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inside
contents 9.2018
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Playing Koy
From humble beginnings to his current star-studded status, comedian Jo Koy talks about his road to success, as well as his inspiration and support for cannabis. O n t h e C O V ER :
P h oto b y J o h n G i l h oo l e y
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Industry Insider Ellementa Co-Founder Aliza Sherman has created a rapidly growing network for women in the cannabis industry.
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International Attention Native-born Slovakian artist Veronika Vajdová expresses her thoughts on her most recent cannabis-inspired artwork.
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Inspired Transformation From law to cannabis, Nicole Skibola is an author, cancer survivor and cannabis business owner whose personal journey has brought her to new heights.
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Electronic Essence Sectra’s EDM continues to evolve in his new surroundings.
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departments 12 Letter from the Editor news 16 News Nuggets 20 By the Numbers 22 Local News 24 Healthy Living reviews 26 Company Highlights 30 Edible Reviews 32 Cool Stuff 34 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 62 À La Carte 64 Growing Culture 66 Colorado Now! 68 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Smoking Cannabis May Lead to Brain Aging d New Brunswick Universities Prepare for Legalization
Vol 10 IssUE 3
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Edmundson, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic Designer John Venegas Associate Publisher & Bob Waters Advertising Director REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Kim Cook Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Rocki Davidson, Matt Knuth, Casey Roel, Rick Schwartz, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,400 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
10940 S. Parker Road, #237 | Parker | CO | 80134-7440 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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L ETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Laughter is the Best Medicine
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eanut butter and jelly, peas and carrots, Abbott and Costello—these are famous pairings that will receive the limelight for all time. Another pair that needs little introduction is cannabis and comedy. Comedy has always been a staple source of entertainment alongside cannabis. Joints and movies, edibles and comedy shows— few will miss the chance to light up before watching movies like Friday or Pineapple Express. Consuming cannabis calms the everyday anxieties of life and replaces them with an elevation of classic entertainment. Together, cannabis and comedy work in tandem to ultimately create one hell of a good time. In the past, CULTURE has celebrated the intersection of cannabis and comedy through interviews with many famous and talented comedians such as Reggie Watts, Tenacious D, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Adam Corolla and comedy duo Cheech & Chong, among many others. Now, we’re welcoming Jo Koy into the mix. Like cannabis, laughter is the best medicine. And like all good pairings, this duo only grows stronger with time. CULTURE’s interview with Koy is an example of how mainstream cannabis continues to grow strong in the comedy scene, as Koy states in response to whether or not he consumes cannabis, “Who doesn’t!” We’re also witnessing the ways in which comedy-centric cannabis events hold a bright future in legal cannabis states. For instance, one is the Lemonhaze Cannabis and Comedy Convention in Washington coming up in October—a magical place where the likes of comedian Doug Benson delights audiences of up to 5,000 industry professionals. After all, all work and no play would make our unique industry a dull one. In the past, comedy shows where cannabis consumption was allowed were done on a “bring your own product” basis. In some legal states, comedians are trying to comply with state laws, while still incorporating cannabis into their acts. A recent example of this was when comedian
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Adam Hartle gave out free joints to his audience at a comedy show in San Francisco, California in August. Although he did share that in order to comply with state law, the giveaway was happening outside the venue, before the show, to adults ages 21 and older—and the kicker? Consumers were not allowed to partake during the show. Unfortunately, this is not the type of comedy and cannabis development that voters in legal states are looking forward to after passing legalization. But not all hope for the future is lost, as the partnership between legal cannabis and comedy is off to a strong start in Canada. Cannabis lounges are increasingly hosting comedy shows. For example, Toronto-based Vapor Central hosts “Stoner Sundays,” while Hotbox Lounge + Shop in Ontario hosts comedy nights every Thursday. Overall, we tend to hold the belief that cannabis has the ability to make just about everything better. When it comes to our entertainment, we’re delighted to bear witness to any trend that is good for the funny bone. Bring on the laughs, and pass the vape! c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Traffic Fatalities Involving CannabisImpaired Drivers Decrease in Colorado The number of fatal traffic accidents that involved drivers who were impaired by cannabis in Colorado fell by 33 percent last year, according to a new report published by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). In 2016, there were 52 fatal cannabis-involved accidents, while there were 35 related accidents last year. This drop in fatal accidents occurred despite the increase in the number of accidents that involved Colorado drivers with cannabis in their systems in 2017. The
reason for this could be linked to the amount of time that cannabinoids can be detected in a driver’s system, even when they are no longer considered impaired. “The presence of a cannabinoid does not necessarily indicate recent use of marijuana or impairment,” the CDOT study read. Under Colorado law, a driver must have five nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol in a milliliter of blood in order for them to be declared too impaired to drive.
Northern Mariana Islands House Votes to Legalize Cannabis The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory located near the Philippines, may soon legalize cannabis. On Aug. 8, the territory’s House of Representatives voted 18-1 in approval of a bill that would legalize cannabis for adults ages 21 and older. The Senate approved an earlier version of the bill last May, but the House’s Committee on Judiciary and Governmental
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Industry Embraces Latest Pesticide Testing Requirements Starting Aug. 1, all companies licensed to grow medical and recreational cannabis in Colorado are now subject to mandatory pesticide testing of their flower and trim, according to an industry-wide bulletin released by the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division. Licensees’ samples must comply with the updated testing requirements by providing enough product for three tests, as well as fees, which can range from $100-120 per sample.
Operations made a few revisions to the bill before filing this updated version. “Therefore, the Legislature finds that it is in our best interest to move marijuana into a regulated and controlled market for responsible adult personal use,” the House of Representatives stated. Now, the revised version heads back to the Senate for approval. Should the bill pass, the Northern Mariana Islands will go straight from having no acceptable use of cannabis to recreational cannabis without first legalizing medical cannabis.
Each cannabis crop will be tested during every harvest. Many industry insiders feel that this is a small cost to ensure safety. “Clean medicine has always been the goal in this industry, and the more the government takes action the less people will be willing to cut corners,” said Shaun Vause, sales manager at Doctor’s Orders dispensary in Denver. “I feel this will ultimately lead to a better future where no one will worry about what can’t be seen with the naked eye.”
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The estimated amount of legal cannabis, in pounds, that was sold in Colorado during 2017: (Source: Westword)
665,134
The estimated number of men, out of every four adults, who were arrested for impaired driving in Colorado: (Source: The Denver Channel)
3
The maximum amount of money, in dollars, that cannabis consumers can receive if they participate in a two-day cannabis study about personal health: (Source: University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus)
140
The percentage of success observed in children with autism who were treated with CBD oil in an Israeli study: (Source: Israel National News)
80
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Colorado dispensaries collected in cannabis sales in 2017: (Source: The Denver Post)
587
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the state of Florida approved in additional funding for a new medical cannabis office: (Source: Tampa Bay Times)
13.3
The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that the Missourians for Patient Care campaign committee raised to support a medical cannabis initiative in Missouri: (Source: San Francisco Gate)
530
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Alaskan officials collected in cannabis tax revenue in the 2018 fiscal year: (Source: New York Post)
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Psychotherapy and Psychedelics
WHEN: Tues, Sept. 18 WHERE: The Attic, 2345 7th St., Denver WEBSITE: archipelagoclubs.com/member-calendar/2018/9/18/psychotherapy-and-psychedelics
Join counselor Jen Fiser, the clinical director of Innate Path, who has trained psychotherapists on how to use cannabis and ketamine for mental wellness. Cannabis is a mild psychedelic, which is revered for its therapeutic properties. In some people, childhood trauma can be locked up in the depths of the subconscious mind, and that’s where psychedelics come in. Unlock those 20
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unhealthy subconscious patterns that dominate daily life. At this event, attendees can learn about new research that is currently underway, which could expand the field of psychedelic healing. Also learn about MDMA and psilocybin and how they interact with your subconscious. You will learn about “body-focused, non-ordinary states” and how they can be used to your advantage.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Cannabis with Compassion Colorado welcomes new nonprofit c a n n a b i s i n c u b at o r By Caroline Hayes
C
olorado just welcomed a new nonprofit incubator group that is operating with the goal of connecting cannabis industry professionals to each other and its community through social responsibility and education. Denver-based nonprofit, Nuvolution, was recently provided with an event and incubation space in north Denver by the owner of a commercial property. Created in 2017 by the founding members of Women Grow, Nuvolution was born to connect people in the industry and help to facilitate healthy conversation about cannabis and hemp. Because the plants are Schedule I substances, lack of federal funding and limits on marketing methods can be problematic. Once a nonprofit gets these basic needs taken care of, it can start to source skilled volunteers and connect with other professionals and activists. Anne Marie Doyle, co-founder of Nuvolution told CULTURE, “We aim to shine a spotlight on the organizations that support our communities. After all, we are better together.” Nuvolution believes that positive changes in the industry happen when organizations can strategize together. The nonprofit was recently offered a local rent-free community center, where they will hold meetings, discussions and events. “The grant for the community center was a wonderful surprise and has caused us to refine our focus. In truth, it is more of an expanded focus as we discover what is important to our community and include those who would like a seat at the table,” Doyle explained. In refining the focus of Nuvolution, its organizers have started the process of curating a cannabis
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Cannabis Career Fair history museum. The exhibits and topics will cover Egyptian, Chinese, American and Colorado-based cannabis history and use. “The intention of the cannabis history museum décor is to provide basic community facing cannabis information to those visiting the community center,” said Doyle. Organizers hope to stimulate the conversation and education about the plant, including the history and legalization timeline of medical and recreational cannabis. Companies that have made an impact will also be featured. “There is quite a bit of information that we, within the industry, tend to share repeatedly and should be on the walls for all to experience,” Doyle explained of the museum’s vision. Nuvolution is working with others locally to create displays and write dialogue for the educational topics, which will include an exhibit appropriate for grades K-12. For a state to have legal hemp and cannabis yet no real educational system is incomprehensible, she said. Nuvolution is welcoming participation from anyone in the community who would like to donate their time or items. In addition to the cannabis history museum, Nuvolution is hosting “Lunch and Learns” the third Friday of every month highlighting topics important to the industry and its community. Yoga classes as well as cannabis and non-cannabis wellness events will be hosted at the community center. Nonprofits have a limited marketing budget and Doyle said that Nuvolution is grateful for cannabis-friendly news sources that can share their story. “Many of our efforts combine with other nonprofits to magnify impact and awareness,” Doyle said. She went on to say that Nuvolution is not limited to cannabis-oriented nonprofits but that they also support all cannabisfriendly organizations and social enterprises. Nuvolution encourages all cannabis-related businesses to make social responsibility their goal. Nuvolution’s voice acts as an advocate for the plant and its industry. It also is getting the conversation moving among businesses, patients, activists and government officials. Nuvolution’s services can help organizations find safe spaces to operate and sort through confusing laws, while educating the local community on the history and benefits of cannabis and hemp. c
Once you get your foot in the door, the cannabis industry is full of opportunities, ranging from entry level to executive positions. Here’s where you can instantly connect with potential employers, and get your name out there. Large cannabis companies will be waiting for qualified individuals who meet their expectations. Don’t be intimidated by industry big wigs—because everyone is invited, regardless of your skill level. The Cannabis Career Fair is sponsored by the Vangst talent agency and is specifically designed for the cannabis industry. Don’t forget to bring your resume, a cover letter and your smile! WHEN: Thurs, Sept. 13 WHERE: Radisson Hotel Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St., Denver WEBSITE: vangst.com/ vangst-talentcareerfair
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Flourish through Flotation V I V E F l o at S t u d i o s e r v e s t h e b o d y a n d m i n d By John McClain
C
herry Creek, Denver’s VIVE Float Studio is on a mission to serve both the mind and the body of its clientele for complete wellness. “We are the first national rest and recovery center that’s dedicated solely to mental and physical wellness,” said Founder and Manager Andi Sigler, who stated that today’s culture doesn’t put enough focus on mental well-being along with physical well-being. She chose the therapies while taking note of how people would benefit from them physically and mentally. “I think they deserve equal recognition and care.” VIVE Float Studio offers dry salt therapy, vibroacoustic massage therapy, an infrared sauna, cryotherapy and a flotation room to serve the needs of all type of customers from athletes
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and jet-setting businesspeople to busy parents. Each of the technologies is used to treat both the body and mind with relaxation, improved circulation and other health benefits. “They give you the opportunity to slow down,” said Sigler. The float therapy room offers a buoyant respite in 10 inches of water and 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts, leaving the body weightless. The water is also set at body temperature to provide a sensoryfree experience that provides complete relaxation. Flotation therapy is Sigler’s passion, which she discovered after trips to Israel. “I was in corporate America for many
“ T h e l a n d a n d t h e w at e r — p e o p l e come from all over the world to f l o at i n t h at c o n c e n t r at i o n o f s a lt a n d w at e r . I t ’ s m a g i c a l . ”
years, and I traveled at a pace that wasn’t conducive for wellness, both mentally and physically,” she said. “I really needed to refocus, so I chose to slow down my life and, over the course of time, took a couple trips to Israel and floated in the Dead Sea,” she said. “I was profoundly impacted by that.” She discovered an opportunity to create a version of that Dead Sea experience and never looked back. “The land and the water—people come from all over the world to float in that concentration of salt and water. It’s magical,” she explained. Sigler then opened up VIVE’s first location in San Francisco, California, which is a three-room float therapy studio only. “That’s my passion.” The infrared sauna uses three different infrared wavelengths to purge toxins, promote skin renewal and healing. The vibroacoustic massage uses a table with a water-filled top mattress layer to conduct vibrations through the body, relieving stress and tension. Dry salt therapy infuses Himalayan salt into the air to benefit the respiratory system and help alleviate skin ailments. The cryotherapy chamber is available on a walk-in basis due to its short session duration and is a quick, invigorating session used to increase endorphins, speed healing and lessen inflammation. It’s available for a whole-body therapy
or use on a targeted area. It is also used on the face to diminish blemishes and provide migraine relief. “We have a large majority that will come in and do one to two services, but then we have another demographic that is very specific to a modality,” Sigler explained. For instance, higher-level athletes will come in for cryotherapy, while those who need a break from their busy lifestyle will come in for flotation therapy. A variety of session lengths and packages are available. Vive offers introductory pricing to new clients and offers memberships for daily cryo services or a service of choice daily. Services are available separately or purchased in packages at a discount. Each service and its benefits are described in detail on the company’s website. “I was very specific with the equipment that I purchased,” Sigler said, stating the equipment used in the studios were the most current models used. “It’s state-of-the-art.” VIVE Float Studio recently partnered up with Floyd’s of Leadville and will carry their whole line of CBD oil products in its retail section. Products include protein powder, soft gel capsules and tinctures in both full spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) oil and CBD isolate. Sigler said the company’s focus on quality was important to her. “They’re our neighbor . . . there’s a relationship there, I know who I’m buying from,” she said. VIVE Float Studio has another location in Old Town Chicago, Illinois. c vivefloatstudio.com CultureMagazine.com
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REVIEWs
company highlight
MedPharm Interviewed: Albert Gutierrez and Tim Mathisen
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3855 Quentin St., Denver (720) 697-7554 www.medpharmholdings.com
How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? MedPharm is a phytopharmaceutical and intellectual property holding company that has been created to develop innovative cannabis products, using accepted pharmaceutical formulation techniques, to reliably produce identifiable and replicable dosage forms for human use. Our goal is to research the “What, Why and How” behind cannabis and find out which compounds and delivery methods work best to help with a condition(s). To do this, we have built a state-of-the-art facility and coupled it with the brightest minds.
What do you offer consumers/ clients that others don’t? We offer very high-quality products that are formulated in a GMPcompliant laboratory. We control everything from the cultivation to the extraction to the analytical data and the formulation. This allows us to consistently and reliably produce dosage forms that will have a positive impact on the end user or patient. We also have a USP 797 cleanroom in-house that can be used to develop sterile dosage forms when clinical trials become available.
How and why did your company start up? MedPharm was started because the need for consistency and reliability was apparent in the industry. There was also a need to better understand how cannabis can help people with a variety of ailments. We saw the need to create a company that could conduct research while formulating products that people could use and know that they are getting the best quality at a great price. With the changing landscape of medical and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? Those who operate in this industry know that there is red tape everywhere.
For us at MedPharm, the biggest challenges are the ability to conduct clinical trials with partners at universities because of the federal prohibition on cannabis. Everyone at the federal level wants research but there are a lot of barriers with what can and cannot be done. Another issue we see is that we in the United States are going to lose/ have lost a great deal of marketshare in the world, because other countries are speeding past us. Canada for instance has a fully legal market that they are standing up, and this allows them the ability to make a global push with other countries. We are so scared to make a decision on what we already know is the right thing to do so instead we keep having
conversations to make it feel like we are advancing as a country. It’s the definition of analysis paralysis. There is opportunity in cannabis that we can capitalize on. We were the leaders in the world, especially in Colorado, with bringing the market to the mainstream. We can now help lead the research that helps to solve some of the serious issues we are facing. From the opioid epidemic to the great work that GW has done on epilepsy, it’s important to continue on that path. We have to remain relevant, and we have to remain competitive. What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? We say this all the time to people when we get this question: The world of cannabis is exciting and deflating all at the same time. You have to be tough mentally to be in this industry. Most people will read that and say, “Yeah, I can do it. I’m tough.” And maybe they are, and that’s great. We can tell you that we are
mentally tough, and there have been times when our toughness has been tested. You can’t just throw money in and start a cultivation and expect to make a ton of money. Those days are gone. You need to have thick skin, a solid plan on more than just growing and truly know how to navigate this industry if you want to be successful. You should also know that we must work collaboratively as an industry to make things happen. There are no islands, because we fail together. What are the goals and vision moving forward for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? We see us involved in several clinical trials and expanding into other markets in the future. We see someone from our team getting a Nobel Prize for developing a cure to a disease and being looked at as the leader in extraction, research and formulation. We see our product lines evolving, and continually reinventing our approaches to all product lines. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight
Spectrum Concentrates How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? Spectrum Concentrates is an extraction company that focuses on creating the most authentic and comprehensive representation of the original cannabis cultivar. We believe in creating a product that is pure, potent and made with precision. We specialize in high terpene and high cannabinoid full spectrum extracts that capture all of the beneficial biomolecules, while leaving behind the undesirable ones and providing a truly unadulterated, flavorful and pure cannabinoid experience. What do you offer consumers/clients that others don’t? Our industry professionals use a compilation of techniques that utilize organic hydrocarbon solvent washes of cannabis material in closed-loop botanical
extraction machinery. We do not use any additives of any kind and source from only reputable, locallygrown Colorado flower cultivators. All Spectrum Concentrates products are made from fresh frozen cannabis plant material, preserving the full terpene profile. Utilizing fresh frozen cannabis buds in our extraction allows us to preserve the full terpene profile. By freezing the freshly harvested material, we preserve the volatile terpenes that would normally be lost during the drying process. More natural methods result in a more authentic flavor. Our extracts capture the true essence of the strain’s terpene profile while having the purity and potency customers deserve without having to reintroduce foreign terpenes or flavoring agents. We offer clients the ability to experience cannabis extracts as if they were walking through a garden the day before harvest. c
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REVIEWs
edible
Tart Cherry 1,000mg CBD ELiXiR Take a sip of this tempting healing elixir and ask questions later. With 1,000mg of CBD and a mild 10mg of THC, you won’t be bogged down by psychoactive effects— overall, it’s the perfect cannabinoid ratio to obtain the healing effects of CBD, especially if you still have tasks you need to complete with a clear mind. This vibrant red CBD ELiXiR from Dadirri Extracts packs in over 50 cherries per bottle, which means that it’s bursting with real fruit taste and the healing elements you need. Tart cherries are an excellent source of beneficial polyphenols, vitamin A and antioxidants. Its signature tart flavor is achieved using real cherry juice minus the artificial flavorings, meaning that even the pickiest of consumers will love it.
Available wherever: Dadirri Extracts products are carried.
Available wherever: CBx Sciences products are carried.
Cannabinoid Gems by CBx Sciences “Take a chill pill” has a whole new meaning. Pharmaceuticalgrade, sublingual Cannabinoid Gems by CBx Sciences are a fast-acting way to relieve pain, stress and anxiety. Our team sampled the Meditate variety, which is a combination of CBD, CBN, THC, Gaba and melatonin. The combination of natural herbs, cannabinoids and terpenes all work together for a balanced effect. The Gems had a somewhat gummy consistency and dissolved quickly under reviewers’ tongues. A profound relaxing effect came on within 30 minutes, with eyelids feeling heavy and a body effect that was both steady and long-lasting, yet functional. CBx’s Chief Scientist Dr. Noel Palmer created the Gems based on proven pharmaceutical delivery technology formulated for the company. This cannabis product is a discreet way to consume on-the-go. 30
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For More Products Go To CultureMagazine.com
REVIEWs
1. Gift a Green Send someone the birthday card that keeps on giving! An herb grows out of the card once you rip off the top and water it. You get to personalize each card with your own picture, your own message and you can add anything you’d like. Choices include arugula, grey dwarf sugar peas, kale, radishes, sunflower, kohlrabi or a mixture of arugula and kale. Then you can mail the card to your destination, or give it to the recipient in person. Personally, we’d choose to plant a different type of seed, but this card is definitely one-of-a-kind. Price: $10-18 More Information: giftagreen.com 2. HUDWAY Glass What is this futuristic sorcery? You’ll feel like one of the Avengers with this high-tech transparent glass screen that looks like a hologram and appears on the windshield of your car. Navigate Google Maps or your favorite navigation system using the HUDWAY Glass system and look through the screen onto the road in front of you. This impressive display unit is practically guaranteed to wow your friends. HUDWAY’s patented design also makes the image from your phone screen appear 20 percent larger. Price: $49.99 More Information: hudwayglass.com
3. Summerland Fruit Fantasy Apple Pipe This finely-crafted ceramic piece is almost too beautiful to use. Its high-shine polished glaze, chic modern appeal and striking titanium white color make it scream, “I was made by a modern designer!” Each apple piece is painstakingly handmade, bearing the inscription “Summerland, California” on the bottom. It’s equipped with a functioning carb and extra-large smoking hole. The bowl is formed perfectly to fit a generous portion of cannabis at the top of the apple. Any seasoned cannabis consumer will instantly know about the D.I.Y. apple pipes that it represents. Price: $95 More Information: kindredblack.com
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4. Sweet Leaf Denim Shirt If Kylie Jenner or Naomi Campbell were to purchase a cannabisthemed denim shirt—this would be it. Beverly Hills-based fashion designer and icon Jacquie Aiche has really outdone herself this time with the Sweet Leaf Denim Shirt. Each shirt is adorned with a large white, black, light pink, whiskey, red or turquoise cannabis leaf made out of pure snakeskin. Aiche’s Middle Eastern background occasionally influences her finished products. Each shirt is available with or without a python collar, and the tops are all handmade in the U.S.A. Price: $1,330 More Information: jacquieaiche.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
Release Date: SEPT. 7
BOOK
Available on: PlayStation 4
Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Marijuana Danny Danko Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. No two words are more synonymous with cannabis expertise than High Times—so when High Times Senior Cultivation Editor Danny Danko pens an introductory book on growing cannabis, it’s best to pay close attention. Hot and fresh of the press, Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Marijuana is the simple, straightforward handbook that beginning green thumbs desperately need. From setting up your grow room, to determining the best genetics through every step of harvest, cultivation and more, Danko’s first-hand experience shines through in every chapter of this 144page book. (Jacob Cannon) 34
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MOVIE GAME
Marvel’s Spider-Man Dev. Insomniac Games Pub. Sony Interactive Entertainment On paper, Spider-Man games have always been an exciting idea but in the past, the technology was not quite up to snuff in allowing game developers to create a successful experience—until now. Marvel’s Spider-Man, which won Best PS4 Game at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany last month, is poised to be the best SpiderMan game ever, offering beautiful rendered landscapes that legitimately make players feel like they are the web-slinging hero. The game presents a brand new story and enjoyable combat that evolves seamlessly between varying weather conditions and unique enemy battles. (Nicole Potter)
Avengers: Infinity War Dir. Anthony Russo; Joe Russo Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Just when you thought a Marvel superhero movie couldn’t get any bigger or more character-packed, Avengers: Infinity War is here to show just how huge a superhero movie can be. Incorporating cast members from the Avengers, Black Panther and Guardians of the Galaxy, the film follows the heroes of each franchise as they take on one of the Marvel universe’s most powerful and dangerous villains, Thanos. Directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Infinity War may be gargantuan, but it never feels excessive or indulgent. Instead, the film brings one the most compelling stories in comic history to life. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
I Make My Own Luck Kerry Pastine & the Crime Scene Wipe It Off! Records Much to the delight of its fans, Denver’s own Kerry Pastine & the Crime Scene returns with its signature blend of rockabilly/old style rock ‘n’ roll on its new EP, I Make My Own Luck. While the band’s last record took its sound in a more straight forward rockabilly direction, the new EP captures the group pushing its sound in interesting new directions. The title track, “I Make My Own Luck,” has a space age lounge vibe, while “Beggin’” and its take on the rhythm and blues standard “Fever” both have an old soul sound to them. (Simon Weedn)
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“ W e ’ v e b e e n k i n d o f b l e ss e d wit h t h e s e p e n s r i g h t n o w, s o I don’t have to worry about r o l l i n g j o i n ts a n y m o r e o r g e tti n g r i d o f s e e d s . ”
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Photos by John Gilhooley
Comedian Jo Koy c o n ti n u e s t o c h a r m a n d e n t e r ta i n h is e v e r - g r o wi n g f a n b a s e wit h c o n sta n t t o u r i n g , a w e e k ly p o d c a st a n d n e w c o m e d y sp e ci a l s By David Edmundson Comedian Jo Koy may be the nicest person CULTURE has ever met. The veteran comic greets everyone with an enormous hug, a smile and infectious positivity. Koy attributes a lot of his humor, hustle and success to his mother, who showed him by example that it is possible to go from struggling to make ends meet, to headlining comedy clubs around the world. After spending even a brief amount of time with him you also learn that his other two loves are his son and stand-up. And if you’ve seen his recent Netflix special, Jo Koy: Live from Seattle, you’ll be regaled with countless funny anecdotes about his son and his quest to conquer puberty. Koy was raised in the Seattle, Washington area, and from the moment he saw Eddie Murphy’s Raw in person, he knew what he was going to do with the rest of his life. Sure, there were lean years; he sold shoes at Nordstrom Rack the day after he appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. This was 15 years into his journey in stand-up. His story is a tale of perseverance and a testament to what you can accomplish if you dedicate yourself to something and give it 110 percent all the time. Now, Koy only continues to reach new audiences and make lifelong fans, selling record-breaking shows across the world and recently receiving the “Stand-Up Comedian of the Year” award at Montreal Canada’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. Koy chatted with CULTURE about being a comedian, the new Netflix special he has in the works, as well as his relationship with cannabis. CultureMagazine.com CultureMagazine.com september september2018 2018
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“ I ’ m s h o o ti n g m y n e w N e t f l i x sp e ci a l . T h is tim e N e t f l i x is b e h i n d it, s o I d o n ’ t h a v e t o w o r r y a b o u t t h e b u d g e t, b u y i n g sta g e c o v e r s , s e t d e si g n a n d d i r e ct o r s . I d o n ’ t have to wear any of those h a ts . I g e t t o w a l k o u t o n sta g e a n d j u st b e f u n n y. ”
When did you know that comedy was what you were going to do in life? I knew comedy was what I wanted to do when I heard Eddie Murphy do Delirious, so 1981-1982. When it came out I was in the sixth grade, that’s when I said I wanted to be a stand-up comedian for the rest of my life. In sixth grade, at 11 or 12 years old, you’re watching Delirious? I recorded it on a VHS tape. I recorded Delirious on there with Whoopi Goldberg’s Direct from Broadway, Robin Williams’ Live from the Met and Bill Cosby’s Himself. I had everything on that tape, and all I did was watch stand-up. I was in love with Eddie Murphy though, so when he went on tour with Raw, he came to Seattle, and I bought tickets for me and my friend William. My mom drove me to downtown Seattle, two 15-year-old kids, she was saying, “Why are you going to see a movie in Seattle, why didn’t you get tickets to see Eddie Murphy in Tacoma?” She had no idea there was a [live show], but she dropped us off at the Coliseum; that was the best day of my life. 40
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Which do you like more? Raw or Delirious? Well of course my heart is going to be with Raw, because I got to see it before anyone else did. This was back when kids didn’t really watch stand-up. It was like an adult thing to do. It was a special moment for me, and that comedy routine will always be in my body for the rest of my being. I remember that whole moment. I remember walking into the Coliseum, I remember buying a sweatshirt, I still remember the name of the production company. I remember that I was so mad that I didn’t buy the T-shirt, and I bought the sweatshirt. The sweatshirt said “Panda Panda,” which was the promotion company that brought the tour there. And then it said Eddie Murphy, it didn’t say Raw and had some Argyle on it. It had nothing to do with the tour. Then
they had T-shirts, that I didn’t buy, and it was just a red T-shirt with a silhouette of Eddie that said Raw. Should have bought that, I think about that every fucking day man. How did your family react when you decided to pursue stand-up? Were they supportive? Well my mom, no of course. She’s an immigrant mom from the Philippines, and now her kid wants to be a standup comedian. For her generation it’s all about having kids, sending them to college, she retires, and the kids take over. I get it when you come from a country where everyone is suffering from poverty, and you arrive in the land of opportunity, the last thing you want is for your kids to struggle. She didn’t think it was really going to happen, and she was right for about 15 years. From 1989 until 2004/2005, so you’re talking about 15 to 16 years of my mom being right. Reminding me every holiday, “Thirtytwo and you work at a fucking shoe store, trying to be a comedian. You’re not a kid anymore.” Then it starts to wear on you, like, “Fuck, maybe my mom is right, maybe I should quit, maybe I should get a full-time job being a mailman.”
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You’ve been doing stand-up for over 20 years. How long were you in the game before you felt like you made it? I did the Apollo in 1998 or 1999, and I felt like I made it. I was nine years in, and I’m on national television. I’m on a show that I’ve dreamed of being on ever since I watched it when I was a kid. I remember standing in the shower and pretending I was doing stand-up on the Apollo, and it came to life. So, to me I made it. Financially I’m not making it, I’m broke. For my mom, it was when I did The Tonight Show [with Jay Leno]. She was able to see something on NBC, and this is Jay Leno, the world knows Jay Leno, and here he is introducing her son. So, to me that’s when I made it, 15 years in, and literally that was when I was able to quit all my jobs because I was still working part time jobs when I did The Tonight Show. You use your family experiences for comedy gold. Has there been any pushback? I get nervous sometimes. On my last 42
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special, Jo Koy: Live from Seattle, I talked about my sister getting kicked out at 17. In the special I say she was kicked out of 18, when in reality she was kicked out at 16, but I didn’t want to say that. I remember practicing that joke at Treasure Island before I taped the special, and my mom, who finally made up with my sister a couple years before, and my sister are in the crowd. I remember doing that joke in front of them and being so fucking nervous. I remember getting offstage and my mom hugged me, and my sister hugged me. My sister said, “It really didn’t happen that way.” But I don’t want to say all the shit that happened, but let the audience know that this is generally what happened. I don’t want to make it too serious, so I got their approval, but I was really nervous. What does your mom think of your impression of her? Of course, her natural instinct is to say, “I don’t really say that,” or “I don’t sound like that,” and then I’m
like, “You sound like it right fucking now.” She’s where I got my comedy from, that’s where the natural ability comes from. She used humor when she came to this country to make friends and that’s pretty fucking awesome. Imagine coming here when the country was pretty much white and black. In 1968, immigrant with a military husband and a kid that nobody’s ever seen before. They’ve never seen a mixed kid. What the fuck is that? He’s got Asian eyes, but they’re hazel. What the fuck! My mom had to figure it out, there was no Facebook, she had to meet people on her own and figure out the language. I got my hustle from my mom. My mom used to put together these events with other Filipinos. They would rent out the Knights of Columbus Hall for $200 and invite all these people she met at the mall. There would be a long table of food, and the kids would perform. I saw my mom’s hustle, and I think that indirectly that motivated me, because I saw her do it.
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Has your teenage son, or one of his friends, seen your act? All of his friends have seen it. It’s what they do when they go out on the weekends. If they meet up at a friend’s house, my son will come over and he’ll tell me how Aiden put on my special and they all watched it. Do you consume cannabis? Who doesn’t! We’ve been kind of blessed with these pens right now, so I don’t have to worry about rolling joints anymore or getting rid of seeds. The pens are right there, and they’re all over the place, so I’ve been blessed to go to certain places where you can pick up some cool pens. How do you think cannabis affects the creative process? For me, not at all. Creatively I don’t need that. I do it purely for entertainment value. It’s fun to do it and laugh. I don’t use it for creative reasons, more just recreation. To relax and have a good time.
“For me, not at all. C r e a ti v e ly I d o n ’ t n e e d [ c a n n a b is ] . I d o it p u r e ly f o r e n t e r ta i n m e n t v a l u e . I t ’ s f u n t o d o it a n d l a u g h . I d o n ’ t u s e it f o r c r e a ti v e r e a s o n s , m o r e j u st r e c r e a ti o n . T o r e l a x a n d h a v e a g o o d tim e . ”
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You released your last special Jo Koy: Live from Seattle on Netflix; what makes the streaming service such a great fit for stand-up? That’s the blueprint right there. I don’t understand why networks haven’t copied this blueprint. Netflix changed my life, changed my career. I knew that I needed to get on Netflix, and they said “no” to me so many times. So I just invested all my money, and financially paid for my special. I knew that
if we didn’t sell this I’d be broke, so thank God I had a good manager and agent that believed in the project and were willing to invest as well. I had enough confidence to think that I was going to be able to sell it, even though Netflix said they didn’t need it. So, I shot that shit myself, with no potential buyer. Just praying that someone would buy it. We shopped that thing around for a few months, and we finally put it on Netflix’s table, and they bought it. Changed my life. Aside from touring, you also host a weekly podcast called, “The Koy Pond.” Do you find this to be an extension of your comedy, or a way to do something new? I love “The Koy Pond,” because I get to show off my ad lib skills, my improv. I do it onstage, but I love to do it in conversation. So that’s what that is all about, I go in there unscripted without a topic, without anything. I literally walk on and let it roll, and wherever that conversation takes us, that’s what we’re posting that night. So what’s next? I’m shooting my new Netflix special. This time Netflix is behind it, so I don’t have to worry about the budget, buying stage covers, set design and directors. I don’t have to wear any of those hats. I get to walk out onstage and just be funny. I don’t have to worry about getting offstage and having to eat a butter sandwich because I’m broke. c jokoy.com
LIGHTNING ROUND Richard Pryor or George Carlin? Carlin, only because I got to see him live when I was 15 at Bally’s. Soccer or football? Both suck. Pineapple on Pizza; gross or yum? Disgusting. It’s cold, why is it on there? Name a movie that makes you cry. My Life with Michael Keaton. Die Hard; Christmas movie or straight action movie? It is the greatest Christmas action movie ever. Batman or Superman? Batman. Cats or dogs? Dogs. Are you kidding me? Cats suck. Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore all day. People who back into parking spaces— monsters or geniuses? Geniuses. Favorite cannabis strain or product? Chocolate chip cookie edible. CultureMagazine.com
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Industry Insider
Curating a Community
E l l e m e n ta C o - F o u n d e r Aliza Sherman continues t o d i s r u p t m a l e - d o m i n at e d industries with a fresh female focus By R. Scott Rappold
Aliza Sherman isn’t a typical cannabis consumer or industry professional. She’s 53, a mother of three, a pioneering website designer and author of a dozen books. But in a male-dominated industry, it’s the fact she is a she, and a woman of experience, that sets her apart just as much as her accomplishments. “There are a lot of complex things that I need to be dealing with that the typical stoner culture does not cover,” she said. It was this disconnect, a lack of resources for women about cannabis, which led her in 2016 to co-found Ellementa, a global network committed to sharing information about cannabis for women, by women. There are already local chapters in 42 cities, as well as a robust website, ellementa.com, dedicated to this mission. And if Sherman’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she’s done it before, as a pioneering web designer back in the ’90s who helped connect a generation of women with a new thing called the internet.
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“ T h e s e a r e t h e k i n d o f t h i n g s t h at o l d e r w o m e n are facing and the first thing [doctors] want to do is slap some opioids on you . . . They want t o m a s k t h e u n d e r ly i n g i s s u e s a n d t h e y d o n ’ t w a n t t o d e a l w i t h t h e w h o l e b o d y. ”
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The Cybergrrl
In the early 1990s, the internet was a male-dominated network of chat rooms and message boards. Typing “women” into search engines usually meant X-rated results. “There was a lot of academic stuff, a lot of scientific stuff, a lot of hobbyists and gaming-oriented things, geeky, nerdy stuff, but there wasn’t anything on female health, on child care and family care. So it was really just irrelevant to women,” she recalled. It’s a small wonder then, that women accounted for just 10 percent of internet users. Sherman, trained in HTML, had begun using the internet as a hobby, but she decided to launch cybergrrl. com, which led to webgrrls.com, a network of resources for women that grew to more than 100 local chapters and 30,000 members. Her websites, launched at the exact right time to be at the forefront of the internet boom, have been credited with helping innumerable women take part in that boom. Newsweek magazine in 1995 named her one of the “Top People Who Matter Most on the Internet,” with Sherman representing one of only three women on the list. “I see the same exact same parallels now for cannabis. There’s very little relevant information specifically for women and women’s needs, particularly older women,” she said. “It’s intimidating. It’s scary, and in a lot of places it’s still illegal, so women don’t know where to turn for proper information, and women’s lives are so complex.”
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A Healing Medicine
Growing up in the ’80s on a steady diet of anti-cannabis propaganda, she only dabbled in cannabis as a youth and not at all as an adult. Flash forward to her early 50s and she was suffering from chronic pain, insomnia and other negative health impacts of aging and menopause. She had tried all kinds of holistic medicines and herbs, and
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when she moved to Alaska, a state with medical cannabis, she had an “a-ha” moment. “Here I am into all these alternative remedies and here is the most effective alternative remedy, and I avoided it out of fear,” she said. Cannabis, and particularly cannabidiol (CBD) products, provided relief that no pills could. “These are the kind of things that older women are facing and the first thing [doctors] want to do is slap some opioids on you . . . They want to mask the underlying issues and they don’t want to deal with the whole body.” Along with Co-Founders Melissa Pierce and Ashley Kingsley, Sherman launched Ellementa as a “global women’s cannabis wellness network.” There’s the website, weekly profiles written about women in the industry called Her Canna Life and a robust consulting business, helping cannabis companies reach and design products for women. She hopes these efforts, like Webgrrls for the internet, can help more women succeed in the industry. “The cannabis industry is still nascent enough in order for women to gain a foothold, to have a voice, but the reality is the window of opportunity for women to truly make a major impact in this industry is narrowing and closing,” she said. “The more that big money, old money, big pharma money, venture capital comes in . . . those who hold the major purse strings are all male.” But there are other groups, such as Women Grow, with Photo by Suzanne Sutcliffe Photography
that emphasis, so most of what Ellementa does is focused on consumers and their health. At monthly meetings in 42 cities, women pay a nominal fee to take part in group discussions, product presentations and information sessions, organized by an Ellementa contractor working on commission. There are usually 20 to 40 participants, all women, to keep it a safe space for an honest and frank discussion of women’s health issues. And while women of all ages are welcome, many tend to be older and maybe haven’t used cannabis in decades but are looking for answers. “My needs are very different from a 20-year-old. Women make the major decisions about health care purchases in their households. Whether they’re taking care of their children, their partners, their aging parents or themselves, they are usually the ones with the fingers on the pulse of what can help their families, their loved ones, themselves, to feel better,” Sherman said. “Our focus is on helping people feel better, on getting better information about cannabis and CBD out there and more relevant information for women on our particular needs.” As for whether Ellementa can do for the cannabis industry what Webgrrls did for the internet, and whether women can be truly equal in this industry, she sees plenty of room for progress. “When women are equal to men in the world, that will be the day that women will be equal to men in any industry. I think there’s a lot of opportunity still for women, but I think there are still a lot of barriers,” she said. c
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Frame of Freedom Artist Veronika Vajdova finds inspiration in the need for political change By Simon Weedn
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wenty-sevenyear-old Glasgow Caledonian University student Veronika Vajdová has been painting and creating art her entire life. However, it wasn’t until she began submitting pieces to the Natural Cannabis Company’s annual High Art competition, a cannabis-themed visual art contest, that her work began attracting international attention. Her contribution to the 2018 installment of the competition, Metamorphosis, was among the most interesting and beautiful pieces submitted, and the piece garnered a great deal of praise from her peers. Recently, CULTURE had the opportunity to catch up with Vajdová and hear about her art, her inspirations and the message she is trying to get across with Metamorphosis.
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Self Portrait
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To start off, can you give us a little background on yourself and how you became interested in painting and graphic art? Well, I’m originally from Slovakia, and I’ve always been interested in art, but in my family it wasn’t always something I was encouraged to pursue. So I always kept trying to find something else I was interested in, because everyone was telling me that art was just something you do as a hobby, and I ended up studying medicine. However, after studying for a few years I realized I was spending more and more time on art and that it was something that interested me a lot. So, I decided to quit medicine, found a 3D Animation and Visualization course in the United Kingdom, and so that’s where I am and that’s what I’m studying currently. Recently, your piece Metamorphosis was picked as a finalist for the High Art competition. Can you tell me a bit about the painting and what inspired it? The topic this year was “freedom,” and I come from a country where marijuana is illegal, and in the U.K. it’s the same situation. So, with Metamorphosis I wanted to say with it was that there are way too many things that I feel should change and that nobody seems to be dealing with the situation. Instead, everybody is connecting the idea of change to something bad. In my country, you can hear people talking about how legalization, even 54
for medical marijuana, would just lead to more people taking other drugs, and no one realizes that we already have other legal drugs. If you just think about alcohol and how much trouble it causes in families, and it is something legal. So, what I was trying to say with that piece, is that change doesn’t have to be something negative; change can be beautiful, and it can lead to something positive. What has been your experience submitting to High Art so far? Well, it’s been a few years since the contest started, and I think I submitted my art to the first or second year of the competition. Back then, it was actually the first time I had the courage to submit my art to a competition, and I think I became a finalist that year. I was shocked that I made it that far, and it’s one of the things that pushed me to make the change from medicine to art full-time. You mentioned that in Slovakia and the U.K. cannabis laws are still pretty restrictive. Do you see attitudes starting to change over there especially with successful legalization efforts in Canada and the U.S.? Well, people do talk about it, especially if something happens in bigger countries like the U.S., Canada or Mexico. You can see that some people who just a few years ago wouldn’t have thought about it or have an opinion that would be completely negative are no longer thinking in negative terms
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Metamorphosis
“ Y o u k n o w, w h e n p e o p l e ta l k a b o u t their experiences with marijuana and c r e at i v i t y, t h at ’ s i n s p i r i n g t o m e . ” about it. I think what’s helping is people going on YouTube or the news and talking about their own experiences with medical marijuana. Especially when people talk about their experiences with chronic pain or illness, it makes people think about it more. Is cannabis something that inspires some of your work? You know, when people talk about their experiences with
marijuana and creativity, that’s inspiring to me. Every year I check to find out when the High Art competition is happening, because I always love their topics and find them to be very inspiring. It’s usually just one month that people can submit their work, and I just love browsing through other people’s art and checking it all out. There’s just something about the High Art community that’s so nice and relaxed that it inspires me too. c www.deviantart.com/weroni
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Cosmic C uNicole r at i v e Skibola of Cosmic View found healing and entrepreneurship in cannabis
By Devon Alexander Brown
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fter graduating during the financial crisis of 2008, it became clear to Nicole Skibola that she no longer wanted to practice law. Instead she began working as a business consultant in New York City before deviating into sustainability and corporate social responsibility work. But before long, she discovered that this was just as unfulfilling as the prospect of spending hours in a dismal law firm. Soon she found herself, like thousands of fellow New Yorkers, selfmedicating with cannabis to cope with the stresses of Midtown Manhattan. By 2012 her world was upended—she was diagnosed with cancer in the form of a rare uterine sarcoma. But that illness only transformed her into the person she is today. Almost six years after recovering, Skibola has found greater peace. Her creative side, dormant for the better half of her adulthood, sprung to life shortly after her diagnosis, and she is now the author of the upcoming book, Wakeful Night, an illustrated exploration of cancer-related loss
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Photos by Drew Stevens
she developed to lead readers through their own stages of identity, fear and metaphorical thinking. Through art—the book also features a series of Skibola’s abstract linocut prints and India ink paintings—and narrative storytelling, Wakeful Night aims to support readers through their cancer experiences and inspire creativity. In addition to her newfound creative practice, Nicole is the co-founder of Cosmic View, a craft cannabis company specializing in handmade organic salves and tinctures that reflects her new perspective on life. Skibola described her company to CULTURE. “[Cosmic View] really promotes this idea of body intuition,” Skibola said. “I think cannabis is an amazing way to develop that skill . . . getting to know your own body, taking control of your own health and figuring out what works for you. There’s a trend right now in the cannabis industry, which is making cannabis feel like a pharmaceutical drug, which is great for some people, but for us it’s really about helping consumers know themselves and listen to their bodies.”
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“I don’t know where I would be without c a n n a b i s . I t h i n k t h at cannabis is an amazing tool to be able to come back into the present moment and s i t w i t h w h at e v e r you’re dealing with . . . t h at ’ s a n a m a z i n g g i f t t h at c a n n a b i s h a s offered us.” Skibola doesn’t credit cannabis for curing her cancer, but she does acknowledge the science showing cannabinoids—like CBD— are effective in treating certain cancer cells, notably endometrial varieties. After undergoing surgical treatment, Skibola adopted an Ayurveda diet and began placing more focus on mindfulness and being present. Although cannabis wasn’t directly consumed during her cancer treatment, it has since allowed her to develop the skills necessary for deeper introspection and subsequent emotional healing. Her illness was also the primary inspiration behind the launch of Cosmic View. “Cannabis was never really presented as an option to me while I was sick . . . it really became a big part of my life after I was sick because I needed to change my lifestyle,” Skibola said. “Living in New York is a stressful life, and I was drinking a lot of alcohol and sort of relying on that, and cannabis became a way for me to just relax and have a good time without having to worry about poisoning my body with alcohol.”
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Her mother and co-founder, Dr. Christine Skibola, is a former University of California, Berkeley professor and cancer researcher. She was also a professor of epidemiology and an endowed chair of oncology in the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. At the cancer center Christine was inspired to craft herbal salves after witnessing their use on the burns of radiation patients. Her daughter’s diagnosis led her to delve into the literature of plant medicine more aggressively, where cannabis continually appeared as a promising tool. As her mother began preparing to retire from academia, she became increasingly interested in crafting her own medicinal products and decided to add cannabis to her recipes. That decision led Nicole to relocate from Brooklyn, New York to California to join her mother in a cannabis collective. By January of this year, Cosmic View truly came into its own as a company. “I don’t know where I would be without cannabis,” Skibola said. “I think that cannabis is an amazing tool to be able to come back into the present moment and sit with whatever you’re dealing with . . . that’s an amazing gift that cannabis has offered us.” Skibola’s book, Wakeful Night, goes on sale Sept. 25 and can be pre-ordered from Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Because Cosmic View products contain both CBD and THC, they are only available for purchase and delivery from select dispensaries around the greater San Francisco Bay Area. c
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Get to Steppin’
Denver is bumpin’ the e l e c t r o n i c b e at s o f S e c t r a By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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nown internationally as one of the up-andcomers in the new wave of American electronic music, Sectra has been producing and DJing for some time now, and recently decided to relocate from Chicago, Illinois to Denver. While
some may question his decision to move from such a bustling urban hub, Sectra, also known as Jon Linskey, had a clear plan in mind when he made the trip. Drawn to Denver for its unique and growing EDM scene, Sectra plans to take full advantage of his new locale and all the bonuses it offers, from a club and music scene that supports him to added bonuses like legal cannabis. We spoke to Sectra about his musical plans and why he’s happy to call Denver home.
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“ B a s i c a l ly, I m a k e the weirdest stuff possible whenever I s m o k e ; i t r e a l ly does help you think of stuff you wouldn’t have if you weren’t high.”
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Photo by Scott Mao
How did you get started as a producer and DJ? I started producing electronic music in 2009. After already being a drummer since I was five or so, I heard Nine Inch Nails’ Pretty Hate Machine for the first time. I found out it was Trent Reznor doing every single thing on the record, and I was instantly like, “I wanna be able to do that.” So I downloaded an app on my phone that was basically a sequencer, looper and drum machine and started producing industrial, noise and hardcore on there. Then in 2012, I heard Truth’s EP Evil in the Woods, and I was immediately hooked on the dark, atmospheric and bass-heavy music they made. So straight away, I switched up my sound and alias, and here we are six years later. How would you define or describe your sound? Experimental bass music. Honestly at this point, I’m not even sure if I’m making dubstep anymore; I’ve essentially always been making noise and industrial influenced bass music at 140 BPM, with the occasional “dubstep” production here and there. What do you currently have in the works that you’d like to announce? For upcoming releases I have three confirmed vinyl releases, with a few that may be in the works, a digital EP that will be out very soon, and an EP that fellow Denver producer Trisicloplox and I made will be out later this year as well.
Have you ever worked cannabis into your music as a theme? If so, how? I actually have; I have an unreleased song entitled “Inhaling the Earth” which is basically just a euphemism for smoking. How has cannabis impacted your life or creative process? It has definitely helped me get out of my slump before and helped me be more creative in the studio. Basically, I make the weirdest stuff possible whenever I smoke; it really does help you think of stuff you wouldn’t have if you weren’t high. What do you think about legalization so far? What could be done better or differently? I think the legalization of cannabis in the U.S. has been going smoothly so far; I’ve heard a few people complain about too much government involvement, but I honestly don’t know enough about that situation to comment on it. What is your favorite strain or cannabis product? Anything sativa. I can’t do indicas or hybrids or edibles for that matter, but I absolutely love a good sativa strain. I just found one recently called Ecto-Cooler, and it’s probably my favorite at the moment. There’s another one that my friend and fellow producer Kali gave to me called Pucker; that one’s really good for getting the creative juices flowing. c www.soundcloud.com/sectra
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By John McClain
A Delivering Deliciousness
H e a lt h y e at i n g n o w r e q u i r e s v e r y l i t t l e e f f o r t, thanks to Denver-based Cibo Meals
“ I l i k e t o s ay t h at I ta k e m y customers on a journey around the w o r l d w i t h t h e i r ta s t e b u d s . ” 62
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trip to Italy inspired a Denver resident to say arrivederci to her former life as an interior designer and begin delivering buon cibo, or good food in Italian, to busy locals who wanted fast, fresh meals. Cibo Meals was inspired by Emily Green’s love of Italian culture. Before she began her home delivery business, Colorado-native Green worked as an interior designer in Denver and New York. Feeling burnt out, she followed her lifelong dream of traveling to Italy. “I lived there for three months, and I speak some Italian,” Green said, who mentioned she still travels there yearly. Regarding naming her company, Cibo Meals, “the Italian influence and verbiage is pretty important to me,” she said.
Green started Cibo Meals in 2016, inspired by what she had learned about the culinary scene in Italy. “I had learned a lot about food and cooking . . . better ingredients, more organic, more natural meals when I was in Italy, and it lends itself to the idea,” she explained. She also said it appealed to her designer side since she gets to play with colors and texture. “Now I’m just designing meals for people.” She also wanted to offer a healthful delivery option that didn’t still involve the client preparing the food on their own. “You’re still spending your time and energy to [make] the meals, and you have a mess in your kitchen afterwards, and then all of this horrible packaging you don’t know what to do with,” Green said. Cibo Meals offers a solution that is more convenient for customers, and it is also more sustainable for the environment in comparison to other meal services. Meals are handed over in reusable glass jars that are stored in cooler bags. New clients receive a cooler bag for deliveries to be stored in, and they place the bags outside with the leftover freezer packs and the rinsed jars. As the new meals are delivered, the previous delivery’s jars and
packs are picked up, so they can be reused. Every Thursday, the internationally-themed meal options are shared on the website, and one of the two offerings is often glutenfree. The menu rotates weekly, with ingredient lists and recipe sources posted alongside the menu choices. “I like to say that I take my customers on a journey around the world with their taste buds,” Green said. “It’s allowed them to be creative and be inspired by the cuisine.” “One week I’ll do something Mediterranean, and the next week I’ll do something Asian . . . I try to use ingredients, spices, seasonings, oils, that are in line with whatever those meals are. They’re getting to try different grains and mixtures and combinations that they wouldn’t usually try,” Green said. Although cannabis-infused dishes are not something that Cibo Meals is offering, the idea has presented itself, considering the green environment of Colorado. “I have toyed with the idea of using cannabis-infused oils, or doing some kind of seasoning,” said Green. “Right now, I leave that up to my customers, but I would say I have a pretty common interest in some of
Photos by Kirk Fry
my customer base.” Green said that because her business isn’t a subscription service, her orders can vary greatly each week. “I don’t think there’s any need to have subscriptions for your food.” The orders must be placed by Monday morning, and on Tuesday the orders are delivered in glass jars between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. A pint-sized jar, or piccolo is $12 and a quart-sized jar is $20. The quartsized serving can serve two, or three if served on the side to a protein. The meals can last two to three days in the fridge. Dietary restrictions often can be accommodated, such as exclusion of some ingredients, but the meals are made in a shared kitchen space where peanuts and allergens are present. Green’s service has also begun delivering lunches to workplaces, offering a healthy respite to those working at larger campuses like hospitals and colleges and can’t run out for lunch. “It’s really easy just to stick a fork in it and eat it,” she said. Currently, Cibo Meals is Denverbased and can only deliver within a relatively close proximity. c cibomeals.com
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GROWING CULTURE
Urban Herbs A visi t t o o n e o f t h e la r g es t u r ba n c u lt ivat i o n si t es i n t h e U . S . By Ed Rosenthal
I
t wasn’t long ago that the idea of growing an acre of cannabis in California was just a fantasy. But in 2016, citizens in California voted affirmatively on a partial legalization initiative. Now we can see the short-term results. Commercial cultivation sites have since expanded from Mendocino-type gardens typified by large plants, and each had a yield of 10 to 15 pounds. Back in the day, cultivators were able to harvest relatively large crops, while staying within the plant limit, which usually ranged from six to 49 plants. Indoors, a 100 light facility with a canopy of 1,500 to 2,000 square feet was considered large. Those are antiquated numbers now. In California, the law allows outdoor farms to contain at least one acre or more. There are a number of outdoor farms in legal counties, but most of the large ones are in rural areas, where there is ample space to spread out. However, in an urban area of California there was an acre-plus lot that had just been cleared of derelict buildings. The soil was suspect. Before it was cleared, abandoned cars and old machinery had been dumped there. However, the land was level enough to cover it with 20-gallon bags irrigated using a drip system. The new owners were planning to construct a greenhouse on the land, but that was only in the planning stages. The space was not scheduled for improvement after the growing season was over. However it needed some modifications before it could be used. City water
Once the plants were set outside they suffered from sunburn (bleaching), and nutrient imbalance including magnesium and potassium. 64
The stakes were tied together and then the netting was attached. Finally the branches were tied to the netting. No branches stuck out from the rows, much like the way wine grapes are trained.
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would have to be hooked up, which wasn’t much of a problem. However before plants could be planted, a chain link fence marking the perimeter was needed in order to make the lot visually impenetrable. Rather than buying pre-filled bags of soil, the cultivator decided to buy bulk soil and have laborers fill the bags from a soil pile dumped in the middle of the space using shovels. As the bags were filled, they were set in place and then planted. Once the containers were in place, the stakes and netting were installed. The stakes crossed each other and were tied. Then the netting was attached to the stakes. Finally, the branches were spread apart and attached to the netting using twist ties. Unfortunately, the final garden design was not followed and the netting was set at an oblique angle to the sun. As a result, portions of the plant that would have been in sunlight were partially shaded. The correct angle would have been for the plants to face north and south,
A plant tied to the netting. Photo taken about a week after the plants were set.
perpendicular to the sun. This becomes especially important in the fall, when the sun drops in relationship to the horizon, casting longer shadows. The cannabis plants had been growing under lights for several months before being planted outdoors, but the intensity was low so the stems were somewhat stretched and the leaves were small. The six-inch containers were slightly root-bound. The situation wasn’t critical and the roots would be able to grow into the new planting mix. It turned out that the planting mix was not ripe, so the plants were held back a little for the first two weeks by pH instability, causing unavailability for some of the micro-nutrients. Another problem that the plants faced was sunburn. The plants had been growing indoors under HPS lights, which emit no UV light. The old leaves were easily sunburned as a result. In spite of all these problems, the plants adjusted to their new environment and the newest growth showed that the soil problems had been resolved. c
Ten days after the first photo, plants have recovered somewhat, and new growth is healthy.
Looking down a row. 3,000 containers were planted. They are irrigated using drip emitters.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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COLORADO NOW! event listings
socially acceptable in modern culture. Lipstick aside, Boy George also defined the sound of the 1980s and today with hits like “Karma Chameleon” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me.” Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre, Englewood boygeorgeuk.com
Bruno Mars, Sept. 7 See one of the best-selling artists of all time, Bruno Mars. This stylish singer has released single after single, many of which have gone on to reach number one in the United States and across Europe. Although the lineup may change, Bruno Mars’ tour includes special guests Boyz II Men and Ciara. Pepsi Center, Denver pepsicenter.com/content/ calendar Soul Rebel Festival 2018, Sept. 8 Headlined by Black Uhuru, The Itals and Selasee, the 17th annual Soul Rebel Festival is a celebration of all things reggae. Get back to the roots of reggae music with a mix of old-timers and new reggae artist additions, and don’t be surprised if you are surrounded by fellow cannabis enthusiasts. Sunshine Acres, Boulder soulrebelfestival.com Boy George and Culture Club, Sept. 8 Boy George bended genders and stereotypes long before it became 66
311, Sept. 11 Nobody sounds quite like 311—the band’s songs are as distinct as they get, fusing funk, rock and reggae. 311’s name is the police code for indecent exposure in the band’s hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, and it has since become a major figure in the world of alternative rock and reggae. Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs www.pikespeakcenter.com Colorado Coffee Festival and Expo 2018, Sept. 16 The vast majority of cannabis consumers adore coffee, as it’s a great natural way to balance the lethargic effects of indicas. Thirtyfive local and national coffee suppliers will be at the Colorado Coffee Festival and Expo 2018, plus attendees will enjoy food, hot drinks, cold drinks, liquor and infused oils. The Space Gallery, Denver coloradocoffeeexpo.com Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival, Sept. 21-23 Sponsored by Loaf ‘N Jug,
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featured event
Nine Inch Nails, Sept. 18-19 Nine Inch Nails, by its own admission, is basically Trent Reznor running the show with temporary, interchangeable band members. Nine Inch Nails’ impeccable industrial hard rock sound and amazing live shows have set the bar for lighting and theatrics that no one has ever really duplicated. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison www.redrocksonline.com the Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival is back in Pueblo. Pueblo is home to plenty of chile pepper gardens, and its local residents love to celebrate southwestern food and Latino cuisines from all over North America. Union Ave. between B St. and City Center Dr. festival.pueblochamber.org Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, Sept. 25 Seriously, does Ringo Starr—who was one-fourth of The Beatles—need an introduction? See the most humble of all four Beatles perform his classic hits such as “It Don’t Come Easy” or “You’re Sixteen.” Paramount Theatre Denver,
Denver ringostarr.com/tour Colorado Tattoo Convention & Expo 2018, Sept. 28-30 The ultimate tattoo show is here, with dozens of famed tattoo artists from multiple generations. There will be live body art modification, a custom car show, live graffiti, burlesque, a fashion show, Lucha Libre masked wrestling, MMA fighting, a freak show, an extensive symposium on Body Art Modification and award ceremonies. National Western Complex, Denver coloradotattooconvention. com
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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—RECENT ALARMING HEADLINE Infamous South Beach street artist Jonathan Crenshaw, 46, attracts a lot of attention in Miami among tourists, who watch him paint on a canvas—using his feet. Crenshaw does not have arms and is homeless. Profiled in a local newspaper in 2011, Crenshaw told of a difficult childhood (he also claimed Gloria Estefan had given birth to 200 of his children). He landed in the headlines again after stabbing a Chicago man with a pair of scissors on July 10. According to
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The Miami Herald, Cesar Coronado, 22, told police he had approached Crenshaw to ask for directions, when Crenshaw jumped up and, using his feet, stabbed Coronado. Crenshaw’s story is that as he lay on the pavement, Coronado punched him in the head—so he stabbed him, tucked the scissors into his waistband and walked away. Police found Crenshaw, who has a lengthy arrest record, nearby and arrested him. REVENGE, TEXAS-STYLE The Austin AmericanStatesman reported that on June 17, RV park neighbors and longtime adversaries Ryan Felton Sauter, 39, and Keith Monroe got into a heated dispute about an undisclosed subject. Later that day, Monroe saw Sauter leaving Monroe’s RV and asked him why he had gone
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in without permission, to which Sauter replied, “You’ll see why.” Going inside, Monroe soon spotted a 3-foot-long rattlesnake. “I freaked out,” he said. He used a machete to kill the snake, which strangely was missing its rattles. Turns out Sauter had bitten off the snake’s tail, with its signature warning sound. Sauter has been charged with deadly conduct and criminal trespass. PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS Tina Ballard, 56, of Okeechobee County, Florida, was arrested in North Carolina by Linville Land Harbor police on July 16 after fleeing there to “hide (her pet) monkey so that state officials could not take that monkey from her,” assistant state attorney Ashley Albright told WPBF News. Ballard’s
troubles began in May, when the spider monkey, Spanky, jumped out of a shopping cart in an Okeechobee Home Depot and grabbed a cashier’s shirt, “leaving red marks on the cashier’s shoulder and back.” In June, Fox News reported, another Home Depot employee spotted Spanky in the parking lot, having escaped Ballard’s truck and dragging a leash. Spanky was spooked by the store’s sliding doors and bit the employee on the arm, grabbing her hair and running away. The employee gave chase and eventually caught Spanky, but not before suffering more bites and scratches. Spanky was in the car when Ballard was arrested and extradited back to Florida; the monkey will be placed in a primate sanctuary.
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