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P U R E PA S S I O N
As a multi-talented and highly revered singer, actress and entrepreneur, Olivia Newton-John is a proud medical cannabis consumer and advocate. ON THE COVER:
PHOTO BY DENISE TRUSCELLO
features
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The Science of Skin Dr. Jenelle Kim and Jeanette Jacknin M.D. explain how CBD is an excellent addition to your skincare routine.
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Topical Beauty The natural properties of CBD have made it the newest trend in beauty products.
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Patience and Compassion Former Miss Maryland Syanne Centeno turned from beauty queen to cannabis patient in her intriguing story.
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Comedic Approach Amir K is a hilarious comedian who has been consuming cannabis for much of his life.
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departments news
10 News Nuggets 14 By the Numbers 18 Local News 20 Healthy Living reviews 24 Cool Stuff 28 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 54 À La Carte 56 Growing Culture 58 Colorado Now! 60 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Study Shows Cannabis Increases Motivation to Exercise d North Carolina Files Decriminalization Bill
VOL 10 ISSUE 11
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Solis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Kern EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Benjamin Adams EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, David Edmundson. Caroline Hayes, Sharon Letts, Alison Malsbury, Emily Manke, Kiara Manns, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf ART DIRECTOR Steven Myrdahl PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Aguirre REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Kim Cook ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Casey Roel OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar 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
Department of Revenue Names New Director Gov. Jared Polis announced the Colorado Department of Revenue’s (DOR) new executive director on April 4. Lu Córdova will replace Mike Hartman in the position. The DOR is a large, governmental department that has about 1,500 employees. It controls and regulates the cannabis industry as well as alcohol, tobacco, gaming, racing and lottery. From 2017 to 2018, the DOR helped improve packaging and labeling in the cannabis industry to enhance public health and safety. Córdova has a background in ecommerce, cybersecurity and international finance, and is the chair and CEO of CTEK, a nonprofit that helps
CBD Burger in Denver Makes Fast Food History Carl’s Jr.® made fast food history on April 20 by selling burgers infused with cannabidiol (CBD) at a Denver location. “The Rocky Mountain High: CheeseBurger Delight” came with Santa Fe Sauce infused with hemp-based CBD oil. Each serving of Santa Fe Sauce was infused with 5mg of CBD, which was sourced from Colorado-based Bluebird Botanicals. To satisfy the inevitable munchies on 420, the burgers included pickled jalapeños, pepper jack cheese and Crisscut® fries 10
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worldwide entrepreneurship efforts. She has held various president and CEO titles including working at Euronet Worldwide, an international payments company. She also sat on the Board of Directors for the 10th Federal Reserve Bank. The governor said in the official announcement, “We are thrilled to have Lu join our team. Her vision, expertise and record of experience make her a natural fit at the Department of Revenue. We can’t wait for her to get started.”
directly on the burgers. “The new Rocky Mountain High: CheeseBurger Delight ties back to our core strategy of being the first to bring bold and unexpected flavors that are at the forefront of hot restaurant trends to a quick service menu,” said Patty Trevino, senior vice president, brand marketing at Carl’s Jr.® “From our early introduction into plantbased options to bringing the rare indulgence of truffles to our menu with the new Bacon Truffle Angus Burger, our customers have come to expect innovative and unique menu offerings, and we’re thrilled to be the first quick service restaurant to be testing CBD infused options.”
Guam Legalizes Recreational Cannabis On April 5, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill No. 32‐35, or the Cannabis Industry Act, legalizing recreational cannabis in Guam. The U.S. territory will allow adults who are 21 and over to cultivate, purchase and consume cannabis. Cannabis will be subject to a 15 percent excise tax, and revenue will go toward efforts like drug rehabilitation and law enforcement. The governor will fill a nine-member Control Cannabis Board, which will set up rules and regulations. “I have to answer this one question: Given all the info, studies done, experiences shared, advice [and] anecdotes about marijuana, what would a responsible community government leader do to protect the interests and welfare of the community?” Guerrero asked at a press conference. Guam joins The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, another U.S. territory that legalized recreational cannabis in 2018. In 2014, Guam legalized medical cannabis, but a viable industry took several years to materialize.
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The number of congressional members who voted in support of House Bill 19-1028, which added autism to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Colorado: (Source: The Colorado General Assembly)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Colorado collected in cannabis sales during the month of February: (Source: Westword)
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The amount of area, in square miles, that the Denver City Council wants to open up for cannabis consumption at businesses: (Source: The Denver Post)
The estimated amount of cannabis sales tax revenue, in thousands of dollars, that the town of Lamar is using to support anti-bullying efforts:
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The number of states in the U.S. that have decriminalized possession of cannabis in small amounts: (Source: Forbes)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada donated to cannabis research in late-March: (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada)
1.5
The percentage of Mexican citizens who said in a poll that recreational cannabis should be legal: (Source: Tech Times)
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The estimated number of CVS drugstores that will be offering topical hempbased CBD products: (Source: Yahoo! Finance)
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Stoned & Single WHEN: Sat, May 25 WHERE: The Coffee Joint, 1130 Yuma Ct., Denver WEBSITE: thecoffeejointco.com Cannabis can be a deal-breaker for some people when it comes to relationships, so finding someone who loves cannabis is a must. Event organizers say “find your tokemate at this very special event at The Coffee Joint!” This donation-based event is LGBTQ-focused. Single adults are encouraged to join for singles-oriented games and activities to help find that special someone. All genders and 14
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orientations are invited, and no one will be left out. At this unique venue, consumption is allowed, providing a unique environment for matchmaking activities. Vaping, edibles and dabbing are allowed, while due to Colorado laws, smoking is not. There’s also a dispensary next door if you don’t have any cannabis to bring. Find your match at Stoned & Single with a little help from activities that help break the ice.
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NEWS
LOCAL
HIGH AT THE HONEY
Dean Ween opens Denver’s latest cannabis consumption lounge
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By Caroline Hayes usic icon Dean Ween, of the alternative grunge rock band Ween, recently opened one of Denver’s newest music venues, which doubles as a cannabis consumption lounge. The Honey Pot Lounge @ VP is located at 1753 South Broadway, appropriately located on Denver’s “Green Mile” stretch of dispensaries, funky shops and eateries. The Honey Pot Lounge fills the space where the Vape and Play consumption lounge operated for a very short time back in early March of this year. The Honey Pot Lounge absorbed Vape and Play’s license and the two have become one, which is where the “VP” comes from in the title. The Honey Pot Lounge launched its grand opening to the public on April 6 (a members-only opening was on April 5). Ween, affectionately called “Deaner” by fans, shared his reasoning behind entering the cannabis industry in a statement. “Having traveled (and basically resided) in clubs, bars and lounges for the past 30 years, I’ve always wanted to start my own club—a place that specifically caters to my personal tastes and a public hangout space designed in my model,” Ween said. “The HPL will be a geographic extension of my living room, my studio and my man-cave. Being a man of impeccable tastes, I feel positive that it will serve your entertainment needs as well and make for a great hang. My mission statement and overall goal for the HPL is to recreate my personal happy place—rooms where there is something compelling available to touch, smell, stare at or listen to at all times.” So why did Ween decide to bring his cannabis lounge to Denver? Well, because Denver is awesome, according to The Honey Pot Lounge website. Plus, after Initiative 300 passed
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Discs-nDabs™ 2019 May back in 2016, it makes Denver a unique area in Colorado that allows for cannabis consumption lounges. If one thing is true, Denverites love live music—and cannabis. This is another great reason Denver was the perfect choice for this music and cannabis hub. The Honey Pot spokesperson said in the official press release, “Dean Ween’s Honey Pot Lounge started with the Dean’s vision of musicians and fans coming together, celebrating freedom, artistic expression, love and excitement. With the majority of live entertainment opportunities tending towards the stale, uninspired and predictable, Dean Ween’s Honey Pot Lounge @ V&P’s mission is to create one-of-kind experiences that fans of all music styles will enjoy.” For those who are curious about checking out this new space, there are some important details to note. Guests must be 21 and over to enter. There are no cannabis sales onsite, so patrons are encouraged and allowed to bring their own cannabis. Consumption devices like water pipes will be provided, but it’s also permitted to bring your own paraphernalia. Bongs and water pipes must show up empty (free of liquid). An interesting rule is that guests can’t light their own product, and torches and lighters are available at the bar for use. Finally, no alcohol will be sold or permitted onsite. The first big event at The Honey Pot Lounge was called The Puff Ball, which took place on April 20. The night featured The Dean Ween Group as well as Color Red Allstars featuring Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds, Jeremy Salken of Big Gigantic and Gabe Mervine. Upcoming events include a comedy night, movie night, open jam night, a tea party, Saturday morning cartoons and more. “[Ween] is committed to supporting and encouraging the area’s music and performing arts scenes by showcasing local talent,” the venue stated. Considering Ween’s rock star background and music career success, it’s likely that this will be one of Colorado’s first successful cannabis consumption lounges. Upcoming decisions on proposed hospitality and public consumption laws could work in favor of The Honey Pot Lounge. c
Ever hear of disc golf? If not, now you have! Now hosting its third annual event, Discsn-Dabs™ is back in Boulder County for a fun-filled disc golf tournament on Friday followed by a campout weekend. While golf and cannabis events are common, disc golf events are not. Disc golf consists of throwing plastic discs resembling Frisbees into metal baskets, and each throw is equivalent to a golf stroke. Teams consisting of three people each will compete for a number of prizes including dabs. The team with the fewest number of throws wins the tournament. To make it interesting, one member of each team is required to do a dab at each basket. This year, the tournament takes place on a new course, which is consumptionfriendly. Sponsorship and volunteer positions are also available. WHEN: Fri, May 24 WHERE: WonderVu Disc Golf Course, 135 Camp Eden Rd., Coal Creek WEBSITE: discgolfscene.com/ courses/Wondervu
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
KEEPING THE GOLDEN YEARS GOLDEN
How cannabis can help improve quality of life for seniors
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By Lanny Swerdlow, RN
y 2050 it is expected that almost 17 percent of the U.S. population will be over 65 years of age, which puts significant stress on a healthcare system that is already struggling. Experts from multiple fields from medicine to insurance have been working on a solution. However, the one solution that is hardly mentioned is to increase senior cannabis consumption. Pain, depression and insomnia are some of the most common ailments of advancing years, and cannabis is tailormade to provide safe and effective therapeutic relief to these chronic maladies and many others as well. Chronic pain afflicts most seniors due to a lifetime of wearing down of joints and muscles, a general decrease in activity levels and the presence of other medical conditions. Up to 88 percent of seniors complain of varying degrees of chronic pain. Rather than providing them with dangerous and addicting opioidbased medications like Percocet and Vicodin, doctors could provide effective and safe treatment for pain using cannabis. A 2015 study at Montreal’s McGill University found that “chronic pain patients who use herbal cannabis daily for one-year report reduced discomfort and increased quality of life.”
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“The endocannabinoid system and the endocannabinoids produced by our bodies are responsible for maintaining homeostasis—keeping our bodies in balance.”
Cannabis to treat pain was so effective that a research paper published in the journal Health Affairs found that when cannabis was easily available, “FDA-approved prescription drugs under Medicare Part D fell substantially.” Life changes associated with advancing years such as the death of a spouse or deterioration of bodily functions can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety and stress detrimentally affecting how an elderly person manages their daily activities of life such as sleeping, eating and working. Treatment for depression can range from consultations with psychologists to the use of prescription pharmaceuticals. The most common, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are Celexa, Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac and Effexor. Although effective in varying degrees, they increase the risk of falling, injuries, seizures, strokes and death. There is another way to treat depression. The endocannabinoid system and the endocannabinoids produced by our bodies are responsible for maintaining homeostasis—keeping our bodies in balance. Research has shown that depression can come from a reduction in the production of endocannabinoids thereby throwing our bodies out of balance. These cannabinoid deficiencies produced by stress and other triggers of depression can be ameliorated through the supplemental use of cannabis. “Using compounds derived from cannabis—marijuana—to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression,” was the conclusion of a 2015 report issued by neuroscientists from the University at Buffalo’s
Research Institute on Addictions. Depression shares many of the same symptoms as post-traumatic stress disorder, and cannabis has been shown to effectively mitigate these symptoms in the publications Journal of Psychoactive Drugs and Neuropsychopharmacology. Although these conclusions are speculative, the legendary ability of cannabis to enhance mood provides thousands of years of anecdotal evidence to substantiate this research. Although insomnia is not directly related to aging, over 50 percent of elderly people report problems sleeping whether it is falling asleep, staying asleep or obtaining enough sleep. Developing regular patterns of sleeping and exercise are solutions that many find helpful, but still almost one-third of seniors take prescription pharmaceuticals in a quest to get a good night’s sleep. Most commonly prescribed are barbiturates like Seconal, benzodiazepines like Xanax or insomnia “Z” meds like Ambien. From increasing the risk of falls to confusion and constipation, all of these drugs have significant negative side-effects. As pain and anxiety can thwart sleep, the ability of cannabis to mitigate pain and reduce anxiety as noted above can overcome some of the most common causes of insomnia. In addition, cannabinoids are involved in the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian processes. THC and the lesser known cannabinoid CBN, exhibit significant sedative properties helping to explain why the ingestion of cannabis facilitates falling asleep and increases deep sleep. Whether for pain, depression or insomnia, the documented ability of cannabis to provide safe, effective therapeutic relief to many of the ailments associated with aging can restore health, vitality and optimism. Cannabis keeps the golden years “golden.” c
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1 1. Pullover Bralette and High Waist Bottom Treat yourself to a little Mother’s Day spoil session that’s coming right in time for the next heatwave. Rocking these high waisted bathing suit bottoms and comfy cute top not only makes you the most fashionable person at the lake, you’ll also be showing a finer side of cannabis culture with this elevated print. Sporting cannabis on your clothes has never looked more highend and sassier. With bathing suits available for men too, your favorite dude doesn’t have to look like a dud next to your serious summer fashion statement. Price: $100 More Information: maryjane-swim.com 2. Creme Weed Leaf Embellished Sunnies Remember when you thought your future was so bright, you had to wear shades? Let’s bring back that confidence and boost it up a notch with these gold cannabis leaf-embellished shades by Blunted Objects. Handcrafted in the U.S. and protecting your peepers with UV400 lenses, the wearer of these fashionable sunnies will be ready to hit the pool, a music festival or even just to mask their stoney eyes at nighttime while still looking fresh. Price: $45 More Information: bluntedobjects.com 24
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4. Lifted Ladies Box Finally! A cannabis-centric box that is curated to the fiercely feminine consumer. Lifted Ladies Box is a breath of fresh cannabis vapor in a room full of stale smoke. What we mean is this box is not your run-of-the-mill cannabis subscription box. Curated each month with a fun and unique theme in mind, each box contains up to 12 items that range from glass and papers to bath bombs, bags and everything in between. Whether you’re ordering this for youself, a friend or your mom, Lifted Ladies Box is full of goodies that are both everyday necessities and random fun items. Price: $33.95 More Information: liftedladiesbox.com
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REVIEWS
entertainment
BOOK
High Yoga: Enhance Yoga with Cannabis and CBD Treatments for Relaxation, Healing, and Bliss Darrin Zeer Pub. Chronicle Books Never has the intersection between cannabis and yoga been so creative and unique. High Yoga gives cannabis-loving yogis the opportunity to incorporate their two favorite hobbies, courtesy easy-tofollow instructions and simple illustrations of various yoga poses. Poses are given cutesy names like the “Blitzed Bridge Pose” and the “Canna Camel Pose.” Plus, each of the book’s seven chapters connect with our bodies’ chakras (be, energize, feel, open, see, share and free), ensuring that the reader will activate healing energy of their body and mine. Namaste. (Jacob Cannon) 28
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RELEASE DATE: MAY 14 AVAILABLE ON: PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX ONE AND PC
MUSIC
Modern Doubt
GAME
MOVIE
Rage 2
Vice
Dev. Avalanche Studios Pub. Bethesda Softworks
Dir. Adam McKay Annapurna Pictures
Law and order do not exist in the world that Rage 2 takes place in. Instead, this game features a postapocalyptic world that is nearly destroyed by a massive asteroid, causing a global extinction event. Eighty percent of Earth’s population was destroyed, but survivors have begun to rebuild, which has created a need for new factions and settlements. Players are the lucky few who are trying to survive in this dystopian landscape, roaming an open world to fight mutants, collecting tons of weapons, driving a variety of vehicles and using special abilities called “nanotrites” that make this first-person shooter packed with action. (Nicole Potter)
With politics dominating nearly every second of every day, sometimes it can be hard to remember a time any different from our present. Thankfully, writer/ director Adam McKay (The Big Short) is able to take us back to a time not so long ago when things seemed perhaps simpler, but not all that different with Vice. The film follows the life of former Vice President Dick Cheney (played by Christian Bale) as he rises from a Yale University dropout to the holder of one of the most powerful offices in our country. Dark, funny and informative, Vice is one to see immediately. (Simon Weedn)
Whiskey Autumn Self-Released Two years since the release of its last EP, Ice Cream In The Sun, Denver’s Whiskey Autumn has returned with another EP, Modern Doubt. Continuing the band’s move from the folk/Americana sound that the band embraced on its 2011 debut toward a more contemporary, indie pop style, the new EP finds Whiskey Autumn sounding more polished than ever. Leaving its stripped down, acoustic sound far behind, Modern Doubt captures the band electric guitars, synths, drums and beautiful vocal harmonies to create its most epic, huge sounding release so far. For those looking for something close to modern pop inspired alternative rock, look no further. (Simon Weedn)
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OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN AND JOHN EASTERLING Growing and Healing Together By Sharon Letts with John Easterling Olivia Newton-John’s musical career has spanned five decades with more than 100 million albums sold, garnering four Grammy Awards, numerous music awards and 10 number one hits, including “Physical,” the number one single in the 1980s, a starring role in the 1978 musical hit Grease, and another in the cult classic, Xanadu; with enough musical accolades to prompt Billboard Magazine to name Newton-John one of the Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Women Artists in 2015. In 1991 she was named the first Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme, serving as National Spokesperson for the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC), now Healthy Child, Healthy World (HealthyChild. org). This honor came after her daughter Chloe’s best friend passed away from a rare form of childhood cancer, inspiring a lifelong concern for cancer patients in Newton-John. Her own first bout with breast cancer came shortly thereafter in 1992, with NewtonJohn doing what any modern woman at that time would do when faced with cancer, she went through surgery and nine
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months of chemotherapy. Once her cancer was in remission, Newton-John dove headfirst into breast health advocacy and helping others. She established a partnership with Austin Campus in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia, opening the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Research Centre. The Centre has a focus on providing the same therapies that had helped Olivia through her own cancer journey, such as acupuncture, meditation and yoga. To further the philosophy that good health must include mindful therapies, she opened Gaia Retreat & Spa in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia—a place to renew, refresh and restore; with the resort garnering many awards, including TripAdvisor’s number three spot on its Top 10 Celebrity-Owned Hotels in the World and the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2018 #1 Global Hotel of the Year.
“My husband, John, has been working with herbs for decades, I really don’t do anything but glean from his wealth of knowledge. He makes the pudding, I just eat it.”
PHOTO BY SELAH ESTRADA
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“I had tried cannabis years ago and had a bad experience, so it was a whole new mindset I had to get into in order to realize the plant as an important part of my treatment. With cannabis I was able to substantially reduce my morphine use over time by using John’s cannabis formulation.”
Love, Herbs and Happiness In 2008 Newton-John married her longtime friend, John Easterling, otherwise known as “Amazon John,” for his work with the Amazon rainforest’s rich botanical heritage of beneficial plants and his advocacy to protect it. The union wasn’t just a love match, as Easterling’s knowledge of plant-based remedies took center-stage when Newton-John’s cancer returned in 2013—this time in her shoulder with mets to her lungs. The cancer was found by chance, after she was rearended in a car accident. “It was two traumas, really,” Newton-John explained to 34
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CULTURE. “My sister had just passed away months prior from brain cancer, so I was suffering from emotional trauma. After they did an MRI on my shoulder, then a biopsy, the tumor began to grow. I feel this made things worse, and I committed to a new level of focus on natural treatments after that experience.” After spending the last 30 years importing and formulating remedies from plants from the Amazon, Easterling’s instincts led him back to the garden for Newton-John. Guanábana, camu camu, cat’s claw, Sangre de grado, and some mushrooms are just some of the superfoods from the Amazon that he formulated as a master herbalist for his wife, along with a strong
cannabis tincture. Six weeks into the plantbased treatment, NewtonJohn’s daughter, Chloe, flew into Los Angeles, California for a group viewing of the scans. Where there had been nine spots in her lungs, there were now just four, with her cancer markers dropping substantially. Cannabis or plant-based remedy patients typically wait for the skepticism from whatever technician or doctor standing-by, as they share an alternative treatment, but this time was different. “We expected the radiologist to roll his eyes,” Easterling explained. “But, he asked us to send him all the data! He wanted to know everything we were doing, right down to the plants, formula and dosage.”
P H O T O BY M A R K S U L L I VA N B R A D L E Y AT G A I A R E T R E AT & S PA
And although the Centre doesn’t recommend using cannabis at this time, they do respect patient’s choices concerning the beneficial herb used commonly in the U.S. with cancer treatments. Olivia was able to spend time recovering in the wellness center that bears her name in Australia, albeit, incognito. “I wanted to be able to experience the healing like everyone else—and I didn’t want to draw attention to myself—so, I wore a knit cap and a medical face mask when I walked the hall in my walker,” she mused. “It was such a gift to be there and go through the treatments—not just medical, but through art, meditation, mindfulness, and prayer. We flew home directly from the hospital with me in a wheelchair, using a walker—with seven prescription medications in my possession.” Cannabis isn’t yet legal in Australia. Two years ago the country began a medical cannabis program, but it’s limited in scope, so far. The good news is, Newton-John shared that the center named after her is now planning a clinical study with cannabis and cancer.
Rich in Remedy Another Bout, More Pl ants The couple said things went well after the last bout, and then in 2017 Newton-John began having lower back pain, written off initially as sciatica pain. “We got lazy with my maintenance treatments,” Newton-John shared. “I was doing my Vegas residency and was playing tennis when the back pain started.” Maintenance regimens for plant-based cancer patients require due diligence. By September of 2018, Newton-John
said she was doing a wellness walk in Australia, and the pain in her back worsened. “The pain was excruciating,” Newton-John shared. “That’s when we found the tumor had metastasized to my sacrum, as Stage Four. We did some targeted photon radiation at that point, morphine for the pain, and I kept doing herbs. I was flat on my back in bed for one month, then in a wheelchair, then used a walker for a month, then a cane—and now I’m walking without assistance.” Easterling said they used algae and fucus help chelate the excess radiation out of her system after the treatments. PHOTO BY DENISE TRUSCELLO
When the couple returned to their home in California, Easterling was able to roll up his sleeves and get to work on Newton-John’s remedies from the garden—and the garage, so to speak. “Our garage is full of herbs,” Newton-John laughed, while Easterling rattled off the many superfoods from around the world occupying the couple’s space. “I’ve got hundreds of pounds of medicinal plants from the rainforest and around the world,” he shared, speaking of beneficial plants and superfoods commonly used in Latin America. Aside from the many plants he has been importing form the Amazon, his newfound focus is now on cannabis. CultureMagazine.com
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“The pain was excruciating. That’s when we found the tumor had metastasized to my sacrum, as Stage Four. We did some targeted photon radiation at that point, morphine for the pain, and I kept doing herbs. I was flat on my back in bed for one month, then in a wheelchair, then used a walker for a month, then a cane—and now I’m walking without assistance.”
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P H O T O BY K AT H R Y N B U R K E
Easterling began formulating a cannabis remedy for Newton-John, growing a number of cultivars himself in his research garden. His focus is on the plant as chemovar, a more scientific approach to looking at the many compounds, via terpene and cannabinoid extraction from the whole plant to treat the cancer and the entire body, building the immune system so it can aid in fighting the disease. His process includes running multiple (26) chemovars of flower material in dry ice, separating and concentrating the trichomes, then immediately extracting those in cold alcohol using Extractohol, a 190 proof organic sugar cane alcohol. The extract is then filtered. He calls this formulation Extract One Tincture. This Extract One Tincture is a full profile extract of cannabinoids in their acidic or A-form with their naturally occurring terpenes (there are more than 140 known and researched cannabinoids found in cannabis, out of nearly 500 beneficial compounds). Some of the Extract One Tincture is run in a distiller with heat, decarboxylated and concentrated into an oil, or Extract Two Oil. Extract Two Oil is a fully decarboxylated oil with high concentrations of cannabinoids including tetrahydrocannabinol otherwise known as THC, the compound causing psychoactivity. He then blends the Extract Two Oil, which is highly soluble, into the Extract One Tincture. This formula is the remedy Newton-John takes using a dropper, consuming 1,500 milligrams throughout the course of the day. This works out to about 600 milligrams of THC and 200 milligrams of CBD in both acidic and decarboxylated forms. The mixture is highly psychoactive, and the patient must start with a very low dose and titrate their way up to a therapeutic dose to more effectively deal with cancer cell death and numerous other symptoms, while building the immune system. “Olivia is sensitive to the THC, so by taking small drops throughout the day she was able to acclimate to the higher doses in about six weeks,” Easterling explained. It was difficult for the world’s sweetheart to share her cannabis use, even though it was part of a serious cancer protocol, as the stigma is so great. She just doesn’t fit the stereotypical stoner image. “I had tried cannabis years ago and had a bad experience, so it was a whole new mindset I had to get into in order to realize the plant as an important part of my treatment,” she said. “With cannabis I was able to substantially reduce my morphine use over time, by using John’s cannabis formulation.”
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PHOTO BY DENISE TRUSCELLO
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Mainstream media has reported that the cannabis tincture she takes helps with pain, but Easterling eagerly expounds on its many healing properties, including the potential to cause cancer cell death. “Cannabis initiates a number of healing responses that can result in apoptosis, cancer cell death—while healing and strengthening the body,” he detailed. “Another important part of the larger picture is the starting material and how the plants are cultivated. I first grew cannabis in 1970, and every part of Olivia’s medicine is from plants I grew in my research garden.” Easterling has cultivated 26 different types of cannabis plants to date—all grown, as he says, “Bio-harmonically, using a microbial blend of bacteria with a gemstone elixir, and Amazon herbs that go directly into the soil.”
Tending their Garden of Wellness While many may not realize the power of plants involved in Newton-John’s treatment, both are grateful for the research being done around the world with cannabis and other healing plants for serious ailments. At the time of this writing, Easterling is traveling the medical cannabis circuit around the world, speaking out on plant-based therapies and the role cannabis plays in the healing process—especially where his wife and cancer are concerned. “Her markers are going down, the tumors are shrinking and disappearing,” he surmised. “We are just going to keep doing what we’ve been doing, while spreading the word to help others.” Currently Newton-John uses only two prescription medications that block estrogen and 12 milligrams of morphine. This is down from 60 milligrams just three months ago. The rest of her regimen comes from nature’s botanical pharmacy. Her pain is under control, and her mobility has increased substantially. She is back to feeding the horses, driving on her own, meeting with friends and carrying on a full and active life. Even Easterling agrees it’s quite an extraordinary story, from an extraordinary woman. As for Newton-John, she’s grateful that the love of her life is also her own personal apothecary, tending to their garden, her health and the health of the planet. “My husband, John, has been working with herbs for decades, I really don’t do anything but glean from his wealth of knowledge. He makes the pudding, I just eat it,” she laughed. c
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Don’t Stop Believin’ Olivia New ton-John Pub. Galler y Books Time and time again, major setbacks like courageous battles with stage 4 cancer and bone fractures haven’t deterred Olivia Newton-John from achieving her goals through her unbridled career in music, film and philanthropy. In the history of music, few entertainers have sold 100 million albums, yielded 10 number one hits, over 15 top 10 hits and won countless awards with the ease and grace of Newton-John. But beyond her domination in pop music and musical film, Newton-John has a heart of gold, and it’s evident in her ongoing environmental, animal and humanitarian efforts including her partnership with Austin Health and the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Newton-John’s recent conquest has been tackling cancer. Just over 40 years after the release of Grease, Newton-John’s retrospective is a timely look at over four decades of fame and triumph over darkness. Her personal journey is a tale of wellness and resolve—beginning in her childhood years and into her post-fame exploration into major philanthropic efforts in Australia and beyond. Newton-John’s tell-all memoir is delivered through her wit and humor that drove her into superstardom in the first place, from when she was undiscovered.
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SMART ABOUT SKINCARE Holistic dermatologists share the secrets to beautiful skin through CBD By Benjamin M. Adams
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“CBD has anti-inflammatory benefits, it’s high in antioxidants, it’s very good for troubled skin. So when you combine ancient formulas with CBD, that’s what we specialize in. That’s why it’s so powerful. They work.” Sooner rather than later, the world of skincare will never be the same. Topical creams, lotions, salves and other products infused with cannabidiol (CBD) are set to appear in a new domain on drug store shelves. It’s quickly becoming easier to sell CBDinfused items, especially topical items, given the rapidly changing legal ramifications behind it. A domino effect is unfolding, culminating with the 2018 Farm Bill and a statement from the Drug Enforcement Administration about reclassifying hemp-derived CBD. Only the Food and Drug Administration stands in the way,
Herbologist and skincare educator Dr. Jenelle Kim
cautioning against health claims. Now drug stores are catching on, with chains like CVS Health Corp., Walgreens and Rite Aid announcing that they will sell CBDbased topical items. CULTURE reached out to medical experts in the field of CBD and skincare to get a glimpse of why this new trend is catching on. “I’m thrilled beyond words!” Herbologist, acupuncturist and skincare educator Dr. Jenelle Kim told CULTURE in regards to the sweeping changes in the drug store industry—and the growing potential for business. The first time Dr. Kim was approached about entering the CBD industry, she hung up the phone. But slowly, she learned about CBD and the purposes behind it, how it helps children and how it helps with inflammation. It didn’t take long for her to see the enormous potential for CBD in skincare. Learning about CBD-based topicals is a good place to start for people who are new to hemp and cannabis or for those who don’t PHOTO BY CMW MEDIA
want the psychoactive effects. “The number one question that we’re all aware of—whether it’s internally or topically—is ‘Will CBD products get me high?’ The answer is [pure] CBD does not have any psychoactive effects,” said Kim, hinting at a whole new world of hemp products. “One of the main things I like to speak on is riding this tidal wave.” Dr. Kim’s company launched in 2012 with the pioneers in the industry, before most people knew what CBD was all about. Clients came to Dr. Kim and her lab, JBK Wellness Labs, based on her background specifically in Chinese and East Asian herbal medicine. “I come from a lineage of herbal doctors in Korea,” Kim explained. “Why that’s important is that CBD comes from the hemp plant and hemp has been around for thousands of years in Chinese medicine.” Dr. Kim explained that since 2000 BCE, it was used by herbologists and recorded later for the exact same reasons we use it today. The ancient lore of using herbs to calm and strengthen skin is nothing new. “My mission in life is to help share the understanding of herbal medicine, and natural medicine in this part of the world. There’s a balance between both. Topicals, dietary supplements, medicine—it’s so important for our bodies that we know when to use what. People often ask me what’s best.”
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“The number one question that we’re all aware of—whether it’s internally or topically—is ‘Will CBD products get me high?’” That’s why Dr. Kim incorporates ancient herbal mixtures with CBD, and her blends come from the Far East. “We call them BiBong formulas, which translates to ‘secret formula’ in Korean, and it’s commonly understood in East Asia,” Dr. Kim said. “These herbal formulas have been carried [down] by my family for generations. For centuries. Anyone can put herbs in a formula. True herbal medicine, though, is knowing how to use an ingredient, like CBD, and balance it with other herbs to enhance the function of that ingredient. CBD has anti-inflammatory benefits, it’s high in antioxidants, it’s very good for troubled skin. So when you combine ancient formulas with CBD, that’s what we specialize in. That’s why it’s so powerful. They work.” Cannabis Beauty Defined, Dr. Kim’s line of CBD-infused topicals, has been noted as one of the first luxury CBD skincare lines. “I’m very proud of it,” Dr. Kim said. “It’s headed by a MJMA [Medical Marijuana Inc.], which is one of the primaries in this industry. We’re really interested in helping people.” Dermatologist, author and holistic expert Jeanette Jacknin M.D., also wasn’t sure about CBD at first. About four years ago, Jacknin broke her ankle leaving her without cartilage and causing several years of excruciating pain—pain that couldn’t be effectively treated with pharmaceutical medicine. “I had a girlfriend come over and say ‘Look. I have this CBD cream, and it really helps with my neuritis. I really think you should try it topically for your ankle pain,’” Jacknin told CULTURE. “I compared it to my lidocaine patch, and I realized it gave me much better pain relief—then I began researching.” There are dozens of other ways CBD can be beneficial topically. Dr. Jacknin was among the first dermatologists to speak as a panelist on topical cannabinoids, including a pivotal presentation at the Annual Meeting of the 44
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Dermatologist and holistic expert Jeanette Jacknin M.D.
American Academy of Dermatology. It worked out great, because she now has much experience presenting dozens of talks about topicals in the holistic space. While CBD products are new, hemp seed oil products are not. “The acceptance of CBD is good, but it’s also led to a lot of misrepresentation and misunderstanding because people are taking hemp oil and calling it cannabis sativa oil, leading people to believe they get the benefits of CBD
out of that,” Jacknin said. “The difference between CBD oil, hemp seed oil and cannabis oil isn’t understood. Hemp seed oil is great as a [moisturizer], and it’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, but it generally doesn’t contain significant amounts of CBD.” Choosing a reliable company with solid CBD sources is no easy feat. “I’ve consulted for two CBD companies that I think have good products,” Jacknin said, recommending Sopris Health and Wellness. c
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SOOTHING SKINCARE Embrace the secret to supple skin with hemp and cannabis
It’s time to give your skincare routine a facelift! Navigating the world of hemp and CBD skincare can be challenging when there are so many different types of products available to consumers. Learn more about a handful of trusted products offered in the world of hemp and cannabis skincare.
CBD Infused Acne Treatment Regimen by Healthy Skin CBD According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects approximately 50 million Americans every year—and all of those people are seeking a product that can clear up their skin quickly and safely. CBD is a popular ingredient in skincare, given its strong anti-inflammatory properties, and this CBD Infused Acne Treatment Regimen will help clear up acne-prone skin. The product is a simple three-step system that offers a cleanser, toner and moisturizer for daily application. First, the cleanser is a refreshing mix of hemp-derived CBD, kiwi and watermelon (with the added salicylic acid to help unclog pores). Second, the toner offers more CBD, as well as aloe vera and witch hazel, to remove unwanted oil and dirt. And finally, the moisturizer offers a unique mix of CBD, avocado, apple, lentil and a minimal amount of benzoyl peroxide to eliminate acne-related bacteria. Kiss redness and inflammation goodbye as your skin begins to return to its natural, smooth and balanced state! PRICE: $75 MORE INFORMATION: healthyskincbd.com
CBD Lotion by Grassroots Harvest No matter what time of the year, it’s always important to ensure that your skin is moisturized and protected. If you’re also looking to add in the topical benefits of CBD to your skincare routine, then check out this CBD Lotion by Grassroots Harvest. This hand and body lotion contains 400mg of hemp oil extracted CBD per bottle. Also containing organic peppermint essential oil and organic eucalyptus essential oil, the subtle mint smell of this lotion is just a fresh as the topical effects. Treat your skin and your nose to a true spa experience. PRICE: $45 MORE INFORMATION: grassrootsharvest.com
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The Fixer by Beam Take Beam’s advice with this salve: Heal, hustle and repeat. Customers rave about Beam’s product, The Fixer, a 100 percent organic CBD salve. Get ready to feel your best without the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC. Take a small bit of salve and apply it to problem areas of your muscles and skin as needed throughout the day. Smelling of the organic eucalyptus and lavender oils that are in this salve, the scent will calm your mind and body alongside the properties of the product’s total 500mg of organic pharmaceutical-grade full spectrum CBD oil. PRICE: $64.95 MORE INFORMATION: beamtlc.com
Antioxidant Facial Oil by Mad Hippie Utilizing “genuine flower power,” Mad Hippie’s Antioxidant Facial Oil is jam packed with 18 natural ingredients that are proven to help hydrate and maintain healthy skin. This includes but is not limited to argan oil (which hails from a Moroccan tree and is rich in fatty acids and other compounds that smooth the skin), cara cara oil (an ingredient from the Amazon that has more 30 times more vitamin C than an orange) and of course, hemp seed extract. Not only is it a revolutionary product that treats signs of aging skin, but it also leaves out the harmful chemicals commonly found in beauty products. Plus it’s also vegan friendly, GMO-free, cruelty-free and smells amazing too. PRICE: $24.99 MORE INFORMATION: madhippie.com
CLEAN™ by Rawceuticals® If you’re looking to shield your face against the dangers of the environment, give your skin the protection and moisture it needs with CLEAN TM by Rawceuticals®. Complete with cannabis sativa hemp seed oil, sunflower seed oil and PhytoVie™ Defense urban shield copolymer, this facial cleanser effectively removes dirt, makeup and oil while balancing your skin’s oil production. What’s good for your skin also happens to be good for the environment—emerginC plants a tree for every product sold. PRICE: $48 MORE INFORMATION: emerginc.com CultureMagazine.com
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PERFECT POISE AND ADVOCACY
Former beauty queen Syanne Centeno makes the uncommon transition into cannabis By John McClain From pageant queen to cannabis consumer, from walking the evening gown competition to walking customers through cannabis purchases, Syanne Centeno stands tall as a symbol for the broad scope of medical cannabis consumers today. As a passionate advocate, the former beauty pageant winner is using her experiences to create a platform of cannabis reform. Centeno competed in pageants 48
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starting in her early 20s. She won the Miss Maryland World competition in 2015 and was in the Top 12 of the Miss World America competition that same year. Centeno started taking medical cannabis several months ago after being diagnosed with a seizure disorder, tumors and endometriosis. “It’s crazy how quickly I was able to get off of some of my medications, and how there’s been this change in me physically and mentally,” said Centeno, who has also battled mental health issues
P H OTO BY G E O R G I N A VAU G H A N
and found that cannabis alleviated those as well. “Everyone has been saying I smile a lot more; I’m getting a lot more done.” Centeno’s life quickly changed as she was presented with opportunities in the medical cannabis space. While visiting a clinic as a patient, she was asked to come to work for a medical cannabis certification clinic. Then, while working there, she was offered a job at Finding Haven in Brandywine, Maryland after being impressed by her work skills.
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“I started as a patient, and it’s really cool to have gotten into this industry coming from a patient’s perspective. I never thought that I would transition to anything cannabis-related from being Miss Maryland World,” she said. Centeno doesn’t wear her pageant crown to work, but even a change in hairstyle and a pair of glasses doesn’t stop her from being recognized a couple of times behind at the cool blue-lit counter of the dispensary. “It’s a little awkward,” she said. “You just don’t expect people to recognize you.” Centeno’s passion for helping others shines not only through her work and her studies in drug and alcohol counseling at the University of Southern Maryland, but it also shows in her nonprofit devoted to honoring children battling serious illnesses. During her reign as Miss Maryland World 2015, Centeno began the Warrior Princess Initiative, an organization that recognizes children with life-threatening diseases. “I would remember about how I would feel when I was crowned,” said Centeno, “and I wanted to make children feel the same feeling of excitement and feel good about themselves.” The nonprofit has been on hiatus while she was in and out of the hospital for the last couple of years, but she is rebuilding the organization while attending school, working and planning a summer wedding. Centeno said that it was crazy that people had such a negative perception of cannabis, but felt that education was key to future acceptance and understanding. Her own early conversations about her medical cannabis brought concern the medication would tarnish her reputation. “Well, isn’t that the reason we need to talk about it? Because, you know, I’m not what people think . . . ” she said. She mentioned her gratefulness that cannabis was legalized for medical use and she was able to use it to change her life, in terms of both her health and her career path. Centeno uses her public image and speaking engagements to advocate for medical cannabis use and to help erase the stigma of cannabis consumption. “I use cannabis and, yeah, I was a pageant queen . . . but that doesn’t mean that I can’t use cannabis. Doctors use it, lawyers use it, all kinds of people use it, and the fact of cannabis is changing, I think we need to showcase that.” “It’s a part of my story now, and I can’t leave it out. It’s become part of me.” c 50
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“I started as a patient, and it’s really cool to have gotten into this industry coming from a patient’s perspective. I never thought that I would transition to anything cannabis-related from being Miss Maryland World.”
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UNIVERSAL HUMOR
Amir K found that comedy helped him acclimate to life in America after immigrating from Iran By David Edmundson When the bubble burst on the housing market in 2008, Amir K decided it was time to stop waiting on his dream of performing stand-up comedy. He moved to Los Angeles, California, hustled his ass off and made his dreams come true. Amir came to the United States when he was five years old, after his father brought his family from a war-torn Iran—a sacrifice that caused Amir to postpone his true calling in life, comedy. But don’t fret, because this story has a happy ending. The actor and writer is perhaps best known for his roles on MADtv and 2017’s Hollywood Said No. CULTURE was fortunate enough to sit down with the energetic comic, and he was very candid about his comedic beginnings, his delay in entering the scene and his experience with cannabis. Spoiler alert, you may never look at LEGOs the same again.
You’ve been doing standup for over a decade now. How did you get into it? I was always a funny kid, and my fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Smith, encouraged me to do some performance things for the class. But I didn’t know what it was, because we’re immigrants. I came here with 52
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my family when I was five years old. I was transplanted into this whole new world, and I had to learn how things worked culturally and how people interact. The miscommunications in those situations provided me with a lot of material. I loved making my friends laugh. If we were all laughing, it helped me fit in, because
PHOTOS BY JON PREMOSCH
we were all together. I learned that my connection to other people was through laughter, because humor can cross all borders. How did your family react to your comic aspirations? I kind of had to skirt around the issue. My dad brought us from Iran,
through a war, sacrificing so much so that his family could have a better life. So, I felt I owed it to him to go to school, so that’s what I did, and I put my real dream and passion on the back burner. I would do the occasional open mic while I was at school at UCLA, but after college it would be another eight to 10 years before I would get back into it. And it’s funny, in hindsight I don’t think they would have ever had a problem with me doing stand-up if I just talked to them. They were just looking out for me and wanted me to be happy and make a decent living. Why the lengthy delay? After I graduated, the real estate market was booming, so I decided to do that. I made a bunch of money and eventually started an appraisal company. The whole time making up excuses not to do stand-up. I would always say I was going to get back to it, but I had a good job. Then the market
tanked in 2008, and I was like “Fuck it! I’m going all in.” I moved up to LA, and I would pass out fliers to get people to come into the comedy clubs. If I got enough people to come in, they would let me do a set on the late show. Society and its acceptance of comedy have changed significantly in the last 10 years. Have you had to augment your performance? It really depends on where you go. I don’t mind playing anywhere, because I feel that if you’re funny, you’re funny anywhere. It transcends everything, and of course some places are more sensitive than others, but I don’t think you should change your show in any way if you are trying to pursue comedy for your personal satisfaction. I don’t want to do a standup set that I don’t enjoy because I’m afraid to upset somebody. I’m doing this because I love doing it, not to fit into somebody’s pre-conceived notion of what I should do or say.
Most comedians have felt it, but I think there is a pushback happening right now in comedy, and in a couple years I think it will go back to normal where we are allowed to say whatever we want. Because we should be, we’re comedians not politicians. I think we are moving past the hypersensitivity. If you don’t like the stuff, don’t go. That’s why I prefer to work comedy clubs. Because the audience knows that they are there for a show and to be entertained. They are paying to hear stories from a different point of view, and most adults are okay with that. Can you tell us about the first time you were introduced to cannabis? I had a cousin who was a few years older than me, and we would always skate together. We were skating at a gas station when I was in sixth grade, and he had a pipe made out of LEGOs, actual LEGO pieces with a piece of foil as a screen. Super unhealthy way to smoke, but we were just
dumb kids trying to get high. I remember being super hyper-aware of everything going on. I was transfixed on watching my foot push my skateboard as I went around and around this gas station. One time my cousin got ahold of some hash, and we smoked way too much. It must have been a combination of the hash and my low tolerance, but I remember getting one of those big jugs of Gatorade, and shaking it after I took off the lid, not realizing what I was doing. So, there’s red Gatorade going everywhere in the kitchen, and I remember thinking that I was out of my mind. And as I got older, I remember a lot of my friends telling me I was the first person they got high with. What kind of role does cannabis play in your life now? I use it now to deal with anxiety, or if I need to get a little extra creativity when I write. Or if I’m doing a late show at a club, I’ll smoke a little to get loose. Not so much that I’m out of my mind, but just enough to take a little of the edge off. It also helps me focus. My mind is like a rat’s nest, and sometimes when I smoke it helps quiet my negative thoughts and anxiety and allows me to be more present in the moment without worrying about a lot of other stuff. That’s what makes cannabis the porthole to my creativity. It also lowers my guard on some things I might be hesitant to talk about on stage. It lets my mind, just go. And when I’m really in the zone, the audience will go with me. c www.amircomedy.com CultureMagazine.com
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CULINARY ARTISTRY
Chef Andrea Drummer brings an important level of advocacy to cannabis cuisine By Caroline Hayes Andrea Drummer uses her culinary expertise to educate people on the joys and benefits of the cannabis plant. Located in Los Angeles, California, Chef Drummer is making her mark on the industry with her exquisite cannabis-infused cuisine, her drive for cannabis justice and her entrepreneurial attitude. Raised in the South, Drummer grew up being told that cannabis would lead her down the wrong path. As a young adult, Drummer began her career as an advocate for nonprofit groups, focusing her efforts on youth and the homeless. She was very much anti-drug and pushed for the “Just Say No” agenda. After her nonprofit work, Drummer studied at Le Cordon Bleu where she earned a Culinary Arts and Chef Training degree. Drummer landed her first job at The RitzCarlton working with Chef Neal Frazer. Due to long hours on her feet as a chef, Drummer started experiencing lower back 54
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pain. A friend gave her medical cannabis to relieve her discomfort, and she slowly began to believe in the healing powers of cannabis. To say Drummer did a complete 180 degree turn would be accurate. “I am eternally grateful to anti-cannabis Andrea. Because of her, my work is all encompassing. I’m familiar with the voice of those that reject cannabis. That voice was me. That proximity of understanding is instrumental in how I navigate the advocacy work that I do today,” Drummer told CULTURE. In 2012, Drummer began cooking with cannabis and formed Elevation VIP Cooperative, a California-based catering company that serves fine cannabisinfused foods at private events. Drummer is also the food editor at cannabisMD, author of Cannabis Cuisine: Bud Pairings of a Born Again Chef and was seen on Cooking on High, a Netflix original series. She has also cooked for high profile celebrities such as Chelsea Handler and Wiz Khalifa.
Drummer throws one heck of a dinner party and demonstrates excellence in not only her cooking but entertaining as well. “Well, I’m of the Ritz-Carlton ilk. So, I believe in a specific level of service. The food, once mastered, is easy to deliver. It comes down to taking every opportunity to enhance the guest experience. Whether that’s an unexpected enhancement like a researched cocktail, a personalized gift, an on-site massage therapist, a cannabis sommelier. Being a service professional means being the best of service. I’ll forever be exploring ways to perfect that,” she told CULTURE. Drummer designs meticulously thought-out menus with nourishing foods, appropriately infused with cannabis and plated to perfection. It’s an art form that she is dedicated to and has built her career around. She works with a sliding scale when it comes to dosing. “The conversation begins with the recognized standard of proper dosing, which is 10mg. From there, it’s about acknowledging the guest desired experience and their tolerance level. That could mean an enhanced serving for a more advanced consumer or a lowered dosage/strain with added CBD to balance the THC content for novices,” Drummer said. Outside of hiring Elevation VIP Cooperative to cater a private event, we wanted to know where inquiring taste buds could taste Chef Drummer’s cooking. Her response, “Soon enough, guests will be able to make a reservation at the first on-site consumption lounge in West Hollywood. I’ve partnered with an amazing entity that is Lowell Farms. We were fortunate to be one of a few recipients of [an] on-site consumption license given by the city of WeHo. We’re incredibly excited to make infused dining accessible to the general public.” Lowell Farms: A Cannabis Café is set to open in summer 2019. This all sounds like a dream come true, albeit a potential obstacle on the horizon, and that is state health departments around the country are cracking down on the infusion of cannabidiol (CBD) in cuisine. “It’s definitely unfortunate since so many have put great energy into thoughtful and creative CBD programs. Conversely, it is a double-edged sword. While we [are disappointed] now, it’ll benefit us all to have standard regulation
on CBD use moving forward,” Drummer explained confidently. Despite the potential of changing regulations, the future will be busy for Drummer. She told CULTURE, “The goal is a few more on-site consumption cafes, more advocacy, television, a series of B&Bs and whatever I can do to move the needle on global legalization.” Powerhouses like Drummer are helping to shift the negative views and reputation of the cannabis. Chef Drummer is infusing healthy, homemade cuisines with homegrown cannabis and the goal isn’t to get high. It’s to nourish the mind, body and soul with the healing powers of the plant. Cannabis and food revolve around ritual and ultimately bring people of all cultures together. There is no doubt that when intertwining them, the ritual goes deeper, the connection becomes stronger and the message gets louder. c
“It’s definitely unfortunate since so many have put great energy into thoughtful and creative CBD programs. Conversely, it is a double-edged sword. While we [are disappointed] now, it’ll benefit us all to have standard regulation on CBD use moving forward.”
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GROWING CULTURE
THE ADVANTAGE OF SMALL PLANTS
A
By Ed Rosenthal large, healthy, flowering cannabis plant is an inspiring sight. It’s the successful culmination of an entire season’s effort. The quest for big plants is an artifact of eased prohibition rules, which allowed cultivation for personal consumption, usually based on plant numbers four, six or 10. Some of these numbers have remained the same with legalization. If you can grow only a limited number of plants, grow as big as you can. However, commercial growers, even microbusinesses, can sometimes grow an unlimited number of plants. This opens up a lot of possibilities. Growing a large plant takes time, labor, energy and space. The first stages of growth are spent nurturing branch and leaf infrastructure. These parts of the plant are not harvested, as only the flowers grown on the branches during flowering are used. When figuring the cost of the active ingredient, whether tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or another cannabinoid, all the costs must be taken into account. This includes the cost of getting the plants ready for flowering. There is a way to speed up production and cut the use of your time, energy and labor: Remove growing plant infrastructure from the equation so the plants spend more time flowering. Usually, vegetating plants grow until the canopy space
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is filled. These plants will keep growing vegetatively as long as they are provided with enough light, about 18-24 hours daily. Assuming you have enough space and light, fill the canopy with plants placed close together, on 6-8 inch centers. Once they are in place, grow them vegetatively until they have five to eight sets of leaves. Using a timer, change the light cycle to 12 hours on, 12 hours off. Make sure not to interrupt the dark period with any light other than green because it will interrupt the plants’ photoperiod regimen, which will result in softer, smaller buds. The plants will start flowering within seven to 10 days. Some varieties with sativa backgrounds will continue to grow for a while even as they flower, doubling in height by ripening time. Other varieties, mostly with indica backgrounds, slow vertical growth almost immediately, growing about 20 percent taller. The plantlets of most varieties will not grow any side branches once they are in flowering regimen. Instead they will put their energy into producing flowers along the stem that ripen into a single bud, or just a few larger buds. This technique can be used indoors or out. Indoors and under lights, it’s easy to adjust the light regimen. Outdoors and in greenhouses use a blackout curtain for light deprivation during the summer. During the fall, winter and early spring there is a long enough dark period to promote flowering. With small plants you save transplanting pruning, staking and other laborious chores. You also cut greenhouse shelf time and save on manicuring, because there are fewer buds, which are larger and easier to manicure. c
Indica-dominant hybrid clones were set in 4” rockwool cubes and placed under a HID light using a 12/12 light/dark regimen. Each produced a single big bud.
In Ketama, Morocco, male plants are removed from the field to feed the goats. In mid-July the male plants’ flowers were opening and the females were two weeks into flowering. The seeds had been broadcast and there were 10-15 plants per square foot. By harvest time the males will be desiccated, leaving half that number of plants to be harvested.
Clones planted in a field in Jamaica. Even during the summer most imported varieties and their hybrids start flowering early because of the long nights. (On June 22, the longest day of the year, dawn to dusk, is 14 hours.) Ten hours of darkness daily is long enough to push many varieties into flowering. The plants are growing buds all along the central stem, rather than branching. These plants grew to three feet as they produced flowers.
Plants were placed two per fivegallon container and were forced to flower when they were about a foot tall. Each plant grew a single bud that stretched 10-12 inches.
Clones with about eight sets of leaves, 10-12 inches tall were spaced about a foot apart in 18” wide rows. The rows were covered late each afternoon so the plants received only 12 hours of light daily. They are near ripe in the middle of July.
Small clones of Ed Rosenthal Super Bud were placed in various size containers and allowed to flower under natural light in a greenhouse beginning in midFebruary. They received only a few hours of direct sunlight. Nevertheless, eight weeks later they are only a few days from harvest. Close-up of an Ed Rosenthal Superbud.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to CULTURE Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/ copyright holder.
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COLORADO NOW! EVENT LISTINGS
David Sedaris, May 9 David Sedaris’ side-splitting humor is what helped him become one of the most popular humorists in the literary world through a series of critically acclaimed books and memoirs. His self-depreciating personal anecdotes usually revolve around homosexuality, drugs and his battles with obsessive compulsive disorder. Paramount Theatre, Denver paramountdenver.com
Colorado Chocolate Festival, May 10-11 Pick up something sweet, special and delicious for your mother, just in time for a last-minute Mother’s Day gift. You can’t lose with chocolate, because it’s one of the few gifts you can give that nearly all people enjoy, and you might as well take advantage of the festival and grab some for yourself, too. Denver Mart, Denver cochocolatefests.com 7th Annual Mother’s Day Eve Show + Dance Party, May 11 Brought to you by The Pump and Dump Show, the 7th Annual Mother’s Day Eve Show is the “parentally incorrect” comedy show that regularly sells out tickets. Join comediennes Tracey Lee and Shayna Ferm for a raw and honest look at the struggles of being a mother and parenting in general. Paramount Theatre, Denver paramountdenver.com 58
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Garbage, May 14 After producing critically acclaimed albums like Nirvana’s Nevermind, Butch Vig decided to perform some of his own songs and form a band. Fronted by Scottish singer Shirley Manson, Garbage is one of the best alternative bands to come out of the ’90s grunge scene, and the band still manages to crank out albums to this day. Summit Music Hall, Denver summitdenver.com
featured event
THE ROLLING STONES, MAY 26
Tech N9ne, May 16 Aaron Dontez Yates is better known as Tech N9ne and brought the chopper style of rapping to the forefront of hiphop music. Last year, Tech N9ne dropped his latest album N9na on April 19, which incredibly is his 21st full-length studio album, and there are no signs that Tech N9ne is slowing down. Sunshine Studios Live, Colorado Springs sunshinestudioslive.com
in Faygo soda, colorful haircuts and ultra-vulgar lyrics. The Black Sheep, Colorado Springs insaneclownposse.com
Insane Clown Posse, May 17 If you don’t know what a Juggalo is, then don’t ask—it’s probably not for you. Horrorcore rappers Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope have been in the game since the early ’90s, and it shows through their extensive catalogue of music and cult-like fan base that indulges
Galaxy High Sci-Fi Night, May 18 At The Coffee Joint, you can enjoy one of the few places where you can legally vape or dab in Denver without looking over your shoulder. To ensure a psychedelic experience, this particular event will feature Mars Attacks in HD on the projector screen, which
Somehow Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the rest of the gang are still alive and kicking after over five solid decades of partying. Jagger recently survived heart surgery, so of course he’s already back on the road with the legendary band that he’s been performing with since 1962. Mile High Stadium, Denver broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com will definitely be better combined with cannabis. The Coffee Joint, Denver thecoffeejointco.com Iration and UB40, May 23 Santa Barbara, Californiabased reggae band Iration will be joined by the legendary hit-maker UB40 from Birmingham, England. Both bands can be described as “sunshine reggae,” a happier, lighter form of reggae-based music that has become its own genre. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison redrocksonline.com
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NEWS of the
WEIRD
BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL
LEAD STORY—NEW WORLD ORDER In Raleigh, North Carolina, residents of The Dakota apartment complex are stepping out a little more confidently after management engaged the services of a company called PawzLife. The Raleigh News and Observer reported on March 22 that residents were growing disgusted with the amount of dog feces on the sidewalks and green spaces around the complex. So management turned to a high-tech solution: Residents who own dogs
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are required to bring them to a “pup party,” where PawzLife collects their DNA with a simple saliva swipe and creates a “unique DNA profile” for each dog. The company then visits the neighborhood to pick up any stray poop, and owners whose dogs are a match with the poop DNA are fined $100 per offense. PawzLife owner Matthew Malec said, “We are just trying to make the Earth a little bit better to live on.” NOTHING BETTER TO DO ... Traffic on a street in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles came to a virtual stop as two cars engaged in a legendary standoff over a parking space on April 1. Fox News reported that Mariah Flores, who was positioned across the street, documented the
entire two-hour dispute on Twitter, as the “black car” and the “silver car” jockeyed to parallel park in one open spot along the sidewalk. As horns honked and tensions mounted, a “plot twist” changed the whole dynamic: The owner of a third vehicle, parked in front of the empty space, left, leaving room for both black and silver to park. The drivers quickly settled their vehicles in the spaces but then sat in their cars for some time. “Like are they afraid of each other or is it just awkward now?” Flores wondered. Finally, the driver of the silver car emerged, prompting Flores’ comment, “SILVER takes the gold.” . . . And Too Much Money to Do It With A wealthy San Francisco philanthropist, Florence
Fang, 84, is being sued by the city of Hillsborough over the “Flintstones” home and grounds she has created in the suburb. The oddly shaped house was built in 1976, and Fang bought it in 2017. Today it’s painted purple and red, features a large “Yabba Dabba Do” sign near the driveway, and Fang has added dinosaur and mushroom figurines, along with Fred Flintstone himself, to the yard. “We don’t like it when people build things first, then come in and demand or ask for permission later,” huffed Assistant City Attorney Mark Hudak, who told KTVU Fang built without the proper permits and the property is subject to code violations along with offending the neighbors’ aesthetic sensibilities.
But Angela Alioto, Fang’s attorney, said the home is Fang’s “happy place.” Fang doesn’t live in the home but uses it for entertainment and charitable events. “She’s had an incredible life, and I think it’s wonderful that, at 84 years old, she has found something that makes her so happy,” Alioto told the San Mateo Daily Journal. Lauren Jenai, 47, cofounder (with her exhusband) of CrossFit, has struck up a new romance with an old flame: Franklin Tyrone Tucker, also 47, who resides at the Stock Island Detention Center in Florida, where he awaits trial for first-degree murder and armed robbery. Jenai sold her CrossFit shares for $20 million after her divorce and now lives in Portland, Oregon. She
and Tucker, childhood friends, reconnected on Facebook before Tucker’s arrest, and she has risen to his defense, offering to put up his $1 million bond (which was denied in January) and hiring private investigators for his case. She has not been able to see Tucker in person, but they were enjoying video visitation—until, by Jenai’s admission, she “got a little risque . . . I was touching my boobs.” Her account was suspended, so she began using her mother’s account, but it happened again: “My boobs popped out at some point, it happens.” Tucker and Jenai are scheduled to wed in prison, and she told the Daily Mail she won’t ask him to sign a prenup: It feels “a little inappropriate. . . . I trust him. I love him. My house is his house.”
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