a variety of extracts/consistencies. It comes in a waterproof case with accessories and mouthpieces compatible with a variety of water bubblers. PRICE: $189 MORE INFORMATION: www.hunibadger.com
Dr. Dabber SWITCH If want you want to treat your loved one to the very best of the best when it comes to dabbing this holiday season, then Dr. Dabber has you covered! This powerful hourglassshaped Dr. Dabber SWITCH will take cannabis consumption to the next level. This dabber’s sleek design with LED lights is outstanding and will impress just about anyone. The set comes with all the attachments or accessories that are needed for various forms of inhalation. Choose Leaf Mode, Oil Mode, Crystal Mode or choose up to 25 Advanced Mode settings. There is also Stealth Mode and 25 impressive LED light show settings. Take it on-the-go with a battery life of up to 33.3 watt-hours, 150 uses per charge and 120 watts of output power. PRICE: $399.99 MORE INFORMATION: drdabber.com 50
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SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH SMARTWATCH Give the gift of never being offline or disconnected from the internet again—no matter where you are. Using the Samsung Flow app, users can sync the watch with all smart devices through Bluetooth. With 4GB of internal storage, recipients of this fine watch can store their entire music library, or whatever documents that are needed. Even the pickiest people on your shopping list will love being able to closely monitor sleep cycles, calorie intake and breathing, or they can even utilize the GPS system for an outside jog. The glass is made from Corning Gorilla Glass DR+ which is scratchresistant and hard as a rock. The 42mm design is available in Rose Gold or Midnight Black, and 46mm designs are also available. PRICE: $329.99 MORE INFORMATION: samsung.com
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PAY IT FORWARD Support cannabis companies and o r g a n i z at i o n s t h at g i v e back to those in need
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By Caroline Hayes
F
or some, the holiday months are a time to celebrate and a time to give, receive and enjoy meals with loved ones. For others, this time of year may only highlight the fact that they may not be able to provide for themselves or their families. The holiday months are an opportune time to pay it forward, thanks to the places of business that organize food, clothing and toy drives or donate to charities using revenue from their sales. This holiday season, cannabis consumers can help just by supporting the stores or companies in the industry that are taking an altruistic approach and helping others. Just as important as the charities in need are
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Photo courtesy of The+Source
the medical patients in the cannabis world. Donating directly to dispensarysponsored programs that assist patients with free meds or patient-focused groups are also easy ways to get involved. Paying it forward can be as simple as buying products at a local dispensary that is using proceeds to supply meals, toys or services to those in need. For the second year in a row, The+Source, a Nevadabased dispensary, will donate to Three Square, Southern Nevada’s only food bank. Customers of The+Source can help support Three Square by purchasing one of the store’s select promo items during its 12 Days of December celebration. Customers can also bring in canned food in exchange for points to use in the store. Dan Zarrella, director of marketing for The+Source, shared with CULTURE the simple reason why the company donates. “There isn’t a great inspiration story other than our desire to find an inspiring way to give back and show off the spirit of the
community we all love,” Zarrella said. He added that The+Source’s customer response to the food drive in 2017 was impressive, and the community was generous. “We built massive towers of cans in our lobbies, yielding over 150,000 pounds of nonperishable food donations.” Bloom Farms, with locations in Nevada and California, is also committed to ending hunger in those states and has partnered with local food banks to supply meals. For every Bloom Farms product sold, including PAX Era oil cartridges, ultra-premium flower and pens, the company will donate a meal to one of the local food banks. Michael Ray, founder and CEO of Bloom Farms said he knew he had to help when he learned approximately one in eight Californians suffer from “food insecurity,” meaning that they don’t know where they will get their next meal. “We decided to build our onefor-one program deep into the foundation of company structure," he said. "It expands as we do because other states have similar or worse food insecurity and because contributing to our local communities in meaningful ways is part of our culture.” Ray has seen his company’s altruistic gestures create a new expectation in cannabis customers. Ray went on to share, “We are seeing firsthand the light bulb go off for some people when they realize they can contribute to real change simply through purchasing decisions that have some kind of social giveback, and we think it raises their expectations for what companies across all industries should be doing.” Bloom Farms’ year-round one-for-one program began December 2015 and has since donated more than $1.4 million in meals. Large cannabis companies in Colorado have also demonstrated a year-round dedication to giving back. Native Roots, a leading Colorado dispensary
“ W E B U I LT M A S S I V E TOWERS OF CANS IN OUR LOBBIES, YIELDING OVER 150,000 POUNDS OF NONPERISHABLE FOOD DONATIONS.”
chain, recently donated $1,000 to Servicios de La Raza, which provides essential human services to people in need and also to Victory Service Dogs, which assists veterans in obtaining service dogs, said Kim Casey, communications manager. Native Roots employees also volunteer at various shelters throughout Colorado during the year. Also in Denver, Colorado, GroundSwell Cannabis Boutique hosted a coat drive throughout the month of November. Medical or recreational customers who donated a coat received a discount on their purchase. Just by shopping at stores that organize drives and donate is a simple way to help as a consumer. A way to directly support medical cannabis patients in need is to seek out programs like Dispensary 33’s (D33) Cannabis Compassion Program (CCP) in Chicago, which donates at least one percent of sales to getting financially distressed patients free cannabis. Co-owner Zachary Zises told CULTURE that D33’s owners knew they wanted to run the program from the day they opened the store. “The basic idea is that, while it can be really helpful to offer those in financial need a 10 or 20 percent discount, the reality is that those discounts won’t really move the needle for the neediest patients—they still won’t be able to afford anywhere near what
they need,” he said. So, what’s more helpful than a discount? Free product. A small number of people each week receive an eighth of flower at no cost. “As we get bigger, so does the program, so at this point we give out about $50,000 in free product every year. It really changes people’s lives and is something we’re really proud of,” Zises said. These kinds of programs especially work when a dispensary is doing well and has revenue to spare. Cannabis customers can encourage the growth of programs like CCP by shopping at dispensaries that run them. Another way to help individuals is by donating to national patient-based groups such as United Patients Group, an organization that is a valuable resource for patients wanting to learn more about cannabis for specific medical conditions. United Patients Group provides people with resources to help them video chat with a certified doctor, learn what cannabis products are legal in their state, find doctors in their area who embrace cannabis use for medical treatment, explore learning blogs about cannabis and illnesses and more. To contribute to this cause, go to United Patients Group’s website and click “donate.” The companies and organizations talked about here, along with so many others not mentioned, demonstrate what it’s like to show a strong compassion to care for the welfare of others. Utilize these programs by supporting altruistic cannabis companies, so that others in the community can benefit. Even a small donation to a patient-focused group or program is helpful. Call around to your local dispensaries to find out if they are involved in any philanthropic efforts this holiday season—see how you can support these organizations and people in need. c CultureMagazine.com
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By Jacob Cannon Decorating a dead tree in your living room, waking up at 4 a.m. for Black Friday shopping deals and leaving cookies and milk out for an old fat guy who’s going to break into your home while you’re sleeping—it’s safe to say that the world has many strange customs that are part of our holiday celebrations. This holiday season, choose to make your traditions all the more green and enjoyable by adding cannabis. Not only is cannabis a good alternative to alcohol, but cannabis can elevate other aspects of your holiday celebrations, from gift-giving to decorating.
CANNABIS MOCKTAILS AND TREATS Eat, drink and be merry―alcohol has long been associated with holiday parties. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Instead of embracing alcohol, pouring peppermint liquor in your hot chocolate and rum into your eggnog, find fun ways to use cannabis-infused ingredients instead. From THC-rich cannabis simple syrup to CBD hemp oil, your choices are endless when it comes to creating delicious cannabis mocktails that mark the holiday season. And where there are mocktails, there are sure to also be tasty sweet treats as well. Check out CULTURE’s monthly À La Carte section to snag some recipes for delicious holiday desserts that are meant for sharing, or check CultureMagazine.com for uniquely infused holiday recipes.
DIY CANNABIS DECOR GIFTS
CANNABIS GIFT WRAP
The holidays are known as a time to get crafty and creative. When it comes to holiday decor and DIY gift-giving with friends, cannabis can add a playful element to many creative holiday traditions. Take your decor to the next level, and add a cannabis leaf or nug to your the mistletoe hanging above your doorway (this makes a great DIY gift as well). Another cool DIY gift that doubles as a decoration would be to place a joint into a clear glass ornament. Then, you can use paint pens and glitter to decorate the ornament with seasonal colors and phrases. There are endless ways to incorporate cannabis into the thousands of do-ityourself gift ideas you find on Pinterest.
It’s not just the inside of the gift that counts! Add some cannabis flair to your holiday cards and gift wrap. Stamps, ribbon and glitter on cardstock will go a long way when it comes to making your own holiday greeting cards. From there, combine a cannabis leaf stencil with some craft paper and plain gift bags, and you have one-of-a-kind gift wrap. If you’re burned out from exhausting all your creative gusto making DIY Cannabis Decor Gifts, you can purchase pre-made holiday cannabis cards. One brand, KushKards, allows you to add your own pre-roll to the card to really set it over the top. Or you can get your cards and cannabis wrap from various shops on Etsy, such as SoChroma and Stash Box 420. c CultureMagazine.com
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Pounding Thoughts By David Edmundson
C
omedian Shaun Latham is truly a renaissance man. The stand-up guru recently launched a new show on SiriusXM, The Shaun Latham Show, he is a certified international “garnishisist” (which is obviously a
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C o m e d i a n S h a u n L at h a m i s the antithesis of the “lazy stoner” stereotype
made-up title he gave himself) in 20 Dollar Chef and he is a boxer in Barstool Sports’ Rough N’ Rowdy. He is the total package; he’ll make you laugh, cook your dinner and protect you if need be. Hit him up ladies, @ ShaunLatham on Twitter. While making people laugh is Latham’s primary objective in life,
it’s his infectious personality and effortless charisma that draws you to him. Just watch a couple episodes of 20 Dollar Chef on YouTube, and you will be surprised at how quickly he lures you in. He is also an avid cannabis smoker, who truly bucks the “lazy stoner” stereotype.
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Tell us about your new show on SiriusXM. The Shaun Latham Show [airs] Monday through Friday, 10a.m. to 11a.m. EST. It’s myself, YP and Jourdyn Berry. We take callers; it’s kind of a lifestyle show. I love having these two as co-hosts because of the energy they bring. We have a really good vibe even though we are complete opposite humans. It really helps muster up conversation. We’re talking about humorous things, stupid-ass shit. We do a lot of interviews with comedians and entertainers. We just launched in November.
“IF I SMOKE A SOLID SATIVA, I’M LIKE A MAN ON A MISSION ALL DAY LONG. JUST GETTING SHIT DONE, BEING CREATIVE, CATCHING THOUGHTS AND ADDING MORE FUEL TO THE CONTENT MACHINE.”
Where did the idea for 20 Dollar Chef come from? I’ve just been a comedian for such a long time, and I was at that point where I didn’t feel like I needed a regular job anymore. But money was tight, so I had no choice but to cook at home. And after so many years of eating basic shit, you just want to supe it up and make it better. Taking a 50-cent bag of Ramen and doing something different with it. So, I started filming it and putting it on Snapchat. I would do Snaps and film myself talking shit, and people really seemed to like it.
run with. It’s very similar to how I do my stand-up.
What’s the worst thing you ever made on the show? It was Thanksgiving stuffing. I never cooked it growing up. For Thanksgiving, I was always at my family’s or friend’s house, so I never made stuffing before. So, when I tried to make it, it just looked like shit! Are you scripting your episodes or is it mostly improv? It’s 85 percent off-the-cuff, but I will write material that comes to me during the day and incorporate it into the episode. I’m constantly pounding thoughts into my Notes app, so I have a couple pages of thoughts to try out. Typically though, it is a random thought I just 58
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Have you ever cooked with cannabis? Yes I have, using weed butter and oil. I haven’t done it a ton because I’ve lived in such conservative areas, like Indiana, where they still look at weed like it’s the 1950s. I really want to do it a lot more. When it comes to cooking with cannabis on the show, it has more to do with the sponsor of the episode. Certain sponsors might not want weed in their episodes. If it’s in a nonsponsored episode, I can do pretty much whatever I want. Do you have a preferred strain or method for consuming cannabis? I go through stages, but right now I’m really into sativa, to keep me extroverted. I smoke weed a solid amount, and I like to be productive. I’m the opposite of the stereotype, of being lazy. If I smoke a solid sativa, I’m like a man on a mission all day long. Just getting shit done, being creative, catching thoughts and adding more fuel to the content machine. I think it is one of the most important things in my routine, it keeps life fresh. I went through a strong pen phase, but I’m old school, so I mostly smoke joints or out of a pipe. I really pride myself on my joint-rolling skills.
How did you get involved in Rough N’ Rowdy? Rough N’ Rowdy is an event that Barstool Sports puts on that features amateur boxing. It started as personalities in the office boxing each other. After training for a year and a half I told them that I would do it, and then I fought a guy out of the New York office. It was a really awesome event. It was on Payper-view, and it was great to hear feedback on the match. After that I really wanted to do it again. The deal is still being finalized, but I should be fighting Super Bowl weekend. I really want to fight a Twitter troll. There’s a guy who’s been heckling my friend, and I would love to punch him in the face. c shaunlatham.com
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DRINKS AND DELIGHTS SERVING VICES AND CRAVINGS WITH A SIDE OF CBD AT CARBON CAFÉ & BAR
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By John McClain
M
orning, noon and night, cravings can be satisfied on Platte Street, where the drinks have some major appeal and the munchies are stellar. The building that houses Carbon Café & Bar and its sister, the Habit Doughnut Dispensary, has housed decades of community members coming together any time of the
day. It formerly housed the coffee shop Paris on the Platte for over 30 years. The original graffiti is still visible from the building’s Paris on the Platte days, and Carbon has a cool lounge feel in contrast to the hip-hop theme of its sister donut shop. Multi-faceted Carbon fills the hole left from the previous shop’s departure, offering full-day service that caters to every need. Carbon Manager Hayley Charles dished with CULTURE about the unique environment, which includes a beverage menu that incorporates cannabidiol (CBD).
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“We’re open 7 a.m. to midnight,” said Charles, as the rustle of restaurant sounds came in and out of the background. “People can come here for coffee, they can come here for food, they can come here for cocktails at night.” “It’s a beautiful place, cool people work here, and it’s great,” said Charles. “We offer pretty much everything that you would want.” The food menu reflects the sister establishment’s theme, with menu items named after hip-hop artists featuring decadent comfort foods, including an iconic group 62
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that monikers the signature item of Carbon. “The Wu Tang Tots are our signature item, something we’ve had on the menu since we opened,” said Charles. The tots come in a variety of flavors including a loaded baked potato style and a poutine-inspired mix with gravy and white cheddar. Another hot item and one that a canine amateur detective would surely devour on Carbon’s menu is the Doobie Snaks, little smokie sausages wrapped in a butter brioche with sauce “Hits” for dipping. The breakfast menu offers everything from apple pie French toast to huevos rancheros, but Carbon’s most popular item is the Chicken & Waffles served with maple syrup and butter. “It’s gluten-free, and people love that,” she said. Mini doughnuts from its sibling Habit Doughnut Dispensary top Carbon’s dessert offerings and even some of its drinks. The café and bar is currently testing new menu items to be added in the next few weeks. “It’s gonna look a little different, some of the things will stay,” said Charles, mentioning additions
to the menu including breakfast sandwiches, more tater tot options and a salad. Brunches or hangovers are both served with spicy, aptly titled Killah B’loody, a Bloody Mary, which is stacked high with olives, bacon and Doobie Snaks. Carbon’s drink menu offers a wide range of beverages and supports local companies. On tap is kombucha and beer from local breweries, and the bar menu features a mix of syrups made at the café including lavender vanilla and caramel, complete with local liquors. “We use local companies as much [as we can] for outsourcing stuff. We try to keep most of our tap beers as Colorado beers, so we use breweries from Colorado,” said Charles. “Same with a lot of our spirits, we try to give business to as much of our local businesses as we can.” The highlight of the beverage menu is the CBD Bump for just $2, which gets 10mg of CBD added to any of the hot or cold beverages on the menu. “We’re looking into becoming a CBD café and restaurant,” said Charles. “We have CBD kombucha on tap, and we have CBD cold brew, and then we have CBD oil that we use.” The CBD oil can easily be added to any of the bar’s hot or cold drinks, and the bar also offers CBD bitters for its mixed alcoholic drinks. Some of the menu offers perfect recommended pairings, such as the MJ Mimosa, served with liquid sunshine, or the bitters can be switched out in drinks like their Buttered Rum Old Fashioned. Carbon Café & Bar and its sister establishment are expecting a new addition in Five Points early next year. That location will have replicas of the original graffiti art from the Platte Street location and a central area with a chef’s counter and kitchen viewing window. c www.carbondenver.com
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GROWING CULTURE
OAKLAND OUTDOOR GARDEN PART IV By Ed Rosenthal
T
he Oakland garden is now ripe and is being harvested. As expected, the buds were ripe on Nov. 1. However, there was a delay in preparing for it, and the crew is playing catch-up. Every cultivator eventually learns that plants don’t wait. No matter what your intentions, plants develop somewhat mechanistically; input determines outcome, including timing. The buds’ ripening is a case in point. The light extension regime, interrupting the dark cycle by passing high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps through the field several times a night, ended on Sept. 1. By that time, there was a long enough dark period each night to switch the plants to flowering from vegetative growth. At that point, it was time to start preparing space
to accommodate the plants that would be harvested. However, steps were taken only close to ripening and have delayed harvest. The buds ripened on Nov. 1, 60 days later, as expected. However, it was only a week after that the first drying lines were set up. Then harvest began. On Nov. 19, about 40 percent of the field had been harvested. We have been lucky as other parts of California suffered through fires, but our farm has not been affected. Through October and early November, California days featured clear bright sunshine with highs in the 70s and UV light ratings as high as five. These are the steps in the harvest process are: 1. The plants were trellised using netting. It started with one layer of netting, which the plant branches were woven into. Then, when the plants grew larger and had more branches, netting was wrapped over each side, so that there were three nets holding the plants in place. The outer nets had to be removed in order to clip the plants. At first, crew members cut it using small clippers. Later an electric mini hedge-trimmer was used to cut and remove the netting.
Mature plant is trellised so it has a width of less than 12 inches.
Close-up of bud. All but a few rows were OG Kush.
Plants drying off from the dip.
Craft paper is placed in between layers of dried plants to help with airflow.
Plastic being removed so plants can be cut.
The drying rack is full.
2. Using a limb cutter at first, then later a small chainsaw, the plants were cut down and placed on small garden wagons. 3. The wagons were pulled to the processing area. 4. In the processing area, the plants were dipped in one percent hydrogen peroxide solution and then hung on racks to dry outdoors. This prevents them from molding as they dry out. 5. The plants were cut into top and bottom sections and hung to dry. 6. The space was outfitted with a room dryer to keep the space warm enough for the plants to dry quickly. Fans were placed all around the drying area to support air circulation. 7. The plants dried in about a week and were placed in a separate area to cure at 55 percent humidity for another two weeks. 8. After the plants dry, they will be sorted into “A” buds, smalls and concentrate material. c
Plant being dunked in a one percent hydrogen peroxide solution to protect against mold and bacteria.
Remaining plants in the field.
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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COLORADO NOW! EVENT LISTINGS
Jingle Jam, Dec. 7 Colorado doesn’t get enough of the smooth sounds of authentic R&B and soul, but Jingle Jam has you covered this holiday season. This year’s lineup features Ginuwine with special guests Jon B. and Surface to get the audience warmed up. Pueblo Memorial Hall, Pueblo pueblomemorialhall.com
Ouray Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Festival, Dec. 8 Wine, chocolate and cheese are three addictions that we don’t want to give up any time soon—not even for a New Year’s resolution. Now in its 10th year, the theme this year is “Around the World in 80 Days,” so international costumes and flair are encouraged, and proceeds benefit the Ouray Women’s Club. Ouray Community Center, Ouray ouraycolorado.com The English Beat, Dec. 10 If you’re in the United States or Canada, the band is known as The English Beat. And if you’re in England, it’s simply known as The Beat. This two-tone ska band is mostly known for its highly copied style of ska complete with a horn section, but it also fuses new wave, punk and reggae into its sound. Gothic Theatre, Englewood gothictheatre.com 66
Bone Thugs N Harmony, Dec. 13 Shortly before Eazy E died of AIDS, Bone Thugs N Harmony was his final pet project that he put his heart and soul into as a mentor. Since then, Bone Thugs N Harmony secured its place among the most popular rap groups of all time, and you can see the melodic group reunited after a few hiatus periods and lineup changes. Belly Up Aspen, Aspen bellyupaspen.com
featured event
Parade of Lasers, Dec. 15 Get your rave on this holiday season while the good people of the world are singing carols, stringing up lights and making popcorn garlands. Headlined by the American DJ known as Getter, the night opens up with special EDM and hip-hop guests Blunts & Blondes, Party Favor and Ubur, who will get you into the groove. The Fillmore Auditorium, Denver paradeoflasers.com
secular and “completely tinsel-free.” The Sports Castle, Denver denverbeerfestivus.com
Denver Beer Festivus 2018, Dec. 15 The 7th annual Denver Beer Festivus is not an event to be missed, with fine offerings from over 50 local breweries. While Colorado is flooded with cheesy and unoriginal holiday festivals, this event prides itself on being non-religious, nondenominational, wild,
Biz Markie, Dec. 21 “Just a Friend” was released clear back in 1989, but is one of the most popular cult hip-hop songs in existence, making it onto VH1’s “100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs of All Time.” Aside from appearing in Fox TV’s Empire and ABC’s Black-ish, Markie continues to perform his recognizable old school hip-hop rhymes on-stage.
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UGLY SWEATER RUN, DEC. 16 Tired of early holiday songs, the oversaturation of forced holiday marketing and bad gifts that you have to accept with a smile? Now there’s finally somewhere that people can rock those horrible holiday sweater gifts that have been gathering dust in their closets since Christmas five years ago. 2000 Market Street, Denver theuglysweaterrun.com
Summit Music Hall, Denver summitdenver.com The Beach Boys, Dec. 30 Since 1961, The Beach Boys has written some of the best rock ‘n’ roll songs and albums to ever be released, pioneering surf rock, complex jazz harmonies and stirring the souls of generations of music fans. Don’t miss your chance to see The Beach Boys perform live, well into the band’s fifth decade. Paramount Theatre Denver, Denver paramountdenver.com
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NEWS of the
WEIRD
BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL
LEAD STORY—NEW WORLD ORDER With the advent of driverless cars, new questions are being raised about a wide range of potential traffic situations. One example: What happens when police pull over an autonomous vehicle? According to The Washington Post, the company whose cars are now zipping around Phoenix is one car-length ahead of us: Alphabet’s Waymo cars (Chrysler Pacifica minivans) will use “sensors to identify police or emergency vehicles by detecting their appearance, their sirens and their emergency lights,” the company’s “Emergency Response Guide” explains. “The Waymo vehicle is designed to pull over and stop when it finds a safe place to do so.” Next, the car will unlock its doors and roll down its windows, allowing the police officer to communicate with a remote support team. The company will even send a human representative to the scene if necessary. So relax and enjoy the ride. Hal will take care of you. IRONY Kids at Pierre Part Primary school in Pierre Part, Louisiana, thought they knew what to expect during Red Ribbon Week, an annual alcohol awareness program, but a school administrator threw them a curveball, reported WBRZ-TV. Rachel Turley, 49, assistant principal 68
at the school, was on her way to work on Oct. 29 when other motorists reported that she was driving dangerously on Highway 70. Officers caught up with her at the school and took her to a police substation, where they determined her blood alcohol content was .224, nearly three times the legal limit of .08. She was charged with DWI and careless operation. “The fact that she chose to do this on the Monday of Red Ribbon Week is a slap in the face,” commented Niki Lacoste, grandparent of a Pierre Part student. ELECTION ROUNDUP An Independence, Missouri, city councilman who was not on the Nov. 6 ballot managed to let his temper get away from him that morning at a church polling station. Witnesses told KSHB-TV that councilman Tom Van Camp was in the parking lot of the church when another man yelled at him, “Tom Van Camp, you SOB!” Witness Lee Williams said the man then approached Van Camp, and the next time she looked up, Van Camp and the man were “down there on the grass and they’re punching each other. I was just shocked to see my councilman in a fist fight.” A voter called police, who responded, but both men had already left the scene in separate vehicles. Van Camp is under fire in Independence for spending public money on personal travel. He is up for reelection in 2020. The Associated Press reported on Nov. 7 that Virginia’s 5th Congressional District has a new Republican representative, Denver Riggleman, who beat
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Democrat Leslie Cockburn despite Cockburn’s suggestion in July that Riggleman was unfit for the office because of a Bigfoot erotica book he had written, “The Mating Habits of Bigfoot and Why Women Want Him.” While Riggleman is indeed the author of “Bigfoot Exterminators Inc.: The Partially Cautionary, Mostly True Tale of Monster Hunt 2006,” he says the erotica book was a joke among himself and buddies from the military. (BONUS: Distillery owner Riggleman entered the race when incumbent Tom Garrett dropped out after announcing he is an alcoholic.) FAMILY VALUES In Italy, an unnamed 48-year-old woman was ordered to pay $1,000 in late October after failing to peacefully settle a two-year dispute with her mother. The daughter, a vegan, threatened her mother with stabbing after the mother prepared Bolognese meat sauce. The daughter told the court she had long avoided sensory and olfactory contact with animal products before moving back in with her mother, but the Telegraph reports, there had been an escalation of aggression between the two women, and apparently the long-simmering sauce was the last straw. “If you won’t stop on your own then I’ll make you stop,” the March 2016 complaint quoted the daughter saying as she grabbed a knife. “Quit making ragu, or I’ll stab you in the stomach.” BRIGHT IDEAS David Weaver, 37, of Nelson, British Columbia, glibly avoided becoming
dinner for 14 sharks at Toronto’s Ripley Aquarium on Oct. 12 after stripping naked and jumping into a 3-million-liter tank and swimming about as other patrons looked on and recorded his stunt. Weaver arrived around 10 p.m. and quickly climbed to an overlook of the “Dangerous Lagoon,” where the sharks and other animals are displayed. Onlookers exclaimed as he made several attempts to climb out of the tank, exposing both his front and back sides. “I thought he was a worker until I noticed he was naked,” said one witness. The sharks “seemed angry but also frightened of him. They are fed daily, so I guess they had no reason to attack him.” The National Post reported police also connected Weaver to an assault a few hours earlier outside the nearby Medieval Times dinner theater. He was later arrested near Thunder Bay. Two unnamed Marine Corps flyers have been grounded pending an investigation after they flew a penis-shaped flight pattern over the Salton Sea on Oct. 23, the Los Angeles Times reported. The pilots were outed by a Twitter account called Aircraft Spots, which tracks flight patterns. Josef Patterson, a Marine Corps spokesman, said the jokesters are assisting with other duties in their squadron at Air Station Miramar in San Diego. They can’t take credit for the idea, though: In November 2017, a Navy jet crew flew in a similar pattern over Washington, D.C.
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