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inside
contents 8.2018
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Simply Sublime
Keeping the punk and reggae genres alive, Sublime with Rome talks to CULTURE about inspirations for its new album and how frontman Rome Ramirez incorporates cannabis into his daily life. On the COVER:
P h o t o by A n t h o n y d u t y
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Rolling out the Red Carpet Every day more mainstream celebrities are finding lucrative new business opportunities in the cannabis industry.
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Pack Your Bags Refer to these cannabis-friendly travel agencies to plan your late-summer getaway.
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Bub the Superhero Famous feline Lil BUB and her owner advocate for hemp-derived CBD medicine for pets everywhere.
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departments 08 Letter from the Editor news 10 News Nuggets 11 By the Numbers 12 Local News 14 Legal Corner reviews 16 Cool Stuff 18 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 36 Growing Culture 38 À La Carte 39 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Oklahoma AG Supports Amending Medical Cannabis Rules d Israeli Medical Cannabis Researchers Move to CA
Vol 10 IssUE 2
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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, 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 Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Rocki Davidson, Matt Knuth, Casey Roel, Rick Schwartz, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla INTERN Cole Graves Publisher David Comden
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 500 locations throughout Michigan. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 36500 Ford Rd #348 Westland, MI 48185 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Prevailing Process
A
ugust is a bittersweet month. As heat waves continue to scorch certain regions of the country, this rain-free time of year also means that arms are bare and good hair days are aplenty. August also reminds us that we’re well past the mid-year mark. Reflecting on the highlights of 2018 so far, the amount of progress made by our cannabis community deserves recognition. Legislation in favor of medical and recreational cannabis continues to sweep the world. Some of the biggest headlines from the past year include the federal legalization of cannabis becoming official in Canada, with the date for the law to go into effect recently announced to be set for Oct. 17, 2018. Provinces will have control over the details of how cannabis is locally regulated. On the other hand, progress continues to happen across the United States, with Oklahoma becoming the most recent state, as of late June, to approve medical cannabis so far this year. Overall, cannabis continues to become more widely accepted, both through legislation and everyday conversation. Those who personally imbibe in cannabis are no longer the only ones who are part of the cannabis conversation. Within and beyond the United States, humankind at large is starting to recognize the medicinal potential of cannabis. For instance, just about everyone is talking about cannabidiol (CBD). People who don’t personally consume cannabis are even turning to CBD for treating their pets, while people of all ages are considering how cannabis might improve their daily lives. Local coffee shops are
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infusing their drinks with CBD for patrons, while on a much larger level, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the first medically extracted cannabis-based drug, Epidiolex. It’s without a doubt that one of the hottest healthcare topics right now is the single cannabinoid, CBD, which is just one of the 100+ cannabinoids that exist within our favorite plant. As CBD in particular gains in popularity, in terms of legality, the cannabinoid is still in a state of limbo in the United States. As it can be derived both from the hemp plant and cannabis plant, the legal grey area surrounding CBD continues to be an important topic of discussion and frustration, particularly among cannabis business professionals. Like cannabis, individual states in the U.S. continue to pass legislation surrounding hemp cultivation and extraction. Michigan regulators made headlines when clarifying CBD laws in the state back in May, and most recently the California Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch issued a memo in early July to clarify the use of hemp-derived CBD in edible products. The setbacks and challenges of existing within this changing industry don’t define us. Let’s continue to do what we can to bring cannabis and its many cannabinoids into the mainstream. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
New Qualifying Conditions Added to Michigan’s Medical Cannabis Program The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Shelly Edgerton gave final approval on July 9 to the following 11 new qualifying conditions for access to medical cannabis: Arthritis, autism, chronic pain, colitis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid
arthritis, spinal cord injury, tourette syndrome and ulcerative colitis. “With the changes in state law to include marihuanainfused products, and the advancement of marihuana research, and upon the recommendation of the panel members, I’ve added these eleven conditions to the approved list,” Edgerton said. “I’d like to thank the members of the review panel for their hard work in discussing these petitions and making their recommendations.” The approval follows a recommendation from Medical Marihuana Review Panel members. Edgerton did deny several other conditions, however, including anxiety, panic attacks, diabetes and schizophrenia. The 11 new qualifying conditions became effective immediately.
New Jersey Doubles Number of Dispensaries According to a July 16 announcement, officials from the New Jersey Department of Health will begin accepting applications for six more dispensaries. The state has recently dealt with cannabis shortages due to the cap on businesses. “We look forward to the opening of six new dispensaries so we can ensure that all qualifying patients who want access to medicinal marijuana can have it,” Gov. Phil
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LARA Offers 30-Day Grace Period to Comply with Statewide Monitoring Businesses will have 30 days, beginning on the date they receive their first state operating license, to comply with Michigan’s statewide cannabis monitoring system. Emergency Rule 20 was issued by The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on July 17. After 30 days, any product that isn’t entered into the monitoring system under the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act will be banned from sale. “Emergency Rule 20 allows for a transition period of 30 calendar
Murphy stated. “Due to the steps that Commissioner Elnahal and I have taken since January, we have seen the addition of 10,000 new patients. Accordingly, we have to expand the number of businesses who are growing product and serving patients.” It’s the first step towards addressing the shortage problems seen in New Jersey. No provisions for equity applicants will be added, however. Winning business applications are scheduled to be announced on Nov. 1.
days during which marihuana product can be entered into the statewide monitoring system to ensure statewide tracking,” the announcement states. “These 30 days begin on the day a state operating license is issued to a licensee for the first time (the only exception is for additional licenses issued to the same license holder for a stacked license after a first license has already been issued).” Michigan medical cannabis is tracked each step of the way, from seed-to-sale.
The total number of additional medical conditions that were recently approved by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to qualify for medical cannabis in Michigan: (Source: Detroit Free Press)
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The estimated amount of money per year, in millions of Michigan tax dollars, that will be used to fund at least one cannabis research group or institution in Michigan: (Source: Bridge Magazine)
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The estimated number of employees that one Lansing-based medical cannabis company intends to hire now that it has received a state business license: (Source: Lansing State Journal)
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The number of medical cannabis business licenses that were issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, as of mid-July: (Source: Detroit Free Press)
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The number of commercial cannabis permits that have been approved in Pittsburg, California: (Source: ABC 7)
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The amount of cannabis, in kilos, that Canadian company Tilray sold during the first quarter of 2018 in Canada and Europe: (Source: MarketWatch) The projected amount of money, in billions of dollars, that the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. will collect in sales by 2030: (Source: PR Newswire)
1,299
The number of pages in a New York State Department of Health report describing how there are more pros than cons in legalizing cannabis for recreational consumption: (Source: Vox)
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Mix Master Mike WHEN: Thurs, Aug. 16–Fri, Aug. 17 WHERE: Necto Nightclub, 516 East Liberty St., Ann Arbor WEBSITE: www.necto.com If you had other plans prepared for this weekend, then you’re going to want to cancel them ASAP, because award-winning Mix Master Mike, the legendary DJ from the Beastie Boys, is coming to Ann Arbor. From his early work with the famous rap and hip-hop band to creating theme songs for children’s shows, opening Olympic ceremonies and producing the theme
music for the FIFA World Cup, Mix Master Mike is a renowned DJ who has certainly earned his title as “The World’s Greatest DJ” by USA Today. He was even inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beastie Boys in 2012. He’ll be introduced by musical acts DJ Skoob E and DJ LiftOFF, who will lead up to this exciting show. (Cole Graves) CultureMagazine.com
AUGUST 2018
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NEWS
LOCAL
Achieving Authorization
michigan officials approve the first seven cannabis business licenses By Benjamin M. Adams
T
he wait is finally over. The first batch of permanent licenses for medical cannabis businesses in Michigan was approved by the state’s Medical Marihuana Licensing Board (MMLB), paving the way for business growth without the worry of compliance issues. On July 13, four businesses were awarded seven various types of licenses. Only one provisioning center received a license. VB Chesaning, LLC was awarded four Class C cultivations licenses, Capital Transport, LLC was awarded a secure transporter license, Cannarbor, Inc was awarded a provisioning center license and Arbor Kitchen, LLC was awarded a processor license. “The MMLB has issued seven licenses to four different licensees,” Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Spokesperson David Harns told CULTURE in a statement. “One licensee received four stacked grower licenses.” Since each Class C cultivation license authorizes up to 1,500 plants, by stacking four, VB Chesaning could grow as many as 6,000 plants. Representatives from VB Chesaning did not respond to CULTURE for comment. The state also granted preliminary approval to 16 businesses, which are still in the process of receiving final approval. One of those businesses, Green Peak Innovations, has ambitious plans to obtain licenses for a dozen cultivation facilities, a processing facility and 19 provisioning centers. Green Peak Innovations’ eyes are set on the Harvest Park industrial area 12
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Trinity International Film Festival in Windsor Township, which is set to become a medical cannabis mecca. As of mid-July, the board received 594 applications, and only 54 had been processed. The competition, as usual, was fierce. In making the decisions to approve or deny businesses, a long list of criteria was taken into consideration by the MMLB. According to Harns, the MMLB looked at “the integrity, moral character and reputation” of businesses, as well as if they’ve passed several regulatory hurdles. Those hurdles include liability, no bankruptcies in the last seven years, tax requirements, compliance requirements and providing a criminal background check. Many other businesses were denied, including 14 applications during the latest batch of approvals. According to local reports, MMLB board member and former police officer Don Bailey denied some of those applicants for cannabis-related arrests as old as 1969. In addition, having a dismissed cannabis charge could still disqualify applicants from receiving a license. The process still isn’t completely over. While it’s great news to hear about seven licenses being completed, those businesses will still remain in “regulatory limbo,” until a testing facility can be approved. If the seven licensees wait to pay the $48,000 fee to complete licensure, they could operate under Michigan’s existing emergency rules until a lab has opened. Once the fee is paid, however, all testing requirements automatically go into effect. This offers yet another temporary solution to clear the regulatory gaps that have defined the medical cannabis community in Michigan during the last few years. Overall, the news is positive despite flaws in the approval process. The next MMLB meeting is scheduled for Aug. 9. LARA addressed the issue of the absence of labs, and according to Harns, a lab could be licensed as early as Aug. 15. c
The Trinity International Film Festival features numerous independent filmmakers from around the world, who will display their passion projects to a collective audience of fans, producers and professionals alike. Although film screenings are the main event, the festival will also showcase unique, one-of-a-kind panels that will connect the audience with filmmakers. Additionally, employers and visionaries, such as representatives of Netflix, HBO, Sony Pictures, Showtime, Cinemax and Lions Gate Entertainment will be in attendance, looking for potential new up-and-comers to partner with. Special guests include actress and producer Tangi Miller, BET Executive Producer Ralph Scott and Saturday Night Live segment producer Tanya Ryno. Ultimately, the Trinity International Film Festival is an opportunity for filmmakers to compete in a unique awards ceremony where 10 Jade Crystal Awards (in eight categories) and 17 Certificates (in 11 categories) will be given out. (Cole Graves) WHEN: Sat, Aug. 4-Sun, Aug. 12 WHERE: Marlene Boll Theatre & The Carr Center, 1401 Broadway St., Detroit WEBSITE: trinityinter nationalfilmfest.blogspot. com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Lack of Movement Where are the Michigan s tat e c a n n a b i s l i c e n s e s ? By Denise Pollicella
I
t seems ages ago, but the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) went into effect on Dec. 20, 2016, and yet, as of this writing, only seven licenses have been approved. In a state with liquor licenses and casino gaming, wineries, micro-breweries and dozens of other state-regulated industries, the medical cannabis licensing process should never have been this difficult. What is going on, and why is the state yet again acting as an impediment to safe, accessible medical cannabis instead of its facilitator? While we are not suggesting there is an anti-cannabis conspiracy at work, there are many hurdles that are causing the licensing process to move slowly. These delays include the text of the MMFLA, its various authorities and the stringent requirements for obtaining a license. Patients, communities, businesses and the economy are suffering because of the delays in Michigan’s cannabis licensing process. The MMFLA is written badly. It is just what happens when legislation languishes in committee for 18 months and 100 people add their own language. You would get the same awful result if 100 people tried to bake one cake and each individual added their own ingredients. The MMFLA is full of ambiguous language, aka “loopholes,” which
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have been used by regulators who are either unfriendly to the industry or who are beholden to those seeking to monopolize it. As a result, what should have been a simple, facilitative and administrative process has become a highlypoliticized and subjective one. For example, there are too many cooks in the kitchen, and it does not appear that anyone is in charge. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) administers the program and processes the applications. LARA actually runs well, and although short-staffed for the task at hand, it is historically a well-oiled machine. There is the Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation (BMMR), newly-created and presumably in
“The MMFLA is w r i t t e n b a d ly. I t i s j u s t w h at happens when l e g i s l at i o n languishes in committee for 18 months and 100 people add their own language.”
charge of regulating the industry. BMMR enforcement has inspectors on the ground, and although BMMR reportedly coordinates with Michigan State Police and local law enforcement, there is little evidence of it. Then there is the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board (MMLB), which includes five people (three Republicans and two Independents) appointed by a governor, none of whom have any experience in, or with, the medical cannabis industry save one anti-cannabis crusader cop. There are also very few statutory requirements for getting a license, which basically require no felonies, no drug misdemeanors and obtaining a location in a city that has “opted-in” to the program. However, the MMLB may also consider a host of other factors, like an applicant lying on their application, a history of bankruptcies and tax liens, and an applicant’s capitalization and moral character. In any other statelicensed industry in Michigan, this “catch-all” of miscellaneous personal shortcomings are rarely used, and only in egregious circumstances. The MMLB is using them as threshold requirements to deny licenses to applicants who would otherwise qualify. Imposing ambiguous language, an uninformed, disorganized system with no oversight and an unnecessary bureaucracy is hostile to business. That much you can do in 20 months. Issues licenses? Apparently not. c
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REVIEWs
GET YOUR CLICKS
HERE
1. Rosin Stamp Rosin Stamp by The Press Club is the perfect hassle-free way to remove concentrates from parchment paper—just press and lift. Rosin Stamp rises above the competition, with a satisfaction guarantee and a 365-day return policy to back it up. Three different sizes are available, and it won’t rip your parchment paper like a dab tool, so precious concentrates won’t be wasted in the process. If you’re serious about concentrates, or just enjoy an occasional dab, you may want to consider investing in a Rosin Stamp for your collection needs. Price: $19.95 More Information: thepressclub. co/products/rosin-collection
2. OTTO™ by Banana Bros. Let’s face it—every time you try to roll a pre-roll, your friends laugh at you and your end result looks more like a miniature bowling pin than a joint. Do you want pre-rolls that are uniform in size and shape? What you need is the OTTO™ from Banana Bros.—it does everything, from grinding your cannabis to filling pre-rolls. CULTURE tried it out at a house party, and we were impressed that it does what Banana Bros. says it does. OTTO™ Grinder is able to roll up to 30 perfect pre-rolls per charge and is odor and spill-proof. Price: $129.99 More Information: bananabros.com
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3. Fresh Cannabis Santal A fragrance is so much more than an aroma—it boosts confidence, self-esteem and general appeal. With a sensual woody masculine scent that blends rich fruits like kumquat and dark plum with patchouli, magnolia, chocolate, vetiver and vanilla, this is a winner. Made by Fresh®, this essence produces a diverse bouquet of fragrances. Rich earthy notes will leave a lasting impression. The scents are not too overpowering, making it possible to use as a unisex fragrance. Its retro artisan bottle will also make an impression in your bathroom quarters. Price: $50-$90 More Information: www.fresh.com
4. GenKit So you’ve planted a few seeds and they’re in the early stages of vegetation, but you want to ensure you’re dedicating your time to only the flowerproducing females. Look no further, Steep Hill Labs has come out with the GenKit, a genetic testing kit that identifies the sex of your seedlings, as well as other important factors from a leaf sample sent to the lab by you. Often, sex is determined too late and one male plant can pollinate and ruin an entire cultivation operation, turning buds into seeds. GenKit also documents your plant’s genetic makeup, which will identify your plant’s strain or if it is genetically unique. Price: $99 More Information: store.steephill.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
MOVIE BOOK
Cannabis for Canines
We Happy Few
Beverly A. Potter PhD
Dev. Compulsion Games
Ronin Publishing
Pub. Gearbox Publishing/ Microsoft Studios
For anyone who has welcomed a dog into their home, it is common knowledge that canines are not just pets—they’re family. And like any other family member, dogs face ailments, diseases and aging. Luckily, the emergence of medical cannabis for pets, like canines, provides our fourlegged friends with a natural wellness tool. Cannabis for Canines is a great resource for pet owners who would like to learn more about cannabis therapeutics for their pets, as well as the importance of keeping your pet’s veterinarian in the loop when considering a cannabis regimen. (Jacob Cannon) 18
GAME
AUGUST 2018 CultureMagazine.com
In an alternate 1960s dystopian timeline where citizens consume a hallucinogenic drug called Joy on the regular, things appear to be going swell. But Joy creates a false sense of reality, hiding the inhabitants of an English city from the awful truth. In this game, players see the world through the eyes of three different individuals who begin to realize that Joy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and your actions as a player help contribute to eventual societal collapse. (Nicole Potter) Release Date: Aug. 10 Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Blockers Dir. Kay Cannon Universal Pictures Throughout the history of the genre, the teen sex comedy has been a mostly manly affair, with movies like American Pie (and its many sequels) and Porky’s (and its two sequels) standing as defining pillars. First-time director Kay Cannon’s newest film Blockers not only brings the genre into more feminine territory but does so with huge laughs and spectacular performances. Following the antics of Mitchell (John Cena), Lisa (Leslie Mann), and Hunter (Ike Barinholtz) as they try and stop their daughters from going through with a prom night sex pact, the film delivers hilarious, ridiculous slapstick as well as some tender, thoughtful moments. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Soul Songs Taleen Kali Lolipop Records As a writer, poet, zine maker and former member of the indie rock band TÜLIPS, Taleen Kali has been a fixture in independent music and arts communities for years. However, it’s only just recently that Kali released her first solo debut EP, Soul Songs; a beautiful, captivating album of lush, textural rock music that blends elements of ’90s alternative, punk, shoegaze and psychedelia. Produced by Kristin Kontrol (Dum Dum Girls), recorded by Sarah Tudzin (Illuminati Hotties), and mixed by Brad Laner (Medicine), Soul Songs stuns in its richness and breadth of sound and style, as well as in its emotional depth. (Simon Weedn)
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Sound of Summer Sublime with Rome is back with a new full length album on the way
By Benjamin M. Adams
Sublime with Rome, in all of its iterations, has become one of the most important and popular reggae/rock acts in recent memory, selling over 17 million albums as either Sublime or Sublime with Rome. Many bands over the years would attempt to duplicate the sound of Sublime with Rome—fusing punk, reggae, ska and hip-hop. The reigns of lead vocalist were handed to Rome Ramirez in 2009, which led to a slight name change, creating a new synergy. The trio now consists of Ramirez, original bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Carlos Verdugo. Over the last decade, Ramirez has taken Sublime with Rome back into the charts as one of the top reggae acts in America—including a top 10 album on the Billboard 200 and a charting a top 10 single on U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs. Rome Ramirez also hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs and U.S. Billboard Rock Songs providing vocals for his duet “Lay me Down” with The Dirty Heads in 2010. Ramirez then went on to record extensively with Enrique Iglesias on tracks including a song co-written by Pitbull. On July 27, Sublime with Rome debuted its new single, “Wicked Heart” from its forthcoming new studio album, and fans love it. CULTURE caught up Ramirez to discuss the new album, the creative process and of course, cannabis. CULTURE: Good morning, how are you? [Bubbler noise as Rome takes a dab] How’s it going, bro? I’m just getting ready to take off to Canada. We’ve got a cool show happening there. What are you currently working on in the studio? Right now we’re just finishing up our new record. Eric is actually cutting some bass tracks today up in North Hollywood near Burbank. We’re finishing up the last touches for our third studio album. It’s fuckin’ nuts. We’ve been working on it for a minute, so it’s really been nice to arrive at this 10-year stretch. 20
What is it like working with producer Rob Cavallo—a legend himself—with so many albums under his belt? It’s just been amazing. It’s been a real life blessing, being able to work with a bunch of legends. I mean, all these guys really know what the fuck they’re doing. It’s constantly a learning experience. I’m like a sponge by nature—so I probably ask too many questions, and I just observe how everyone does things, because I myself am a producer as well. I’m really lucky. From an educational standpoint, it’s like the fuckin’ ultimate crash course.
AUGUST 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Are there any details about when readers can expect your upcoming album? [We dropped] a single [Wicked Heart on July 27]. And then, I can imagine that the album will be released [in] not too long—probably early next year. The album title is kind of under wraps.
we’ve always done it. When I started working with the guys, that was how we were able to shake [things up]. I think it’s really cool. Eric has a really good system. It’s not like we just play a song and then that’s all there is to it. We have to rough it up, then chop it up in a very unique way.
Sublime has always been a genre-jumping force in the world of music. Beyond reggae, were you shaped by punk rock and hip-hop? For me personally, I just kind of see the evolution of what punk has become, and also edgier hip-hop music. But it’s kind of morphed into a pseudo-genre, it feels like. I feel like, as far as what we do, and how we encompass those kinds of genres on an album, we just find a way to go there sonically. And then, we make it cohesive, and we work backwards from there. We’ll start out with a super rough cut of a song and then we’ll be like, “Let’s take it back,” so we can fit it into Sublime’s world a little bit more. That’s how
After you took the reigns as lead vocalist of the band, how much did your life change? My life changed completely. It completely changed. I went from sleeping in a van to owning a house. Now, I’m traveling around the world, and I’m able to buy myself a car, get married and have a baby. I’d say every little aspect of my life changed 100 percent.
“I feel that if you only do one kind of music, you’re limited geographically as to where you can travel. With reggae music, there’s a huge pocket for it everywhere around the world.”
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Do you remember which song you sang that impressed Sublime and made them decide to have you join the band? I never really auditioned for it. I would just go over to Eric’s house and get high and jam. This one day, he asked me to play a set at his house at a party, and the two of us played five Sublime songs. After that, everyone wanted me to be in the band. I think we played “Johnny Butt.” We played “Ebin” a lot. We also played “Pool Shark” and a bunch of covers. Is there a different vibe surrounding your live shows when you travel to remote areas like Japan? As far as the vibe of the people, they are some of the best people I’ve ever met in my entire life. Japanese culture is incredible. Every place has different laws,
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“I smoke all day. That’s my thing. I don’t even know what a day without smoking cannabis is like—to put it that way. I smoke herb when I do the dishes. I smoke herb in the studio. I smoke herb to work out. I just smoke herb all the time, basically.” Photos by Andreas Ramirez
so the weed thing changes depending on where we go. For the most part, Sublime has a certain type of fan. In our band, everybody is on the same page, and we’re the same kind of people, on and off the stage. We really get along well with them. Everyone is always super respectful. Obviously, cannabis is important in your daily lives. But do fans hook you up with bud? A lot. When we’re somewhere that we’ve never been, or somewhere where we don’t have a lot of friends, that shit comes in handy. As soon as we get into town, we’re like “Who’s got the fuckin’ herb?” It’s always the same. Fans always get us hooked up first. Before the promoter can or before a stage hand can. Fans always provide it first.
Sublime with Rome is notorious for working alongside cannabis companies to create exclusive products. What is an Orange Dynamite Stick, and how did the name originate? We have the song “Dynamite” on the first album. We really wanted to infuse some citrus flavors and at the time, we were doing a chocolate bar with Dixie Brands. It was going really, really well. It was orange chocolate with 100mg of THC. We sold a fuckin’ butt-ton of those. We were like, “Yo. Let’s work with our boy Brett to release a really badass citrus strain.” He was already doing Orange Cookies. We hit up him, and I was like, “I’d really like to do some sort of Orange Cookies cross with a really nice hybrid.” So we used Orange Wreck and crossed it with Bubblegum, which was a Cannabis Cup winner back in the ’90s. So, we
came up with Orange Dynamite. That was a really big seller for us as well. We’re in the process of coming up with some new stuff as well. We distinctly remember reviewing WonderBrett’s Orange Dynamite Stick Sauce, and the concentrate was honestly incredible— both sweet and potent. Do you have any more cannabis-related endorsements? Dude—it’s fuckin’ crazy. Nobody makes sauce like Brett does. Harvest Moon Gardens is really bomb, too. It’s just a small handful of guys who really know what they’re doing when it comes to sauce. There are a lot of people who can really kill the shatter game, but sauce can be a really particular thing, and you gotta know what you’re looking for, as far as terpene profiles, etc.
Photos by Andreas Ramirez
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Do you use cannabis to enhance creativity in the studio, or do you incorporate more like a work hard, play hard later mantra? I’ve already done two dabs since we’ve been talking. I smoke all day. That’s my thing. I don’t even know what a day without smoking cannabis is like—to put it that way. I smoke herb when I do the dishes. I smoke herb in the studio. I smoke herb to work out. I just smoke herb all the time, basically. Dabs, weed, whatever. I don’t like edibles too much. I know this sounds real salesey, but I really do like our line of bars, which are currently out of stock. About eight years ago, we had Dirty Heads on the cover of CULTURE. Can we expect any more collabs with Dirty Heads in the future? Yes. Those are my brothers. I’m on some of their older albums. I do [cut] beats with Jared [Watson], whenever
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he’s in the mood to do music outside of Dirty Heads. I worked with Duddy [Dustin Bushnell] on his solo work. They’re literally like my brothers, in the sense that sometimes they annoy me, and sometimes I annoy the fuck out of them. A lot of the time we get together and play music together. I’ll work with them forever. As far as I know, we’ll probably skip them on this album, but you know, we’ll work with them on the next. Who knows. Reggae is a language that everyone seems to understand. Do you thrive on diversity in the crowds at your shows? Yes. That’s a really big thing for us. Like you said, it’s a really versatile type of music, and we have a versatile fan base. So we fuckin’ eat that shit up. What’s become of that is that we’re able to go to a lot of other countries. I feel that if you only do one kind of music, you’re limited
Photos by Andreas Ramirez
geographically as to where you can travel. With reggae music, there’s a huge pocket for it everywhere around the world. Specifically, what Sublime did and what [it] did for the genre in the ’90s and moving forward, it allows us to exist in different genres and still be able to travel. Are there any noteworthy shows coming up in the following months that readers should plan for? We have the new album that’s coming next year, at the top of the year. We have a lot of shows planned for the end of summer. One of the biggest is going to be Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, [Nevada]. We’re really excited about that. That’s always a really big show for us. We touring now in preparation for the new album, and after it drops, we’ll be doing a formal tour. c www.sublimewithrome.com
Eric Wilson Dropping a Bassline with
Eric Wilson has been playing for Sublime or Sublime spinoff bands since 1988. In the early days, Wilson, along with Floyd “Bud” Gaugh VI and Bradley, played music at locations as small as house parties with the then-unknown starlet Gwen Stefani and her band, No Doubt. Stefani later recorded the duet “Saw Red” with Sublime. Through the mid1990s, the sound of California included third wave ska, a blend of punk and ska that dominated the airwaves. Sublime mirrored bands like Save Ferris, No Doubt, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish and The Offspring, as well as Bay Area punk bands emerging from Gilman St. in Oakland, California, such as Green Day, Rancid, Operation Ivy and more. But Sublime incorporated both third wave ska and the G funk sound of Long Beach along the lines of Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg and Warren G. Rolling Stone ranked Sublime’s selftitled album as number 25 on its list of the 100 Best Albums of the ’90s. The album documented the 1992 riots perfectly with “April 29, 1992” and songs like “Santeria” still get radio play. While Sublime purists still mourn the loss of the band’s original front man Nowell, who left us over 20 years ago, fortunately
the band forged on and embarked on a new era. After the death of Nowell, Wilson and Gaugh formed Long Beach Dub Allstars. Following that, Wilson went on to form Long Beach Shortbus while Gaugh formed Eyes Adrift and Volcano. The two would reunite in 2009 to reform Sublime—but this time with Rome Ramirez. A lawsuit forced them to slightly change the name. The rest is history. Drummers Bud Gaugh and Josh Freese would eventually be replaced by Carlos Verdugo. Cannabis constantly plays an important role. While Rome is clearly a dabber, Wilson prefers the tried-and-true classic delivery method. When CULTURE asked him if he prefers dabs or flower, “Flowers,” Wilson quickly said. Sublime with Rome’s last full-length studio album Sirens incorporated a level of experimentation including some psychedelic elements. Wilson tried to explain the direction of the new album. “Oh I definitely don’t know how to describe it,” Wilson said. “[We’re] getting away from the psychedelic thing.” As an original member of Sublime since 1988, Eric represents a connection to the past while Rome brings a whole new creative direction to the band. c Photos by Andreas Ramirez
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Show Me the Money A recent flood of celebrities have entered the cannabis arena By David Edmundson Celebrities pride themselves on being on top of hot trends. And right now, nothing is hotter than the cannabis industry. (Unless you count fanny packs, because nothing is hotter than those—right?) Celebrity cannabis endorsements go back decades, hitting their stride in the ’70s when cannabis became the focal point for Cheech Marin’s and Tommy Chong’s Cheech & Chong films. It was relegated to part of the counterculture of that time, but as Cheech & Chong made way for teen stoner comedies of the ’80s, the mindset started to change. No longer was it only a back room remedy for outcasts and musicians, the late ’70s and ’80s comedies brought cannabis to college in movies like Animal House and Revenge of the Nerds. The ’90s catapulted it further with films like Friday and Kevin Smith’s View Askewniverse series of films that culminated in the hysterical Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. This brings us to the current century, where cannabis is not only a rich avenue to mine for laughs, but it has become a huge business. And where there is money to be made, there is an agent looking to diversify the portfolio of a celebrity—and take his 15 percent commission, of course. But unlike boring investments like mutual funds and certificate of deposits, cannabis is not only highly lucrative, it can make a celebrity seem cool, and better yet, help heal the world. Throughout the years, there have been staunch supporters and investors in the cannabis industry. These people include the aforementioned Cheech & Chong, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg and many others, but recently a new crop of celebrities has entered the fray. Here is a rundown of the most recent entrants into the cannabis business world.
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Gene Simmons The iconic member of the rock band KISS has never consumed cannabis, but if there is one thing the musician knows, it’s how to make a buck. Short of Star Wars, no brand is as well-managed, and eclectic, as KISS merchandise. This is a brand that features a KISS-branded coffin and KISS strings for your air guitar (let that sink in). Simmons was notorious for his anti-drug stance, once saying that cannabis was akin to heroin. He attributed his change of heart on the matter to simply researching cannabis, something he urges everyone to do. “The Demon” recently invested $10 million in Canadian cannabis producer Invictus MD. Simmons will be the company’s Chief Evangelist Officer and provide counsel, serve as a spokesperson for the company and make public appearances for the brand.
Gwyneth Paltrow The Academy Award-winning actress’ lifestyle brand Goop will be partnering with cannabis dispensary chain MedMen™ to release a line of cannabis products. The line is currently focused solely on the purported medical applications of cannabis, which includes vape pens, cannabisinfused teas, edibles, bath bombs and transdermal patches.
Jim Belushi The funnyman, who grows cannabis on his Oregon farm, recently announced that he has rolled out his own line of cannabis products, Belushi’s Vault. One of the products is to be named after The Blues Brothers, the comedy classic starring his late brother John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Belushi also recently hosted a dinner where he invited several cannabis companies to pitch their products to a group of investors, including Kevin O’Leary of television’s Shark Tank.
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Amber Rose
Kevin Smith
American model, celebrity icon and podcast co-host of Loveline with Amber Rose, Amber Rose is an outspoken sex-positive feminist who has gained many fans over the years as the organizer of The Amber Rose SlutWalk. In the past, Rose has launched a clothing line, eyewear line and emoji app. She is also a published author and had her own talk show on VH1 entitled The Amber Rose Show. In July, Rose finally branched into the cannabis industry, launching a limited edition vaporizer by KandyPens.
The acclaimed director is no stranger to cannabis. He even appeared on the cover of CULTURE once upon a time. His new project is a scripted cannabis comedy that centers around a Los Angeles dispensary, and he needs your help. Smith is currently attempting to crowdfund the first season of Hollyweed, and you can watch the first episode now on Rivit TV. The pilot was shot in 2006 and has been on a shelf while he awaited on traditional investors. After his recent health scare and seeing firsthand how cannabis aided in his recovery, he has decided to skip the “money men� of Hollywood and instead go directly to his audience. Fans can check out the pilot, and if you would like to help fund additional episodes, the crowdfunding goes through Aug. 25.
Mike Tyson The legendary boxer and ear connoisseur purchased a 40-acre lot of land 110 miles away from Los Angeles, California, with the intention of transforming it into Tyson Ranch. The compound would produce top-shelf cannabis products, but also take advantage of new technologies to research the medicinal value of cannabis. In June, the former boxing champion launched Tyson Holistic Holdings for medicinal cannabis and Tyson Ranch, his recreational cannabis line.
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End of S U MM E R G e taway
Pack your bags and book a c a n n a b i s v a c at i o n t h at b e s t f i t s y o u r d e s t i n at i o n d e s i r e s
By Kiara Manns
The summer season often brings an influx of vacationers to almost every part of the world, and cannabis consumers are no exception when giving into the temptation of summertime travel. Oftentimes it can be difficult to come across the perfect, cannabis-friendly destination. Given the increasing boom of the cannabis industry, the market has opened doors for various companies to tailor specific services to those who love imbibing cannabis while getting away. Get to know a few travel agencies that cater specifically to those looking for the perfect cannabis-friendly getaway.
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Bud and Breakfast Take the convenience of Airbnb and combine it with cannabis to create a stress-free getaway! With Bud and Breakfast, guests have “instant access to safe and legal cannabisfriendly accommodations worldwide.” This company allows potential guests to have an array of lodging choices, while also giving property owners exposure to travelers eagerly in search of the perfect getaway home away from home. This service is great for anyone hoping to enjoy their travels in a comfortable and welcoming environment, rather than the impersonal atmosphere that is often found with hotels. However, properties can range from private homes to charming villas to fit the preferences of every kind of wanderer. Bud and Breakfast promises “an accessible network of accommodations that meet high standards for quality, reliability, and satisfaction for travelers who also enjoy the benefits of the wonderful healing plant, marijuana.” Offering the ability to venture out as far as Uruguay or Canada, this service is helpful to even the most adventurous of travelers.
Kush Tourism For those looking for an online resource to expose them to a variety of travel options within the United States, Kush Tourism might be the way to go. Kush Tourism connects potential travelers with lodging, dispensaries and cannabis tours in several states. “We partner with travel agencies, cannabis tour companies, pot friendly lodging establishments, farmers, processors and retailers,” the company explains. Kush Tourism provides valuable information about travel opportunities, and operates its very own cannabis culture tour in Seattle, Washington. For those curious about cannabis destinations outside of Washington, Kush Tourism also maintains a forum for consumers to discuss and ask questions based on locations they’d like to vacation to.
travelTHC Cannabis-friendly rental properties are just a click away at travelTHC. Cannabis consumers can be at peace knowing their green lifestyle is welcomed at any of the properties listed with travelTHC. What began as a small startup
in Colorado has now expanded to include locations such as Washington, Oregon and Alaska. International visitors looking for the right ambiance have taken travelTHC into their own hands in assisting them in booking their ideal vacation home. Bungalows, cabins, suites and more can all be found through this website. Whether vacationers are in need of a metropolitan city or a hideout in the mountains, travelTHC will match them to the location to best fit their preferences.
RastaVacations Planning out every detail of a vacation can be exhausting, especially when attempting to navigate cannabis-friendly activities and sites. RastaVacations sets customers with preplanned itineraries and travel packages to allow vacationers all the fun experiences without all the hassle of planning and booking during their trip. RastaVacations proudly shares, “We are a ‘green,’ pro-personal choice, pro-legal marijuana, travel resource and company. Our guests are both individuals and groups who prefer a more tolerant vacation experience—and those who appreciate great, unique adventures and destinations.” With each package, every day is organized with events, cultural excursions and sightseeing. Embark on the Amsterdam trip that includes museum visits, countryside trips and a coffee shop crawl in what is recognized as one the cannabis Capital of Europe. Other international packages include Jamaica, Uruguay, Colombia, Canada and the Dominican Republic.
HotBox Jamaica Sizzling temperatures of summer cause many to flock to the tropical islands of the Caribbean, and without a doubt, Jamaica will be on the brain for anyone hoping to kick back on the beach with green by their side. HotBox Jamaica offers specialty lodging, tours of cannabis farms and popular sites on the island overall. Ocean views, balconies and private beach access are just some of the few perks HotBox Jamaica provides its guests. The company is operated by the owners of Canada’s original cannabis lounge, HotBox, and it promises to offer “the most relaxing Jamaican Ganja vacation.” Located in the heart of Runaway Bay, a town on the northern coast of Jamaica, accommodations are in close proximity to nightlife, restaurants and transportation services. c CultureMagazine.com
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Famed Feline Lil BUB is the internet’s most adorable advocate for CBD oil and homeless pets
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By John McClain
L
ooking at Lil BUB can feel like an out-of-this-world experience. Lil BUB’s walleyed eyes, protruding tongue and exceptionally cute appearance helped this one-of-a-kind cat gain international fandom and help advocate for special needs and homeless pets with positivity and acceptance. She also discovered a new purpose recently after her owner shared her experience using hemp-derived CBD oil, making her become a public face for medical cannabis and CBD hemp oil use for pets. Lil BUB was discovered as the runt of a feral litter and was recognized immediately as a cat with special needs. Mike Bridavsky took her in to
live in his apartment with him after several friends shared pictures of the singularly unique kitten. Bridavsky already owned four other adopted cats that live at his Russian Recording studio in Bloomington, Indiana. The now four-pound, seven-year-old cat has several conditions that make her healthcare a unique challenge. Her conditions include dwarfism, an underdeveloped lower jaw, no teeth, one extra toe on each paw and osteopetrosis, which causes her bones to gradually grow denser as she ages. Bridavsky has used a variety of treatments to help Lil BUB live her life to the fullest, including Reiki, energy healing and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with an Assisi Loop. Bridavsky said he prefers more alternative treatments since traditional ones left her listless. “She doesn’t respond very well to those,” he said. Her internet fame started as a YouTube video of Lil BUB as a playful kitten pouncing on camera and now includes several social media channels, including over three million likes on Facebook. Her playful nature, unique chirping sounds and precociously protruding tongue make her a unique addition to the viral age of feline internet sensations. She is a published “author,” has her own merchandise line including plushies in her likeness, and starred in an awardwinning VICE Media documentary about internet cats called Lil BUB & Friendz. Lil BUB and her “dude,” Bridavsky, have also created Lil BUB’s Big FUND for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which provides grants to shelters to assist with special needs care.
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For the last year, Lil BUB has been taking hemp-derived CBD oil daily to manage her discomfort from her debilitating conditions. “Her mood and spirit seemed to be lifted,” said Bridavsky, who said after reviewing one of her older videos, he noticed a marked change in level over the years. The challenge with a cat like Lil BUB, who has several medical conditions, is being able to track how the oil is benefitting her. “Everything with BUB seemed to be a question mark,” he said, noting a cat with one condition, like seizures, would be easier to track the response from the treatment. His followers have surprised him with the amount of support showered on Lil BUB’s recent pet CBD hemp oil campaign with cbdMD, which has been featured in recent social media posts. “Overall, extremely positive,” he said, noting some 95 percent of comments were in support of the treatment option. Videos and images depict her happily playing with cat toys and scampering around, something that was a challenge more recently as her osteopetrosis condition grows worse, making it hard for her to move around. “She’s been spryer and more with it than ever before,” he said. Many commenters mentioned their own administering of CBD oil to their pets for treatment of various ailments and, sometimes, their own use. Comments also thanked Bridavsky for discussing the treatment option openly. “I always recommend to talk to your vet before giving anything to your own pets,” said Bridavsky, who said he had met with Lil BUB’s vet and received their approval before giving her any CBD oil. He echoes that advice in the comments section of posts, including to the few skeptics who comment adversely about the CBD oil treatment, citing the lack of data about it. Considering her small size, Bridavsky slowly worked Lil BUB up to a current two 300mg
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dropperfuls of CBD oil, which she happily takes. He acknowledges that is a high dose for a four-pound cat. He also administers CBD oil to one of his recording studio cats, Special Agent Dale Cooper, to help with his arthritis.
“She’s been spryer and more with it than ever before.”
Bridavsky said it was a great idea that the California legislature is currently considering Assembly Bill 2215 that would regulate cannabis for pets just like how it is for adults in California and empowering more veterinarians to recommend this type of treatment. Similarly in New York, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin recently introduced an amendment, Bill No A10104, which would allow pets to have access to medical cannabis. In addition, the potential of CBD on epileptic dogs is currently being tested at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Cannabis-derived CBD contains a lot more cannabinoids,” he said, noting that a cannabis-based fullspectrum oil could have medical properties beyond hemp-derived CBD oil. “I think it would be great to legally give it to your pet if they would benefit.” c
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GROWING CULTURE
Ketama, Morocco’s Cannabis Paradise By Ed Rosenthal
C
lose your eyes and imagine a land where almost every bit of arable space is planted with high THC cannabis. If you opened them in the province of Ketama, in northern Morocco, that would be reality. My partner Jane and I took a three-and-a-half hour flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands to Marrakesh, Morocco, hung out there for a few days, then hired a car and driver for the five-hour ride to cross the countryside to the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen, which flourishes on both domestic and international tourism. We saw no sign of cannabis in the two cities, no paraphernalia in shops, no one consuming it and certainly none in the fields. However, that scene changed as soon as we crossed the border into the province of Ketama. It is located in the Rif Mountains, which have a pattern of steep hills, protected valleys and broad slopes. Its inhabitants are Berbers, indigenous people who have lived in North Africa for thousands of years, and they have their own culture, distinct from the rest of Morocco. And one of the only sources of income is cannabis. 36
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Before we set out, we met a grower who lived 15 minutes from the town center. The house is built around an inner courtyard. Our host showed us three bags of kief made from last year’s crop—each a different variety. Hashmaking has improved tremendously over the 30 years, since I first toured Morocco. His product was very satisfying. We took a tour of our host’s farm, which consisted of fields ranging from fairly flat to moderately steep slopes. Cannabis was planted everywhere. Of course it did better on flat land, because the soil has more nutrients than on sloped land. Our host gave us full rein to explore on his property and the surrounding farms. But before he drove us back to town, he took us up the mountain. At the very top, the land was leveled flat, and his cousin was building a large house there. The geography was plainly visible. These young mountains pushed up steep and jagged with a valley separating the peaks. We could see that every section of land that could support a crop was planted in cannabis. It reminded me of Van Gogh’s paintings of farms and fields. Differing techniques and the varieties being planted resulted in a patchwork of green and tan shades delineating each farmer’s holdings. Farmers here were still growing using the traditional technique
of planting plants close together to produce a single bud. Done properly and supported by nutrients, this can be an efficient technique for commercial production, because it would save the time and energy spent keeping plants in vegetative state. Most of the farmers do not understand that a pollinated female plant will not produce a resinous bud. It would be better if they pulled the male plants so that the female plants’ energy went into producing bud, rather than seed. There weren’t many tourists in town, probably because it wasn’t hash buying season. In fact, there were so few guests at our hotel that we were assured of a “superior room.” The hotel was located in a valley. The land was flat and the plants were well cultivated and very healthy. I was looking at 25 acres right outside the hotel window. It was hilly on the back of the hotel, but parts of the slope had been terraced to make space for more cultivation. We left Ketama shortly after we took photos and then we travelled to Fez, Morocco by car. It is a long journey because of the road winding its way through the mountains. The entire area, everywhere we could see, was planted with weed. It only stopped at the border of the district. At the official border the landscape abruptly changed into olive tree orchards, wheat, alfalfa and other crops, but no cannabis was visible. c
View of the area from the top of the mountain. The land is flat towards the town center and then the slope increases into steep mountains. Every arable space is used. More was created using terracing.
The Shotwa Hotel. Ketama’s grandest. Our room cost about $20 a night. Hot water is available only on the first floor. The glory has faded but the bed was comfortable. No TV or AC.
Workers removing males. It’s an impossible task because the fields are so vast. Even if they were all removed, pollen from other fields would still pollinate the females.
A bag of premium kief that will be pressed into hash. Years ago the hash was very weak. Interbreeding with modern varieties has increased its potency to acceptable levels.
To deal with the steep slope, individual planting areas were constructed to make level planting areas.
The town is surrounded by fields. Not a tomato plant in sight.
Male flowers. It’s the first week of July and all the male plants are flowering. Even in midsummer the plants receive more than 10 hours of darkness, inducing them to flower.
The author standing by a field with the city in the background.
After the males are picked they are bundled up and carried out of the field. They are fed to livestock.
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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1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced bananas and lemon juice. Toss well. Remove from the bowl and place in a plastic bag and freeze.
Bodacious Banana Bowl
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 medium bananas, peeled and sliced
Replace your ice cream using this sweet and infused recipe
1 tablespoon lemon juice
By Laurie Wolf
1 tablespoon cannacoconut oil
I
t’s hot out. In the cannabis-friendly days of summer, there is nothing like ice cream to get you a frosty summer buzz. This banana “ice cream” is smooth, creamy and wonderfully refreshing. And it’s vegan! Next time your bananas are overripening, throw them into the freezer, and you’ll be able to make this infused treat at a moment’s notice. This Bodacious Banana Bowl recipe is straightforward, and the cocoa sauce takes just a couple of minutes to prepare. Overall, this is an easy-peasy dosed summer sensation. If you are a high dose cannabis person, you can infuse both the ice cream and the sauce. Just remember that moderation is key, and if you do it right, you will have an enjoyable experience every time. 38
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Photo by Bruce Wolf
2-3 teaspoons agave nectar
COCOA S a u c e : 2 tablespoons coconut oil* 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 2 teaspoons agave nectar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 4 tablespoons walnuts, toasted and chopped
2. Place the frozen bananas in the bowl of a food processor. Add the agave and the tablespoon of canna-oil. Purée until smooth. Immediately scoop into serving bowls or place in the freezer in a freezer safe bowl. 3. In a small pan, warm the coconut oil*. Stir in the cocoa and agave and mix until smooth. Remove from the heat. Add the vanilla and set aside. 4. To serve place a scoop of ice cream in serving bowls, drizzle with the chocolate sauce and sprinkle with the chopped walnuts. *If you are interested in infusing the sauce, use a tablespoon of infused coconut oil in addition to a tablespoon of regular oil, and add the cocoa to that.
News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
told him his belly fat had saved him from worse injury. King believes karma kept him alive: “Back in the ’70s, I had pulled a lady out of a burning building, so now I think I’m being paid back, by not dying,” King said.
LEAD STORY—KARMA Walt Dean King, 69, just wanted to take a look at a used car for sale on July 4. But when he approached the vehicle in the small California town of Tracy, about 60 miles east of San Francisco, he was suddenly knocked off his feet by a bull that had gotten loose. King felt the bull’s horn go through his side and crawled between a bush and a house as the bull stood over him snorting for about 20 minutes. FOX40 reported that King underwent three hours of surgery, after which doctors
IT’S A COMPULSION In 1985, Tosya Garibyan of Arinj, in Armenia, asked her husband, Levon Arkelian, 44, to dig a pit under their home where she could store potatoes. But once he got started, Radio Free Europe reported, he just couldn’t stop. Twenty-three years later, the underground oasis Arkelian created is a tourist attraction. Working as many as 18 hours a day with only a hammer and chisel, Arkelian created seven rooms, stairwells and passages running as deep as 65 feet and adorned them with carvings and
decorations made from found objects. Arkelian passed away in 2008, and his widow welcomes tourists to her museum, which includes his shredded work boots and tools. But she says the couple argued about the project. “He ruined his health because of this hole,” she told RFE. WAIT, WHAT? Brigadier Gen. Gholam Reza Jalali, the head of Iran’s Civil Defense Organization, announced in a press conference on July 2 that Israel is manipulating the weather over Iran to prevent rain. “Israel and another country in the region have joint teams which work to ensure clouds entering Iranian skies are unable to release rain,” Jalali posited, according to YNet News. “On top of that, we are facing the issue of cloud and snow theft.”
However, the head of Iran’s meteorological service was skeptical: “It is not possible for a country to steal snow or clouds. Iran has suffered a prolonged drought, and this is a global trend that does not apply only to Iran.” WEIRD SCIENCE If summer’s heat is making you anxious about body odor, you might want to investigate a helpful gadget launched on July 1 by Japanese health tech company Tanita: The ES100, an odor-sensing device that will detect body odor or too much perfume or cologne. IT Media reported that the user simply points the sensor toward the underarm area (or other problematic spots), and in 10 seconds a numerical score will appear on the LED display. If you’re a 10 . . . you’re not a 10.
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