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MASTER OF MMA
Revered for his talent in the realm of Mixed Martial Arts, Frank Shamrock dishes about his career, his aspirations and his love for cannabis. On the COVER: p h o t o b y J o h n G i l h oole y
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Rule Restrictions Colorado cracks down on cannabis cultivation cooperatives in an effort to eliminate the black and grey markets.
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Mother Knows Best Moms who use cannabis to treat their children’s illnesses are true heroes.
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Industry Insider Attorney Todd Winter expands on his long career in cannabis law and his motivations to advocate for the plant.
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Center Stage From supporting cannabis to seeing his name up in lights, comedian Jo Koy tells all about his current projects.
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Expression and Elevation The melodic sound of Sista Soul captures the essence of contemparary R&B.
departments
Online Exclusive!
news 10 News Nuggets 12 By the Numbers 16 Local News 20 Legal Corner reviews 24 Advocate Highlight 26 Strain & Edible Reviews 28 Cool Stuff 30 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 62 Growing Culture 64 Destination Unknown 66 Profile in
d Berlin, Germany Researchers
Courage 68 Recipes 72 Colorado Now! 74 Shooting Galleries 76 News of the Weird
Cannabis Legalization
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Recruit Cannabis Consumers For Study d Switzerland Initiative Proposes
Vol 8 IssUE 11
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett creative consultant Evan Senn CO Managing Editor Addison Herron-Wheeler Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, 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, 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, Eric Stoner, 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, Alex Brizicky, Eric Bulls, Beau Odom, Gloria Santiago, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Chris Walker, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson Intern Kiara Manns 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 CSU-Pueblo Leads the Way with International Cannabis Conference
Through research programs and cannabis-funded college scholarships, Pueblo County is making great progress toward furthering essential cannabis research and higher education. Colorado State University-Pueblo kicked off the inaugural Institute of Cannabis Research Conference on Friday, April 28. This monumental event served as one of the first cannabis conferences to take place at and be hosted by a Colorado State University. The conference continued throughout the weekend with the keynote speaker of the event being Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who is most well-known for his achievement as the first scientist to isolate and identify tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), among many other great accomplishments. The conference also invited noteworthy speakers Dr. Carl Hart and Dr. Alexandros Makriyannis. The conference outlined the many research goals and visions of CSUPueblo’s new Institute of Cannabis Research. This informative and innovative event was a testament to the groundbreaking progress that Colorado has demonstrated with cannabis. Pueblo County has shown its support of the cannabis industry through offering unique cannabis-funded scholarships to high school students in the county. All students graduating high school are eligible to apply for a scholarship if they are attending CSUPueblo or Pueblo Community College for their freshman year of college.
Medical Cannabis Expansion Bill Makes Progress in Iowa Iowa’s Senate approved an expanded measure on April 17 that would allow medical cannabis to be manufactured and dispensed throughout the state. Senate File 506 would permit patients 18 and older to consume medical cannabis if they’ve been certified by a medical practitioner. The bill would vastly expand Iowa’s cannabis oil law, and it would allow the state to license up to four manufacturers and up to 12 licensed dispensaries by July 2018. “We are interested in making law,” Sen. Charles Schneider stated. “This is not just a ‘statement’ bill. This is something that we would like to get through the House and down to the governor’s desk.” The state of Iowa allows CBD-only oil for those with intractable epilepsy, but currently imposes a three percent THC limit, and the oil must be approved by a licensed neurologist. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer said that she hopes the legislature at least lifts the July 1 deadline on Iowa’s CBD-oil law and allows access to Epidiolex®. The bill proposal also includes a reciprocity arrangement, which would allow patients to access medical cannabis from Minnesota.
Denver Establishes Strict Regulations Regarding Out-of-State CBD Products Recently, Denver has begun enforcing stricter policies to review CBD products that originate out-ofstate. Denver Environmental Health’s (DEH) Public Health Inspection’s Division released a statement that calls for stricter scrutiny of these foreign products. “When DEH encounters these products, retailers and manufacturers may be subject to DEH enforcement and requests for additional information to demonstrate that the product was manufactured safely,” the statement reads. While strict rules help establish a better regulated industry, some feel that the policy will be overregulated and be harmful to the state. “The response is unfortunate, as it prevents consumers from having access to high quality products from out-of-state in that region, and it will limit competition,” stated Will Kleidon of Ojai Energetics, a CBD company from Colorado. Regulations like this help to keep local cannabis consumption safe at a time when there are still no federal regulations, but can also limit the diversity in the industry.
Argentina Legalizes Medical Cannabis Oil Argentina received its final approval to legalize medical cannabis in the forms of oil or concentrate. Argentina’s Senate approved the bill unanimously with 58 votes in favor of the bill. The new law also creates a medical cannabis research program under the Health Ministry. Free access to cannabis oil will be available for those who join the research program. The bill was supported by medical cannabis groups like Mamá Cultiva Argentina, a nonprofit made up of mothers with children who suffer from refractory epilepsy. “It is a historic day in the struggle for rights in our country, a substantial improvement over legislation until yesterday [where medical cannabis consumers and their families were] persecuted, harassed and criminalized to seek relief from their suffering through this plant that helps us have more dignified lives free of disease, suffering and pain,” read a translated post from Mamá Cultiva Argentina’s Facebook page. The organization is already working on expanding the law further by allowing families of patients to grow cannabis as well. 10
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The amount of cannabis tax revenue, in millions of dollars, that the city of Edgewater plans to use to repave local streets and rebuild city hall, a police station and a library: (Source: CBS News)
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The approximate amount of money, in millions of dollars, that reflects the combined total of medical and recreational cannabis sales collected in Colorado in January and February 2017: (Source: The Gazette)
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The percentage of Edgewater’s total tax revenue that is comes from recreational (Source: The Gazette) cannabis sales:
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The number of Colorado towns and cities that have at least one active and licensed cannabis business:
121
(Source: The Denver Channel)
The number of medical and recreational storefront dispensaries that are currently operating in Denver, as of April: (Source: The Denver Post)
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The number of votes, out of 15, that were presented by the Dallas City Council in Texas in favor of removing jail time for a person who is found in possession of four ounces of cannabis or less: (Source: DMagazine)
The percentage of medical cannabis facility owners who must be state residents, according to the recently approved rules from the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission: (Source: The Washington Times)
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The percentage of Kansas City, Missouri residents who voted to approve a proposal that will decrease the maximum fine for possession of cannabis and eliminate jail time: (Source: The Kansas City Star)
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The amount of cannabis, in grams, that Canadian adults would be allowed to possess in public, according to the country’s recently introduced legislation to legalize (Source: ABC News) cannabis by July 1, 2018:
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NCIA’s 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days WHAT: NCIA’s 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days. WHEN/WHERE: Tues, May 16-Wed, May 17. First St. and East Capitol St. NE, Washington, D.C. INFO: Visit thecannabisindustry.org for details. Be a part of the groundbreaking event that promotes change and makes a difference at Lobby Days with the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). This will be the organization’s seventh year lobbying for political progression in the industry. Taking place in the nation’s capital, participants come together at Capitol Hill to share their personal experiences working in the cannabis industry with their representatives, in hopes of creating fair taxes and policy reform. In recent years, the cannabis 12
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industry has seen some incredible progress, but much more work still needs to be done. This year proves especially unique as it is operating in conjunction with the Spring 2017 Marijuana Business Conference and Expo from May 17-May 19. Those who attend the lobby will be offered a $100 discount on conference registration. In order to witness and take part in this influential event, NCIA membership is required. Sign up and register at the organization’s website before it’s too late! (Kiara Manns)
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NEWS
LOCAL
Moms and Marijuana
Imperative Research Colorado Senate Bill to explore safety of cannabis and pesticides by Addison Herron-Wheeler
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ecently, Colorado Senate Bill 17-275 was introduced to seek the possibility of more research on cannabis pesticides and their impact on medical cannabis. As is often the case when new cannabis legislation is introduced, especially in today’s political climate, many advocates are wary that it will in some way hurt the medical cannabis cause or stunt recreational cannabis business operations, due to further restrictions on pesticides. But those who have looked further into the bill are seeing it as an opportunity to solidify Colorado as a leader of cannabis research, allowing for more knowledge to be gained on the safety concerns of using pesticides on cannabis. “I do support this bill, and I think there has been some misunderstanding about what it is really about,” explained Joe Cantalini, who runs Regulatory Affairs & Procurement for Organa Labs in Denver. “I see it largely as a step towards making Colorado a leader in scientific and biomedical research on marijuana. To do so, this bill will allow for hospitals, universities and other bonafide biomedical research facilities to have direct access to Coloradoproduced marijuana, concentrates and products, rather than having to rely on the one federal government facility for researching marijuana.” Cantalini shared there are many doctors and universities in support of SB-17275, while the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment supports it as well. The bill will call for research into pesticides to see which of them can be safely used on
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cannabis and what restrictions would be most advisable for the cannabis industry. This would establish more knowledge about how pesticides react with the plant and what level of pesticide use could be considered as too much. Colorado has already decided on permitted pesticide use for cannabis cultivation, so the bill will not change current regulations. Instead, it aims to determine which pesticides are safe, in hopes of creating a uniform set of protocols that will help detect pesticides that have been unlawfully applied on cannabis in the state. “As I understand it, state and local agencies want such standards
. . . this bill will allow for hospitals, universities and other bonafide biomedical research facilities to have direct access to Coloradoproduced marijuana, concentrates and products, rather than having to rely on the one federal government facility for research marijuana. and clarifications so that they can do their jobs more effectively, enabling them to make clearer distinctions and to show how well the regulated Colorado markets are complying and have evolved from their roots, the black or grey caregiver market alternatives, which are unregulated and not tested for health or safety,” Cantalini said. If it passes, the bill would ensure safer cannabis by providing information about pesticides. While much of this is uncharted territory, this could put Colorado on the map as a research pioneer. c
Hosted by Healthy Honeys, Moms and Marijuana is a special event that focuses on the relationship between motherhood and cannabis. The leaders of Healthy Honeys will inform participants on basic cannabis education, while also teaching about cannabis in regards to motherhood. Discussions will be held that will cover pregnancy and cannabis, as well as how new moms can safely and effectively use cannabis. A first-hand account will also be shared from an experienced mother who not only used cannabis during pregnancy, but also during birth and while breastfeeding. The class will open to a group conversation to discuss how mothers go about consuming cannabis in their daily lives. Each guest will receive a parting gift at the close of the course. This educational event is open to women 21 years and older. The class will begin at 1 p.m. and wrap up at 3 p.m. (Kiara Manns) WHAT: Moms and Marijuana. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, May 6. Vali Soul Sanctuary, 6717 Valmont Rd., Boulder. INFO: Visit healthyhoneys.co for details.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Opportunities and Obstacles
Intellectual property in the Colorado cannabis industry by Shawn Hauser, Vicente Sederberg, LLC
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n addition to the creation of thousands of direct and ancillary jobs, the booming cannabis industry has opened the door for remarkable research, innovative technology, celebrity branding and the growing potential for these producers to attain nationwide consumer recognition. Although the trend towards legalization has been essential to the destigmatization of cannabis consumers and industry entrepreneurs, participation in intellectual property (IP) ventures is viewed as a less risky investment, in contrast to state licensed cannabis businesses that work directly with the plant. IP in the cannabis space includes everything from cloning technologies and advanced extraction techniques, to celebrity endorsement lines of cannabis products. These types of businesses are attractive to investors who want to remain at arm’s-length from direct production and sale of cannabis or who want to avoid onerous and costly regulatory hurdles of obtaining, often competitive, producer or retailer licenses in regulating states. By
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licensing IP to producers and retailers, companies can get their product to market on a national scale much faster than opening a state sanctioned cannabis business. Although less costly and potentially more lucrative, the IP approach does not come without obstacles. IP creation and protection in the cannabis space, especially in Colorado, cannot be obtained without careful navigation of
Although well intended for Cole memorandum compliance, Colorado could still accomplish the goal of ensuring only good actors benefit from the industry while reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles currently required for approval of IP licensing agreements.
the complex and constantly changing regulatory landscape surrounding the regulation of financial interests of cannabis businesses, and other associated issues. Due to Colorado’s stringent ownership and disclosure requirements, an IP licensor seeking state approval must submit to Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division an application including corporate ownership documents, comprehensive financial disclosures for each individual owner of its company regardless of size (depending on whether the royalty exceeds 30 percent of revenue), and a copy of its licensing agreement, which is subject to specific state requirements and division approval. Further, these applications are discoverable as public record, which could be a deal-breaker for many investors. IP licensors are also prohibited from exercising control over operations of the cannabis business unless they obtain an ownership interest, making it difficult for some businesses to ensure product production conforms to the licensor’s specifications. The approval process for these agreements regularly takes months, and may require, at the division’s discretion, background checks of individual owners and potentially in-person interviews. Companies must be sure to stay up-todate on frequent regulatory changes that may impact their business structure. Strong IP protections help consumers make educated choices about the safety, quality and effectiveness of the products they purchase. Although well intended for Cole memorandum compliance, Colorado could still accomplish the goal of ensuring only good actors benefit from the industry while reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles currently required for approval of IP licensing agreements. Over-burdensome restrictions on IP licensors may contribute to the failure of local small businesses that need the licensing model to succeed, but watch investors scoff at the disclosure requirements and move on to less burdensome opportunities. Colorado and other restrictive states risk the benefit of being home to some of the best, most innovative companies in cannabis, and may potentially miss the opportunity to become the next “Silicon Valley of Cannabis” as friendlier, less-restrictive jurisdictions such as California and Canada attract new talent. c
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REVIEWs
Trimming and Harvesting 101
advocate highlight
Bobby West
aka Uncle Stoner
Occupation: Cannabis Activist and Retired Veteran When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis? I became an advocate for cannabis after I retired from military services, I was having many negative side effects from the prescribed pharmaceuticals. After many battles with the side effects I went back to my home town Grass Valley, California to get back to my roots to taste a little bit a freedom and grow my own medication. It was when I was able to get off all pharmaceuticals and other self-medicating drugs that I realized that it was due to the cannabis that I was consuming, I was able to manage my disabilities better. I started traveling to Amsterdam for knowledge and to experience the cannabis freedom movement there. It was at that time I gained much more respect for the plant and people fighting for it, and I chose to stand up and join the freedom fight. How has cannabis benefited your life? Cannabis has let me become the person that I was meant to be. What’s your greatest achievement for the cannabis cause? I feel that my greatest achievement is helping the Nunez family find the CBD that works best for their daughter Amylea. 24
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How did that manifest? We heard about the Nunez family’s struggle and fight to treat their daughter with CBD, and immediately reached out via Facebook. After a phone call with the mother Nicole, and hearing about their struggle we arranged to meet. I reached out to a local well-known CBD grower and provider reviewed the situation, and he agreed to come to the meet up as well. The baby was changed over to his product Haleigh’s Hope. Baby Amylea has continued to amaze the doctors that told her parents she would have no quality of life due to the tonic clonic, grand mal and other seizures. This baby is now over a year old, happy, healthy and has only suffered one seizure since being on Haleigh’s Hope. Who do you look up to or admire? There are so many people that have guided me on my path it is hard to name just one, but I truly admire people who stand up and fight for what’s right. If you could change one thing about the way cannabis is viewed and/or treated right now, what would it be? I would like to see the negative stigma taken away from cannabis, and have it be respected as a medication and natural resource, that is covered in our education systems. c
Polish and perfect your cannabis cultivation skills at Hemp Temps’ specialized class. The twohour master class will explore every aspect involved with harvesting, trimming and manicuring cannabis. Experience the lesson while working hands-on with the product to guarantee a realistic application of the knowledge acquired during this class. The instructors at Hemp Temps will thoroughly cover safety procedures, guidelines, personal hygiene, workplace cleanliness and how to spot plant afflictions. The course will also spend time on making sure students have full comprehension on the curing process. As a special bonus, the class will also come with a Hemp Temps trimming kit, which contains all the basic and essential tools needed. The course will begin at 10 in the morning and concludes at noon. Tickets may be purchased online for $150. (Kiara Manns) WHAT: Trimming and Harvesting 101. WHEN/WHERE: Wed, May 10. Hemp Temps, 10730 East Bethany Dr., Aurora. INFO: Visit hempt empsuniversity.com for details.
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REVIEWs
strain & edible Skywalker OG While Star Wars: The Last Jedi will finally deliver some of that juicy Luke Skywalker dialogue we’ve been missing, you don’t have to wait until December for some of the best Skywalker OG in the galaxy. Coming in hot from Pueblo’s Three Rivers Organics, this was a strain that we loved so much, it deserves a double feature. While its origins can’t be traced back to a Tatooine moisture farm, the combination of Blueberry and Mazar produce some gorgeous dark purple notes, like staring out into the sunset in Garel City. Denser than a neutron star, we preferred using grinders to get it evenly broken up without risking breaking one of our hands off. Opening the container hits you with Vader-mask levels of rubber, with undertones of lime, pine sap and strawberry fruit leather. A decidedly sweet smoke, the first couple of hits were smooth and burned to a pure white ash, a sure sign of a solid flush. Starting off behind the eyes, the indica-dominant effect moved into the shoulders and back, giving great relief to those struggling with nagging pain from riding Tauntauns all day. Avoid piloting any TIE fighters, however, as this is a tremendous strain for sleep, and it helps quiet the mind at the end of the day.
Available at: Three Rivers Organics in Pueblo.
Sho Cones When a regular pre-roll is not enough, get the maximum potency with a Sho Cone. These signature pre-rolls offer the best of both worlds, containing both flower and rosin. They are extremely potent and not for the faint-hearted. Each Sho Cone contains 1.3 grams of flower with 0.2 grams of rosin blended together to perfection. The rosin is made of solventless hash oil. Sho Cones are available in a variety of strains that change with the harvest. Strawberry Fields, for example, is a luscious sativa hybrid, and Grape Ape is a heavy indica that will put you to sleep in no time. When you’re in a rush, but you need to get heavily medicated, a Sho Cone will bring you relief for a variety of ailments in no time.
Available wherever: FlavRx products are carried.
Available at: Altitude Organic Medicine in Colorado Springs.
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FlavRx Lemon White Chocolate Bar This delectable confection pairs creamy white chocolate with tart, tangy lemon flavors. With 180mg of cannabinoid content, you’re going to feel the effects. With the CBD bar, the ratio is 50/50 and each bite-sized piece contains 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD. This balance helps you the best of both worlds from cannabis. The bars are made with 29 percent chocolate and real lemon zest for a rich flavor. They also contain lemon oil, cocoa butter and active oil. The FlavRx lemon white chocolate bar is perfect for getting medicated when you want the full flavor as well. FlavRx bars come in flavors of tangerine, blackberry, toffee, blueberry and lemon.
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
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Cone Artist Joint Roller This helpful Swedish device, the Cone Artist, is a godsend to cannasseurs everywhere. This little tool is an all-in-one cone roller, filler and stuffer! A simple device and a handy design make this Cone Artist perfect for people who prefer cones over joints, and everybody can use a little help with the rolling and filling of these delicate and tricky beasts. Grab one, and see for yourself! PRICE: $10.69 MORE INFORMATION: coneartist.com
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JENNY Crackle by Erbanna From the Odor Loc technology to strategically-placed features, every detail of Erbanna’s Jenny Crackle bag has been intentionally executed, making it a safe cannabis storage device, especially for parents. A lockable zipper will keep the little ones from getting inside this trendy bag, and there’s a convenient and removable wristlet, which is stylish and practical when you’re in a rush. The zipper is also waterproof and smell-proof. Inside there is extra padding that’s perfect for protecting glass pieces. An interior zipper compartment is an ideal storage spot for accessories, such as a lighter or a grinder. Overall, Erbanna bags make for a great gift that every cannabis consuming mother would love to receive. These luxurious bags are available in seven styles and offer leather or vegan options. PRICE: $39.99-$49.99 MORE INFORMATION: erbanna.com
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Tafl Table At first glance it appears to be an ordinary side table, but this beautifully designed, fourlegged wooden and circular stone top accent table is in fact, far from ordinary. The Tafl table is fully biofabricated, which means it is grown in just a few days using Mushroom® Materials, agriculture waste and microorganisms. Yep! That’s right! It’s made from living organisms! It is toxin-free and sustainably manufactured, and come on—it’s gorgeous, modern and sleek too! Mushroom accent table? Yes please! PRICE: $299 MORE INFORMATION: ecovativedesign.com
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Ombré Pipe Experience the pastel satin glazes of fine ceramic art. You’ve seen the ombré fade in fashion, and the trend continues with ceramic stoneware. The airbrushed ombré fade on the Ombré Pipe by Haciendaware is designed to evoke the breathtaking and smogenhanced sunsets of smoggy metropolitan cities. The Ombré Pipe is cast stoneware that’s durable and square-shaped, so it won’t roll over. Choose from chic pastel color gradients like mint, salmon, periwinkle or mauve. All pieces are handmade and have the subtle defects of original art. At just under four inches long, the Ombré Pipe will easily fit in your pocket. PRICE: $90 MORE INFORMATION: haciendaware.bigcartel.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
Cannabis for Seniors Beverly A. Potter, Ph.D Robin Publishing Senior citizens often face many obstacles when it comes to finding the best treatment options available for the many ailments that are synonymous with aging. Cannabis for Seniors was written by Dr. Beverly A. Potter, and it gives those of a certain age who are considering cannabis medicine insight into how consuming the plant has the potential to provide a higher quality of living and health. By debunking myths that surround cannabis medicine to discussing the countless options of cannabis treatments and more, this new book contains all the evidence and information senior citizens look toward when considering cannabis to treat their medical conditions. (Jacob Cannon)
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Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC Release Date: May 5
MOVIE
Hidden Figures
GAME
Dir. Theodore Melfi
Prey
20th Century Fox
Dev. Arkane Studios Pub. Bethesda Softworks Prey is a re-imagined sequel to the 2006 title of the same name, and an upcoming first-person action adventure title that melds the best thrilling categories—space and hostile aliens. Players control Morgan Yu who is performing research on the local moon while living on a large space station, where he encounters the Typhone—a group of various violent alien species that hunt players down. Explore the interior and exterior of a vast space station in an open world, collecting essential items and fighting off wave-afterwave of aliens. (Nicole Potter)
Throughout history, celebrity and mainstream recognition are generally only given to a select few individuals when grand achievements and giant leaps in progress are made. Hidden Figures does well telling the story of three behind-thescenes individuals who helped make some grand achievements in American history possible. The film profiles three female African-American mathematicians, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who overcame both racial and gender discrimination while working at NASA in the midst of the space race and became integral parts of the institution’s success in the 1960s. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
ENC006 DMVU (or Damnesia-Vu) Encrypted Audio Up-and-coming trap star DMVU (DamnesiaVu) has not only taken Denver, but the entire country and world, by storm. Recently, he has been signed to famed dubstep and bass music label Deep, Dark and Dangerous, as well as Encrypted Audio. This most recent album release features all that listeners know and love from DMVU—distorted hip-hop samples, incredibly catchy music and heavy bass. Fans are sure to become entranced by hits like “Broken Chime” and “Atlas.” ENC006 is a must-listen for all local electronic fans. (Addison HerronWheeler)
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Fighting Chance
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photos by John Gilhooley
MMA Champion Frank Shamrock opens up about life, fighting and cannabis By Paul Rogers Frank Shamrock quite literally wrote the book on Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), as the author of 2006’s Mixed Martial Arts For Dummies. Born Frank Juarez, he was a troubled California street kid who bounced around
foster and group homes before finding redemption in the ring. Taken in by Bob Shamrock at his boys ranch in Susanville, California, Frank soon gravitated toward a similarly rebellious teen called Ken Kilpatrick, who would go on to become Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Hall of Famer, Ken Shamrock.
Officially adopted by Bob at age 21, the now Frank Shamrock joined his fosterbrother Ken’s famously-tough Lion’s Den MMA training school and, just days after turning 22, announced his professional arrival with a shock defeat of top Dutch fighter Bas Rutten at Japan’s King of Pancrase Tournament. Three years later, an underdog Shamrock armbarred Kevin Jackson into submission in just seconds to win the UFC Middleweight Championship (later renamed the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship)—a title he would successfully defend four times before retiring from the UFC, undefeated, in 1999. Now, at age 44, Shamrock is focusing his love for performing and proven entrepreneurial acumen on cannabis, which he’s been consuming recreationally since his adolescence and medicinally, for pain management, since his 30s. His educational and hugely entertaining cannabis talk show, The BakeOut, premiered on BakeOut.tv in January. Co-hosted by celebrity nutritionist Robert Ferguson, it’s a lively, debate-style production that deliberately presents and challenges diverse cannabis-related points of view. CULTURE chatted with Shamrock about The BakeOut, the gargantuan prospects for cannabis business, beating drug tests—and eating out of trash cans. >>
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Frank Shamrock and CoHost Robert Ferguson on the set of The BakeOut.
What’s the story behind The BakeOut? How did the show come about? It really was a continuing conversation about how we impact education and awareness for cannabis and cannabis usage . . . and then it became, like, “wow, we should do a show about this!” Do you mean it was a conversation between you and your co-host, Robert Ferguson? Yeah. I mean, he has a Ph.D. and is an educated nutritionist, and he’s what I think Middle America kind of knows and understands. And I was born and raised in California and have been using cannabis for 25-plus years, as a super-athlete and businessman. There are very opposing views of it—from experience, from education, from 36
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consumption. And we have an open discussion about it. How would you describe The BakeOut? It’s a bit of The Tonight Show meets The View—but with two guys. And we talk about everything— business, science, law, sex, consumption, ideas, spirituality. To me, this is a journey that we’re going on, socially—we’re all kind of learning together. And then we’re backing it up with science. How do you select your BakeOut guests? So far, we’ve been looking for compelling stories that we think will open peoples’ eyes. Our first interviewee was [a Stage IV cancer survivor] Tahnee Shah—I mean, just a miracle! The doctors sent her home to
die—and she didn’t. The only thing she changed was cannabis and the usage of it. And then the second episode was NFL-based, [because] the Super Bowl [was] coming up [and] we’re watching this happening in society with brain injuries, with drug addiction, with [athletes’] efforts to kill the pain from the sport. And it’s just terribly damaging to these athletes, and no one knows about it and that there really are safe alternatives out there. You’ve said that you and your co-host “may not agree on cannabis as medicine.” Can you expand upon that? Robert comes from the world of addiction, meaning that he works very heavily in the nutritional side, in
the psychological side, and then also in the spiritual side of battling addiction. So, from his perspective, he learned what I learned when I was a kid—that [cannabis] is a gateway drug; it leads to addiction. So, the fact that science is butting up against with him is his journey, and he’s willing to go in that journey with us. Did you always see yourself going into broadcasting after you retired from fighting? Yes. I always knew that I’d do this, and I always had the plan that I would become a broadcaster. I thought I would become a movie star, and the broadcasting would just be a very short run, but I found out that [more time was required] to get us to network television. >>
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“[But] I didn’t even think about [cannabis for pain management] until I was into my 30s and then I’m literally struggling with addiction from the pain pills.” Compared with life in the ring and cage, what are the challenges of your professional life today? They’re very similar fears . . . they’re very primal, someone’sgoing-to-see-inside-of-me type fears. But it’s so much better being in front of the camera. It’s so much easier! It’s a skill you can sustain for a long, long time. And, you know, performing anything is amazing, and once I realized my body was wearing out, my focus became my next level of performance, which is my ability to speak, my ability to present [and] to act. So it’s a natural evolution as an entertainer. While still fighting, did you ever fear that you’d feel unfulfilled once you retired? One-thousand percent. Y’know, I set these Guinness World Records and I was, like, [defeating] everybody . . . And when you pull yourself out of that limelight and you try to get on the PTA or be a normal person, it’s really challenging; it’s really hard to re-integrate. What were the highlights of your fighting career? Definitely beating Kevin Jackson, the Olympic medalist in 1992, in 14 seconds, in Japan. That was the absolute highlight of my beginning career, because it [was a] World Champion—all the dreams came true. And then the last few fights, where I was older, I had so many hats on to build companies. I was doing things like when my knee was blown out, and I was still fighting; my shoulder was blown, [and] I was still performing at the 38
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highest level and was really proud of my ability to maintain focus. Aside from The BakeOut, what are you up to these days? I’m mainly doing just charity work. We have an initiative to help at-risk youth, and that comes from us through scholarships for martial arts and scholarships for arts and entertainment programs. And these are kids that are in at-risk communities like I was, where there’s a lack of education, lack of funds and lack of parental guidance. How do you remember your childhood? Was it a struggle? Yeah. It wasn’t good. You know, my mom—we didn’t have money, we didn’t have an education, we were on welfare and it wasn’t pleasant. So I left home when I was 11 years old; I became a ward of state because I had been in that much trouble by then that, to protect me and everybody else, they took me away. You mean trouble with law enforcement? Yeah, trouble with the law. Well, I never knew that you’re not supposed to lock your kids in closets and all this other stuff that was happening to me. I didn’t know that it was not normal. And it was through getting in trouble that I got into situations where I was talking to counselors, and I was talking to people and was realizing what was happening wasn’t right. But the only way that I was getting to those people and getting the help was by breaking the law. >>
Frank Shamrock: A look back in time 1972 Frank Alisio Juarez III was born in Santa Monica, California on December 8. 1980s
Young Frank Juarez bounced around between foster homes, crisis centers and jail.
1998
Shamrock was named “Best Full Contact Fighter” by Black Belt Magazine. In October, he fought Lober again and defeated him in seven minutes.
1999
September 24, Shamrock defeated Tito Ortiz at UFC 22. The fight has been considered the “best fight in UFC history.” It would be Shamrock’s last appearance in the UFC.
1993
At 21 years old, Frank Juarez was officially adopted by Bob Shamrock, who helped wayward teens learn to fight. He would later change his last name to honor the relationship. Also this was the year of the firstever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event, where Royce Gracie defeated Frank’s brother Ken Shamrock.
1994 Ken Shamrock taught submission fighting to his brother Frank. On December 16, Shamrock surprised everyone and defeated the legendary Bas Rutten. 1997 On January 17, Frank lost to John Lober at SuperBrawl III in Honolulu, Hawaii. Shamrock shifted his focus to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). On December 21, Frank Shamrock became the first-ever UFC Middleweight Champion.
2000
Shamrock defeated Elivis Sinosic on December 10 at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 Final.
2001
On August 11, Shamrock broke former student Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch’s arm at K-1 Kickboxing with a roundhouse kick.
2005 The acclaimed fighter opens the Shamrock Martial Arts Academy to teach MMA in San Jose in December. 2008
Shamrock’s daughter, Nicolette, was born on April 24.
2009
Shamrock was defeated by Nick Diaz by a technical KO on April 11.
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“There’s still this old Cheech & Chong, hang out, smoke-it-up generation, and it’s colliding with the new culture, which is medicinaland businessthinking.”
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Is that, in part, what drove you to seek out and achieve such success? For sure. I don’t want my children, my family or anybody I know to have to grow up like that . . . I used to eat out of trash cans; I used to sleep at the park. I remember it like it was yesterday. I want people who experience that to know that there’s somewhere, something they can do that will help them make it. And that’s kind of my attraction to cannabis. I’m seeing it like I was seeing Mixed Martial Arts. I was, like, “listen you guys, [MMA] is going to be insanely big, because this is in peoples’ hearts; this is what people want, they just don’t know it yet.” And it’s the same thing with this medicine, and I feel like we’re in that same position, only this medicine’s so much bigger than the martial arts thing. Can you describe your personal journey with cannabis? It started recreationally. It wasn’t until I got into sports that I started experiencing real levels of pain and needing to deal with them. [But] I didn’t even think about [cannabis for pain management] until I was into my 30s and then I’m literally struggling with addiction from the pain pills. At that time I started consuming edibles and the salves had started coming out, [and] I never took pain pills again. I switched entirely to cannabis for my pain management. It saved me, because my biggest fear, and I’m certain it would’ve happened, that at the end of all this I’d be a drug addict. I think it prolonged my career; allowed me to perform at the highest level, and even today I have to consume it. Otherwise I’m not sleeping, I can’t sit down, and I’m in the most horrible pain. How have you seen attitudes toward cannabis change
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amongst professional athletes? All athletes are talking about it, and they’re also beginning to realize [that] what they give you to kill the pain is killing everything—and it’s also addictive. Everybody’s seeing the opportunities here and what [cannabis is] doing. When you were you using cannabis during your fighting career, was there an issue with detection? One-hundred percent, and [there was a] tremendous fear about it, because if it was a championship fight, you had to pass a clean test. So there was three weeks of agony and pain and discomfort, where I could not take my medicine because of fear that it would be caught and my brand image would be ruined.
2010 Frank and Ken Shamrock’s adoptive father, Bob, passed away on January 14. He announced his retirement from fighting on June 26 at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum. 2012
Shamrock released his autobiography Uncaged: My Life as a Champion MMA Fighter, on October 1.
2015
On February 19, Frank ended his decades-long public feud with his brother Ken by joining him in the corner during his fight against Royce Gracie.
2017
The first episode of Frank’s new cannabis education TV show, The BakeOut, premiered on January 25.
2013
He was featured in the award-winning documentary on MMA titled Fight Life, which won “Best Documentary” at the United Film Festival.
Do professional athletes, who are synonymous with fitness, health and success, have a special role to play in cannabis advocacy? I absolutely think they do. Because we put ‘em on pedestals, and we follow their leads. I felt tremendous angst that I was taking this medicine and couldn’t share it or talk about it. And I felt terrible that I was doing this in secret. What are some of the biggest misunderstandings about cannabis in America today? That we’re all “getting high,” that we’re “smoking weed.” There’s still this old Cheech & Chong, hang out, smoke-it-up generation, and it’s colliding with the new culture, which is medicinal- and businessthinking. We need to get a line here, because “Big Pharma’s” coming, big money’s coming, big business is coming. And this [cannabis] community is a really nice group of caretakers and supporters and medicine users and activists. If they could get on the same page, that’s a powerful, powerful voice. c
www.frankshamrock.com
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The Grey Area
Colorado has one of the most wide open abuses of our home grow laws in the country.
Colorado cracks down on cannabis cultivation cooperatives
by Benjamin M. Adams
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olorado’s permissive rules surrounding grow operations are well-known, however, the state is now adopting a more restrictive approach. The abundance of legal loopholes that cultivators were able to work with and around will soon be coming to an end. Recently, the Colorado Senate passed a benchmark bill that makes it a crime for people to cultivate recreational cannabis for other people—specifically, those who have been taking advantage of a loophole in Colorado law that did not specify how to deal with cultivation cooperatives. In co-ops, only one individual is authorized as a farmer, and he or she shares the costs of water, electricity and anything else that they might need with the other members of the co-op. The Grey and Black Market Marijuana Enforcement Efforts, or House Bill 171221, is the sister bill to House Bill 17-1220, which would set the limit at 12 plants for a single home in an area zoned as residential. Recent changes to the bill extended that number to 16. Colorado’s 99-plant limit is legitimately beneficial for some patients with extreme illnesses. HB-17-1221 would appropriate state funding for local law enforcement to police the new plant limit. The bill appropriates $5,945,392 in cannabis tax revenues to give to law enforcement to crack down on illegal cannabis growing operations. HB-17-1221 passed the House 54-9 in March and passed the Senate unanimously on April 10. Both bills have 46
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passed the House and Senate and are awaiting signature from Governor John Hickenlooper. Hickenlooper’s office addressed the issue publicly, stating “In some cases the home grow provisions have been exploited by criminals, seemingly organized, to create black and grey markets that threaten the safety of Coloradans and undermine our regulatory system. These markets have emerged from Constitutional loopholes and exist outside the intent of the law.” Representative KC Becker, Representative Cole Wist, Senator Rhonda Fields and Senator Bob Gardner sponsored HB-17-1220. Representative Jonathan Singer, however, voted against the bill, citing that the law is unnecessary. A rule in already in effect states that primary caregivers growing 36 or more plants must be listed on a state registry. Under HB-17-1220, the penalties for going over the limit would include a Level 1 drug petty offense for a first-time offense and is punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars; A Level 4 drug felony for a second or subsequent offense if the offense involves more than twelve but less than 30 plants; Or a Level 3 drug felony for a second or subsequent offense if the offense involves more than 30 plants. Representative Yeulin Willet, Representative Dan Pabon, Senator John Cooke and Senator Irene Aguilar sponsored HB-17-1221. “Colorado has one of the most wide open abuses of our home grow laws in the country,” Representative Pabon told CULTURE. “We are by far the anomaly when it comes to be grown at a residence at 99 plants. And this bill essentially says that
the days of growing that many plants in your home are over, and if you want to grow more than 12 plants you permission from your local jurisdiction and they can approve or deny that. If they deny that, you have to go to a commercial setting, and that’s the only place you can grow.” The bill would also set up a grant program to reimburse smaller local communities for funding spent on enforcing the plant limit. Rural communities that don’t have the means to enforce the limit have priority over the grants. The Grey and Black Market Marijuana Enforcement Efforts bill was intended to stop co-ops that take advantage by sharing electricity and other utilities in order to provide cultivation for groups of people in residential areas. Only primary caregivers who are assigned to an individual and who are in compliance are permitted to grow more than 16 cannabis plants for an individual. Those who are caught wrongfully growing cannabis for another person or persons will be subject to criminal offenses and penalties. In order to be compliant, a grower must abide by the requirements listed in the state constitution, Section 25-1.5-106. The set of bills is both good and bad for cannabis caregivers and patients. On one hand, it prevents grey and black market cooperatives that are taking advantage of the system, and on the other, it makes it harder for patients with severe illnesses that need more than 16 plants to have such at home. At the time of this writing, Hickenlooper has yet to sign this bill into law, but plans to review it very soon. c
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Motherhood and Miraculous Medicine
Courageous mothers all over the country turn to cannabis to help their children by Addison Herron-Wheeler
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t’s that time of year when we celebrate mothers. From pregnancy and childbirth to a lifetime of personal sacrifice, unconditional love and support, every mother should be honored for what she does for her children. But there are some mothers who are asked to bear a much heavier burden than others. Those whose children fall ill from serious conditions are forced to go through experiences and
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make decisions that most of us can’t even imagine, such as accepting the reality of their child’s struggles, the horrible effects that pharmaceutical medications can have on a child or the staggering cost of medical bills. Fortunately, not all of these mothers have to face an unhappy ending when it comes to their children. Many find relief in what some would consider an unusual place—cannabis. However, the mothers who are brave enough to try anything to make their children well often do so at a cost, be it the criticism they face for
their decision, the lengths they have to go through to get cannabis medically or the trial-and-error process in administering cannabis to their children, due to cannabis still being a Schedule I substance. For Beth Collins, mother of medical cannabis patient Jennifer Collins, cannabis treatment wasn’t something that she was judged for pursuing, but it did cause her entire life to change. Epilepsy can develop in a person at any age, and Jennifer started having epileptic seizures as a young teen. >>
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“I left a quite comfortable corporate career to try and help get sensible medical cannabis laws passed on the state and federal levels,” Beth explained to CULTURE. “It’s incredibly stressful work, but satisfying to know I’m helping to get access to safe medicine to patients in need.” Additionally, Beth has watched her daughter Jennifer overcome the difficulty of living with epilepsy. Jennifer has taken her experiences and bravely spoken about them in public, giving a voice to people living with epilepsy. “She’s been very brave to be so public about her experiences but she’s wanted to speak for those who can’t,” Beth said. “It’s given her a much different outlook than a lot of [other] teenagers have.” Jessica Hooker, mother of Addison “Addi” Hooker, has experienced a similar struggle. Her daughter Addi, age 11, suffers from a severe form of epilepsy and has only found relief with cannabis oil. Addi has been taking Charlotte’s Web oil for relief since December 2016. She has
the medicines did provide was far outweighed by the endless side effects. These children deserve a happy, healthy childhood, plain and simple.” Many mothers in the United States have struggled to get cannabis medicine in their particular location, often uprooting their lives or traveling thousands of miles just to get access to cannabis. However, for Charlotte Caldwell, mother of Billy Caldwell, getting access was even more of a struggle. Because she lived in Northern Ireland, she didn’t even learn about the treatment until she visited Los Angeles to see a pediatric epilepsy specialist and encountered the alternative treatment. Since she discovered medical cannabis, she first administered CBD to Billy, followed by a trial using THC. He is now more than 70 days seizure-free. Upon their return to Ireland, Charlotte and Billy marched 150 miles to a meeting to demand access to a prescription for the medication, seeing that it is the only
children with epilepsy. However cannabis has proven effective at combating many other conditions as well. In the case of Meiko Hester-Perez and her son Joey, cannabis is being used to treat severe autism, and the results are astounding. The oil helps Joey to relax, maintain eye contact and calm down from tantrums. It also has helped him gain weight; previous to the cannabis oil Joey was suffering malnutrition and was diagnosed with anorexia. “I think a lot of people don’t realize that Joey has been diagnosed as terminal,” Hester-Perez told CULTURE. Hester-Perez also shared how her journey administering Joey with lifesaving cannabis medicine has not only benefited her son, but it’s helped her evolve into a pivotal advocate in the cannabis industry. “In 2009 I was just a mom,” stated Hester-Perez. “In 2017, I’m a scientific advisor; I sit on the board of NORML; I work on companies with cannabis safety, I intervene in Child Protective Services cases to make sure
We have followed doctors’ orders, filled the prescriptions, tried the diets and all of those things failed these kids. For some, what little relief the medicines did provide was far outweighed by the endless side effects. These children deserve a happy, healthy childhood, plain and simple. experienced cognitive, communicative and memory improvement since beginning her treatment. Even though the Hooker family received criticism for considering cannabis medicine, they persevered and got Addi the medicine she needed. Jessica now shares her family’s cannabis success story in hopes of helping other families in a similar predicament. “For so many children this is the last option, but it should be the first,” Hooker explained to CULTURE. “We have followed doctors’ orders, filled the prescriptions, tried the diets and all of those things failed these kids. For some, what little relief
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medication that has been effective in treating Billy’s condition. “I think what is really important, because Billy’s epilepsy was so drug-resistant, is that medical cannabis should be available as an alternative treatment,” Charlotte told CULTURE. “I would never, ever say or declare that it has cured Billy of his epilepsy, but I would definitely advise parents to give it a try if they are in a situation like I was in where the medicine wasn’t working.” When most people think of children using cannabis as medicine, it is becoming more common to hear about parents utilizing CBD oils to reduce seizures for
that parents choosing this treatment option have the navigation that goes along with it.” While each of these mothers has had a unique experience ensuring the well-being of their children and the use of medical cannabis, they all have a few key similarities. These mothers have all fought against the odds to gain access for someone they love. Whether they dealt with criticism, struggled to get safe access to cannabis or had to overcome monetary or geographic hurdles, they all preserved—making their children’s lives better because of it. c
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Industry Insider
Cannabis law attorney Todd Winter’s courageous spirit continues to benefit the industry by R. Scott Rappold
There were just a handful of us [cannabis] attorneys at that time, and we really wrote the book for how things progressed for the next eight years.
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T
odd Winter didn’t set out to become a cannabis attorney. Like many in this industry, he kind of fell into it through “pure coincidence and happenstance.” In the nine years since he began fighting for cannabis clients, he has become one of the nation’s leading legal advocates, with some of the biggest names in his dossier, including Bhang and Eureka Vapor. Yet he’s rarely had to advertise the fact. You’ll have to dig deep in his website to even find a mention of cannabis. He earned his reputation the old-fashioned way—through word of mouth. “The proudest thing for me is that I [have] held [the trust of] some of the biggest cannabis companies in the world over the years, and they’ve continued to spread my name to other clients to call and retain us, which to me is the greatest compliment you can get,” said Winter, 47, of Costa Mesa, California. >>
photos by Eric Stoner
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It completely changes my frame of mind and allows me to relax from the day, and it just changes everything. Instead of being uptight and worrying about everything in the house, I get down on the floor and play with the kids and it’s an important component of my life.
F.
From Corporate to Cannabis
Winter also took the circuitous route to becoming an attorney. After working for seven years in sales and marketing, he decided to go to night school to earn his law degree. After a stint abroad he landed at a large company, Kittrich Corporation, overseeing real estate transactions, as well as patent and trademark filings. However, it wasn’t the kind of work Winter had imagined doing, so he started his own firm. Around this time, in 2008, he began speaking with a guy he’d met at a coffee shop who just happened to grow cannabis. These were days of uncertainty in California’s nascent medical cannabis industry, a time of police raids and threatening closure letters, when nobody knew what the federal government might do with the plant it had been fighting for 70 years. Many attorneys wouldn’t even touch these cases. Winter decided his training and experience would be a good fit for the industry, so he took the guy on as a client. The next week, two more growers called. Then four. Then eight. “There were just a handful of us [cannabis] attorneys at that time, and we really wrote the book for how things progressed for the next eight years,” said Winter. “A lot of my colleagues almost looked down their noses at us, almost as if we were personal-injury, ambulancechasing attorneys, and now everyone wants in.”
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Trademarks, Banking and More
From the outset of his entry into the hazy world of cannabis law, Winter had a strong belief that trademarks and brands would be the future of the industry. “I was one of the few, back in 2008, who was jumping up and down and telling clients the branding was going to be huge,” he said. In a crowded industry where everyone was basically selling the same base product—cannabis—those who could give consumers a brand to relate to would thrive. Of course, you can’t trademark cannabis or cannabisinfused products, since they’re still federally illegal, so much of Winter’s work has involved trademarks on brands and accessories.
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“One of the things we’ve pioneered . . . We call it the ‘circle the wagons approach,’ where you try to brand a significant amount of services surrounding the cannabis plant itself,” he said. Winter sees plenty of complex issues on the horizon for cannabis, especially as California moves toward regulating what is projected to become the largest legal cannabis market in the world. The lack of banking, for one, remains a thorn in the industry’s side, and the jury is still out on what President Donald Trump’s administration may do about state-level legalization. For his part, he isn’t worried about a federal crackdown. “Cannabis is too big to fail,” he said. He’s motivated in part by a love of the plant. A medium, 10mg dose is his preferred evening cool-down after a day fighting the good fight. “It completely changes my frame of mind and allows me to relax from the day, and it just changes everything,” Winter said. “Instead of being uptight and worrying about everything in the house, I get down on the floor and play with the kids. It’s an important component of my life.” Another factor of motivation for Winter is loyalty to the clients, many of whom he’s had from the get-go. “I’m proud of the fact we still have most of the clients who have started with us,” he said. “It was always about our clients. Our clients are some of the best human beings in the world. They genuinely care about the plant. They genuinely care about people and it’s been an absolutely amazing journey to be on with our clients over the past eight years, to watch them grow and succeed.” c
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I hope federal [cannabis] legalization happens soon; I don’t even know why it’s illegal. I can count 10 drugs off the top of my head that should be illegal . . .
Bright Lights Jo Koy opens up to CULTURE about his successful comedy career and latest endeavors
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by Heather Johnson
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omedian Jo Koy grew up looking at the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip. He imagined one day performing his stand-up comedy to huge crowds and selling out shows. This dream became a reality this past year when Koy’s comedy tour brought him right back to the city he called home, and every seat in the house was filled. His career really started to take off in 2005, when he
photos by Robyn Von Swank
performed for the world on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and received a coveted standing ovation. Koy has appeared on over 100 episodes of Chelsea Lately, and he is also a regular guest on The Adam Corolla Show. He is currently touring the country, and he just released his third live comedy special and Netflix debut Jo Koy: Live from Seattle. Koy also hosts the weekly podcast, “The Koy Pond,” with new episodes every Thursday on Podcast One. We had a chance to sit down with Koy and chat about his explosive career, his family, and of course, cannabis. >>
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What was your role on Chelsea Lately, and what was it like working with her crew? To this day, people still think that show is on. People call into my show and they’re like, “I watch you every night on Chelsea Lately,” and I say, “That show hasn’t been on in years.” That thing was a daily show, it wasn’t a weekly show, and people watched it every single day. It was being viewed by everyone. That show had so much power and impact in my career, that it really did change everything. It changed the game for me. It just kind of blew up in front of everyone’s faces—I don’t even think Chelsea expected it to do what it did. We would love to hear about your current comedy tour, are you enjoying yourself? I love it. We are hoping to be international next year. I’ve already done Australia, the Philippines and Guam. This year we are staying right here in the states, and it’s been great. I’ve been nonstop; I just did Vegas, my hometown. I played the Mystere Theater at Treasure Island, and I sold out every single seat, which was unbelievable. Imagine just living there and looking at the strip and thinking, “Someday I’ll perform there.” And when it actually happened, I sold the place out. I pinch myself every time I think about it. It’s just one of those things where you pinch yourself and you say, “Is this really happening?” Nevada recently legalized recreational cannabis; what are your thoughts on the growing number of states with legal cannabis? I hope federal legalization happens soon; I don’t even know why it’s illegal. I can count 10 drugs off the top of my head that should be illegal, but for some reason they’re A-OK to have, you know? I think the reason why it’s illegal is obvious. I think that the government can’t control it and capitalize on it the way they really want to. Once you legalize it then, boom, everyone is growing it in their backyard. If your 13-year-old son asked you about smoking cannabis, what would you say? Things are going to happen. I think I’ve done a very good job of showing what drugs can do. And I’m not saying anything bad about cannabis 58
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I think that the government can’t control it, and capitalize on it the way they really want to. Once you legalize it then, boom, everyone is growing it in their backyard.
or anything, but it’s your environment, it’s the people you surround yourself with. It’s your responsibility, as long as he can be responsible and make sure little things are alright, then I’m fine. You talk about your mom a lot in your stand-up. Can you tell us about the influence she has had on your career? My mom indirectly got me into comedy. She was the one who got us onstage in these Filipino talent shows. She was just fulfilling her responsibilities as the entertainment person with the Filipino Association. I don’t think she really saw talent in us, or thought that she was going to make us stars. She had to fill the stage at these events that the association would have. She would say, “Oh my daughter can sing, and my son can dance.” Then when my sister and I both wanted to pursue it, she said, “Well there’s not really any money in it.” She was just like any other mom, trying to get us to go to college and get a job with benefits. But then when stuff kind of started taking off for me and my sister, she was like, “Oh it was my idea, I knew you guys were going to make it.” Your third comedy special and Netflix debut released on March 28, were you excited? Yes! Netflix, baby. My first comedy specials were with Comedy Central and now this one is with Netflix. I’m just so happy to be a part of this family. Man, they are just changing the game, and I’m just happy to be a part of it. They are so good at what they do. Tell us about your weekly podcast “The Koy Pond.” You know what I love about “The Koy Pond”? I like to sit on my improv skills. So when I have a guest come on the show, they will tell their stories. I like to just dig right in and recreate the stories that they just told. Like if they are talking about their mom and dad, I’ll create the character where I become the mom and just start improvising with my guest. We just go with it and see where it takes us. That’s more fun to me, and that’s the kind of podcast I like to listen to, so that’s why I like to do it that way. Anything can happen. c jokoy.com
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I am an over-thinker. So creatively, cannabis has allowed me to be free—to block out my own thoughts and be free with the music and let go . . .
Symphonic Soul by Addison Herron-Wheeler
Denver’s Sista Soul delves into how family and cannabis have influenced her lifelong musical obsession
CATCH SISTA SOUL LIVE May 20 @ Five Points Jazz Festival, Denver May 27 @ Dazzle Jazz, Denver
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or local Denver R&B singer Sista Soul, music is a way of life—a form of self-expression that transcends the mundane and elevates the listener to a level of almost spiritual bliss. Because music has been a part of her life and her family history, she finds solace in writing music and singing. “I have always loved music, the sounds, the emotions, the worship in music,” Sista Soul, also known as Jeannette Cooper, told CULTURE. “I started making music almost 10 years ago. I would write and then go back and reflect on the words I wrote. I always felt my music and words were very powerful and would move people. So, I started recording and learning how to create my own songs. It has been quite an amazing journey.” Sista Soul makes R&B and explores soulful sounds and harmonic melodies to convey her musical message. Her debut album, Celebration, was released earlier this year, and it led to new fans and an influx of positive feedback.
Her sound is inspired by classic jazz and R&B, creating an emotional yet simplistic sound. “Some of my biggest music influences are Anita Baker, Mary J, Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill and Lalah Hataway,” she explained. “I love music with a message and music that makes you feel oh-so-good.” As someone with a musical family history, Cooper cites her parents as responsible for providing her with much guidance and direction in the musical game. “My biggest influences are my mom and pops,” she explained. “They introduced me to music, and some very good music too. They introduced me to life, to many experiences.” Since her mother was a musical performer, Cooper became a singer and dancer at a young age to follow in her mother’s footsteps. “I used to watch her rehearse and daydream about being her,” Cooper explained. “My father did some singing in his days and has always been supportive of me loving music. I remember road trips where I would sing the CD from beginning to end.” While she feels the R&B genre could be stronger in Denver, she has also noticed a lot of support from her fans and peers. “The music lovers of this genre are what keeps it moving,” she explained. “It is the fans the support the music, play it, request it and support the live shows.” In terms of cannabis legalization, Cooper feels that cannabis should be legal everywhere in every way, and she has relied on cannabis as a creative tool in the past. “I am an over-thinker,” she explained. “So creatively, cannabis has allowed me to be free—to block out my own thoughts and be free with the music and let go, which is one of the best ways to create music—free.” Catch Sista Soul around town at some of her upcoming events, and look out for her performances continuing throughout summer. Sista Soul’s album, Celebration, is available on Spotify and iTunes. c reverbnation.com/denversistasoul
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culture growing
2017 WINTER GARDEN 4
O
ne month ago, I cut the Shark Shock plant in its 50th day of flowering. The plant spread over a nine-square-foot canopy but was less than 24” tall. Once the plant was cut, I hung it upside-down in an unused grow tent in a room that stays between 650-720 with a relative humidity (RH) of 45-55 percent. The room stayed within ideal range of temperature and humidity. Rather than separating the drying and curing stages with clear delineation, I just let the plant hang and slowly reach maturity. A month has gone by and now it’s time to take down the plant and manicure it. Manicuring was easy. First, the colas were removed from the branches using a pair of garden clippers, then the buds were manicured while remaining on the cola. Finally, they were
The plant hung in the tent for almost a month.
Buds were trimmed of leaves and removed from the cola.
Pile of buds.
Close-up of bud covered with trichomes.
TIP OF THE MONTH It’s time for spring clean-up. Whether you are a connoisseur or grower, you probably have some trimmings from buds lying around as well as “emergency” cannabis, or stuff that wasn’t quite up to par. Instead, gather it all up to transform it into something useful. You can soak it in high-proof alcohol for use as a hi-cocktail, sift it through a screen to make kief, make dry ice hash, soak in butter or oil for cooking or grind it up and add it to skin cream. It’s a double win. Your tray and paraphernalia are cleaned up and you have something to show for your efforts.
Enjoying the harvest.
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by Ed Rosenthal
removed from the cola. Then a joint was rolled and a small group gathered for subjective testing. Everyone was pleased with the uplifting nature of Shark Shock’s effects and noticed the fine white ash, indicating few excess nutrients in the bud. After the brief respite for testing purposes, the work continued. The next step was to use the trim to make dry ice hash. This is a very fast, simple process and results in some very fine hash, as well as material that can be used for further processing. The trim was placed in a clean fivegallon bucket that already contained about 8-10 pounds of crushed dry ice. Dry ice is frozen CO2 and is very cold negative 109.3˚ Fahrenheit. If you’re replicating this method at home, never mess with it with bare hands. Instead, wear work gloves. Mix the grass into the crushed ice using a wooden spoon. Let it sit for a few minutes waiting for the grass to get cold. Place a dry ice screen over the bucket. Turn it upside down and start shaking it as you slowly move the bucket along an absolutely dry, clean and uncluttered surface such as a table-top. The bucket moves as it is shaken along the surface and the color of the powder falling through the screen gradually changes from the palest creamy yellow to green. The green is powdered vegetation, indicating that a higher proportion of the powder is screened vegetation. Finally, the blonde was separated from the green kief. c
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Specially designed commercial silkscreen was placed over bucket.
Bucket was turned upside down and shaken.
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Glands pour out of the bucket covering the table.
The kief color changed as the shaking continued.
Pile of AA dry ice kief.
Trim leaf was placed in clean bucket filled with dry ice and stirred. 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
Time to Go: May Weather: Low 80s, periodic rainfall Budget: $$$$$
Mexico City Flowers in May by Sheryll Alexander
Mexico City has always attracted cannabis enthusiasts, as this ancientmeets-modern city of approximately ninemillion people was literally built from the ground up atop a pre-Aztec Empire temple for a Mayan female called Divinity, who was literally worshipped for her miracle plant medicines. So, when it comes to cannabis travel south of the border and—in particular to Mexico City—there’s always been an underground reverence for the cannabis plant. Mexico has made several preliminary legal moves in the last few years to create the foundation for what may eventually become a medicinal cannabis haven and possibly a future as a recreational country such as South America’s Uruguay. What does this mean to Mexico City’s millions of annual visitors? Firstly, carrying a small personal amount of cannabis flower is
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now legal. This decriminalization has happily eased tensions between local authorities and cannabis enthusiasts who now feel free to casually light up (albeit discreetly) in public. Secondly, public and political opinion toward cannabis as both medicine and a “soft drug” akin to tobacco and alcohol is becoming so commonplace that a Barcelona-style private cannabis club with 2,000 members infamously opened last year. As the political (city, state and federal government all collide here) and financial capital of all Mexico, Mexico City is a whirlwind of “global congress,” finance and corporate conferences as a seemingly never-ending metropolitan mega-wasteland. It is this frenzy of leisure and business activity—plus the city’s millions of diverse residents—that makes Mexico City a vibrant, buzzing hive of cultural treasures now built atop beloved neighborhood districts. c
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Fun-Filled Facts Distrito Federal, aka Mexico City, is the largest city in North America—even bigger than New York City.
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1
Mexico City was built thousands of years ago on what used to be a lake, and it sinks nearly 10 inches per year as a result. 2
Mexico essentially shuts down for three national holidays in May including Labor Day (May 1), The Battle of Puebla (May 5) and the Feast of San Isidro (May 15). 3
Yes, it is still illegal to grow, sell and distribute cannabis in Mexico. However, a 2009 Mexican law decriminalized cannabis possession in small amounts (no more than five grams), which has made Mexico City more of a cannabis-friendly destination than ever before. But even before the new law, Mexico City’s millions of mota enthusiasts made this a relaxed place where nobody trips when someone lights up in public parks, nightclubs and, of course, outside while taking a sun-filled siesta on a bougainvilleacovered hacienda’s terraza. As is always suggested when going global, the best way to find cannabinoid medication while in any country is to plan ahead. Sign up for a cannabis-friendly tour or seek out a local who can safely guide you. Still, it is Mexico and there are many choices. Interestingly, the most premium (and most expensive) cannabis flowers in Mexico are now imported from Europe or North America. If you do end up being “shaken down” by local police, stay calm. Politely explain to the officer that you understand the legal cannabis possession law.
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culture RECIPES
growing
Sheryll Alexander
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Age: 54
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Condition/Illness: Severe scalp psoriasis, skin cancer and chronic pain.
When did you start using medical cannabis? I started “smoking pot” at 21 recreationally, and because of the lack of medical knowledge, I did not realize it was my pain medicine until years later. For decades, I had to buy my meds on the black market and—as a single mother—worry about having my child taken away because of my “drug” use. I am thankful for California’s and L.A.’s now easy access to premium cannabis products for my pain management and transdermal products. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? No. I made a commitment to myself when I was 17 years old to never use
pharmaceutical drugs for pain or my skin conditions. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Well, it unfortunately still depends on where you live. For some, it is still illegal and access is their big challenge. For others like me, it usually comes down to not being able to afford high-quality organic indica flowers for pain and a lot of top-notch transdermal products. But mostly, I think medical doctors should be prescribing cannabis medicine, not budtenders. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Firstly, I just state the obvious—cannabis has never killed anyone. Then I go into a long-winded explanation about the endocannabinoid system. By the end, they are usually convinced. 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
A May to Remember Menu:
Bacon & Vegetable Quiche
The Bloody Pearl
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Classic French Toast Sticks
The month of May is synonymous with hearty brunches, not only because of Mother’s Day, but because the weather alone is perfect for gathering loved ones together to dine and enjoy each other’s company. Embark upon the journey of exploring decadent brunch recipes that are sure to result in a late morning filled with harmonious food and great conversation. We’ve gathered our favorite recipes that offer bold flavors that pay respect to the replenishing gifts of springtime. These fresh recipes utilize colorful fruits and vegetables that are seasonal in May, but also offer savory blends of bacon to create brunch dishes that everyone can enjoy. Grab an armful of cauliflower, raspberries, blueberries and broccoli—it’s a bonus if you find locally-sourced bacon. With these seasonal ingredients, loving company and perfect weather considered, this will be a glorious way to honor mothers everywhere.
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Syrup Downtown 999 18th St. Ste. 105, Denver (720) 708-5957 syruprestaurant.com Foolish Craig’s 1611 Pearl St., Boulder (303) 247-9383 foolishcraigs.com
Bacon & Vegetable Quiche 1 unbaked, unfrozen pastry shell (9 inches)
6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
1 2/3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup chopped fresh cauliflower
1 1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups fresh baby spinach 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheese 4 eggs, lightly beaten MAY 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
Waltzing Kangaroo 1109 W Elizabeth St., Fort Collins (970) 568-8817 waltzingkangaroo.com
Directions:
Ingredients:
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Local eateries with similar dishes:
1 1/2 teaspoons cannabisinfused olive oil t 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Preheat your over to 400°. Line the crust in heavyduty aluminum foil. Bake until the edges of your pie crust begin to turn golden, approximately 10 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for an additional five minutes. Lower the oven heat to 350°. Heat cannabis-infused olive oil and non-infused olive oil in a large skillet at medium high. Cook the cauliflower, broccoli and onion in the skillet under tender. Add baby spinach, and cook until wilted. Whisk eggs, rosemary, cream, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add cooked vegetables, cheese and bacon to your mixture and pour into your crust. Cover the edges of your crust with foil, and bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes. Continue cooking until a knife that is inserted into the middle of the quiche comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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culture
Classic French Toast Sticks
growing
Ingredients: 4 eggs, whisked
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of milk
8 slices whole wheat bread
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
1/4 cup cannabutter
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
Powdered sugar
t
Instructions:
Makes
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servings
The Bloody Pearl Bloody Pearl Mix
6 ounces gin
1 gallon tomato juice
4 cups Bloody Pearl Mix
4 cups Chinese black vinegar
2 full droppers of aromatic cannabis bitters t
1 cup lemon juice
Cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
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Whisk eggs in a medium bowl, then add vanilla and milk until the mixture is blended. Pre-heat a non-stick pan or griddle to medium heat. Dip your bread, one slice at a time, into the mixture, and place bread onto your pan or griddle. Cook each side of the bread until it is golden brown in color. Spread butter onto each slice of bread, and cut the French toast into strips. Garnish your French toast with fresh raspberries and blueberries and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with maple syrup.
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servings
1/3 cup Sriacha 1 cup horseradish 1/2 cup celery salt 1/2 cup toasted ground caraway seeds Salt and black pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice to fill and lightly shake. Pour into highball and garnish with cilantro.
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
featured event
Mission to Ride, May 19-20 Bike your way through stunning scenes at the Mission to Ride event where a choice of three different routes will take participants to Olathe. This noncompetitive, spring cycling event will follow along the canyon’s rim. Baldridge Park, Montrose missiontoride.com 42nd Annual Black Canyon Ascent, May 20 Stretch your legs and join in on the race through the Black Canyon at Gunnison National Park. Known by some as Colorado’s most challenging six-mile race, it is sure to be both scenic and invigorating. Black Canyon, Gunnison National Park runningguru.com Global Dub Festival: Flux Pavilion, May 20 Flux Pavilion headlines the international concert at everyone’s favorite outdoor venue. Enjoy the night sky and Colorado’s natural landscape while several artists take to the stage. Red Rocks, Morrison redrocksonline.com
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Buena Vista PaddleFest, May 26–29 The rapids of the Arkansas River will be host to the much anticipated PaddleFest this year. Take on the sun and explore through the concerts, tournaments and vendors that will be at your disposal for four days of whitewater adventure. Arkansas River, Buena Vista ckpaddlefest.com Cañón City Balloon Classic, May 27-29 Take to the skies this Memorial Day weekend as the free celebration is done in style. Vibrant hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes will ascend into the air as spectators can enjoy, shop and feast below. Holy Criss Abbey, Cañón City royalgorgeregion.com Boulder Creek Festival, May 27–29 For those looking for a place to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, the Boulder Creek Festival offers carnival rides, live music and the famous rubber duck race. Vendors will bring along local goods,
Montrose Wine & Food Festival, May 19–20
Witness the culinary magic as chefs, both regional and national, take over downtown Montrose for two days. Chow down on specialty foods and treat your tastebuds to the finest wines around. The Bridges, Montrose montrosefestival.com specialty foods and handcrafted jewelry. 9th Street, Downtown Boulder bouldercreekfestival.com Denver Day of Rock, May 27 Bring your own air guitar
and jam out during Denver’s very own rock music festival. Spending your day by the stage will also help fund Amp the Cause in supporting the community. 16th Street Mall, Denver denverdayofrock.com
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SHOOTING GALLERY
World Cannabis Week in Denver
photos by Joel Meaders 74
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SHOOTING GALLERY
new england cannabis convention in Boston, Massachusetts
photos courtesy of NECANN
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird LEAD STORY—TP GOES HIGH TECH u China’s public park restrooms have for years suffered toilet-paper theft by local residents who raid dispensers for their own homes (a cultural habit, wrote Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, expressing taxpayer feelings of “owning” public facilities), but the government recently fought back with technology. At Beijing’s popular Temple of Heaven park, dispensers now have facial-recognition scanners beside the six toilets, with pre-cut paper (about 24 inches long) issued only to users who pose for a picture. (Just one slug of paper can be dispensed to the same face in a 9-minute period, catastrophic for the diarrheastricken and it requires calling an attendant to override the machine.)
LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES u The church-state “wall” leaks badly in Spindale, North Carolina, according to former members of the Word of Faith Fellowship (reported in February by the Associated Press). Two state prosecutors (one a relative of the church’s founder), in nearby Burke and Rutherford counties, allegedly coached Fellowship members and leaders how to neutralize government investigations into church “abuse”—coaching that would violate state law and attorney ethical standards. Fellowship officials have been accused of beating “misbehaving” congregants, including children, in order to repel their demons. (Among the Fellowship’s edicts revealed in the AP report: All dating, marriages 76
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and procreation subject to approval; no wedding-night intimacy beyond a “godly” cheek kiss; subsequent marital sex limited to 30 minutes, no foreplay, lights off, missionary position.) PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM US u Hey, How About a Little “Remorse”: (1) Royce Atkins, 23, told the judge in Northampton County (Pennsylvania) in March that he was so sorry he did not stop his car in 2015 and help that 9-year-old boy he had just hit and killed. However, Atkins had earlier been jailhouse-recorded viciously trash-talking the boy’s family for “reacting like they’re the victims. What about my family? My family is the victim, too.” (Atkins got a four-year sentence.) (2) In February, in a Wayne County (Michigan) court during sentencing for a DUI driver who had killed a man and severely injured his fiancee, Judge Qiana Lillard kicked the driver’s mother out of the courtroom for laughing at the victim’s sister who was tearfully addressing the judge. (Lillard sentenced the mother to 93 days for contempt, but later reduced it to one day.) THE PASSING PARADE u (1) A 23-year-old Albuquerque woman performed cartwheels instead of a standard field sobriety test at a DUI stop in February, but she did poorly and was charged anyway. On the other hand, student Blayk Puckett, stopped by University of Central Arkansas police, helped shield himself from a DUI by juggling for the officer. (2) Oreos fans sampling the limited-edition Peeps Oreos in February expressed alarm that not only their tongues and saliva turned pink, but also their stools (and leaving a pink ring in the bowl). A gastroenterologist told Live Science it was nothing to worry about.
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