Culture Magazine Colorado November 2016 by Culture Magazine

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iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

contents Vol 8 IssUE 5

11.16

POSITIVE VIBRATIONS

Reggae icon Pato Banton is a musician with talent, charisma and a passion for cannabis legalization.

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ON THE COVER:

p h o t o b y J o h n G i l h o o le y

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contents

inside

11.2016

features 66 34

A Concerning Consequence Colorado Springs City Council voted to place greater controls on medical cannabis in the downtown area.

High Quality Choice Chong’s Choice is keeping its cannabis products organic, clean and locally sourced.

Veterans’ Right To Heal In light of this month’s Veteran’s Day, we are digging in to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a problem that affects millions of military veterans, and the status of their right to medical cannabis in this country.

Charitable Contributions The cannabis community has roots in helping people feel and get better, and its amicable nature allows it to give back to local communities.

Rising Star Laganja Estranja, breakout star from RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 6), is a singer, dancer and allout supporter of cannabis.

Psych-Rock Fusion Once a simple bowling team, Love Gang has banded together to create some truly ambitious and amazing music.

departments news 12 News Nuggets 18 By the Numbers 20 Local News 22 Legal Corner reviews 24 Dispensary Highlight 26 Company Highlight 28 Advocate Highlight 30 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 34 Holiday Gift Guide 38 Entertainment Reviews

in every issue

72 Growing Culture 74 Destination Unknown 76 Profile in Courage

78 Recipes 82 Colorado Now! 84 News of the Weird

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online Exclusive! d Democratic Candidate for Utah

Governor Position Has a Plan for Medical Cannabis in the State d THC Recently Proven to Make You

Smarter in New Study

Vol 8 IssUE 5

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CULTURE M

Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Jamie Solis Managing Editor Addison Herron-Wheeler Editorial Contributors Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson Damian Weiler Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designer Tanya Delgadillo sales director Justin Olson Regional Manager Kim Cook Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Teddy Helms, Beau Odom, Chris Thatcher, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson digital marketing Alazzia Gaoay manager Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,400 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.

10940 S. Parker Road, #237 | Parker | CO | 80134-7440 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com

CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.

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NEWS

nuggets

Kansas Attorney General Complains About Colorado Cannabis Even though more states are continuing to legalize and Colorado has many safeguards in place to keep cannabis contained, Kansas is still complaining that the plant is coming across state borders. Attorney General Derek Schmidt claims that cannabis is still all over his state, and that issues with cannabis and levels of potency are on the rise. However, those in the industry think he is blowing things out of proportion. “The truth is marijuana exists in our society with or without legalization,” stated Jordan Person, Executive Director of Denver NORML. “By passing regulations in every state we reduce the possible diversion of unregulated products state to state.” Colorado will continue to perfect its process of regulating cannabis and trying to keep it within state lines, but there is little else it can do to prevent cannabis from exiting the state. Not to mention that Colorado’s regulatory framework was approved by voters, and a complaint from the Kansas State Attorney General will do little to change the people’s voice.

Cannabis Possession Penalties Are Lowered in Memphis, Tennessee The city council of Memphis, Tennessee has moved to lower penalties on cannabis possession. The ordinance allows Memphis Police Department the ability to charge someone who was under the possession of cannabis a lesser charge than what is outlined by the state of Tennessee. Currently in the state, a person who is possessing half an ounce or less of cannabis can face a misdemeanor charge, up to a year of incarceration, plus a maximum fine of $2,500. Memphis’ new law allows an officer to instead charge the accused with a $50 ticket from the city. In the ordinance’s text, the council outlined the reasoning for this change. “Whereas, the City Council does not support or encourage the use of marijuana or any other controlled substance but finds that, when an individual’s only offense is possession or casual exchange of marijuana for personal use, criminal penalties imposed by state law and resulting criminal records for such as offense are disproportionate to the severity of the offense . . .” As the second city in the state to adopt much lesser punishment, it will be interesting to see if this will continue to happen throughout other local governments in the state.

Cannabis Extract is Recognized as Medicine by U.K. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom made a decision to recognize cannabis oil that is high in CBD to be medicinal. A letter sent by the MHRA shared its decision with producers and distributors of CBD products. “The MHRA has now completed its review and has considered all information available to it relating to cannabidiol (CBD oil) and having taken into account all the scientific advice and evidence, it has come to an opinion that products containing cannabidiol will satisfy the second limb of the definition of a ‘medicinal product’ . . .” This decision was reached after the proof that CBD oil is able to aid in physiological functions through its ability to affect a immunological, metabolic or pharmacological action. The next step is for the government to make sure the CBD products are regulated accordingly to protect public health.

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Denver’s Auditor Wants More Cannabis Tax Transparency The auditor for the city of Denver, Timothy O’Brien, claims that the Office of Marijuana Policy needs to be more transparent about how they spend their tax dollars. While he states that it is hard to deny that the money being generated from legal cannabis is a good thing, he claims that the cannabis industry could help its image by sharing exactly how every dollar is spent. However, one of the issues with providing transparency is that the industry still struggles for bank access, making accurate accounting difficult. “In a cash industry that handles millions of dollars, I believe it is wrong to place the blame on the businesses,” explained Ann Toney, a cannabis legal consultant. “If these businesses had access to banks, they could present much more organized records.” As the industry makes strides and finds its footing, it is inevitable that more transparent reporting will follow once cannabis business owners are granted access to resources.

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NEWS

The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that the Colorado Department of Education is offering in grants per school per year for bully prevention, using cannabis tax revenue: (Source: The Denver Channel)

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Colorado generated in cannabis taxes and fees in 2015:

135

(Source: Colorado General Assembly)

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the Colorado state surplus cannabis tax revenue fund currently contains:

(Source: The Denver Channel)

The estimated percentage of electricity sales that cannabis businesses use in Colorado and Washington: (Source: EQ Research)

The percentage of Arizonans who favor cannabis legalization: (Source: AZ Central)

The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that hemp soap company Dr. Bronner’s donated to an Arizona-based pro-cannabis campaign: (Source: AZ Central)

The percentage of Mainers who favor legalizing cannabis for recreational use: (Source: Portland Press Herald)

The amount of cannabis, in ounces, that a person can now legally possess in Memphis, Tennessee after the city council agreed to reduce cannabis possession penalties: (Source: WREG Memphis)

100

0.5

Marijuana for Medical Professionals 2016

WHAT: Marijuana for Medical Professionals 2016. WHEN/WHERE: Mon, Nov. 14-Wed, Nov. 16. The Westin Denver Downtown, 1672 Lawrence St., Denver. INFO: Visit marijuanaformedicalprofessionals.com for more information. While cannabis has been used for medical purposes since ancient times, its prohibition in modern times had kept it separate from our mainstream medical field. Now, with research continually pointing to the medical benefits of cannabis, seminars like Marijuana for Medical Professionals 2016 are allowing professionals in the medical field to learn more about cannabis. This training seminar is helpful for clinicians, nurses and physicians, and it could also help to train budtenders, labs and dispensaries. Some 18

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of the most well-known cannabis experts will be speaking at the event, from the groundbreaking researcher Raphael Mechoulam, PhD to the Professor of Pediatrics at University of Colorado School of Medicine, Edward J. Hoffenberg, MD. The sessions offered at this three-day seminar provide much insight into making the cannabis industry better informed. Some seminars will be “Cannabis in Psychiatry,” “What is Endocannabinoid Deficiency Disorder?” and “Sell-Smart Responsible Vendor.”

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was made in Colorado from medical and recreational sales in August 2016:

126

(Source: FOX 31 Denver)

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NEWS

LOCAL

29th Annual Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival

IMPORTANT EDUCATION Cannabis sommelier training is rising in popularity and Denver is the hub for it

by Jamie Solis he first cannabis sommelier school is operating within the Denver area, and its concept and attendance is growing in popularity, and is even gaining some international attention. The Trichome Institute is an educational institution that offers students reliable, indepth information about cannabis, in a similar way that you would learn about artisanal cheese or wine. CULTURE was able to learn more about this premiere cannabis school by connecting with Max Montrose, President of the Trichome Institute. The institute was created after Montrose noticed a need in the cannabis community for quality education and training in every sector of the industry, and now the school is so successful and trusted that it has international students flying to the Colorado campus to take a few courses. “Trichome is on a mission to help the industry solve its biggest and most complicated issues,” Montrose said. “We have developed technologies and platforms to solve issues like strain name counterfeiting, cannabis quality testing and certification, and the spread of cannabis misinformation.” There are various courses available throughout the country at other establishments, to aid in the betterment of the industry as a whole and specifically to aid customers and workers within the industry with thorough understanding of the plant and ever-changing needs of the consumer. However, the Trichome Institute allows students to gets hands-on with cannabis and have the opportunity to get certified (although they are not allowed to consume the product on campus). One of their many high-level certification courses, 20

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Interpening, is a perfect example of the kind of cannabis education being offered by the school. “We teach people how to dissect, see and smell the spectrum of cannabis psychoactivity in our cannabis sommelier program, Interpening,” Montrose said. Although the school is based out of Colorado and offers in-person education at the Colorado Free University in Denver, online courses are available worldwide as well. The courses that are currently available online are “Cannabis Products and Sales Training for Budtenders” and “Cannabis Products Course.” The budtenders course is recommended for anyone working in the industry, while the other course is helpful to the general public. The Trichome Institute is unique in its mission to provide cutting-edge cannabis education. Montrose shared how Trichome Institute is the only cannabis education company that authors and reviews workbooks and textbooks in addition to its interactive online education. “We will continue to develop more courses and get them online to provide cannabis enthusiasts and industry members alike with a trusted source for quality cannabis education,” he said. Many people who work in the cannabis industry feel passionate about their work, because they are able to help people. By providing education that ensures budtenders and other cannabis professionals are as knowledgeable as possible, Trichome is helping to better the industry. Montrose enjoys the benefits of the work that he does on a daily basis. “The rewards of running Trichome are never ending,” he tells us. “The thank you emails from sick people, enthusiasts and business owners we help is unreal. We don’t grow and sell weed like the majority of the industry; we do science, research and entrepreneurship that is educating and reshaping the entire world with this sacred medicine as our focus.” c

Treat yourself to a weekend of films at the United States’ longest running women’s film festival. Various films will be shown over the weekend at four different locations. There will be documentaries, animated films and narrative shorts, all of which spread a message of personal growth and awareness. The films will be thoughtprovoking, and they are sure to stimulate engaging conversations around important topics that we face both individually and on a global level. Don’t miss the kick-off on Friday evening during the Opening Night Gala. There will be hors d’ourves and wine prior to the screening off the kick-off film, Driving with Selvi. This film is about a girl named Selvi who lives in India and finds herself married into an abusive relationship at a young age. Find out what happens when she chooses to escape and live a life of her own. During the weekend days, filmmakers will answer questions about their films and participate in panel discussions. WHAT: 29th Annual Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival. WHEN/WHERE: Fri, Nov. 11-Sun, Nov. 13. Various locations in Colorado Springs. INFO: Visit rmwfilminstitute.org for more information.

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NEWS

legal corner

KNOW YOUR POSITION A guide to learning what’s legal in Colorado from the MED

by Ann Toney

id you know that you could write to the Colorado Department of Revenue Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) and ask them if something is legal under Colorado’s statutes and regulations? You are simply asking the MED for a “Statement of Position” to find out whether if you take an action, if it will be legal within the MED regulatory scheme. Due to the nature of Colorado’s groundbreaking and continually evolving cannabis laws, this is an excellent tool for business people. Even though it has taken at least seven legislative sessions to develop our cannabis laws, and I don’t know how many “work groups” discussing regulations, we have developed a body of cannabis laws second to none for our state’s renowned industry. Colorado is the national leader in developing laws needed to govern this burgeoning industry. Colorado is not for the faint of heart;

first our progressive citizens passed the medical and retail amendments, and then our legislature has courageously struggled to define a delivery system to carry out the will of the People. So, what are some “Statement of Position” inquires people have presented to the MED? Well there have been three 2016 inquires posted on the MED website. One inquiry was “Does the law prohibit one medial OPC from transferring medical marijuana to more than one MMC with which it is vertically aligned and commonly owned?” The initials OPC stand for “Optional Premises Cultivation” and MMC stands for “Medical Marijuana Center” (hereinafter referred to as Center). The response from the MED was that an OPC must be vertically aligned with a single licensed Center. The rules do not permit an OPC to be vertically aligned with more than one Center. An OPC license may only be issued to a

person licensed as a Center or as a medical marijuana infused manufactured infused product (MIP). An OPC may only transfer medical cannabis to its commonly owned Center. The next inquiry asked “[W]hether commonly owned MIPs can transfer product/concentrates between themselves.” The response was that the current regulations, also referred to as the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code, sections 12-43.3-101 et seq., C.R.S., do not permit direct transfers of medical cannabis or MIPs (medical cannabis-infused products) from one MIP to another MIP. The statute does not allow MIPs to receive medical cannabis from another MIP. Transfers by a MIP to entities other than a licensed medical cannabis center are not permitted. The most recent inquiry asks “Are retail marijuana stores permitted to purchase and sell seeds from anyone other than licensed retail marijuana cultivation?” The

“Colorado is not for the faint of heart; first our progressive citizens passed the medical and retail Amendments, and then our legislature has courageously struggled to define a delivery system to carry out the will of the People.” MED responds that “A licensed Retail Marijuana Store (Retail Store) may not purchase Retail Marijuana from outside the regulated distribution system. Retail marijuana means all parts of the plant of the genus cannabis whether growing or not, the seeds thereof, the resin extracted from any part of the plant, and every compound . . .” Rule R 103, 1CCR 212-2. c

2016 Boulder Balkan Bash

WHAT: 2016 Boulder Balkan Bash. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Nov. 12. The Avalon, 6185 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder. INFO: Visit www.avalonevents.org for more information. Get ready to move to some international music, and you will see first-hand how the language of dance is universal. Six local bands will be sharing their talent playing traditional and contemporary music from Eastern Europe. Learn how to line dance and waltz, or you can choose to be a spectator if you have two left feet. There will be a potluck, as well, so feel free to bring a

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dish that showcases your culinary skill. You will surely hear some new music, as the tunes are coming from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Russia, Turkey and more. The 2016 Boulder Balkan Bash will be a great day to celebrate in the culture of Eastern Europe, so be sure to take part in the traditions of food, dance and live folk music.

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REVIEWs

dispensary highlight

Chronic Therapy

Top-Selling Strain: Bubba Kush

Interviewed: Amanda, Assistant Manager 10030 W. 27th Ave., Wheat Ridge, 80215 www.chronictherapy.co (303) 233-3087 How and when did your dispensary start up? Chronic Therapy began with two brothers and a family friend, searching for ideas and actions to help a family member suffering from cancer. Starting from growing in garages and draining bank accounts, the desire to help others grew more and more until Chronic Therapy became active in 2010. In July 2013, Chronic Therapy opened as a recreational dispensary in Wheat Ridge. What does your dispensary offer patients that they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find anywhere else? Chronic Therapy is 100 percent original, for we grow all of our own strains, on site. One in particular, is called Night Berries; which was created by Chronic Therapy growers and will not be 24

found anywhere else. It is an indica/hybrid cross between Nightmare OG and Blackberry Kush. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? The cannabis industry has grown exponentially as far as knowledge in the flower, concentrate and edible industry, as well as the MED compliance laws. A lot of changes have been beneficial to our company; now that we have a MIP (Marijuana Infused Product) Lab and produce all of our own concentrates. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a dispensary? Biggest joys? The biggest challenges we face are the regulations concerning banking and

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being a cash only business. The biggest joys are our customers, whether they are looking for something medical to help them with an ailment of some sort or they are just looking for some topquality cannabis, they are the reason we are here and they brighten up every day in the dispensary. What is the one thing you want patients to know about your dispensary? It is important to know that we carry a wide variety of CBD products; and we also grow a CBD strain called HarleSin. If someone wanted to open a dispensary and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Take care of your customers,

Top-Selling Concentrate: Chronic Creations Specialty Wax and Shatter Top-Selling Edible: Coda Chocolates

and they will take care of you. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/ MMJ community? The most important thing that myself, along with the entire Chronic Therapy crew, thrive to do every day that we show up to work, is help others in any and every way that we can. There is no better feeling than helping an individual in dire need of a natural alternative. From THC and CBD flowers to edibles to oils, countless pharmaceutical users have switched to cannabis as their primary medicine. Therefore, our eternal goal is to continue to help those in need of an alternate medicine, while in the MJ/MMJ Community. c

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REVIEWs

company highlight

Craft Concentrates How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? We started this adventure in January 2015 and are excited to call ourselves industry leaders in the world of extractions. We consider ourselves dynamic and customer driven. Dynamic because we employ the best of the best to work towards the goals set forth by Craft to strive to provide the highest quality cannabis concentrates and infused products. We are also customer driven, by focusing on the Craft community and staying committed to our people, our process and our products. We care about what the Craft community wants and every day we, at Craft, work to meet their needs. What do you offer consumers/clients that others donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t? There are many factors that set Craft apart from 26

our competitors, the very best quality product, next day shipping, personalized customer service, partnerships to develop growth and so on. The real difference is reached through our company values: Communication Respect Artistry Family Trust At Craft Communication is key, Communication with our consumers, our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the dispensaries, with our staff and with each other. We Respect one another and the ability we have to operating in this industry. We pride ourselves on the Artistry we bring to our customers with each product we make. We are a Family, working together every day to create the most beautiful existence we call Craft, an existence we take very close care of. We have developed long standing Trust within the

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www.Craft710.com

Craft community realizing that they will receive a quality product we stand behind. How and why did your company start up? How did the idea of Craft start? Simple, we were looking for something different, something better. We realized that with the basics of making a quality product, having individualized customer service and setting the bar high to find committed people to work and build Craft we could be successful in achieving something great. With the changing landscape of MMJ and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? Yes, there are challenges in running a business in this industry, there are changing regulations constantly to stay on top of and of course the

fact that we are operating a company in a federal grey area, but the opportunity to bring such a multifaceted product with so many benefits to people is very exciting. We will take on the challenges day by day and plan for the future. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Our vision is simple and precise; Craft is committed to becoming the market leader in all open markets in the cannabis industry. We intend to grow and develop as we have. What do you hope to accomplish in the MJ/MMJ industry? We hope to accomplish to provide the highest quality products, building long standing partnerships and exceeding the expectations of our Craft community. c

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REVIEWs

advocate highlight

Bob Eschino Occupation: Founder/President, Medically Correct LLC. THC on every serving, to clear and concise labeling, child resistant packaging and safe consumption education. We have always pushed to be ahead of the curve when it comes to consumer safety. Working with the regulatory agencies to help shape the rules and regulations for the industry has also been very rewarding. How did that manifest? Our products are created with the highest degree of manufacturing and production safety standards. Coming from a food packaging background, I have focused on safe ways to get our products to the market. My partner Rick’s focus has been on food safety and creating consistent products that our customers can count on. This combination has helped us become the largest edibles producer in Colorado. Who do you look up to or admire?

When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis? About seven years ago I watched cannabis work medicinally for my grandmother. That opened my eyes to the potential healing powers of the plant. How has cannabis benefited your life? Being in this industry has changed my life. Listening to our customers report back to us on how they have benefited by our products’ quality and consistency, has been incredibly rewarding. I believe that science will continue to prove that cannabis is one of the most therapeutic plants on the planet! What’s your greatest achievement for the cannabis cause? Incredibles has always operated with product consistency and quality in mind. Our customers’ safety is always our main priority, from stamping the actual milligrams of 28

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I look up to and admire our team. I’m so proud of the team we have put together at Incredibles. We only hire people who share the same vision for quality, consistent products and work very hard to create an incredible work environment. I admire trailblazers such Senator Christopher Holbert, for his tireless passion fighting on behalf of cannabis medical research. 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 more of what I am so excited about with cannabis becoming more and more mainstream. I also would like to see more and more women and older Americans begin to drop the stigma and discover what our customers already know about this plant; it’s incredible! I would hope people could see what we see every day: cannabis works! We see miracles in this industry and I can’t wait for the walls to come down to allow testing and studies to be done. There is enough anecdotal evidence showing incredible amounts of positive results from using cannabis. c

3rd Annual Chromic Con If you love comic books and cannabis, then this convention was made for you. Come consume cannabis with like-minded fans while dressed up as your favorite comic book or fantasy character. Not only will you be able to consume cannabis onsite, but there will also be dab specials, smoking games and live musical performances as well. For those who want to get a good laugh in, a comedy line up of famous comedians are also slated to perform. Don’t miss the autograph opportunities, where celebrities like Mark Dodson from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Jeff Dowd from The Big Lebowski will be available to take pictures and be questioned. The creativity will be alive and well with body painting and rare artwork. If you can’t make it to Chromic Con, don’t sweat it, because there will be a live online streaming of the event.

WHAT: 3rd Annual Chromic Con. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Nov. 19. Speakeasy Vape Lounge and Cannabis Club, 2508 E. Bijou St, Colorado Springs. INFO: Visit www.speakeasycannabisclub.com for more information.

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REVIEWs

strain, edible & concentrate

Mary’s Good Greens Infused Powder Juicing has come a long way since Jack LaLanne was pushing it on us via infomercial, but unfortunately it’s nearly impossible to liquify raw cannabis. Thankfully, the folks at Mary’s Medicinals have cracked the code with Mary’s Good Greens Infused Powder. Always at the cutting edge of research, their team has figured out how to preserve all the benefits of raw cannabinoids and make them shelf stable so you don’t have to crush up a bunch of leaves and chew the mash. Per their suggestion, we added some of the 160mg THCa/CBDa container in with some hemp protein powder and kicked our morning off with a smoothie that has become legend around the office. With a barely noticeable taste, it went down easy and had people coming back for seconds. We didn’t notice a head effect as much as an overall sense of well-being, making it a solid supplement we’ll keep in our rotation as long as we have our Magic Bullet running.

Available at: Three Rivers Organics in Pueblo.

Available wherever: Mary’s Medicinals products are carried.

Ecto Cooler Regardless of how you feel about the new Ghostbusters movie, I think we can all agree that the return of Hi-C’s signature beverage was long overdue. It also pairs quite well with the strain Ecto Cooler, a delightfully flavorful sample we picked up from Three Rivers Organics in Pueblo. While the green and orange motif is still in play here, both shades are darker than the juice box you remember. The nose is more subtle, too, with hints of citrus behind the more prominent rubber and pine scents that remind you of sitting at an elementary school desk. The initial effects aren’t ideal for ghost hunting, as reviewers noticed an uptick in heart rate and light anxiety that screamed high-THC. As it settled in, however, we were enamored with the consistent body effect that even non-corporeal entities would feel, starting from the neck and working down to our leg joints. Unlike the drink, we’re guessing that Ecto Cooler is going to be on shelves for quite some time.

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HERE Goji OG Remember when goji berries were going to save us all as the next big health craze? Next time, pick something that doesn’t taste like a depressed cranberry. We’d prefer Goji OG every time, a 50/50 hybrid comprised of Nepali OG and Snow Lotus. Coming to us from Denver’s Healing House, it is hard not to look at the shelf and be dazzled by the insane frostiness on display. With a backdrop of forest green, we loved the mature heads on the trichomes that were the perfect amount of amber. On the first hit, we couldn’t help but notice great dark cherry and cola flavors, almost like a Dr. Pepper that you can smoke. Ideal for an active fall day, the effects settle in your forehead and push you around, providing energy that lasted for several hours. Several testers felt like going for a jog to get it out of their system, only to come back more hyped than ever. While this has a hybrid designation, Goji OG makes a great wake-and-bake strain, too, with the minor crash at the end barely perceptible.

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Available at: The Healing House in Denver.

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

REVIEWs Available wherever: Coda products are carried.

CODA Signature Forté Truffles Sometimes, things smell so good here we have to check the package to make sure it doesn’t say “Bath and Body Works” on it. Then there’s anything made by Coda, whose products resemble art more than your standard edible. Don’t be fooled: They’re absolutely food and they’re delicious. Take their Forté Collection, which combines luxury ingredients like Maldon sea salt and mascarpone cheese with good, old fashioned cannabis. Not that you can taste the latter, as they’re expertly crafted with CO2 oil. We found the 10mg pieces incredibly accurate, providing a consistent effect that shared a nice balance between body and head for a hybrid effect that is ideal for the afternoon or evening. Be aware that you’ll be tempted to eat these by the handful, however, do exercise caution and try to keep them a safe distance from your medicated self.

New Hope

Available at: Good Chemistry in Aurora.

With the election lasting an eternity, it can be easy to feel disenchanted by politics and the state of the nation. Now, more than ever, we need hope, and believe us that Good Chemistry is delivering it. Dubbed “New Hope,” these proprietary unknown genetics looked like an IRL fire emoji in a jar at their Aurora location. Some of the purpsiest funk around, you’ll be hard pressed to find even a hint of green in the dense, trichome-heavy nugs. A slight pinch releases a ton of fragrant, dark berry smells that are intoxicating, leaving you drooling more than a night of debate watching. That extended into the effect, which we found on par with pure indicas in terms of drowsiness. Forget couchlock: This is bed-lock, so make sure you’re somewhere comfy with a big thing of ice cold water. New Hope is aptly named, as you’ll wake refreshed and ready for whatever the day holds, sans hangover.

O.penVAPE Craft RESERVE A homage to inspired artisans, O.penVAPE Craft RESERVE is our most potent and flavorful cartridge yet. The oil was crafted using small batches of handselected cannabis. Each cartridge uses 100 percent same-strain cannabis terpenes, made possible by a distillation method which creates the quintessential cannabis experience. With indica, sativa and hybrid options to choose from; and cartridges available in 250mg or 500mg sizes, its customized vaping. We were able to try out the sativa vape with oil derived from the NYC Diesel strain. We were instantly overcome with an uplifting, energetic feeling that helped make our daily chores all the more enjoyable. O.penVAPE Craft RESERVE is available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, New Mexico, Nevada and Oregon. Pricing varies by market; contact your local retailer for current pricing.

Available wherever: Craft products are carried.

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Available wherever: O.penVAPE products are carried.

The Sweet Spot - Canamels Sometimes, we like to imagine an edibles factory run by tiny, high grandmas that are churning out delicacies that taste homemade. Like Keebler Elves, but they send you a $5 check on your birthday. If this magical place existed, it’d probably be operated by The Sweet Spot, as their Sea Salt with Colorado Honey Canamels remind us of an old family recipe you can’t reveal. While they melt in your mouth, the perfectly salty treat helps cut through the richness and isn’t a weed treat you gulp down as fast as possible. The use of a distillate helps, as any green flavor is impossible to detect. Several reviewers noted an uptick in mental energy, providing a creative high suited for an afternoon of cross stitch or a game of bridge. Make sure you’ve got a rocker handy, though, as a notable body buzz had others ready to grab their TV Guides and watch their afternoon programs.

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

Toker Poker

GU IDE! 2016

Get the hottest gift item of the season—the legendary Toker Poker! Finally your poker/ dabber, tamper, hemp wick and lighter are all in the same place. This 420 multi-tool has everything you need to vape, dab, roll and toke. Its ergonomic design provides the most basic but essential tools for any smoker. Glow in the dark, chrome and other limited editions are now available online. Sure to be a stocking stuffer hero! Use “CULTURETP16” at check out for 20 percent discount online at TokerPoker.com (offer expires 12/31/16). Price: $7.95 Website: www.tokerpoker.com

Grow For Vets USA

To honor, give thanks and give back to U.S. veterans, O.penVAPE has created a fund raising promotion with our partner Grow For Vets USA. We’ve designed two batteries, one customized with a camouflage design and the other an American flag. Both will be sold online and in retail outlets across the country. For every battery sold, one dollar is being donated to Grow For Vets USA. The organization’s primary mission is to save the more than 50 veterans who die each day from suicide and prescription overdoses. Grow for Vets provides veteran heroes with a safe alternative to deadly prescription drugs. Helping wounded veterans to receive the respect and dignity of life that they deserve is a mission we are proud to be part of. Price: $24.95 Website: openvape.com

My Bud Vase “Daily Bread” Water Pipe

This beautifully crafted My Bud Vase is a water pipe fashioned from a traditional flower vase. Made from high-grade ceramic material, this delicate but lovely pipe has a large bubble chamber to help filter the incoming smoke and a wide mouthpiece that allows for a pleasant smoking experience. These vase-pipes are the perfect gift if you’re searching for both a highquality bubbler that can double as a nice centerpiece for a kitchen table— and it’s the kind of gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Price: $119 Website: www.dankstop.com

november 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Cannabis Leaf Track Jacket

It’s time to help cannabis fashion transition from the stereotypical hippie-inspired garb to some new articles of clothing that are classy and trendy instead. Treat your cannabis-lover with a gift like this cannabis leaf track jacket. This particular jacket is made of thin spandex and meant for light weather, allowing the wearer to literally wear their love for cannabis on their sleeve. Your giftee can simply zipup and head out into the world with confidence that cannabis is on the rise. Price: $26.95 Website: www.originalhoneystraw.com

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

PAX Era

Give the gift of sleek design and effortless medicating with this cutting-edge vaporizer. PAX Era pocket-sized vaporizer is the slimmest, most portable vape to hit the market. You can consume cannabis discreetly and on-the-go with this innovative, light-weight device. Working exclusively with its PAX Era Pods, your vaping experience will surely be elevated to a personalized level. The PAX Era offers consistency and density with each inhale, thanks to its groundbreaking dual-end wicking feature. Tech-savvy individuals can even personalize their PAX device by downloading the PAX Vapor App to their smartphones. The device comes with a one-year warranty. Price: $59.99 Website: www.paxvapor.com

GUI DE ! 2016 .cont

Handmade Lush Green 4” Wooden Dugout with One Hitter Bat Tomahawk Glass Peace Pipe

Another one-of-a-kind, handcrafted piece, this Tomahawk Glass Peace Pipe is a generous gift of functional glass art that will dazzle even the pickiest of collectors. Made with borosilicate glass that has been sandblasted with linear and swirl patterns, this pipe is a unique piece of artistic expression. Adorned with feathers, bone beads and leather, one will surely find peace of mind and body upon putting this glorious pipe to use. Whether you choose to gift this to that special someone or simply gift it to yourself, the Tomahawk Glass Peace Pipe will be the shining star in any collection. Price: $169.99 Website: www.etsy.com/shop/ boglass

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We all know that handmade gifts are the most meaningful. Does the same go for when you’re not the only one who actually crafts the gift by hand? Either way, this handmade lush green dugout makes an ideal gift for your friend who likes to take a couple hits of flower on-the-go. This gift will really score you a homerun in the friend department, as the dugout comes with a one-hatter bat made out of pure silica quartz, glass or metal for your choosing. Since each dugout is handmade, the patterns and colors for each piece will be a one-of-a-kind shade. Price: $9.99+ Website: www.etsy.com/shop/quickpremium

Black Ops Plazmatic X Lighter

There’s no need to invest in old technology. If Apple can remove the decades-old headphone jack from their phones, then companies like Prazmatic can reinvent the lighter. The Black Ops Plazmatic X isn’t called the “original dual beam lighter” for nothing. This unique gadget is eco-friendly, with its ability to recharge via USB, and it can work in any weather or condition—and also saves buyers a ton of money from buying old disposable lighters. This electric lighter offers 50-100 lights per charge, and it only takes 1-2 hours to complete a full charge cycle. Price: $69.96 Website: www.plazmatic.com

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REVIEWs

entertainment

BOOK

Marijuana: A Short History

MOVIE Release Date: November 29 Available on: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One

John Hudak

GAME

Brookings Institution Press

Final Fantasy XV

John Hudak, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution traces the history of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laws and attitudes toward cannabis in his new book, Marijuana: A Short History. Hudak offers a unique and up-to-date summary of how this natural plant with a seemingly controversial history has emerged from the shadows of subcultures and secret illegal use to become a seriously treasured medicinal public policy issue and source of legal revenue for states, businesses and government. Hudak goes into detail about why attitudes have shifted and what the future for cannabis is in our ever-changing political world. (Alex Bradley)

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Square Enix Business Division 2 Square Enix Final Fantasy XV (FFXV ) is proof of how far the series has come since the original game released in the late-1980s. During a time of war on a planet called Eos, almost all countries are controlled by the empire of Niflheim, leading the heir of the only free kingdom, Noctis, to travel on a journey to save his homeland. FFXV is an action-RPG that takes place in a beautiful open world, and features like a new battle system, along with the familiar unique weapons and magic types. Needless to say, this game is worthy of its legacy title. (Nicole Potter)

Ghostbusters Dir. Paul Feig

MUSIC

Columbia Pictures

Hunted

The debate regarding the value of re-making classic films and re-launching iconic film franchises like Ghostbusters has been a contentious one. However, for those who are able to eschew measuring it against the 1984 original and accept it for what it is, then the film can be quite enjoyable. This film is a fun reimagining of an awesome premise meant to introduce new, younger fans to a great comedic film series, with the most striking difference being itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all female leading cast. Filled with gut busting slapstick comedy and enough subtle references to the original to please old fans. (Simon Weedn)

Khemmis 20 Buck Spin Records Local doom band Khemmis is making headway in the national metal scene and breaking out of the comfort of opening band status with a record released on 20 Buck Spin, entitled Hunted. This new album shows off exactly what the band can do, featuring more mature and layered riffing and awesomely colorful album art, but still stays true to its grimy, pummeling roots. Check it out to hear some catchy and classic doom metal that is doing Denver proud. (Addison HerronWheeler)

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Pato Banton is a famed reggae musician, profound community leader and cannabis advocate by Paul Rogers Reggae star Pato Banton was in the midst of his biggest-ever tour—a global trek for Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD organization in 2000— when he learned that two of his sons had been injured in a drive-by shooting in his native England. He immediately put his burgeoning career on hold to go hunt-down the perpetrator. Gunman found, he then turned his outrage and sorrow into the impetus for award-winning community and educational initiatives which would consume the next six years of his life. Reading like some gritty screenplay, this extended episode epitomizes a man whose fourdecade public presence has increasingly transcended music to convey a singularly positive and often spiritual message. Emerging from a working-class community in Britain’s second-largest city, Birmingham, in the 1970s, Banton is now based in Southern California, from where he continues to tour extensively while simultaneously serving as a mentor (and sometimes minister) to fans worldwide. Banton was almost born into a world of reggae sound systems, with his Jamaican DJ stepfather hosting illegal house parties in his childhood home at which the preteen served as a lookout, doorman 40

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and ultimately, performer. Born Patrick Murray, Banton’s nocturnal musical escapades earned him the nickname “Patoo,” a Jamaican word for owl (“Banton,” meaning formidable lyricist, was added by music producers later). By his late teens, “Ranking Pato” had been declared his hometown’s number one MC seven years in a row and was touring Europe with a local reggae band. But it was his performance on The Beat’s 1982 album Special Beat Service that put him on the mainstream map. Appearances on UB40’s 1985 Baggariddim and Little Baggariddim releases confirmed Banton as a major toasting talent and imminent solo force. Banton’s debut solo album, ‘85s Mad Professor Captures Pato Banton, is still regarded as a genre classic. A string of hits including “Absolute Perfection” and “Handsworth Riot” followed. By the mid 1990s he was topping charts internationally with a cover of Eddy Grant’s “Baby Come Back” (featuring Ali and Robin Campbell of UB40) and collaborations with Sting (a remix of “This Cowboy Song” and a remake of the Police’s “Spirits in a Material World”). Throughout, Banton has been an outspoken promoter of p h o t o s b y J o h n G i l h o o le y

cannabis (referencing how he “smoke up the ganja” on his second single “Allo Tosh,” and that he “only smoke the sensimilla” on 1987 classic “Don’t Sniff Coke”). A famously charismatic, inclusive live performer known for evocative storytelling and comic vocal characterizations, Banton threw himself into philanthropic work after his sons’ shooting, founding community projects, becoming a qualified music teacher, and setting up his own School of Musical Arts and Technology in Birmingham. He has earned numerous accolades for his musical and humanitarian accomplishments, including the BBC’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Upon returning to musicmaking a decade ago, Banton embarked upon a mission to spread positivity, spirituality and universal love. He has two new albums slated for release in February and will be touring in the U.S., U.K., Africa and Asia next year. He just re-recorded “Baby Come Back” with Ali Campbell for a new UB40 release. CULTURE chatted with the affable Banton about his music, message, and long relationship with cannabis. >>

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Starting out in Birmingham in the 1970s, would you ever have pictured yourself still having a thriving career and living in sunny Southern California nearly four decades later? I would not! I had a lot of doubts about my future, but music was always my hobby . . . So it’s really just been an evolution of fun and just a continuation of my love of music and never really felt like an “official” career. Can you paint a picture of the sound system scene from which you emerged? We’d have our sound system in [a living room] with our music box with all the records in it and a speaker box that took up half the room! And we’d be playing music just really for our friends in a dark room and just going on the microphone and chanting lyrics, ‘til eventually it emerged for us to be in nightclubs doing the same thing. What does a typical week in the life of Pato Banton look like these days? Getting the band together . . . hitting the road; doing shows [and] doing interviews while I’m travelling. Writing lyrics. And I’m on my computer every chance I can get—I’m reaching out to new promoters, booking shows for months ahead, because I do my own bookings, I shoot my own videos, I record my own songs in my own recording studio. So it’s really non-stop. You seem to tour constantly. Is that the best part of the job? I get great pleasure out of meeting people—meeting my fans; meeting other artists in the industry; seeing new places. And one of my main motivations is to make people feel better, so I get a chance to meet my fans, talk to them, uplift their spirits—while I’m performing and in person. So I’m not just trying to build a fanbase—I’m actually building a spiritual family as well as I travel, and to me that’s the ultimate goal. Your live shows are unusually participatory experiences. What is your approach to concert performance? It’s not about me just going on stage and doing a rehearsed show—it’s about saying ‘how can I get this entire crowd of people . . . involved in this experience, connected to each other, and get everybody feeling good.’ We never have a set list . . . So it’s really a personal experience for the crowd and no two nights are the same. >> 42

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How has your sense of humor helped you spread your message? I think the sense of humor is very important, especially considering that most of my lyrics are pretty serious . . . [It] allows people to let go of the stress and drama, enjoy the moment, but also reflect on subjects that are meaningful. From your earliest days recording with Ranking Roger and UB40 to your later hits with Sting and recent work with Mystic Roots, collaboration appears crucial to your creativity. Why is that? It’s friendship when I bond in the studio with another artist . . . And then creating something new, to me, is just very, very inspiring. You touch their audience with your style and then touch your audience with their style. I can do albums by myself, but it’s just much more fun when you go into a situation where someone who has a totally different style to you; a totally different approach to writing to you. Your career straddles the old music business, dominated by major labels and radio play, and the new era of downloads and social media. What have been the pros and cons of these two contrasting landscapes? The pros with a major label really are that you have a team . . . working on every single avenue of your career, because of their investment into you. The cons of a major label are that they only give you less than 10 percent of everything you earn. With downloading, the new era that we’re living in now, there’s no real control of your music . . . But the sales that you do make, you make 100 percent of your own sales. And so for me, as a live touring artist, I sell most of my CDs on the road . . . And, once I release my music digitally now, I own it 100 percent, rather than a record label owning my music. In May, you held your 4th annual Spiritual Gathering in L.A. Just what is Pato Banton’s Spiritual Gathering? A lot of people who are not in religion or in churches are looking for some kind of community . . . We give participants a 30-minute slot to give a presentation to everybody. And these presentations can be on prayer or a spiritual subject or a global subject that has a serious meaning to everybody. And then, in between each speaker, we have people who can sing or play instruments play some music. >> 46

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The medicinal uses of marijuana and cannabis are so obvious now and so globally recognized now that it is insanity not to allow it to be explored and understood at increasingly deeper levels.â&#x20AC;?

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After your sons were shot back in Birmingham in 2000, you successfully set out to find the gunman. Tell me that story and about how it impacted your life. I was blown away . . . I thought to myself ‘wow, here I am doing so much for underprivileged and troubled communities around the world [with WOMAD] and I haven’t had a chance to do anything for my own community.’ That really bothered me. I went back home; I found out who shot my kids and it was actually a friend of mine—his son was trying to kill somebody else and my two sons got in the way . . . But, about six months later this kid went and shot somebody else and was caught and ended up getting a life sentence. I took my recording studio that I had at home and set it up in my community center locally and then started inviting all the kids off the streets. That became such a hit that local authorities . . . asked me to set up the same program in 16 other communities . . . Then that became such a huge hit that the local college invited me to set up a music department.

“In reggae music [and] the Rasta community . . . they see marijuana as a sacrament. So it’s done with reverence— we smoke with reverence and respect for the plant.”

Tell me about your personal history with cannabis and how it has impacted your life and music. Growing up in a Caribbean community in England, cannabis, marijuana was just a part of our culture . . . I started smoking myself about the age of 14, 15, but very casually. One thing I enjoyed about my experience with marijuana is that it always made me think deeply . . . my thought becomes profound; my reflections become deeper and my perspective becomes deeper. In reggae music [and] the Rasta community . . . they see marijuana as a sacrament. So it’s done with reverence—we smoke with reverence and respect for the plant.

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What are your opinions about both the medicinal and recreational value of cannabis for society as a whole? Both approaches . . . are very, very important for society. Y’know, society needs a different option than alcohol, that’s for sure. [Cannabis] should be legalized and decriminalized and fully accessible—not just to an industry, but also to the individual in their own backyard. The medicinal uses of marijuana and cannabis are so obvious now and so globally recognized now that it is insanity not to allow it to be explored and understood at increasingly deeper levels. For you, how does cannabis enhance spirituality? When I was younger and when I smoked it, it made me think. Thinking is necessary for any kind of progress and profound thinking; deep thinking is necessary for us to go even further in our own personal and social development. So I think that, when I started my spiritual journey, marijuana helped me to become more thoughtful and more self-aware. I hardly smoke anymore; very rarely—I’m more into edibles now . . . but I will say that, when I do eat it, I still have awesome experiences of deeper meditation and deeper thinking.

What are your thoughts on current cannabis legislation in the U.S. and how do you foresee this changing? I feel like the legislation across the U.S. is muddled, confused, and between the federal state and the independent states there needs to be harmony. I think it’s changing and I do see some progress, because this can only go on while a minority of the states have got [cannabis] legislation . . . Once the majority of states slew towards legalization, the federal government will have to back off. Outside of making music, what are the great passions in your life? I do ministry [but] I don’t belong to a church; I don’t belong to any religion. If you want to have the most, you’ve got to give, and so I decided that I wanted to be a minister . . . I’m always serving my fans. I’m performing weddings; I’m christening people; we have spiritual gatherings [and] study groups at my home. Apart from that, I enjoy shooting videos . . . my own videos and I do videos for other people. Your last album was Destination Paradise in 2008. What’s on the horizon for you, musically? I’m working on two albums right now and one of them is basically done . . . It’s called Love is the Greatest and it’s coming from all different aspects of love. And then I’ve got another album that I’m working on called BrotherFriend which is more of a heavy album dealing with world issues. I have a third album as well that I’m working on which is called The Words of Rastafari, which is a three-CD album where I am narrating the words of Haile Selassie over some Bob Marley rhythms. c

“[Cannabis] should be legalized and decriminalized and fully accessible— not just to an industry, but also to the individual in their own back yard.”

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PAUSE IN PROGRESSION

Colorado Springs refuses to loosen zoning laws for cannabis businesses by Jamie Solis

Colorado Springs City Council meeting on October 25 voted 6-2 to approve Ordinance No. 16-100, which amends the “Regulating Plan for the Downtown Colorado Springs Form-Based Zone.” This ordinance pertains to zoning for medical cannabis facilities, medical cannabis centers, medical cannabis infusedproducts manufacturers and cannabis cultivators. Only Councilmembers Tom Strand and Helen Collins voted against the measure. The ordinance updates the Regulating Plan for Downtown Colorado Springs to be consistent with the new city-wide regulations for medical cannabis businesses. The code originally permitted all types of medical cannabis businesses to operate in the downtown zone. This update continues to allow dispensaries within the downtown area, but it does not permit medical cannabis infused product manufacturers in the Downtown Colorado Springs Form-Based Zone. At a council meeting earlier this month, Collins shared the 52

reasoning why she would not vote for the amendments. “I don’t think all of the citizens were represented on this issue, therefore I do not support it,” Collins stated. The medical cannabis community, which was largely comprised of business owners and patients groups, have been advocating to adjust the ordinance. This is because the Medical Marijuana Task Force that made recommendations to the city council has been cited as one-sided. The cannabis community claims that they did not get fair treatment while in the work group, and therefore the recommendations by the task force to the council do not represent their interests. Jaymen Johnson attended every meeting for the task force, with the exception of one. Johnson is the Owner and Operator of Speakeasy Vape Lounge and Cannabis Club in Colorado Springs. He shared his experience of the group’s issues at a council meeting in early October. “This group is slowly becoming lopsided with no perceivable answer in sight, so

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we would ask that you would do more to make sure that all voices, all perspectives are being seen and considered,” Johnson said. “Quite often, misinformation is presented at these meetings and then the public is not given the opportunity to correct the

means the businesses affected cannot renew their leases that may expire before then. This is because they are unable to move from their current locations, which are not desirable, into locations that have been zoned for cannabis businesses. Councilman Andy Pico recognized this contradiction. “We need to come to some way to allow them to move to where we want them to go,” Pico stated. Cannabis businesses in Colorado Springs have generated $2.6 million for the city this year alone, as reported by a Colorado Springs spokeswoman. While the amending of this zoning ordinance does not seem to hurt cannabis dispensaries operating in Downtown Colorado, it could affect the 46 manufacturers of cannabis-infused products in the city. c

“Quite often, misinformation is presented at these meetings and then the public is not given the opportunity to correct the misinformation. I would like to see this become more open, more inclusive and more accurate to the city’s needs.” misinformation. I would like to see this become more open, more inclusive and more accurate to the city’s needs.” There are over 300 cannabis businesses operating within Colorado Springs, and this moratorium has been extended to May of 2017, which

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HIGH QUALITY CHOICE Chong’s Choice is keeping its cannabis products organic, clean and locally sourced directly from Colorado

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Our industry is in a unique point, its adolescence— new products in every category are being grown and created on a daily basis. However, as is the reality of the business world, some products will stand out and others will be pushed to the wayside. It’s those successful products that will serve to define how our industry is perceived by the usual cannabis users, as well as the constantly growing number of new users. Some might argue that the name and face recognition of a brand are the most important things to cultivate, and who is more familiar, reliable and recognizable in the cannabis industry than Tommy Chong? He’s been involved in the industry for decades, and his newest signature brand of cannabis products, Chong’s Choice, is going to help the Colorado cannabis industry skyrocket by utilizing local cannabis companies, and helping consumers truly get the best quality products from trusted local experts. >>

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Chong’s Choice products are already being offered in select medical and recreational states, but within each state, Chong chooses amazing local cultivators and producers, making sure that the company uses only the best local talent in creating its market-specific products. In fact, Colorado’s Chong’s Choice strains are grown by Denver-based Verde Natural, and the company employs amazing techniques to ensure that their products are top-notch, as they handtrim and hand-water their cannabis. All of the strains are also genetically tested by Medicinal Genomics to verify proper strain identification and potency. When it comes to growing cannabis, it’s essential that regulations are followed, and that a lot of dedication and TLC goes into taking care of the plant. Chong’s Choice has focused all of its efforts on perfecting the growth of three specific strains: Durban Haze (sativa), Blue Dream (hybrid) and Grape Stomper (indica). These three strains are very different from each other, but can serve many customers in a number of ways. The strains are also available in the form of pre-rolls, which are sold in packs of

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five, and offer .75 gram rolls, for a reliably consistent dose of cannabis after every use. More importantly, these pre-rolls are made from whole flower, and not the lesser quality and texture that trim or shake might offer. However, edibles are a different beast entirely, and Chong’s Choice managed to recruit trusted local edible producers, The Growing Kitchen. The Growing Kitchen creates beautiful little artisanal cookies, which come in packs of five, and each cookie contains a single dose of 10mg. The Growing Kitchen also voluntarily tests for pesticides on their own to ensure that all of their customers can enjoy the highest quality ingredients without worrying about any ingredients that may harm their body or well-being. The Growing Kitchen goes out of its way to find farms that offer free-range eggs, as well as find other locally sourced ingredients to make sure that every bag of cookies they make is supporting other local businesses. Most impressively, The Growing Kitchen insists that their products be made by hand, and are never cooked in a microwave or stored in a can. Interested sweet-toothed cannabis

users will find these edibles for sale in select dispensaries beginning November 10, 2016! Chong’s Choice has started a journey down a path towards ensuring that cannabis not only remains healthy and free of harmful chemicals, but is also made of the highest quality ingredients that states like Colorado can offer. Cannabis culture has always been about helping each other, and investing money back into local communities gives the industry the chance to give back and also make some high-quality cannabis products. c Chong’s Choice: www.chongschoice.com Verde Natural: www.verdenatural.com Medicinal Genomics: www.medicinalgenomics.com The Growing Kitchen: www.thegrowingkitchen.org

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

Veterans’ New

Battlefront

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Cannabis

by Benjamin M. Adams

In recent months, a landslide of states are moving forward and adding PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying illness. There’s never before been as many advocates becoming vocal about the efficacy of medical cannabis in military veterans suffering from PTSD. Eighteen states now recognize PTSD as well as the District of Columbia and Guam. In November, Montana will decide if they will make the same change. Pressure to add PTSD increases as the American Legion, who represents 2.4 million military veterans, challenged Congress with a bid to reschedule medical cannabis. The Legion passed a formal resolution addressing both the DEA and members of Congress. Dr. Sue Sisley was instrumental with the task of convincing the American Legion to join the battle to allow veterans to medicate with cannabis. The Phoenix-based physician was also a key player in the effort to launch the first Government-aided study on the effectiveness of cannabis in treating veterans suffering from PTSD. Recently, Congress passed a spending bill, but first dropped a provision that would have allowed veterans to have access to medical cannabis in states where it’s legal. The Veterans Equal 58

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Access Amendment would have allowed doctors to recommend cannabis as a treatment for PTSD. Military veterans could benefit from the unique healing mechanisms available from medical cannabis. According to a recent estimate from the National Institutes of Health, there are 7.7 million Americans suffering from various forms of PTSD. Patients say traditional PTSD treatments aren’t enough. Many states list PTSD as a qualifying illness explicitly and in others it falls under additional conditions. In Colorado, the debate has dragged on for a decade. Patients must rely on permission by the state’s Department of Health. The state’s Board of Health has denied many PTSD patients based on the excuse that there is not enough supporting scientific evidence. Colorado is the latest to make a move to add PTSD to the list of eight other qualifying illnesses. A handful of PTSD patients in Colorado filed a lawsuit against the Board of Health, prompting the state panel decision to vote in favor to add PTSD to its list of illnesses. The panel voted unanimously in favor 5-0 to endorse the addition of PTSD to the state’s 2000 medical cannabis law. The recommendation suggests that the state legislature make a move when work resumes in January. The Board of Health

has rejected four separate applications to add PTSD in the past. In New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie recently caved and signed a bill allowing PTSD sufferers to have access to medical cannabis. Remaining a staunch opponent of loosened cannabis laws, Christie stipulated that he hopes the bill will not be used to abuse cannabis. “Requiring conventional medical therapy to be ineffective in treating PTSD before medical marijuana can be prescribed is an appropriate threshold safeguard to deter misuse in the Medical Marijuana Program,” the governor stated after he signed the bill. PTSD joins New Jersey’s list of six other conditions. After several failed attempts, Illinois has claimed victory. Over the summer, Illinois’ Republican Governor Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 10 into law, adding PTSD to the list of conditions. Illinois’ Medical Cannabis Pilot program runs through 2020. Advocates believe adding PTSD is just what Illinois needs to sustain its medical cannabis program. Florida’s Amendment 2 would add PTSD to its list of conditions. Voters will decide in November whether to expand the state’s medical cannabis program, which allows low-THC products. Many retired veterans call Florida home and are addicted to opioid-based painkillers and other drugs. >>

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The states that recognize PTSD include the following:

PTSD as a qualifying condition

qualifies as approved by physician

Arizona

California

Connecticut

District of Columbia

Delaware

Illinois

Massachusetts

Maine

Nevada

Michigan

New Jersey New Mexico Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island Tennessee Washington

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Requiring conventional medical therapy to be ineffective in treating PTSD before medical marijuana can be prescribed is an appropriate threshold safeguard to deter misuse in the Medical Marijuana Program.â&#x20AC;? 60

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CANNABIS GIVES BACK Great benefits come from providing support to our local communities by Addison Herron-Wheeler

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already seen all the good that cannabis can do. From providing medical relief and safe recreation to generating tax revenue thanks to astronomical sales, more and more people all the time are starting to come around to the idea that cannabis is a good thing that can do good for the community. But in addition to all of this, there are many

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programs within the cannabis industry that go a step further, intentionally using products and profits to make the world, or at least the local community, a better place. Here are a few ways that cannabis is giving back and helping contribute to positive change. >>

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Environmental Stewardship The double meaning of “going green” that makes cannasseurs chuckle is more than just a clever pun. The industry has been seeking ways to be more environmentally sustainable when it comes to things like growing large amounts of cannabis and extracting oil. The recent Cannabis Sustainability Summit in Colorado brought leaders in the industry together from across the country to talk about how to make the green more green. Also, an initiative in legal states has many local dispensaries sponsoring highways in order to keep them clean and litter-free.

Helping Underserved and Marginalized Communities In addition to helping out the environment, many cannabis businesses go out of their way to serve communities that otherwise would be passed over. Good Chemistry, a dispensary with production facilities in Colorado and Nevada, participates in many LGBTQ-friendly events because they hit close to home. “I became involved in the medical marijuana industry when my father and my father’s partner were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS,” stated Matthew Huron, Founder and CEO of Good Chemistry. “In 1996, when medical marijuana became available in California, I saw firsthand the symptomatic relief patients experienced from this alternative medical treatment. In 2000, I began growing medical marijuana for AIDS patients throughout the state, founding and operating a nonprofit medical marijuana co-op.” Now as a Denver-based dispensary, Huron makes sure to participate in the AIDS walk and One Colorado’s Ally Awards, in order to actively help the LGBTQ community. Additionally, Good Chemistry supports Urban Nights, a fashion show that benefits the homeless youth of Colorado, and many other organizations. “To be an industry that is not only accepted but also valued, we must extend our support to other communities and causes,” explains Huron. “We must continue to fight for other underserved communities. Good Chemistry Nurseries would not exist without the support and advocacy of others, and we prioritize giving back.”

Getting Underprivileged Patients Education and Access to Medicine Another great way for the cannabis community to help support those in need is for organizations to provide medical cannabis to those who don’t know

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“To be an industry that is not only accepted but also valued, we must extend our support to other communities and causes.” about it as an option or can’t afford it themselves. Missouri’s NORML is currently spearheading Project 22, an initiative that combines efforts between Saint Louis, Kansas City and Denver’s NORML organizations. NORML is currently collecting funds to educate local leaders by taking them on trips to Denver so that they can witness what legalization is actually like first hand. Additionally, they are raising money through Kickstarter and other means in order to purchase cannabis for veterans that suffer from PTSD.

Feeding the Hungry Last but not least, Denver NORML is currently raising money to contribute to the Denver Rescue Mission, which will be buying Thanksgiving meals for the homeless. They also plan to collect cans during the Holiday season that they will turn over to the Rocky Mountain Food Bank. Simple charity initiatives like this can be done without much money, yet still prove that cannabis enthusiasts are the first in line to lend a helping hand. This Thanksgiving season, it seems that more organizations than ever are stepping up to the task of giving back. c

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

TAKE A DRAG

Laganja Estranja is a RuPaul’s Drag Race star who is a huge supporter of cannabis by Benjamin M. Adams

Laganja Estranja dazzled her audience with her witty comebacks and catchphrases as a breakout star on RuPaul’s Drag Race (RPDR) Season 6. Laganja is ripe with talent considering the progress of her musical career, but when she’s not performing and rapping, teaching dance school or starring on television, she’s promoting LA Hepburns, her line of ice water hash prerolls. After a live performance in downtown L.A., CULTURE caught up with Laganja Estranja over some flowers during a rare break in between her U.K. tour and Peru tour. >>

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iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

I’ve seen dozens of aspiring drag queens, lined up, with starry-eyed dreams of breaking into the world of Hollywood and the music industry. Why did you succeed while so many others fall short?

What led you to tap into the cannabis industry? My name is Laganja Estranja, so it was only a matter of time. In college, about four or five years ago, I was doing a dance piece where I was lifted above three girl’s heads. Long story short, I was dropped and injured my back. I started seeing a chiropractor. I didn’t like it. I thought the technique was a little too aggressive to heal my body. My chiropractor said maybe I should try medical marijuana for my pain. I never really smoked growing up, so I wasn’t open to the idea. My grandma died of cancer, so any kind of smoking equaled cancer because it reminded me of my grandmother. My pain got worse, so I decided, fuck it. I got my card, and started medicating. I’ve tried it before, but never for medical reasons. I went to a real doctor. I went to a real collective, not one of those ones with bars on the windows. So fast forward a couple of years later, I got off my anti-depressants. I got off Ambien for sleep. I was able to get off any pharmaceutical that I was on.

Why is cannabis important to you? Naturally, as I was becoming a drag queen, I knew that I wanted to have a platform that I’d always be able to fall back on. Being a drag queen was never something that I planned on doing long-term. I saw RuPaul’s Drag Race as a launchpad for my career. I told myself that I wanted something embedded in my name that I can fall back on. I chose marijuana because at that time I was in art school, everyone smoked. I was seeing, even four years ago, how much more accepted cannabis was becoming. I told myself that I’m going to get on this wave, and become something. I will be the gay face of marijuana. My first introduction to marijuana was for medical reasons, so it’s very important for me to continue this idea and brand. You recently released partnered with San Francisco’s The Hepburns to release LA Hepburns, your own line of ice water hash prerolls. My products are all organic/veganic. It’s ice water hash, so there’s very little chemicals involved in that process. My joints are literally as healthy as a joint could be. They come in two sizes. There’s the Big Deluxe joint, which is for high rollers and those who are looking to party more. Then we have our little tin of bud joints—Those are more lady like. It contains almost an eighth. 68

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My secret to success is two things. One is: “L’important c’est de durer” by Yves Saint Laurent which means ‘’The important thing is to laugh’’ in French. Yves Saint Laurent was the longest lasting couture person there is. He lasted longer than Louis Vuitton, Chanel, all of them. There’s this amazing documentary where he is smoking cigarettes. In the documentary, he takes a big puff of his cigarette and he says it so beautifully. After Season 6, I thought that I’d never do drag again. I went back to that quote and remembered that it’s not about how I’m being perceived right now, but in the future. The other motto is “Don’t dream it, be it” from Rocky Horror Picture Show. c

“I was seeing, even four years ago, how much more accepting cannabis was becoming. I told myself that I’m going to get on this wave, and become something. I will be the gay face of marijuana.” Was Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race a turning point for you and your career? Of course. Are you kidding me? Up until that point I was literally working for $50 a night. My booking fee automatically quadrupled because of my appearance on TV. I’m very thankful for having been on that show. It wasn’t always easy growing up in front of an audience. I think that I’m a lot better person because I survived everything that I went through on the TV show. I’m proud to be part of the RuPaul’s Drag Race experience and the legacy. I think I’m doing a great job of that regardless of whether I’m on RPDR All Stars or not. I was asked to do the show, and it didn’t work out. And I’m very happy about that, to be honest. I’m so proud to see Alyssa every week. I’m happy to host my own local RPDR viewing party. I enjoy being part of the brand without having to compete again.

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

“[Legalization is] definitely great from both medical and recreational perspectives.”

Get groovy with Denver-based Love Gang by Addison Herron-Wheeler So many new sub-genres and subcultures have exploded and unfolded in Denver over the past few years. While a big part of this has to do with the influx of people moving to the city for legal cannabis, it is not the plant alone, or the transplants moving here, that have allowed new culture to thrive. It is the fact that with this new industry and infrastructure, there is time and leisure for art, as well as inspiration. One example of this is the local doom scene in the city. Bands like Khemmis and In the Company of Serpents are locking down major record deals and going on big tours, and Denver is starting to be on the map for doom. One of the most recent additions to the psychedelic and heavy legions is Love Gang, a group that contains members of Cloud Catcher, The Munsens and High on the Mountain. The group just released its first self-titled EP, and is starting to play shows around town and explore the creative waters in this great city. Love Gang, who formed because the members initially played on a bowling league together, fuse psych rock and metal to create a heavy blend that is

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reminiscent of groups like Hawkwind and more experimental-era Black Sabbath. The band members claim that while they take influence from psychedelic stylings, they lean towards the heavier side and don’t identify with all psych rock. While members of Love Gang definitely appreciate cannabis and the inspiration it brings to their music, they don’t want to be misconstrued as a doom band who sing songs about cannabis. “No, we haven’t,” Shaun Goodwin, the group’s drummer, responded when asked if they have ever worked the herb into their music as a theme. “The whole weed/stoner theme in music is pretty played out by this point.” “We like to get stoned before we play to loosen things up,” he added when asked about the group’s cannabis consumption. “[Cannabis] can work in mysterious ways, though. Sometimes it helps creatively, and other times it can just make ya real foggy.” Goodwin would like to see a simpler and more affordable approach to the cannabis industry than the rapid commercial expansion the city is currently experiencing, but overall thinks

that legalization is great so far. “It’s cool, for sure,” he stated. “It could be cheaper, and we don’t need a store on every corner, but it’s definitely great from both medical and recreational perspectives.” Check out Love Gang at a local show this fall or winter, and you’ll find yourself humming along to their infectiously groovy music. c

IN CONCERT December 3 @ Hi-Dive in Denver www.facebook.com/lovegangco

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN

by Ed Rosenthal

Last month I started an experiment trying to produce pollen from female plants. Because female plants carry only female sex genes any flowers pollinated using this pollen will result in seeds that will all become female plants. Three different chemicals were tried: 30PPM colloidal silver sprayed daily, silver thiosulfate (which is a combination silver nitrate and sodium thiosulfate sprayed three times) and a commercial product advertised for the purpose that was sprayed daily. Each liquid was sprayed on four plants, one each of Blue Dream, Candyland, Sour Diesel and Girl Scout Cookies. After 30 days the only plants that responded in any way to the treatments were the four plants that received

the commercial spray. It has been 30 days since the experiment was started and on the four plants sprayed with the commercial formula the male flowers are large and profuse. They look like they are about to open and to release their pollen. These plants have grown no female flowers. My plan is to collect the pollen from each of the bearing plants and then to use this to pollinate unsprayed females. The “unaffected” sprayed plants will also be pollinated to see if they are fertile and capable of producing seed. While this is happening, I am setting up another two groups of four plants to try different versions of the colloidal silver and silver thiosulfate experiment: Rather than use the colloidal silver at 30 ppm daily, the concentration will be increased to 100 ppm with daily spraying.

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Rather than just spraying the silver thiosulfate weekly, the plants will be sprayed with a different regimen. Several are being considered. All of them involve more frequent spraying. I was disappointed that the colloidal silver and STS didn’t work, but I attribute it to a flaw in method since both are successfully used all the time. The new plants will be clones transplanted to 6” containers placed in a 4’ x 4’ tray. They will be given continuous light for three days. Then they will be placed in the flowering section, which is a greenhouse that will get between 11 and 10 hours of sunlight daily, dwindling as autumn progresses. The sun is supplemented with a 1000 watt HPS lamp that is on for 12 hours daily. As the new plants commence flowering, the seeds resulting from the successful pollen production of the earlier experiment will be maturing. Shortly after they mature, representative samples will be germinated and flowered in standard 10” x 20” trays to check their femaleness and for hermaphroditism. At the same time, it will be a study in flowering plants directly from germinating seed. c

Experimental garden. Three rows were treated with masculinizing agents. The fourth was used as a control.

Each row held four varieties—Blue Dream, Candyland, Sour Diesel and Girl Scout Cookies and coded with different colors for each spray product .

A Sour Diesel treated with the commercial spray switched sexes completely.

Bud of Sour Diesel female plant treated with the commercial product shows no indication of female flowers, just males.

Female flowers of Candyland treated with colloidal silver showed no effects.

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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TIP OF THE MONTH

Some gardeners have refrigerated or frozen the fresh fan or trim leaves from the harvest and manicuring. This leaf can be used to make a special bubble hash. In the living plant there is little THC. Instead the plant holds it as an acid, THCa. It only becomes psychtropically active when it dries and decarboxylates, becoming THC. When the glands go through the liquid sift as bubble hash is made, the THCa never has a chance to change over to THC. If the hash is burned or vaporized, the heat will quickly convert the THCa. However, if I used in preparations in which it is kept cool and moist or wet, most of it may remain as THCa. Since it is not psychotropically active, THCa can be used medically in large doses. To retain these qualities, it should be used in formulas or recipes that are not heated.

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

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Time to Go: Fall Weather: Cold with intermittent showers Budget: $$$$$

if you go: Prague may sound like a cannabis lover’s dream, but it isn’t as easy it is sounds. A tradition of using cannabis as medicines goes back thousands of years, so medical cannabis has always been accepted as a true medication. But like most European countries, it isn’t truly legal. However, Prague is the most openly accepting European city for growing your own and toking in public (just don’t do it in front of the authorities). Cannabis growers here do it privately and the best buds can be found by befriending cool locals. Just remember to ask politely and expect to pay top notch prices for whatever you can find.

Prague Magically Lights Up in November by Sheryll Alexander Cannabis enthusiasts visiting Prague, Czech Republic in November’s shoulder season can expect less tourists and more affordability, as well as an opportunity to witness the city’s famed Christmas markets that literally light up the chilly outside while club, concert, ballet, opera, black light and marionette theatre season gear up at indoor venues. Prague may be Europe’s most cannabis-friendly city, but it doesn’t wear its cannabis pride on its emerald sleeve, unlike nearby Amsterdam. As in most European countries, cannabis is still illegal and medical cannabis patients are left in limbo land without proper licensing or access to lab-tested premium meds. Still, Prague residents and visitors can rather easily obtain decent-to-excellent flower bud strains from private home-tomedical grade growers (see “if you go” section for buying recommendations).

Edibles and other ingestion methods such as vaping are still quite rare, but cannabis tinctures and salves are another matter. In fact, it is legal for citizens over 18 to grow up to five plants for medical use at home. This is why most Czech grannies and grandpas have grown their own for centuries to provide a fresh store of smoking bud as well as soothing transdermal medications to sick friends and family. The city’s famous Christmas Markets rev up this year starting Nov. 26 although Prague’s holiday lights and window dressings magically transform the city by mid-month. Both Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are open from morning to late evening with dazzling decorations along with holiday shopping, charming carolers, traditional foods and warm drinks such as mulled wine and hot chocolate. c

Fun-Filled Facts Day tripping using Prague as a central base is one of the delights of this ancient city as it sits just slightly northwest of the country’s dead center. One of the best day trips is located just two hours north by train to a mountainous forest oddly enough called Bohemian Switzerland, which is actually sits on Germany’s south border. 1

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Prague’s O2 Arena is one of Europe’s best and biggest concert venues. Lit-up like a jewel at night, “The 02” rocks late fall with the world tours of Rod Stewart (Nov. 7), Jean-Michel Jarre (Nov. 8), Justin Bieber (Nov. 12), Petr Hapka (Nov. 24) and Elton John (Nov. 26). 2

If you are visiting the Czech Republic on Nov. 17, remember this is a national holiday called the Day of the Struggle for Liberty and Democracy. This no-work day commemorates a famous student protest in 1939 against the Nazi occupation and also celebrates the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Most tourist-laden businesses are open for the holiday, but shops frequented by locals will probably be closed or have limited hours. 3

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disease. The first year on cannabis he was only admitted to the hospital twice for respiratory illness, whereas previous years he spent, on average, 10 weeks in the hospital. While on MMJ, Jack was able to lobby with me, his mother, to pass a groundbreaking law in Colorado to allow children like him to take MMJ at school. He was able to sit for hours through committee hearings and visit legislators to help educate them on the benefit of MMJ and the necessity of being able to take it at school. His bravery and bright, engaging spirit changed thousands of hearts and minds.

Age: 15 Condition/Illness: Severe Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy with debilitating Dystonia, chronic pain and nausea Using Medical Cannabis Since: July 2014 - August 24, 2016

Why did Jack start using medical cannabis? Stacey Linn: When Jack hit puberty his Dystonia (constant, severe muscle contractions all over his body that caused contortions, pain and vomiting) became unmanageable. He was taking up to 10 pharmaceutical medicines, most of which were not specifically for Dystonia. All

of the medications sedated him to the point of being unable to think, or even keep his mouth closed, or smile. Jack was nonverbal and dependant on a specially molded wheelchair to sit up. He could not use his arms or legs. Cannabis started working for Jack immediately and I was able to wean him off 85 percent of his medications. He returned to being his bright, engaged self. He was relieved of a great deal of pain and anxiety associated with the Dystonia. He was also healthier in general. In the years prior to cannabis he was constantly hospitalized for respiratory

What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The scariest issue facing MMJ patients right now is the effort by cities and counties to create policies that circumvent the state constitutions that legalized medical marijuana and allowed patients to grow their own medicine. There are many ballot initiatives this November that restrict the ability of patients to grow their own medicine by limiting plant counts and ban the manufacture of oil-based medicine. MMJ patients like Jack need large quantities of oil concentrate to treat their illnesses. What do you say to folks that are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? “So was I!” We have all been raised with the antiquated prohibitionist attitudes

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about marijuana as a dangerous drug. In fact, cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years— and was quite commonly used in this country until it was criminalized in 1937 for political reasons. The ensuing propaganda taught generations the wrong idea about marijuana. It is safe and non-toxic. There have been zero reported deaths from marijuana use to date. Compare the safety of marijuana to the epidemic of deaths from pharmaceutical overdoses—not to mention the addiction problems and dangerous drug interactions. Jack and thousands of others are living proof that medical marijuana works. It stops seizures, pain, muscle spasms, treats cancer and PTSD where traditional pharmaceuticals fail and/ or cause additional harm. It causes no harm. Allow yourself to be educated. Meet some real cannabis patients. Listen to their story of recovery and see with your own eyes what cannabis has done for them. Reversing the false information will only happen by learning the facts. Contact me at CannAbility, my foundation, which has a broad constituency of medical marijuana patients. Talk to them. We can give you countless research on the efficacy of marijuana medicine. Read it. Do this even you are fortunate enough not to have a debilitating condition. Please be compassionate. 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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iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

culture growing

Relishing in Fall’s Bounty

Local eateries with similar dishes: TAPAteria 2607 W Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs (719) 471-8272 www.tapateria.com

The Corner Coffee Bakery 1245 E Colfax Ave., Unit 105, Denver (303) 997-4954 www.thecornercb.com

Menu:

Rheinlander Bakery 5721 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada (303) 467-1810 www.rheinlanderbakery.com

Thanksgiving Stuffed Mushrooms Turkey Meatballs Cranberry Walnut Biscotti

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recipes by Laurie Wolf

The Fall bounty, which in my world includes harvesting outdoor cannabis, lends itself to the earthy, rustic flavors found in these recipes. Of course you can make them any time of year, but seasonal and local is how we like to roll. Happy Thanksgiving!

Yield: 16 Mushrooms, 8 Servings Serving Size: 2 Mushrooms

Thanksgiving Stuffed Mushrooms

Directions

This is the recipe for the folks who can’t get enough of the flavors of that food crazy American holiday. You certainly don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to try it, everything is available year round. A tasty mushroom for sure.

Preheat oven to 325̊ F. Clean mushrooms using a paper towel to remove any dirt. Do not run under water. To prepare mushrooms: Remove stems, finely chop, and set stems aside. Lightly coat each mushroom with olive oil, salt and pepper; and place cap side up on a baking sheet for later use. In sauté pan over medium low heat, add 2 tablespoon olive oil and cook garlic, shallots, and celery until translucent but not browned. To same pan add turkey sausage, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and poultry seasoning. Continue to cook until turkey sausage is mostly done cooking. Turn the pan to low and add the dried cranberries, applesauce, mascarpone cheese, cornbread and panko breadcrumbs. Blend until thoroughly combined. Blend in the canna-oil and mix for two minutes, ensuring the oil is evenly distributed. Fill mushroom caps with 1½ tablespoon of the filling and bake at 325̊ F for 20 minutes.

Ingredients 16 extra-large white button mushrooms

1 tablespoon chopped poultry seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped dried cranberries

1 ½ tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

1 tablespoon cinnamon applesauce

1 large diced shallot

3 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened

2 minced garlic cloves

1/4 cup crumbled corn bread

1 stalk celery

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

¾ pound turkey sausage

8 teaspoons canna-olive oil*

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Medicating these glorious meatballs is achieving food perfection. This recipe is inspired by the brilliant chef Mario Batali, and acquired through my friend Freddi. These are now our go-to meatballs. They are amazing. And they are turkey. Go figure.

10 slices of day old bread

½ cup chopped parsley

2 lbs. ground turkey

2-3 tablespoons canna-olive oil*

¼ lb. prosciutto, diced ½ lb. Italian sausage

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 eggs

Salt and pepper

½ cup Romano cheese, grated

2 cups tomato sauce

Directions: Heat oven to 340° F. In a medium bowl cover the bread with water. After five minutes, drain the bread well. In a large bowl combine the turkey, prosciutto, and sausage. Mix well. Add the eggs, cheese, parsley, oils, salt and pepper and mix very well. Place the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Use an ice cream scoop to form into meatballs and place onto the parchment. They will be a little flat at the bottom but that’s okay. Bake for 40 minutes. Warm tomato sauce over medium/low heat. Toss meatballs with warm tomato sauce.

Yield: 2 Dozen Meatballs, 12 Servings Serving Size: 2 Meatballs

Cranberry Walnut Biscotti With a cup of tea or coffee these biscotti will kick your butt, but only in the best way. Biscotti are fun to make. It’s a process, but it has a great pace and it’s cool to see the transformation of the dough.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour

concentrate

2/3 cups sugar

1 tablespoon orange rind

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons vanilla

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped walnuts

2/3 cup sugar

½ cup dried cranberries

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 egg white

3 1/3 tablespoons canna-oil*

Sugar

1 tablespoon orange juice

Directions: Heat oven to 340° F. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and vanilla and add to dry ingredients and mix until moistened. Add walnuts and cranberries and knead into dough. Flour your hands, as the dough will be sticky. Divide dough in half and shape into two 10 x 2 ½ inch logs with floured hands. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool loaves on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Place on a cutting board and slice into one-inch pieces on the diagonal. Place the cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes on each side until light golden brown, a little longer if you like crisper biscotti. Cool completely on wire racks.

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Yield: 10 Servings Serving Size: 2 Biscotti

Ingredients:

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Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.

november 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

colorado NOW! event listings

Family Fun Day Harvest Fest, Nov. 12

Amy Schumer Live, Nov. 5 As quite possibly one of the funniest women of her generation, Amy Schumer really won over the hearts of Americans with her hilarious series Inside Amy Schumer. Now you can laugh at her outrageous humor while she delivers it onstage. Bellco Theatre, Denver bellcotheatre.com

This all-ages event is a great way to celebrate the fall harvest with family and friends. There will be plenty of nourishing foods, as well as opportunities to learn about growing food, harvesting animals and determine how the sky helps certain cultures learn when to harvest. CU South Denver, Denver southdenver.cu.edu

featured event

“Home: Contemporary Indigenous Artists Responding,” Nov. 8-20 This exhibition has been organized by Melanie Yazzie, and it features works of guest artists. The art in this exhibit is comprised of modern works that mimic styles used in the past by indigenous people, as well as pieces that represent current and past overlays of the Native American perspective. Don’t miss the reception on November 16. Present Box Venue at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulder bmoca.org

Holiday Food & Gift Festival, Nov. 11-13 As one of the largest holiday celebrations in the Midwest, this event features over 200 exhibitors. Shop for the best in arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, toys, music, foods and more. Mortgage Solutions Financial Services Expo, Colorado Springs mortgagesolutionsfinancialexpocenter.com

Denver Veteran’s Day Festival, Nov. 12-13 Pay respect to those who have dedicated their lives to our country. There will be a parade, live music, a beer garden, food trucks and family fun, in addition to a 5K and 10K run on Sunday. Civic Center Park, Denver denverveteransday.com

YG, Nov. 13 This hip-hop artist is coming out of Compton to bring some hits off his 2016 album, Still Krazy. You’ll be rapping along to songs like “Cash Money” and “Twist My Fingaz” late into the evening. Ogden Theatre, Denver www.ogdentheatre.com

Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination, Nov. 25 Nothing says the holiday season like watching thousands

november 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets, Nov. 20

Let’s support our favorite professional American basketball team by cheering them on in person. Watch as the Denver Nuggets beat the Utah Jazz at this fast-paced and exciting demonstration of athleticism. Pepsi Center, Denver www.pepsicenter.com of lights illuminate Denver’s most iconic buildings. Watch as landmarks from the Denver Union Station to the city and county buildings go from boring to spreading holiday cheer at the flip of a switch. Denver Union Station to the City & County Building, Denver www.downtowndenver.com

Two Door Cinema Club, Nov. 28 This Irish indie rock band brings something unique to the music scene. Watch as these three fearless musicians use their talent to bring you songs off their latest album Gameshow like “Are We Ready?” Fillmore Auditorium, Denver www.fillmoreauditorium.org

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

Chuck Shepherd's

News of the

Weird LEAD STORY—THESE SHOES WEREN’T MADE FOR WALKIN’ u The upscale clothier Barneys New York recently introduced $585 “Distressed Superstar Sneakers” (from the high-end brand Golden Goose) that were purposely designed to look scuffed, well-worn and cobbledtogether, as if they were shoes recovered from a Dumpster. The quintessential touch was the generous use of duct tape on the bottom trim. Critics were in abundance, accusing Barneys of mocking poverty. GOVERNMENT IN ACTION u The Drug Enforcement Administration has schemed for several years to pay airline and Amtrak employees for tips on passengers who might be traveling with large sums of cash, so that the DEA can interview them—with an eye toward seizing the cash under federal law if they merely “suspect” that the money is involved in illegal activity. A USA Today investigation, reported in August, revealed that the agency had seized $209 million in a decade, from 5,200 travelers who, even if no criminal charge results, almost never get all their money back (and, of 87 recent cash seizures, only two actually resulted in charges). One Amtrak employee was secretly paid $854,460 over a decade for snitching passenger information to the DEA. u Update: In August, the Defense Department’s inspector general affirmed once again (following on 84

november 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

2013 disclosures) that the agency has little knowledge of where its money goes— this time admitting that the Department of the Army had made $6.5 trillion in accounting “adjustments” that appeared simply to be made up out of thin air, just to get the books balanced for 2015. (In part, the problem was laid to 16,000 financial data files that simply disappeared with no trace.) “As a result,” reported Fortune magazine, “there has been no way to know how the Defense Department—far and away the biggest chunk of Congress’s annual budget— spends the public’s money.” WAIT, WHAT? u In August, the banking giant Citigroup and the communications giant AT&T agreed to end their twomonth-long legal hostilities over AT&T’s right to have a customer service program titled “Thanks.” Citigroup had pointed out that it holds trademarks for customer service titles “thankyou,” “citi thankyou,” “thankyou from citi” and “thankyou your way,” and had tried to block the program name “AT&T Thanks.” u In July in the African nation of Malawi (on the western border of Mozambique), Eric Aniva was finally arrested—but not before he had been employed by village families more than 100 times to have ritual sex to “cleanse” recent widows—and girls immediately after their first menstruation. Aniva is one of several such sex workers known as “hyenas” (because they operate stealthily, at night), but Malawi president Peter Mutharika took action after reading devastating dispatches (reporting hyenas’ underage victims and Aniva’s HIV-positive status) in The New York Times and London’s The Guardian, among other news services.

u The July 2012 Aurora, Colorado, theater shooter, James Holmes, is hardly wealthy enough to be sued, so 41 massacre victims and families instead filed against Cinemark Theater for having an unsafe premises, and by August 2016 Cinemark had offered $150,000 as a total settlement. Thirtyseven of the 41 accepted, but four held out since the scaled payout offered only a maximum of $30,000 for the worst-off victims. Following the settlement, the judge, finding that Cinemark could not have anticipated Holmes’s attack, ruled for the theater—making the four holdouts liable under Colorado law for Cinemark’s expenses defending against the lawsuit ($699,000). WEIRD CHINA u Misunderstandings: (1) “Mr. L,” 31, a Chinese tourist visiting Dulmen, Germany, in July, went to a police station to report his stolen wallet, but signed the wrong form and was logged in as requesting asylum, setting off a bureaucratic nightmare that left him confined for 12 days at a migrant hostel before the error was rectified. (2) In August at a hospital in Shenyang, China, “Wang,” 29, awaiting his wife’s childbirth, was reported (by People’s Daily via Shanghaiist.com) to have allowed a nurse to wave him into a room for anesthesia and hemorrhoid surgery—a procedure that took 40 minutes. (The hospital quickly offered to pay a settlement—but insisted that, no matter his purpose at the hospital, he in fact had hemorrhoids, and they were removed.) u Evidently, many Chinese wives who suspect their husbands of affairs have difficulty in confronting them, for a profession has risen recently of “mistress dispellers” whose job instead is to contact the

mistress and persuade her, sometimes through an elaborate ruse, to break off the relationship. For a fee (a New York Times dispatch said it could be “tens of thousands of dollars”), the dispeller will “subtly infiltrate the mistress’s life” and ultimately convince her to move on. A leading dispeller agency in Shanghai, translated as the “Weiqing International Marriage Hospital Emotion Clinic Group,” served one wife by persuading the mistress to take a higher-paying job in another city. IRONIES u Flooding from rains in August tore down a basement wall of the Connellsville (Pennsylvania) Church of God, wrecking and muddying parts of the building and threatening the first-floor foundation, but under the policy written by the Church Mutual Insurance company, flooding damage is not covered, as rain is an “act of God.” (Church Mutual apparently uses a standard insurance industry definition and thus recognizes, contrary to some religious beliefs, that not everything is caused by God.) u In 2005, India enacted a landmark anti-poverty program, obligating th government to furnish 100 days’ minimum-wage work to unskilled laborers (potentially, 70 percent of the country’s 1.3 billion people). Programs often fail in India because of rampant corruption, but a recent study by a Cambridge University researcher concluded that the 2005 law is failing for the opposite reason --anti-corruption measures in the program. Its requirement of extreme transparency has created an exponential increase in paperwork (to minimize opportunities for corruption), severely delaying the availability of jobs. iReadCULTURE.com november 2016

november 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

iReadCULTURE.com november 2016