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contents
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Motion Picture Maven
Kathy Bates is famous for many roles in television and film, but she spoke exclusively with CULTURE about her performance on Netflix’s Disjointed, as well as her own experiences with cannabis. O n the C O V E R :
K E I T H M U N YA N
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Niche Nuptials High-end wedding vendors are offering their services to cannabis-loving couples.
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Getting Heated Treat yourself with toys of pleasure to pair with your cannabis products.
departments 08 Letter from the Editor news 10 News Nuggets 12 By the Numbers 14 Local News 16 Legal Corner reviews 18 Company Highlight 20 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 22 Cool Stuff 23 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 40 Ă la Carte 42 Growing Culture 44 Profile in Courage 46 News of the Weird 4
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Online Exclusive! Candidate for New York Governor Plans to Legalize Cannabis d
d Industrial Hemp License Applications Available in
Maine
Vol 9 IssUE 8
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Denise Pollicella, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Keira Fae, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Madison Ortiz, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Alexa Steinberg, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Amy Witt, Laurie Wolf Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic Designer, Payden Cobern John Venegas sales director Joe Larson Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Lee Moran, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Shayne Williams, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy office manager Mikayla Aguilar digital media Hannah Lemley coordinator Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla 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
Li f e s t y l e of
“I
t’s a lifestyle” has been a CULTURE catchphrase since 2009. We don’t just consume cannabis; it’s an important part of our everyday lives. Cannabis allows us to live healthier. It enhances music. Cannabis inspires our creativity, encourages us to work out—it’s even in some of our favorite food and drinks. And finally—physical sensations like orgasms are more intense and pleasurable when cannabis is involved. February is notoriously one of CULTURE’s most intimate times of year, as we unveil our annual Sex Issue. The stories within this steamy issue embrace the themes of love, relationships and sex—and the many roles in which cannabis plays. When it comes to love and relationships in particular, it’s clear that couples who imbibe together, chill together. This is in part due to cannabis’ role in contributing to healthier relationships, which is not a new phenomenon. There are a number of studies that have presented evidence of a positive relationship between sex and cannabis. Back in September 2014, a study published in the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors proved there were fewer instances of violence between partners who both regularly consume cannabis. Additionally, cannabis appears to lead to more sex, according to a groundbreaking study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, which was conducted by researchers at Stanford University in October 2017. The study found that those who consistently consume cannabis have sex 20 percent more often than those who do not. It’s no secret to consumers the ways in which cannabis can enhance the intensity of sexual pleasure and orgasms. Now with increasing research around sex and cannabis, we’re finding that when we masturbate to completion, our endocannabinoid systems are creating endocannabinoids. When we introduce cannabinoids derived from cannabis into our bodies, our endocannabinoid systems release
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more endocannabinoids, which help balance most of our bodies’ functions. A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in November 2017 found evidence that endocannabinoids play a role in the sexual response cycle. While there is a clear physical reaction our bodies experience when we consume cannabis, which may affect the intensity of our pleasure and orgasms, it’s possible that cannabis also has a way of strengthening the nonverbal and spiritual connections between people. This deepened sense of togetherness leads to better sex overall. There have been countless testimonials by individuals who find that cannabinoids like CBD have the ability to make them feel more comfortable and less anxious. Ultimately, cannabis helps allow many people to embrace intimacy—which can clearly be a benefit both inside and outside of the bedroom. Both catering to adults, cannabis and sex make a poetic partnership. With further research by scientists and cannabis companies providing consumers with titillating, exciting sex products, it’s sure the correlation between these two pleasures will only continue to strengthen. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Bay City Overrides Mayor’s Medical Cannabis Veto
Report Reveals Medical Cannabis Funds Spent on Law Enforcement in 2017 Law enforcement agencies across Michigan are utilizing excess medical cannabis revenue to fuel their operational efforts. Fifty-four of Michigan’s 83 counties received a total of $1.83 million in medical cannabis enforcement grants from the state in 2017, according to the Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation’s FY 2017 report dated Dec. 19, 2017. It’s over twice the law enforcement funding that was collected in 2016. The revenue will go toward improvements on overtime pay, cultivation
raids, vehicles, surveillance equipment, guns, tasers and tactical gear. Funding future raids, however probably isn’t what Michigan cannabis proponents had in mind when they voted to legalize medical cannabis in 2008. The grant program was created three years ago and provides law enforcement agencies with funding proportionately based on the amount of patients and caregivers.
On Dec. 21, 2017, Bay City Mayor Kathleen Newsham vetoed Ordinance 201719, which would allow for medical cannabis facilities. However, on Jan. 2, the Bay City Commission voted 8-1 to override Newsham’s veto. The ordinance establishes Chapter 30, Medical Marihuana Facilities, into the city’s municipal code. “Section 30-503 was originally authored to reflect five licenses each for Growers (Class A, B and C), Processors, Secure Transporters, Provisioning Centers and Safety Compliance locations,” Mayor
Vermont Senate Passes Recreational Bill On Jan. 10, the Vermont Senate passed H.511, shortly after it cleared the House on Jan. 4. The House voted hours after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions ended federal protections on state cannabis laws, but Vermont sounded its voice loud and clear. Members from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws were ecstatic. “For the second time in two years, Vermont lawmakers have rejected
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Kathleen Newsham’s veto read. “An amendment was made and approved to increase the numbers to 25 of each, and 50 provisioning centers. I feel that the original numbers were more fitting for our community size and after time, if needed, we can reevaluate the numbers and change accordingly.” Despite the mayor’s concerns, the ordinance is still in place, and businesses can apply for a license after Jan. 3, according to City Manager Dana Muscott.
the failed Flat Earth policies of marijuana prohibition. The majority of Vermonters, like the majority of the American public, desire to live in a community where responsible adults who choose to consume cannabis are no longer criminalized or stigmatized. Gov. Scott would be wise to provide Vermonters with this path forward, rather than cling to the failed policies of the past.” The bill was delivered to Gov. Scott’s desk for signature as of Jan. 19, he was expected to sign it.
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The number of Michigan communities within the counties of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb, out of 127, that have passed ordinances to allow medical cannabis businesses, as of late-2017: (Source: Detroit Free Press)
The number of license categories that are established under Michigan state’s Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act: (Source: Midland Daily News)
5
5
The number of medical cannabis license applications that were picked up in Bay City the day after the Bay City Commission voted to override a mayoral veto that aimed to ban medical cannabis businesses: (Source: MLive.com)
30
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that makes up the price tag for a portion of Southmoor Golf Club’s land, to be which is used as a medical cannabis facility: (Source: CBS Sports)
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The length, in feet, that made up a single joint that was created by cannabis advocates in Massachusetts in December 2017: (Source: Los Angeles CBS)
The projected number of cannabis jobs in the United States that would be created immediately if federal cannabis legalization were to occur: (Source: New Frontier Data)
782,000
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The amount of acres that Pennsylvania farmers will be allowed for cultivating hemp, under revised 2018 state Department of Agriculture guidelines: (Source: PennLive.com)
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Valentine’s Love Jam: Ladies Night Edition WHEN: Fri, Feb. 9 WHERE: Masonic Temple Theatre, 500 Temple St., Detroit WEBSITE: www.themasonic.com Bring your Valentine to a sensual and sexy event that they won’t forget, especially if you’re a fan of R&B and hiphop slow jams. The Valentine’s Love Jam features a slew of renowned R&B artists including Tyrese, Joe, Ginuwine, Dave Hollister and Next. Tyrese is taking a break from the Fast and the Furious franchise for the time being and is returning to the music side of his career. Ginuwine, on 12
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the other hand, dominated the charts with several multiplatinum R&B albums during the 1990s and 2000s. The show’s performances will feel like putting on a late-night contemporary R&B soundtrack and send hints to your partner. With live music and soothing vibes, there’s no doubt that this event will be a Valentine’s Day celebration that you’ll never forget.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Bob Saget
Downtime in Detroit Detroit’s licensing process is on hold until legal hurdles are sorted out By Benjamin M. Adams
S
ixty-two medical cannabis collectives in Detroit will have the opportunity to attain some level of respite while legal issues are sorted out. The legal issues stem from a group of cannabis businesses that issued a lawsuit because they were denied licensure under a previous, less lenient ordinance. Until the lawsuit is settled, the city’s medical licensing process is temporarily on hold. Last November, Proposals A and B were passed, and the ordinance amendments dropped buffer zones from 1,000 feet to 500 feet around “liquor, beer, wine stores, child care centers, arcades and parks” in Detroit. But the businesses that were initially denied licensure under the original language were not happy about the new less lenient rules and claimed that they were denied a level playing field. Had some of those businesses applied under the new rules, they may have been approved. That led a group of those businesses to file a lawsuit, which ended up causing Detroit’s entire medical cannabis licensing process to be placed on hold. The new ordinances were supposed to go into effect Jan. 4, but the city won’t be accepting applications until the legal challenge is settled. It’s only the latest spoiler in a chain of unexpected—and often confusing—legal events that govern Detroit’s medical cannabis system. 14
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Prospective medical cannabis collective owners must go to the city clerk’s office with their state license application, a photo ID and notarized proof of local zoning approval called an “attestation.” Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) handles state-level licenses, but obviously is impacted by Detroit’s current situation. “Dispensaries that are currently operating, with local approval under the old ordinances, they need to have an application turned in to the state by Feb. 15, and part of the application is an attestation that the city is allowing the temporary operation of their facility,” LARA spokesman David Harns told CULTURE. “So as long as the [city] clerk signs that and the applicant includes that in their application by Feb. 15, they will be allowed to continue to operate, and it won’t be an impediment to licensure.” In order to prevent the medical cannabis program from shutting down, state licensing officials decided to allow existing dispensaries operating with local approval to stay open as long as they turned in applications for a state license by Feb. 15. “That expires on June 15, because all marijuana facilities need to be licensed by that date, regardless of any other issues,” Harns continued. “So the city of Detroit would need to have their ordinance issues fixed, so that the state can issue a state operating license to the provisioning centers [that] are operating with local authorization.” On top of the local issues, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ recent directive has added to the confusion surrounding Detroit’s medical cannabis licensing process. So far, however, it appears interim U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, whose jurisdiction includes Detroit, won’t do anything differently than in the past. As of mid-January, only 50 of the state’s 1,773 villages, townships and cities had set up local ordinances that allow for medical cannabis businesses, according to the Detroit Free Press. Detroit was one of them. Currently, the city of Detroit now has until June 15 to come into compliance with state law. Otherwise, 62 local dispensaries could be in jeopardy. c
Comedy is a great way to break the ice on Valentine’s Day, especially if it’s coming from a comedian who performs an unflinching, R-rated performance. Bob Saget warmed hearts as Danny Tanner in Full House and as the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos during the late 1980s and 1990s, but eventually, he finally dropped his painfully squeakyclean image for a darker, more sarcastic standup routine. We’re not complaining. When CULTURE asked him about personal cannabis consumption in 2012, Saget said “God knows I’ve smoked enough of it in my life.” Beyond the nostalgia of simpler times, Saget has rebranded himself as an unapologetic vulgar comedian along the lines of Lenny Bruce or Richard Pryor, and it works. In 2014, he was nominated for Grammy for his stand-up special “That’s What I’m Talkin’ About.” WHEN: Fri, Feb. 9 WHERE: Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Downtown Royal Oak WEBSITE: www. royaloakmusic theatre.com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
New Developments S u r p r i s e c a p i ta l i z at i o n r e q u i r e m e n t s leave Michigan cannabis business owners scrambling By Denise Pollicella
T
he unmistakable theme of the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) was imbued in one of its clearest clauses—the prohibition against the capping of licenses by the state. A feature distinguishing it from most other states whose systems are brazenly monopolistic by design, this effort at fostering small business development and local economic growth through free market competition was something to be admired. So where did capitalization requirements come from? The Board of Medical Marihuana Regulation (BMMR) unexpectedly and belatedly, in an Advisory Bulletin published only a month before applications would be accepted, decided to require applicants to show as much as $500,000 in capital per license— numbers usually reserved for states with limited licenses and a competitive bid process. These requirements have left many hopeful cannabis business entrepreneurs scrambling for investors or out of the game altogether. The rationale put forth by the BMMR is that the MMFLA allows it to consider capitalization, one of numerous additional factors, along with things like business experience and moral character, that the board may rely upon in evaluating an applicant. The BMMR has also stated that it looked to other states and other Michigan industries for reference. But why? Unlike Michigan, most other states issue only a handful of cannabis
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business licenses, awarded through a bid process that requires you to prove you have the capital investment available to build a facility and run a business that will supply cannabis to, in some cases, tens of thousands of patients. (For example, Illinois only allows 60 dispensaries for a population of 12.8 million.) Most people do not have that kind of money, so everyone but the Monopoly guy and Oprah are excluded from the process. There is no state competitive bid in Michigan, nor is there a limit on licenses, so why would applicants need to show capital here? The BMMR also examined two Michigan industries for reference— alcoholic beverage licensing and casino gaming. As far as casino gaming, it should never have been a reference point. It is a service industry. There are only 22 casinos. They are required to keep enough cash to pay all bets. There is simply no point of valid comparison here. The alcoholic beverage industry is the most comparable, and the cannabis capital requirement is still not justified. The average applicant for a Michigan liquor license is expected to have between $30,000 and $60,000 in the bank before a license is issued. That is because the state of Michigan is a cash-only system, and you must write checks directly to the state for your alcoholic beverage inventory each month. The state needs to ensure that the first
“ T h e r e i s n o sta te c o mpe t i t ive b id in M i c h i ga n , n o r i s th ere a limi t o n li cen ses, s o w h y wo ul d a ppli c a n t s n eed to s h o w c a pita l h ere? ” check you write for inventory will not bounce. Reasonable. But the cannabis industry in Michigan is not cash only and you do not pay the state for your inventory. Nothing in the MMFLA prevents facilities from operating on trade or credit with their vendors. Why, then, did the BMMR turn capitalization from one optional factor into a threshold qualification? Unfortunately, there is no rational explanation other than the BMMR is making a concerted effort to shrink the applicant pool, effectively capping the number of licenses by restricting their availability. I would submit that this requirement is not only invalid and unsupported by the MMFLA, but antithetical to its intent. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight
Portal42
(800) 420-9150 portal42.us
How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? Portal42 is a METRCvalidated point-of-sale software for provisioning centers that are currently operating and for those who will be opening in the upcoming months. Our specialty is that we offer online ordering and “penny per” text blasting within the system. What do you offer consumers/clients that others don’t? We offer an optional full IT solution for provisioning centers that would not only include our software but also specialized hardware that only runs Portal42, so provisioning centers don’t have to worry about their computers crashing 18
or slowing down. Our full IT solution also includes an offline mode, because with regulation in place, it is more important than ever to stay online and avoid the mess of getting caught up at the end of the day. How and why did your company start up? In 2015, our founder got a job as a budtender to help his friend out who had opened a dispensary in Detroit. After seeing what software was being used, he began writing software that would help them keep better tracking of their inventory. The dispensary closed, but we were able to get our first real client, and we began the work of perfecting the software through their feedback. Shortly after landing our first customer, we started working with one of the busiest dispensaries in
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Michigan, which allowed us to be purified by fire, which really helped us to refine our software and know that it could work in any environment. With the changing landscape of medical and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? Our biggest challenge will be staying ahead of the curve for what is coming next and how we can adapt our software to meet the needs of the owners who are along for the ride no matter the bends in the road. Our largest advantage is that we are local and can service our customers personally. We also currently offer solutions that no other point-ofsale solution is offering presently. What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? Surround yourself with
a good team. It takes a village to raise a successful cannabis business. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? Our main goal is to provide the best service to our Michigan customer base and continue to use their suggestions to refine our product to be the most powerful and valuable tool a provisioning center can have. We see ourselves as one of the premier pointof-sale software solutions in the space in five years. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? We hope to partner with provisioning centers by providing the tools they need to easily run their business. We want to allow easy access to the information that they need from marketing and research data to allow them to be efficient, effective and compliant. c
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REVIEWs
strain, edible & concentrate
Smoked Catfish This BHO (butane-hash oil, which refers to the method in which it was extracted) was made from fresh frozen material processed by Executive Extracts and is available exclusively at ArborSide in Ann Arbor. The deliciously-fishy sativa hybrid strain named Smoked Catfish was bred by Midnight Roots Genetics. The parent strains responsible for these phenomenal genetics are Catfish (clone only) x Fire 18. This particular phenotype of Smoked Catfish is periodically available as a clone, and ArborSide also carries seed packs. This product was tested by PSI Labs, and the results came back negative in all of the tested categories for mold, mildew, fungus, foreign matter and pests. The THC content tested at 75.5 percent while THCA came back at 81.92 percent. The terpene content was tested as well, and this concentrate contains delicious aroma compounds such as beta-myrcene (anti-anxiety, sedative and relaxing properties), limonene (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties) and beta-caryophyllene (antiinflammatory and analgesic properties).
Available at: ArborSide in Ann Arbor.
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HERE
Sour Power Available at: Hello Wellness in Detroit.
This sativa-dominant hybrid, bred by HortiLab Seeds, reigns from a signature indica from HortiLab called StarBud, crossbred with a fast-acting sativa East Coast Sour Diesel. This particular phenotype yielded dense, compact buds and wafted a pleasant floral, skunk and diesel aroma. Patients have consistently noted sincere relief from this strain for the following symptoms: Anxiety, stress, depression, appetite stimulation, nausea, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, inflammation, chronic pain and fatigue. It’s important to note, however, that some patients who have a tendency to feel anxiety might be slightly overwhelmed by a product with a higher THC content. Sour Power is a great strain to enjoy in the company of a loved one, so converse, giggle and enjoy being happy with one another.
PurelaxanTM 25mg Working for CULTURE, you better believe we have friends and family members constantly hitting us up as soon as they hear about the healing potential of CBD products. If you have also been curious if CBD can help with your anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, insomnia, muscle spasms or many other conditions, then look no further than PurelaxanTM CBD pressed tablets. Offering 25mg per tablet, with the option of easily breaking each tablet in half, this medication will especially help those who are new to cannabis transition with ease. Reviewers found that the pain relief they were awarded after taking just half a tablet lasted about up to eight hours, which was much longer than with traditional pain medication. Due to the non-psychoactive nature of CBD, these tablets are great for allday and nighttime relief. We found that they did not slow us down at all when productivity was necessary, while still allowing us to find relief and relaxation into the evening. 20
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Available wherever: PureCBDiolTM products are carried.
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To CultureMagazine.com
3. Easy Grinder
There is no easier way to grind cannabis. Traditional grinders are poorly designed, with no simple way of filling pre-rolls or bowls with finely ground cannabis without making a mess. The Easy Grinder, however, is here to end that struggle. It works electronically or manually, complete with LED lights, a magnetic seal and a manual crank. Just fill up to 2.5mg and dispense how much ground up cannabis you desire. The longer you press the button, the finer your herbs become. Large bulky grinders have become a thing of the past. Price: $99.99 More Information: www.easygrinder.com
1 1. Penis Hand Glass Pipe
Relax the jaw, tilt the head back, open the airway and show off your skills. The highly detailed Penis Hand Glass Pipe makes a great conversation-starter. Made by Empire Glassworks, the Penis Hand Glass Pipe is thick, heavy and is unlikely to shatter the first time you drop it. It’s a modest four inches long and comes in pink, purple or black. The carb is far enough away from the bowl, so you won’t burn your fingers when you take a hit like you would with cheaply designed pipes. Price: $50 More Information: www.empireglassworks.com 2. Fiera® Personal Care Device
Most people aren’t aware that the 1966 hit “Mellow Yellow” by Donovan was—by his own admission—about an electric banana-shaped vibrator. Sex toy technology has come a long, long way since the ’60s. The Fiera® Personal Care Device is a whole new concept developed by OB/ GYNs that applies gentle suction for stimulation. It is ideal for women who struggle with arousal or that want to increase intensity. If the conventional insertable vibrators of the past have left you unsatisfied, then Fiera® is the way to go. Whether it’s for yourself or a Valentine’s gift for your loved one, you can’t go wrong. Price: $199–249 More Information: shop.fiera.com
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4. Puffco+
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Dabbers rejoice! They call it the “first-ever pocket nail,” because the Puffco+ is a pen that literally comes with a ceramic nail that does just about everything a full-sized rig can do. There are no fragile coils that come with most other pens. Push the glowing cloud button five times, and take off into the stratosphere. Your hits will taste more like dabs than the metallic taste that is common in pens. This is not a pen that will fall apart within months, due to the quality of its design. Price: $99.99 More Information: www.puffco.com
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HERE
entertainment
REVIEWs
Release Date: FEBRUARY 13 Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
BOOK
GAME
Sinfully Sweet Cannabis Recipes
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Jenny and Rick Butler Pub. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Dev. Warhorse Studios Pub. Deep Silver
Ready to enhance your Valentine’s Day celebration with a little bit of romance and a whole lot of cannabis? Sinfully Sweet Cannabis Recipes is written by a husbandand-wife duo who know how to kick it up a notch when it comes to desserts. By infusing delicious desserts with the sweet gift of cannabis, one of these 75 recipes is sure to tickle your taste buds. You will find all the information you need to know about cooking with cannabis, from how to decarb cannabis to calculating proper THC dosing. A sinfully sweet future most certainly lies ahead. (Jacob Cannon)
The fundamentals of role playing games are pretty standard (with elements like a hero who is labeled as “the chosen one” or the presence of an evil villain), but in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you’re just a medieval soldier. The game takes a unique historical approach at medieval combat and life, allowing players to see through the eyes of an averagejoe soldier living in the 13th century Holy Roman Empire. Players get to wield classic weapons, wear a variety of armor sets, go on quests, ride horses, explore over 16 square kilometers of land and even listen to some period-relevant music on their journey. (Nicole Potter)
MUSIC MOVIE
I Like Fun
IT
They Might Be Giants Idlewild Recordings
Dir. Andy Muschietti Warner Bros. Pictures No novelist has had his or her work adapted to film as often as American horror writer Stephen King. Yet, in all of those dozens of movie adaptations very few have managed to make compelling cinema or, even at the very least, the original books justice. However, Director Andy Muschietti’s recent take on King’s clown monster classic, It, manages to not only build well upon its original material, but takes the terror to a whole new level. Featuring a cast of relative new comer child actors and a break-out performance by Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the clown, It is a must see for anyone in need of a good scare. (Simon Weedn)
For well over 30 years now, They Might Be Giants has had a reputation for being one of the oddest, endearing and incredibly prolific duos in alternative rock. While the band’s newest studio release, I Like Fun, doesn’t necessarily push in any new directions musically, the record captures songwriters John Flansburgh and John Linnell as witty, smart and engaging as ever. Loaded up with catchy, poppy tunes and thoughtful, vibrant lyrical imagery, I Like Fun demonstrates, yet again, how good They Might Be Giants perfected it’s the sound and style so many years ago. (Simon Weedn)
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FEBRUARY 2018 CultureMagazine.com By Robert Voets / Netflix
U n a b at e d A r t i s t r y
Kathy Bates is a versatile actress who shares all about her career, surviving breast cancer and how cannabis has brought her life full circle
Y
By Benjamin M. Adams
ou probably recognize her enduring performances from Misery, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Blind Side or one of the highest-grossing films of all time—Titanic. In television, her unparalleled career includes
American Horror Story, Six Feet Under, Two and a Half Men, The Stand, The Office and many more.
Kathy Bates’ incredible career in theater, film and television spans decades, recently earning her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—and fulfilling a childhood dream. The Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress, director and activist is currently starring as the lead character of Netflix’s Disjointed, a sitcom set inside a dispensary. Only now has Bates opened up about her own odyssey with medical cannabis to CULTURE—a journey that would lead her to portray Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, a seasoned cannabis activist who runs the fictional dispensary Ruth’s Alternative Caring. It was truly an honor for CULTURE to discuss cannabis, film and PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Bates.
What made you want to work on Disjointed? You know, it’s amazing how when our next 10 episodes dropped on Jan. 12, the timing couldn’t have been more prescient. We knew that things were coming, that [Prop. 64] had passed, and we were all really excited about it. Our show was just starting to begin shooting. We were thrilled. But now considering the fact that we’re getting pushed back, from the Attorney General specifically, it’s going to be a really fascinating journey between state and federal [laws]. What’s going on is the growers who have been there doing it for 60 years don’t want to suddenly be legislated. That’s what I’ve heard. You know, I think we’ll be okay, but I just don’t know if the government is going to start really playing dirty tricks, like muscling in on landlords. So it concerns me—and if there’s a fight, I’ll be right there on the frontline, because the more I’ve experimented, the more
I learn about it, even through the show, it has been a blast. I just really got interested in it as a two-time cancer survivor. I’ve used it to help with nausea and pain, so for me, it’s a real relief. I look at it like Prohibition from the ’20s, which didn’t work. I’m hoping that people will leave it alone. The other thing that bothers me is that they want to reinstate these draconian sentences for people in possession of a small amount of marijuana and send them away. It’s the close-mindedness, the lack of intelligence about marijuana. [Attorney General Jeff] Sessions was quoted as saying that they were, “OK, until I found out they smoked pot,”—but he was talking about the Ku Klux Klan for God’s sake! And that was the only reason he turned away from the Ku Klux Klan is because he learned they were smoking dope! I don’t fuckin’ get it. The bottom line? As you can see, I’ve grown a lot more passionate about the issue.
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In episode 3 of Disjointed, it’s revealed how the dispensary security guard, Carter, suffers from PTSD. The episode resonated with fans, especially those in the cannabis industry. Why do you think PTSD is such a hot issue? I think with the increased awareness of abuse in the last decade, which is now culminated with the pushback against sexual harassment—that those of us who were emotionally abused or were violated in any way—suffer from PTSD. And I think people have not been aware of it until the last few years. Or it hasn’t been out in the open. And I also think it has to do with what we learned about the soldiers coming back from Vietnam and now coming back from the Middle East. I would imagine the immigrants who are trying to find a new place to land and build a home are suffering from PTSD. It’s all over the world. One of the things that makes our show unique is that it’s not just all about laughter and jokes; it’s that storyline. It took a departure, and yet came from the scene of that dispensary and ultimately helped him with viewing with his PTSD, at least on a level to where he could function better during the day. And I think that it’s great to have something that makes you can laugh and cry at the same time. Almost anyone can relate with Ruth, because we all know someone like her who dresses like her and who decorates her living space with drapery, crystals and dream catchers. How did you prepare for the role of a dispensary owner? [Laughing] Well, I guess I went through a period of life like [that]. I’m sure back then I had a couple of dream catchers lying around. You could say it’s just been a natural preparation, for me, coming from a very straight-laced Southern lady wearing hose and gloves in the early ’60s and late ’50s to going into the Summer of Love and going to college and trying things for the first time. I mean, Jesus. I went from being very conservative—the whole nine yards, what we’d consider yuppie—and I became a full-fledged hippie. We were all screwing around all the time with different costumes we wanted to wear in public. And it was great fun. I miss those days. 26
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By Robert Voets / Netflix
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to find our footing in the first season. I’m hoping that the people who are now rushing out to buy marijuana and try it will get wind of our show, no pun intended. We’re living in dark times. So we could get heavy talking about the political side of it ad nauseam, but we need a break. I need a half an hour or five hours. I find myself binging on shows, just so that I can escape to another place. Have you ever felt like you were being judged for consuming cannabis? No, because until now, and doing press for our show, I really haven’t talked about it. So it will be interesting to see if anybody gives a shit whether I smoke or not. We’ll see what happens. You’ll visit me in jail, right? By Patrick Wymore / Netflix
I think that for Ruth, as an adolescent, to start hearing this call to her about this plant and its healing properties, I think that’s why she pushed herself to go to law school. But she never lost any of that, because her whole approach to marijuana is as a healing [aid]. She refers to her clients as patients. I’ve heard that Dr. Dina, who is our consultant, refers to her clients as patients. We’re used to going into a hotel room and putting drapes up and putting our things out. I remember working with an actress by the name of Elizabeth Ashley, early on in my career. She said, “Take everything with you, your pillows, your dogs, your pots and pans, to make it like home, because the road is really rough.” Recently, you’ve been very open about your battle with breast cancer, and it was not your first time facing cancer. Did you use medical cannabis to treat cancer and cancer medication side effects specifically? I used it for pain and nausea, instead of taking a painkiller like oxycodone or an opioid to ease the pain—I really couldn’t tolerate those things well. The thing that I like about marijuana is that you can regulate how stoned you want to get. You’re in control of that. And I think one of the things is, we’re not only going to have the feds fighting. “Big Pharma” is going to be 28
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“I think with the increased awareness of abuse in the last decade, which is now culminated with the pushback against sexual harassment—that those of us who were emotionally abused or were violated in any way— suffer from PTSD.”
pouring millions of dollars through the lobbyists, because it’s a direct threat to the opioid market. Do you feel Disjointed is contributing to the perception of cannabis consumers and the cannabis industry? Well, you know, I hope we will. Right now, our audience is building, and I’m really excited about the next 10 episodes that [just came out]. I thought that it took us a few episodes
What is your favorite way to consume cannabis? I have two favorite ways. There’s an inhaler where you can buy cartridges. It’s PAX Pro. It’s real easy to use—you just slip in a cartridge and carry it with you and you can control the heat, you can control it from the phone app. And then I use a different vape. It’s Puffco. You put the wax in this little oven, you can control the heat. And you can put in shatter or whatever, but mainly wax. I find it’s really easy. The main thing I like about the vape delivery is that you can control it, because I don’t want to be blasted. I want to be able to just ease the pain. I suffer from hip pain and lower back pain. It really helps me. Of course, you know, I never get in my car having had dope. I think that’s incredibly irresponsible. I hope I don’t see people doing that, if they already aren’t. How do we put the amotivational theory to rest? Well, I think they ought to talk to some of the players in the NFL who are fighting the early onset of Alzheimer’s, CTE and other types of injuries and chronic pain. A lot of them now are switching to marijuana and getting off the opioids. It’s like anything else—it’s about awareness. I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who think it’s from the devil and who have closed minds about it. I say live and let live.
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“. . . If there’s a fight, I’ll be right there on the frontline, because the more I’ve experimented, the more I learn about it, even through the show—it has been a blast. I just really got interested in it as a two-time cancer survivor. I’ve used it to help with nausea and pain, so for me, it’s a real relief.” [Maclaine] flew all the way down here from Canada to be with me. I just worked with Billy Bob [Thornton]. He’s so sweet. And all of my family and friends.
By Robert Voets / Netflix
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce finally awarded you with a well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016. How did that feel? Well, it was especially cool because I had a picture of myself with my Aunt Lee that was taken there around 1960. In was in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. We had gone on a little tour out here. She and my grandmother lived out here, so we drove out here and spent some time with them. It’s a black and white photo of my Aunt Lee and me standing in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre back then. I put it on the cards to invite people to the event because my star is about 30 feet to the right of where we were standing. It was a bittersweet moment. I’m a breast cancer survivor. She died of breast cancer. It was long before they could really help her. I wish that she could have been there with me. It was a very special day for all of us. I was so grateful that Shirley
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As a young pre-fame actress, did you always know deep down that one day you would become a star and that everyone would know your name? No. I was always very dramatic as a child. And then when I got seriously involved in training it was all about theater. I worked in regional theater companies. In the ’70s, we all were very snobby about doing television. I was very focused on the craft. I didn’t think about being a movie star. I just wanted to keep working and doing the best work I could do. So, it was a big surprise to get an Oscar. I didn’t plan to win an Oscar, even though it crosses every kid’s mind. What new projects are you currently working on? As a result of my breast cancer, I developed lymphedema. It’s swelling of glands that’s caused when you remove lymph glands that can move liquid through your body to be expelled. So as a result, the lymphs swelled. My doctor introduced me to someone who runs the Lymphatic Education & Research Network. For the last three years, I’ve been trying to raise awareness. Ten million people suffer from some sort of lymphatic disease. You can get it from an injury or it’s congenital. I just finished a film called On the Basis of Sex. It’s directed by Mimi Leder and stars Felicity Jones and Armie Hammer. It’s about the early days of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I’m very excited. c netflix.com/disjointed
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“ T h e b e s t w ay t o ensure a flawless event of any sort is to hire reliable vendors who will go above and beyond e x p e c tat i o n s . ”
,
High-class vendors offer elegant services to couples who dream of cannabis weddings By Addison Herron-Wheeler
Lavish M at r i m o n y
Photography by Jewels
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E
veryone has a vision for their special day. For some, it’s to be the blushing bride in white, the adoring betrothed standing amid a bouquet of fragrant flowers. For others, the pomp and circumstance doesn’t matter as much as the meaningful tradition of exchanging vows with their perfect partner. And for those of us who consider cannabis to be a meaningful, healing part of our lives, that special day can now involve that beloved herb. In states with legal cannabis, enthusiasts are living out their dreams with weddings curated around their tastes and styles— and including cannabis. In addition to premium cannabis products and the opportunity to imbibe them in style, these weddings also offer the same amenities as any classic wedding—lovely scenery and setting, pristine decorations and an overall gorgeous, high-end aesthetic. CULTURE spoke with a few of the vendors who make these types of weddings possible, in order to find out what it takes to have a beautiful cannabis-friendly wedding, and how they make it a reality for engaged couples across the nation.
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A ly s s a U f e r , K aya E v e n t D e s i g n s “It is important to hire vendors who are familiar with cannabis regulations. Having a knowledgeable event team to guide you along the way is imperative to having a safe and compliant event.”
“I love highlighting the natural beauty of the plant. Both leaves and flower can be added to the floral, table settings, favors and more! There are so many ways to get creative and have fun incorporating cannabis in weddings. Many people are intrigued by, but weary of, cannabis. Weddings offer a safe and comfortable environment for them to experiment.”
J e w e l s G r ay, Photography by Jewels “I love the way the buds and leaves photograph. They’re so interesting, and I love lots of texture in bouquets!”
“Cannabis weddings are a blast to photograph, and I love how the guests respond to the unique ways it is incorporated. We are so lucky to be able to share this with people who aren’t exposed to it on a daily basis, and it’s fun watching their reactions”
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N ata s h a W i l l i a m s , C l o c k T o w e r E v e n t s “Our unique venue offers cannabis enthusiasts the opportunity to be able to experience the amazing mountain views and the city skyline from the top of the historic Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower. Clock Tower Events is a five-floor venue with two amazing balconies that wrap around the building; guests immediately gravitate to them to take it all in. Our space allows guests to legally consume cannabis responsibly in a private venue not accessible by the public. The sky’s the limit as far as creativity goes for events here.”
Ashley Schriener, Fluorescence “The best way to ensure a flawless event of any sort is to hire reliable vendors who will go above and beyond expectations. For a cannabis wedding, staying compliant and legal is key!”
“As a florist, it’s fun to incorporate cannabis flowers in unique ways. It’s not a plant we get to play with often and adds a beauty, texture and fragrance unlike anything else.”
Andrew Mieure, Top Shelf Budtending “There are a few very important words of advice to those who are trying to book a cannabis-friendly wedding venue. First off, they are actually pretty darn rare. Cannabis-friendly wedding venues change their mind about their policy on cannabis nearly every month. My suggestion to someone looking for venues would be to discover all cannabis-friendly wedding planners and ancillary service providers in the cannabis space.” 36
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Ge t t i n g He at ed T r e at y o u r s e l f w i t h t o y s of pleasure to pair with your cannabis consumption By Ashley Manta
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t may be cold outside, but there are plenty of ways to keep things sizzling this February—whether you’re single or partnered. For each one, I’m pairing a creative way to incorporate cannabis with sex toys to enhance the sensations even more! Pleasure starts with you, so the first tip for a fun and sexy Valentine’s Day is to make a date with yourself. Take some solo time and treat yourself to something that really nourishes
Fun Factory Stronic G: It’s not a vibrator—it’s a pulsator. Imagine a Shake Weight®, but for your bits. The tip is hooked perfectly to hit all of the right spots (hence the name) and this iteration is much more streamlined than its predecessors—this is ideal for solo play because if you position a pillow or leg just right, you can use it entirely hands-free, leaving your hands available to stimulate other parts of you! I recently paired this with an infused sex oil and a few hits of GG#4 and had an explosive evening. I suspect the relaxed body with the mellow head helped me feel more present and less stressed, allowing users to focus on the pleasurable sensations. 38
NÖje W3 Mini Wand by B l u s h N o v e lt i e s : This little wand packs quite a punch, which is impressive both for its size and its price point. At $35 this wand is quite affordable, and it’s an excellent starter toy for those who are curious to dip their toe in the pleasure products pond. You could easily pair this with a highCBD strain to help you get out of your head and into your body, especially if you’re new to toys.
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you. Perhaps a spa trip, spending time in nature, eating your favorite food or taking a hot shower, and follow by packing your favorite bong with a nice body-relaxing strain. If you want to upgrade your usual smoke session, add a drop of food grade peppermint essential oil to the bong water. It cools down the smoke and makes it taste minty fresh! But since it’s Valentine’s Day, there’s no time like the present to mix things up a bit and feel adventurous and introduce sex toys into the bedroom. Some are intimidated by using sex toys, worrying that they “replacing” partners, cause numbing or creating a situation where the user can no longer experience pleasure without toys. I’m happy to reassure you that all of these notions are blatantly false. Toys, like cannabis, are an enhancement to pleasure and intimacy—when used mindfully and with intention. Here are four toys that were featured at the 2018 Adult Novelty Manufacturer’s Expo (think fashion week for sex toys) that would make a great addition to your nightstand, both for February and beyond:
V e s p e r b y C r av e :
Gala by We-Vibe:
This gorgeous vibe is both a necklace and a sex toy! It is attached to a chain that you can wear around your neck, and it’s completely stealthy—it just looks like a modern necklace! This is excellent as a gift for a partner or a gift for yourself! I’d pair this with a social strain that would help you stand out in the crowd. Dance, connect, laugh and remember that no one knows that you’re wearing a vibrator.
This silicone bunny-ear vibe features the deep, rumbly vibrations that We-Vibe is known for, a rechargeable battery and Bluetooth app compatibility so you can actually control it through your phone, or give control to your partner from the same room or from thousands of miles away! Go exploring! Pick a strain or product that heightens tactile sensations.
So this Valentine’s Day, whether you are partnered or single, find some time to indulge in the things that bring you joy and pleasure and if including cannabis is part of that for you, remember the golden rules: For everyone, use the least amount of cannabis you need to get the results you’re looking for. There’s no reason to go hardcore on dosage. You can always add more, you can’t subtract. For those with partners: Negotiate before you medicate because consent comes first, always. Enjoy! c
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culture
Romantic and Rousing
growing
Chef J’s experience as a professional chef has led him to c r e at i n g u n i q u e h i g h dining experiences By Amy C. Witt
COURAGE
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+ www.chefj.com
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“ I t ’ s a b o u t c r e at i n g a m o o d . Y o u r f e e l i n g s w i l l e l e vat e w h at m o o d y o u c h o o s e t o c r e at e . ”
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ove, food and cannabis are inexorably linked—a diverse variety of complex hormonal reactions that affect our emotional feelings and attachments. Just like Sour Dream or Green Crack, which are euphoric and calming while taking you on sexual adventures, other herbs, foods and ingredients like cacao and magnesium have the same effect. In-kind, Jason Harley, also known as Chef J, and his company OG KITCHEN are combining cannabis and haute cuisine to produce an unforgettably luxurious and cerebral experience. With over 20 years as a private chef, successful restaurateur and entrepreneur, Chef J is taking infused cannabis cuisine to the next level. For many years of his career, he has been hosting glamorous haute cuisine parties and dinners for A-list celebrities, royal families and high profile businesspeople all over the world. With the legalization of cannabis in California this year, Chef J was inspired to marry his love for cannabis and signature healthy cooking style and established his business, OG KITCHEN. “It’s about creating a mood. Your feelings will elevate what mood you choose to create,” Chef J smiled as he explained that he guarantees he will satisfy your taste buds while simultaneously letting your body adventure to a comfortable and exciting new heights.
Based out of Los Angeles, California, OG KITCHEN is an edible cannabis and commercial event company on a mission to provide only the healthiest and most delicious alternative forms of medication and entertainment. All foods and ingredients, including cannabis are compliant, organic, pesticide-free and locally grown and sourced from local farmers and growers. “OG KITCHEN keeps tabs on the process as the flowers make their way through the closed-loop ecosystem from the farm to table,” Chef J told CULTURE. This Valentine’s Day, OG KITCHEN is hosting an elaborate lover’s affair as Chef J showcases his spin on elevated revamped cuisine. A soldout, private invite-only event, cannasseurs will enjoy a curated menu tailored around pairing only the best and tastiest sativas and indicas with a variety of earthy, citrus and herbal notes around a dazzling luxurious table in an undisclosed mansion in Beverly Hills. While indulging in the different tastes, smells and textures of the dishes, each person gets an average of 70mg of THC and CBD spread throughout the meal, with each course at 10mg. For starters, guests will enjoy a CBD isolated beverage for relaxation, followed by a hors d’ oeuvres paired with a sativa smoke. The first course, something like light lobster bisque with sherry and canna cream drizzle will create a savory amount of pleasure smoked with a hybrid strain joint. A dab to clear the palate, and you will be ready to enjoy the second course. The third course will feature a combination of vegetables and meat, along with an indica strain to chill and prepare to satiate the sweet tooth for the
fourth course, dessert. To heighten the bright party, dessert by OG KITCHEN’S will conclude the meal. At this Valentine’s Day event, Chef J will be serving his newest “Truffles D’ Cannabis” specialty gourmet chocolates. Dosed for pleasure with the world’s most potent natural stimulants, three truffles contain a boost of aphrodisiac herbs and 10mg of THC from the cleanest cannabis and made from the highest-grade FDA-approved herbs that are wild harvested or organically grown in the countries of their origin. Not only will guests enjoy a decadent dinner, they will not leave emptyhanded. Goodie bags are always a welcomed surprise, and cannaseurss will leave with a JRollz pre-roll. Chef J has created an in-house mixed recipe for his premium handcrafted award-winning pre-roll line, JRollz. Known for #holdthetrim, JRollz, a seedto-sale brand, takes pride in growing top-shelf cannabis while only grinding and rolling bud to create their flower, wax and kief joints. Winning third at the Blazers Cup 2017, JRollz’s High Octane OG pre-roll is filled with an indica, clone-only strain High Octane OG, also known as Heirloom OG, which provides an extra dose of relaxation while leaving a smooth pungent flavor on the palate. Other pre-rolls like Girl Scout Cookies, Candy Jack and XXX OG are also available. “We strive to create amazing experiences through our edible line, cannabis dinner, events and ever changing smokable products,” he said. The intimacy and ambiance that Chef J creates is born from good intentions, a permanent love and connection with the cannabis community and freed inhibitions over a heartfelt meal. c
G e t a ta s t e o f Chef J’s special Va l e n t i n e ’ s D ay cookies Sexy Ginseng Chocolate Cookies 2.5 dozen servings Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups cannabutter, room temperature 2 cups sugar 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon Indian ginseng 1/2 teaspoon salt Powdered sugar, for garnish
Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar and cream together with a handmixer. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until combined. 2. In a medium bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, ginseng and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients and continue mixing until incorporated. 3. Roll the dough into 2 logs that are about 2-inches high and 1 foot long. Wrap them in waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours. 4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 5. Once thoroughly chilled, slice the cookies into 1/2-inch thick rounds and cover with sanding sugar. 6. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. 7. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
Chef J’s Cooking Tips • Don’t heat butters or oils too high. You will cook off the THC before you can even use the product. Make sure to use proper thermometers and know your temperatures. • It’s very important you weigh properly to use the right dosage. Not using the correct dosage will affect the food, consumer and experience.
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culture growing carte la à COURAGE IN P RO F ILE 42
Lessons from a Hawaiian Garden Pa r t 1 By Ed Rosenthal Hawaii is fabled for its fine cannabis. I attended the Hawaii Cannabis Expo in February 2017 in Oahu. I expected to sample some fine entries, and I was not disappointed. The intense sun at latitude 21° (for reference, Key West, Florida is latitude 24°) and the mild island weather create great cultivation environments. I wasn’t a judge when I attended last year, but I did try many of the varieties of cannabis. The samples included several fine sativa and indica-sativa hybrids, which do especially well under the intense sun and are genetically inclined to resist flowering under short days. However, there was better to be had. I was innocently hanging outside the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu where the conference was held, and I was invited to join a small circle of newfound friends. A fellow named Dustin pulled out an extra-wide pre-roll. I understood immediately that he was a successful grower who was confident of his product’s quality. The mildness of the draw, combined with the fine terpenes and high levels of THC and I suspect, THCV, was a recipe for pleasure-creation and key to mind opening awareness and creativity. It was proof that cannabis liberates the wandering mind opening it to emotion, love and beauty. This was certainly excellent weed. Until Hawaii legalized cultivation of medical cannabis,
outdoor growing was policed heavily by law enforcement. Happily, following legalization, the gardens have moved to backyards and other domesticated spaces. Hawaii has a climate similar to some low latitude areas of the U.S. such as Florida, portions of the gulf coast and southern California. It stays warm enough and gets enough light to support plant growth throughout the year. The problem is dealing with day length. The closer a place is to the equator, the smaller the difference between summer and winter light and dark hours. On June 21, the longest day of the year, there is 13 hours and 25 minutes of light. On Dec. 21, the shortest day, there is 10 hours and 51 minutes of light. Cannabis is a short-day plant that chemically measures the number of hours of uninterrupted darkness to determine when to begin to flower. Most varieties require 11 hours or less of darkness to flower. When a plant is placed outdoors under natural light regimen any time in Hawaii, they begin to flower no matter the season. I saw just two gardens while I was there. The plants were in vegetative growth, filling out a bit before they were allowed to flower. This was accomplished simply by using strategically placed fluorescent lights around the garden that were kept on all night. Once the plants grow to desired size the lights are turned off and the plants initiate flowering. Next month, harvest! c
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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Jared, a breeder from Pakalo Seed Company, in the trial garden.
Some of the plants were placed in large containers, while others were in the ground and irrigated using drippers off of irrigation hose.
Some of the plants that were not close to the lights began to flower after they grew past taller than the lights’ reflection.
The fluorescent lights were kept on all night to prevent flowering so plants could get to a larger size.
A view of the garden. Jared selects plants for breeding from several gardens. Each patient is allowed 10 plants. Varieties include Molokai G13, 13 Gorillas and Auntie’s Pie, Molokai Killahs and Crackseed.
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growing
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Robert Pearce
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Condition/Illness: Bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorder Consuming medical cannabis since: 2012
Why did you start consuming cannabis? I started using cannabis in social situations and quickly realized that it helped me with my anxiety in those same social situations. When I’m depressed it lifts me up. When I’m manic it helps slow my brain down. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes I’ve tried all kinds of pharmaceuticals, but nothing works like pot.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Discrimination. I think it will be a long time before a medical marijuana prescription will be looked at the same way as traditional pharmacology. If you don’t think so, go to [a behavioral health agency] and participate in their treatment program with an Oregon Medical Marijuana Program card, and see what they say. What do you say to those who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? They are entitled to their opinions, but don’t knock it till you try it. c
Are you an medical cannabis patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY— AWWWWWWWW When five-year-old TyLon Pittman of Byram, Mississippi, saw the Grinch stealing Christmas on Dec. 16 on TV, he did what any civic-minded citizen would do. He called 911. TyLon told Byram police officer Lauren Develle, who answered the call, that he did not want the Grinch to come steal his Christmas, reported the Clarion Ledger. Develle made TyLon an honorary junior officer and had him come down to the station on Dec. 18 to help her lock away the Grinch, who hung his head as TyLon asked him, “Why are you stealing Christmas?” Although the green fiend apologized, TyLon wouldn’t release him from the holding cell. Police chief Luke Thompson told TyLon to come back when he’s 21, “and I’m going to give you a job application, OK?” WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME In Gilgandra, New South Wales, Australia, on Nov. 29, sheep shearer Casey Barnes was tramping down wool, and her father and boyfriend were working nearby, when her long, curly hair became caught in a beltdriven motor. Horrifically, the motor ripped her scalp off from the back of her head to above her eyes and ears. Barnes was flown to Sydney, where doctors performed an emergency 20-hour surgery to save her scalp, but were ultimately 46
unsuccessful. Barnes will have artificial skin attached to her head instead, reports The Sun. A GoFundMe page has been established to help with her medical bills. AN ENGAGED CITIZENRY Pam Bisanti, a 31-year resident of Mount Dora, Florida, has approached the city council more than once about the speeding traffic along Clayton Street, where she lives. On Nov. 27, Bisanti made good on her threat to take matters into her own hands if the council didn’t by wielding a handmade sign reading “SLOW DOWN” as she stood next to the roadway during rush hour wearing her pajamas and robe. “The mothers up the street who send their kids down to the bus stop should have every expectation that those kids will be able to cross Clayton without being killed,” Bisanti told the Daily Commercial, saying she plans to continue her protest until the city takes action. “I am frustrated, angry and fed up. There needs to be a solution sooner than later. Remember that vision of me in my pajamas,” she added. UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Melissa Allen, 32, was arrested on Dec. 19 after attempting to shoplift more than $1,000 in merchandise from a Framingham, Massachusetts, Target store, reported The Boston Globe. On hand to help in the arrest were more than 50 police officers who were at the store to participate in the annual “Shop With a Cop” holiday charity event. UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES Stephen Allen of Tukwila, Washington, moved in with
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his grandmother years ago to help care for her. When she died last year, he invited his brother, a convicted drug dealer, to move in, but along with him came drug activity, squatters, stolen property and debris. Allen eventually asked police to raid the home, but when they did on Dec. 15, they evicted Allen as well, leaving him homeless. “It’s all legal, but it’s wrong,” Allen told KIRO7 News. “I can’t do anything about it.” THE CALL OF NATURE Tracy Hollingsworth Stephens, 50, of Alachua, Florida, answered nature’s call on Nov. 25 by stopping her car in the middle of County Road 232 and stepping outside. An officer of the Florida Highway Patrol soon took notice as he had been searching for Stephens following her involvement in a two-car collision in the parking lot of a nearby T.J. Maxx store earlier that day. Stephens subsequently underperformed on a field sobriety test, according to The Independent Florida Alligator, and was arrested for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. THE SUNSHINE STATE Workers at Captain Hiram’s Sandbar in Sebastian, Florida, resorted to calling police on Nov. 17 when customer William Antonio Olivieri, 63, refused to leave the bar after a night of drinking. Olivieri told Sebastian police he had arrived by boat, but when a quick walk down a nearby dock failed to uncover the boat, he said perhaps he had driven himself to the
bar in a black Hyundai. Throughout the interview with police, reported the Sebastian Daily, Olivieri also maintained that he was in downtown Melbourne, Florida, where he lives. Finally, he was arrested on a charge of disorderly intoxication and taken to the Indian River County Jail. Sumter County, Florida, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to The Villages on Nov. 19 where resident Lori Jo Matthews, 60, reportedly barked at her neighbor’s dogs, then entered her neighbor’s yard, yelling at the neighbor and finally slapping the neighbor after being told to leave. Deputies caught up with Matthews as she attempted to enter her own home, where she was handcuffed and arrested on charges of battery and resisting arrest. Alcohol, reported VillagesNews.com, may have been involved. ALARMING ANIMAL North Fort Myers, Florida, homeowner Joanie Mathews was terrorized for hours on Nov. 14 by a large pig that wandered into her yard overnight and spent the day destroying the lawn and biting Mathews three times before trapping her in the cab of her truck. “She would circle the truck ... and I would jump in the back seat and I was like ‘Go away, pig!” Mathews told NBC-2 TV. Mathews finally called law enforcement, and it took three Lee County sheriff’s officers to wrangle the testy porker. “It was just hilarious because the pig fought them every which way,” Mathews said. No one, at press time, had stepped forward to claim the pig.
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