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contents
inside
11.2016
POSITIVE VIBRATIONS
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Reggae icon Pato Banton is a musician with talent, charisma and a passion for cannabis legalization. ON THE COVER: p h o t o b y J o h n G i lh o o le y
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features
34 departments news 8 News Nuggets 9 By the Numbers 12 Local News 14 Legal Corner reviews 16 Collective Highlight 18 Strain Reviews 20 Holiday Gift Guide 22 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 38 Growing Culture 40 Destination Unknown 42 Profile in Courage 44 Recipes 46 News of the Weird
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Charitable Contributions The cannabis community has roots in helping people feel and get better, and its amicable nature allows it to give back to local communities.
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Veterans’ Right To Heal In light of this month’s Veteran’s Day, we are digging in to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a problem that affects millions of military veterans, and the status of their right to medical cannabis in this country.
online Exclusive! d Democratic Candidate for Utah
Governor Position Has a Plan for Medical Cannabis in the State d THC Recently Proven to Make You
Smarter in New Study
Vol 8 IssUE 5
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Jamie Solis Editorial Contributors Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designer Tanya Delgadillo sales director Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Teddy Helms, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Chris Thatcher, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson digital marketing Alazzia Gaoay manager Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 500 locations throughout Michigan. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 36500 Ford Rd #348 Westland, MI 48185 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.iREADCULTURE.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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/freeculturemag
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NEWS
nuggets
Petition Drive Aims to Get Cannabis Legalization on 2018 Ballot MILegalize announced its plan to get recreational cannabis legislation on the 2018 ballot. After turning in 354,000 signatures to qualify their initiative for the November 2016 ballot, the state determined the initiative did not gather enough qualified signatures to qualify. This setback is not going to stop the group from pushing forward for a win in 2018 though. A press release by the group shared that although they expect to find resolution from the court system, the group is going to continue pushing forward for the future in case that doesn’t happen. “We will continue to fight for the people of Michigan and are committed to ensuring the voters are finally heard,” said MILegalize Board Member Debra Young, “We won’t quit until every adult has the legal right to freely use cannabis for medicine or personal reasons without harassment and fear of arrest.”
Cannabis Possession Penalties Are Lowered in Memphis, Tennessee The city council of Memphis, Tennessee has moved to lower penalties on cannabis possession. The ordinance allows Memphis Police Department the ability to charge someone who was under the possession of cannabis a lesser charge than what is outlined by the state of Tennessee. Currently in the state, a person who is possessing half an ounce or less of cannabis can face a misdemeanor charge, up to a year of incarceration, plus a maximum fine of $2,500. Memphis’ new law allows an officer to instead charge the accused with a $50 ticket from the city. In the ordinance’s text, the council outlined the reasoning for this change. “Whereas, the City Council does not support or encourage the use of marijuana or any other controlled substance but finds that, when an individual’s only offense is possession or casual exchange of marijuana for personal use, criminal penalties imposed by state law and resulting criminal records for such as offense are disproportionate to the severity of the offense . . .” As the second city in the state to adopt much lesser punishment than Tennessee, it will be interesting to see if this will continue to happen throughout other local governments in the state.
Cannabis Extract is Recognized as Medicine by U.K. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom made a decision to recognize cannabis oil that is high in CBD to be medicinal. A letter sent by the MHRA shared its decision with producers and distributors of CBD products. “The MHRA has now completed its review and has considered all information available to it relating to cannabidiol (CBD oil) and having taken into account all the scientific advice and evidence, it has come to an opinion that products containing cannabidiol will satisfy the second limb of the definition of a ‘medicinal product’ . . .” This decision was reached after the proof that CBD oil is able to aid in physiological functions through its ability to affect a immunological, metabolic or pharmacological action. The next step is for the government to make sure the CBD products are regulated accordingly to protect public health.
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Cannabis is Decimalized in East Lansing for Adults Ages 21 and Over Adults ages 21 and over are now able to consume and possess cannabis on private property, thanks to a vote carried out by the city council in October. The ordinance passed with a 4-1 vote, and it amended its original ordinance. The ordinance originally permitted possession and consumption of cannabis by verified medical cannabis patients, and the text they added to decriminalize cannabis was, “. . . or is over the age of 21 and in possession of, using or transferring less than one (1) ounce of marijuana on private property; or is over the age of 21 and transporting less than one (1) ounce of marijuana.” The change also makes cannabis possession or consumption for people under 21 a civil infraction. This would lead to a maximum fine of $25 and required attendance of a substance abuse treatment or up to 45 days of community service. East Lansing is following in the footsteps of Lansing and Grand Rapids, both of which have already decriminalized cannabis consumption and possession.
NEWS
The number of dispensaries that have closed in Detroit as a result of the city’s laws on medical cannabis: (Source: WDET 101.9FM)
The increased number of Michigan cannabis patients with medical cards, as of October 2016, compared to the number of cards issued in 2009 which was recorded at 4,398: (Source: Macomb Daily)
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The maximum amount of medical cannabis, in ounces, that is allowed for possession in East Lansing for anyone 21 and over, as according to a newly passed city ordinance: (Source: Lansing State Journal)
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The number of votes, out of 105, from the Michigan House in favor of imposing a new tax and establish a state licensing system to grow, process, sell, transport or test cannabis in the state of Michigan:
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency predicts could be earned by the Michigan medical cannabis market if its prices and consumer trends are similar to Colorado: (Source: Bridge)
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(Source: Stamford Advocate)
711
The percentage of Arizonans who favor cannabis legalization: (Source: AZ Central)
The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that hemp soap company Dr. Bronner’s donated to an Arizona procannabis campaign: (Source: AZ Central)
The percentage of Mainers who favor legalizing cannabis for recreational use: (Source: Portland Press Herald)
The amount of cannabis, in ounces, that a person can now legally possess in Memphis, Tennessee after the city council agreed to reduce cannabis possession penalties: (Source: WREG Memphis)
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Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival
WHAT: Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival. WHEN/WHERE: Thurs, Nov. 17-Sat, Nov. 19. Devos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. INFO: Visit www.showspan.com/GRW for more information. Staking its claim as the Midwest’s largest wine, beer and food festival, this threeday binge is everything you dream about and more. It is returning for its ninth year with over 1,600 beers, ciders, wines and spirits. While tasty libations are a great focus of this event, there is so much more fun to be had. There will be various activities like the Craft Cocktail Workshops, where you can amp up your bartending skills in preparation for
holiday guests. Wine and beer seminars as well as the Meijer Food Stage will keep guests informed and learning, while having a great time. Attendees will not want to miss the pairings, where fine, local restaurants serve up tasty dishes with brews and wines. Those who plan on attending can download the GR Wine Festival phone application, where they can book a pairing, check out the full beverage list and schedule out planned tasting lists.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Holly Dickens Festival
THE BEST WORK TAKES TIME Kalamazoo won’t be able to adopt Michigan’s new cannabis laws overnight
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by Jamie Solis overnor Rick Snyder made huge strides for Michigan’s medical cannabis program in September when he signed three cannabis bills. However, that doesn’t mean all cities in Michigan will be able to implement all the new rules for medical cannabis overnight. After all, it takes time to navigate through the complicated new bills. The City Attorney of Kalamazoo, Clyde Robinson, responded to residents of the city who were curious how Kalamazoo would move forward with the governor’s three-part cannabis legislation during a recent council meeting. “With the departments of public safety and planning and community develop, and probably the city clerk’s office, [I will be] working through this legislation to bring something back to this commission,” Robinson stated. He explained that it would take time to navigate through the “lengthy” bills and that he will need to address any questions he might have before being able to implement the legislation. The city of Kalamazoo is already quite accepting of medical cannabis, having outlined pretty relaxed rules for law enforcement in its City Charter. “City of Kalamazoo law enforcement officers shall make law enforcement activity relating to the personal possession and/or use of 1 ounce or less of usable marijuana, their lowest law enforcement priority,” the Charter reads. The charter also outlines how city complies with the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act for qualifying patients. “The people of the City of Kalamazoo specifically determine that the provisions herein contained concerning marijuana
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or cannabis are necessary to serve the local purposes of providing just and compassionate medical and legal treatment to the citizens of this community, and to those medical patients who visit our city to receive medical care . . .” They determine the proper locations, registration requirements and restrictions for medical cannabis collectives. Now Kalamazoo will need to work to adjust its medical cannabis regulations to include the many provisions updated by Governor Snyder’s three bills, House Bill 4209, House Bill 4210 and House Bill 4827. HB-4209 puts the Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act into effect, which will regulate the cultivation, manufacturing, supplying and transportation of medical cannabis. HB-4210 allows for the manufacturing and consumption of cannabis-infused products for patients under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. It outlines one ounce of usable cannabis equivalent to “16 ounces of marijuanainfused product if in a solid form,” “seven grams of marijuana-infused product if in a gaseous form” or “36 fluid ounces of marijuana-infused product if in a liquid form.” Last, HB-4827 puts the Marijuana Tracking Act into effect, in addition to a seed-to-sale tracking system. Robinson explained that the city of Kalamazoo is not ready to accept applications from potential cannabisrelated businesses until they have a proper system to do so. The three bills signed by Governor Snyder will take effect 90 days following his signing date of September 20, but that doesn’t mean that cities across Michigan will be ready to implement the new rules at the same time. c
Known as both the oldest and longest running Dickens-themed festival in America, the Holly Dickens Festival will transport you to a simpler time before smartphones and drones. The event kicks off in its traditional fashion with the Christmas tree lighting, which includes the singing of a community Christmas carol, a lighted parade and an appearance by Santa Claus. The following day, the Dickens Festival will be in full swing with arts and crafts, open houses of local museums, tons of vendors at the holly shoppe, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. There will be The Dickens Tea at the Hadley House Museum, while holiday favorites will be played on an acoustic guitar at the “Oh! Christmas Tree Stage.” You will meet tons of people in costume, keeping the old time vibe throughout the three weekends the event spans. Don’t miss this festive, holiday event, and be sure to bring the kids along for a fun adventure. WHAT: Holly Dickens Festival. WHEN/WHERE: Fri, Nov. 25-Sun, Nov. 27, Sat, Dec. 3-Sun, Dec. 4 and Sat, Dec. 10-Sun, Dec. 11. Downtown Holly. INFO: Visit hollydickensfestival. org for more information.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
Amendments to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act are coming up fast by Matthew Abel
The new medical cannabis facilities and tracking acts, and the act amending the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, take effect December 20, 2016. Caregivers will be able to continue to grow for up to five other patients, and provide the medicine to only those patients. However, those currently serving as caregivers will have to give up their caregiver cards when they become and owner or employee of a licensed medical cannabis facility; a grower, processor, secure transporter, safety compliance facility or provisioning center. All of these facilities will be required to participate in seamless seed-to-sale tracking intended to reduce the amount of commerce outside the system. It remains to be seen whether that will be effective, given the costs of licensing, compliance and transportation. People seeking to be licensed entrepreneurs in this emerging commercial market should begin communicating now with city, township and village councils, boards and commissions. Those are the public bodies which have the power to enact ordinances allowing licensing of these facilities. There are well over a thousand townships, plus hundreds of cities and villages in Michigan. Many people
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seem to be focused on obtaining provisioning center licenses in the more populated areas. Those opportunities will be lucrative, although requiring good customer service, including hospitable staff and dependable hours of operation, in addition to quality products. Numbers and locations of provisioning centers may be one of the more controversial and difficult subjects for municipal boards to tackle. Those stores likely will be the most noticeable in a community, considering any signage, advertising and traffic. Those factors will certainly be less intensive at the growing, processing, testing and transport and storage locations. Growing needs to come first, anyway. Without product there will be no processing or retail. Accordingly, it would be prudent for municipalities (and especially rural townships near good transportation arteries) to begin drafting ordinances allowing class A, B and C cultivation licenses. State law provides that those licenses may only be issued for operations in agricultural or industrial areas. Michigan has a lot of agricultural land. If there are sufficient utilities nearby (electric power and water), there may be opportunity for a business to thrive.
“People seeking to be licensed entrepreneurs in this emerging commercial market should begin communicating now with city, township and village councils, boards and commissions.” Many people expect that some and perhaps many communities will opt out of allowing any licenses. And there is nothing which they would need do to accomplish that. No license will be issued without the municipality passing a licensing ordinance. The license application will not be available until December 15, 2017, with the first licenses to be issued sometime in the first half of 2018. In the meantime, now is the time for people to find talk with their local elected officials to prod them to take advantage of this development opportunity. There will be a three percent tax imposed at the retail level, and the local community hosting the facility will share in 25 percent of the revenue from that tax. The more facilities a community hosts, the greater the share of the tax revenue. That is something which may get notice from those officials. Make sure they hear about that. The State Bar of Michigan Marijuana Law Section is drafting proposed model ordinances to assist municipalities in working through the licensing process. It will be interesting to see how this develops. Meanwhile, the “who’s who” expected that Lansing would soon pass a dispensary ordinance again have to cool their heels. Once the new legislation was signed, the city returned to the drawing board to modify their latest draft to comply with the changes in the new laws. It likely will be mid-December before a new draft is completed, and then another public hearing will be held, no sooner than January 2017. c
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REVIEWs
collective highlight
Far East Holistic Center 16094 E. 8 Mile Rd., Detroit | www.fareastholisticcenter.com
How and when did your collective start up? We officially opened our doors in February 2016, but have been working together for several years. We started off as a group of caregivers from varying fields that wanted to combine our expertise and create the best experience possible for patients. What’s the story behind the name of your collective? Cannabis being one of the fundamental herbs found in traditional Chinese medicine, we wanted to acknowledge the medicinal roots of where it was first used. We are also located the farthest east on 8 Mile between Gratiot and Kelly in Detroit. What does your collective offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? We offer a safe, clean and 16
professional environment in a luxurious atmosphere catering to patients’ specific needs with care. We have complimentary gift bags for all new members. We also have referral and recycling programs available as well. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? We are seeing more and more people turn to cannabis as an alternative method to treat their illnesses. We would like to see cannabis available in every community, so that anyone needing access to it has the right to do so.
certain areas. The biggest joy anyone can feel in this industry is when someone comes to you when they are terminally ill and they turn to cannabis as if they are out of options. You see the look of desperation in their eyes one day, three short months go by and that same person who thought their time was up comes back and you see those same eyes filled with joy. There is no greater joy that sharing that with someone else. What is the one thing you want patients to know about your collective? That we truly care about the well-being of every patient we see. We understand that every patient’s needs are different and that we are able to specifically address any of these needs.
What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a collective? Biggest joys?
If someone wanted to open a collective and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them?
The biggest challenges are the laws restricting access in
First check into local municipalities and their
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Top Selling Strain: Grape Stomper Top Selling Concentrate: Monk Meds Top Selling Edible: Bosky Cannaolis
stance on medical marijuana. Ultimately whatever you do, do it with passion. Believe in the work you are doing is good for you and those around you. The rest will fall in place. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/ MMJ community? We want to bring professionalism and strong ethics to an ever changing industry. We would like to be a positive example for the city of Detroit to help change the perception of a recreational aspect to a medicinal one. Ultimately we would like to become a catalyst for other communities to make cannabis accessible to all who are in need. c
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REVIEWs
strain
Available at: Far East Holistic Center in Detroit.
Grape Stomper This (40/60) hybrid created by Gage Green Seeds is a brilliant cross between Purple Elephant coming from breeder JojoRizo and Chemdawg Sour Diesel coming from breeder Elite Seeds. Aromas and flavors are sweet, grape and diesel. Patients looking to alleviate symptoms associated to chronic pain, insomnia, migraines, Multiple Sclerosis and PMS, find Grape Stomper’s effects to be happy, euphoric, uplifting yet relaxing and carrying the ability to stimulate creative energy. The light green nugs look to be tickled with a light blanket of snowy trichomes; few orange hairs peek past the fluffy leaves. Though patients find significant relief from Grape Stomper’s 22.5 percent THC, many have noted severe dry mouth. Remember to keep extra hydrated while medicating.
Available at: Hello Wellness in Detroit.
Gravity Gravity is a quality dense nug. Green calyxes are nearly swallowed by bright orange tangles of hairs; trichomes sparkle. Quite the fine visual specimen; with structure, color and texture that will draw you in from a galaxy away. Parent strains Hash Plant crossed with Northern Lights produces this 100 percent indica offspring. Testing at 24 percent THC, .9 percent CBD, this strain is popularly recommended for the treatment of symptoms associated with arthritis, chronic pain, migraines, PMS and stress associated with such conditions. Patients most commonly report relief in the form of strong body sensation. With these indica effects, this strain is a great choice for night time medication. Expect soft floral aroma with a light sweet and sour fruit taste. 18
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Toker Poker
G U IDE! 2016
Get the hottest gift item of the season—the legendary Toker Poker! Finally your poker/ dabber, tamper, hemp wick and lighter are all in the same place. This 420 multi-tool has everything you need to vape, dab, roll and toke. Its ergonomic design provides the most basic but essential tools for any smoker. Glow in the dark, chrome and other limited editions are now available online. Sure to be a stocking stuffer hero! Use “CULTURETP16” at check out for 20 percent discount online at TokerPoker.com (offer expires 12/31/16). Price: $7.95 Website: www.tokerpoker.com
Grow For Vets Battery
To honor, give thanks and give back to U.S. veterans, O.penVAPE has created a fund raising promotion with our partner Grow For Vets USA. We’ve designed two batteries, one customized with a camouflage design and the other an American flag. Both will be sold online and in retail outlets across the country. For every battery sold, one dollar is being donated to Grow For Vets USA. The organization’s primary mission is to save the more than 50 veterans who die each day from suicide and prescription overdoses. Grow for Vets provides veteran heroes with a safe alternative to deadly prescription drugs. Helping wounded veterans to receive the respect and dignity of life that they deserve is a mission we are proud to be part of. Price: $24.95 Website: openvape.com
My Bud Vase “Daily Bread” Water Pipe
This beautifully crafted My Bud Vase is a water pipe fashioned from a traditional flower vase. Made from high-grade ceramic material, this delicate but lovely pipe has a large bubble chamber to help filter the incoming smoke and a wide mouthpiece that allows for a pleasant smoking experience. These vase-pipes are the perfect gift if you’re searching for both a highquality bubbler that can double as a nice centerpiece for a kitchen table— and it’s the kind of gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Price: $119 Website: www.dankstop.com
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Cannabis Leaf Track Jacket
It’s time to help cannabis fashion transition from the stereotypical hippie-inspired garb to some new articles of clothing that are classy and trendy instead. Treat your cannabis-lover with a gift like this cannabis leaf track jacket. This particular jacket is made of thin spandex and meant for light weather, allowing the wearer to literally wear their love for cannabis on their sleeve. Your giftee can simply zipup and head out into the world with confidence that cannabis is on the rise. Price: $26.95 Website: www.originalhoneystraw.com
PAX Era
Give the gift of sleek design and effortless medicating with this cutting-edge vaporizer. PAX Era pocket-sized vaporizer is the slimmest, most portable vape to hit the market. You can consume cannabis discreetly and on-the-go with this innovative, light-weight device. Working exclusively with its PAX Era Pods, your vaping experience will surely be elevated to a personalized level. The PAX Era offers consistency and density with each inhale, thanks to its groundbreaking dual-end wicking feature. Tech-savvy individuals can even personalize their PAX device by downloading the PAX Vapor App to their smartphones. The device comes with a one-year warranty. Price: $59.99 Website: www.paxvapor.com
GUID E ! 2016 .cont
Handmade Lush Green 4” Wooden Dugout with One Hitter Bat Tomahawk Glass Peace Pipe
Another one-of-a-kind, handcrafted piece, this Tomahawk Glass Peace Pipe is a generous gift of functional glass art that will dazzle even the pickiest of collectors. Made with borosilicate glass that has been sandblasted with linear and swirl patterns, this pipe is a unique piece of artistic expression. Adorned with feathers, bone beads and leather, one will surely find peace of mind and body upon putting this glorious pipe to use. Whether you choose to gift this to that special someone or simply gift it to yourself, the Tomahawk Glass Peace Pipe will be the shining star in any collection. Price: $169.99 Website: www.etsy.com/shop/ boglass
We all know that handmade gifts are the most meaningful. Does the same go for when you’re not the only one who actually crafts the gift by hand? Either way, this handmade lush green dugout makes an ideal gift for your friend who likes to take a couple hits of flower on-the-go. This gift will really score you a homerun in the friend department, as the dugout comes with a one-hatter bat made out of pure silica quartz, glass or metal for your choosing. Since each dugout is handmade, the patterns and colors for each piece will be a one-of-a-kind shade. Price: $9.99+ Website: www.etsy.com/shop/quickpremium
Black Ops Plazmatic X Lighter
There’s no need to invest in old technology. If Apple can remove the decades-old headphone jack from their phones, then companies like Prazmatic can reinvent the lighter. The Black Ops Plazmatic X isn’t called the “original dual beam lighter” for nothing. This unique gadget is eco-friendly, with its ability to recharge via USB, and it can work in any weather or condition—and also saves buyers a ton of money from buying old disposable lighters. This electric lighter offers 50-100 lights per charge, and it only takes 1-2 hours to complete a full charge cycle. Price: $69.96 Website: www.plazmatic.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
Marijuana: A Short History
MOVIE Release Date: November 29 Available on: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
John Hudak
GAME
Brookings Institution Press
Final Fantasy XV
John Hudak, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution traces the history of America’s laws and attitudes toward cannabis in his new book, Marijuana: A Short History. Hudak offers a unique and up-to-date summary of how this natural plant with a seemingly controversial history has emerged from the shadows of subcultures and secret illegal use to become a seriously treasured medicinal public policy issue and source of legal revenue for states, businesses and government. Hudak goes into detail about why attitudes have shifted and what the future for cannabis is in our ever-changing political world. (Alex Bradley)
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Square Enix Business Division 2 Square Enix Final Fantasy XV (FFXV ) is proof of how far the series has come since the original game released in the late-1980s. During a time of war on a planet called Eos, almost all countries are controlled by the empire of Niflheim, leading the heir of the only free kingdom, Noctis, to travel on a journey to save his homeland. FFXV is an action-RPG that takes place in a beautiful open world, and features like a new battle system, along with the familiar unique weapons and magic types. Needless to say, this game is worthy of its legacy title. (Nicole Potter)
Ghostbusters
MUSIC
Dir. Paul Feig
Cody
Columbia Pictures
Joyce Manor
The debate regarding the value of re-making classic films and re-launching iconic film franchises like Ghostbusters has been a contentious one. However, for those who are able to eschew measuring it against the 1984 original and accept it for what it is, then the film can be quite enjoyable. This film is a fun reimagining of an awesome premise meant to introduce new, younger fans to a great comedic film series, with the most striking difference being it’s all female leading cast. Filled with gut busting slapstick comedy and enough subtle references to the original to please old fans. (Simon Weedn)
Epitaph Records Over the last several years, Joyce Manor has established itself as one of the strongest and prolific bands in the pop punk scene. So it’s no surprise that the band’s new LP, Cody, finds the quartet continuing to evolve its sound and pushing itself in new directions. While a couple of the songs see the band revisiting its tried and true minute-and-a-half burst of sonic intensity, Cody also sees the band stretching itself both literally and metaphorically into longer songs and an even more varied sound. (Simon Weedn)
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Pato Banton is a famed reggae musician, profound community leader and cannabis advocate by Paul Rogers Reggae star Pato Banton was in the midst of his biggest-ever tour—a global trek for Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD organization in 2000— when he learned that two of his sons had been injured in a drive-by shooting in his native England. He immediately put his burgeoning career on hold to go hunt-down the perpetrator. Gunman found, he then turned his outrage and sorrow into the impetus for award-winning community and educational initiatives which would consume the next six years of his life. Reading like some gritty screenplay, this extended episode epitomizes a man whose fourdecade public presence has increasingly transcended music to convey a singularly positive and often spiritual message. Emerging from a working-class community in Britain’s second-largest city, Birmingham, in the 1970s, Banton is now based in Southern California, from where he continues to tour extensively while simultaneously serving as a mentor (and sometimes minister) to fans worldwide. Banton was almost born into a world of reggae sound systems, with his Jamaican DJ stepfather hosting illegal house parties in his childhood home at which the preteen served as a lookout, doorman 24
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and ultimately, performer. Born Patrick Murray, Banton’s nocturnal musical escapades earned him the nickname “Patoo,” a Jamaican word for owl (“Banton,” meaning formidable lyricist, was added by music producers later). By his late teens, “Ranking Pato” had been declared his hometown’s number one MC seven years in a row and was touring Europe with a local reggae band. But it was his performance on The Beat’s 1982 album Special Beat Service that put him on the mainstream map. Appearances on UB40’s 1985 Baggariddim and Little Baggariddim releases confirmed Banton as a major toasting talent and imminent solo force. Banton’s debut solo album, ‘85s Mad Professor Captures Pato Banton, is still regarded as a genre classic. A string of hits including “Absolute Perfection” and “Handsworth Riot” followed. By the mid 1990s he was topping charts internationally with a cover of Eddy Grant’s “Baby Come Back” (featuring Ali and Robin Campbell of UB40) and collaborations with Sting (a remix of “This Cowboy Song” and a remake of the Police’s “Spirits in a Material World”). Throughout, Banton has been an outspoken promoter of p h o t o s b y J o h n G i lh o o le y
cannabis (referencing how he “smoke up the ganja” on his second single “Allo Tosh,” and that he “only smoke the sensimilla” on 1987 classic “Don’t Sniff Coke”). A famously charismatic, inclusive live performer known for evocative storytelling and comic vocal characterizations, Banton threw himself into philanthropic work after his sons’ shooting, founding community projects, becoming a qualified music teacher, and setting up his own School of Musical Arts and Technology in Birmingham. He has earned numerous accolades for his musical and humanitarian accomplishments, including the BBC’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Upon returning to musicmaking a decade ago, Banton embarked upon a mission to spread positivity, spirituality and universal love. He has two new albums slated for release in February and will be touring in the U.S., U.K., Africa and Asia next year. He just re-recorded “Baby Come Back” with Ali Campbell for a new UB40 release. CULTURE chatted with the affable Banton about his music, message, and long relationship with cannabis. >>
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Starting out in Birmingham in the 1970s, would you ever have pictured yourself still having a thriving career and living in sunny Southern California nearly four decades later? I would not! I had a lot of doubts about my future, but music was always my hobby . . . So it’s really just been an evolution of fun and just a continuation of my love of music and never really felt like an “official” career. Can you paint a picture of the sound system scene from which you emerged? We’d have our sound system in [a living room] with our music box with all the records in it and a speaker box that took up half the room! And we’d be playing music just really for our friends in a dark room and just going on the microphone and chanting lyrics, ‘til eventually it emerged for us to be in nightclubs doing the same thing. What does a typical week in the life of Pato Banton look like these days? Getting the band together . . . hitting the road; doing shows [and] doing interviews while I’m travelling. Writing lyrics. And I’m on my computer every chance I can get—I’m reaching out to new promoters, booking shows for months ahead, because I do my own bookings, I shoot my own videos, I record my own songs in my own recording studio. So it’s really non-stop. You seem to tour constantly. Is that the best part of the job? I get great pleasure out of meeting people—meeting my fans; meeting other artists in the industry; seeing new places. And one of my main motivations is to make people feel better, so I get a chance to meet my fans, talk to them, uplift their spirits—while I’m performing and in person. So I’m not just trying to build a fanbase—I’m actually building a spiritual family as well as I travel, and to me that’s the ultimate goal. Your live shows are unusually participatory experiences. What is your approach to concert performance? It’s not about me just going on stage and doing a rehearsed show—it’s about saying ‘how can I get this entire crowd of people . . . involved in this experience, connected to each other, and get everybody feeling good.’ We never have a set list . . . So it’s really a personal experience for the crowd and no two nights are the same. >> 26
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How has your sense of humor helped you spread your message? I think the sense of humor is very important, especially considering that most of my lyrics are pretty serious . . . [It] allows people to let go of the stress and drama, enjoy the moment, but also reflect on subjects that are meaningful. From your earliest days recording with Ranking Roger and UB40 to your later hits with Sting and recent work with Mystic Roots, collaboration appears crucial to your creativity. Why is that? It’s friendship when I bond in the studio with another artist . . . And then creating something new, to me, is just very, very inspiring. You touch their audience with your style and then touch your audience with their style. I can do albums by myself, but it’s just much more fun when you go into a situation where someone who has a totally different style to you; a totally different approach to writing to you. Your career straddles the old music business, dominated by major labels and radio play, and the new era of downloads and social media. What have been the pros and cons of these two contrasting landscapes? The pros with a major label really are that you have a team . . . working on every single avenue of your career, because of their investment into you. The cons of a major label are that they only give you less than 10 percent of everything you earn. With downloading, the new era that we’re living in now, there’s no real control of your music . . . But the sales that you do make, you make 100 percent of your own sales. And so for me, as a live touring artist, I sell most of my CDs on the road . . . And, once I release my music digitally now, I own it 100 percent, rather than a record label owning my music. In May, you held your 4th annual Spiritual Gathering in L.A. Just what is Pato Banton’s Spiritual Gathering? A lot of people who are not in religion or in churches are looking for some kind of community . . . We give participants a 30-minute slot to give a presentation to everybody. And these presentations can be on prayer or a spiritual subject or a global subject that has a serious meaning to everybody. And then, in between each speaker, we have people who can sing or play instruments play some music. >>
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“The medicinal uses of marijuana and cannabis are so obvious now and so globally recognized now that it is insanity not to allow it to be explored and understood at increasingly deeper levels.�
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After your sons were shot back in Birmingham in 2000, you successfully set out to find the gunman. Tell me that story and about how it impacted your life. I was blown away . . . I thought to myself ‘wow, here I am doing so much for underprivileged and troubled communities around the world [with WOMAD] and I haven’t had a chance to do anything for my own community.’ That really bothered me. I went back home; I found out who shot my kids and it was actually a friend of mine—his son was trying to kill somebody else and my two sons got in the way . . . But, about six months later this kid went and shot somebody else and was caught and ended up getting a life sentence. I took my recording studio that I had at home and set it up in my community center locally and then started inviting all the kids off the streets. That became such a hit that local authorities . . . asked me to set up the same program in 16 other communities . . . Then that became such a huge hit that the local college invited me to set up a music department. Tell me about your personal history with cannabis and how it has impacted your life and music. Growing up in a Caribbean community in England, cannabis, marijuana was just a part of our culture . . . I started smoking myself about the age of 14, 15, but very casually. One thing I enjoyed about my experience with marijuana is that it always made me think deeply . . . my thought becomes profound; my reflections become deeper and my perspective becomes deeper. In reggae music [and] the Rasta community . . . they see marijuana as a sacrament. So it’s done with reverence—we smoke with reverence and respect for the plant.
“In reggae music [and] the Rasta community . . . they see marijuana as a sacrament. So it’s done with reverence— we smoke with reverence and respect for the plant.”
What are your opinions about both the medicinal and recreational value of cannabis for society as a whole? Both approaches . . . are very, very important for society. Y’know, society needs a different option than alcohol, that’s for sure. [Cannabis] should be legalized and decriminalized and fully accessible—not just to an industry, but also to the individual in their own backyard. The medicinal uses of marijuana and cannabis are so obvious now and so globally recognized now that it is insanity not to allow it to be explored and understood at increasingly deeper levels. For you, how does cannabis enhance spirituality? When I was younger and when I smoked it, it made me think. Thinking is necessary for any kind of progress and profound thinking; deep thinking is necessary for us to go even further in our own personal and social development. So I think that, when I started my spiritual journey, marijuana helped me to become more thoughtful and more self-aware. I hardly smoke anymore; very rarely—I’m more into edibles now . . . but I will say that, when I do eat it, I still have awesome experiences of deeper meditation and deeper thinking.
What are your thoughts on current cannabis legislation in the U.S. and how do you foresee this changing? I feel like the legislation across the U.S. is muddled, confused, and between the federal state and the independent states there needs to be harmony. I think it’s changing and I do see some progress, because this can only go on while a minority of the states have got [cannabis] legislation . . . Once the majority of states slew towards legalization, the federal government will have to back off. Outside of making music, what are the great passions in your life? I do ministry [but] I don’t belong to a church; I don’t belong to any religion. If you want to have the most, you’ve got to give, and so I decided that I wanted to be a minister . . . I’m always serving my fans. I’m performing weddings; I’m christening people; we have spiritual gatherings [and] study groups at my home. Apart from that, I enjoy shooting videos . . . my own videos and I do videos for other people. Your last album was Destination Paradise in 2008. What’s on the horizon for you, musically? I’m working on two albums right now and one of them is basically done . . . It’s called Love is the Greatest and it’s coming from all different aspects of love. And then I’ve got another album that I’m working on called BrotherFriend which is more of a heavy album dealing with world issues. I have a third album as well that I’m working on which is called The Words of Rastafari, which is a three-CD album where I am narrating the words of Haile Selassie over some Bob Marley rhythms. c
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CANNABIS GIVES BACK Great benefits come from providing support to our local communities by Addison Herron-Wheeler
We’ve already seen all the good that cannabis can do. From providing medical relief and safe recreation to generating tax revenue thanks to astronomical sales, more and more people all the time are starting to come around to the idea that cannabis is a good thing that can do good for the community. But in addition to all of this, there are many
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programs within the cannabis industry that go a step further, intentionally using products and profits to make the world, or at least the local community, a better place. Here are a few ways that cannabis is giving back and helping contribute to positive change. >>
Environmental Stewardship The double meaning of “going green” that makes cannasseurs chuckle is more than just a clever pun. The industry has been seeking ways to be more environmentally sustainable when it comes to things like growing large amounts of cannabis and extracting oil. The recent Cannabis Sustainability Summit in Colorado brought leaders in the industry together from across the country to talk about how to make the green more green. Also, an initiative in legal states has many local dispensaries sponsoring highways in order to keep them clean and litter-free.
Helping Underserved and Marginalized Communities In addition to helping out the environment, many cannabis businesses go out of their way to serve communities that otherwise would be passed over. Good Chemistry, a dispensary with production facilities in Colorado and Nevada, participates in many LGBTQ-friendly events because they hit close to home. “I became involved in the medical marijuana industry when my father and my father’s partner were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS,” stated Matthew Huron, Founder and CEO of Good Chemistry. “In 1996, when medical marijuana became available in California, I saw firsthand the symptomatic relief patients experienced from this alternative medical treatment. In 2000, I began growing medical marijuana for AIDS patients throughout the state, founding and operating a nonprofit medical marijuana co-op.” Now as a Denver-based dispensary, Huron makes sure to participate in the AIDS walk and One Colorado’s Ally Awards, in order to actively help the LGBTQ community. Additionally, Good Chemistry supports Urban Nights, a fashion show that benefits the homeless youth of Colorado, and many other organizations. “To be an industry that is not only accepted but also valued, we must extend our support to other communities and causes,” explains Huron. “We must continue to fight for other underserved communities. Good Chemistry Nurseries would not exist without the support and advocacy of others, and we prioritize giving back.”
Getting Underprivileged Patients Education and Access to Medicine Another great way for the cannabis community to help support those in need is for organizations to provide medical cannabis to those who don’t know
“To be an industry that is not only accepted but also valued, we must extend our support to other communities and causes.” about it as an option or can’t afford it themselves. Missouri’s NORML is currently spearheading Project 22, an initiative that combines efforts between Saint Louis, Kansas City and Denver’s NORML organizations. NORML is currently collecting funds to educate local leaders by taking them on trips to Denver so that they can witness what legalization is actually like first hand. Additionally, they are raising money through Kickstarter and other means in order to purchase cannabis for veterans that suffer from PTSD.
Feeding the Hungry Last but not least, Denver NORML is currently raising money to contribute to the Denver Rescue Mission, which will be buying Thanksgiving meals for the homeless. They also plan to collect cans during the Holiday season that they will turn over to the Rocky Mountain Food Bank. Simple charity initiatives like this can be done without much money, yet still prove that cannabis enthusiasts are the first in line to lend a helping hand. This Thanksgiving season, it seems that more organizations than ever are stepping up to the task of giving back. c
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Veterans’ New
Battlefront
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Cannabis
by Benjamin M. Adams
In recent months, a landslide of states are moving forward and adding PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying illness. There’s never before been as many advocates becoming vocal about the efficacy of medical cannabis in military veterans suffering from PTSD. Eighteen states now recognize PTSD as well as the District of Columbia and Guam. In November, Montana will decide if they will make the same change. Pressure to add PTSD increases as the American Legion, who represents 2.4 million military veterans, challenged Congress with a bid to reschedule medical cannabis. The Legion passed a formal resolution addressing both the DEA and members of Congress. Dr. Sue Sisley was instrumental with the task of convincing the American Legion to join the battle to allow veterans to medicate with cannabis. The Phoenix-based physician was also a key player in the effort to launch the first Government-aided study on the effectiveness of cannabis in treating veterans suffering from PTSD. Recently, Congress passed a spending bill, but first dropped a provision that would have allowed veterans to have access to medical cannabis in states where it’s legal. The Veterans Equal 34
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Access Amendment would have allowed doctors to recommend cannabis as a treatment for PTSD. Military veterans could benefit from the unique healing mechanisms available from medical cannabis. According to a recent estimate from the National Institutes of Health, there are 7.7 million Americans suffering from various forms of PTSD. Patients say traditional PTSD treatments aren’t enough. Many states list PTSD as a qualifying illness explicitly and in others it falls under additional conditions. In Colorado, the debate has dragged on for a decade. Patients must rely on permission by the state’s Department of Health. The state’s Board of Health has denied many PTSD patients based on the excuse that there is not enough supporting scientific evidence. Colorado is the latest to make a move to add PTSD to the list of eight other qualifying illnesses. A handful of PTSD patients in Colorado filed a lawsuit against the Board of Health, prompting the state panel decision to vote in favor to add PTSD to its list of illnesses. The panel voted unanimously in favor 5-0 to endorse the addition of PTSD to the state’s 2000 medical cannabis law. The recommendation suggests that the state legislature make a move when work resumes in January. The Board of Health
has rejected four separate applications to add PTSD in the past. In New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie recently caved and signed a bill allowing PTSD sufferers to have access to medical cannabis. Remaining a staunch opponent of loosened cannabis laws, Christie stipulated that he hopes the bill will not be used to abuse cannabis. “Requiring conventional medical therapy to be ineffective in treating PTSD before medical marijuana can be prescribed is an appropriate threshold safeguard to deter misuse in the Medical Marijuana Program,” the governor stated after he signed the bill. PTSD joins New Jersey’s list of six other conditions. After several failed attempts, Illinois has claimed victory. Over the summer, Illinois’ Republican Governor Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 10 into law, adding PTSD to the list of conditions. Illinois’ Medical Cannabis Pilot program runs through 2020. Advocates believe adding PTSD is just what Illinois needs to sustain its medical cannabis program. Florida’s Amendment 2 would add PTSD to its list of conditions. Voters will decide in November whether to expand the state’s medical cannabis program, which allows low-THC products. Many retired veterans call Florida home and are addicted to opioid-based painkillers and other drugs. >>
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The states that recognize PTSD include the following:
PTSD as a qualifying condition
qualifies as approved by physician
Arizona
California
California
District of Columbia
Connecticut
Illinois
Delaware
Maine
District of Columbia
Michigan
Illinois Maine Massachusetts Michigan Nevada New Jersey
“Requiring conventional medical therapy to be ineffective in treating PTSD before medical marijuana can be prescribed is an appropriate threshold safeguard to deter misuse in the Medical Marijuana Program.�
New Mexico Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island Tennessee Washington
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN
by Ed Rosenthal
Last month I started an experiment trying to produce pollen from female plants. Because female plants carry only female sex genes any flowers pollinated using this pollen will result in seeds that will all become female plants. Three different chemicals were tried: 30PPM colloidal silver sprayed daily, silver thiosulfate (which is a combination silver nitrate and sodium thiosulfate sprayed three times) and a commercial product advertised for the purpose that was sprayed daily. Each liquid was sprayed on four plants, one each of Blue Dream, Candyland, Sour Diesel and Girl Scout Cookies. After 30 days the only plants that responded in any way to the treatments were the four plants that received
the commercial spray. It has been 30 days since the experiment was started and on the four plants sprayed with the commercial formula the male flowers are large and profuse. They look like they are about to open and to release their pollen. These plants have grown no female flowers. My plan is to collect the pollen from each of the bearing plants and then to use this to pollinate unsprayed females. The “unaffected” sprayed plants will also be pollinated to see if they are fertile and capable of producing seed. While this is happening, I am setting up another two groups of four plants to try different versions of the colloidal silver and silver thiosulfate experiment: Rather than use the colloidal silver at 30 ppm daily, the concentration will be increased to 100 ppm with daily spraying.
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Rather than just spraying the silver thiosulfate weekly, the plants will be sprayed with a different regimen. Several are being considered. All of them involve more frequent spraying. I was disappointed that the colloidal silver and STS didn’t work, but I attribute it to a flaw in method since both are successfully used all the time. The new plants will be clones transplanted to 6” containers placed in a 4’ x 4’ tray. They will be given continuous light for three days. Then they will be placed in the flowering section, which is a greenhouse that will get between 11 and 10 hours of sunlight daily, dwindling as autumn progresses. The sun is supplemented with a 1000 watt HPS lamp that is on for 12 hours daily. As the new plants commence flowering, the seeds resulting from the successful pollen production of the earlier experiment will be maturing. Shortly after they mature, representative samples will be germinated and flowered in standard 10” x 20” trays to check their femaleness and for hermaphroditism. At the same time, it will be a study in flowering plants directly from germinating seed. c
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Experimental garden. Three rows were treated with masculinizing agents. The fourth was used as a control.
Each row held four varieties—Blue Dream, Candyland, Sour Diesel and Girl Scout Cookies and coded with different colors for each spray product .
A Sour Diesel treated with the commercial spray switched sexes completely.
Bud of Sour Diesel female plant treated with the commercial product shows no indication of female flowers, just males.
Female flowers of Candyland treated with colloidal silver showed no effects.
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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TIP OF THE MONTH
Some gardeners have refrigerated or frozen the fresh fan or trim leaves from the harvest and manicuring. This leaf can be used to make a special bubble hash. In the living plant there is little THC. Instead the plant holds it as an acid, THCa. It only becomes psychtropically active when it dries and decarboxylates, becoming THC. When the glands go through the liquid sift as bubble hash is made, the THCa never has a chance to change over to THC. If the hash is burned or vaporized, the heat will quickly convert the THCa. However, if I used in preparations in which it is kept cool and moist or wet, most of it may remain as THCa. Since it is not psychotropically active, THCa can be used medically in large doses. To retain these qualities, it should be used in formulas or recipes that are not heated.
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RECIPES
growing
culture
Time to Go: Fall Weather: Cold with intermittent showers Budget: $$$$$
if you go: Prague may sound like a cannabis lover’s dream, but it isn’t as easy it is sounds. A tradition of using cannabis as medicines goes back thousands of years, so medical cannabis has always been accepted as a true medication. But like most European countries, it isn’t truly legal. However, Prague is the most openly accepting European city for growing your own and toking in public (just don’t do it in front of the authorities). Cannabis growers here do it privately and the best buds can be found by befriending cool locals. Just remember to ask politely and expect to pay top notch prices for whatever you can find.
Prague Magically Lights Ups in November
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by Sheryll Alexander
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Cannabis enthusiasts visiting Prague, Czech Republic in November’s shoulder season can expect less tourists and more affordability, as well as an opportunity to witness the city’s famed Christmas markets that literally light up the chilly outside while club, concert, ballet, opera, black light and marionette theatre season gear up at indoor venues. Prague may be Europe’s most cannabis-friendly city, but it doesn’t wear its cannabis pride on its emerald sleeve, unlike nearby Amsterdam. As in most European countries, cannabis is still illegal and medical cannabis patients are left in limbo land without proper licensing or access to lab-tested premium meds. Still, Prague residents and visitors can rather easily obtain decent-to-excellent flower bud strains from private home-tomedical grade growers (see “if you go” section for buying recommendations).
Edibles and other ingestion methods such as vaping are still quite rare, but cannabis tinctures and salves are another matter. In fact, it is legal for citizens over 18 to grow up to five plants for medical use at home. This is why most Czech grannies and grandpas have grown their own for centuries to provide a fresh store of smoking bud as well as soothing transdermal medications to sick friends and family. The city’s famous Christmas Markets rev up this year starting Nov. 26 although Prague’s holiday lights and window dressings magically transform the city by mid-month. Both Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are open from morning to late evening with dazzling decorations along with holiday shopping, charming carolers, traditional foods and warm drinks such as mulled wine and hot chocolate. c
Fun-Filled Facts Day tripping using Prague as a central base is one of the delights of this ancient city as it sits just slightly northwest of the country’s dead center. One of the best day trips is located just two hours north by train to a mountainous forest oddly enough called Bohemian Switzerland, which is actually sits on Germany’s south border. 1
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Prague’s O2 Arena is one of Europe’s best and biggest concert venues. Lit-up like a jewel at night, “The 02” rocks late fall with the world tours of Rod Stewart (Nov. 7), Jean-Michel Jarre (Nov. 8), Justin Bieber (Nov. 12), Petr Hapka (Nov. 24) and Elton John (Nov. 26). 2
If you are visiting the Czech Republic on Nov. 17, remember this is a national holiday called the Day of the Struggle for Liberty and Democracy. This no-work day commemorates a famous student protest in 1939 against the Nazi occupation and also celebrates the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Most tourist-laden businesses are open for the holiday, but shops frequented by locals will probably be closed or have limited hours. 3
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Jack Splitt
Age: 15 Condition/Illness: Severe Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy with debilitating Dystonia, chronic pain and nausea Using Medical Cannabis Since: July 2014 - August 24, 2016
Why did Jack start using medical cannabis? Stacey Linn: When Jack hit puberty his Dystonia (constant, severe muscle contractions all over his body that caused contortions, pain and vomiting) became unmanageable. He was taking up to 10 pharmaceutical medicines, most of which were not specifically for Dystonia. All
of the medications sedated him to the point of being unable to think, or even keep his mouth closed, or smile. Jack was nonverbal and dependant on a specially molded wheelchair to sit up. He could not use his arms or legs. Cannabis started working for Jack immediately and I was able to wean him off 85 percent of his medications. He returned to being his bright, engaged self. He was relieved of a great deal of pain and anxiety associated with the Dystonia. He was also healthier in general. In the years prior to cannabis he was constantly hospitalized for respiratory
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The scariest issue facing MMJ patients right now is the effort by cities and counties to create policies that circumvent the state constitutions that legalized medical marijuana and allowed patients to grow their own medicine. There are many ballot initiatives this November that restrict the ability of patients to grow their own medicine by limiting plant counts and ban the manufacture of oil-based medicine. MMJ patients like Jack need large quantities of oil concentrate to treat their illnesses. What do you say to folks that are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? “So was I!” We have all been raised with the antiquated prohibitionist attitudes
about marijuana as a dangerous drug. In fact, cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years— and was quite commonly used in this country until it was criminalized in 1937 for political reasons. The ensuing propaganda taught generations the wrong idea about marijuana. It is safe and non-toxic. There have been zero reported deaths from marijuana use to date. Compare the safety of marijuana to the epidemic of deaths from pharmaceutical overdoses—not to mention the addiction problems and dangerous drug interactions. Jack and thousands of others are living proof that medical marijuana works. It stops seizures, pain, muscle spasms, treats cancer and PTSD where traditional pharmaceuticals fail and/ or cause additional harm. It causes no harm. Allow yourself to be educated. Meet some real cannabis patients. Listen to their story of recovery and see with your own eyes what cannabis has done for them. Reversing the false information will only happen by learning the facts. Contact me at CannAbility, my foundation, which has a broad constituency of medical marijuana patients. Talk to them. We can give you countless research on the efficacy of marijuana medicine. Read it. Do this even you are fortunate enough not to have a debilitating condition. Please be compassionate. c
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disease. The first year on cannabis he was only admitted to the hospital twice for respiratory illness, whereas previous years he spent, on average, 10 weeks in the hospital. While on MMJ, Jack was able to lobby with me, his mother, to pass a groundbreaking law in Colorado to allow children like him to take MMJ at school. He was able to sit for hours through committee hearings and visit legislators to help educate them on the benefit of MMJ and the necessity of being able to take it at school. His bravery and bright, engaging spirit changed thousands of hearts and minds.
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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
Relishing in Fall’s Bounty
Yield: 16 Mushrooms, 8 Servings Serving Size: 2 Mushrooms
Menu:
Thanksgiving Stuffed Mushrooms
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Cranberry Walnut Biscotti
recipes by Laurie Wolf The Fall bounty, which in my world includes harvesting outdoor cannabis, lends itself to the earthy, rustic flavors found in these recipes. Of course you can make them any time of year, but seasonal and local is how we like to roll. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Stuffed Mushrooms
Directions
This is the recipe for the folks who can’t get enough of the flavors of that food crazy American holiday. You certainly don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to try it, everything is available year round. A tasty mushroom for sure.
Preheat oven to 325̊ F. Clean mushrooms using a paper towel to remove any dirt. Do not run under water. To prepare mushrooms: Remove stems, finely chop, and set stems aside. Lightly coat each mushroom with olive oil, salt and pepper; and place cap side up on a baking sheet for later use. In sauté pan over medium low heat, add 2 tablespoon olive oil and cook garlic, shallots, and celery until translucent but not browned. To same pan add turkey sausage, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and poultry seasoning. Continue to cook until turkey sausage is mostly done cooking. Turn the pan to low and add the dried cranberries, applesauce, mascarpone cheese, cornbread and panko breadcrumbs. Blend until thoroughly combined. Blend in the canna-oil and mix for two minutes, ensuring the oil is evenly distributed. Fill mushroom caps with 1½ tablespoon of the filling and bake at 325̊ F for 20 minutes.
Ingredients 16 extra-large white button mushrooms
1 tablespoon chopped poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped dried cranberries
1 ½ tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cinnamon applesauce
1 large diced shallot
3 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
2 minced garlic cloves
1/4 cup crumbled corn bread
1 stalk celery
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
¾ pound turkey sausage
8 teaspoons canna-olive oil*
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Turkey Meatballs Medicating these glorious meatballs is achieving food perfection. This recipe is inspired by the brilliant chef Mario Batali, and acquired through my friend Freddi. These are now our go-to meatballs. They are amazing. And they are turkey. Go figure.
Yield: 10 Servings Serving Size: 2 Biscotti
Ingredients: 10 slices of day old bread
½ cup chopped parsley
2 lbs. ground turkey
2-3 tablespoons canna-olive oil*
¼ lb. prosciutto, diced ½ lb. Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 eggs
Salt and pepper
½ cup Romano cheese, grated
2 cups tomato sauce
Directions: Heat oven to 340° F. In a medium bowl cover the bread with water. After five minutes, drain the bread well. In a large bowl combine the turkey, prosciutto, and sausage. Mix well. Add the eggs, cheese, parsley, oils, salt and pepper and mix very well. Place the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Use an ice cream scoop to form into meatballs and place onto the parchment. They will be a little flat at the bottom but that’s okay. Bake for 40 minutes. Warm tomato sauce over medium/low heat. Toss meatballs with warm tomato sauce.
Yield: 2 Dozen Meatballs, 12 Servings Serving Size: 2 Meatballs
Cranberry Walnut Biscotti With a cup of tea or coffee these biscotti will kick your butt, but only in the best way. Biscotti are fun to make. It’s a process, but it has a great pace and it’s cool to see the transformation of the dough.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour
concentrate
2/3 cups sugar
1 tablespoon orange rind
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
2/3 cup sugar
½ cup dried cranberries
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 egg white
3 1/3 tablespoons canna-oil*
Sugar
1 tablespoon orange juice
Directions: Heat oven to 340° F. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and vanilla and add to dry ingredients and mix until moistened. Add walnuts and cranberries and knead into dough. Flour your hands, as the dough will be sticky. Divide dough in half and shape into two 10 x 2 ½ inch logs with floured hands. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool loaves on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Place on a cutting board and slice into one-inch pieces on the diagonal. Place the cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes on each side until light golden brown, a little longer if you like crisper biscotti. Cool completely on wire racks. 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—THESE SHOES WEREN’T MADE FOR WALKIN’ u The upscale clothier Barneys New York recently introduced $585 “Distressed Superstar Sneakers” (from the high-end brand Golden Goose) that were purposely designed to look scuffed, well-worn and cobbledtogether, as if they were shoes recovered from a Dumpster. The quintessential touch was the generous use of duct tape on the bottom trim. Critics were in abundance, accusing Barneys of mocking poverty. WAIT, WHAT? u In August, the banking giant Citigroup and the
communications giant AT&T agreed to end their twomonth-long legal hostilities over AT&T’s right to have a customer service program titled “Thanks.” Citigroup had pointed out that it holds trademarks for customer service titles “thankyou,” “citi thankyou,” “thankyou from citi” and “thankyou your way,” and had tried to block the program name “AT&T Thanks.” IRONIES u Flooding from rains in August tore down a basement wall of the Connellsville (Pennsylvania) Church of God, wrecking and muddying parts of the building and threatening the first-floor foundation, but under the policy written by the Church Mutual Insurance company, flooding damage is not covered, as rain is an “act of God.” (Church Mutual apparently uses a standard insurance industry definition and thus recognizes, contrary
to some religious beliefs, that not everything is caused by God.) u In 2005, India enacted a landmark anti-poverty program, obligating th government to furnish 100 days’ minimum-wage work to unskilled laborers (potentially, 70 percent of the country’s 1.3 billion people). Programs often fail in India because of rampant corruption, but a recent study by a Cambridge University researcher concluded that the 2005 law is failing for the opposite reason --anticorruption measures in the program. Its requirement of extreme transparency has created an exponential increase in paperwork (to minimize opportunities for corruption), severely delaying the availability of jobs. THE PASSING PARADE u (1) Vegetarian Deb Dusseau of Portland, Maine, celebrating her 10-year anniversary of “all vegetables, all the time,” reported to a tattoo artist in August and now sports, on her right arm, wrist to shoulder, an eggplant, peppers, mushrooms, peas, greens, onions, a radish and multiple tomatoes—drawn in an “old seed catalog” motif. (2) Pro baseball player Brandon Thomas (of the independent Frontier League’s Gateway Grizzlies in St. Louis, Missouri) hit a bases-loaded home run on Aug. 21—over the fence, into the adjacent parking lot, where the ball smashed the windshield ... of his own car. A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (OCTOBER 2012) u Horse showjumping is a long-time Olympics sport, but since 2002, equestrians have been performing in “horseless” showjumping, in which horse courses are run by “riders” on foot (who, by the way, do not straddle broomsticks!). According to an October (2012) Wall Street Journal report, an
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international association headed by retired pro equestrian Jessica Newman produces at least 15 shows a year, with from 40 to 130 competitors, galloping over jumps that vary from 2 to 4 feet high (5 feet in “Grand Prix” events), with the “riders” graded as if they were on horses (timed, with points off for contacting the rails). Explained Newman, about the shows’ success, “It’s just fun to be a horse.”
WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND u One of the Islamic State’s first reforms in captured territory has been to require adult women to dress devoutly—including the facecovering burka robe, which, in Western democracies famously presents security dilemmas because it hinders identification. Now, after two years of Islamic State occupation in Mosul, Iraq, the security problem has come full circle on ISIS itself. Dispatches from the town reported in September that ISIS has likely banned the burka because it hinders identification of anti-ISIS insurgents who (female and male) wear burkas to sneak up on Islamic State officers. RECURRING THEMES u Barbara Murphy, 64, of Roy, Utah, is the most recent “dead” person battling the federal government to prove she is still alive (but seemingly getting nowhere). She said Social Security Administration bureaucrats, citing protocols, have been tight-lipped about her problem and remedies even though her bank account was frozen; Social Security was dunning her for two years worth of Medicare premiums (since her 2014 “death”); and warning letters had been sent to banks and credit agencies. Nonetheless, Murphy told the Deseret News in August that, all in all, she feels pretty good despite being dead.
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