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contents Vol 8 IssUE 7
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01.17
p h o t o b y H a r m o n y G er b er
MUSICAL CLARITY The songwriter, lead guitarist and frontman of Everclear talks about the band’s unique and nostalgic ’90s music, cannabis and goals for 2017.
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feature
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Moving Forward Colorado State University-Pueblo has announced its plans for cannabis research in 2017.
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Expand Your Horizons Get inspired with a bit of cannabis wanderlust with seven of the best cannabis-friendly cities to visit in 2017.
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Industry Insider Apop Media’s CEO, Matt Young, creates a new platform for cannabis advertisements at dispensaries.
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Clean And Catchy Rapper Connor Ray manages to create inspired music without sexually explicit or profane lyrics.
departments
Online Exclusive!
news 12 News Nuggets 16 By the Numbers 18 Local News 20 Healthy Living reviews 22 Company Highlight 26 Advocate Highlight 28 Strain & Concentrate Reviews 30 Cool Stuff 34 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 64 Growing Culture
d Bernie Sanders wants better
66 Destination Unknown 68 Profile in Courage 70 Recipes 74 Colorado Now! 76 News of the Weird
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cannabis banking policies d Pop up cannabis shops to open in Montreal
Vol 8 IssUE 7
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Jamie Solis Managing Editor Addison Herron-Wheeler Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, 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, Damian Weiler Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designer Tanya Delgadillo sales director Justin Olson Regional Manager Kim Cook Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Cole Garrison, Teddy Helms, Beau Odom, Chris Thatcher, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson digital marketing Alazzia Gaoay manager Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie 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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NEWS
nuggetS
CO Governor Proposes Changes to Growing Cannabis at Home
There could be some changes on the horizon for home growing in Colorado. Currently, laws are so lenient that medical patients can grow up to 99 plants, and anyone can grow six plants for recreational use. Due to concern that this allows for black market selling, Governor John Hickenlooper has proposed a variety of new regulations, such as more paperwork to better regulate legal medical cannabis growth (and thus separating it from the black market) and more restrictions for medical growers. However, some medical cannabis patients already feel that if these proposed regulations are adopted then they will be are unhappy with the possibility of more limitations. CULTURE spoke with Jeff Wilson of McAllister Law, who notes that growing a variety of medical cannabis plants is essential the health of some patients, “Statewide plant limits for residences will negatively impact certain medical patients who need significant amounts of special strains of cannabis,” said Wilson. Colorado has always had one of the most understanding set of laws for those who need to grow special strains for medical use. Hopefully, this will be taken into account before any new rulings become official.
PTSD is Added to Minnesota’s List of Cannabis Qualifying Conditions Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Minnesota will be able to medicate using medical cannabis starting August 2017. The Minnesota Department of Health expanded its list of medical conditions to include PTSD after careful consideration, according to Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger in a press release. “This decision was made after careful deliberation of available evidence, consultation with experts in the field and public input,” Ehlinger said. “While the process of reviewing these potential additions was difficult due to the relative lack of published scientific evidence, PTSD presented the strongest case for potential benefits. PTSD also has few effective treatment alternatives available for some patients with the condition.” There are around 3,500 registered medical cannabis patients in Minnesota. While patients are only permitted to use cannabis oil or pills, Ehlinger shared that topical forms of cannabis will be allowed as soon as next year.
CSU Professors to Study Impact of Recreational Cannabis on College Campuses Researchers at Colorado State University recently received a $186,500 grant to study the impacts of recreational cannabis on college campuses. The study will be looking into how cannabis affects marginalized communities, like adolescents still in school or the LGBTQ community. While the study will be specifically looking at college use, it does not seem that the purpose is to slam cannabis by proving that underage users are smoking. Rather, it will be looking at how legal cannabis is affecting the lives of students. “If conducted properly, studying the use of recreational marijuana will help to educate those opposed to it being legal,” explained Nate Wilson, CEO of NEOS cannabis company. The study is funded by a Marijuana Public Health Research Grant, which was provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and will be conducted between April 1, 2017 and March 30, 2019.
Cayman Islands Voted Unanimously to Allow Cannabis Oil The Cayman Islands, which are located northeast of Jamaica, voted unanimously to allow medical cannabis oil for patients with qualifying conditions. Premier Honor Alden McLaughlin made a speech in the Legislative Assembly. McLaughlin said, “Madam Speaker, I also wish to advise the House and the country that after carefully considering the merits and demerits of legalising the use of medical cannabinoid oil to treat those in our community with a debilitating disease, whether cancer, glaucoma, or perhaps even severe epilepsy, Government is persuaded that it is better to favour hope and compassion over fear.” He continued to explain that the Cabinet directed the Legal Department to draft a bill that would allow patients cannabinoid oil, which would be prescribed to them by doctors. McLaughlin also explained this was an urgent manner due to the need of patients, especially considering one Caymanian whose access to oil could make a difference between life and death. The new bill will only permit cannabis oil, and it will not permit the use of the whole cannabis plant for medical purposes. 12
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NEWS
The number of cannabis-related research papers that will be presented by the University of Northern Colorado to the American Chemical Society National Meeting in April 2017: (Source: University of Northern Colorado)
The maximum percentage of THC in the strains that the federal government is currently using to test and study cannabis: (Source: University of Colorado, Boulder)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was made in cannabis sales in Colorado between January and September 2016: (Source: 740 KVOR)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, in annual cannabis tax revenue that Governor Hickenlooper is proposing to be used to help create housing for the homeless: (Source: The Denver Post)
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The number of preliminary medical cannabis licenses that were approved by the Maryland Medical Cannabis board: (Source: The Baltimore Sun)
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The updated amount of medical cannabis, in grams, that veterans in Vancouver, Canada will be reimbursed for by the federal government, per day: (Source: Kelowna Daily Courier)
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The total number of cannabis companies that were being traded on the Australian Stock Exchange, as of (Source: Yahoo! News) mid-November, 2016:
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WHAT: Biannual Colorado Cannabis Career Summit & Product Showcase. WHEN/WHERE: Thurs, Jan. 19. City Hall, 1144 Broadway, Denver. INFO: Visit vangsttalent.com for more information.
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The number of applications for licenses that were received by the Jamaican Cannabis Licensing Authority at the end of October 2016 for growing or processing medical cannabis: (Source: Jamaica Observer)
Biannual Colorado Cannabis Career Summit & Product Showcase
It is not always easy finding the best candidates to fill the voids you have in your company. When it comes to staffing the cannabis industry, this event has you covered. It doesn’t matter if you’re a business owner or a job seeker, this Career Summit will provide some great opportunities for everyone involved. There are so many jobs in the cannabis industry from accounting and
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was made in Colorado medical and recreational cannabis sales during September 2016: (Source: Denver Westword)
business development to budtending and horticulture, not to mention management, marketing security and web development. Such a diverse industry needs a great variety of individuals to help make the industry move forward. Whether you’re looking to get a job or find the right recruit, the Biannual Colorado Cannabis Career Summit & Product Showcase is exactly where you need to be.
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NEWS
LOCAL
STRENGTH AND STUDY Cannabis being studied is not as strong as the majority of Colorado’s legal cannabis
by Addison Herron-Wheeler
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t is not a surprise that some seriously good cannabis is developing in legal states. Without legal restrictions keeping the sharing of knowledge or the testing of new strains to a minimum, those who live in recreational areas know just how high the quality of cannabis can be. According to a study conducted by the University of Colorado, Boulder, this is causing a major problem for federal researchers trying to study the plant. The samples they are getting to test are simply not as strong or diverse as the products that can be purchased in legal areas. The current samples being tested do not show the diversity of the strains available in legal areas, nor do they reflect how strong cannabis can be. Because of this, the findings point out, federal researchers are not accurately documenting the plant’s medical uses, psychological affects, real-world use patterns or the biological properties of the plant itself. “Those who are seeking to use cannabis to treat medical ailments should be able to determine what specific cannabinoids, and ratios of cannabinoids, will best treat their ailment,” explained Heather Despres, Head of Science at Yofumo Technology, in a recent interview with CULTURE. “This is best done by studying what people are currently using for both medical and recreational uses. In the same way that pharmaceutical drugs are tested for dosage to ensure that the proper dosage is available to patients, cannabis should be studied similarly.” According to the Boulder study, the cannabis currently being tested by the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA), is between five and six percent THC, while legal markets have access to THC that is closer to 20 percent in potency. This is important
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NCIA’s Seed to Sale Show
because cannabis still has a Schedule I status with the DEA, meaning that the NIDA is still the only research group in the world that has federal permission to test the plant. Despres told CULTURE that in addition to the amounts and diversity being off, the method of administration by which patients and recreational users imbibe cannabis is another important point not being taken into account by the NIDA. “In my opinion though, the levels really need to be determined based on routes of administration,” she explained. “While the flowers delivered to patients in the NIDA study may contain only five to six percent THC, that dosage really only applies when smoked. If an extract is made, the concentration increases, and through downstream processing, the concentration can be made higher. More research needs to be done also on sublingual and transdermal
“Those who are seeking to use cannabis to treat medical ailments should be able to determine what specific cannabinoids, and ratios of cannabinoids, will best treat their ailment.” applications to determine how much of the cannabinoids are transferred to the bloodstream and how they are received by the endocannabinoid.” It is clear that if only one research lab in the country can test cannabis, some obvious problems are going to arise in terms of what is being studied and the data and product they have access to. It will not be until cannabis is de or rescheduled that true research can move forward. In the meantime, the University of Boulder study is urging the NIDA to get stronger and more diverse cannabis for their studies. c
This show is one-of-akind as it focuses solely on how to cultivate the best cannabis. Attendees will learn the best practices, sciences and best technology for cultivation, sales strategies and processing cannabis and cannabis products. There will be over 2,000 industry experts showing off their product and sharing their knowledge at this comprehensive event. NCIA members will be eligible to win one of the NCIA’s Cannavation and Cannatech Industry Awards. Awards include The Cannavation Award, which is for someone who has brought an innovative idea to fruition in the industry. There will also be The Cannatech Award and Industry Excellence Award. Be open to learning something new, as knowledgeable speakers will be in abundance at NCIA’s Seed to Sale Show. Some speakers include Mowgli Holmes, PhD, the CoFounder and Chief Scientific Officer of Phylos Bioscience and Nancy Whiteman, the Co-Founder and Co-Owner at Wana Brands, among others. Don’t miss the benefits of these exciting networking and educational opportunities.
WHAT: NCIA’s Seed to Sale Show. WHEN/WHERE: Tues, Jan. 31-Wed, Feb. 1. Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver. INFO: Visit www. seedtosaleshow.com for more information.
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
LEAN ON CANNABIS
How cannabis can help smokers kick the habit by Lanny Swedlow, RN LNC
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moking is awful— bad breath, yellow teeth, respiratory problems, deteriorating heart muscle, cancer and, according to the Center for Disease Control, responsible “for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States.” No wonder people want to quit. Millions have, but millions more continually try to quit and fail. Most smokers understand these dangers and the unpleasantness associated with tobacco use, but quitting is extremely difficult. Nicotine, tobacco’s physiologically addictive ingredient, is more addictive than heroin so it is no surprise that the body reacts so adversely when deprived of this powerful addictive substance. In addition to nicotine, there are comforting factors provided by tobacco that must be replaced to successfully quit tobacco use. In adults, these factors include reducing stress and anxiety, providing pleasure and the physical movements involved in smoking. In addition to these factors, teens use tobacco as way to feel mature, be seen as cool and for just being rebellious. This is where using cannabis medically can be of even greater help than all the pills, patches and gum substitutes combined. Cannabis helps overcome not just the physiological
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addictions of nicotine, but is also an effective alternative to tobacco’s comforting pleasures. Research conducted in 2013 in the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit of University College London and published in the Journal of Addictive Behaviors documented the role of the endocannabinoid system in nicotine addiction. In a randomized double blind placebo controlled study, researchers found that tobacco smokers who consumed CBD, one of the major endocannabinoids found in cannabis, reduced tobacco consumption by 40 percent. Significantly follow up studies showed a continued reduction in tobacco consumption. Besides moderating the physiological addictive qualities of nicotine, cannabis can also mitigate the withdrawal symptoms smokers experience when they cease smoking tobacco. These withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, headache and hunger. Relieving anxiety, irritability and headaches are ailments that have been treated for thousands of years by cannabis so it is not exactly breaking news that cannabis can successfully treat those withdrawal symptoms. Hunger is another matter. One of the problems associated with tobacco cessation is weight gain if for no other
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reason than food tastes and smells so much better when tobacco smoking is halted. This relationship between weight gain and cannabis use is more myth than reality. A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that people using cannabis have 1-1/2” smaller waist sizes on average than non-cannabis users. Smaller waists mean lower weight along with being less likely to develop Type II diabetes and having higher levels of HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol that lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Three Simple, Pleasant and Stimulating Steps to Quitting Tobacco Throw away all
1. cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco containing products. Maintain an abundant supply of quality cannabis available either rolled as joints or ready for loading into a pipe or vaporizer. Edibles are less likely to be effective because of the long time delay before the cannabinoids kick-in.
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Every time the desire
3. to smoke tobacco is felt, inhale cannabis.
As the CBD counteracts the effects of nicotine, the psychoactive cannabinoid THC counteracts the anxiety, irritability and other problems associated with nicotine withdrawal. Since the psychoactive qualities of THC may not be desirable in certain situations, such as at work, finding strains that are high in CBD and low in THC may be needed for those circumstances, although the effectiveness in mitigating withdrawal symptoms may be reduced. Because nicotine and the comforting attributes of tobacco are so overwhelming, a prodigious amount of cannabis will be required to overcome their addictive powers. As the nicotine is weaned from the body and the cessation of withdrawal symptoms proceeds, the amount of cannabis needed to be consumed will significantly decrease. Using cannabis as a substitute for tobacco will not work for everyone, but many will find its legendary medicinal and health benefits able to overcome the multiple withdrawal symptoms associated with tobacco cessation. Adults will find its ability to mitigate anxiety, irritability, stress and nervousness key to ending tobacco use while teens will succeed in quitting as they experience an even greater rebellious thrill utilizing a forbidden pleasure that is far less dangerous than tobacco. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight
What do you hope to accomplish in the MMJ industry?
Honest Marijuana 231 Arthur Ave. Oak Creek, 80467 www.honestmarijuana.com (888) 434-3183
How would you describe your company? What is your specialty?
What do you offer consumers/clients that others don’t?
We are a small batch, organic cannabis growing company located in Oak Creek, Colorado. Our specialty is organic soil, hand-grown cannabis and cannabis products. We sell premium flower, concentrates and pre-rolled, organic hempwrapped blunts. All of our products are packaged using modified atmosphere packaging to preserve freshness, maintain quality and delivery a consistent experience. Flowers are nitrogen preserved in foodgrade cans.
Our flower comes in nitrogen preserved cans that preserves the content to ensure freshness regardless of consumption date. Our Honest Blunts are also organically grown cannabis in a machine-rolled, organic hemp-wrapped blunt and are also nitrogen preserved.
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How and why did your company start up? Anthony Franciosi, the Honest Marijuana head grower, was plugging a gaping hole in the market—a dire need for a
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high quality, organic cannabis product. Anthony felt this need himself every day, often more than once a day, and this need just wasn’t being met. Rather than settling for an unsatisfactory product, he decided to step in and do something about it. Anthony realized he wasn’t the only one with this problem that needed solving, but he may be the only one determined enough to get off the couch and fix it.
Our goal is to raise the standard across the entire industry in terms of quality and preservation. Even if you grow the highest quality plant, if you don’t have the technology to preserve the freshness of the product then your product will never reach its full potential. As a result, our goal is to not only grow the highest quality organic product, thus allowing each strain to express its unique features and entourage effect, but also to advance the packaging standard to push the industry as a whole to improve. Beyond taking great pride to grow the most organic marijuana possible, we go to great lengths to ensure that the Honest Marijuana experience is consistent and that each Honest Marijuana product is enjoyed exactly the way our growers intended it. By packaging our products in modified atmosphere packing, we are able to ensure that our products remain in their ideal condition until they are ready to be consumed. c.
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REVIEWs
advocate highlight
Indo Expo
Amy Andrle Occupation: Owner of L’Eagle Services When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis? As a long time marijuana consumer, I believed in the benefits of cannabis long before the passing of Amendment 64. I’ve always been an advocate for ending marijuana prohibition, from a health and human services standpoint, and from an adult-use angle, not to mention the ripple effects of legalization as it relates to incarceration rates and drug trafficking. How has cannabis benefited your life? First and foremost as a business, cannabis provides a job for my family, and the nearly 40 people we employ and provide with benefits like health insurance. The fact that we’re able to do something that we love, and know that by providing this medicine we are helping people, or offering a safe, fun recreational alternative—that’s something I’m proud of. What’s your greatest achievement for the cannabis cause? Aside from the pride I take in successfully managing one of the last true mom-andpop cannabis businesses that refuses to capitulate to the easy money, cornercutting model, I’d say being a Founding Board Member of the Organic Cannabis Association (OCA) is my greatest achievement for the industry. At L’Eagle we are setting a different standard for cannabis and taking quality to a whole new level. 26
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Through the Organic Cannabis Association I am trying to further that message on a larger scale so that other businesses that are as responsible as we are at L’Eagle, can make a distinction for themselves and for the consumer. I think we’re going to look back after a handful of years and feel we lead the consumer advocacy on clean cannabis. Who do you look up to or admire? I look up to my mom who has always been very vocal about addressing inequality and who has dedicated herself to advocacy work. She is who originally inspired me to work in the nonprofit sector. Along with that, I respect every working mother. It is not easy to balance a family and a career, those women deserve applause and admiration. I admire my husband, John Andrle, whose dedication to L’Eagle’s mission has created a clean cannabis niche and set us apart in the industry. My husband is my business partner and as much as it is challenging, it is inspiring because I feel together we are championing a relevant cause. On a larger scale, I maintain tremendous respect for advocates in any field, anyone who is committed to righting a wrong, who uses their time, energy and voice against a larger, stronger bully. If you could change one thing about the way cannabis is viewed and/or treated right now, what would it be? It would have to be the stigma associated with cannabis. I want to do my part to normalize cannabis, so that people will feel more comfortable stepping into it. The more people who partake in a dialogue about cannabis and share that message, the more people will feel comfortable trying it and experiencing the benefits themselves. c
Gear up for a twoday experience you won’t soon forget. The Indo Expo is selfdescribed as “The Premiere Cannabis Trade Show” where all attendees get the opportunity to enjoy complimentary classes, educational seminars and workshops. There will also be lounges with a business center, free WIFI and a coat and package check, making the event much more convenient for all the hardworking professionals out there. The exhibition facility will be stocked with various food locations as well for attendees, in addition to the 200 different unique exhibitors that will be present. Trade and industry professionals can even apply for complimentary admission if they are looking to source and purchase services and products from exhibitors at the event. On Sunday only there will be a Career Fair, which you can attend by purchasing a separate ticket. This particular convention hopes to connect people with their future careers in the cannabis industry.
WHAT: Indo Expo. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Jan. 28-Sun, Jan. 29. Denver Mart, 451 E. 58th Ave., Denver. INFO: Visit indoexpo. com for more information.
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strain & concentrate
Lemon Fluff Pat Pen Cartridge One of our favorite snacks is, without a doubt, Marshmallow Fluff sandwiches. Runner up: Fluff straight outta the jar. Don’t judge us. In 2017, we’re cutting down on the sweets with the Lemon Fluff cartridge from Pat Pen, which is delightfully tasty and zero calories. With a sleek gold design and black and gold carrying case designed to hold everything you need, you’ll look sharp with the slim pen. Props to Pat Pen for keeping it 100 with only cannabis oil and terpenes included in the mix, leaving out “fluff” like coconut oil. Our hybrid cartridge hit like a champ, tasting like flower more than generic vape oil, but without the huge, annoying clouds on the exhale. You’ll feel chatty and elevated emotionally, seemingly designed for people who may not be the most sociable at parties. Also available at 600mg, we were impressed how much longevity the 300mg pen had— they can go pretty quick around here—as well as the battery life. If we had one knock, it would be on our reviewer who “misplaced” it. Suuuuuuure. Available at: Good Meds Dispensary in Lakewood and Englewood.
Available at: Pueblo West Organics in Pueblo West.
OG Sin PHO Blend Budder Original sin? Eating an apple. Seems like an overreaction, right? Ditch the fruit, grab a rig, and get down on the OG Sin PHO Blend Budder from Good Meds Reserve Line of Concentrates, some of the best fire in town right now. A combination of Sour Diesel, OG Kush and Cinderella 99, it’s straight racing fuel from the moment you open the jar, with subtler Kush notes of earth that speak to how well they preserved the terpenes with the 70/30 PHO/BHO extract. Tacky and light orange, the consistency is ideal for those looking to play with their food before eating it, as making little balls to dab became one of our favorite office pastimes. Prepared to devour the gram we picked up, it stretched further than expected, with normal heavyweights sitting the next play out after getting their faces rocked. While indica-dominant, the hybrid has an energizing, euphoric effect that keeps things light, even as our bodies felt like putty. Don’t expect to be active, as the OG Sin is better suited for watching Planet Earth and not investigating it.
Frosted Cherry Cookies If you thought there was a bevy of options of actual Girl Scout Cookies, the number of crosses has to blow your mind. One of the latest (and greatest) comes from Denver’s Chronorado in the form of Frosted Cherry Cookies. A wise cross of The White and Cherry Cookies, your mouth will be watering from the bing cherry and bright citrus notes that hit you in the middle of the nose as you take a whiff. The triangular nugs are oozing terpenes, along with trichomes, with rich flourishes of red hairs poking out every which way like so many merit badges on a sash. Where these cookies shine is in the affable head high that hits like a lightning bolt, giving a rush of energy initially that’s suited to crafting and working with your hands. This does dissipate into a calmer, more relaxed high shortly after, letting you contemplate your progress. Reviewers with cramps and muscle issues found this quickly released tension and gave them their day back, making Frosted Cherry Cookies a favorite all day long.
Available at: Chronorado in Denver.
Hell’s Angel OG Available at: All Terrapin Care Station locations in Colorado.
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Rumored to be created by the eponymous motor cycle club, Hell’s Angel OG will definitely take you for the ride of your life. At least you won’t mess up your super cool hair with a helmet. Available at all Terrapin Care Station locations, we couldn’t help but pick up a nug or two when smelling the deep rubber notes that could have been mistaken for a fresh tire behind the counter. We also noticed a more Northern California scent of pine, with little fruitiness from the OG Kush and Blackberry cross. The smaller bud structure is owed to the former, with the tiny buds packing tons of trichomes that were almost icy in their clearness. Reviewers loved the tranquil buzz of the head effect, like a dog with its head out of the window, but also the deep body stone that sets in almost immediately; perfect if you’ve spent a few days on the road and are feeling exhausted. At 80 percent indica, only the baddest of outlaws want to consider this during the day, as you may quickly find yourself asleep at the figurative wheel.
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
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Lockable Turtle Totes You don’t have to stash your cannabis in unattractive, boring containers anymore. If you’re looking for a cute and fun alternative, the Lockable Turtle Totes are a great alternative for traveling with your cannabis. These affordable, protective shells will protect your cannabis and your family, because the lock keeps kids, pets and other wandering fingers out. The scent suppressant liners keep your stash from smelling up the room, making sure discretion is always achieved. We love that these Lockable Turtle Totes are made out of eco-friendly hemp fabric. You can find these adorable Lockable Turtle Totes at Terrapin Care Station locations in Denver and Aurora. PRICE: $10-20 MORE INFORMATION: www.terrapincarestation.com
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Fresh Baked Apron This adorable apron will let everyone know that when you’re in the kitchen, you mean business—canna-business that is. This Fresh Baked Apron is every cannabis consumer’s favorite color, and its adjustable neck strap makes it a perfect fit for everyone who wears it. The two pockets in the front can be convenient for storing backup ingredients or maybe a vape pen if you are too impatient to wait for your cannabis-infused dishes to be done. Show off your culinary skill, and rock this apron with pride. PRICE: $34 MORE INFORMATION: www.etsy.com/shop/ smokiestokecouture
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3. Strain Tracker by Green Flower Media This Strain Tracker will help newbies and seasoned pros of cannabis consumption track what cannabis strains truly work best for their needs. Discover various cannabis strains, and track which products and methods of delivery work best for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to use cannabis recreationally to stimulate your creativity, or if you’re using cannabis for various medicinal purposes, the Strain Tracker will guide you toward better understanding your relationship with cannabis. PRICE: $24.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.learngreenflower.com
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Mato Naturals Lavender Lilac Eye Pillow The Mato Naturals Lavendar Lilac Eye Pillow brings aromatic bliss that has been known to help ease migraines, headaches and anxiety. If you’re trying to rest or practice yoga, it is the perfect solution to help you achieve calm energy and relaxation. Made with pure Himalayan flax seed, Tibetan and Himalayn herbs, lilac oil and lavender essential oil, this pillow has everything you need to drift into a more zenlike state. Namaste. PRICE: $19.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.matonaturals.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
Cannabis and Spirituality: An Explorer’s Guide to an Ancient Plant Spirit Ally Stephen Gray, Editor Park Street Press Editor Stephen Gray and 17 other prominent professional voices of the modern cannabis movement explore the spiritual benefits of cannabis in this compelling and sensitive read. Throughout this 274 page book, the authors touch on topics such as exploring cannabis spirituality in practice, religious and ritual use of cannabis from pre-biblical times to the present, the body-mind connection, the use of ganja yoga, humanity’s co-evolution with cannabis, and the spirit of cannabis. Authors also present practical information to better understand the plant, as well as the many different international cultures that have utilized cannabis in a spiritual way for centuries. This is a great book for any spiritual cannabis user to have on their shelves. (Alex Bradley) 34
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Release Date: January 24, 2017 Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
GAME
Resident Evil 7: biohazard
MOVIE
Don’t Think Twice Dir. Mike Birbiglia The Film Arcade
Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Ring in the new year with a new Resident Evil title that’s pushing the boundaries of survival horror games. Although Resident Evil 7: biohazard is the 11th game in the series, it’s the first offer players a first-person perspective, and the PlayStation 4 version of the game in its entirety is compatible with a VR headset. Other Resident Evil games may be remembered as a gun show, but this one plays heavily on strategy, puzzle solving and managing resources carefully alongside the destruction of horrific monsters. (Nicole Potter)
What happens when a member of a group begins to become a famous entertainer, while everyone else continues to dwell in anonymity? That exact scenario is explored both realistically and thoroughly in Don’t Think Twice. Set in the New York City improv comedy world, the film deals with the real creative and existential struggles within an improv troupe when one of their members gets a big break while the rest fight just to keep themselves afloat. Starring Director Mike Birbiglia himself alongside Keegan Michael Key (Key and Peele), Gillian Jacobs (Community), and an ensemble of other talents, Don’t Think Twice is a must see. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Bridging Realms Dreadnought Self-released
Local Denver favorite Dreadnought has been making major waves across the country, touring nationally and releasing music. Its signature blend of rock, metal, prog and instrumental music makes it stand out from its contemporaries. Its latest release, Bridging Realms, which came out last year, features five tracks of spellbinding music that fuses synths, saxophone and flute with traditional metal instrumentals. (Addison HerronWheeler)
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C LEAR
A
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The talent behind
Everclear
N D U S
talks ’90s nostalgia, cannabis and the band’s bright future
I
by Heather Johnson
f you were growing up in the 1990s, you were a fan of Everclear. Its songs were all over the radio, and they just had that classic alternative, post-grunge ’90s vibe. The band formed in 1991, led by songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Art Alexakis. Its first three albums with Capital Records were Sparkle and Fade, So Much for the Afterglow and Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning to Smile—all went platinum. Although band members have changed over the years, Alexakis has stayed the driving force and creativity behind the band. Every year since 2012, it has led the popular Summerland Tour, a 1990s nostalgia tour featuring many other favorite alternative era bands, such as Lit, Sugar Ray and Sponge. The band has just recently finished a special New Years Eve show in Portland at Alberta Rose, and is prepping for a show this month at Apache Gold Casino Pavilion in San Carlos, Arizona. Alexakis has always been forthcoming about his tumultuous past; he has lost loved ones to drugs and suicide and nearly lost himself in both, at one point. Through his music he has
been able to confront his demons and get past the darkest moments of his life. This journey is evident through hits such as “Heroin Girl,” from the band’s commercial breakthrough Sparkle and Fade and “I Will Buy You a New Life,” as well as “Father of Mine” from So Much for the Afterglow. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Alexakis appreciates the supportive and fruitful cannabis culture that has grown there, and now living in California, he is excited for California’s legal future. Although he does not use cannabis himself and maintains a strong straight-edge lifestyle for himself and his band, he is understanding and supportive about the healing and helpful benefits of cannabis for many. In 2015, Everclear released its ninth studio album entitled Black is the New Black. The band has been touring across the country, with Alexakis making some recent solo stops in Australia. When he’s not living the rockstar life, Alexakis opens up about his important role of being a father to his two daughters. Recently, we got to sit down with the lead singer, guitarist and genius behind the band, Art Alexakis. >>
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Having just gotten back from playing all over the world, spending a good portion of the fall in Australia, do you still enjoy playing the PNW, your home for nearly 20 years? I love it. I moved to L.A. about five years ago because my eldest daughter went to college and I just needed a break from the rain. We try to go up there at least once a year; it’s kind of like home still. If I could afford to I’d have a place up there. Has your life changed a lot since you moved out of the Portland area? I’m working more, I’m happier in the sunshine. I’m working with a lot of different talented people and keeping busy, so it’s a lot of fun. We live closer to my daughter’s grandmother down here, so it’s much easier for us to visit. It was a good move. A lot has happened to Portland since you moved down south. What do you think about the passing of Measure 91 in Oregon, legalizing cannabis? I would have thought it actually would have happened there in Oregon first, instead of in Colorado. There are a lot of referendums here in California. They had the whole medical marijuana thing here, and now it’s going to be fully legal. With the support of the state legislature and the governor, I think legal marijuana is going to go really well. Can you tell us a little bit about what you are working on now? In 2015, you came
p h o t o b y H a r m o n y G er b er
out with a new album, and I know you are touring a lot. Yeah we are constantly on tour. I do a tour every year to kind of kick off the summer. It’s called “Summerland.” It’s a ’90s alternative tour with a bunch of bands from the ’90s. Last year it was Sugar Ray, Everclear and Sponge, among others. That kicked off in July and went until the end of August. Do you usually just play throwback songs or do the fans get to hear some new music as well? We try to do at least one new song and then some fan favorites. I think that’s what the tour is really about, that familiar sound. That’s what people want to hear. There is a certain amount of nostalgia to it. Radio stations in the ’90s used to do these shows where they would have like 20 bands and each band would
The Afterglow: Highlights from Everclear’s Illustrious History in Music 1992. Everclear was established 1993. Independently released debut first album, World of Noise
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play their hit with maybe 20 minutes on stage. Then they’d put the hook out and pull you off the stage and the next band would go right on. Sometimes it was on a circular stage, and once that stage started spinning man, you were done. So many of your fans grew up listening to you and all those bands. Sounds like a great tour! You would love it, you would know all the songs and you will hear a song and be like, “That was them?” These days, people kind of lose sight of entertainment and how enjoyable it can be to just see a good rock and roll band. A band that’s really good at doing what it does. People are starting to get back to seeing live rock and roll bands. But then you have these people that call themselves a band that are basically just pushing bass bars on a computer, and singing through auto tune. I’d rather see band screw up a
1994. Signed on to Capitol Records 1995. First album for the label, Sparkle and Fade
song, but play it. Just go out without a net and play. That’s what makes it exciting. That’s rock and roll. How do you think your music has changed since the ’90s? I’m probably not the right person to ask about that. From my perspective, I don’t think it’s changed a lot. I’ve changed as a person after 25 years; I’m a lot more grey than I used to be. I don’t hide it, and I’ve never had facial work or anything like that. Without sounding stupid, I just try to keep it really real, and go out, take what’s in my heart and put it out there. I do that in the studio and I do that on stage. The next record I make is going to be a solo record with just me and acoustic guitars. It’s all about the songs. I’ve got four or five songs that are almost done and four or five songs that are pretty much half way there. It will be some time next year, but I’m not in a rush to put it down. >>
1997. Third album, So Much for the Afterglow was released
1998.
Tour to Australia
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“There are a lot of referendums here in California. They had the whole medical marijuana thing here, and now it’s going to be fully legal. With the support of the state legislature and the governor, I think legal marijuana is going to go really well.”
1998. Nominated at the Grammy’s for Best Rock Instrumental for “El Distorto de Melodica” 1998. Won Billboard’s Modern Rock Band of the Year Award 2000. Fourth album, Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile was released 44
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How is life with your family? I have two daughters, one that’s 24, and I’ve got one that’s eight-and-a-half. This past summer, she had gymnastics camp, then art camp and then sleep away camp for two weeks. This kid’s got more activities than the CEO of a corporation. It feeds her brain. She’s eight-and-ahalf and she’s full of joy. She has everything that I wish I had had as an eight-year-old boy. She’s got a mom and dad who love her and love each other. We work really hard to have a really great family. That’s nine-tenths of that battle right there, everything relates to that.
oldest daughter was a baby back then. She was three when I put out Sparkle and Fade, she was five when I put out So Much for the Afterglow. Then I went through a divorce with her mom and put out a record that had a lot of good songs like “Wonderful,” which was through her perspective. Because watching her go through that difficult time was very hard. Especially knowing that I had something to do with it. Like I said before, I just try to keep it real. I try to be present, be humble, be honest, and try to put that into my art. Even when I make up stories, some of them don’t seem like they are real, but they feel very real.
Do your daughters come up a lot while writing your songs? Sometimes, I don’t necessarily write autobiographically. I’d say one or two songs a record are autobiographical. They are always there, being a parent is such a huge part of me. It’s become such a priority in my life and everything is kind of shaped from that. Even back in the old Everclear days, my
What are your and Everclear’s plans for the future? I don’t know about moving back to Portland, but someday I’d like to have a place there. I’m working on my solo project and I’m writing a book about my childhood growing up in the projects. Just being creative, being open to what the world, the universe, has to say. >>
2000. Fifth album, Songs from an American Movie Vol. Two: Good Time for a Bad Attitude was released just four months after Vol. One 2003. Sixth album, Slow Motion Daydream was released
2004. End of Capitol Records and released an album called, Ten Years Gone: The Best of Everclear 1994-2004 2004. First recording with new lineup was a cover of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” 2006. Signed to Eleven Seven Music with new line-up
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“Without sounding stupid, I just try to keep it really real, and go out, take what’s in my heart and put it out there. I do that in the studio and I do that on stage.”
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p h o t o b y T D C P h o t o gr a ph y
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LIVE IN CONCERT January 21, 2017:
Everclear w/ Gin Blossoms
at Apache Gold Casino Pavilion in San Carlos, AZ
p h o t o b y H a r m o n y G er b er
Are there any contemporary bands out there now that you really like right now? I’m not seeing a lot of contemporary stuff that has a lot of depth to it. I hear some cool pop stuff and some cool rock stuff. We played with a band in Portland the other day called The Wild Feathers, and I thought they were great.
I’ve been meaning to go buy their record. They had a sort of stones-ish, old band, Eagles kind of harmonies and I dug that. They were playing live and hitting those harmonies. They were really tight and it was just a lot of excitement. I loved it. These days I’ve been listening to a lot of talk radio, political mostly, and I also listen to a
2006. Seventh album, Welcome to the Drama Club was released 2008. The Vegas Years, a collection of cover songs was released April 15, 2008 by Capitol Records 48
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lot of NFL radio because I’m a big NFL fan. Big Seahawks fan. Lived in the PNW for too long. I listen to NPR, CNN, I tend to stay pretty left of the dial. This year has been kind of a clown show. This was the 10th election that I’ve voted on. 1980 was the first one, isn’t that a trip? Some things change constantly, some things never change. There’s
2012. Everclear
released their first album in six years, entitled Invisible Stars.
2012. Summerland Tour was established. A ‘90s nostalgia tour
2013.
always great people, and then there’s always flawed people who can do great things. This year, with Donald Trump, I’ve never seen anything like that. But I think it’s going to end up okay. I’m optimistically hopeful. Not looking into buying a house in Canada or anything like that. c www.everclearmusic.com
Return of Summerland Tour
2015. Released latest album, Black is the New Black
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EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE
CSU-Pueblo finalizes cannabis research plans for 2017 by Jamie Solis
Colorado State UniversityPueblo’s Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) has decided how it will allocate the funding toward cannabis research that it will receive from Pueblo County and Colorado State. In total, ICR is to receive $270,000 from the county and $900,000 from the state. As Colorado has set precedent for many other states as the first state to legalize recreational cannabis, it is no surprise that CSU-Pueblo will continue to set the bar with groundbreaking research into cannabis. Although there has been research and education about cannabis and cannabinoids, there is still a need for research into the long-term effects of cannabis and its impact on society, whether it be positive or negative. According to a November 29 press release from the university, there are 10 faculty leading the research at ICR, which will consist of professional development, pilot studies and major projects. Various
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disciplines will be represented within this research, including business, biology, chemistry, education, engineering and psychology. There will be a few major projects that are especially interesting, as shared by writer of the release, Executive Director of External Affairs of CSU-Pubelo, Cora Zaletel. “Among the major projects are an examination of the effects of medicinal cannabinoids (CBD) on seizures in adults with medically refractory epilepsy, analysis of industrial hemp fibers in 3Dprinting, and development of a cannabis growth and research infrastructure at the university.” Zaletel continued to explain that some other projects will include creating a groundbreaking way to extract CBD from cannabis flowers and leaves. The research will also look to find how CBD might promote memory and emotional learning. In addition, the researchers will investigate how the endocannabinoid system
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“Among the major projects are an examination of the effects of medicinal cannabinoids (CBD) on seizures in adults with medically refractory epilepsy, analysis of industrial hemp fibers in 3D-printing, and development of a cannabis growth and research infrastructure at the university.” might affect viral infections. CSU-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare shared her satisfaction with the institute in a press release. “I’m very pleased with the progress being made at the institute,” said Di Mare. “It is imperative that we are good stewards of the state and county funds
through our research and education mission, and that we communicate our progress to our constituents.” Research at ICR will utilize $220,000 from Pueblo County, using the additional $50,000 to create a Pueblo County impact study. The institute will utilize $739,946 of funding from Colorado toward research. The additional money was used to create the institute, and it will also be used to throw the cannabis research conference that is happening on campus in April 2017 in addition to affording an interim managing director and creating a Journal of Cannabis Research. Now that the university has finalized its plans for the funding it is to receive, this is a pivotal first step toward the institute’s plan to start its work in the coming year. While funds are set for 2017, it will be up to the university leaders to propose its 2018 budget plan at the next Colorado legislative session. c
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Seven CannabisFriendly Cities to Visit in 2017 Let us help you plan your annual vacation early by M. Jay Things are looking up for cannabis travelers in 2017. The last of the ballots have been tallied up from the November election. Thus, eight states (Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, Nevada, Massachusetts, Maine and Alaska) and Washington D.C. have fully legalized cannabis and the new laws will soon take effect. This means it is now or it will soon be legal to purchase, consume and carry a certain amount of cannabis in these states. This is perfect for the cannabis traveler because it broadens the travel horizons. Vacations are always something to look forward to, but going on a cannabis friendly vacation tops it all. Remember to look up the local laws before going to one of these cities, as each state’s (and sometimes even city’s) laws are different. Public consumption is illegal almost everywhere, so be leery of lighting up in the streets. Otherwise, it’s time to embrace and elevate your traveling experience. Check out these fantastic cannabis friendly cities to visit in 2017. >>
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Crested Butte is for the adventurous cannabis consumer. Skiing, snowmobiling, hiking and more await you in this great canna-town. If you have some down time, visit the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Museum. There are music festivals in the spring and summer, then ice carving and movie festivals in the winter. Ski all day and then enjoy a nice massage at your ski-in/ ski-out hotel, Elevation Resort and Spa. Restaurants, room service, spa services and a ski concierge make this a perfect winter resort. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, hike from Crested Butte to Conundrum Hot Springs. Most people take two days to do this seven-hour hike. If not, you can the take the 40-minute drive up to the end of the road. Then, hike four miles or so to Conundrum Hot Springs, a beautiful spot in a large natural hot spring.
Boston, Massachusetts
This college town has been highly tolerant of cannabis for many years. The best time to go is at the end of September when the Boston Freedom Rally will be happening for the 28th year in a row. This event brings in thousands a day and even though smoking is technically illegal, people are lighting up everywhere. However, this will be the first year that the city will be celebrating the weekend long event with recreational cannabis fully legal.
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Lake Tahoe, Nevada or CAlifornia
Since both California and Nevada are both recreationally legal, why not spend some time in both? This gorgeous town is split between the two states and has everything an adventurous person could want. Of course, there’s the lake ready for boating and jet skiing in the summer. Then, during the winter months you can ski and snowboard. Oh and there’s a huge New Year’s Eve winter music festival there as well. So, bundle up, smoke some cannabis and enjoy all that Tahoe has to offer. 54
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Crested Butte, Colorado
Olympia, WAshington
Olympia, Tumwater and Lacy all connect to make this charming, little area a perfect vacation spot. Enjoy seafood by the pier, shop at the cutest shops downtown and then hike your heart out during the day, with mountains just 30 minutes away. Wake up at your bud-and-breakfast with an outdoor cannabis grow at your fingertips when you stay at the SONshine House right outside of town. Enjoy cannabisfriendly accommodations and a tour of the fantastic grow any time after May 1. >>
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Las Vegas, Nevada
Medical card holders around the nation jumped for joy when Nevada decided on reciprocity. Now you don’t have to have a medical card at all to consume and purchase cannabis before heading to the casino. Recreational shops could be open on the first of this month. If you’re all tapped out from the holidays, the best time of the year to visit is during “Weed Week” in mid-November, when the cream of the crop of the cannabis world meet to network, learn and party.
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Lima, Peru
The architecture is beautiful, people are friendly and there are plenty of things to do. Stay on the beach at Belmond Miraflores Park. The hotel has floor-toceiling windows, ocean views and an infinity edge pool that looks right into the water. For great food, check out Rafael’s Restaurant. This Vietnamese and French Style restaurant has some of the best ceviche around. La Rosa Nautica is a great place to hang out and have a drink. The restaurant and bar sit right on the beach, so you can enjoy your Pisco, the national drink while listening to music and watching the waves. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a detour to Machu Picchu. These mysterious Incan ruins call people from around the world, but the trip is not the simplest. A plane, taxi and then a train is the fastest way to get there. Other people choose to take the several days’ journey on foot. The best part is that you can do it all high because Peru allows you to carry up to eight grams of cannabis with you. c 56
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Hope, Alaska
Alaska legalized recreational cannabis use in 2015. Without formal dispensaries, tourists have not been flooding in. However, Bowman’s Bear Creek Lodge may change that. This allinclusive, bud-and-breakfast has five course meals that are simply amazing. Moose wander the breathtaking property that boasts seven luxurious log cabins. Activities include white water rafting, kayaking, trail rides and whale watching tours. Plus, they have their own ice cream truck. The town has a gold mining museum and some restaurants and shopping. And if you go at the right time of the year, you may even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights, while puffing on some Northern Lights.
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Industry Insider “Being a dispensary operator, every Monday we would have training, and by Wednesday the training would be misconstrued . . . It was very hard to keep the staff informed of all these new products all the time.”
Matt Young of APOP MEDIA
by R. Scott Rappold
S
i nce you’re reading this, the odds are good that you have experienced the waiting room of a cannabis dispensary. Is there a television? Are they showing an old Cheech and Chong movie or information about cannabis that can help inform your purchase? If it’s the latter, the odds are that the programming (and the television) is from Apop Media. The Los Angelesbased media company, co-founded
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by CEO Matt Young in 2015, has become one of the largest providers, with televisions and programming in 120 California collectives and doctors’ offices. They’ll soon expand to Washington, Colorado and Canada. For Young, it’s about not only improving the waiting room experience, but also showing the products available at the collective and helping patients decide what’s right for them. And forget the old-
p h o t o s b y J o h n G ilh o o le y
fashioned chalkboard with the strains of the day. Apop (short for “At Point of Purchase”) Media also provides televisions to serve as informational platforms and digital menus. “You’re taking a TV that was playing non-cannabis-related content, Scarface or I Love Lucy or whatever, and transforming that waiting room into an educating and engaging experience,” said Young, 45. “We’re improving the look and feel of the store.” >>
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C.
Collective Experience
T.
Ambience and Information
Like many an epiphany that has come out of coastal California, Young’s occurred to him while he was surfing. It was 2008 and Young, a longtime entrepreneur, was looking for his next big thing. He had recently been forced to shut down his company that made an energy drink mix called “Blow,” white powder sold in a vial that was the equivalent of three Red Bulls. It seems the feds took issue with marketing a product that was similar to cocaine. While waiting for a wave on his surfboard, he floated past his neighbor, who happened to run a medical cannabis collective. The neighbor was having trouble finding good product and Young, who knew a thing or two about cultivating, offered to get involved. Flash forward several years later—Young had enough of the red tape and constant risk of being arrested or shut down, so he sold his interest in the collective. But in his experience running it, the idea for Apop Media was born.
Like many collectives, Young’s was in a small, out-of-the-way location, with a sales room that couldn’t accommodate more than four patients at once. That meant a waiting time for patients that averaged between eight and 25 minutes. He was also frustrated by the inability of budtenders to keep up with new products and strains. With these two problems in mind, he and co-founder Rebecca Brinegar launched Apop Media in 2015. “The initial thing was, ‘How do we help the patients and how do we help the store owners get the correct information to the patients?’” said Young. “Being a dispensary operator, every Monday we would have training, and by Wednesday the training would be misconstrued . . . It was very hard to keep the staff informed of all these new products all the time.” It works like this: Apop provides flat screen TVs to collectives at no charge. In the waiting room, the TV plays a constantly-changing array of ads, educational segments and entertainment clips on a 15-minute loop. The programming is tailored to the collective’s demographics and what products they sell. Dispensary or collective operators can program the text of a crawler at the bottom of the screen, like what you see on cable news networks, with such information as hours, sales and specials and other details. Apop also provides free horizontal televisions to be used as digital menus, to help patients compare prices and learn about what’s available. There might be one for flower, one for edibles and one for extracts. The programming is advertising-driven, and dispensaries can actually earn up to $1,000 a month by selling enough products from advertising partners. But Young sees Apop Media’s TV services as more than that, as helping make the dispensary or collective a more appealing experience. “We have this whole market of people coming in. Dispensaries are intimidating places. As a personal option they don’t know all these brands. They don’t know what the
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“I want to help broaden the industry to where everyone has a place, to where a 70-year-old with arthritis can get the best topical for their needs.”
medicine is, what it does. A lot of them don’t know what vaporizing is or how edibles work,” he said. “I want to help broaden the industry to where everyone has a place, to where a 70-year-old with arthritis can get the best topical for their needs.” c apopmedia.com
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“I kind of reached a creative peak with that where if I am going to smoke, I use it as a tool as well as for relaxation. I feel like it has showed me different ways my mind can go, because honestly, not everybody smokes, but everybody kind of has that energy and understanding of what it is, that vibe, and I try and capture that energy . . .”
VERSATILITY AND VIRTUE Local artist Connor Ray stays true to his beliefs and sound by Addison Herron-Wheeler
During a time when the rap world is saturated with trap artists and the use of profanity and sexually explicit lyrics, Denver’s Connor Ray takes a markedly different approach. Although he does not use any profanity in his music and tries to keep things uplifting and positive, he still manages to make hip-hop that captivates and wins over the same people who listen to harder rap. Ray has been making music since he was 17, when he and a group of friends started to rap and booked time in a friend’s studio. Ever since then, Ray has had a love affair with music, even though he is not a snob when it comes to what he listens to. “Surprisingly enough I don’t really listen to much music or know much about the history of music,” he told CULTURE. “I just like good music. Right now I really like J. Cole. I really like a lot of conscious rappers and stuff like that. I’m not really into trap music all the time or that kind of thing; I just like good music.”
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Ray came out with his first release, Worth It, featuring the single “Lil Bam Bam,” on December 2016, his birthday. With a focus on flow and lyricism rather than shock value or over-the-top production, Ray put a lot of time and energy into this first release. When it comes to cannabis, Ray has been a long-time smoker, but doesn’t rely on constantly using it. Instead, he tries to use his sessions with cannabis to bring out as much creativity as possible, and capture the vibe of the cannabis user even when he is sober. “I used to be like straight up every day 24/7 smoker, and that was when I initially really was in my beginning stages of music every single day and night,” he explained. “I was smoking and hot boxing my car, but now I kind of reached a creative peak with that where if I am going to smoke I use it as a tool as well as for relaxation. I feel like it has showed me different ways my mind can go, because honestly, not everybody
smokes, but everybody kind of has that energy and understanding of what it is, that vibe, and I try and capture that energy and understanding without being high too because I know it so well. I can make music you can smoke to, even if you are not smoking.” Cannabis is also important to Ray because his family has been affected by cancer, so he hopes that research into the medical side of the plant can continue. “I think when it comes to legalization, something that could be done better is more research. It just seems like they are trying to make money,” he complained. Ray is continuing to write music and play shows around Denver, and is hoping to take his career even further and stick with the challenge of making music without relying on typical crutches used in rap. Look out for more music soon, stream or buy his current record, and expect to see him playing in the Denver area throughout 2017. c
www.facebook.com/connorraylive | connorraylive.bandcamp.com
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN
by Ed Rosenthal
Last month I demonstrated how I “painted” stigmas, the receptive portions of female plants with pollen obtained from female plants. They were induced to produce the pollen using a commercial product made this the purpose. I am sad to report that no seeds were produced by any of the plants using pollen from three different treated plants. Every portion of the experiment failed to produce seeds, only one method produced pollen and it seemed to be infertile. There are a lot of methods for making clones. A commonly used method is sticking cuttings in rockwool or soil. One of the most popular methods is aeroponic, continuously misting the stems with a fine spray. Many commercially available cloning machines use this method and there are several videos available on YouTube showing how to make them. I take plant cuttings
all the time and am often able to root them in a glass of water. Others require rockwool or a planting mix. One company used to produce a water-based cloning tray but it got mixed reviews. Still, I have been fascinated by the possibility of rooting in water. In this first experiment clones were placed in about two inches of water, and were held in place using neoprene corks. The tray was placed on a half-inch thick Styrofoam board to prevent heat transference to the concrete floor. Originally the tray held a small circulating pump that also mixed in a bit of air using the venturi effect. A fluorescent light was hung 19” inches over the plants. The cuttings were placed in water adjusted to a pH of 6, but after a week there was no indication of callus growth on the stem. Next I decided to add some more oxygen. People sometimes add hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to the water because it’s unstable and gradually adds oxygen to the water. I decided to use a machine new to the market that uses hydrolysis
TIP OF THE MONTH Traditionally and continuing today, Moroccans store their dried, harvested stalks with buds in waterproofed unheated sheds until winter’s cold set in. Only then, when the trichomes were brittle and not tacky was the material processed. You may be able to follow their practice. Let nature freeze the material you want to process: trim and crushed mininugs. Then while it’s still freezing hand screen the material using a trim screen or a rotating kief maker running small amounts of material for just a minute or so, as long as the falling dust remains blond. This is top quality. Quality lowers as it turns greenish.
PROFILE
IN
COURAGE
DESTINATION
Water Clones
to oxygenate water. This occurs when electric current passes through water. It breaks it up into its elemental form: The gasses hydrogen and oxygen. When I saw this demonstrated, I was impressed that it turned a large tank of water foggy with oxygen in just a few minutes. I added this to the water tray and set it using a repeating timer for 1 minute on/1 minute off. At the same time I added a heat mat underneath the tray to maintain a minimum water temperature of 68 °. The plant cuttings started rooting within days. Unfortunately, I was away when the roots first appeared. More experiments and details of this method to come next month. Now, I am asking you to decide whether I should continue this experiment, “Making Feminized Seeds,” or move on. If you decide that I should continue, I will bring in an expert seed propagator to help us. Please visit our contest page (ireadculture.com/ contests) and indicate Yes or No. In exchange for your participation I’ll send you some tips for your garden! Please take a minute to vote on whether to continue the quest for “Making Feminized Seeds.” c
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Cuttings sitting in tray.
Cuttings underside tray showing roots on all the clones.
A small circulation pump and the hydrolysis unit kept the water oxygenated and moving.
Close-up of roots on sem.
Planted clone
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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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE 66
St. Croix Celebrates 12 Days of Carnival by Sheryll Alexander
January is perhaps the best time of year when it comes to St. Croix cannabis travel, as this gem of a Caribbean island in the U.S. Virgin Islands annually celebrates Crucian Christmas Carnival during the first week of the month. Held from Christmas Day through January 7, St. Croix’s 2017 carnival festivities rev up as the sun goes down. Each evening has a different theme (for example: Reggae, calypso, Latin, children, adults) and always includes costumes, music, dancing, food, drink and good times. St. Croix is The U.S. Virgin Islands’ most remote island and the biggest, at around 85 square miles. This isolation—as well as the incredibly chill vibe from being home to some of the world’s best white sand beaches and its rich Afro-Caribbean-Euro culture—is another reason why cannabis enthusiasts flock to scenic St. Croix. And while St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands may seem very far away, the good news is American citizens do not need a passport, the main language is English and the currency is U.S. green backs. Another reason to choose St. Croix is the island has recently undergone a farm-to-table
if you go: culinary Renaissance. St. Croix’s culinary scene was always a decidedly delicious mix of West African, native Caribbean, European (Danish, French, Spanish), South American and North American flavors, but a new breed of organic farmers and young chefs has made the island into an international fine dining dream come true. Seeking romance? St. Croix caters to couples who really want to get away from it all. The island’s accommodations include charming boutique properties positioned atop bucolic beaches. Many of these B&Bs, villas, condos and luxury hotels specialize in couples “therapy”: Zen-like cottage suites, chic outdoor lounging spaces, couple-centric spas and candlelit dinners on the sand. Of course, ocean sports abound in St. Croix. Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the world’s best while the global sailing community constantly gathers at the island’s “twin city” port towns of Dane-inspired Christiansted and Victorian-era Frederiksted. Multicultural cannabis aficionados who love the mellow Caribbean island lifestyle will fall ferociously in love with St. Croix and most especially during carnival’s nightly party scene. c
Fun-Filled Facts 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of “Transfer Day” when the Danishheld “West Indies” officially became the U.S. Virgin Islands. Centennial celebrations abound all year long as the islands embrace both their Danish and American heritages. 1
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Time to Go: January Weather: High 80s with some rainfall Budget: $$$$$
The U.S. Virgin Islands is the only Caribbean destination that celebrates carnival thrice a year. Each island hosts a two-week carnival festival (St. Croix during the holidays, St. Thomas in late April and St. John at the end of July). 2
The U.S. Virgin Islands benefits from a strong Rastafari culture as Jamaica is 800 or so miles away. However, this U.S. territory has yet to legalize medical cannabis. In 2014, the territory’s Senate overrode then Gov. John P. DeJongh’s veto of a cannabis decriminalization provision, which has since eliminated jail time for minor possession (you can get fined $100-$200 for carrying up to one ounce). As with any chill island culture where cannabis is still illegal on the record, make certain to acquire from downto-earth locals who frequent beaches, bars and clubs. While most islanders won’t bat an eye when they get a whiff of that tell-tale cannabis aroma, resist lighting up around schools, hotels, shops and government buildings as well as crowded parks and beaches.
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culture growing
Jenifer F.
Age: 22
PROFILE
IN
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UNKNOWN
RECIPES
Condition/Illness: Anxiety & IBS
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When did you start using medical cannabis? June 2016. It would have been months sooner, but my name was misspelled in the system and I had to go through the application process all over again. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? During high school, I had been tried on a slew of medications. All of them caused me to just become increasingly agitated instead of relieved, most of time, to the point of hysteria. If I was not freaking out, I was nodding out like a zombie. I would get nauseous and then sleep for hours. The doctors told me the antidepressants, anti-anxiety, acid reflux and sleep medications would help me feel more normal, and that my use of cannabis (at the time recreational) was only harming me and causing my symptoms. I argued with my parents and doctors for years. It was not until I turned 18 that I was able to start getting the real help I needed. I now visit a dispensary here in MA, have a wonderful counselor and a kick ass nutritionist to keep me on track, motivated and healthy in life.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I cannot speak for all medical cannabis patients, but for me, here in MA, there are only six dispensaries. I drive a little over an hour to the dispensary and it is expensive. Insurance does not pay for this, but insurance gladly covered all the pharmaceuticals the doctors prescribed me. The laws and regulations are SO strict and difficult, from what I understand. If you are a medical patient in MA and have ever tried to call the patient service number to check the status of your application of call for information, you know what I am about to say . . . It takes forever to get a hold of someone, like hours, and their answer is usually to go on to the website and that’s just a whole mess in itself. Even though we have had medical cannabis since 2012, the system is still so new and small and there is a lot of work to be done. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? There is nothing to be afraid of. With the right explanation, education and a comfortable, safe environment cannabis can be a wonderful tool for healing. It is quite simple, times are changing; and the way you view this plant and the people who consume it should too. Cannabis users are not just hooligans getting all “guppy eyed” at the skate park anymore; they are business people and parents and successful creatives from all walks of life. c
Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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culture growing RECIPES
Sweet Beginnings to Start Your New Year Off Right Menu: Canna-Banana Bread
Tia’s Coffee and Eats
646 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 402-4148 www.tiascoffeeandeats.com
IN
COURAGE
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UNKNOWN
Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese
PROFILE
The Duffeyroll Café
1290 S. Pearl St., Denver (303) 953-6890 www.duffeyrolls.com
Walnut Cinnamon Rolls
Springs Orleans
recipes by Keira Fae Every once in a while, I take my mornings off and wake and bake; and, when I say “wake and bake,” I literally mean I wake up at 7am, preheat the oven and start baking (of course while smoking my morning joint). Here are three recipes I enjoy on these special occasions that are delicious, filling and easy! All infused with Ambrosia’s Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil, making it easier to micro-dose and or substitute ingredients without skimping on taste or texture, giving each dish a perfect subtle taste. Let’s start cooking!
Canna-Banana Bread
Servings: 6-8 slices
Ingredients 3 tablespoons Ambrosia’s Infused Coconut Oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup of sugar
4 very ripe bananas
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Directions Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 4x8-inch loaf pan, set aside. In a mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter. Mix the baking soda and salt into the banana mixture. Mix in the sugar, beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Slowly add the all-purpose flour while stirring (1 minute). Add Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, mix well. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely before taking out of the loaf pan. Serve with butter and honey! Dosage: Each slice approximately 6-7.5mg THC
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Local eateries with similar dishes:
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123 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs (719) 520-0123 www.springsorleans.com
Keira Fae discovered the healing powers of the cannabis plant in 2014, after suffering from a debilitating illness. Rather than taking a handful of different pharmaceuticals, she decided to smoke all natural medical cannabis instead. The instant improvement to her health, the return of her appetite, increased energy and complete pain relief inspired her to figure out how to cook with cannabis to help herself and those she cared about. After just a couple of years, Fae founded her own infused edibles company in collaboration with Weedmaps, and began to film and disseminate stepby-step instructional video guides on how to cook with cannabis. She now also offers an infused oil line called Ambrosia’s Oils, with a 1:1 THC:THCa. Fae believes it’s imperative that patients know what they are putting into their bodies and also understanding what cannabis can do for their overall health. For more information check out KeiraFae.com.
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culture
Walnut Cinnamon Rolls
growing
Ingredients for Rolls:
RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE
2 tablespoons Ambrosia’s Infused Coconut Oil (30mg)
1/2 cup hot milk
3 1/2-4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 ounce package dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm water
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup sugar
Ingredients for Cinnamon Filling: 1/4 cup melted butter, plus more for pan
3/4 cup sugar, plus more for pan
2 tablespoons Ambrosia’s Infused Coconut Oil (30mg)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Ingredients for Glaze: 4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
3-6 tablespoons warm milk
Directions:
Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese Servings: 2
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Ambrosia’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil (30 mg) 1/2 pounds pasta, any shape (I prefer Macaroni) 2 tablespoons allpurpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cup whole milk 2 1/2 cups shredded cheeses, Cheddar, Pepper Jack and Colby
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Dissolve the yeast in a small bowl with warm water and set aside. In a large bowl mix, infused coconut oil, melted butter, milk, sugar, salt and egg. Add all-purpose flour, mix till smooth and add yeast mixture. Mix well until dough is firm enough to handle. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover for 1-1 1/2 hours or until dough has doubled in size. While dough rises, mix melted butter, infused coconut oil, sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon filling. Roll dough out on a floured surface a rectangle. Spread melted butter corner to corner. Repeat with cinnamon filling mixture, corner to corner. Roll dough ad cut into 12 pieces. Place cinnamon rolls close together and let rise for 45 minutes or until rolls have doubled in size. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. While your rolls are baking, mix butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add warm milk 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired constancy. Spread over cooled roll and add walnuts or your favorite topping. Enjoy! Dosage: Each serving 5mg THC
Directions: Bring 4 cups water to a boil over high heat, add pasta and salt. Cook until pasta is soft (about 5-6 minutes) and strain, set aside. Prepare the cheese sauce using the same pot; add 1 cup milk over medium low heat. Once warm, add remainder of milk and flour, whisk until smooth. Turn the heat to low, add infused oil and cheese by the handful. Mix until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce in a separate bowl. Add extra parmesan and basil. Enjoy! Dosage: Each serving 15mg
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Servings: 12
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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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colorado NOW! event listings
Nappy Roots, Jan. 5
Nappy Roots is bringing some southern swagger to Colorado alongside MC/ DJ duo Dassaro x Jeraff. Other special guests include Dapper and J.O.B. Get ready for some unique hip-hop sounds and fantastic lyrical journeys. Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver cervantesmasterpiece.com
performance happening at Summit Music Hall. Summit Music Hall, Denver thesummitmusichall.com
featured event
The Couch Bombs, Jan. 7
The Couch Bombs is a highenergy band that will give you a hefty dose of authentic punk rock. This adrenaline pumping evening will feature special guests Filthy Hearts, Lawsuit Models and The Swifts. The Lost Lake, Denver lost-lake.com
CSCCI Chinese New Year Festival, Jan. 21
This great tradition is a oneday event where everyone can celebrate the coming of the Chinese New Year. Celebrate with a Taste of China food fair, lion dances, shopping, Kung-Fu demos, calligraphy workshops, games, yo-yo demonstrations and more. City Auditorium, Colorado Springs www.cscci.org/cnyf
DNCE, Jan. 25
If you’re a fan of American funk-pop or dance-rock, then DNCE might be one of your favorite bands. Whether you like their older songs like “Cake by the Ocean” or are a fan of their recent DNCE album, you are surely in for a treat at this 74
Winter Brew Fest, Jan. 27-28
If you like live music and unlimited tastings of brews, look no further for something exciting to do this month than the Winter Brew Fest. Some of the best beers will be available, and you will even get to bring home a souvenir glass. Mile High Station, Denver www.denverbrewfest.com
Manitou Springs Great Fruitcake Toss, Jan. 28
Growing up, adults always warned us against playing with our food, but they didn’t say anything about throwing it! Fruitcakes will fly in the name of holiday competition, as there will be events for participants of all ages, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own fruitcakes. Memorial Park, Manitou Springs www.visitcos.com/ fruitcake-toss
The Wailers, Jan. 29
Formerly Bob Marley & The Wailers, this musical group
January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
Kings of Leon, Jan. 25
This American rock band has been bringing music that has transformed over time from a Southern rock and blues sounds to a more alternative sound most recently. Check out some of the best hits as they deliver this stellar performance for fans of all ages. has delivered soulful, reggae tunes to the masses for decades. Come and feel the love of Bob Marley live as The Wailers deliver a memorable performance. Moxi Theater, Greeley www.moxitheater.com
“Performance on Paper: The Posters of Phil Risbeck and John Sorbie,” Ends Jan. 29
1st Bank Center, Broomfield www.1stbankcenter.com This exhibition features 30 posters from two notable designers from Colorado. Come see this local art that uses various techniques from high-contrast photography to hand-drawn illustrations and more. Denver Art Museum, Denver denverartmuseum.org
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird LEAD STORY— FUTURE OF TRAVEL u Australian aviator David Mayman has promised investors that his personal jet packs will hit the market by mid-2017, though early adopters will pay about $250,000 for one, to fly a person at up to 60 mph for 10 minutes. The JB-10 (developed by Mayman and designer Nelson Tyler) has made about 400 test runs in Monaco and over downtown London and New York City, but the partners realize that ultimate success will require that the fuel tanks be downsized so that the craft can be powered electrically— and thus seek crowdfunding both for that model and a larger one to accommodate the Pentagon’s (Special Operations Command) tactical needs. THE CONTINUING CRISIS u Wild Life: The state agency Colorado Parks and Wildlife filed 21 criminal charges in October against the Squirrel Creek Wildlife Rescue center in Littleton, alleging that some of the orphaned and rehabbing animals Kendall Seifert houses are not being kept according to the state’s strict standards—and that Seifert’s 15-year-old center is also home to his popular swingers’ club (Scarlet Ranch) featuring weekend sex parties. One of the criminal charges suggests that rescue animals could be stressed by gazing at activity in the ranch’s bar area. Seifert said he will challenge the charges out of fear that many of the raccoons, foxes, song birds, coyotes, skunks, rabbits and 76
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squirrels he would have to relinquish would not find suitable facilities elsewhere. u Episode Almost Ended in a Tie: In November, in a remote area of Oregon’s Maury Mountains, a 69-year-old man killed an elk and dragged the carcass behind his off-road vehicle up a hill. According to the Crook County Sheriff’s office, the vehicle suddenly flipped over backward, and the man landed on, and was impaled by, the elk’s antlers. Fellow hunters summoned a helicopter, and the man has apparently survived. THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT u (1) In a retail market long dominated by priests, “nonsectarian” funeral eulogizers now offer to give individually tailored remembrances of the deceased for a fee, according to an October report by a New York Post reporter who interviewed two local “celebrants,” who cited the declining appeal of “prayers.” (2) The British retailer ASOS announced in August that 3-foot-long clip-on dinosaur tails had sold out in one of its two models (although New York magazine, which reported it in the U.S., was, for obvious reasons, baffled about why). THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS u Brittany Maynard, then 29, became “the face of the Right to Die movement” in 2014, according to a New York Post column, when she chose a legal physician-assisted suicide rather than awaiting the growth of her terminal brain tumor. In October, terminally ill California mother Stephanie Packer hoped to be “the face of the Right to Live movement” after revealing that her insurance company denied coverage for a drug that could extend her life—but at the same time disclosed that her suicide drugs are covered, and even disclosed her co-pay ($1.20).
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