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inside
contents 12.2018
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BEL OVED DIVA
R&B songstress Toni Braxton talks about her multifaceted career in entertainment, suffering from lupus and how topical hemp products have improved her quality of life.
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feature
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Tis the Season CULTURE ’s complete Holiday Gift Guide is chock-full of gifts that are sure to impress all the cannabis aficionados on your holiday shopping list.
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departments
08 Letter from the Editor news 10 News Nuggets 11 By the Numbers 12 Local News 13 Legal Corner reviews 14 Provisioning Center Highlight 15 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 28 À La Carte 30 Growing Culture
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Online Exclusive! d Recreational Cannabis Legislation Expected in Illinois d Infuse Your Hanukkah Celebrations with Cannabis
VOL 10 ISSUE 6
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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, David Edmundson. Caroline Hayes, Pamela Jayne, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Kiara Manns, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf ART DIRECTOR Steven Myrdahl PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Aguirre GRAPHIC DESIGNER John Venegas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Rocki Davidson, Casey Roel, Vic Zaragoza OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Cruz Bobadilla
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
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EDITOR
‘Tis the Season
C
heerful and festive cards arriving in the mail, shopping for the hottest deals, warm cinnamon rolls in the morning and spiked eggnog in the evening—there are endless signs that the holiday season is upon us. When it comes to holiday shopping, the experience wouldn’t be complete without small bells ringing outside of grocery stores, as volunteers accept donations for mainstream charities. As we get ready to wrap up the year, there is also no denying our cannabis culture’s
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focus on giving back to the communities we live in. While we support the sentiment, altruism shouldn’t be limited to the holiday season alone. Year-round, our friends and neighbors are facing economical hardships, from not being able to feed their families to unemployment, low incomes and homelessness. Don’t limit your charitable actions to just the month of December—give back through donations and volunteer work year-round. And if you’d like to witness inspiring examples of how to act every day and month of the year, you need
not look further than the cannabis industry. Countless dispensaries, cannabis companies and entrepreneurs have adopted a culture of altruism into the identity and mission of their brands. While we can assume the desire to do this stems from compassion and dedication to helping others, it’s clear that these charitable actions also help dismantle the negative stigma that cannabis companies often face in mainstream society. It’s essential that as consumers we continue to support companies in the cannabis industry that elevate our identity and work to improve their surrounding communities. Be inspired and find ways to support those in the industry who are so dedicated to giving back to their communities throughout the year. In this issue of CULTURE, you can rest assured that you’ll find everything you need to elevate your holiday celebrations. From our annual Holiday Gift Guide to infused and shareable dessert recipes, we’ve packed these pages with loads of holiday cheer. Let’s continue to demonstrate through our actions the world in which we hope to live in. Happy holidays from the CULTURE family to you and yours. c Cheers!
JAMIE SOLIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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DECEMBER 2018
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NEWS
NUGGETS
Judge Places Hold on Pending Cannabis Cases On Nov. 7, the day after Michigan voters approved Proposal 1 legalizing recreational cannabis, 63rd County Judge Jeffrey O’Hara announced that he will be putting cannabis cases on hold for the time being. One man and two women were among the first defendants in Kent County to have their cases handed back to prosecutors. All three cases were adjourned. “Given the fact that the voters voted yesterday regarding the issues of marijuana, the court is going to enter a plea of not guilty in regard to this matter, and I’ll have you speak with an attorney and a prosecutor, and we’ll go from
there,” stated Judge O’Hara. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said he is not sure what to do yet with the pending cases. Even if the defendants end up getting convicted, their charges could be expunged by Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer, who appears to take a soft stance on cannabis.
Michigan State University Rules Won’t Change Following Passage of Proposal 1 Michigan State University (MSU) issued a formal statement on Nov. 12 indicating that the university’s cannabis policies will remain intact even though voters recently approved adult-use sales. Michigan voters passed Proposal 1 with 56 percent approval. “ . . . the new state law will not change University of Michigan policy or federal law, both of which prohibit the possession and use of marijuana on university premises, and in the conduct of university business away from 10
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campus,” the statement read. The statement was written by Denise Maybank who serves as vice president and associate provost of Student Affairs and Services, Vennie Gore, vice president of Auxiliary Enterprises and Sharon Butler, associate vice president of Human Resources. Concern of an increase in cannabis consumption has led some institutions like MSU to take preventative measures to discourage cannabis consumption on campus.
New York Health Department Releases Medical Cannabis Report The New York State Health Department issued its latest two-year report on the state’s medical cannabis program on Nov. 14. The report outlines recommendations including allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis at their discretion and allowing doctors who can prescribe controlled substances to become registered providers. It also recommends initiating a pilot study to explore insurance coverage for medical cannabis. “New York’s Medical Marijuana Program has grown quickly since its launch almost three years ago,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Nearly 81,000 certified patients and more than 2,000 registered practitioners are now participating in the program. The recommendations in the two-year report are part of the continuous work to improve the quality of this program to help New Yorkers who are suffering from serious and debilitating conditions.” The report also recommends making amendments to promote research and allowing thirdparty contractors to work as security officers.
The numbered rank that indicates where Michigan lies on an updated list of states that have legalized recreational cannabis: (Source: The Associated Press)
10
The approximate percentage of Michigan residents who cast their votes in favor of legalizing recreational cannabis: (Source: Detroit Free Press)
56
The number of epileptic syndromes that the new FDA-approved cannabis medicine Epidiolex can be used to legally treat: (Source: CNN)
2
The number of counties in Michigan that tested the effectiveness of saliva-testing devices for impaired drivers through November 2018: (Source: Detroit Free Press)
5
The number of people who attended the first Commercial Cannabis Conference & Expo in late-October: (Source: Michigan Radio)
1,500
The estimated number of patients who registered for Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program since it began accepting applicants in 2018: (Source: Philadelphia Magazine)
80,000
The percentage of Americans who said that they believe that cannabis should be legal: (Source: Gallup)
66
The estimated number of Americans who live in states that passed pro-cannabis legislation on Nov. 6: (Source: Yahoo! Finance)
14.8
Medical Cannabis 101
WHEN: Sat, Dec. 15 WHERE: Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room, 114 South Main St., Ann Arbor WEBSITE: crazywisdom.net/events.html There are no wrong questions when it comes to learning how to use medical cannabis as a beginner. Brought to you by Blue Sage Health Consulting, Medical Cannabis 101 will cover the basics of cannabis consumption in a nonjudgmental environment. With the expertise of Julie Barron from Blue Sage Health, the class will help educate medical cannabis consumers about titration, delivery methods and
tips. Following the presentation, a Q&A session will provide attendees a chance to get their medical cannabis questions answered. Not everyone knows the difference between indicas, sativas and hybrids. Likewise, not everyone knows the difference between hemp-derived products and cannabis-derived products and the laws that apply—this is the best place to find out all that and more. CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2018
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NEWS
LOCAL
98 Degrees
VALIANT VICTORY LAP
Michigan legalizes r e c r e at i o n a l c a n n a b i s By Benjamin M. Adams
O
n the fateful evening of Nov. 6, voters turned out in droves to voice their opinions and vote at the midterm elections, making Michigan the 10th state to legalize recreational cannabis. While state residents were adamantly divided between political party state agendas— loosening cannabis laws was something that the majority of Michigan voters could agree upon. Proposal 1 maintained a double-digit lead for the majority of the night. The bill’s final tallies indicated that 55.9 percent voted in favor of the bill and 44.1 percent voted in opposition. The bill’s proponents weren’t too surprised at the results. “Polling had consistently shown support for Prop. 1 in the high 50s to low 60s over the past two years, so we were feeling confident in our ability to win,” Josh Hovey, spokesman for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol, told CULTURE. “The opposition campaign pumped a lot of money into TV ads in the last week of the election, and that caused some nervousness in the days leading up to the election. But in the end we felt that voters would side with our logical, data-driven campaign messages over the opposition’s fear mongering. Fortunately, that’s what happened.” Adults ages 21 and over may cultivate up to 12 plants for personal consumption. Adults may store up to 10 ounces at home, as long as amounts that are 2.5 ounces and higher are stored in locked containers. A 10 percent sales
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tax will be diverted to schools, roads and local municipalities. Per state law, ballot initiatives take effect 10 days after Election Day results are certified, meaning possession of recreational cannabis will be legal in Michigan sometime in early December. Sales will take a little bit longer. Under Prop. 1, the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and the Michigan State Legislature must begin accepting applications for retail stores within 12 months of the bill’s effective date, or by December 2019. But according to LARA Director Shelly Edgerton, it could take another year for licenses to be approved and for sales to begin. The other key win for cannabis advocates in Michigan was the election of Democratic Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer. All four Republican candidates for governor opposed recreational cannabis. Conservative Michigan natives like Ted Nugent publicly expressed their dismay that liberal leaders had seized control, and said that he is “hardcore” against recreational cannabis in Michigan. But with Whitmer in office, Michigan’s cannabis industry could move forward with little opposition. In addition, Democrat Dana Nessel will be the next Michigan Attorney General, replacing Bill Schuette. “Michigan will have a new governor and attorney general next year, and they’ll be key to the successful implementation of the business licensing,” Hovey said. “We’ll be working closely with them to ensure the rules and regulations are written in a way that is fair and equitable for everyone who wants to get into this new industry.” For Hovey, the passage of Prop. 1 means a lot of things. “It means that the days of this country’s experiment with cannabis prohibition will soon come to an end,” Hovey explained. “It means that it’s only a matter of time until marijuana is removed from the list of Schedule I substances and that federal laws are changed to allow banks to do business with this new industry.” According to The Washington Post, with Michigan added to the list of states with adult-use cannabis sales, 80 million Americans—or one out of every four Americans—now lives in a state with recreational cannabis laws. It’s not only a victory for Michigan, but a victory for all Americans. c
After taking a decade off from almost constant tours and hordes of teenage girl fans, 98 Degrees is back in the limelight. The teen pop group once rivaled the likes of boy bands like the Backstreet Boys or NSYNC during its heyday. Notably, Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees is an enthusiastic fan of cannabis. In 2015, Lachey funneled millions of his own money into lobbying efforts for Ohio’s Issue 3, a farfetched recreational cannabis bill that sadly failed. Had the initiative passed, Lachey would’ve held a monopoly over a large fraction of Ohio’s potential recreational cannabis market. But medical cannabis in Ohio inched forward, and Lachey helped bring attention to this important plant. Now on its 26-stop holiday tour, 98 Degrees is sure to reignite nostalgia among pop music fans, with a few holiday songs thrown into the mix. WHEN: Wed, Dec. 5 WHERE: Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit WEBSITE: 98degrees.com
NEWS
provision is de facto discriminatory. Regardless of the reason Rule 11 was created, or its debatable legality, efforts to meet these monetary thresholds have caused increasing chaos, and they are undoubtedly the reason we have so few licensed facilities in Michigan that cannot yet function as a viable industry. The obvious problem is that there is no lending available through the customary institutions due to cannabis’ federally illegal status. This requires applicants to go to private lenders, who more often than not want equity in the licensed company to secure their loan. However, Michigan’s regulatory structure requires any person with even one percent ownership interest in a license to undergo a lengthy, M i c h i g a n ’ s m i n i m u m c a p i ta l i z at i o n r e q u i r e m e n t overly-bureaucratic and document-intensive review that discourages most investors. c r e at e s a n a s s o r t m e n t o f p r o b l e m s The second problem is the recent delegation of applicant financial reviews to a group of analysts at when evaluating an applicant. By Denise Pollicella LARA who, by all accounts, have little to no experience Among those qualifications or education in law, finance, tax or business. are things like moral character, n November 2017, when This means that the majority of private lending integrity, reputation and “the Michigan’s Department of arrangements required by these capitalization rules sources and total amounts of Licensing and Regulatory are taking far too long for the state to evaluate. They the applicant’s capitalization.” Affairs (LARA) first are also apparently causing a rash of denials for odd Nowhere does the Act require published temporary reasons like “implausible business arrangement(s)”. any minimum capitalization. regulations, called the We’ll save you some reading. The words “implausible In fact, it states precisely the Emergency Rules for the business arrangement(s)” do not appear in the opposite. Because Article Medical Marihuana Facilities MMFLA or the Emergency Rules, or anywhere else in III of the MMFLA expressly Licensing Act (MMFLA), nature that we are aware of. prohibits the board from hopeful licensees were faced Finally, and most inexplicably, licensed facilities setting limits on the number of with a new capitalization are not being allowed to reuse their capital. Ever. licenses issued, the fact that requirement. Any person In other words, if you showed $300,000 cash in this capitalization requirement hoping to hold a license a bank account, and then proceeded to purchase disqualifies most people in was now required, under and improve a building, pass inspection, stock your Michigan acts as a de facto Rule 11, to show several shelves and secure a license, all without touching limit on licenses, and therefore hundred thousand dollars that $300,000 in cash, and now, having your violates the Act. in capitalization in order to provisioning center license, you want to expand This requirement also qualify. This requirement by applying for a processing license, LARA will likely violates Michigan’s has no statutory support, not let you use that $300,000 capital that is still constitution, in that it has the has disenfranchised sitting, unused, in the bank as capitalization for your effect of preventing all but the most otherwise qualified processing license. wealthiest people from holding applicants, has resulted in To the state’s credit, it appears to be well a license. Applicants must business structures that understood that this is an untenable policy and show that they have between have now become the cause makes no sense. Still, as of this writing, we have yet $150,000 and $500,000 of widespread denials, and to see any course correction. in capitalization. A minority it has stifled the growth of Article III of the MMFLA’s prohibition against plaintiff who otherwise the industry to the point limiting licenses was designed to allow for small qualifies for a license, but not of suffocation. Michigan’s business development and local economic growth, for this money, could make capitalization requirement is and to prevent the monopolization of this new a strong argument that this not just unconstitutional; it’s a industry by the super-rich. terrible idea. Rule 11, rebooted in the The MMFLA has one “ T h i s r e q u i r e m e n t a l s o l i k e ly permanent rules as Rule 12, reference to capitalization in it. Just one. Section 402 of v i o l at e s M i c h i g a n ’ s c o n s t i t u t i o n , i n negates that prohibition and prevents otherwise qualified the Act lists the requirements t h at i t h a s t h e e f f e c t o f p r e v e n t i n g applicants from holding and disqualifications for a license, along with a long a l l b u t t h e w e a lt h i e s t p e o p l e f r o m licenses, to the detriment of Michigan’s industry, patients list of additional items that h o l d i n g a l i c e n s e . ” and our communities. c the board may also consider LEGAL CORNER
Room for Improvement
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REVIEWS
provisioning center highlight TOP-SELLIN G STR AIN Chocolope TOP-SELLIN G CO NCENTR ATE House TOP-SELLIN G EDIBLE The Dab Gummies
Motor City Kush 10 E. 8 Mile Rd., Detroit (313) 707-0903 weeddispensarydetroit.com How and when did your provisioning center start up? We opened in February of 2018. We did it with a lot of patience for dealing with the paperwork and the strong belief that we are bringing the highest quality medicine, the most varied types of treatments and the best service to the Motor City. It is important for us to create a safe environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and trying different medicinal approaches that work best for them whether it’s topical, edible or flower. What’s the story behind the name of your provisioning center? We love Detroit and wanted to honor it in our name. We are proud of this city and to be a compassionate, fledgling part of its renaissance. Kush insinuates “high-grade” and that’s the quality of the products that we introduce to our market. What does your provisioning center offer patients that they 14
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can’t find anywhere else? We train our staff to be highly informed and compassionate to our patients’ needs. Since this has been a regulated industry, there isn’t a ton of “science” or “data.” So, we put in the work to find the bits of research that have been published, plus carefully sampling and discussing the effects of each medication so that we’re all informed and can share these experiences with our patients. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? There used to be a stereotypical “cannabis user.” Luckily the veil has been lifted on this miraculous medicine, and people from all walks of life are enjoying the benefits of this incredible plant. The diversity is wonderful to see. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a provisioning center? . . . Biggest joys? Banking has been the biggest logistical issue that we run into. Our greatest joy is when a patient comes back to us and tells us how great
they feel; it’s incredible. But when we hear how people have gotten off of opiates and pharmaceuticals, it makes all of the challenges and hard work worth it. We know how harsh those medications are in comparison to cannabis—at the end of the day, we’re trying supply people with beneficial options that help them live their most comfortable life. If patients get to us early enough, we truly believe that we could be a solution to their problem. However, some patients are terminal by the time they are introduced to cannabis; at that point, we are just grateful to make them comfortable enough to enjoy their final days. What is the one thing you want patients to know about your provisioning center? Everything we carry is vetted carefully to ensure that the products that we bring to the market are of the highest quality, properly dosed and are made with integrity. We carry a huge variety of different treatments like edibles both sweet and savory, an assortment of different types of CBD products, several different extracts and brands that are always tested, and flower that comes to us from growers who care. If someone wanted to open a provisioning enter and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? It’s a really challenging industry with lots of varied opinions, so you really have to love what you are doing. At the end of the day, what we do is help people in need. If that makes you feel warm inside, all of the hard work is worth it. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the cannabis community? One day, when cannabis is fully accepted again without stigma, we will know that we did our part in bringing this miraculous plant back to the people. We evolved with this plant, and it has so many incredible benefits. c
REVIEWS
entertainment
BOOK
The Essential Cannabis Book: A Field Guide for the Curious Rob Mejia Pub. Spring House Press There are cannabis novices and cannabis experts, the cannasseurs and the cannabis curious. While The Essential Cannabis Book has the potential to be enjoyed by all who love the cannabis plant, it was written specifically with the cannabis-curious in mind. Covering some of the most basic cannabis questions like, “Can you really use cannabis and not get high?” this book might be a little boring at times for the monthly CULTURE reader. However, it is a great gift for those in your life who want or need to learn more about the intricate world of cannabis. (Jacob Cannon)
RELEASE DATE: DEC. 7
MOVIE
AVAILABLE ON: NINTENDO SWITCH
BlacKkKlansman
GAME
Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate Dev. Bandai Namco Studios Pub. Nintendo This year the game industry is blessed with the fifth installment of the Super Smash Bros. series, entitled Ultimate, which features new characters and endless hours of soaring wins and epic losses. Play as Simon Belmont from Castlevania, Isabelle from Animal Crossing, a Piranha Plant from Super Mario Bros. and many other notable characters, all while testing out new stages and playable modes. Ultimate brings a lot to the table, both for seasoned fighting game aficionados as well as those who are new to the concept, and it’s the perfect game to play with your friends and family together this holiday. (Nicole Potter)
MUSIC
Black Velvet
Dir. Spike Lee Focus Features For almost four decades now, Director Spike Lee has been bringing powerful and compelling stories to the silver screen. His most recent film, BlacKkKlansman, continues in this tradition telling the true story of retired Colorado police officer Ron Stallworth (played by John David Washington) and the incredible work he did infiltrating and investigating the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. Filled out with stellar performances by Alec Balwin, Adam Driver and Topher Grace, BlacKkKlansman does well bringing this nearly unbelievable tale to life through Lee’s unique lens and adds yet another stellar film to his already incredible body of work. (Simon Weedn)
Charles Bradley Daptone Records Late last year, modern soul legend Charles Bradley passed away after a fight with stomach cancer at the age of 68. On what would have been the week of his 69th birthday, Daptone Records released Bradley’s fourth and final studio album, Black Velvet, comprised of unused recordings from his three previous records. Brimming with all of the vintage style soul sounds that made Bradley a star in the final years of his life, Black Velvet is an incredible collection of songs. The album marks a fitting end to one of the most talented, brilliant and stunning artists of the last decade. (Simon Weedn)
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SINGER TONI BRAXTON PUSHES PASSED THE HURDLES OF LUPUS TO EMPOWER HERSELF AND OTHERS
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“BEING OPEN ABOUT MY CONDITION HAS BEEN EMPOWERING, AND IT LETS OTHERS W H O M AY B E SUFFERING KNOW T H AT T H E Y A R E N ’ T A L O N E A N D T H AT T H E Y D O N ’ T H AV E T O G I V E UP THEIR DREAM. I DON’T LET THE D I S E A S E S T O P M E .”
By Kiara Manns
With a decorated career and involvement in just about every corner of the entertainment industry, legendary singer Toni Braxton is more than just an R&B icon. Through years of success and dedication to her craft, Braxton has become a household name. From her solo music career to producing and starring in a hit reality TV show series, Braxton Family Values, the multitalented Braxton has nearly done it all. She first stepped into the scene with her four sisters as the musical group, The Braxtons, during the 1980s. Soon after, her first self-titled album debuted in 1993, which featured the hit song “Another Sad Love Song.” The album alone led to three Grammy Award wins, and Toni Braxton became one of the top female artists in R&B. Braxton’s next studio album Secrets was even more commercially successful and generated the chart-topping hits “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “UnBreak My Heart.” Currently, she has released eight studio albums, achieved a total of seven Grammy Award wins, 11 Grammy Award nominations, sold 67 million records, mothered two boys, produced two reality series and tapped into a successful career of acting and producing. She’s also the recipient of five Billboard Music Awards, an Echo Award, a NAACP Image
Award and several Soul Train Music Awards. Only a few years ago, in 2010, did Braxton publicly share her diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus. As an autoimmune disease, lupus causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues and can affect any part of the body. The disease can also cause unwanted butterfly rashes to appear on the skin. Pain and inflammation are often side effects of the disease, but Braxton refused to let these challenging symptoms stand in her way. Braxton took her diagnosis story to the world in hopes of bringing a sense of community and connection for those who have also been diagnosed with lupus. She encourages others to not let their diagnosis halt their ambitions and hopes to lead by example. By committing to a healthy lifestyle and using all-natural health and beauty products, she continues to maintain her own plans for her performance career and future projects. Braxton is now taking on a new role as the brand ambassador for Uncle Bud’s Hemp, a company that specializes in “natural hemp-infused products for pain relief, skin care and personal care.” Uncle Bud’s Hemp prides itself in incorporating natural hemp oil, which is rich in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that help to promote healthy skin and slow cell damage. It’s a product that Braxton can personally stand behind. CULTURE caught up with Braxton to receive insight into her career thus far and to learn how hemp products have aided in providing her lifestyle that is healthy, safe and fulfilling. CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2018
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You have been involved in reality TV show Braxton Family Values not just on-screen, but behind the scenes as executive producer. What is it like producing a reality show that centers on your own family? I am enjoying being the executive producer on both Braxton Family Values and my recent movie roles. I like the control of making decisions that has a positive impact on my acting. You were also a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in its seventh season. How was that experience? It was really exhausting. At the time, I didn’t want the world to know that I was living with lupus. I committed to Dancing with the Stars to show that I was healthy and strong. You’ve been in the entertainment industry as both a solo recording artist and you’ve worked in various projects with your family. Which of those endeavors has had the biggest impact on your life today? Family is first and foremost, of course. Professionally, music is my first love, and I have enjoyed the opportunities I have had to act both in movies and on Broadway.
1967
OCT. 7, Toni Michelle Braxton is born to Minister Michael Braxton and his wife Evelyn in Severn, Maryland.
1970s
Braxton grows up in a strict religious household, but she finds her true passion while singing with her younger sisters Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar at their father’s church.
1992
JUNE 30, Braxton’s breakthrough moment arrives. Anita Baker is unable to sing for the soundtrack of Eddie Murphy’s Boomerang, and Braxton is asked to fill in. The soundtrack attracts a lot of attention with several hit singles.
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Not only do you have a big family, but you all have collaborated together from singing with your sisters to filming reality TV. What are the benefits of working with your family members? We love each other. If feelings are running high, you know at the end of the day, you are family, and you have to settle your differences.
DECEMBER 2018 CultureMagazine.com
1993
Tell us about your upcoming role in the Lifetime movie, Every Day is Christmas. It was fun to be the bad guy as a female Scrooge. I enjoyed doing a woman’s take on that wonderful holiday parable.
1990
Braxton and her younger sisters form The Braxtons. The group releases its first single “The Good Life,” and singer, songwriter and producer Babyface is impressed by what he hears. Babyface quickly signs Braxton to LaFace Records.
JULY 13, Braxton’s eponymous debut album is released and becomes an enormous hit, eventually selling over eight million albums and reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
1994
MARCH 1, “Another Sad Love Song” earns her Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance awards at The Grammy Awards.
How has life changed for you since you were diagnosed with lupus? Being open about my condition has been empowering, and it lets others who may be suffering know that they aren’t alone and that they don’t have to give up their dream. I don’t let the disease stop me. I help manage my symptoms by using safe, natural pain-relief products like Uncle Bud’s, along with other healthy lifestyle alterations.
You’ll also be on tour at the start of the New Year. What can fans expect from this upcoming tour? I love my fans, and I will be doing all of my hits. It’s no secret with your extensive resume that you enjoy working in so many aspects of the entertainment industry. From singing and acting to producing, is there a favorite form of entertaining you have among them? I enjoy them all; music was my start, so that will always remain my favorite. How do you feel about being referred to as a diva? It is an honor to be a celebrated female singer. Many doors are open to me, because of that description. You’re a mother of two teenage boys; what are some of the lessons you hope to instill in your sons? I want them to be honest, kind, honorable and hardworking young men.
1995
MARCH 1, Braxton earns a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 37th Grammy Awards for “Breathe Again.”
2000
APRIL 25, The Heat, Braxton’s studio album, is released.
“ . . . THERE ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING HEMP VERSUS CBD PRODUCTS, AND MANY M I S TA K E N LY U S E T H E T E R M S I N T E R C H A N G E A B LY. HEMP SEED OIL IS A N A L L- N AT U R A L O I L T H AT C O N TA I N S N O PSYCHOACTIVE PROPERTIES AND IS LEGAL IN THE U N I T E D S TAT E S .”
1996
FEB. 28, Braxton is nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards.
JUNE 18, Braxton’s second solo album Secrets is released and is also massively successful. “Un-Break My Heart” becomes her most successful single to date, followed by “You Make Me High.”
2001
FEB. 21, Braxton wins a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance with “He Wasn’t Man Enough” and is nominated for another Grammy Award.
1997
FEB. 27 Braxton collects another two Grammy Awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She is also nominated for two additional Grammy Awards.
2002
OCT. 23, Snowflakes, Braxton’s first holiday album is released.
NOV. 19, Braxton’s studio album More Than a Woman is released.
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What is something about overcoming the symptoms of lupus that you would like others to know? Never stop living your life. Take control of your body, and carefully work yourself through life’s hurdles. It can be done. When were hemp-based products first introduced to you as a treatment option for Lupus? I was first introduced to the power of hemp through Uncle Bud’s products. I am hooked. For those who are considering using hempinfused topical products, what’s something you’d like to share about how it helps you? That there are some misconceptions surrounding hemp versus CBD products, and many mistakenly use the terms interchangeably. Hemp seed oil is an all-natural oil that contains no psychoactive properties
2005
SEPT. 27, Libra, named after Braxton’s Zodiac sign, is released as her latest studio album and takes a short hiatus from the studio.
relief products, making them an essential part of an everyday routine for me, as I have long suffered from the painful and debilitating effects of lupus.
and is legal in the United States. Uncle Bud’s Hemp Pain Relief & Skin Care products do not contain any CBD. The industry can help dispel the conceptions by continuing to educate the consumer, and Uncle Bud’s will continue to be a source of information with the launch of their efficacious products, packaging and website. What types of treatment options did you try before resorting to hemp topical products? Rest, clean living, staying out of the sun.
2010
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The company shares that it provides a natural remedy for various conditions; why is it important to you to work with a company that utilizes natural ingredients in its products? Having had to make healthy alterations to my lifestyle, this hemp-healthy brand specializes in pain
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? You are strong, and you can meet the challenges that life throws your way. c
2011
MAY 4, Braxton releases her studio album Pulse, and shortly afterwards, she decides to focus on other parts of her career.
MAY 14, Braxton releases her memoir Unbreak My Heart: A Memoir published by HarperCollins.
Why did you choose to partner with Uncle Bud’s over another brand or treatment option? I believe in the product, and it really works for me. I wanted to share that experience with others.
What is your favorite Uncle Bud’s product? Why? It is hard to pick just one. But right now, I am loving the Uncle Bud’s Topical Pain Reliever as it works super-fast, penetrates deep and relieves aches and pains better than any other over-the-counter product I have tried. All you need is a small dab. A close second is the Massage and Body Oil. It adds a touch of pampering to pain relief.
APRIL 11, The reality television series Braxton Family Values debuted on WE tv, and it receives three times the ratings of typical WE tv series.
2015 FEB. 8, Love, Marriage & Divorce wins a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
2014
FEB. 4, Braxton releases her collaborative album Love, Marriage & Divorce with Babyface.
OCT. 30, The Braxtons release a holiday album Braxton Family Christmas, in which all five of her sisters participate.
2018
MARCH 23, Sex & Cigarettes, Braxton’s most recent studio album is released.
www.tonibraxton.com
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2018
gifts for the cannabis lovers in your life
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UNCLE BUD’S HEMP PRODUCTS Each good-for-you Uncle Bud’s Hemp product is formulated with pure organic hemp oil and is safe for men and women of all ages. Uncle Bud’s Hemp pain relief, skin care and personal care products utilize vitamins and antioxidant-rich hemp oil—a natural remedy to relieve arthritis, muscle pain, joint pain and other aches and skin conditions that affect millions of people worldwide! Products can be found at Walmart and GNC stores nationwide or at unclebudshemp.com.
CBX ESSENTIALS INTENSIVE SALVE Based on the awardwinning CBx Sciences line, CBx Essentials products contain all the benefits, with zero THC, so they can be shipped to anyone, nationwide. The new product line includes CBx Sciences’ Intensive Salve, the first product to introduce CBG to Colorado—and now the first CBG product available nationwide. Use promo “CULTURE15” for 15 percent off through Dec. 31, 2018.
PRICE: Prices range from $2.50 - $13.97 MORE INFORMATION: unclebudshemp.com
EYCE SPOON The patented Eyce Spoon pipe has been one of the most popular cannabis products for two years running. Why is this pipe so popular? Because it’s durability that rips. Eyce’s spoon pipe is an all-in-one smoker’s arsenal, complete with a removable inlaid glass bowl, hideaway poker tool, hidden stash compartment and an unbreakable platinum cured silicone body that is protected by Eyce’s Lifetime Warranty. What more could you ask for under $20? Use code “CULTURE10” for 10 percent off when you buy two pipes or more at EyceMolds.com. Offer expires Dec. 31, 2018. (Patent US D825,101)
PRICE: $25 for 2 ounces MORE INFORMATION: CBxEssentials.com
PRICE: $19.99 MORE INFORMATION: eycemolds.com
RYOT ® SIFTER BOXES RYOT® Sifter Boxes are known for their quality and being constructed of the highest quality woods. Their monofilament screen and seamless glass base tray make them the perfect option for collecting the finest kief and storing your herbs. Not only are these stylish and sleek, the RYOT® Sifter Box makes for a timeless addition to anyone’s collection. PRICE: $36 and up MORE INFORMATION: ryot.com CultureMagazine.com
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EMBER ® CERAMIC MUG Elevate your experience of sipping hot cocoa in front of the yule log this Christmas. For those on your holiday shopping list who are tired of hot drinks getting too cold, Ember® is the new way to keep every last drop of drinks at the perfect temperature and for long periods of time. Working alongside the Ember® app, this smart mug notifies users when their drink has reached the preferred temperature. The app also allows users to remotely adjust the temperature setting, and presets can also be saved for specific drinks. Each Ember® Ceramic Mug comes with a charging coaster for easy recharging. PRICE: $79.99 MORE INFORMATION: ember.com
SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH SMARTWATCH Give the gift of never being offline or disconnected from the internet again—no matter where you are. Using the Samsung Flow app, users can sync the watch with all smart devices through Bluetooth. With 4GB of internal storage, recipients of this fine watch can store their entire music library or whatever documents that are needed. Even the pickiest people on your shopping list will love being able to closely monitor sleep cycles, calorie intake and breathing, or they can even utilize the GPS system for an outside jog. The glass is made from Corning Gorilla Glass DR+, which is scratch-resistant and hard as a rock. The 42mm design is available in Rose Gold or Midnight Black, and 46mm designs are also available. PRICE: $329.99 MORE INFORMATION: samsung.com
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KUSH COLA Introducing Michigan’s own Kush Cola. At 100mg per bottle, this delicious beverage is available in seven delicious flavors that include Kush Cola, Lemon Haze, Agent Orange, Purple Haze and other flavors. This beverage is surely soon to be a favorite consumable in refrigerators across all medical and recreational cannabis states. Owned and operated by three single advocate and consumer moms, this cannabis-infused beverage company is currently sponsoring an F3 Race Car driver and will soon offer more than just soda. In the months to come, Kush Cola will be launching products such as coffee, teas and an apparel line. MORE INFORMATION: instagram.com/kush_cola
Dr. Dabber SWITCH If want you want to treat your loved one to the very best of the best when it comes to dabbing this holiday season, then Dr. Dabber has you covered! This powerful hourglass-shaped Dr. Dabber SWITCH will take cannabis consumption to the next level. This dabber’s sleek design with LED lights is outstanding and will impress just about anyone. The set comes with all the attachments or accessories that are needed for various forms of inhalation. Choose Leaf Mode, Oil Mode, Crystal Mode or choose up to 25 Advanced Mode settings. There is also Stealth Mode and 25 impressive LED light show settings. Take it on-the-go with a battery life of up to 33.3 watt-hours, 150 uses per charge and 120 watts of output power. PRICE: $399.99 MORE INFORMATION: drdabber.com
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Kannastör ® GR8TR ® V2 JAR BODY The Kannastör ® GR8TR® V2 stands out above all other grinders, and this one has it all! The immediate standout features are the interchangeable Vape and Standard Easy Change Grinder plates for a variance of grinding options. Plus it has an Easy Change Sifting Screen, bonus storage options and all the variations of modularity that one could ever hope for. On top of that, the Kannastör ® GR8TR® V2 comes in three amazing colors, comes with a lifetime warranty and is made from food grade hardened aluminum. Rest assured you’re getting quality, as it was rated number one by HuffPost and High Times in 2017! PRICE: $89 MORE INFORMATION: kannastor.com
THE AXE HAT BY CHIEFTON SUPPLY CO. This six-panel snapback is made from the highest quality hemp and organic cotton. Attention to detail makes this hat stand out from the rest. The game changer with this piece is the small tab on the right side panel appropriately called the “Joint Caddy.” No more sweaty broken joints will be tucked behind your ear. Check out www.chieftonsupply.com for a great selection of hemp apparel and accessories. MORE INFORMATION: www.chieftonsupply.com
TROPIC TWIST GUMMIES Give the holidays a tropical twist this year. These fruity, delicious, indica-dominant gummies are guaranteed to relax your mind and whisk you away from wintry nights to sunny Caribbean shores. Fully infused, handmade Tropic Twist Gummies are easy to share with friends— and like all Dixie Edibles, they’re triple lab tested for consistency and quality. Tropic Twist Gummies are available only where Dixie Elixirs products are sold. MORE INFORMATION: dixieelixirs.com
BHANG ICE CHOCOLATE Treat yourself to holiday cheer with Bhang Ice Chocolate, an offering of milk chocolate with refreshing mint flavor, derived from natural peppermint oils. Bhang chocolate is for chocolate lovers who crave a high-quality edible containing an incredible, cannabisfree taste and verified potencies that achieve a premium experience. Bhang Ice Chocolate is available in compliant packaging, a variety of flavors and at an excellent price point with Fair Trade, sustainable-sourced cacao. MORE INFORMATION: gotbhang.com
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MINDSET Hybrid Vape Cartridge Discover the most consistent, best-tasting, highest potency vape cartridges currently on the market. 500mg MINDSET Hybrid Vape Cartridges are available with oil made from premium hybrid strains. During the CO2 extraction process, terpenes are removed at low temperatures to preserve taste, consistency and profile. The MINDSET Hybrid Vape Cartridge is available only where Dixie Elixirs products are sold. MORE INFORMATION: dixieelixirs.com
TOKER POKER ® Your stocking stuffer search ends here! Finally, your poker, tamper, hemp wick and lighter are in one, tidy place. This soulfully designed smoking tool has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Artist Editions are certain to be the hit of the season—as unique as they are useful. Use promo code “CULTURE25” at the checkout for 25 percent discount online at tokerpoker.com (offer expires Dec. 31, 2018). PRICE: $7.95 and up MORE INFORMATION: tokerpoker.com
GENIUS MINI With the Genius Mini’s incredible Genius Taster attachment, you can dab on-the-go and still experience all the benefits that the technology offers for flower. A waterless rig maximizes taste and allows the full flavor profile to be experienced. Other features include the Genius Mini’s Waterless Dimple Technology that cools and filters smoke and leads to less waste. It’s also amazingly efficient and virtually indestructible.
SYNERGY Relief Balm Infused with THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio, SYNERGY Relief Balm delivers harmonious health benefits—so you can work hard and recover faster. Consumers report that its powerful anti-inflammatory properties are great for treating chronic and localized pain and can assist with neuropathic conditions. Added bonus: The balm is absorbed through the skin, so it doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. SYNERGY Relief Balm is available only where Dixie Elixirs products are sold. MORE INFORMATION: dixieelixirs.com
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PRICE: $75 MORE INFORMATION: geniuspipe.com
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the Season of sharing
G i v e t h e g i f t o f d e l i c i o u s f l av o r w i t h r e c i p e s f o r s h a r e a b l e s w e e t t r e at s standing underneath the mistletoe or sitting beside a warm fireplace—and treats like these are best made to share with your loved ones. Here are just a few seasonal recipes that are perfect for sharing with others. As with all cannabisinfused recipes, be sure to keep the potency low so that everyone can enjoy their treats comfortably and safely.
By Laurie Wolf Nobody would argue if December’s unofficial slogan was the “Season of Sweets.” It is hard to deny that this month is the best time of year to enjoy a variety of comforting and tantalizing desserts. Of course, add a bit of cannabis into the mix and you’ve got the perfect treat to eat while
R u s t i c A p p l e Ta r t In late fall, when apples are still crisp and crunchy, all this tart needs is some cannabutter, apples, a bit of sweetener and a squeeze of lemon. And of course ice cream is always nice touch. We recommend serving it with rum raisin or cinnamon bun flavored ice cream.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
1 9-inch store-bought pie crust, or your favorite recipe
1. Heat oven to 340° F.
3 tablespoons cannabutter, melted 2 apples, cored, peeled and sliced 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2. Place the pie crust on your work surface. Brush the surface with the cannabutter. 3. In a medium bowl, toss the apples with the maple syrup and lemon juice. 4. Place the apples on the crust. Fold the outer edge of the dough around the apples. Bake until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
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Photos by Bruce Wolf
SERVES
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Instructions: 1. Heat oven to 340° F.
MAKES
36 BITES
P u l l-a pa r t P e c a n Cinnamon Sugar Tree
2. Place the pizza dough on your work surface. Gently stretch dough to 10 x 15 inches. Brush with the cannabutter. Cut into 36 squares.
This easy recipe is a morning treat or perfect for an infused afternoon tea. Go for it—you won’t be sorry. Don’t get carried away when eating this tasty sweet treat, as moderation is key.
3. In a small bowl combine the pecans, brown sugar, optional chocolate chips and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
4. Place a heaping tablespoon of the mixture in the center of each square and pinch tightly to close. Be sure that all seams are pressed tightly.
1 can refrigerated pizza dough 3 tablespoons cannabutter, melted 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans, toasted
1 tablespoon cinnamon 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar Candy for garnish
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 flat-bottomed ice cream cone, cut to form the base of the tree
1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup melted chocolate
5. Place the balls on a piece of parchment on a baking sheet. Make a holiday tree form and keep the seams on the bottom of the pan.
6. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and decorate with icing and candies. 7. Heat the melted chocolate on top of a double boiler. Stir and remove from heat before fully melted; it will melt off the remaining heat. Coat the bottom of the cone in the chocolate, holding it inside the top of the cone. Place on parchment to set. 8. Bake at 340° F until golden brown, about 15-17 minutes. 9. Dip the cut part of the cone in the remaining chocolate and place on the bottom of the tree. It will set and stick in a minute or two.
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GROWING CULTURE
OAKLAND OUTDOOR GARDEN PART IV By Ed Rosenthal
T
he Oakland garden is now ripe and is being harvested. As expected, the buds were ripe on Nov. 1. However, there was a delay in preparing for it, and the crew is playing catch-up. Every cultivator eventually learns that plants don’t wait. No matter what your intentions, plants develop somewhat mechanistically; input determines outcome, including timing. The buds’ ripening is a case in point. The light extension regime, interrupting the dark cycle by passing high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps through the field several times a night, ended on Sept. 1. By that time, there was a long enough dark period each night to switch the plants to flowering from vegetative growth. At that point, it was time to start preparing space
to accommodate the plants that would be harvested. However, steps were taken only close to ripening and have delayed harvest. The buds ripened on Nov. 1, 60 days later, as expected. However, it was only a week after that the first drying lines were set up. Then harvest began. On Nov. 19, about 40 percent of the field had been harvested. We have been lucky as other parts of California suffered through fires, but our farm has not been affected. Through October and early November, California days featured clear bright sunshine with highs in the 70s and UV light ratings as high as five. These are the steps in the harvest process are: 1. The plants were trellised using netting. It started with one layer of netting, which the plant branches were woven into. Then, when the plants grew larger and had more branches, netting was wrapped over each side, so that there were three nets holding the plants in place. The outer nets had to be removed in order to clip the plants. At first, crew members cut it using small clippers. Later an electric mini hedge-trimmer was used to cut and remove the netting.
Mature plant is trellised so it has a width of less than 12 inches.
Close-up of bud. All but a few rows were OG Kush.
Plants drying off from the dip.
Craft paper is placed in between layers of dried plants to help with airflow.
Plastic being removed so plants can be cut.
The drying rack is full.
2. Using a limb cutter at first, then later a small chainsaw, the plants were cut down and placed on small garden wagons. 3. The wagons were pulled to the processing area. 4. In the processing area, the plants were dipped in one percent hydrogen peroxide solution and then hung on racks to dry outdoors. This prevents them from molding as they dry out. 5. The plants were cut into top and bottom sections and hung to dry. 6. The space was outfitted with a room dryer to keep the space warm enough for the plants to dry quickly. Fans were placed all around the drying area to support air circulation. 7. The plants dried in about a week and were placed in a separate area to cure at 55 percent humidity for another two weeks. 8. After the plants dry, they will be sorted into “A” buds, smalls and concentrate material. c
Plant being dunked in a one percent hydrogen peroxide solution to protect against mold and bacteria.
Remaining plants in the field.
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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