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inside
contents 7.2017
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Master of the Court Former NBA athlete and television host John Salley shares his passion for health, wellness and cannabis advocacy. O n the C O V E R :
J o h n G i l h oo l e y
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feature 36
The Power of Oil The properties of cannabis oil have significantly improved the life of young Maddie Holt.
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40 departments news 10 News Nuggets 11 By the Numbers 14 Local News 16 Legal Corner reviews 18 Company Highlight 20 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 26 Cool Stuff 27 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 38 Growing 8 Letter from the Editor
Culture 40 Destination Unknown 41 Profile in Courage 42 Recipes 46 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Senate Approves PTSD As Qualifying Condition in New York
Poland Legalizes Medical Cannabis
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CULTURE M
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett creative consultant Jeremy Zachary Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Dan Mitchell, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Jefferson Van Billiard, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi 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 Tommy LaFleur Graphic DesignerS Payden Corden, Nathan Hernandez, Michelle Aguirre sales director Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gloria Santiago, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson Intern Kiara Manns 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.iREADCULTURE.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
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LETTER
FROM
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EDITOR
Passion and Purpose
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ollowing the long-awaited kick-off of summer, the cannabis community is looking forward to our second-most notorious holiday—710. July 10 is a day to embrace the ever-evolving offerings of cannabis concentrates, all of which you can explore—page by page— within CULTURE’s annual 710 issue. While I join you in celebrating 710 by casually vaping on some Sour D, I think back to the reason why I first fell in love with this industry. It is not solely sativa that sparks my motivation and drives me forward. Last month, I had the pleasure of listening to former Mexican President Vicente Fox’s speech at the NCIA’s Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California. President Fox invited attendees to take a moment of silence to consider their intention for being a part of the burgeoning cannabis industry. “Make sure you have your purpose, and purpose as high and heroic [as] it can be, the more we are going to grow, the more the industry is going to grow, the more we’re going to be saving lives, the more we are going to be doing good to our communities,” he told a crowd of over 1,000 people. The speech was inspiring. His focus on purpose was reminiscent of the advice my father gave me growing up—having a clear intention is the driving force to the actions you take. As I considered my current purpose as the Editor-in-Chief of CULTURE, I recognized that my reason for identifying as a cannabis advocate has matured greatly over the years. My initial pursuit into cannabis-centric journalism stemmed from my personal, and somewhat naïve, appreciation of cannabis. But as I became exposed to cannabis as medicine and the impact it has had on families across the world, my purpose became clear. Back in 2011, I recall the first time I read about Jason David and his young son Jayden. I was astonished to read about
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Jason’s bravery as he administered medical cannabis oil to his four-year-old son. These treatments were able to successfully stop Jayden’s seizures after countless pharmaceutical medications failed. Jayden’s life was forever changed— and from that moment, my intention for being a cannabis advocate was no longer motivated by my habitual reasons for consuming cannabis. I was working up my ranks with CULTURE at the time, however Jayden’s story made a massive impression—it revealed the tremendous healing potential of cannabis to me in the truest form. A passion for cannabis reform was ignited. Stories like Jayden’s needed to be heard, and I was motivated to make sure that happened. My dedication continues to strengthen with every story, every journey and even the personal experiences I’ve witnessed within my own family and cannabis as medicine. We will continue to bring you these remarkable stories, like the one you will read in this issue about how cannabis has improved the quality of young Maddie Holt’s life. But as you know, there is much more to CULTURE than just patient stories. CULTURE will also continue to spark endless amounts of creativity and excitement in our everyday lives of cannasseurs. With an unwavering commitment to relentless advocacy, passion and purpose, I look forward to continuing this journey with you. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS Marshall City Council Approves Medical Cannabis Businesses The city of Marshall became the first city in Calhoun County to approve some types of medical cannabis businesses. The Marshall City Council voted unanimously on June 5 to approve Ordinance #2017-05, which now allows for cannabis cultivation, transportation, processing and laboratory testing facilities. Dispensaries, unfortunately, will continue to be prohibited. At the
Vermont Adds PTSD and other Illnesses to List of Qualifying Conditions Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill that expands Vermont’s list of qualifying conditions to add Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease and PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the list. The expansion bill, entitled S.16, was signed by the governor on June 8. News of the medical cannabis expansion comes just weeks after the governor vetoed
S. 22, a bill that would have legalized recreational cannabis and made Vermont the first state to do so through legislation instead of a vote. Although Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the bill, he then remained open to considering future versions of a recreational bill. “I’ll be providing the Legislature with recommended changes,” Gov. Phil Scott stated. “And to be clear, if they are willing to work with me to address my concerns in a new bill passed during the veto
France to Drop Prison Sentences for Cannabis Offenses France’s recently elected President Emmanuel Macron has promised to end the nation’s highly unpopular prison terms for cannabis consumers. Currently those who consume cannabis in France can be sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of up to €3,750, or about $4,200 Macron proposed dropping prison sentences and replacing them with small, reasonable fines. Government Spokesman Christophe Castaner said that police and magistrates waste up to six hours of time 10
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meeting, Councilmember Brent Williams encouraged his fellow members to act fast. “If all the trending is accurate, recreational use of marijuana will be approved by the voters in the state,” Williams said. “So it really doesn’t matter what my personal opinion is. What matters is how do we as local government accommodate with the wishes of the people in our state?” City rules require all applicants to have a city manager-approved security plan. Cannabisrelated businesses must include a 6,000-foot buffer in between each other. City council also voted to remove a proposed provision that required businesses to stay 1,500 feet away from schools.
session this summer, there is a path forward on this issue.” Although recreational cannabis is not yet permitted in the state of Vermont, Gov. Scott’s signature on the new cannabis expansion bill has demonstrated his dedication to continuing progress in how Vermont regulates cannabis. Patients with Parkinson’s, Crohn’s disease or PTSD are now eligible to obtain medical cannabis at one of the state’s four licensed dispensaries as of July 1.
New Committee Recommends Medical Cannabis Regulations in Clinton Township Updates to Michigan’s medical cannabis legislation has sparked officials in Clinton Township to consider how regulated medical cannabis could affect the city. The issue was discussed by the Clinton Township Board of Trustees on May 30. The discussion was sparked after Supervisor Bob Cannon wrote a letter, urging city officials to consider the positive effects that could come from regulating medical cannabis. “It’s something that we have to address, and no matter which direction we head, we are going to face both praise and criticism,” Cannon said. Clinton Township will move forward in creating a committee to consider regulating medical cannabis operations within the city, with Treasurer Paul Gieleghem sharing that he understood the importance of making this consideration. “I think it’s a good idea to get ahead of the curve, to not pre-judge what we’re going to be doing and what recommendations we can come up with.” Gieleghem said.
on average for each cannabis offense. “Is the system effective?” Castaner asked. “No. What is important today is to be efficient and above all to free up time for our police so they can focus more on essential matters.” According to President Macron’s proposals, those caught with cannabis would be issued fines of up to € 100 and would not face incarceration. The only French presidential candidate that rejected any kind of cannabis reform was runner-up Marine Le Pen, who lost to Macron in the election earlier this year.
The number of illegal medical cannabis dispensaries that the city of Detroit has shut down since March 1, 2016: (Source: Detroit Free Press)
167
The percentage of Michigan voters between the ages of 18 and 29 who stated that they support recreational cannabis legalization in a recent study: (Source: WLNS 6)
77
The number of illegal medical cannabis dispensaries that the city of Detroit plans to shut down in the near future, as of early June: (Source: Detroit Free Press)
The number of new police officers added to oversee medical cannabis licensure whose income would be paid by funds from the Michigan State Police budget: (Source: FY 2017-18 General Omnibus Budget)
51
The total number of Michigan voters who were asked to participate in a study to share their opinions on legalizing cannabis: (Source: WLNS 6)
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600
The projected amount of land, in acres, that Hemp, Inc. will use to cultivate CBD-rich hemp plants in North Carolina and Colorado: (Source: Power Engineering)
550
The percentage of Canadians who said that they support the pardoning of individuals who have been convicted of cannabis possession: (Source: The Globe and Mail)
34
The approximate number of patients in Georgia who received permission to consume medical cannabis during the month of May: (Source: U.S. News)
100
The percentage of children who experienced zero convulsive seizures while using GW Pharmaceuticals’ CBD product, Epidiolex, during a recent study: (Source: The Gazette)
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Abracadabs Cup WHAT: Abracadabs Cup. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, July 29-Sun, July 30. Auto City Speedway, 10205 N Saginaw Rd., Clio. INFO: Visit michigan-abracadabsfestival.com/ for details. After five years in California, the Abracadabs Cup is expanding its celebration beyond the West Coast. Witness the very first Abracadabs Cup in Michigan and unite with the cannabis community “through music, art and concentrates.” Jam-packed with celebrity speakers and educational seminars, the two-day takeover is the place to be in Clio this month. The Abracadabs Cup will host its anticipated competition in which cannabis companies enter to battle for the winning titles in
12 divisions that include best flowers, concentrates, infused edibles and vape cartridges. Discover cannabis products from hundreds of vendors that will be in attendance and dance to your heart’s content during the concert featuring a variety of artists. Those who are 18 and older can attend the event as long as they have a government issued ID. However, a medical recommendation is needed to enter the patient-only medicating area of the event. (Kiara Manns) iReadCULTURE.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
Where Education Grows Seminar
Diligent Ende avor Governor appoints members of Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board By Benjamin M. Adams
M
ichigan’s new medical cannabis licensing board will oversee the initial development of licensure for various types of businesses in order to comply with the state’s relatively new sweeping medical cannabis regulations. On May 26, Gov. Rick Snyder appointed five members to serve on the Michigan Marihuana Licensing Board established by the regulations of the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA). The board appointees include former Speaker of the House Rick Johnson, David LaMontaine from the Police Officers’ Association of Michigan, Nichole Cover of the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, retired sergeant Donald Bailey and Vivian Pickard, the former president of the General Motors Foundation. Board members were chosen for their varied experience and knowledge in fields similar to cannabis. The Medical Marihuana Licensing Board is housed within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The board will also follow the direction of Gov. Rick Snyder. “The members of the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board are appointed by the Governor under the conditions specified in Section 301 of the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA),” a spokesperson from LARA told CULTURE. “The board will work in consultation with the department to implement the MMFLA and has the duties specified in Section 303 of the MMFLA. The board and the department are working diligently to implement the
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MMFLA and will begin accepting license applications on December 15, 2017, in accordance with the act.” The Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation (BMMR) will also serve as a division under LARA, and the BMMR will cover all elements related to medical cannabis patients and caregivers and is responsible for the general oversight of regulation and licensing. The board was needed to accommodate Gov. Snyder’s landmark overhaul of cannabis regulatory bills. The centerpiece, House Bill 4209, along with House Bills 4210 and 4827, regulate Michigan’s notoriously volatile medical cannabis industry. The five-member board will implement the new law and develop license processes for cultivators, processors, transporters, provisioning centers and safety compliance facilities. The first-ever Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board meeting took place on June 26. It was the first opportunity for aspiring business owners to learn from the source about the processes involved in the implementation of the MMFLA. The meeting took place at the Williams Auditorium G. Mennen Williams Building in Lansing. The board is expected to advise LARA on developing specific details of the application process. Applications for licenses under MMFLA are expected to be available by December 2017. Approvals are expected during that month or in early 2018. c
“The board and the department are working diligently to implement the MMFLA and will begin accepting license applications on December 15, 2017, in accordance with the act.”
Patients and caregivers will find valuable information at this seminar on how to best treat medical conditions with cannabis. The presenters will deconstruct the science behind the effects of cannabis, providing the explanations to just about every question. The four-hour session will provide insight into cannabinoids, several medical conditions and how endocannabinoid system carries cannabis throughout the body. Learning the specifics on how oils and tinctures work to combat ailments will rid attendees of any doubts and questions that were previously held. With the purchase of the $60 ticket, attendees will hear from a guest speaker, receive lunch during intermission and walk away with a greater understanding of medical cannabis. (Kiara Manns) WHAT: Where Education Grows Seminar. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, July 8. Vehicle City Social, 3166 Comer St., Flint. INFO: Visit vehiclecitysocial.com for details.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Es tablishing S tandards The popularity of concentrates is on the rise, and so are the regulatory standards on the industry By Matthew Abel
T
he market of medical cannabis oils, waxes and concentrates is developing and maturing in Michigan. It seems that nationwide, concentrates continue to be a major growth area for the cannabis industry. Sales of those products are up over 25 percent in some states, and Michigan is no different. Vape pens continue to see increased availability and use, partly due to the convenience and discretion provided. Leaky cartridges have become the rare exception, and consumers are offered more choices in brands, varieties, containing terpenes and other flavor additives. Since many cannabis concentrates are inhaled, dosage can easily be regulated, or titrated, by the consumer contemporaneous with use. Other concentrates that are ingested can vary greatly in dosage, causing both overdosing and underdosing problems. One great benefit of moving to a market of tested products is the increased ability to achieve a proper dose, and avoiding the problems that can occur when that does not happen. (It is hard to know the effect of a standard
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10mg dose of THCA until testing standards have been implemented.) In spite of the continuing placement of cannabis in Schedule I, the world has moved on to begin to establish standards by which products can be compared. Without standards, people cannot be assured of consistency or reliability of labeling statements. While the government continues to avoid any responsible manner of policy change in regard to cannabis, private industry, thankfully, has moved on. Consumers want clean, reliable products. Organic produce continues to increase in demand, and cannabis is no exception. In early June, the Organic Cannabis Association merged with fellow nonprofit the Ethical Cannabis Alliance. The result was the formation of the Cannabis Certification Council, which hopes to independently certify cannabis products as “organically grown” and “fairly produced.” Outside of the organic certification, other groups are focusing on determining and implementing generally accepted procedures throughout the cannabis industry.
The National Association of Cannabis Businesses was also recently formed to develop consistent national standards and to establish generally accepted responsible business practices, including compliance, transparency and accountability. The American Society for Testing and Materials (a mainstream organization with members from more than 140 countries) agreed to create technical standards for the production and sale of cannabis. The American Herbal Products Association and the Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards are participating in developing these standards. Uniform standards set forth by organizations such as these will protect the health and safety of consumers, and also be great for businesses. Once regulations are set, businesses will be able to ensure that consumers are purchasing a product that has properly been produced, tested, packaged and labeled as required by law. Under Michigan law, if the concentrate is solid material, a qualifying patient may possess 16 ounces of that material in place of each ounce of dried leaves and flowers allowed to possess (2.5 per person). However, if that concentrate is a liquid, a patient may possess 36 fluid ounces for each ounce of dried leaves and flowers allowed. Extracts are categorized as infused products, and the law was amended to require that they be labeled and carried in a case in your trunk. Violation of the labeling requirement is a civil infraction, but violation of the requirement to carry in a case in the trunk is a misdemeanor. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight
Top-Sellin g Str ain: Gelato
Top-Sellin g Co ncentr ate: Brass Knuckles
Top-Sellin g Edible: Motor City Cannabites
The Flower Bowl 28661 Michigan Ave., Inkster, 48141 How and when did your collective start up? We started in May, after a group of colleagues realized we are all equally dedicated and passionate about spreading knowledge of the healing powers of medicinal marijuana, and we wanted to educate and help our local community. What’s the story behind the name of your collective? We thought about a few different names, but with all of the collectives in Michigan, it was hard to come up with a catchy name that wasn’t already taken. What does your collective offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? The dedication, passion and drive to share what medicinal marijuana can do for such a broad spectrum of people. We want to educate as many 18
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people as possible on how cannabis can truly improve their quality of life. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? Since we’ve only been open for two months, not much has changed, but we would like to see the industry continue to move forward with a multitude of ways to treat people suffering from a wide range of diseases and conditions. We want to see the benefits of cannabis reach as many people as possible. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a collective? . . . Biggest joys? The main challenge we’ve faced so far is getting members of the community to feel comfortable enough to try medicinal marijuana. There has been such a stigma attached to marijuana for so long that some people have a hard time trying something new. The biggest joy is
definitely when a patient comes in asking for help; when they come back they’re absolutely ecstatic that something like this has the power to change their lives. What is the one thing you want patients to know about your collective? You will never feel more at home than you will at The Flower Bowl. Here, every patient is family to us. If someone wanted to open a collective and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? We would have to say get a great attorney and accountant first, then contact the local government and make sure they are receptive and approve of your business operating in their area, that’s extremely important! What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the cannabis community? Spreading the wealth of knowledge that we’ve all been so fortunate to acquire. We want to help everyone understand and show them medicinal marijuana can help people of all ages in such an extreme variety of ways. c
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REVIEWs
strain, edible & concentrate
Illuminati Extracts Cartridge We all have places to be, things to do and people to see, and products like this make medicating on-the-go easy and discreet. Illuminati Extracts offers cartridges that vary from indica, sativa and hybrid strain varieties. Grab a few different cartridges, and be prepared to conquer all your symptoms at any time of day. All the medicine is “Nug Run,” which means the full nugget is used in extraction rather than just the trim of the plant. This cartridge is paired with an Ooze Vape base, which lights up green around the bottom to let you know it’s working. Please medicate responsibly.
Available at: Motown Meds in Detroit.
Capt Kirk’s Hashers Available at: Depot Town Dispensary in Ypsilanti.
With four pieces of medicated candy, this product allows the patient to have control over their dosage. Until you know how you personally respond to this product, take one (one-quarter dose) and tailor your dosage to suit your needs all the way up to a full dose (four hashers). Each disc contains 29mg of THC. If patients prefer to switch up consumption methods slightly, they may add their candy to a hot tea, cocoa or coffee, rather than enjoying it as a hard candy. (We tried Fruit Punch, but there are other flavor options, too.) This product is made with Pure Michigan Oil. Please do not forget, Capt Kirk’s Hashers look like regular candy, once outside of their package. It is the consumer’s responsibility to keep medication out of reach of minors and non-cardholders.
F-Cut OG Live Resin Offering such sincere relief, it’s a great idea for patients looking to alleviate symptoms associated to chronic pain, insomnia, nausea, and/or muscle spasms to stock up on this live resin from Higher Society Extracts. Experience the relief when you need it most, and store some away for when you truly need it again. This indica-dominant (80/20) strain’s lineage is of SFVOG and unknown B+G seed, tested at 74.97 percent THC and 2.43 percent CBG. A highly potent and concentrated substance, it lends both cerebral and body effects. Patients note a euphoric, uplifting feeling and equally admit to couch-lock paired with the munchies, which are phenomenal results especially if you’re a patient with any of the symptoms previously mentioned. This product is run as the plant is harvested to optimize terpene retention. Senses will be pleased with a gassy OG with lemony notes. F-Cut OG Live Resin took second place indica concentrate in SoCal Cannabis Cup in April.
Available at: Herbal Solutions in Ypsilanti.
Garlic Cookies Live Resin Available at: Jackson County Compassion Club in Jackson.
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This is a beautifully sugared live resin made by Medie Edie’s Extracts (72+ hour purge). As soon as you peel apart the parchment, there’s no holding back; the incredibly pungent smell is pretty difficult to keep hidden. It gives off an undeniable flavor profile that goes by many names, such as Garlic Cookies, GMO Cookies and Truffle Butter. Recently, it seems this flavor profile has become a top seller in the state. Lineage of this strain speaks to that of Chemdawg crossed with GSC genetics. With a 90 percent indica profile, expect a full-bodied effect that may feel slightly sedating; it is great for nighttime medicating. Patients looking to alleviate symptoms associated to anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and muscle spasms will likely find much relief with this concentrate.
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REVIEWs
Solar Eclipse Solar Eclipse is a discreet way to medicate with a slightly new cartridge look that is sure to pique your curiosity. Filled with 70 percent “liquid moonlight” and 30 percent “liquid sunshine,” just a few inhalations from this pen will offer sincere relief to patients while on-the-go. Clearly and boldly labeled with “no synthetic terpenes added,” any consumer is sure to enjoy the natural flavors of this product, which has a bit of a fruity haze profile. The delicious flavor is delivered through a cartridge with a sleek new design that offers quite an impressive amount of medicine. These cartridges, produced by Mitten Meds, are exclusively available at Om of Medicine and paired perfectly with a Galactic vape pen!
Available at: Om of Medicine in Ann Arbor.
Peach OZZ Concentrate Available at: ArborSide in Ann Arbor.
This delectable strain’s genetics come from Dying Breed Seeds, and the impressive result stems from cross-breeding Peach Ringz and OZ Kush (ZkittleZ and Eddie Lep). Fruity flavor hunters that stumble across this terpene profile are highly likely add this to their list of favorites, as the robust terpenes mimic a delicious peach cobbler. Epitome Extracts created a lovely pull-and-snap texture that is easy to score and separate. Feelings of euphoria and full-bodied relief are noted by patients utilizing this strain to conquer chronic pain.
Black Water Kush This indica-dominant (90/10) strain gets its name from its appearance—leaves with hues of deep purple so dark that they almost appear black. Reigning from parent strains Mendo Purps and San Fernando Valley OG Kush, these dense buds, covered with a thick layer of trichomes, contain 19 percent THC. A sweet grape aroma blends seamlessly with subtle undertones of lemon and pine. Patients looking to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, stress, chronic pain, appetite loss and Multiple Sclerosis, often find a mellow cerebral euphoria that slowly transforms into a full-bodied calm that will assist in alleviating active symptoms, but will also set the mood for a productive evening catching up on some zzz’s.
Available at: Top Notch Clones in Detroit.
Chem 91
Available at: Holistic Earth in Davison.
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This sappy budder extraction from Terp Management offers a cerebrallyfocused euphoric effect, which is great aid to patients who are looking to overcome symptoms associated to chronic pain, stress, depression, insomnia and nausea. Genetics of the Chemdawg lineage are mysterious. Rumors of how it came into existence vary between tales of an East Coast breeder named Chemdawg, or that it is a descendant from a Thai landrace strain. Potentially an offshoot of the original Chemdawg strain, it’s said that the addition of “91” references the year the strain came to life. Some growers feel that Chemdawg 91 is a cross between Chemdawg and Skunk, which would speak to its pungent aromatics of diesel paired with piney-lemon undertones.
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3. LEVO Oil Infuser The future is now. Infusing cannabis oil and butter is as easy as brewing a morning cup of coffee. Purchasing a LEVO Oil Infuser is like having an extraction lab on your kitchen counter—something that is guaranteed to impress your friends. The Time & Temperature Calculator allows you to set the infusion duration and temperature for different herb and oil pairings. Magnetic laboratory stirring is perfect for efficient infusion without pesky bubbles from aeration. An updated capacitive touchscreen makes controlling the device easy. Its unique small batch system can produce five to 16 ounces per infusion. Aside from cannabis, you can extract oil from basil, cloves, roots seeds, coconut or virtually any other kind of herb with this machine. Price: $199.99 MORE INFORMATION: levooil.com
REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
1. Magic-Flight Muad-Dib Concentrate Box The fictional character Paul Atreides from the 1967 novel Dune became “Muad’Dib” (pronounced muah deeb) after he rose to manhood (before consuming the narcotic spice). The Muad-Dib Concentrate Box is as mystifying as the novel it was named after, considering its unearthly design. No torch is required. The vaporizer especially stands out because of the steampunk-inspired old world-looking gold monocle cover. It comes with a convenient storage tin that fits in a pocket and a 1.5 foot draw whip tube for vaping. Just engage the battery button to vape pure, tasty draws. It comes with a concentrate dab tool, a water filtration device and a power source as well. The Maud-Dib can be used with the Magic-Flight Orbiter for a water-cooled experience. Price: $35-65 MORE INFORMATION: magic-flight.com 2. SOURCE Orb 4 Premium Kit The future is now. Infusing cannabis oil and butter is as easy as brewing a morning cup of coffee. Purchasing a LEVO Oil Infuser is like having an extraction lab on your kitchen counter—something that is guaranteed to impress your friends. The Time & Temperature Calculator allows you to set the infusion duration and temperature for different herb and oil pairings. Magnetic laboratory stirring is perfect for efficient infusion without pesky bubbles from aeration. An updated capacitive touchscreen makes controlling the device easy. Its unique small batch system can produce five to 16 ounces per infusion. Aside from cannabis, you can extract oil from basil, cloves, roots seeds, coconut or virtually any other kind of herb with this machine. Price: $99.95 MORE INFORMATION: sourcevapes.com
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4. Camo Eyce Rig Are you looking to avoid the risk of shattering fragile glass pipes and rigs? Have no fear, because silicone, being highly durable and flexible, was ingeniously incorporated into Eyce’s dab rigs. With a silicone body and stem, and a high-quality titanium nail, the Camo Eyce Rig can be protected with a lifetime warranty—which is something that you’d never hear from a glass company. Eyce’s cleverly designed rig resembles sewer pipes from Super Mario Bros. The industrial look is accentuated with the finned hot nail. It comes with a built-in silicone oil container to store concentrates that conveniently pops out of the bottom. It also comes with four tool slots at the base for added ease and a stainless steel dab tool. Price: $49.99 MORE INFORMATION: eycemolds.com
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entertainment
REVIEWs
Available on: Nintendo Switch Release Date: July 21
MOVIE
Life Dir. Daniel Espinosa Columbia Pictures
BOOK
Ganja Yoga Pub. HarperCollins Dee Dussault Get ready to discover why cannabis and yoga have gone hand-in-hand for thousands of years. This practical guide to conscious relaxation through yoga will lead readers down a path of finding natural pain relief and self discovery. Written by a certified yoga instructor, Ganja Yoga provides expert guidance into choosing the best yoga poses, methods of consumption, breathing techniques, strains and more— all ensuring that through movement and meditation, yoga lovers will live a more stress-free, healthy and peaceful life. (Jacob Cannon)
GAME
Splatoon II Dev. Nintendo EPD Pub. Nintendo In Splatoon II, you’re a kid, you’re a squid— and you’re having the time of your life with this sequel to the game that brought fun, competitive play to the Wii U back in 2015. Now with a more diverse selection of inkspewing weapons, players will continue to dominate a variety of new modes such as Salmon Run coop mode and the single-player Hero Mode. Splatoon II is vibrant, easy to jump into and well worth adding to your Switch gaming collection— not to mention that it’s an even better experience while consuming cannabis, too. (Nicole Potter)
Some have posited that trends in horror movies are tied directly to the dominant subconscious fears of society as a whole. Though zombies have been popular for the last several years, suggesting a societal fear of mindless mobs endlessly consuming those still able to think for themselves, the extraterrestrial horror movie is currently making a comeback, and Life is leading the charge. Set on the International Space Station, Life tells the story of a crew discovering definitive proof of alien life on Mars only to have that life form quickly begin attacking and ravaging the crew. In a quest for survival in tight spaces, Life packs in a ton of suspense and terror and walks proudly in the footsteps of alien horror classics like The Thing and The Blob. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
So You Wannabe An Outlaw Steve Earle & The Dukes Warner Bros. In a time of so many phony outlaws and much fraudulence attempting to pass itself as authenticity in the world of country music, Steve Earle & The Dukes’ newest release, So You Wannabe An Outlaw, arrives like a refreshing breeze to blow away the imposters. Though Earle has now aged into the old guard of country music, he remains one of the genre’s most relevant artists and most talented songwriters. On the new record the songs are just as honest and gripping as they have ever been, and Earle & The Dukes sound just as sharp and brilliant as fans have come to expect. (Simon Weedn)
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The Steady State of Salley Four-time NBA champion John Salley has mastered the court, health and wellness— and now he’s out to master cannabusiness By Paul Rogers
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n uncompromising product of 1970s New York street basketball, John Salley rose to become one of the NBA’s most decorated stars, before transitioning into successful careers in media and, more recently, cannabusiness. From Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boy” to budding businessman, Salley explores life from a deeply philosophical perspective not commonly associated with professional athletes. Brooklyn-born Salley’s career stats require a paragraph unto themselves. The former Georgia Tech standout was the first NBA player to feature in three different
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Photos by John Gilhooley
championship-winning franchises (the Pistons, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers) and the first to win championships in three different decades as well. Dominating as both a power forward and center, the sixfoot 11-inch shot-blocker also played for the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors and in Greece. Yet the long-limbed Salley, nicknamed “The Spider,” will forever be synonymous with the back-to-back championshipwinning “Bad Boys” Pistons of the late 1980s and early ‘90s—a famously physical, defenseoriented team, which also featured the likes of Dennis Rodman, Adrian Dantley and Isiah Thomas. With a dogged willingness to win at all costs, the Bad Boys “practically led the revolution in unsportsmanlike play in the NBA,” according to FiveThirtyEight. At the turn of the new millennium, the now Los Angelesbased Salley seamlessly segued into media, including nine years hosting Fox Sport Net’s The Best Damn Sports Show Period and acting roles in both TV and film (appropriately including Bad Boys and Bad Boys II). An outspoken vegan and animal rights advocate, Salley was also among the first former proathletes to openly embrace the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Having first tried cannabis with an NBA teammate after a game in Sacramento, shortly before retiring (“all I remember is stretches in front of the Governor’s Mansion and doing yoga”), he later used the plant as an alternative to opioid painkillers and now makes it the cornerstone of a wellness-centered lifestyle. Salley has since been involved in various cannabusiness enterprises, including a planned private cannabis club in downtown L.A., and his own company, Deuces, in partnership with his daughter. CULTURE chatted with the affably impassioned Salley as he enjoyed a cannabis-balm massage.
How important are records and statistics to you compared with the pride you take in the style in which you played the game? I really don’t worry about personal accolades. Being a professional athlete was what I wanted to be. And the crazy part about even sayin’ that is it’s a team sport, so when somebody breaks down individuals’ stats, it’s amazing that they can do that, because obviously four other guys had to sacrifice for that to happen. Tell me about the role of your Detroit Pistons teammate Adrian Dantley in your early career. Does any of what you learned from him still impact your life today? A.D. was, literally, my teacher . . . I called him Teacher and we still call him Teacher. The way I eat—I became a vegan after the thought process that Adrian taught me . . . I’m completely into yoga; I completely moved into that thought process. [It] all started with Teacher. The Pistons had an amazing run at the turn of the ’90s, when the team boasted some truly largerthan-life players like Dennis Rodman. What are your abiding memories of that era?
I remember how people treated us. I remember how people adored us. How the city [of Detroit], was . . . y’know, crack was huge in the city around that time, in 1996 on up. No jobs; there was despair. But us winning changed the whole attitude of everybody in the city. So it wasn’t just a sporting thing? This was also a cultural and societal impact that you brought to that city. Yes. The whole city changed. We changed it. Even when we lost in 1988, we had a parade! If that same “Bad Boys” team was playing today, how different might game officials’ reaction be to your very physical, defense-oriented style of play? Part of the reason most of the rules are intact is because of us. So the breakaway foul—when a guy’s going to the basket, you can’t foul him from behind. You used to be able to foul him from behind. Handchecking—they got rid of that. Because you remember our defense was so big, [opponents] weren’t scoring a lot . . . so our style of hardgrit-playing bodybasketball is no longer allowed.
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You’ve played alongside three of basketball’s all-time greats: Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Who was the greatest? Isaiah Thomas! Because he was sixone and did all the things like guys of six-six and above. But I think Michael Jordan is by far the best player of his era; of our era.
You were a longtime host of The Best Damn Sports Show Period. How did that experience change the opinion you held of TV sports pundits while you were on the other end of that equation, as a player? It changed my thought process when, for nine years, I saw the same problems over and over and over with different names on ‘em. The negative and how they enhanced it—and the positive was done in a package that we might show on Sunday. But the negative was being played night-in and night-out . . . And I realized that they were doing just what the news did—perpetuating the negative and making news out of it.
You briefly played professional basketball overseas, with Greek club Panathinaikos. How different was the game over there? I loved it . . . Some of the places in Greece that we would go into were— the gyms were, y’know, not on par of a lot of places, but I loved the grit. I’ve played on the streets of New York, so seeing that in Greece wasn’t so bad.
What’s more nerve-wracking: Appearing on TV as a host or on court as a pro-basketball player? Going on court as a pro player. I control the microphone, and I know what the camera is doing. I’ve rehearsed it, and it’s going to be very close to rehearsal. And, you know, everything [in TV] is timed—in a NBA game it feels like time never ends!
So you guys didn’t just win championships; you changed the game forever. We changed the way everything was looked at. And not only did we do it once, we did it back-to-back—and they still didn’t have our jerseys [for sale] all around the country.
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“Look at most of the problems that happen in the NFL, with DUIs . . . When you smoke weed, it doesn’t give you the courage to jump up and say ‘I wanna go drivin’ fast!’ You smoke weed and chill-out.”
You’re an outspoken vegan and opposed to factory farming. Why are these causes so important to you? They’re important to me personally because the body does not work well on animal fat, [and] because I think it really makes no sense that something has to die in order for me to live. And, y’know, what’s the difference: People say they love animals, but they eat ‘em. That’s not the way of being. When you’re talking about factory farming, you’re talking about plantations . . . In this case, the way they treat their beast is very similar, in a negative way, as the way they were treating their slave. And at one time they used to consider us farm animals. Can you imagine? People used to literally say we were subhuman? If you believe in God, the most important thing is life. He said “thou shalt not kill.” And I can prove to you that we don’t need to live on animal products . . . If an ox only eats grass but everybody wants to be as strong as an ox, eat what the ox eats! iReadCULTURE.com
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What do you feel veganism has done for your health and fitness? I am 252 pounds. When I played, I was 253 pounds. I’m now 53 years old. I can still fit clothes that I wore in the ‘80s. I think eating is a sign of selfrespect. What you put in your body shows respect for yourself. You were one of the first athletes to extol the virtues of cannabis, and you’ve spoken about the medical benefits of cannabis since your retirement. Tell me about that. If I understood cannabis when I was playing, I’d probably have played into my late 40s. Right now, no arthritis . . . My liver and kidney are doing well. The pains that I do have—I’ve got two torn meniscus, and my shoulder ligaments are torn—but I’m letting ‘em heal by using certain herbs that I take along with making sure enough oxygen and CBDs get to that area to help me heal. When did you start using cannabis medicinally, and why? I had my feet operated on in 2002, and they put me on opioid [painkillers]. And I’m trying to do The Best Damn Sports Show, [in] 2003, and I can’t do it. I can’t do it because I literally am, like, two minutes late on answering. And this doctor said “I can give you medical marijuana” . . . and I never looked back. At present, how do you prefer to medicate? It seems like you’ve tried cannabis in many forms. I smoke out of a water bong, personally. I have a product coming out called Deuces. I started it with my daughter, Tyla, and was like, “this is the business of our family now, so you might as well learn it as I’m learning it.” What is Deuces going to make? What is the nature of the business? We’re a brand . . . There’s a lot of CBD products, and there’s a lot of THC products. The CBD products are, like, spray-relief—spray it on your knee, [it] helps with your arthritis; helps with your pain, moving lactic acid out of your body. 34
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“I would like [cannabis] to be legal, and I would like it to not be a Schedule I drug. I would like it to be removed as a drug, period, and be put on as a supplement or just a plant.”
Are there any other cannabisrelated business ventures that you’re involved in? Besides developing on my own, I go to different growers that grow different strains for me and make my own product . . . In Michigan, I have growers that I’m associated with and manufacturers of my product in Colorado, Oregon, Nevada and here in California. As well as an advocate for medical cannabis use, you’ve also
encouraged reform to cannabis legislation. How would you like to see cannabis laws changed in this country? One, I would like [cannabis] to be legal, and I would like it to not be a Schedule I drug. I would like it to be removed as a drug, period, and be put on as a supplement or just a plant. A large amount of black men that are in jail are [there] because of some relation with some drug— or considered drug, marijuana . . . One of my friends is in jail for allegedly, not proven, allegedly transferring marijuana. But when he gets out, he won’t be allowed to be in this business. So a lot of these black people who pioneered the business won’t be allowed to benefit from it. Do you feel that this administration will be good or bad for cannabusiness? The lobbyists are strong in the business of pharmaceuticals. But if we can get to Donald Trump and you start talking about [cannabis] business and how much comes back in taxes and how much people are making—once he hears that story, he can change the larger perception and help this business grow. Is the risk of addiction to prescription painkillers a major issue in your cannabis advocacy? Yeah. I mean, I was popping six to nine Advil a day: When I woke up, just so I can get to practice; before practice; and then after my nap. So, yeah, that was an addiction. What is your stance on cannabis use in professional sports? The crazy thing is, I love [National Football League] Commissioner Goodell, but he stated complete falsehoods and old data. He has said, “it’s addictive”—it’s not addictive” . . . Look at most of the problems that happen in the NFL, with DUIs, driving under the influence. When you smoke weed, it doesn’t give you the courage to jump up and say “I wanna go drivin’ fast!” You smoke weed and chill-out. c www.johnsalley.com
“If I understood cannabis when I was play ing, I’d probably have played into my late 40s.”
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Staying Strong Cannabis oil has drastically improved young Maddie Holt’s life in every way imaginable By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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or Maddie Holt, trying cannabis as medicine was a matter of life or death. When Madeline, or Maddie as she is known to loved ones, was first diagnosed with Zellweger syndrome, her mother Meagan Holt was distraught. However, Meagan was also determined to fight to improve her daughter’s quality of life. 36
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When the rare congenital disorder started giving Maddie frequent seizures, she had to be medicated all of the time. “She was on 26 pharmaceuticals and would barely wake up, was high out of her mind, didn’t communicate with us, stopped using sign language,” explained Meagan. “So for me, when I found cannabis, it was complete desperation. I remember Googling ‘intractable epilepsy,’ because I “So for Maddie we just felt there had to be something.” In April 2015, after countless have seen every single medications and trips to the hospital, symptom improved. Meagan was told that she should take Maddie home and spend as much time It wasn’t until we as possible with her, as Maddie’s young incorporated more life would be ending soon. She had THC that we saw created an end-of-life plan with the hospital and was instructed that the best her sign language thing she could do was to ensure Maddie come back.” was as comfortable as possible.
Refusing to accept her only option was to wait for her daughter to pass on, Meagan continued her research on what could be done to help. She didn’t have any biases against trying cannabis as a treatment, and since the option kept coming up again and again in her research, she decided it was definitely worth a try. “I found these stories about kids who were using it for seizures,” she explained. “I am really resourceful so I looked things up; I learned about CBD resources; I actually got connected with Green Extracts, which donated wholeplant cannabis oil to Maddie, CBD and THC.” After she was given cannabis oil, Maddie went eight days seizure-free, which was a record for her during the lowest point of her disorder. Since she was only expected to live for one day after leaving the hospital and had been constantly seizing, so living out the extra days in a much healthier state was a huge milestone for Maddie. Once this discovery was made, nothing could stop Meagan from doing what she knew was necessary to keep her daughter alive. She began soliciting donations for Maddie and making sure she had the medicine her daughter needed to keep improving and stay alive and, for the most part, seizure-free and out of the hospital. Maddie now uses a mix of THC and CBD oil to prevent seizures and as a “rescue” when she does seize, and she also uses cannabis products to alleviate side-effects like the chapped lips and dry skin that come from being bedridden. Once beginning all these treatments, the Holt family began to see a major improvement in Maddie. “So for Maddie we have seen every single symptom improved,” Meagan explained. “It wasn’t until we incorporated more THC that we saw her sign language come back. You can watch her get a dose, and it’s like switching on a light bulb; she comes to life.” While Maddie’s condition still
renders her dependent on roundthe clock medical care, not only has she outlived what was initially projected, she is now going to school and communicating with the world around her as much as possible. “She is deaf, blind, completely dependent on a feeding tube, she has kidney stones, bleeding troubles, anemia, and cannabis is helping all of that,” Meagan told CULTURE. Maddie is now being homeschooled two days a week, and she continues to progress forward in so many ways. Although the journey ahead still holds obstacles, Meagan shared how her family’s
experience with cannabis oil has changed their life for good. “I have learned to never give up hope and to always remember to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, because you can never understand what someone is going through until you look at it from their perspective,” she said. c
“You can watch her get a dose and it’s like switching on a light bulb; she comes to life.”
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN
By Ed Rosenthal
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t the time of this writing, the Summer Solstice is just around the corner—it’s the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. This is also when the sun’s rays shine most directly on the Earth, so the light is most intense during this time of year. The bright light has been great for the plants in the three sections of my garden. All of them have had a growth spurt and are extremely healthy. The first section is a 2’ x 4’, nine-inch deep tray that holds five plants. Three of them were orphan plants, abandoned and uncared for, and were under a foot tall when they were placed in a row across the middle width of the tray. The other two, which were about four feet tall including the container, were placed horizontally, with the bottom of the container against the side of the tray, buried halfway so the plant stems stretched across the tray two inches above the earth. A month later, the five plants are 2’ feet tall and have been growing more than an inch a day. Just yesterday their regimen changed from vegetative to flowering. Each evening I placed the cart into its own little growth
chamber with about 200 watts of fluorescent light so the plant was kept lit continuously. Now I wheel the cart into the unlit chamber after dusk, which occurs at about 9 p.m., but before dawn. The plant stays there until 9 a.m. for a total dark period of 12 hours each evening. The plants have a few flowers now, but in about two months the colas will be ready to harvest. Group 2, consisting of four plants from clones including a Shark Shock and a ER Superbud and two dwarfed plants offered as Purple Dream, but are perhaps another variety. These plants have been flowering for a while now, but I was afraid that they would switch back to vegetative growth. So, I am also sheltering them in darkness each evening using the same regimen as for the first group. By this time next month, they will be harvested and drying. Group 3 started out as volunteers in my compost pile. Luckily for them a member of the plant rescue society saw them and placed them in four-inch pots. They soon outgrew them and were place in 6” containers. They were re-planted again 2 weeks ago into 8” containers. The plants are all indicas and all seem to be closely
TIP OF THE MONTH Take and root cuttings of all the outdoor plants now before they start to flower, and keep them growing slowly. This is done by keeping them under moderate light, nutrients and keeping them at a steady 650 temperature. After harvesting, you will be able to test the plants both objectively and subjectively, look at the numbers and decide which to propagate next season. If you grow the clones out, starting in January they will be ready to place in the ground by late spring.
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related. They have broad leaves, short internodes and are beginning to get purple. It looks like a fine strain. The plants are now 10”-14” tall and growing quickly under natural daylight and light regimen. I am planning two experiments on this group. First, I’m going to cut the top growing tips of half the plants to observe the difference in growth, form and yield between the two groups. Secondly I’m going to supply half of these plants with CO2 as they grow outdoors. The other half will serve as a control group. We shall see if CO2 administered outdoors increases yield. c
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The plants on wheels basking in the sun. The stem was placed horizontally so the branches are growing vertically.
Early flowering of the plants on wheels. The plants have been in flowering regimen for four days.
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Plants in 8” containers. Tops of half of them were clipped. All are indicas from the same group. They have thick stems and wide leaves with purple tones.
Plants induced to flower early are halfway through flowering. Four varieties are represented.
Close-up of the bud; it should be ready in four or five weeks.
Close-up of pollinated Purple Citrus.
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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culture growing RECIPES
if you go:
Time to Go: July Weather: High 60s, low 70s with some rainfall Budget: $$$$$
Adventure in The Azores For cannabis enthusiasts who cherish the tranquility of raw nature above all else, The Azores can make for a peaceful, inspirational and truly relaxing respite in summer. Located smack in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, The Azores is today a collection of nine islands and six small towns that were uninhabited until 1433 when a hearty group of Portuguese sailors decided to settle near what is now Santa Maria, which is about 850 miles west of Lisbon and 2,500 miles east of New York City. This remote island archipelago that makes up The Azores is meant for the adventurous traveler, as these mostly active volcanic mountains are packed with breathtakingly beautiful scenery. In one day (and with a rental car), visitors can experience everything from windswept sandy beaches to pristine inland crater-made lakes to wonderful waterfalls spilling into swimmable ponds.
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Perhaps that’s because “going to The Azores” is really an escape from ordinary life. These tiny island towns in the middle of the great big blue ocean are not into the Euro party scene like the Spanish, French, Portuguese or even African coasts. This is a place where farming and fishing are king. Although the weather here is mostly mild, there can be days upon days of fog and soaking rain even in the summer months. This back-to-nature quality is probably what makes Azoreans hearty folk who prefer family-friendly activities such as long hikes, boat rides, slow cooking, even slower eating (at hours-long meals paired with local wines) and just enjoying life naturally. This slowing down effect—plus Portugal’s cannabis decriminalization laws—makes The Azores a super chill place to truly get away from it all while medicating. c
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By Sheryll Alexander
The Azores is an “autonomous region” of Portugal, which decriminalized all drugs (only if you are carrying less than a 10-day supply) including reducing cannabis to a misdemeanor. So, smoking cannabis anywhere in Portugal and its outlying colonies such as The Azores is quite common and does not alarm locals. The best thing to do on any trip to a European country is to find and vet a cannabis-loving local before you leave. If you did not prepare ahead, then politely ask a 20- or 30-something Azorean where you can find cannabis (they will know what you mean but it is locally known as erva). Just remember to smoke discreetly although European joints (called spliffs) are usually packed with tobacco as well as cannabis flowers. If you want to make certain you have access to THC or CBD on your trip to the middle of The Atlantic, try this travel trick. Buy an inexpensive vaping pen (in case it gets confiscated). Separate the vape and the oil cartridge in your luggage so they are not in the same bag. Also make certain the cartridge is not in a package and has no logo or markings on it.
The Azores is the only region in Europe where tea is still cultivated, so don’t miss visiting the island’s several “tea estates” dating from the 1800s. Locals welcome visitors to tour their farm and cultivation facilities of famous Azorean organic black, green and orange pekoe teas. 1
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Because The Azores are located atop the “triple junction” of three tectonic plates (North American, Eurasian and African) and are still actively volcanic, the islands are known for their steaming geothermal geysers and mineral-filled hot spring waters. 2
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Ashley Cross
Age: 25 Condition/Illness: IBS, anxiety and depression. Using Medical Cannabis Since: I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2017. The disease has prevented me from doing the things I love to do and daily chores. I’ve been using medical cannabis since I was 19.
Why did you start using cannabis? I started using medical cannabis because it helped with my depression, anxiety and insomnia. I use it for pain from a car accident in 2011 where I was ran into. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I’ve had major depression and anxiety since I was a little, and I
was put on all different kinds of antidepressants. All of them I had different bad side effects. Later in life I was introduced to cannabis by my boyfriend and this is the only thing that seems to help my pain without having the bad side effects. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The major issue or problem medical patients are facing is federal government acceptance so there can be safe access for patients thoughout the whole country. If you have a chronic disease like I do, then it becomes a big issue. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? When I talk to people that are skeptical about the use of medical cannabis I tell them it’s medicine, it doesn’t have horrible side effects like almost every pharmaceutical medication you take on a daily basis. Cannabis can ease the pain for a while and give you some relief without all those horrible side effects. c
Are you an MMJ 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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culture growing
Summer Lovin’ By Laurie Wolf Photos by Bruce Wolf
Heat up your outdoor barbecue with easy-to-make cannabis-infused skewers Menu: Skewered Shrimp and Asparagus Grilled and Skewered Fruit Grilled Eggplant and Plum Tomatoes
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Chicken Breast Satay
The warmth of summer goes beyond feeling the golden rays of sunshine beating down against your skin like a warm blanket—hot and savory meals delivered straight off the grill are also indicative of summertime and Fourth of July gettogethers. Impress your guests for an evening barbecue by serving this menu, which allows you to prepare the four types of tasty skewers a day ahead. Once your friends arrive, just fire up the grill, and throw on the skewers. Less can be more in the realm of edibles, so there is no need to infuse all the recipes if you prefer. A word about skewers—if you are a fan of the multi-sized wooden skewers, soak them in water for an hour before grilling. Be sure to let the grill heat up before cooking, which will provide a smaller chance of food sticking, and don’t you hate that?
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2. In a food processor, combine the peanuts, coconut milk, 2 tablespoons lime juice, soy sauce and a pinch of cinnamon. Add the scallions and set aside.
Chicken Breast Satay
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the remaining oil with the lime juice, salt and pepper.
1 tablespoon coconut milk
6 tablespoons lime juice, portioned in 2 tablespoon increments
Pinch of cinnamon
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1 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon soy sauce
6 cups lettuce
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound chicken boneless and skinless breasts, cut into strips or chunks
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Ingredients:
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4 tablespoons roasted peanuts JULY 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chopped scallion
Salt and pepper
Instructions: 1. Combine the chicken, 2 tablespoons lime juice, canna-canola oil, soy sauce and ginger in a medium bowl. Marinate for two hours. Preheat the grill, and then remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Place the chicken on the skewers.
4. When the grill is ready, cook the chicken on the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side. 5. Divide the lettuce onto 4 plates and drizzle with the canna-canola oil and lime juice mixture. Place the cooked skewers on top and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Serve with the peanut sauce for dipping.
t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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culture growing
Skewered Shrimp and Asparagus
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Ingredients: 10 asparagus, sliced in 1-2 inch pieces 20 large shrimp (about 1 pound), peeled and cleaned
Grilled and Skewered Fruit
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1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
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Instructions:
2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted
1. Preheat the grill. Arrange the shrimp, asparagus and the scallions on the skewers as desired. Brush the skewers with the canna olive oil and drizzle with
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2 tablespoons fresh mint, shredded
1 tablespoon canola oil
Instructions: 1. Preheat the grill. Place the banana, pineapple and mango on the skewers and brush with the canola oil and sprinkle with the cinnamon. 2. Grill skewers on the prepared grill until golden brown and tender.
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3. Sprinkle the skewers with the coconut and drizzle with the infused sweetener of your choice.
1 cup salsa, mild to hot
the lemon juice. Season with the salt and pepper. 2. Grill skewers on the prepared grill until the shrimp are cooked and the asparagus are just tender, 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with the salsa for dipping.
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Note: If you don’t have access to an infused sweetener, just use 4 teaspoons of infused canola oil instead of the tablespoon of oil when brushing the fruit.
Grilled Eggplant and Plum Tomatoes Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant, cut into chunks
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1 mango, peeled and cut into chunks
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon canna olive oil, plus one additional teaspoon t
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 teaspoons infused honey or simple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 scallions cut in pieces
Ingredients: 1 large banana, sliced, brushed with lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon oregano
6 roma tomatoes, halved
Salt
4 teaspoons cannaolive oil t
8 basil leaves, shredded
Instructions: 1. Preheat the grill, and thread the eggplant and tomatoes on skewers. 2. Brush with the oils, and then season with the oregano and the salt. 3. Grill skewers on the prepared grill, and cook until the eggplant is tender and the tomatoes are soft and browning. Top with the shredded basil leaves.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY— PEDESTRIAN CALMING Officials in charge of a Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal heritage site recently installed “speed bumps,” similar to those familiar to Americans driving residential streets—but on a pedestrian walkway, with row upon row of risers to resemble a washboard. A Western travel writer, along with editors of People’s Daily, China, suggested that officials were irked that “disorderly” tourists had been walking past the ancient grounds too rapidly to appreciate its beauty or context.
THE JOB OF THE RESEARCHER “Marine mammologist” Dara Orbach’s specialty is figuring out how bottlenose dolphins actually fit their sex organs together to copulate. When dolphins die of natural causes, Orbach, a post-doctoral fellow at Nova Scotia’s Dalhousie University, is sent their genitals (and also those of whales, porpoises and sea lions) and fills each one with silicone to work from molds in understanding the sex act’s mechanics. Dolphins’ vaginas are “surprising” in their “complexity,” she told Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News in April, for example, with the ability to twist inner folds to divert the progress of any sperm deposited by undesirable mates. 46
JULY 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
BRIGHT IDEAS Compared to busy coastal metropolises, Indiana may evoke repose, and entrepreneur Tom Battista is suggesting the state’s largest city capitalize on the sentiment by reserving a destination site on a lowlying hill overlooking the chaotic merge lanes of two interstate highways—affording visitors leisurely moments watching the frantic motorists scrambling below. He plans three rows of seats and a sunshade for the relaxed gawkers to take in the “ocean”-like roar and imagine overwrought drivers’ rising blood pressure (while their own remains soothingly calm). WEIRD SCIENCE Medical researchers have been frustrated for years at failures in getting certain cancer-fighting drugs to reach targeted areas in women’s reproductive tracts, but doctors in Germany announced in April a bold technique that appeared to work: Sending the drugs via sperm cells, which seem to roam without obstruction as they search for an egg. The process involves coating active sperm cells with an iron adhesive and magnetically steering them to their internal targets. NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE Sean Clemens, now awaiting trial in Liberty, Ohio, in the death of an 84-year-old woman, allegedly confessed his guilt to a co-worker after telling the man that something was bothering him that he needed to tell someone about—but only if the coworker would “pinkie-swear” not to tell anyone else. (The co-worker broke the code.)
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JULY 2017
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