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inside
contents 3.2018
Ask the CannaSexual Submit your sex and cannabis questions to Ashley Manta. She may answer your question in CULTURE’s 420 issue! Go to: CultureMagazine.com/ askCannaSexual
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Versed Veteran
Slug, the recognizable voice of hip-hop duo Atmosphere, opens up to CULTURE about how becoming a father has played a part in his career over the decades, as well as his personal and political opinions on cannabis. O n the C O V E R :
A a r o n A u b r e y P h oto g r ap h y
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departments
features 46
Positive Change The Federal Reserve recently approved the Fourth Corner Credit Union bank to serve the cannabis industry in Colorado.
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Colorful and Creative Colorado-based artist Mae Carson uses cannabis to see the world through a different lens.
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Tale as Old as Time Cannabis’ healing benefits helped a young girl named Bella tackle her severe eczema, which led to the creation of a new topical beauty product brand.
10 Letter from the Editor news 12 News Nuggets 13 By the Numbers 16 Local News 20 Legal Corner reviews 22 Company Highlight 24 Dispensary Highlight 28 Concentrate & Topical Reviews 30 Cool Stuff 32 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 56 Shooting Galleries 60 à La Carte 62 Growing Culture 66 Profile in Courage 68 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! Crime Rate Drops in Uruguay Following Legalization
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d Application
Submitted for
First Cannabis Spa in Denver
Vol 9 IssUE 9
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams managing editor Addison Herron-Wheeler Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic DesignerS Payden Cobern, John Venegas sales director Joe Larson Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Lee Moran, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Shayne Williams, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy office manager Mikayla Aguilar digital media Hannah Lemley coordinator Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,400 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
10940 S. Parker Road, #237 | Parker | CO | 80134-7440 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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LETTER
FROM
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EDITOR
Re R e f l e c t a n d Re a c t
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efore we kick off with the biggest celebration of cannabis culture and 420 parties, let’s use the month of March to refocus on the progress of our community. Now more than ever, it’s important to take matters into your own hands to ensure the cannabis community continues to move in the right direction. Many products and services often transition from underground and into mainstream, and the transition into legalization for the cannabis industry has not been one that has gone unpunished. In the past decade, we’ve increasingly seen generations of cultivators pushed from the legal industry. We’ve witnessed momand-pop shops and brands running into roadblocks in light of increasing competition, and the threat of federal interference is constantly spreading fear. Rest assured, the reason that cannabis has come so far is because of people who speak out in its defense. Join the countless activists, small businesses and organizations who influence public policy for cannabis reform in their communities. Show up regularly at city council meetings, write letters, gather signatures and educate those around you. Your voice is powerful, and it could make the difference between a family farmer being awarded or not awarded the licenses necessary to operate, or it could help a child with a seizure disorder gain access to medical cannabis oil. One of the best ways to be heard exists within your wallet. Use your money to support those you would like to see succeed within this competitive industry. Shop small. Don’t hesitate to spend a little more cash on small batch cannabis from a local farm rather than opting for the most economical option.
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Join the industry’s response to the rescinded Cole Memo by showing more support for legislation like the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment. As it is set to expire once again later this month, be sure to reach out to your local representatives. Share your positive experience with medical cannabis, show your support for recreational rights, and overall let it be known that you stand on the right side of cannabis reform. Finally, donate to organizations that are doing essential work, and support the candidates who are aligned with your ethics. We can’t wait to let our hair down and party with everyone next month, but until then, let’s remember that this community is strong when it stands together. There are still so many people in this country and across the world who could benefit from cannabis reform. Let’s not forget to take action to make safe access a reality for all, while not squashing those who have built our industry. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Gov. Hickenlooper Considers Cannabis Offense Expungement With legalization sweeping the nation, many states have considered granting pardons to people with past cannabis convictions. Now, Colorado is considering joining those states. Gov. John Hickenlooper is deciding whether to release about 40 inmates who have been convicted of nonviolent cannabis offenses. “We have been discussing this idea for some time and are carefully evaluating whether there are some inmates who are appropriate candidates for clemency,” Jacque Montgomery, Hickenlooper’s press secretary, explained to CULTURE. The decision would be in line with Hickenlooper’s stance on legalizing cannabis and decreasing severity of prison sentences. Because Colorado
New Cannabis Delivery Bill Proposed for Fall A newly proposed cannabis delivery bill, known as House Bill 1092, would allow a licensed delivery person to bring cannabis from a dispensary to a consumer. “We’re not breaking new ground on this issue,” Colorado General Assembly Representative Jonathan Singer, one of the sponsors of the bill, explained to CULTURE. “Oregon and other states have innovated cannabis delivery, and we are taking their best practices to Colorado. One more step in stamping out the black market is ensuring
prisons are crowded and cannabis is legal in the state, many consider this the next logical line of action. All of those who are eligible for this pardon are serving sentences for either possession or sale of cannabis. Hickenlooper’s attorneys are looking into each case, as well as good behavior in prison. Prisoners will be able to apply for clemency if they pass a background check.
Singapore to Develop Synthetic Cannabis Strains The punishment for cannabis consumption, importation and solicitation in the Republic of Singapore can result in strokes from the cane, the country’s cruel and legal system of corporal punishment, but things are slowly changing. Medical cannabis research is beginning to take root despite Singapore’s notoriously draconian approach to drugs. A 25 million Singapore Dollars ($19 million USD) research initiative called the Synthetic Biology Research and Development Program has
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that people can have their cannabis delivered. Right now the only marijuana delivery we see is through illegal online ads; this bill will fix that.” If HB-1092 passes, cannabis delivery to adults ages 21 and over could be allowed as in Colorado early as this fall. As of this writing, the bill has been approved by the House Finance Committee with an 8-5 vote.
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been launched. Researchers will develop national synthetic strains of cannabinoids derived from cannabis. The cannabis material will most likely be imported from another country in order to carry out the research. “This will be done by translating selective genetic information provided by overseas partners into potent therapeutic compounds not found in nature through synthetic biology,” reads a press release from the National Research Foundation Singapore. For now, the country prefers to research into creating synthetic derivatives of cannabis instead of natural medical cannabis options.
The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that the Arvada Police Department was awarded under the Marijuana Impact Grant: (Source: City of Arvada)
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The percentage of Colorado cannabis consumers who admitted that they have gone to work under the influence of cannabis at least once a week: (Source: Westword)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was launched in a venture fund for technology-based cannabis companies in Colorado: (Source: Daily Camera)
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The estimated amount of money, in billions of dollars, that Colorado collected in recreational cannabis sales revenue in 2017: (Source: The Times of Northwest Indiana)
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The number of votes from members of the Virginia Senate, out of 40, that were in favor of passing a medical cannabis bill: (Source: News Leader)
The increased percentage of cannabis-related job postings in the United States in 2017, according to a study from ZipRecruiter: (source: Business Insider)
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The estimated amount of money, in billions of dollars, that the United States hemp industry is projected to make by 2020: (Source: Hemp Business Journal)
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MCBA Cannabis Opportunity Summit WHEN: Thurs, March 22–Sat, March 24 WHERE: Daniels College of Business, 2101 South University Blvd., Denver WEBSITE: www.minoritycannabis.org/events The Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) has partnered with the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business and the Hoban Law Group for the first-ever MCBA Cannabis Opportunity Summit. Here you will find resources for minority-owned cannabis businesses. For far too long, certain communities have been particularly disadvantaged by the “War
on Drugs,” but the tables are turning. The MCBA is the only trade association in America that exclusively represents minority-owned cannabis businesses. Paul Seaborn teaches “Business of Marijuana” at Daniels College of Business and will discuss history, regulatory structure, business challenges, the Colorado industry and the nationwide industry during a learning session. CultureMagazine.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
Supply and Demand Cannabis sales eclipse liquor sales for the first time in Aspen By Benjamin M. Adams
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annabis sales have surpassed liquor sales in the resort city of Aspen, making cannabis the number one inebriant in the city. According The Aspen Times, this is the first time annual cannabis sales have eclipsed alcohol sales in the city. Aspen is home to a specific breed of the cannabis consumer—one that is shaped by the city’s burgeoning tourist culture. The town is the destination for thousands of ski tourists each year, plus the longtime home of Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Apart from the resort city’s perfect powder conditions on the slopes, its approach to cannabis is also outstanding. Aspen was one of the first Coloradan cities to open up a cannabis shop, just three months after the state’s first day of recreational cannabis sales. On Feb. 7, in a memo sent from the Aspen City Council to Aspen Finance Director Don Taylor, the city’s December 2017 Consumption Tax Report was released and included yearly figures that shed light on consumption habits in Aspen. Cannabis was among the city’s fastest growing industries. “Industries posting the largest monthly gains were Automobile, Marijuana and Luxury Goods with 46 percent, 16 percent and 14 percent increases, respectively,” the memo read. In fact, cannabis was the fastest growing retail sector out of 12 retail sectors that the city government is keeping tabs on.
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The figures “Marijuana indicate that while [ sa l e s] h ave 2017 total liquor sales in Aspen amounted bee n g r owi n g to $10,512,216, 2017 at a large total cannabis sales in Aspen amounted to r a t e si n c e t h e $11,325,092, almost one i n c e p t i on of million dollars more in sales. l e ga l i z a t i on Taylor directed us i n 2012, i t wa s to Anthony Lewin, CCA, who is tax auditor on ly a m a t t e r for the city of Aspen. of t ime u n t i l Lewin explained that i t su r pa sse d there are multiple factors that contribute l i qu or . ” to the rise in cannabis sales, adding that he’s not surprised. “I wouldn’t attribute the rise in marijuana sales to anything in particular,” Lewin told CULTURE. “Marijuana [sales] have been growing at a large rate since the inception of legalization in 2012, it was only a matter of time until it surpassed liquor.” The increase in sales is nothing new, either. Cannabis sales rose 16 percent in 2017 compared to sales in 2016. Within city limits, cannabis shops also outnumber liquor stores. Aspen’s six cannabis shops now top the city’s five liquor stores. Before the shop Leaf closed recently, there were seven cannabis shops in the city. Despite the promising cannabis sales numbers, liquor remains an alluring draw for tourists in Aspen. In the month of December 2017, liquor sales topped cannabis sales, probably with the help of New Year’s Day and the holidays. Liquor sales raked in $1,578,724 in December 2017 compared to cannabis’ $1,246,650 in sales. A recent study by researchers from Georgia State University confirms suspicions that cannabis sales significantly impact alcohol sales. Researchers found a 15 percent drop in alcohol sales in states that legalized medical cannabis. The study spanned a 10year period, ranging from 2006 to 2015. Aspen is just a precursor to what we might see happening soon in other cities that allow cannabis sales. The prospect is exhilarating. c
BREAKING THE GRASS CEILING: A Breakfast Summit for Black Woman Entrepreneurs Revive your entrepreneurial spirit! Hosted by Sistahpreneurs, this summit will focus on exposing Black female entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. Wanda James, owner of Simply Pure, will be a special guest and will provide the keynote address. Simply Pure is not only an edibles and cannabis cooking company, but also a dispensary. The event will include a breakfast discussion with government officials, legal experts and entrepreneurs who have already got their foot in the door. Plenty of influencers will be there to help guide you through the necessary steps to build a business and survive constant regulatory changes that take place in Colorado. WHEN: Sat, March 3 WHERE: Stapleton MCA - The Cube, 8371 Northfield Blvd., Denver WEBSITE: www. sistah.biz/eventcalendar
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Changing Landscape
Colorado’s cannabis industry is in flux with high revenue and low r e ta i l p r i c e s By Daniel Garfield
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ecent headlines have trumpeted that Colorado’s legal cannabis industry sold $1.5 billion of product in 2017. Not highlighted in that number, however, is a steep decline in the price of legal cannabis, from $2,007 to $1,265 per wholesale pound of bud from 2015 to 2018, according to data from the Colorado Department of Revenue. Anecdotal evidence suggests the decline has fallen below $1,000 per pound of bud. Not surprisingly, this has been a bonanza for consumers. Retail prices for both adult-use and medical cannabis have dropped accordingly. Variety is now king, as stores and dispensaries cater to all types of consumers. Cannabis oil, sold directly to consumers or via edibles and vape pens, is now more popular, it seems, than flower. Large chains have arisen, with the five largest accounting for over 50 percent of sales. But small stores still have their 20
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niches, whether based on loyalty, product quality or otherwise. The drop in price appears to have achieved one of the basic goals of legalization— draining the black market of profit. In 2014, when adultuse began, the black market flourished as the transition from medical to retail favored incumbents, and the state of Colorado required vertical integration (retail store owners were required to own their own cultivation facilities) until the fall of 2015. But since then, cultivation facilities have moved far beyond the warehouses of the I-70 corridor in Denver. Outdoor and greenhouse facilities in southern Colorado, especially around Pueblo, feed the Denver metro stores and other markets with inexpensive well-made product that highcost producers cannot beat. At the end of 2014, adultuse plants in cultivation in Colorado numbered 200,000. By June 2017, that number had increased to 1,019,000. Nevertheless, the number of retail cultivation facilities
“Nevertheless, the number of retail cultivation facilities continues to increase, to 722 as of February 2018, an increase of 80 over the same date last year.”
continues to increase, to 722 as of February 2018, an increase of 80 over the same date last year. The cost-pressures on the industry have been numerous. A red-hot warehouse marker in Denver in 2014 and 2015 is no longer so red-hot. Owners of cultivation facilities smaller than 25,000 square feet are desperate to sell. Some are unable to. Denver placed a cap in 2016 on the number of distinct cannabis locations in the city and required that number to decrease over time, which it has somewhat, mostly from cultivation facilities closing their doors. But even high-cost producers and incompetent owners have mostly managed to hang on, as even cultivation licenses have managed to retain some value. Disputes among ownership groups, many of which were shotgun marriages when the state of Colorado began to formally regulate in 2010, spiked in 2014 and 2015 after the bump form adult-use sales. They have spiked again recently as owners fight over how to operate in an industry that, like most every other retail industry, is now consumer-driven. A maturing industry in Colorado suggests even better times for consumers. What it means for those in the industry remains to be seen. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight
Passion of Printing
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INDYINK delivers unique embellishment and design to Denver’s cannabis industry and beyond By Nicole Potter
C
annabis culture has grown exponentially since the 1960s and 1970s when it rose in popularity in the United States. Back then, T-shirt design trends embraced by those in the cannabis community were simple— tie-dye and peace symbols were abundant. The aesthetic of consumers has since evolved to include more psychedelic screen-printed designs, clever slogans and creative imagery. In Colorado, cannabis is everywhere, including clothing—and that’s where INDYINK comes in to play. This screen printing and embroidery company, which has been open since 2002, specializes in garment decoration and design for both small and large projects. CULTURE spoke with Dave Roggeman, owner of INDYINK, about the company’s success, and how cannabis has influenced the business. INDYINK’s expertise lies in screen printing T-shirts, but is also known for printing designs on numerous other products, such as hats, banners and hoodies. INDYINK also specializes in embroidery and glass printing as well. It has done business with local Denver-based businesses such as Kaladi Coffee Roasters, Bacon Social House and
local ice cream brand Sweet Action, to name a few. But cannabis and clothing go hand-in-hand too, and the rise in acceptance of cannabis has only been a boon for INDYINK’S growth. The company grows parallel to the cannabis industry without having to deal with the pitfalls of say, owning and operating a cannabis business that touches the plant. “For us we have little to no challenges from the medical and recreational cannabis landscape,” Roggeman said. “It has done nothing but offer us more clients with a need to brand and market their products.” INDYINK has a healthy relationship with those who do business with them. Roggeman told CULTURE that business owners in the cannabis industry especially experience success when selling merchandise created by INDYINK. “Merchandise does really well for our clients in the cannabis industry. Our clients have a 90 percent return rate and successfully sell their merchandise often reprinting orders to sell again.” Like most companies that specialize in creative services, INDYINK aims to provide the best experience for its potential customers. For Roggeman, this means continuing to improve and evolve with the printing industry, and always remaining on the lookout for sustainable techniques and new products. It also means that INDYINK continues to give each client the necessary support and assistance to help make their ideal project come true. This includes discussing all product options and printing styles in a one-on-one meeting, as well as offering affordable pricing and guaranteeing that a project will be delivered on time. Roggeman’s company has established many successful business relationships, and it hopes to continue that success. The company takes a lot of pride in its art, “We feel grateful for our wonderful clients and hope to continue our partnerships,” he concluded. “We hope to grow with our clients and look to add new relationships.” c
“ Merc hand ise d oes really well for our c lient s in t he c annabis ind ust ry. Ou r c lient s have a 90 p erc ent ret urn rat e and suc c essfully sell t heir me rc hand ise oft en rep rint ing ord ers t o sell again.”
FIND INDYINK AT: 1030 W Ellsworth Ave, Unit F, Denver (303) 534-0699 www.indyink.com
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REVIEWs
dispensary highlight
To p-Sellin g Str ain Bruce Banner, Critical Mass, Thing #1 and G.G. #4 To p-Sellin g Co ncentr ate Viola Extracts Live Resin Honey Pots To p-Sellin g Edible Incredibles 300mg Gummies
Karmaceuticals 4 S Santa Fe Dr., Denver (303) 765-2762 www.mmjkarma.com How and when did your dispensary start up? Karmaceuticals started up eight years ago by two brothers. In the past, we operated as a wellness center for doctor recommendations with Dr. Cohen and sold mostly clones. What’s the story behind the name of your dispensary? The story behind the name, “Karmaceuticals,” started with a passion for marijuana and helping people who needed it. One day, these two brothers stumbled upon some very potent marijuana camping out in the mountains. The bag that they found contained a small pipe, some killer nugs, and a label that wrote out “Karma Bud.” They smoked a fat bowl and came across 24
an older gentleman that had lost his marijuana early that day. They decided to give the marijuana back, and the older gentleman thanked the brothers for sharing the “Karma Bud” with him. He then began telling the brothers a story about how he was prescribed opioids after he retired from the military and was addicted, depressed and on the verge of suicide. After battling depression and addiction, he finally found that marijuana helped the best with his issues and started growing himself. The two brothers took this story to heart and collaborated on the perfect name for a medical marijuana dispensary. What does your dispensary offer customers that they can’t find anywhere else? Here at Karmaceuticals, we offer our patients daily text deals, which provides deals on different products, every day. Complimentary
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water, soda, hot teas and coffee are also available to our patients as they wait to be served by one of our awesome budtenders! How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? The cannabis industry is always changing and will continue to change! We have had to adapt to changes every year we have been in business. We have high hopes of going recreational this year and are currently working very hard on providing cannabis to recreational customers. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a dispensary? . . . Biggest joys? One of the biggest challenges we have is keeping up with all the rules, laws and regulations with the state of Colorado. The biggest joy of this business is making our patients happy. What is the one thing you want patients to know
about your dispensary? The one thing we want our patients to know about our dispensary is that we take our time in providing excellent service and products to our patients. We never order anything in our store that we wouldn’t personally ingest, dab, vaporize, smoke or put on our skin. If someone wanted to open a dispensary and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? The marijuana industry is currently booming. It is always expanding, and you will always have competition. Keep your head(s) up high, and don’t let anyone discourage you. Providing cannabis to the people that need it is a wonderful feeling! What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? We hope to continue satisfying our patients and to accomplish going recreational this year! c
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REVIEWs
concentrate & topical
Available at: Smokin Gun Apothecary in Glendale.
Kaviar Moon Rocks Killer Kush Sarco Freeze
Even the most active consumers can benefit from the healing benefits of hemp, just ask the brilliant minds at Arcanum. Creating a solution for athletes and fitness enthusiasts with sore muscles, Arcanum’s Sarco Freeze utilizes the most underrated delivery method for cannabinoids—transdermal delivery. Freeze out stubborn sore muscles, discomfort and irritation topically with the cooling action of menthol plus the healing benefits of CBD, without putting your digestive or respiratory systems through unnecessary stress. Packed with 75mg of activated hemp from Mary’s Nutritionals, Sarco Freeze by Arcanum provides relief from hempderived CBD that increases the bioavailability of other active ingredients. It also contains active ingredients like arnica montana, menthol, lavender, roman chamomile and rosemary essential oils. Activated hemp is decarboxylated, making it more medicinally effective.
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Available at: Starbuds locations throughout Colorado.
MARCH 2018 CultureMagazine.com
The Kaviar from Starbuds starts with its top-shelf flower, then it’s infused with BHO and rolled in kief to create what they call Moon Rocks. In this case, the indica-dominant Killer Kush is the star, creating a perfectly relaxing effect that would assist in relieving any amount of stress or pain. As with the Kaviar Cones from Starbuds, the taste of Kaviar Moon Rocks is earthy but fresh and light. The appearance of the Moon Rocks is a golden brown with a pretty, light brown dusting of kief. The product itself is a bit sticky to work with, so we recommend using some kind of dab tool. When burned, the BHO melted and created a sweet smell in the air. The effect was extremely body-heavy thanks to Killer Kush’s indica-dominant traits, and when combined with BHO and kief, you have something that could kill any amounts of pain, assist in sleep or make sure you don’t leave the couch for the night. Take it to the next level and top your favorite strain with the Kaviar Moon Rocks, letting the BHO melt onto your bud of choice.
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To CultureMagazine.com
3. High Tea Herbal Wraps
1. Vogue 3 Piece Spray Can Norman “Vogue” Chuck is an American graffiti artist, calligraphist and illustrator. You know Vogue is the original, because as you see on the bottom of this grinder, graffiti artists typically tag “one” after their name to indicate they are the original artist. When it comes to cannabis, if you’re looking for the original, look no further than Santa Cruz Shredder. Every seasoned cannabis consumer knows that daily smokers need a good grinder that will last. The Vogue One grinder from Santa Cruz Shredder is shaped like an aerosol spray can and features graffiti-inspired décor. Its improved aluminum design is built to last. The grinder’s teeth are razor sharp, which makes it strong enough for grinding up Moonrocks. Price: $74.50+ More Information: santacruzshredder.com 2. Utillian 721 This product is utilization at its finest. The Utillian 721 embraces minimalism with its simplistic, yet useful design. Vaporizer products that are complicated usually don’t end up being used on a regular basis, but Utillian 721’s process is self-explanatory. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket and with eight temperature settings, its temperature can be adjusted in five-degree increments. Its 60-minute battery life is double the battery life of other competing convection units. The cap seals your herbs inside, the mouthpiece swivels out, and its one-button design makes vaping cannabis a cinch. Price: $189.99 More Information: utillian.com 30
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Almost any substance would be safer to smoke than tobacco— including tea leafs. More people nowadays are smoking green tea or tea instead of tobacco because there’s no nicotine and tea has antioxidant properties. High Tea Herbal Wraps are also made out of tea leaves. And here’s the kicker: High Tea Herbal Wraps are selfrolling. Yes, you read that correctly! The wraps form a tight curl very slowly once you take them out of the package. Flavors available include Mad Melon, Mango Dream, Juicy Grape and Royal Sweet. Price: $2.49 More Information: highteawraps.com
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4. iKeyp Bolt
Got curious kids? Or roommates with sticky fingers? The iKeyp Bolt can help keep your cannabis goods safe and locked away from unwanted visitors. It is the safe of the future, with WiFi connectivity, 24/7 monitoring and remote capabilities. A smartphone app is also available for iOS and Android phones, enabling you to monitor when it is opened, the number of keypad attempts and battery life. You’ll get reminders if you forget to take things out, such as medication. The kit comes with screws and supplies to mount it on the wall for easy access. Price: $149 More Information: ikeyp.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment MOVIE Release Date: march 20
BOOK
The Cannabis Grow Bible Greg Green Pub. Green Candy Press Become well-versed in the knowledge of cannabis cultivation trade secrets—in Biblical proportions. Complete with over 1,000 photos, The Cannabis Grow Bible is one of the most comprehensive cannabis cultivation guides around. The third edition has been updated to accommodate new innovative technology, which will help you navigate your way through the tedious, and often difficult task of learning to grow high quality cannabis. Everything is covered in depth, from clones to hydroponics to greenhouses, complete with photos and sidebars to help simplify cultivation techniques. With this in tow, you’ll learn how to make hash and various types of extracts as well. (Richard Saunders) 32
MARCH 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Available on: Xbox One and PC
GAME
Sea of Thieves Dev. Rare Pub. Microsoft Studios Fantasy and science fiction are prevalent throughout video games, but there’s a small niche for people who want to emulate the lifestyle of a genuine pirate. Luckily, Sea of Thieves does just that. Join your friends in this cooperative multiplayer experience where you learn how to man a ship (i.e. hoist sales, navigate the seas, fire cannons) and travel the sea in search of quests, loot and intense seabattles. The playful design of this game doesn’t take itself too seriously, because you are, after all, sailing the seas in search for booty. (Nicole Potter)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Dir. Martin McDonagh Fox Searchlight Pictures For those who prefer their heartbreaking drama with a little laughter mixed in, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is the movie you’ve been searching for. When the investigation into the rape and murder of Mildred Hayes’ teenage daughter begins to slow, Hayes takes extreme measures to inspire motivation in Director Martin McDonagh’s latest film. Helmed by a veteran cast including Academy Award winner Frances McDormand, Academy Award nominees Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell and John Hawkes, and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is an absolute grand slam of a motion picture. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Eyes of Blue Light Necropanther Self-released Local death metal band Necropanther has just released another heavy album, Eyes of Blue Light. Its self-aware-yetserious brand of metal tackles lyrical themes inspired by the Dune book franchise, and its classic, timeless sound make it a favorite among thrashers. It has already built up a strong following in the local, Denver metal scene, and now it is also gaining a national fanbase as it tours and releases more music. Every song on the record is stunningly heavy, but always offers a little tongue-in-cheek humor. (Addison Herron-Wheeler)
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Atmosphere produces c o n s c i o u s h i p - h o p t h at has benefited society for decades By Benjamin M. Adams
Members of the inordinately successful independent hip-hop duo Atmosphere, who have been releasing hits for decades, didn’t ever plan on becoming role models. Since releasing their first major album in 1997, rapper Slug (Sean Daley) and DJ/Producer Ant (Anthony Davis) have released eight studio albums plus a capacious library of EPs, collaborations, remixes and various evolving side projects. Atmosphere has topped the U.S. Independent Albums chart multiple times, and the group has achieved numerous top 10 albums on The Billboard 200. Atmosphere’s near-constant presence in the hip-hop world is virtually unheard of— especially for an independent group on the popular independent hip-hop record label in which Slug and Ant co-founded, Rhymesayers Entertainment. Slug was born to a white mother and a black and Native American father—but he ultimately found his true identity in nonviolent, conscious hip-hop culture. CULTURE caught up with the lyricist, songwriter and voice of Atmosphere, to reflect on hip-hop, fatherhood, police brutality and of course, cannabis.
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Photos by Aaron Aubrey | Live Photos by Kristopher Christensen
“I support all uses of marijuana, not just medical. T h at i n c l u d e s t h e r e c r e at i o n a l u s e o f m a r i j u a n a . I ’ d r at h e r see safe spaces for people to selfm e d i c at e a s o p p o s e d t o w h at w e ’ v e d o n e i n t h e p a s t, w h i c h i s very unsafe.”
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Tell us about #DadRap. It exists because there’s a sense of moral obligation to the listeners. You see a lot of younger people just getting hot off of their own shit. Eventually, you start to feel a little bit of pressure to being accountable for this shit. I think this is something that a lot of artists go through, because when you start making art at a young age, you’re pushing, poking and taking these risks and saying, “Fuck everybody, fuck the world,” you know, this rebelliousness. As you
get older, you still have those sentiments, but you are a little bit more aware of the effect that you can have with how you deliver those sentiments. I like the term #DadRap, because someone once accused me of wearing “dad shorts” six, seven or eight years ago. I don’t remember. I had to kind of be like, “You know what, that’s just me,” you know what I’m saying. I’ve kind of become that dude. It was around the same time that I had my second child. All of
Atmosphere: Then and Now Over the years, Atmosphere has released eight studio albums and at least 10 EPs. Several side projects also exist such as Felt and Deep Puddle Dynamics. Slug has appeared on innumerable hip-hop albums as well including artists such as KRS-One, Logic, Berner, Aesop Rock, The Grouch, Brother Ali and Evidence. CULTURE put together some of the most significant milestones in Atmosphere’s history.
1995 – Slug cofounded Rhymesayers Entertainment with Ant, Musab Saad (Sab the Artist) and Brent Sayers (Siddiq).
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1989 – Shy young Slug initially sees himself as a background DJ for other artists. He eventually starts rapping and partners up with Derek Turner (Spawn) and producer Ant to form Urban Atmosphere, which they shorten to Atmosphere.
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these things kind of came together. I’m still mad at the world, but it’s like being mad at the world with a sense of what I’m trying to do about it. At what age did you discover you had a penchant for rhyming? Well, I just embraced the whole shit—because the culture gave me the identity. The neighborhood I grew up in was predominantly children who were involving themselves in hip-hop
1970 (Sept. 6) Producer Anthony Davis (Ant) is born. He would eventually follow in his father’s footsteps and learn to DJ.
through breakdancing, graffiti, rapping, DJing and all those things—but we didn’t necessarily go “Oh, I’m going to do this,” or “I’m going to do that, ” or “I’m going to make a career out of it.” It was just something we did, like playing baseball. But I wasn’t attempting to become a professional baseball player. That’s what kids do. But at some point, if a kid is good at baseball, and someone notices, things are bound to happen. And that’s kind of what happened with us. I would say that when I was in my late teens, that I was like “Oh, I want to be a DJ. I want to be a DJ on the radio. I want to be a DJ in the club.” But even then, I wanted to be a DJ, not a rapper. I thought the DJ was the cool guy. It wasn’t until the late ’80s that it was revealed to us that the rapper is actually cooler than the DJ. That was the image, at least, that was being pushed on to us. Then it was like, “Anybody can be rappers just like anybody can be in a rock band.”
1972 (Sept. 7) - Sean Daley is born. Sean eventually adopts his father Craig Daley’s nickname “Sluggo” and later shortens it to Slug. 1980s – At Washburn High School, young Daley befriends several other fellow rappers and forms a hip-hop collective that focuses mostly on breakdancing and freestyling.
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2005 (Oct. 22) You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having peaks at #1 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.
I understand you cofounded Rhymesayers Entertainment. And you’ve been around for decades. What’s your secret to longevity? I think Rhymesayers is a web of creative and business-minded people and adventurous people that are continuing to look for what they can do to keep the life going. The constant touring of Atmosphere was a weird situation. Check this out: When I was a kid, nobody’s dad liked hip-hop. If your hip-hop didn’t scare dads, you weren’t making good hip-hop. Nowadays, it’s a different thing. I still think rap should make older white people uncomfortable—I think that should be a rule. But, there’s something interesting here about how you have 50-year-olds that listen to hip-hop. That never could have happened when I was a kid. Now there’s room for the Neil Young of hip-hop. Do you believe Americans have grown numb to the constant pervasive violence in the news? I can’t really say on behalf of Americans, but for myself, I have to unplug from social media. I have to stop looking at my news feed. I have to stop hearing the news every so often—more often 40
than when I was younger. When I was younger, it would be because I didn’t have time to keep up with what’s going on in the world. Now that I’m older, I’m intentionally making a decision to keep up sometimes because I’m exhausted. It exhausts me. I don’t know if “numb” is the right word, but I would use the word “exhausted.” I’m exhausted by the violence. I’m exhausted by the stories of police brutality and police misconduct. I’m exhausted by people hurting each other. So maybe the next step is numb. It’s going to exhaust my fucking ability to have empathy— hopefully not, because that’s what connects us all as human beings. I think we really, really, really need to reconsider what all this interconnectivity is doing to us. I don’t know that it’s good. And I’m not trying to be the guy with the tin foil hat. I’m just saying, when someone like me is nervous about empathy levels, that’s not good. Empathy is my superpower. I loved social media for awhile, because it was fun to meet people, make friends and sell records. But now I try to see how far in the day I can go without checking my Twitter.
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1997 (Aug. 5) - Atmosphere released its debut independent album Overcast! by Rhymesayers Entertainment. It generated the single “Scapegoat” which helped define the sound of Atmosphere. Spawn quits the group after the first album.
2001 (Feb. 1) - Three of Atmosphere’s EPs, Ford One, Ford Two and Lucy, are released as an LP called Lucy Ford: The Atmosphere EPs. 2002 (June 11) - Atmosphere releases God Loves Ugly, and the single “Modern Man’s Hustle” becomes one of the duo’s most successful singles, peaking at #18 on Billboard’s US Hot Rap Songs chart.
2005 (May 6) - By popular demand, Atmosphere’s 1999 album Headshots Se7en is finally reissued on CD, and fans cite it as the album that solidified the group’s sound. 2004 – Atmosphere hires a live band with a guitar section in order to perform certain songs. 2003 (Sept. 23) - The album Seven’s Travels is the group’s third full-length, but the duo decides to release it on Epitaph Records, a punk rock label typically known for bands like Rancid and NOFX.
2002 (Dec. 10) - Slug’s side project Felt, a duo he formed with Murs, releases its debut album Felt: A Tribute to Christina Ricci. Felt would go on to release two more albums in between Atmosphere projects.
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“They’re filling prisons up with people who a r e b a s i c a l ly j u s t t r y i n g t o s e l f - m e d i c a t e o r h e l p s o m e o n e e l s e s e l f - m e d i c at e . P e o p l e are trying to deal with how depressing t h i s f u c k i n g s o c i e t y i s. F o r i n s ta n c e , i f y o u p u t m y d a d a w ay f o r d o i n g d r u g s , a l l you’re doing is putting me in a position to do more drugs—because now I have to cope w i t h t h e f a c t t h a t y o u t h r e w m y f a m i ly i n p r i s o n o v e r d r u g s. I t c r e at e s a cyc l e . ” You’re a master at writing breakup songs, such as “I Should’ve Known” or “Fuck You Lucy.” Is songwriting a form of emotional therapy for yourself? I would say it’s had its moments of being cathartic. There’s times when I’ve used it to handle and deal with situations. I’ve always written material to get through shit. Not just breakup songs, but the loss of a loved one. I’ve been fired from jobs, and I’d write about it. You gotta understand that a lot of rappers’ writing never makes it to the record. But if you were to look through the pages and pages of shit that I’ve written, you could kind of see all of the negative shit that’s ever happened in my life. Shit that’s happened to me or shit that I’ve perpetuated myself. It’s a way to vent. It’s a way to get through it. You write your way through your problems. I’ve also used the good things in my life to inspire the writing. It’s always interesting to me when someone says “Yeah, I like Atmosphere when they used to write songs about this, this and this, but now that they’re writing songs about this, I’m not into it.” If you’re not going through 42
the same kind of shit that I am, why would you? Do you believe artists who are in the public eye have a responsibility to speak out on political issues? I would never say it’s a responsibility. People have to do what’s comfortable with them. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking out, because it’s just not who you are, then don’t! Because you could be doing a disservice to the particular movement that you’re trying to help. So no, I don’t think it’s a responsibility. The only thing that any of us are responsible to do is just to do our fucking best. Whatever that means, however you want to interpret that, that’s up to you. Just do your best. Do your best to do your best. I’ve always put political shit in my music. But back in the day, I was insecure about it, so I would be more cryptic. I would tuck it in cryptically. I didn’t want to come off preachy. My heroes were Chuck D and Rakim and KRS-One. Chuck D and KRS-One would cross the line into preachy. I appreciated that, but I didn’t feel confident enough to try to do what they were
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doing because they were my heroes. As of lately, I’ve been a little bit more direct but I think that comes with age. You’re just like, “This is who the fuck I am, and there’s nothing you can say that going to make me feel awkward about it.” Before I would pause as ask myself, “Am I right for the job?” You frequently rap about police brutality. What are your opinions on injustices like the Philando Castile shooting? Here’s the thing: These cops are scared. If we don’t figure out how to address that in an honest and human way, A, the system is going to continue to happen and B, they’re going to continue to disappoint us with their fucking excuses. They should just say, “Look, I was scared, and I acted incorrectly. I did the wrong fucking thing out of fear.” And give them the punishment they deserve. Why was that particular
cop scared? He was scared because Philando Castile was black, period. That needs to be fucking addressed. Everybody needs to be aware and confront the fact that this is what’s happening and this is why it’s happening. For 400-plus years, the black man has been made out to be a fucking scary guy. We have all been conditioned, especially the police. I couldn’t tell you whether or not that particular cop hates black people, but I could tell you that cop is scared of black people. What is this irrational fear they have that makes them overreact? Why are we hiring police that feel that way? We have a very strict way that we do jury selection. Why can’t we approve or disapprove who gets hired to be the police? Why don’t police have to carry an expensive insurance policy like how doctors do?
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What do you think needs to happen in America to handle this overpopulated prison system? If I knew, I would not be rapping, and I’d have a job in the public sector. It’s due time to legitimately decriminalize a lot of drug offenses. They’re filling prisons up with people who are basically just trying to selfmedicate or help someone else selfmedicate. People are trying to deal with how depressing this fucking society is. For instance, if you put my dad away for doing drugs, all you’re doing is putting me in a position to do more drugs—because now I have to cope with the fact that you threw my family in prison over drugs. It creates a cycle. So now I’m next. How do you feel about medical and recreational cannabis? I’m pro-marijuana, but I’m not prodrugs. That means I don’t want to personally do drugs, but I certainly
don’t want to govern other people who want to do drugs. I support all uses of marijuana, not just medical. That includes the recreational use of marijuana. I’d rather see safe spaces for people to self-medicate
2008 (May 10) - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold peaks at number one on the Billboard Tastemakers chart with help from Tom Waits. The album proves to attract a larger, more mainstream fanbase. Its single “You” charts on the Billboard US Alternative Songs chart.
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+ rhymesayers.com
2011 (April 12) - The Family Sign is released, marking Atmosphere’s sixth studio album.
2016 (Dec. 9) - Frida Kahlo vs. Ezra Pound EP is released.
2017 (Aug. 7) Atmosphere kicked off the “Welcome to California” tour beginning at The Fillmore in San Francisco.
as opposed to what we’ve done in the past which is very unsafe. Unfortunately, I don’t spend enough time thinking about solutions. c
2016 (Sept. 3) - Fishing Blues peaks at number one on Billboard Independent Albums chart.
2018 (March 5) Atmosphere’s “Welcome to Canada” tour kicks off with Evidence and will visit at least 10 Canadian cities. After that, Atmosphere will continue with U.S. tour dates.
2013 (April 20) Demosexual 7” is released on vinyl, secretly recorded by Atmosphere.
2014 (May 24) - The album Southsiders peaks at number one on the Billboard Tastemakers chart.
2018 (May 25) - Atmosphere will join 311, Steel Pulse, Iration, Alpha Blondy, Stephen Marley, Slightly Stoopid, Brother Ali, Mike Love and more for the California Roots Music & Arts Festival in Monterey, California.
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We’re in it fF o uor t hrC o rtn e hr C ree d i tMU n ioo n ng a i nes y a p p r o va l f r o m t h e F e d e r a l R e s e r v e By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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ourth Corner Credit Union, a Denver-based credit union looking to serve the cannabis industry, was recently granted conditional approval by the Federal Reserve. The conditional approval letter outlines a list of strict guidelines, among them obtaining share deposit insurance from an approved insurer, and promising that no business will be done with any cannabis companies that are not following the letter of the law. “We’re really excited about next steps, and we are appreciative of the Federal Reserve’s willingness to work with us,” said Deirdre O’Gorman, CEO of Fourth Corner. “We understand it wasn’t an easy process, but we have the best intentions and think what we were able to carve out a business that is definitely going to help the cannabis industry in Colorado.” The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas made this determination on Feb. 2. Fourth Corner first opened back in 2014, and since that time, has been striving to become a federally recognized bank in the cannabis sector. At first the credit union was denied a master account, and later was allowed to work with cannabis businesses, but only those 46
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that do not touch the plant. Now, finally, Fourth Corner was granted a full approval. “What started out as an idea formulated in an old Capitol Hill basement is now finally coming to fruition after four years of unwavering pursuit of litigation against the feds. Our mission is to make marijuana banking legal for all–end of story,” added Mark Mason, Esq., of Mason Law Firm and Fourth Corner, in response to CULTURE. “When your children ask you to help them bring about a major positive change in the world, there is simply no way you can let them down.” The next step for the credit union will be to pursue share deposit insurance, as required under the conditions of its approval. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) previously denied Fourth Corner’s request of insurance, so Fourth Corner is now going to court with the NCUA to try and get insured. This will be a huge step forward for legal cannabis business in Colorado, as there will now be more access to banking for local business owners who are currently still forced to deal with cash. Additionally, this is a major milestone for cannabis business in general, as there have been many issues with gaining access to banking. c
“ W e u n d e r s ta n d it wasn’t an easy process, but we have the best intentions a n d t h i n k w h at we were able to carve out a b u s i n e s s t h at i s d e f i n i t e ly going to help the cannabis industry in Colorado.”
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Ubiquitous I n s p i r at i o n L o c a l a r t i s t M a e C a r s o n c e l e b r at e s cannabis and life
By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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or many artists, inspiration is found in the simple things, such as the night sky, or the joys of life at home. Local painter and digital artist Mae Carson is revered for her intricately detailed, nuanced style and her bold use of color and textures. She finds inspiration in many places, including the unique flavor profiles and varied strains of cannabis. CULTURE caught up with Carson to talk about life, art and how all these inspirations intersect with the cannabis.
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What led you to start making art? I’ve been making art as long as I can remember. I got my first easel when I was two years old. It was never a career path, just a hobby. When sports didn’t play in my favor, art became my main focus. Attending college for fashion design somehow led me to an apprenticeship in the tattoo industry. After seven years of tattooing other people’s flash and Pinterest ideas, I realized that wasn’t the job for me. Becoming a work-from-home mom made it easy to take time and really focus on finding my niche and what I wanted to pursue. When I posted my first canvas on Instagram it was such a rush. I had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and offers to purchase. I wasn’t trying to sell my work; it sold itself. Who are some of your biggest influences? Artist-wise Glenn Arthur, Tim Shumate and Vinie are some of my biggest inspirations. I have Glenn’s work tattooed on my arm, along with my other biggest inspiration, Audrey Hepburn. What projects do you have in the works right now? Currently I am working on a galaxy-inspired background series. Each piece combines gemstones, feathers and all things mystical. My most recent dream catcher piece is definitely something special with all of the colors and pop of sparkle. Overall though, my favorite is still my “Grizzly Glue” piece from 2016. Her colorful background with the grey scale plant came together so well. I am in the process of lining up a few festivals, both local and national, to paint live and sell my work at this summer. As of now, it’s lots of hours and working to get more of my creations out there. How would you describe your style? I am not really sure if I fit into a certain art style. The best term I could use would be eclectic. I have been artistically influenced by so 50
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many people, cultures, landscapes and eras [that] I couldn’t put myself or my art into just one box. Most of the time I have some pop art feels, but then my love for realism shows up from time to time. I love modern and abstract but also enjoy traditional touches. I am ever changing and so is my work. It could be something completely different tomorrow. I am a mixed medium artist. I mainly use acrylic, but I mix spray paint and watercolors for my backgrounds too. I use a digital format as well creating logos and cannabis-infused designs. Have you ever worked cannabis into your art as a theme? If so, how? Absolutely! Without cannabis in my art, I’d be left with just backgrounds. My world revolves around cannabis and my art reflects that. I get to go into amazing gardens and spend time looking over “the plant to paint.” I’ll study her calyx shape, the serration on each leaf and the intricate color combination they can throw. Each strain is so unique in its own way. I try to capture more than a plant. I bring the essence and vibe I receive in our entire encounter. From first glance to last toke, each canvas comes with its own experience. What is your favorite strain or cannabis product? My all-time favorite strain is Romulan. My husband has a rare cut that smells like cheesy feet, and she makes
“ R e g u l at i n g M o t h e r N at u r e is wrong, period. I a p p r e c i at e the access, but f e e l t h at t o ta l d e c r i m i n a l i z at i o n would be a better route r at h e r t h a n i n d u s t r i a l i z at i o n f o r c o r p o r at e p r o f i t. ”
everything easier. I have severe anxiety and need to medicate daily to perform simple tasks like grocery shopping or going to the post office. Romulan allows me to clear my head and relax all of my thoughts, helping me with my productivity. How do you feel about legalization so far? Could anything be done better, or differently? Regulating mother nature is wrong, period. I appreciate the access, but feel that total decriminalization would be a better route rather than industrialization for corporate profit. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Thank you for the opportunity to talk with you about my work. I can only hope that my art can be a positive influence on the negative vibe that cannabis has been given in the past. I want to open minds and bring this beautiful plant into the art world, my way. c
+ www.emayeee.com
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“ I s ta r t e d t r y i n g C B D t i n c t u r e s t o s e e h o w t h at w o u l d h e l p, a n d I w a s a b l e t o s e e s h e w a s h e a l i n g m o r e q u i c k ly, a n d t h at ’ s r e a l ly w h e r e w e s ta r t e d . ”
Better for Bella L A mother’s love leads to a feminine cannabis topical line
By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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ike many good business ideas, the concepts behind Altitude were born from necessity. The popular Weekend Boxes produced by Altitude Products fill the needs of the modern cannabis consumer, with everything necessary to have a wellrounded cannabis experience, complete with instructions that detail what strains do and how to imbibe. And its recent premium cannabis topical line, Bella, was born from an even deeper, maternal desire—the need for Founder Krista Whitley to find a healing treatment for daughter’s eczema. “I have daughters, Bella and Mia; they are nine and 10,” Whitley explained to CULTURE. “Bella has had eczema her entire life. It was a real challenge, and we spent all of her toddler years and most of her childhood in dermatologists’ Photos by Shannon Dorn with Dope Foto
offices. We tried light therapy. She was on every steroid; she has been on every type of holistic treatment, anything we could come up with, but it wasn’t working, and she would still get made fun of at school for having ‘snake skin.’” Whitley struggled with watching her daughter feel so much shame about her skin. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, 100-degree days are common, and even in the summer when the heat was unbearable, Bella wanted to wear long sleeves to cover up, because she was uncomfortable showing off her skin. At this time, Whitley was reading about how cannabis can be a pain reliever, and she was using cannabidiol (CBD) as her own method of holistic healing. Whitley decided to try this healing technique on her daughter’s skin.
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“I started trying CBD tinctures to see how that would help, and I was able to see she was healing more quickly, and that’s really where we started,” Whitley explained. “Then I thought, ‘Gosh, it’s so dry here; we have to have some type of moisturizing cream,’ so I started playing with ingredients. It really started in my kitchen, researching holistic options and trying a variety of things. I knew preservatives or things with additives would set off her skin, so I started researching things that worked side-by-side with skin care, playing with different formulations.” After mixing and experimenting in her kitchen for a while, Whitley came up with a lotion that soothed her daughter’s skin and healed her eczema, all using holistic CBD distillate and natural ingredients that worked in tandem with the CBD. She just released the CBD version of the cream nationwide called Crema Elegante, as well as an adult-only THC cream in Nevada. So far, both have been received very well. “It’s exciting to see something that started in my kitchen come to fruition,” she explained. “It doesn’t irritate her skin, doesn’t cause flare-ups. It’s exciting to her, and to me it was always important as an entrepreneur to show her that women can do anything, so it’s exciting that she gets to see a line of products inspired by her.” Her special line of Bella products include disposable vaporizers and spa products like the CBD and essential oil-infused bath bomb, Bomba da Bango and the CBD and Himalayan bath salt, Sale de Bagno. Whitley also produces Weekend Boxes, which are complete kits for a weekend of cannabis consumption. The goal behind these is to educate those who are new to cannabis about the products available and how they should be used. “We walk everyone through a terpene guide so they understand why terpenes are so important, walk them through microdosing and through whatever product is included in that iteration of the box,” Whitley explained. “And the guidance is specific to the type of box. So if it’s our starter box that has an eighth of 54
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“Bella has had eczema her entire life. It was a real challenge, and we spent all of her toddler years and most of her childhood in d e r m at o l o g i s t s ’ offices.”
flower, it includes the cultivator and different phenotypes. If it’s a pre-roll, it will explain the strains used. If it’s infused products it will walk them through the effect they can anticipate. We also include concentrates, and then we walk them through how they can medicate and what concentrates are. Of course, we also include microdosed edibles. So we are really trying to educate them on all the options for cannabis use.” Whitley didn’t try cannabis herself until her 30s, after being involved in a bad car accident. She finally let go of some of the stereotypes about cannabis she had learned while growing up, when a friend suggested she try it as a supplement to replace some of the many prescription drugs she was taking. Whitley found success in using cannabis for pain management, and she realized the importance of celebrating cannabis as an alternative treatment option. Ever since then, she has been committed to being an advocate and educator, even as she makes for-profit products. Bella creams, her latest offering, are an extension of her overall ethos that cannabis products should help people in need. c
+ shopcelebratebella.com
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SHOOTING GALLERY
Women Grow leadership summit 2018 in denver
Photos by Addison Herron-Wheeler
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c u lt u re gr o w i n g c a rte
Decadent Delights C u lt i vat i n g S p i r i t s i s t h e u lt i m at e cannabis and cuisine pairing experience
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ultivating Spirits is all about pairing. It’s where multicourse fine dining experiences are pre-arranged to be paired with complementary cannabis options. Like wine pairings, cannabis pairings have piqued the interest of fine dining lovers across the United States thanks to the ongoing implementation of state cannabis laws—and few do it as well as Cultivating Spirits. “We conceptualized the company about four years ago, pairing terpene profiles of cannabis with flavor profiles of food for harmonization and enhancement,” Founder Philip Wolf explained to CULTURE, “With the goal to teach people to become cannabis connoisseurs to be able to recognize the type of high, the type of feeling you would receive from certain strains of cannabis by being able to identify physical attributes of a strain.” The 3-Course Cannabis Pairing Dinner is the company’s standard offering. The pairing could involve a small group of friends, bachelor or bachelorette parties, gatherings or birthday parties. You’ll get three different courses that are paired with three different strains. “What we do within the privacy of your own home is come in with our cannabis sommelier, the chef and our serving staff, and we produce these dinners from start to finish for you, as well as the menu creation,” Wolf said.
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Photos by XLifestyle Photos
The cannabis sommelier serves as the host, and they will take you through Cultivating Spirits’ cannabis pairing processes and its conscious consumption theories. “Obviously, the chef is creating a very decadent meal for our guests and the cannabis sommelier is educating you on terpenes, educating you on the pairing process, educating on the proper ways to consume cannabis, the proper ways to inhale, while answering an assortment of other types of cannabis-related questions that the clients might have,” Wolf explained. It’s a curated, educational experience that’s in a fine dining setting with exquisite food and great conversation. Wolf’s background in the cannabis industry is multi-faceted. He recently finished producing the San Francisco Cannabis Wedding Expo. “My knowledge is self-taught, pooled from a number of people that I’ve learned from in the past, one of those people being Max Montrose,” Wolf said. He started running dispensaries in 2009, and then branched out into cultivation and consulting in the state of Colorado before working on opening Cultivating Spirits in 2014. Wolf was certified as a cannabis sommelier from Denver’s Trichome Institute, where he enhanced his already established knowledge of interpening. Summit County-based Cultivating Spirits operates in Colorado and is expanding into Las Vegas. Wolf is currently setting up the foundation there and hopes to launch sales along with the new website within weeks. The process of rebranding and expanding in Las Vegas opens a new chapter for Cultivating Spirits. “Being in Las Vegas, it’s known more for its exquisite food and culinary experiences, as opposed from Denver. We feel likes it’s a really great move for us to really showcase what we do and also try to continue our dream. Everyone I know in the United States will do a wine pairing event at some point in their lives, and I truly believe that people will do that with cannabis.” Whether you live in the Colorado Rockies, or in one of Cultivating Spirits’ proposed new markets, a fine dining experience paired with fine cannabis awaits you. c
“ W h at w e d o within the privacy of your own home is come in with our cannabis sommelier, the chef and our s e r v i n g s ta f f, and we produce these dinners f r o m s ta r t to finish for you, as well as the menu c r e at i o n . ”
+ CultivatingSpirits.com
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day there is 10 hours, 51 minutes of light. This is a long enough dark period to induce most plants to flower. To prevent this, my hosts used fluorescent lights, turned on throughout the light to keep the plants from complete darkness. The relatively dim light was sufficient enough to prevent the plants from flowering. When they had grown fairly large, the lights were turned off. With long hours of darkness, they immediately started to flower. I was in the garden around Dec. 4, 2017 when the plants were at the start of the flowering cycle; the lights had been turned off the previous week. I thought it would take two months for the plants to ripen and that I would return in time for the harvest. I should have known that was not to be. I had forgotten that the plants were getting a far shorter light period. Longer nights speed up ripening, so the plants sacrifice bud size for shorter ripening time.
The island sits at 21.14 ° N., close enough to the equator so that there is only a small variation of light length through the year, On June 21, the longest day of the year there is 13 hours, 25 minutes. On Dec. 21, the shortest
In the first part of this article, “Lessons from a Hawaiian Garden,” I visited two medical gardens on the small Hawaiian island of Molokai.
2017 annual light levels in hawaii
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By Ed Rosenthal
DARK
BRIGHT
DARK
9 kWh
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Apr 10 7.0 kWf
7 kWh 6 kWh
Jan 31 5.0 kWf
Jun 9 7.6 kWf Sep 3 7.0 kWf
Nov 6 5.0 kWf
5 kWh
Dec 20 4.4 kWf
4 kWh 3 kWh 2 kWh 1 kWh 0 kWh
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Photos by Zach Socher
Source for Charts: 2017 U.S. Geological Society
hawaii CLOUD COVER CATEGORIES CLEARER
100% 90%
0%
Jan 18 79%
10%
OVERCAST
80%
MOSTLY CLOUDY
Apr 18 69%
70% 60%
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20%
Dec 7 69%
30%
PARTLY CLOUDY
Oct 31 59%
40%
MOSTLY CLEAR
50%
50%
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60%
30%
70% CLEAR
20%
80%
10%
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100% Jan
Feb
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Aug
G13 is a heavy, almost couchpotato indica has a high content of pinene, which makes it sedative and relaxing. The Molokai version is lightly sprinkled with sativa genetics. This gives it a bit more
My friend Zach was kind enough to take the photos you see in this column. They were taken on Dec. 6, 2017, shortly before and during harvesting. They were mostly Molokai G13.
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Oct
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Dec
energy and is more conducive to daytime, as well as evening use. Although people think of it as an indica, it has a mostly sativa morphology. It’s a vigorous grower with a lot of spreading lateral
HOURS OF DAYLIGHT AND TWILIGHT NIGHT
24hr
NIGHT
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20 hr
4 hr
16 hr
8 hr
12 hr
13hr, 25min Jun 21
12hr, 6min Mar 20
8 hr 4 hr
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12hr, 7min Sep 22
10hr, 51min 16 hr Dec 21
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24 hr Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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taller and extending branching. At maturity, these plants were 8-9 feet tall and were 8-10 feet wide. (Ed’s suggested to put the following paragraph “in a design box,” or as a sidebar-type thing) G13 has a “mysterious” history of origination. One rumor is that it was bred at a government research facility at the University of Mississippi
branches and it can easily grow 8-10 feet tall. Those characteristics indicate its substantial sativa heritage, but its effects come from its indica side. Another sativa characteristic is continued vegetative growth in during the first half of flowering. The plants fill out with continued stem growth, adding several feet
and was sneaked out. However, with my knowledge of the University’s lab I don’t think that is a credible story. Another tale is that it was developed in Washington State in a federally subsidized laboratory. This rumor is persistent, but vague. The problem with that theory is, there were no labs licensed to grow in the northwest at the time the variety broke out. c
2017 hawaii temperatures
100OF 90OF 80OF
Jul 3 83OF
Apr 8 79 OF
Jan 23 77OF
Aug 24 85OF
Oct 18 83OF
Dec 17 79 OF HIGH
70OF LOW
60 F O
50OF 40OF 30OF 20OF 10OF 0OF Jan
Feb
Mature plants in the field. Molokai skies have about 25 percent cloud cover. Even so, the plants receive intense light and plenty of UV spectrum.
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Grower in the garden. Each medical patient [in Hawaii] is allowed 10 plants. That’s usually enough to supply medical needs.
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A mature bud. Winter crop buds are on the small side because they mature quickly and don’t have time for more growth.
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The farmer was happy with his healthy, vigorous plants.
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Inspecting a plant’s buds.
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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gr o w i n g
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Don de Leaumont
the cannabis serves as the perfect companion for the meds that I take on a daily basis. Age: 35 Location: Atlanta, Georgia
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Condition/Illness: Low Spectrum Bipolar/Anxiety
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Consuming Medical Cannabis Since: 2016 Why did you start consuming cannabis? I have always been a cannabis smoker but never really put two and two together that it was actually helping me with my mental illness. About two years ago or so, I started getting cannabis from someone who works with medicinal patients, so I was able to actually get the specific strains that I need for my condition. Cannabis offers me a specific feeling of calmness and creativity. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I am currently on meds for my mental illness, but
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? For me, it’s the social and legal stigma. Not all people who smoke or use cannabis do so just to do it. While there are recreational users of cannabis, ask just about any user, and they’ll tell you that it helps them in physically and/or mentally in one form or another. I think if other states would look at the success of states like Colorado and California, they would see that the good far outweighs the bad. What do you say to those who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I say don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, but do so responsibly. Ask around, and find folks who are using for medicinal reasons, and ask questions. Do your research. Most of all, keep your mind opened. You may just find yourself very surprised at the results. c
Are you an medical cannabis patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—WEIRD CHEMISTRY In Lawrence County, Tennessee, law enforcement officials are confronting the fallout from a new drug known as “Wasp” (crystallized wasp repellant mixed with methamphetamine). To wit: On Dec. 18, as the Johnson family baked Christmas cookies in their Lawrenceburg kitchen, Danny Hollis, 35, walked into their home and asked for help. NewsChannel 5 in Nashville reported Hollis poured himself a glass of water from the sink before grabbing a knife and cutting across his throat. Teenage son Canaan Johnson said Hollis then ran up to the second floor, heaved an oak dresser down the stairs, and jumped out a window onto a gazebo below, seriously injuring his neck. The Johnsons, meanwhile, had retreated to their car, where they called 911. Hollis chased the car down the street, but got hung up on a barbed wire fence, then stripped naked to free himself and climbed a nearby tree, where officers found him, according to police reports. Hollis fought them off by allegedly throwing his own feces at them, as they tased him out of the tree. Hollis was booked into the county jail on numerous charges. OOOH, WISE GUY, EH? Khaled A. Shabani, 46, a hairstylist in Madison, Wisconsin, was arrested 68
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on a tentative charge of mayhem and disorderly conduct while armed after an altercation with a customer on Dec. 22. Shabani scolded the 22-year-old customer for fidgeting, then taught him a lesson by using the “shortest possible attachment” to “run down the middle of the customer’s head,” reported the Wisconsin State Journal, and “leaving him looking a bit like Larry from ‘The Three Stooges,’” police spokesman Joel DeSpain said. Shabani also clipped the customer’s ear with scissors. “While it is not a crime to give someone a bad haircut,” DeSpain noted, “you will get arrested for intentionally snipping their ear with a scissors.” Shabani said the snip was an accident, and his charge was later reduced to a ticket for disorderly conduct. BRIGHT IDEAS Polk County (Florida) Sheriff’s officers responded to an unusual 911 call on New Year’s Eve: Michael Lester, 39, of Winter Haven, started off by telling the dispatcher, “Umm, I’m drunk. I don’t know where I’m at. I’m just drunk driving.” The dispatcher urged Lester to pull over and park, but he explained that he was driving on the wrong side of the road near a Publix and wondered where the police were. WTVT reported that officers finally caught up with Lester, who helpfully explained he’d had several beers, hadn’t slept much and had taken methamphetamine earlier in the day; he was jailed on a DUI charge. Officers later posted on their Facebook page that “in this particular incident, nobody was hurt,
so we couldn’t help but LOTO (that means we Laughed Our Tasers Off).” Disgruntled driver Matthew Middleton, 49, of Peterlee, England, spotted a speed camera near Hartlepool Rugby Club in October and decided to take a stand. He got out of his car and stood in front of the camera, blocking it, until police arrested him. Middleton further antagonized the officer by calling him a “pig” and giving his name as Elvis Presley. “They acted like what I did was the crime of the century,” Middleton told Metro News. “I know I shouldn’t have done it. People have just been laughing about it . . . well, apart from my wife.” Middleton was fined about $54 plus court costs for his antics. AWESOME! Bertha Vickers of Morgantown, Mississippi, turned 100 on Jan. 9. To celebrate, she bagged a deer. “I was sort of shaking until I got ready to shoot,” Vickers told the Clarion Ledger. “I didn’t think it was all going to go right.” Vickers still lives in her home and mows her own lawn, tends a garden and hunts for squirrels. “I don’t know why everybody is making such a big deal about it,” she said. “It was just a doe. I would love to kill a buck.” LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL When Dustin Johnson, 22, of Minot, North Dakota, tried to steal $4,000 worth of merchandise from a local Hobby Lobby, he failed to take into account that shopping carts don’t have
snow tires. The Grand Forks Herald reported that over a seven-hour period on Jan. 3, Johnson filled a cart then fled the store—where the cart became stuck in snow in the parking lot and flipped over. Johnson fell down, then got up to run, leaving behind his wallet with photo ID matching the shoplifter’s description. Minot police caught up with Johnson at his home. EXTREME CLIMATE NEWS It may be cold where you are, but it’s hot in Broadford, a small town about an hour from Melbourne, Australia, where on Jan. 5, the highway began melting. Temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and higher reactivated an ingredient in the road surface, turning it into a sticky mess on the Hume Freeway, 9News reported. Motorists were warned by Victoria police to avoid the right lane and expect delays over a 10km stretch. Officials also put in place a fire ban and urged people to stay indoors until the heat abated. SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Christians in a Portuguese village carry on a curious tradition during Epiphany: They encourage their young children to smoke cigarettes. Vale de Salgueiro locals told Fox News that nobody is sure what the smoking symbolizes, but the centuries-old tradition persists. And Portuguese authorities don’t intervene, despite the fact that the legal age to purchase tobacco in Portugal is 18. Writer Jose Ribeirinha researched the tradition
and said that since Roman times, villagers in the region have done things that were out of the norm during winter solstice celebrations. THE LITIGIOUS SOCIETY Siera Strumlauf and Benjamin Robles of California, and Brittany Crittenden of New York, saw their complaints go up in steam on Jan. 5 when U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers dismissed their lawsuit against Starbucks for underfilling its lattes and mochas. According to Reuters, the judge cited lack of evidence brought by the plaintiffs, who accused the coffee chain of fraud by making its cups too small and instructing baristas to skimp on ingredients and adhere to low “fill-to” lines on milk pitchers. The suit also claimed milk foam should not be counted toward advertised volumes, an opinion Rogers said reasonable customers do not hold. Starbucks and the plaintiffs had no comment. WEIRD SCIENCE Researchers have discovered that 99 percent of green sea turtles born in the northern parts of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are now female. Sea turtles’ gender is determined by the temperature at which the eggs are incubated, and warmer temperatures reduce the number of male hatchlings. The author of a new study, marine biologist Michael Jensen, told The News York Times the shift in gender suggests climate change is having a more dramatic effect on sea turtle populations than scientists realized. “We’re all trying to wrap our heads around
how these populations are going to respond to those changes,” he said. Researchers warn that continued global warming will threaten the persistence of these populations. ANIMALS GONE WILD Postal workers in the Rocky River suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, were unable to deliver mail to about two dozen homes for three weeks in December and January after being attacked by aggressive wild turkeys. Local ordinances prevented the city from eliminating the birds, so residents were asked to pick up their mail at the post office. Rocky River Mayor Pam Bobst encouraged residents to stop putting out bird food, hoping that would discourage the turkeys from hanging around. “There’s a lot of bird feeders over there, so there’s a food source in that area,” she told Cleveland.com. The USPS said several carriers were pecked, but no serious injuries had been reported. WAIT, WHAT? Ikea has taken advertising in a whole new direction with its recent print ad for a crib. The ad, which appears in the Swedish magazine Amelia, invites women who think they might be pregnant to urinate on the paper to reveal a discounted price. “Peeing on this ad may change your life,” the ad reads at the top of the page. “If you are expecting, you will get a surprise right here in the ad.” Adweek reported that the agency behind the gimmick adapted pregnancy test technology to work on a magazine page.
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