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inside
contents 9.2019
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NOTHING BUT NET
NBA All-Star Gary “The Glove” Payton is changing the way cannabis is viewed as a treatment option for athletes and medical patients. ON THE COVER:
PHOTO BY JOHN GILHOOLEY
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Hole in One The PGA TOUR joins other sports organizations in regulating professional athletes’ cannabis consumption.
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New Beginnings Musician DENM is as real as it gets when it comes to his garage-pop and chill, spacey tunes.
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Industry Insider CEO and author Dasheeda Dawson is making a monumental impact on the traditional marketing of cannabis in the industry.
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Taking It Easy Comedian Dino Archie’s stand-up act revolves around laidback vibes and discovering humor from everyday life.
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Quality of Life Scientific researchers and veterinarians uncover the facts about medical cannabis for animal companions.
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departments news
10 News Nuggets 14 By the Numbers 16 Local News 18 Healthy Living reviews 20 Cool Stuff 22 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 52 À La Carte 58 Growing Culture 60 Colorado Now! 62 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Cannabis Can Treat Pancreatic Cancer d Celebrate Apple Season with Infused Recipes
VOL 11 ISSUE 3
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Solis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Kern EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Benjamin Adams EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jacob Cannon, Alex Distefano, David Edmundson, Caroline Hayes, Carl Kozlowski, Alison Malsbury, Kiara Manns, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, Nicole Potter, R. Scott Rappold, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf ART DIRECTOR Steven Myrdahl PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Aguirre REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Kim Cook ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie Callahan, Casey Roel OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar
CULTURE® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,400 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. CULTURE® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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NEWS
NUGGETS
Colorado Becomes Third State to Allow Cannabis as Opioid Alternative Following New York and Illinois, Colorado is now the third state to allow physicians to recommend medical cannabis as an alternative to prescription opioid medication for pain relief. Gov. Jared Polis signed off on Senate Bill 13 on May 23, which went into effect on Aug. 2. At the signing Polis stated, “Colorado loses a community member to drug overdose roughly every nine hours, with opioids contributing
to over half those deaths. Those deaths are preventable.” A report from the Colorado Health Institute found that in 2017 there were 1,000 drug-related deaths in the state. The hope is to reduce that statistic and provide those who struggle with pain the choice to use cannabis instead of pain medication. In the state of Colorado, doctors recommending medical cannabis must be registered with The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which can be done through the department’s website. Other current qualifying conditions for physicians to recommend medical cannabis are cancer, seizures, chronic pain, nausea, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD and autism.
Longmont Hemp Farm and Brewing Co. Partner to Launch CBD Seltzer Water One of the biggest trends of 2019 is alcohol-infused seltzer water. Brands like White Claw Hard Seltzer are invading the adult beverage market, leaving local breweries with declining sales. Left Hand Brewing Co. out of Longmont was subject to that decline earlier this year, laying off a handful of employees. Looking to take the power back and stand out from the crowd, Left Hand partnered with WAAYB Organics, a certified organic hemp farm in Longmont, to create Present, a CBD-infused sparkling water. Each 16-ounce can contains 20mg of full spectrum CBD distillate, comes in three flavors, natural, lemon lime 10
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and blood orange, and contains no alcohol. Eric Wallace, cofounder and president of Left Hand said in a press release, “At Left Hand, we always strive to put the best beverages possible out in the market—we’re committed to what’s best for beer and what’s best for the community. We look forward to offering an organic, zero-calorie option that’s free from artificial ingredients, additives or adaptogens and offers the same high standards and integrity of our beers.”
Recreational Cannabis Bill Filed in Arizona On Aug. 9, Smart & Safe Arizona, a cannabis advocacy group, filed a bill proposal with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office to legalize recreational cannabis in the state. The bill aims to legalize the sale, possession and consumption of one ounce or less of cannabis for adults 21 and over. The bill would also legalize five grams or less of concentrate and require childproof packaging and labels. Legalizing recreational cannabis in Arizona would help right the wrongs of prohibition by including drug war reparation provisions. “Do the right thing by providing an option for folks who were previously convicted of lowlevel marijuana charges to have their criminal records sealed so they have fair access to jobs and housing,” the bill proposal reads. Campaign organizers plan on collecting signatures to get the bill on the ballot. In order to qualify for the November 2020 ballot, organizers must collect 240,000 valid signatures.
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The ranked number that Colorado lies on a list of states that now allow doctors to prescribe cannabis instead (Source: The Hill) of opioids:
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Colorado dispensaries collected in cannabis revenue during the month of June: (Source: Westword)
152
The amount of combined medical and recreational cannabis flower and trim, in pounds, that were purchased in Colorado in 2018:
436,155 (Source: Westword)
The estimated amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was sold in cannabis products at the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco, California in mid-August: (Source: San Francisco Gate)
1
The grade, out of 100, that Colorado received on an Americans for Safe Access report card regarding all of the U.S. states’ medical cannabis programs: (Source: Americans for Safe Access)
82.8
The approximate number of cannabisrelated panels that were up for a public vote to appear at next year’s SXSW event in Texas: (Source: SXSW.com)
150
The estimated number of low level cannabis convictions that were sealed in New York City, New York in mid-August: (Source: The Washington Times)
360
The number of cannabis oil bottles that Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organization delivered to local hospitals in early August:
4,500 (Source: Reuters)
CannaFest Colorado WHEN: Sat, Sept. 7 WHERE: Washington County Fairgrounds and Recreational Complex, 551 W 2nd St., Akron WEBSITE: cannafestco.com Celebrating hemp and the CBD side of cannabis, CannaFest Colorado represents the mature, nonpsychoactive aspects of the plant. CannaFest was launched last year, and it was inspired by the approval of the 2018 Farm Bill, which opened doors to more accessibility to hemp-derived CBD products. Speakers include Melissa Larson, Kirk Larson and Bob Mollohan, and topics like seeds, cloning, fertilization and cannabis 14
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for the treatment of cancer will all be addressed. A lineup of live musical guests will be announced shortly, and DJ Chris Diablo will lay down the beats for good vibes and uninhibited dancing later on during the festivities. Throughout the day, there will be three raffles for various cannabis and CBD-infused products. Join other members of the cannabis and CBD communities to help promote health and wellness naturally.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Generous Golfing
Colorado cannabis company donates to local MS foundations through annual golf charity event
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By Caroline Hayes n Aug. 9 The Clinic hosted its signature event, the 10th Clinic Charity Golf Classic, to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS). The proceeds directly support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center. The nine-hole scramble style tournament took place at the majestic Arrowhead Golf Course nestled in the foothills of Littleton. Following the tournament was an after party with music from The Motet, stand-up comedy by Jeff Blue, a silent auction, catered food, full bar and more. Commencing in 2009, The Clinic’s Charity Classic was born out of a deep-rooted personal connection that staff of The Clinic’s employees had to MS. Master Grower, Jay Price, lost his father to the illness when he was merely 14 years old and then had another run in with it when his wife was diagnosed later on. Over the years, from friends and family to The Clinic’s patient base, Price and his fellow employees saw a need to support and raise awareness for MS. In 2010, The Clinic formed the Walk MS team that focused on raising funds for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the MS Society. In the last decade, The Clinic has raised money for MS through various events and through in-store donations and from friends and family. As The Clinic has gained momentum as a reputable company in Colorado, so have the Charity Classic and other fundraising events. MS is a chronic illness that affects the neurological system. Those who are suffering may have vision troubles and lose the ability to walk. They may also experience depression, 16
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dizziness and loss of basic body functions that may eventually result in loss of life. There are no exact causes of MS, but a report from Healthline states that cases of MS are higher in areas furthest from the equator. For example, the northern half of the United States has about 110 to 140 cases of MS per 100,000 people and the southern half, about 57 to 78 per 100,000. “Many of our patients, as well as friends and family, suffer from MS, so this is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. What started as a fun, small fundraiser with family and friends has gotten bigger each year, and we are proud that our Charity Golf Classic has helped us raise and donate over $500,000 to the National MS Society and the Rocky Mountain MS Center over the past nine years,” states a small press release from The Clinic. According to the National MS Society, the funds have double almost every year, making The Clinic the largest supporter of the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter in the country. Last year they raised $250,000, and that number was doubled this year. Gina Hensrud, chief executive officer of the Rocky Mountain MS Center told CULTURE, “We’re very happy to be the beneficiary of so much support for the MS community we serve. The Clinic Charity Golf Classic is always a wonderful day, and we’re glad to see so many generous and dedicated supporters on the fairways with us.” She went on to say, “Our donor funds provide critical support to the many programs and services of the Rocky Mountain MS Center.” Golf participants and sponsors ranged from avid golfers to cannabis companies from around Colorado. Registration fees to play in the tournament were $325 per golfer, or $1,250 per foursome. All golfers played nine holes, had access to breakfast, lunch, open bar, practice range and also included the after party. Interesting enough, each team was allowed unlimited mulligans but were asked to pay $10 for each they expected to use before the tournament began. Although sponsored by a cannabis company, consumption is strictly forbidden on the course. Non-golfers were invited to enjoy the after party and were able to purchase a ticket for $175 per person. Over the years, The Clinic has made a name for itself in Colorado and now Illinois. The company has provided cannabis medicine to those in need and used its knowledge and financial backing to raise awareness for a notable cause. The National MS Society and the Rocky Mountain MS Center have benefited greatly from the donations raised by The Clinic. c
The Gateway Show Billy Anderson presents The Gateway Show, where stand-up comedians tell their best jokes—first, sober, then second, while they are high. Billy Anderson has written comedy routines for Cracked.com, and he has performed standup in all 50 states. His show puts comedians in a fierce competition for the funniest lines. For the first round, attendees will hear the comedians’ best jokes. Then the comedians will be escorted to an undisclosed location, where they will get “way too high.” Finally, more jokes are performed after they’ve consumed cannabis. The audience will be able to judge whether or not the entertainers were funnier sober or under the influence of cannabis. It’s the perfect date night, providing a guaranteed rare and unique experience if your date is a cannabis consumer. WHEN: Sat, Sept. 8 WHERE: International Church of Cannabis, 400 S Logan St., Denver WEBSITE: gatewayshow.com
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Imperative Education
Frequently Asked Questions about CBD
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By Lanny Swerdlow, RN
BD, or cannabidiol, is taking the world by storm. Whether it’s hemp derived or cannabis derived, companies are producing CBD products in droves. This leaves the consumer base with a variety of options, and with curious customers eager to learn more about why CBD is so popular.
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a compound that transmits signals between nerves. Cannabinoids are an essential part of the endocannabinoid system, the largest neurotransmission system in our bodies. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced in our bodies, but CBD along with THC and 60+ other cannabinoids are ectocannabinoids produced outside of our body in the cannabis plant.
Where does CBD come from?
Cannabis may be the name of the plant, but there are several varieties, all of which produce CBD and THC in varying amounts. Hemp is a variety of cannabis that has very low levels of THC (less than 0.3 percent) and lower levels of CBD compared to the normal cannabis plant. 18
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Why use the hemp plant rather than the cannabis plant?
It’s all about what is legal and illegal. Sourcing CBD from hemp is not the most efficient way to obtain it, as hemp has a much lower concentration of CBD than the cannabis plant. The lower concentration levels of CBD in hemp means that sourcing CBD from hemp requires significantly more extractive processes than CBD sourced from cannabis. In December 2018, Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill that legalized hemp cultivation, but not cannabis cultivation by removing hemp-derived products from Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act. This makes sourcing CBD from hemp legal, but not from cannabis. The amount of CBD found in hemp is high enough to make sourcing CBD from hemp cost-effective, but the amount of THC in hemp is so low that it is impractical to use hemp to source THC. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that despite the new status of hemp, CBD is still considered a drug ingredient and remains federally illegal to add to food or health products. However, from the widespread availability of hemp derived CBD, the ruminations of the FDA are universally being ignored.
What kind of medical conditions can CBD be used to treat?
Without FDA approval it is illegal to make any medical claims about the use of CBD, but there is a significant amount of research and a veritable mountain range of anecdotal evidence for the ability of CBD to have a positive effect on a wide range of medical problems such as pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, nausea and to eradicate alcohol, opioid, tobacco and other addictions. Significantly reducing inflammation, CBD’s neuroprotective properties mitigate the dangers from concussions and brain injuries. By reducing anxiety and
stress, CBD also provides important cardiac and circulatory benefits by lowering blood pressure.
How does THC and CBD differ in medical efficacy?
CBD and THC both provide symptomatic relief for many of the same medical conditions listed above. One of the major differences is that THC has profound psychoactive effects whereas CBD has little if any. However, CBD and THC work together to provide even greater benefits then they do individually as a result of the “entourage effect.” This outcome happens when wholeplant cannabis is used where CBD and THC work synergistically with each other and the other 60+ cannabinoids to produce beneficial effects that are literally greater than the sum of its parts.
Can CBD be used in place of other medications?
The medications that your doctor prescribes have been scientifically shown to effectively treat your condition. CBD will not interfere with other medications, so there is no reason not to use it as a supplement to your doctor prescribed medications. Using CBD in place of your prescribed medications could be hazardous to your health and extreme caution must be exercised in reducing or eliminating their use.
What is the best way to take CBD?
Unlike cannabis, which most people consume by smoking the plant material, the most popular way to ingest CBD is in oil form. CBD oils generally have high concentrations of CBD and can be ingested in a multitude of ways. Commonly they are mixed into foods or beverages. From gummies to gourmet preparations, prepackaged edibles using CBD oils are very popular.
“CBD IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE, BUT THERE ARE A MULTITUDE OF BUSINESSES AND COMPANIES—SOME REPUTABLE AND SOME NOT-SO REPUTABLE— DISTRIBUTING CBD.” ... Tinctures made with CBD oil that has been diluted in a vegetable oil are another very well-liked way to consume CBD. A few drops administered sublingually (under the tongue) are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. For those more inclined to want to take their CBD like a standard medicine, capsules containing CBD oil can be taken like a pill. Vape pens loaded with CBD oil are stylish and discreet. Growing rapidly in popularity, many consider them the best way to consume CBD. CBD can also be consumed by smoking cannabis flower that has at high percentage of CBD, but doing so could result in consumption of relatively high amounts of THC as well. Finally, CBD oil can be mixed into balms and lotions and applied topically. Ultimately, there is no “best” way to consume CBD. The bottom line is to get CBD into your system. Whatever works for you is what is best.
What is the proper dosage for CBD?
There is no official recommended dosage of CBD. Although such considerations as age, weight, diet, metabolism and sex should be considered, it is best to start low and work your way up to a dose of 25-50 milligrams per day, which should be effective for most conditions.
Starting out by consuming five milligrams per day would be considered safe with individual dosages not exceeding one or two milligrams. The product label tells you how many milligrams of CBD are in a single drop of oil or tincture, in a specific portion of an edible or a single puff if using a vape pen. A tincture will have fewer milligrams per milliliter than concentrated CBD oil. It can get a bit complex in the beginning so buying from a dispensary with knowledgeable sales staff is the best way to start.
How safe is CBD?
CBD is safe and effective, but there are a multitude of businesses and companies—some reputable and some not-so reputable—distributing CBD. In states that legalized medical and/or recreational cannabis, manufacturers are licensed and regulated. Like any other commercial product sold to the public, their products must be tested by independent laboratories for potency and purity. The only way to be sure you are getting a quality product with known and measured amount of CBD and no other impurities, is to buy a product that has been tested. The bottom line is to read the label and only buy your CBD products from reliable and licensed distributors.
Does CBD show up on drug tests?
It is unlikely that CBD will show up on a drug test, because almost all drug screens test for the metabolites of THC and not CBD. Even if the manufacturer of the product has failed to remove every last trace of THC, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sets the cutoff level of THC at 50ng/mL. That’s not very much, but should protect a person who is using CBD from failing a drug test just because there was a minuscule amount of THC present in the product they consumed. c CultureMagazine.com
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3. CBD Peel-Off Mask: Porefection Activated charcoal couldn’t be any trendier—that is, not unless you add some CBD to it! Bring your skincare routine to a higher level with Millennial Beauté’s CBD Peel-Off Mask. Literally sparkling with biodegradable glitter, this mask with make your skin glow like you’re the star of the show. The 100mg of labtested CBD derived from hemp is just one more clean ingredient in this perfect product. Both vegan-friendly and crueltyfree, even your hippie friends will want to slather this on their faces during your next spa day. Price: $36 More Information: millennialbeaute.com 4. Simple One-Hitter + Simple Dugout The tech industry brought us away from the overly saturated colors of candy pop from the ‘90s and into the preferred simplistic aesthetic of the new millennium. The cannabis industry has taken notice, offering up this Simple OneHitter + Simple Dugout power couple for the win. Beyond its uncomplicated design, the product is simple to use for those who have stayed true to smoking flower. Smaller and slimmer than other competitors, slide this smoking duo into your pocket for all your end-ofsummer seshes. Price: $49.99 More Information: simpleaccessories.com
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REVIEWS
entertainment
MOVIE
BOOK
Stuff Every Cannabisseur Should Know
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 13 AVAILABLE ON: PC, PLAYSTATION 4 AND XBOX ONE
Marc Luber Quirk Productions, Inc. Don’t let the tiny size of this book fool you—approximately the size of an adult’s hand, Stuff Every Cannabisseur Should Know is a treasure trove of fascinating, needto-know information about cannabis. Self-proclaimed cannabisseur and author Marc Luber gives readers the ability to learn about the plant’s history, cannabis etiquette, cooking with cannabis, overcoming overconsumption, medical cannabis and so much more. The fact that this author can tackle so many topics in a bite-sized book shows that you can easily get a little taste of information on all angles of the complicated world of cannabis. (Jacob Cannon) 22
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GAME
Borderlands 3 Dev. Gearbox Software Pub. 2K Games The Borderlands series has always been about loot. Players are surrounded with opportunities to discover the most powerful weapons they can use to defeat their enemies, and in Borderlands 3 that means preventing the game’s antagonists, the Calypso Twins, from finding more “vaults” (which contain alien technology) hidden throughout the galaxy. Play with a team of four (or by yourself), and interact with hilariously beloved characters from past games, while playing out another epic journey. (Nicole Potter)
Pokémon Detective Pikachu Dir. Rob Letterman Warner Bros. Pictures Few could have predicted that the first live-action Pokémon movie would be a comedy/ mystery film with elements of classic crime noir mixed in, yet Pokémon Detective Pikachu delivers all of that and more. Directed by Rob Letterman and anchored by fantastic performances by Justice Smith and Kathryn Newton, as well as Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Pikachu, the film does well mixing the bizarre, cartoonish world of Pokémon with down to Earth, crime drama storytelling. Whether or not one grew up with the Game Boy games, the trading cards or the animated series, Pokémon Detective Pikachu will entertain and delight. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Tlof Lil Bhrissy SaunaBoi Inc. Denver probably isn’t the first place one might think to find new SoundCloud rap to check out, but Lil Bhrissy aims to change that with his debut album, Tlof (an acronym for TheLordOfFlies). A member of local hip-hop collective, SaunaBois, the new record sounds just as animated and confident as any of his peers and contemporaries. With maxed out autotune and an array of simple but well produced beats to flow over, Bhrissy keeps the party vibes high while always managing to maintain focus and control. For those in need of a wild night soundtrack, Tlof has you covered. (Simon Weedn)
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“I don’t want anybody to abuse [cannabis]. I just want them to help t h e m s e l v e s .”
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PHOTOS BY JOHN GILHOOLEY
Defense and Determination Hall of Famer Gary Payton is using his grit and determination to disrupt cannabis in sports B
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Gary Payton played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), 13 of them in the cannabis-friendly state of Washington where he played for the now-defunct Seattle SuperSonics. His defense, trash-talking and unparalleled tenacity made him a perennial All-Star and led him to be enshrined in The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. Now, Payton is taking his talents to the equally competitive arena of cannabis, and there is little doubt that the skills that made him one of the alltime greats on the hardwood will help him prosper in the current green rush. Payton entered the national consciousness when he started playing for Oregon State University (OSU). While there, he was a three-time AllPac-10 selection, an All–American in 1990 and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He still holds school records for steals, assists and field goals, and he was inducted into the OSU Sport’s Hall of Fame in 1996. After college, Payton was the second overall selection in the 1990 draft, going to The Seattle SuperSonics. He would end up spending much of his career in Seattle, and after the team departed
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for Oklahoma City, Payton has been steadfast in his desire to avoid having his number retired in the new city. The Oklahoma City Thunder, to the team’s credit, has not officially retired his number, and no former or current Thunder player has worn Payton’s number 20. Payton has also been active in the quest to return professional basketball to the Seattle, Washington area. Nicknamed “The Glove” for his smothering and oppressive defensive ability on the court, his spunk and perseverance have led him to the world of cannabis. Payton launched CannaSports earlier this year, a venture focused on using cannabis to alleviate pain in a natural and effective manner without the harmful side effects and addictive nature of opioids. The idea originated when Payton was looking for a way to help his mother manage her pain. Once he saw the results, he knew he needed to expand his scope. He did his homework and set his sights on helping fix the massive pain epidemic that leads to opioid addiction. CULTURE caught up with the man himself and found that there is so much more to Payton than world-class basketball.
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What is CannaSports? Well, CannaSports is a company that I started about medical cannabis. My mom is very sick right now. To get everybody to understand that CBD and stuff like that is going to be good for ailing elderly people who get into it and get off of medication and harmful opioids. Get them on natural things so that they can try to start healing their bodies. You’ve gained a name for being a very oppressive defensive player. Has that tenacity helped you off the court in ventures like CannaSports? Absolutely. You know, when you have a passion for something . . . it’s just like me playing basketball. I had a passion for it. I had a drive for it. I had something to look forward to, because that was what my life was going to be about. Now that basketball is over, my life is going to be about trying to help people in other kinds of ways. And I think cannabis is going to be that way. Helping people with patches to aid them when they are recovering from injuries and stuff. My ability to be aggressive with everything that I do comes from basketball, and it’s trickling over now to cannabis. How do you think cannabis can help athletes out? Recovery. There’s a lot of things that can go into athletes’ bodies to aid in their recovery from a long, physical season. Even if you are [a] person who has cancer and you’re going
through a lot of pain, if you smoke some marijuana, it’ll make [you] relax and be joyful in times of feeling bad. Like my mom was really sick, and just the other day and I gave her an edible, and she laughed all day with me, which was great. You know what I’m saying? Even if we can’t cure the illness, you can still make them have an enjoyable time, not going through a lot of pain. The patches are great; they allow you to benefit from marijuana without having to smoke, or wait for an edible to kick in. Athletes play hard for a long period of time, and they can put on a patch. Now the stuff going through your body is natural. It makes you feel good. We’re not trying to say, major injuries or stuff like that can be cured by it, but it’s gonna make them feel better that they can get up, they can eat, they can try to rehab and do things on their own. You recently said, “Be well, be pain free, be informed.” I think the first two are pretty self-explanatory, but what would you like everyone to be informed about? How [cannabis] can help you recover. How it can help you get through a situation of pain and things like that. Make you want to fight. I gotta say this stuff can make a person feel better and then fight the illness, or whatever you have in your body, to try to get it to go away. And that’s what I want them to do. I want people always in; you could be going through rough stuff and this stuff can help. We don’t know if we can’t help unless you try it, and that’s what I want them to understand.
“Even if you are person who has cancer and you’re going through a lot of pain, if you smoke some marijuana, it’ll make them relax and be j o y f u l i n t i m e s o f f e e l i n g b a d .”
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Have you had any conversations with any players’ unions or Adam Silver at the commissioner’s office about trying to improve the perception of cannabis in professional sports? Not yet. And I think that Adam Silver knows, but we have to really, really understand it first. Because you know, everybody still thinks marijuana is like a drug or something. So, I think commissioners, all the commissioners, they get it. They got to get it basically under control and understand it first. And I just got to put it in there. You’ve got to think it’s going to be safe for your sport to do it, and we’re not trying to push that right now, because that’s going to be a hard thing to do. If you had to guess, what percentage of current NBA players or professional athletes use cannabis to help relieve pain or to help wind down? Well, I don’t know. I think about 60-70 percent. I mean, you put a toll on your body like that, and doing things like that is really hard. And then if they find a solution that won’t hurt them and won’t jeopardize anything they have, and when it comes to cannabis then, yeah. You know, use it. I’m not against that. I mean, but don’t abuse it. I don’t want anybody to abuse it. I just want them to help themselves.
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Are you a regular cannabis consumer? No. I don’t have the feeling for it, because my body’s not tearing down. But as I’ve done research on it, I found out a lot of people have given it a thumbs up. So, as I do more and more research and do it, and then give it to my mom, give it to my brother and give it to people in my family, and they’re giving me a thumbs up. Then I know that it’s working. With CannaSports, what’s the ultimate goal?
It will be considered a success with me, if I can get other athletes onboard with me, sign on with me. We get the message out to the world, and then we start showing people that this is not a drug to just smoke or get high. It’s really helping us. If I can put this around the United States, and I can help a lot of people that are suffering, I’ve got a win-win. c
thecannasports.com
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“Now that basketball is o v e r, m y l i f e i s g o i n g to be about trying to help people in other kinds of ways. And I think cannabis is going t o b e t h a t w a y .�
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PROGRESSIVE PUTTING CBD is gaining popularity and acceptance in the world of professional golf By Madison Ortiz There has been an influx of CBD consumption by professional golfers like Bubba Watson in the PGA TOUR. Rumors have it that even Tiger Woods and Phil Nickelson have joined the CBD craze, leading many to believe that CBD is being embraced by athletes across all sports leagues. CULTURE spoke with Senior Vice President of Tournament Administration at PGA TOUR, Andy Levinson, to get clarification on official rules regarding CBD for the 2019 PGA TOUR, as well as insight regarding how players are navigating this recent transition. The PGA TOUR allows its players to consume CBD products, due to the recent change in the World AntiDoping Agency’s (WADA) stance on cannabis. “CBD was previously prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency but was removed from their prohibited list in 2018,” Levinson told CULTURE. 36
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The WADA is an international independent agency, and its key goals include scientific research, education and the development of antidoping capacities and monitoring of The World Anti-Doping Code. This code is a document that harmonizes anti-doping policies in all sports across all countries. The World AntiDoping Code contains a Prohibited List of Substances, which is reviewed annually by a panel of international experts. Athletes are responsible for staying informed of these policies as well as any
substance that enters their bodies. An AntiDoping Rule Violation will occur whether or not an athlete intended to use a prohibited substance. The WADA website currently states that CBD is no longer prohibited because “cannabidiol is not a cannabimimetic and has no psychoactive activity.” Heeding caution to athletes, the code also notes that, “synthetic cannabidiol will not have THC but cannabidiol extracted from cannabis plants may also contain varying concentrations of THC, which remains a prohibited substance.”
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“CBD IN ITS PURE FORM IS NOT PROHIBITED UNDER THE PGA TOUR ANTI-DOPING PROGRAM.”
According to Levinson, players are allowed to consume products strictly containing CBD isolate. “CBD in its pure form is not prohibited under the PGA TOUR Anti-Doping Program,” he said. If a player chooses to consume CBD products, they need to be independently cautious about which products they consume. “CBD products, like all supplements, are poorly regulated and, therefore, pose a risk to athletes subject to an anti-doping program. Since THC is prohibited, athletes are warned that use is at their own risk, and use of a CBD supplement is not an excuse for a positive test for THC,” Levinson added. A player will be sanctioned if they were to test positive for THC, even if they happened to test positive from ingesting a full spectrum CBD product, (a “whole plant” hemp extract, legally containing less than 0.3 percent THC). Bubba Watson (a multiple major champion with victories at the Masters Tournament in 2012 and 2014), announced a two-year partnership with cbdMD in May 2019, and he claims to have personally experienced the benefits from CBD products. His partnership includes sporting the cbdMD logo on his headwear, which he wears on and off the green. Watson has some dialogue about the brand on his social media and is seen posing for a cbdMD group photo at the New York Stock Exchange on his Instagram. His fans on social media are welcoming to this new partnership, replying with statements like: “I’ve heard good things about CBD but I was on the fence. Since your post this morning I’ve pulled the trigger and bought some from @cbdmd.usa today.” While he’s still a champion of years past, Watson has been mathematically eliminated from the running for the remainder of the 2018-2019 season. While CBD branding is being permitted for use and has been incorporated into PGA through sponsorship, there is no chance you’ll catch a player taking a quick puff from a vape pen on the sidelines, according to rules outlined by the WADA’s Cannabinoid Q&A. “Nebulizers are by definition inhalation devices and thus not prohibited as a method.” Tinctures, topicals and edibles are the more likely methods of consumption for the athletes who choose to
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incorporate CBD into their routines. Golf fans who are unfamiliar with CBD may wonder why their favorite athletes would choose to consume or promote the consumption of this formerly prohibited substance. While there are many possible benefits that may be experienced through consistent ingestion of CBD, varying products, proper dosage and consumption methods are all key variables contributing to each individual’s experiences. Speaking generally, benefits such as inflammation reduction and the improvement of the quality of cognitive rest are likely of most interest to these professional athletes, though it surely varies per athlete. CBD consumption should be cautious and steady, as is with the general journey of cannabis acceptance, be it into each new state, marketplace or local community. Levinson shared perspective from the PGA community about the benefits and risks of CBD. “There are a wide variety of claims made by manufacturers with very little substantive scientific research to support the purported benefits, so there is a healthy bit of skepticism,” he said. “While most professional sports leagues do recognize supplements that have been Certified for Sport by NSF, pose less risk than other supplements, to date, no cannabis-based supplements have been certified. Other than the claims made by the manufacturers and their own studies, there is unfortunately not much significant independent research on CBD products. Furthermore, without FDA oversight, there is simply no mechanism to ensure the safety of the thousands of products in the marketplace.” It may seem particular, but all-in-all, it’s fair. Skepticism is closer to understanding than absolute prohibition, so at least there’s room to grow. c
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DENM explains his creative self-discovery through music and cannabis 40
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By Benjamin M. Adams Producer, DJ and artist DENM has created music using a vibrant palette infused with just about everything—garage-pop, house, indie, reggae and trap. On Spotify, over 225,000 listeners tune into DENM’s channel monthly. While his 2016 EP Dreamhouse was more grounded in deep house with spacey songs like “Under Pressure” and “Lit,” and his EP Is Whatever expanded into new territory, his latest material exudes warmth and relaxation that reeks of beach foam and suntan lotion. DENM is about to raise the bar with his new release including “Life’s Too Short” and “My Wave,” supported by his background as a sixth-generation Californian. DENM’s first solo show was Aug. 10 at Moonrise Festival in Baltimore, Maryland. His new single “Blow It Up” dropped Aug. 23 and his latest EP Endless Summer dropped on Sept. 6, produced by Rock Mafia and managed by Roc Nation. CULTURE connected with DENM to learn more about genre-jumping, his musical inspirations and cannabis.
P H O T O S BY DAV E K AT R I N A
Tell us why you like to experiment with vastly different tempos. Man so what’s crazy is back in 2016, I was touring with my indie band, FMLYBND, and would just make random beats on the road. I would make these quick beats and sing a little falsetto hook over it. That music was never something I actually intended to make as an artist, and so when I put it out and people started talking about DENM, I was like, I wanna make music I really believe in and that feels super honest to me. If I’m gonna be a solo artist, then I wanna be proud when I step on a stage. Hence this entire three-year journey of self-discovery and finding my real voice as an artist. I grew up in SoCal so I wanted to make music that represented the culture, which is barbecue vibes, party music and beach music, so that’s what I’m making now. Your fans love your acoustic songs. What do you love about acoustic guitar? If it’s played right, it’s such a rad instrument. I remember when I was really deep into electric guitar stuff, and was buying so much gear for tones and what not and sort of thought people who still played acoustic were just bozos. But I was a kid and dead wrong. If the acoustic is played tastefully, it is one of my all-time favorite sounds. It can fill a stadium show or be played gently at a bonfire. There’s really nothing like it. That’s why it’s all over a ton of my new stuff—beach vibes with reggae and trap aesthetic. What were you feeling when you recorded Is Whatever? Honestly, I was trying to move away from the house music I put out before. It sucked, because I wasn’t able to put any music out for a long time, because I kept being told I had to make more house records. It felt like I was really at the end of my road, so I called the EP Is Whatever. “DENM is whatever.” It was the old punk rock in me coming out saying “screw you, here’s the music—like it or don’t.” That’s when I met Rock Mafia, and they started diving into production with me on a new vibe, and that’s really when DENM came to life. “Badfish” is a great summer classic. Were you influenced by bands like Sublime? Straight up—Sublime is one of my all
time favorite bands. I was raised by their music. I was just a little kid when Bradley passed away, R.I.P., but his lyrics and voice were always with me. Eric’s basslines and Bud’s pocket were so raw, and they didn’t play by the rules. I was always getting into trouble and kicked out of houses and schools when I was a kid, so I always felt
connected to them. When we were thinking about doing a cover, I was like “man let’s do ‘Badfish.’” I knew for a fact I could knock it out of the park. I’ve been singing it since I was 14 when I learned to play guitar. Brad helped me learn to sing as a kid, so I knew it was the move. The video is inspired by the Sublime video.
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“Life’s Too Short” is perfect for the end of summer. What is this song really about? The song is really about internal pain and how you carry it in life— like I better learn to love myself. Leave regret and all that behind, because I only get one chance at this thing called life. Even though it can sound happy, it’s really an anthem for people who struggle with real depression and anxiety and just feel broken. It’s like a “let’s rise up and live a good life”-type thing. I wrote it in a really dark, depressed state, so it’s a special song to me for sure. Just trying to make myself feel better by singing it out. “Life’s too short to stress out!” It’s a mantra. Your songs still hold up by melody alone, even when they are unplugged and without the beat. Is that important to you? Yeah, absolutely. My goal is to be able to play every song I’m writing on
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just an acoustic and still have it feel amazing. I can’t wait to do an acoustic set and just have it be a massive sing along. That’s the best feeling. No hiding behind production. A song is a song if you can play it with one instrument and have everyone sing along to it still. I love that. Your collaborations with artists like Tommy Trash and Gnash are incredible. Who do you plan on working with next? Those are both some good dudes right there. Much love to those guys for believing in me and wanting to work with me. But who knows! There may or may not be some legendary people involved, but it’s still very much in the works. Do you consume cannabis, and if so, does it help during the creative process in the studio? [Cannabis] eases my body pain and anxiety big time. Without all that I
can focus on creativity and having fun. Music should be fun man; it’s the greatest job for me. I just get to create something new every time, and my producer Mr. Rock Mafia himself is always hitting his Dosist. Is there anything else you would like to share with readers? Man I love it. Major shout out to Rock Mafia, because we’re in there making some special tunes every day. Shout out to Roc Nation and my management Nima and Justin. Y’all been grinding with me for a long time. Shout out to my publisher Ben Groff; he’s been with me since day one too. Much love to him for hustling the music to get it on TV and in films. I’m just so thankful for the journey thus far. It’s been the hardest and worst, but the most gratifying and best thing in the world. It’s all a part of the story. c rocnation.com/denm
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In d u s try I n s id er
Multifaceted Maven CEO Dasheeda Dawson is changing the way companies approach cannabis
By R. Scott Rappold Since you’re reading this magazine, the odds are good that you or someone you know could be described as a “weedhead.” Meet Dasheeda Dawson. She’s The WeedheadTM, with the trademark to prove it. And she’s out to prove that you don’t need to grow, sell or extract cannabis to succeed in the industry. “People focus a lot on the cultivation and the dispensing, and there are so many other spaces where people can play and be successful out of the gate without as much risk, and that’s the part I’m teaching about, the picks and the shovels,” says Dawson, 40, a former executive at large companies like Target Corporation and Victoria’s Secret who is now a CEO, cannabis consultant, author and activist. “How do you participate in the cannabis space and capitalize on what cannabis is doing in multiple industries without necessarily having to go pay $60,000 for a licensing application, wait and see, and even if you do get it, it’s going to be multiple years before you’re actually seeing revenue come from that business, which people don’t realize.”
M aternal Inspiration It’s a typical week for Dawson. Phoenix on Monday. San Diego on Tuesday. Las Vegas on Wednesday. New York on Thursday. Chicago on Friday. Always talking cannabis. It wasn’t always like this for her. In fact, she didn’t even try the plant until the age of 19 and didn’t initially care for it. “Most of the information I knew about weed came from the ‘just say no’ campaign. I knew my mom smoked it, because you could smell it in the house,” she said. 44
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“She was still very productive so it didn’t seem bad, but we knew it was bad because some of my friends right in front of me would get harassed by the police and arrested based on what they were carrying,” Dawson recalled. “Basically, my childhood taught me to stay away from it.” After graduating college with a degree in Molecular Biology at Princeton University, and an MBA from Rutgers Business School, she went into the corporate world, helping to bring multi-cultural hair products and plus-size garments to the shelves of the retail giant Target. A career in cannabis—which was still illegal in Minnesota where she lived—never crossed her mind. And then tragedy changed it. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and came to live with her. Her mother’s recreational cannabis use became medicinal, helping her cope with the pain of the illness and the side effects of chemotherapy. At the same time, Dawson had begun to feel various pains from a lifetime of athleticism. “I felt like I was aging very fast, and my mom was finally like, ‘Come, smoke with me, this will help you,’” she said. “I could tell right away that it worked on all the various ailments I had. I didn’t come out of the closet because I didn’t want to lose my job, so I spent four years using cannabis pretty much daily. In our
“IT BECAME VERY CLEAR TO ME THAT EDUCATION IN A MORE FORMAL WAY—NOT JUST ME SPEAKING AT EVENTS—NEEDED TO HAPPEN, SO THE WORKBOOK WAS BORN OF THE NEED TO SHARE MORE IN A MASS WAY THE ‘CHEAT CODES’ FOR THE CANNABIS SPACE, PARTICULARLY FOR COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS LIKE THE ONE I CAME FROM (IN BROOKLYN) THAT WERE MOST DEVASTATED FROM THE ‘WAR ON DRUGS.’” house it’s ‘Do we have sugar? Do we have coffee? Do we have cannabis?’” Her mother finally succumbed to cancer in 2016, and for Dawson, nothing was ever the same again.
O pportunity to be Better The same year her mother passed away, Dawson found herself in an Arizona medical cannabis dispensary. It struck her as amateurish, with products in Tupperware containers with handwritten labels 46
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and a lack of uniformity, nothing like Target, where she still worked. Cannabis had done so much for her and her mother. Maybe she could do something for cannabis? “There was an opportunity to do better. It was still being targeted to the 18- to 25-year-old white male when the data was clear that women 35 to 55 were actually the fastest growing users of legal marijuana,” she said. “I just thought to myself, ‘We can do this better. How do I help? How do I support this?’” So, she quit her job to launch a management consulting firm, Flora Buffalo. The same year she secured the web domain TheWeedhead.com, a blog chronicling her transition from a mainstream industry to cannabis and her efforts to help legitimize the latter. The more she traveled and met people, the more she realized so many people from so many different backgrounds had so many questions. So, she decided to put her thoughts and advice onto paper. “It became very clear to me that education in a more formal way—not just me speaking at events— needed to happen, so the workbook was born of the need to share more in a mass way the ‘cheat codes’ for the cannabis space, particularly for communities and neighborhoods like the one I came from (in Brooklyn) that were most devastated from the ‘War on Drugs,’” she explained. Her book How to Succeed in the Green Rush was published in 2018. It was written for the newcomer who might not know much about cannabis, merging her scientific background with her business acumen into a guidebook. One of her central themes is that those looking to enter the industry need to follow their particular strengths and passions and not just give up a career to grow pot. “We need to figure out how to move faster and get legitimate faster. That means people using their current credentials they have in the mainstream and crossing them over to the cannabis space, as opposed to the lawyer who’s like, ‘I want to do edibles because I like to bake.’ I’m like, ‘Where is this coming from? Can you do lawyering in the industry? Because we need lawyers too,’” she said. “I found there were too many people trying to reinvent themselves. And while that might have worked in the first wave, in order to be legitimate and diversify the industry quickly it’s just easier if you take the skills and the passion and credentials you have and apply them here.” Because time is of the essence. “Three months is more like two years, how quickly things change (in the cannabis industry). You don’t want to waste time focused in an area that is too crowded, too expensive or too risky. You want to go into the area that is best suited for you.” It may be a winding path, but Dawson has found hers. c theweedhead.com
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Leisure and Laughter
Dino Archie consumes cannabis and cracks jokes responsibly PHOTO BY BEAU PARTLOW
By Addison Herron-Wheeler Comedy and cannabis are two things that should be used responsibly. While they can both be wonderful, too much of a good thing can lead to bad jokes or burnout. Luckily, Dino Archie has just the right recipe for success. Shortly after appearing on Season 3 of Adam DeVine’s House Party on Comedy Central, he debuted on Jimmy Kimmel Live! He looks to life to find inspiration for his routines, and he also looks to cannabis—but he doesn’t lean on it as a crutch to fuel all his material or creativity. CULTURE spoke with Archie about maintaining that perfect balance, his jokes and the power of cannabis. How did you first get into comedy? A buddy signed me up for an open mic in LA, because he thought I was funny. I was always a fan of comedy, and then I fell into it. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do something with. I wanted to write funny movies and comedy since I was in film school. Then I got a job as an assistant director, and we did a movie in New York. I would read lines with actors and improv, and I was good at that. Then I got a role in “that” movie, and the movie never really saw the light of day. But then, during the little screening we did, everyone laughed at my part. Then people were like, “You should do comedy; there’s something there.” So, I did; I kind of got the bug, and I never stopped doing it. What are some of the major themes you usually tackle in your comedy? I’ve done three comedy albums, and they’ve all had different themes. The first one was about love, and the
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second one was about not taking any shit from those who try and dictate how you feel. Now, I’m back to the theme of love. My new album is called I’ve Changed, and it’s about how as I get older, I realize I can’t be married to an outdated way of doing things. I have to learn how to be funnier, how to connect with people better. I want to be open to that. What gives you the inspiration for your material? It’s everywhere. I can go on someone’s Twitter account, or I can go to my local coffee shop, and if I mess up my routine, go somewhere I don’t normally go, life will throw some funny shit at me that I wouldn’t normally notice. I try to be introspective, but also look for inspiration anywhere. How does cannabis play a role in your life and your comedy? I’m a lazy smoker. I grew up in California; weed was always around me, but I didn’t smoke or drink it until I went to Canada, to Vancouver. I really liked it, because in our culture, people drink a lot, and that can be very destructive, but weed opens you up to a different kind of vibe. It lets you slow down, stop and smell the roses. I live in LA, so it helps me not get mad at things like traffic, crowds. If I find myself wanting to lay on the horn and scream, I just go, “Hey, we’re all just trying to get somewhere.” Why not light up? Does cannabis ever make its way into your comedy? It’s not necessarily a part of my identity like some comics, but I think it just fits my vibe. Even before I smoked, everyone always thought I was high, because my eyes are kind of low;
dinoarchie.com
I’m not in a rush. It’s great when I want to have access to some different things and try some different material. It’s fun to smoke, but I don’t want to abuse it. I don’t have to get super high to get creative. I don’t want to be one of those people who does it too much, and then you can’t even smoke a joint around them. I try to limit myself, but I definitely enjoy it.
“WHEN I’M IN CONVERSATION WITH ANOTHER CREATIVE PERSON, THAT’S WHEN MY BEST WRITING COMES OUT.” What is your writing process like? When I’m in conversation with another creative person, that’s when my best writing comes out. If I’m not around someone, I do talk out loud and work things out in my head. I just recently started writing things down more, because I’ll forget that shit. That combination is usually best. c
PHOTO BY MICHAEL RABABY
PHOTO BY BEAU PARTLOW
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“THERE ARE A LOT OF CLAIMS OUT THERE FOR WHAT CBD CAN DO, AND SOME OF THOSE CLAIMS ARE EXAGGERATED OR LACK GOOD EVIDENCE.”
Pets and Vets What experts know about medical cannabis for pets
By Caroline Hayes All good animal owners will agree that they will go to great lengths to keep their furry housemates happy, healthy and pain-free. It’s not uncommon that our beloved pets can suffer from everything from anxiety, seizures, disabling joint pain and even cancer. Typical methods of relief for animals are similar to how humans are treated—prescription drugs and other sorts of therapeutic modalities. Medications can have side effects and anecdotal reports say that they are sometimes not effective enough. In the recent past, owners are turning to CBD for an all-natural remedy to ease any suffering their pets may be experiencing. The internet can be a great resource for information, but is also filled with biased facts. It can be confusing 50
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to sift through the unknown when all you want to do is provide your pet with a plant-based remedy. CULTURE sought out to get some clarification with the question of, what do we know about CBD to treat pets? Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that does not have psychoactive effects. Using CBD for pets has increasingly become a growing trend in the last few years. Testimonials from owners say that CBD is working wonders for their animals to reduce anxiety, seizure activity and to provide pain relief, but these claims lack one major thing, and that’s scientific data. Bottom line, there has not been enough solid research conducted to make valid claims about the effects of CBD, but this is slowly changing as medical professionals and scientists make strides by actually doing the research in controlled studies.
Dr. Stephanie McGrath, a neurologist at Colorado State University’s (CSU) James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, conducted an oncampus study at Colorado State University. From 2016 to 2017, Dr. McGrath and CSU scientists conducted a double-blind study with 16 dogs, to which half were administered CBD and the other half a placebo. The point was to study the effects of CBD on epilepsy in dogs. Per Dr. McGrath and her team’s research, they found that 89 percent of the dogs in the study showed reduced seizure activity. She described the results as “promising and exciting.” Dr. McGrath has plans to conduct similar studies in the upcoming year. The results are published in the June 1 edition of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Despite the availability of CBD, there is still so much uncertainty and grey area surrounding the distribution and application of it. Veterinarian Dr. Tim Shu is the founder behind VetCBD, a California-based CBD company for animals. We were able to seek his expertise about what we do know about our pets and CBD. Dr. Shu expressed that although this sector of the
industry is still in the early stages of research and developments, that there are conclusive benefits to CBD. “The legal barriers have made it difficult to conduct studies that we typically find with other therapeutic modalities, but more studies are being conducted around the world and are confirming the benefits that we’ve seen in real world cases for years. We can say for sure that CBD has the ability to decrease pain, anxiety, seizures and nausea. Other potential uses which are being studied include using CBD for neuroprotection, inflammation and cancer,” Dr. Shu told CULTURE. The full-spectrum tincture from VetCBD is designed for pets, made from the cannabis plant as opposed to the hemp plant. Full spectrum refers to an array of beneficial components instead of isolating just one component from the plant. In addition to CBD, full-spectrum products contain a range of other beneficial cannabis compounds such as THC, CBN, CBG and CBC. “This is important as studies have shown that full spectrum products provide greater therapeutic benefit
compared to isolate forms of CBD,” Dr. Shu explained. Be advised that while a product may contain THC, this is not getting your pet “high.” It is important to note that mid to high levels of just THC are dangerous to animals. “THC has therapeutic properties and can benefit animals, but proper formulation and dosing are crucial to prevent any adverse effects. We utilize cannabisderived CBD so that we’re able to utilize appropriate THC content for optimal medicinal benefit.” VetCBD’s website further explains that in addition to the combination of THC and CBD, the cannabinoids CBC and CBG prove to benefit pain relief and inflammation. It’s important to be aware of what facts we do know and to seriously consider each animal’s individual needs before treating them with CBD. Dr. Shu stressed that it’s vital to discuss your pet’s medical condition and CBD with a veterinarian first. “Not only so the veterinarian can provide reliable medical advice, but help the owner decide the best treatment options,” he said. “There are a lot of claims out there for what CBD can do, and some of those claims are exaggerated or lack good evidence,” Dr. Shu said. He went on to express that in some cases, traditional practices such as medications or therapy are the best way. For your pet’s sake, explore all options. Because of current laws and the fact that VetCBD is made from cannabis as opposed to hemp, the product cannot be shipped at this time. However, they are in the stages of nationally launching a hemp-based pet CBD line named Dr. Shu’s Pet Care, which will allow for shipping nationwide. Don’t be put off if your veterinarian is hesitant or doesn’t have all the answers regarding CBD for man’s best friend. As mentioned, the lack of research in the industry creates a lack of concrete evidence and most medical professionals will not be fully on board until more studies are conducted and published. Educate your veterinarian by bringing in solid research rather than anecdotal results from owners. CBD is making its way into the world of animals, and the industry is at the front lines of groundbreaking research and results. c CultureMagazine.com
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Perfectly Paired By Laurie Wolf
It’s all about the terps. The more we learn about cannabis, the more clearly we understand the importance of terpenes when choosing a strain. Terpenes are the aromatic oils in the cannabis plant, and, along with cannabinoids and flavonoids, determines the taste, smell and effects of your experience. There are over 100 terpenes in the cannabis plant, and the combination of these compounds will determine whether your experience will be sedative or active, focused or spacey. The following recipes have been created to pair with the prominent terpene in each strain—to complement, contrast or add another layer of flavor. If these specific strains are not available to you, there is a likelihood that you can find a strain with a similar terpene profile. We’ve included three different strains that are similar to the paired strain in each recipe.
Coconut Mango Smoothie PA IRED W IT H 9 L B. H A MMER
I N S T R U C T I O N S:
Serves
2
I N G R E D I E N T S: 1/3 cup toasted coconut* 1 cup mango chunks
This smoothie is rich in myrcene and infused with the strain 9 Lb. Hammer. Myrcene is the main terpene in mango, hence the pairing. This strain is relaxing and sleepy, a stay-at-home kind of strain. Some claim that ingesting mango will speed up the onset of your high. *Similar strains are Mango Dreams, Blue Dream, Grape Ape and White Widow. 52
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1 banana, sliced and frozen 1 1/2 cups coconut milk 1-2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons cannabis-infused coconut oil Toasted shaved coconut garnish
PHOTOS BY BRUCE WOLF
1. Place the toasted coconut on a plate or piece of parchment. Brush the rim of the glass with the honey. Dip the rim in the coconut, turning the rim to cover with coconut. Set aside. 2. In a blender, combine the mango, banana, coconut milk, honey and the oil. Process until smooth. Carefully pour into the glass. Top with shaved coconut if desired. *In a small skillet, over low heat, cook the coconut, stirring constantly, until golden brown. This should take just a few minutes.
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Mini Cherry Orange Scones
PA IRED W IT H L EMON H A ZE
These two-bite treats are infused with Lemon Haze, a delightful strain with the dominant terpene limonene. The sweet, earthy and citrus notes pair with the fruit and ginger in each adorable scone. Strains with limonene are thought to affect the brain more quickly than others. Limonene works well with CBD and is thought to strengthen the body’s cancer-fighting ability. Consumers can anticipate an uplifting, occasionally euphoric experience. *Similar strains are Dirty Girl, OG Kush and Tangie.
Serves
I N G R E D I E N T S: 2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup chopped dried cherries
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped candied orange peel
6 tablespoons butter, cubed and chilled 2 tablespoons canna-butter, cubed and chilled
1 tablespoon chopped candied ginger Powdered sugar
I N S T R U C T I O N S: 1. Heat oven to 340 degrees. 2. In the bowl of a food processor combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pulse to blend. 3. In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract. 4. Add the butter, cream and vanilla and pulse until the mixture begins to come together. 5. Turn into a bowl and add the cherries, orange and ginger. Gently form into a ball. Chill for 15 minutes. 6. On a lightly floured work surface, form two five-inch circles. Cut each circle into eight wedges. 7. Bake from 15-17 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool thoroughly. Dust with powdered sugar 54
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(16 pieces)
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Tacos for Two
Serves
2
PA IRED W IT H GG4
(6 tacos)
Get ready for Taco Tuesday by pairing your favorite Mexican dish with everyone’s favorite strain, GG4. The strain contains the terpene B-Caryophelene, which has a woody, spicy tone with hints of citrus and coarse black pepper. The spices in the taco mixture work together to create a complex flavor palate that’s earthy and rustic. *Similar strains are Wedding Cake, Northern Lights, Death Star.
I N G R E D I E N T S:
Salsa* I N G R E D I E N T S: 2 medium ripe tomatoes, stems removed 1/2 red onion, peeled and cut in large chunks 2 serrano chiles, stems, ribs and seeds removed 1 garlic clove, peeled 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro Pinch oregano
1/2 pound beef cubes, cut in small pieces
2 teaspoons cannabisinfused oil
Pinch cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
Juice of one lime
2 teaspoons chili powder
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
1 teaspoon cumin
Salsa, your favorite recipe or the one on the right*
I N S T R U C T I O N S:
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Avocado, peeled and cut in pieces, toss with lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice Shredded cabbage Scallion Shredded cheese Sour cream
I N S T R U C T I O N S: 1. In a medium bowl, combine the beef with the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, black pepper and clove. Allow to marinate for at least several hours, overnight is even better. 2. In a large sauté pan, heat the oils. Add the meat and sauté until browned, stirring frequently, 6-8 minutes. 3. Place the tacos on two serving plates. Top with the optional ingredients.
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Salt and pepper to taste
1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine all the ingredients. Pulse until the ingredients are approximately the same size.
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GROWING CULTURE
Garden Fever (Part IV)
S
By Ed Rosenthal everal months ago I placed seedlings in an all-water system. I have ended that experiment for now, because I have not been able to bring the oxygen levels up, and the roots are drowning. In addition there were pH and some nutrient problems. Right now, the plantlets are in a sorry state. I plan on bringing these sickly specimens back to health and flower them within 30 days. Here’s how I revised the system: I cut the polystyrene foam sheet in half and filled the 64 holes with the best plants, They remained in 6” centers, then laid the sheet on a bed of hydrocoral that fills a 4’ x 4’ x 6” tray, which is resting on nine inverted planting containers. I installed an overflow drain with a tube connected to it and a bottom drain on its side that also drains into a tube. Both tubes flow into a 40-gallon reservoir sitting to the side of the tray. The submersible pump is controlled by a timer that is set to go on one of every three minutes throughout the day. The light is being kept on 20 hours per day. We’ll see how the plants do in the new environment. Meanwhile, the plants in the greenhouse are doing very well. The top buds were approaching the ceiling, but I bent them or clipped them to avoid
The plants in the greenhouse. Small lights turn on automatically early in the morning and then again in late afternoon to supplement the limited natural light. 58
Lollipopping a plant, or removing the lower portions and smaller buds.
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it and to encourage top growth of the strong side buds. The small branches with tiny buds were removed, so that they would not thwart growth of the larger top buds. This opens up the space so there’s less humidity and more light getting to the important buds and their supporting leaves. All of these plants are being grown hydroponically. The plants in the back are in planting mix and watered using a wick system supplemented by drip watering from the reservoir twice a day, supplying the plants with about 10 ounces of water daily. The plants in the front are planted in hydrocoral in eight 8” high plastic colanders sitting half submerged in water. These plants are also irrigated by a constant drip. The plants are in their second to third week of flowering. In the next week I’m going to install blackout curtains to speed up flowering by allowing the plants only 11 hours of light daily. I hope to harvest in six weeks, at the end of September. The outdoor garden is in a 2’ x 4’ hydroponic tray with 1.5 gallon containers filled with hydrocoral. They are sitting in the tray with a constant drip irrigation system. They get about five hours of direct sun and bright light the rest of the day. In addition, they receive light reflected from the white wall behind them. These plants are in the first stage of flowering. To speed up the flowering process, I plan to start using light deprivation in the coming week, helping the plants to ripen by midSeptember, while the days are sunny and warm, avoiding the iffy weather later in the season. c
The greenhouse in direct sunlight with the plants.
Early budding on the ER Super-Bud plants, 2-3 weeks into flowering.
GARDEN TIP
An easy way to grow some bud in autumn is to place plants in an unobstructed, southfacing window. The sun is at an oblique angle, rather than high in the sky, so it will shine directly on the plants for a good part of the day. Perhaps you or a friend have some plants that are ready to flower. If not, you may be able to purchase some “adolescents” from your local cannabis dispensary. They can be flowered immediately. Just put them at the window and don’t turn on lights, even for a moment, during the evening. Fertilize with bloom formula, and they will soon start to bud. If you have only clones, use them. If you want them to grow a little before flowering, do interrupt the dark period with light several times each evening. Soon after you stop the nightly interruptions, the plants will begin to flower.
The greenhouse plants in a recirculating drip system. They get direct sun as well as light reflected from the wall behind them. Notice the roots coming out of the colander.
The outdoor system—plants are thriving and in the early stages of flowering.
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COLORADO NOW! EVENT LISTINGS
The HTBX Solution 2019, Sept. 6-8 Welcome to one of the first licensed social cannabis consumption events in town, provided by HTBX International, the makers of metal shipping containers refashioned to serve as cannabis consumption spaces. All adults 21 and over with a valid ID are invited to bring their own cannabis (BYOC), and entry is free. HTBX international, Denver thehtbx.com Larry the Cable Guy, Sept. 7 Larry the Cable Guy’s stand-up routine represents gritty, unedited blue collar values that are straight out of the heartland of America. With catchphrases like “Git-RDone!,” Larry the Cable Guy has sold three Gold comedy albums, and he has participated in some of the most popular comedy tours alongside Jeff Foxworthy and others. Colorado Convention Center, Denver bellcotheatre.com Suave Fest, Sept. 14 Suave Fest is one of the first Latinx craft beer festivals in the nation, featuring over 35 assorted beers, live music, Latinx gastronomy and art. The entrance fee gets you a string bag, a Suave Fest T-shirt and a five-ounce taster to sample from an 60
array of Latinx craft beers. Raíces Brewing Co. Denver raicesbrewing.com Atmosphere, Sept. 20 Atmosphere is a solid hip-hop duo that’s always maintained a personal level of integrity through honest lyrics and slick production, and the group supports cannabis in all its forms. “I support all uses of marijuana, not just medical,” Atmosphere’s Slug told CULTURE in 2018. “That includes the recreational use of marijuana.” Mission Ballroom, Denver missionballroom.com Sublime with Rome, Sept. 21 Sublime with Rome’s latest album Blessings was released last May and is led by its first single, “Wicked Heart,” a superb comeback track that marks a new era and direction for the band. “As soon as we get into town, we’re like ‘Who’s got the f*ckin’ herb?’” Vocalist Rome Ramirez told CULTURE in 2018. “It’s always the same. Fans always get us hooked up first.” Thunder Mountain Amphitheatre, Loveland sublimewithrome.com Cannabis & Wellness Advisory Committee Meeting, Sept. 25 Sponsored by Nuvolution, this meeting will shine
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featured event
KISS, SEPT. 12
KISS’s End of The Road Tour is being called “the final tour ever” by concert promoters, and it represents the end of a long road that began in 1973. KISS vocalist and bass player Gene Simmons recently parted ways with cannabis company Invictus MD Strategies Corp. after serving as chief evangelist officer, but he continues to invest in the company indirectly. Pepsi Center, Denver kissonline.com a spotlight on people and organizations that are holding the local cannabis community together, complete with extensive networking opportunities. The theme for this particular meeting is “Emotional.” Elevation Reps of the Rockies, Denver elevationfs.com High Plains Comedy Festival, Sept. 26-28 High Plains Comedy Festival highlights not only celebrity comedians, but also upand-coming acts who are on the road to fame. Headliner Maria Bamford will be supported by special guests Aparna Nancherla
and Jackie Kashian, plus dozens of other comedians will perform. Paramount Theatre plus other locations, Denver highplainscomedyfestival. com 16th Street Fair, Sept. 27-28 Browse through endless handcrafted goods on the busiest pedestrian street in Colorado, found in the heart of downtown Denver. This is where emerging artists and artisans can position themselves to be seen to showcase their original art and variety of products. 16th Street Mall, Denver 16thstfair.com
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NEWS of the
WEIRD
the battery died around midnight. Fraumeni declined to press charges (pun intended) and did not ask for reimbursement for the 12 hours of electricity the car used.
LEAD STORY— CHUTZPAH! Lake Worth, Florida, homeowner Phil Fraumeni emerged from his house on July 19 to find a white Tesla not only parked on his lawn, but tethered to an outlet on his house, charging the car’s battery. Fraumeni told WPBF he waited a couple of hours, then called police. The car was not stolen, and police were able to contact the owner, who showed up around noon and told Fraumeni he had been visiting friends in the neighborhood when
RECENT ALARMING HEADLINE Alex Bonilla, 49, took revenge to an extreme on the man he told police he had caught cheating with his wife in May, according to WCJB. On July 14, Gilchrist County (Florida) Sheriff’s deputies said, Bonilla entered a house in the town of Bell, firing a gunshot and forcing a man inside into a bedroom, where he tied the man up and, using scissors, cut off his penis, which he ran away with. Later that day, deputies arrested Bonilla at his place of employment; his bond was set at $1.25 million.
BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL
The family of the victim declined to comment, but said through the sheriff’s office the victim was doing well medically. T(WINNING) Keep up with us here: On Aug. 1, identical twin brothers Andy and Chad Baker of Nashville, Tennessee, were on their way to the annual Twins Day Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio, in their identical blue Tesla Model 3s, when an Ohio state trooper pulled them both over for having identical license plates, reading “SUBJ TO.” The brothers patiently explained to the officer that the plates are, in fact, different: In one, “TO” is spelled with a zero, and in the other, it’s spelled with a capital O. “Nobody likes getting pulled over by police, we were both nervous, but it’s a great story and we will tell it all weekend,” Andy told Fox8. CAN’T STAND THE HEAT It’s been a hot summer in Europe. Among those suffering was an unnamed 66-year-old military veteran in the small southeastern French town of Les Arcs-sur-Argens, who had been complaining for several weeks to his landlady, Maryse Malin, 71, about the lack of air conditioning in his villa. That may have been why, the Local reported, he shot the “sweet, kind and caring lady” three times, killing her. Malin had agreed to install air conditioning but told the tenant it couldn’t be done until October. Two men in Antwerp, Belgium, felt the heat on July 24 when they
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accidentally got locked in a shipping container full of cocaine in the huge port there, reported AFP. That day, temperatures reached a record high of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, stifling the 24- and 25-year-old, who had entered the container “to remove drugs,” according to prosecutors. As the mercury rose, they desperately called a police emergency number and when police finally found them two hours later, they gratefully gave themselves up. Port workers were videoed pouring water over the pair to try to lower their body temperatures. GOING TO EXTREMES Kim Gordon, 55, vanished on Feb. 25, according to his 17-yearold son, after going for a nighttime swim at Monastery Beach in Monterey, California, an area with a deadly reputation sometimes called “Mortuary Beach.” The Associated Press reported that police searched for three days before learning the Scotsman from Edinburgh, also known as Kim Vincent Avis, faced 24 charges of rape in Scotland, which made them suspicious about the story. “When that came up, we start to wonder if this is a hoax,” said Monterey County sheriff’s Capt. John Thornburg. Finally, on July 26, the U.S. Marshals Service announced it had caught up with Gordon in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he is now being held; the son had been returned to Scotland and will not be charged with filing a false report.
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