2
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
3
4
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
5
6
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
7
contents
inside
12.2017
At The Height of Success
46
Whoopi Goldberg is a woman who needs no introduction— read what she has to say about her line of cannabis products for women and the future of the industry. O n the C O V E R :
T imot h y G ree n f ie l d - S a n ders
features
60
Industry Insider The co-founders of Cannadips share how they were inspired to create such a gamechanging product.
64
Stand-up Stardom When he isn’t gracing some of your favorite television comedies, Todd Glass lights up rooms with laughter all across the nation.
28
Holiday Gift Guide
CULTURE provides you with some of the best gifts to "wow" your family and friends this holiday. 68
40 56 52
Altruistic Aid Cannabis businesses continue to prove that they are not contributing to the homelessness problem—in fact, they are part of the solution.
56
Strong and Successful An inside look at some of the cannabis industry’s most prosperous women of color.
72
80
departments 12 Letter from the Editor
22 Local News 24 Healthy Living
14 News Nuggets 18 By the Numbers
reviews 38 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 76 Growing Culture
78 Profile in Courage 80 Recipes 82 NorCal Now! 84 News of the Weird
8
Exploring the Cannabis Genome Researchers are analyzing the intricacies of the cannabis genome with hopes to learn even more about the plant’s genetic makeup. The Right Dose Like dogs, cats can also benefit from CBD-based medicine to cope with joint pain, cancer and more.
Online Exclusive!
news
40 Strain & Concentrate Reviews
# tgs
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
d Cannabis Opportunity Comes to NYSE d Republicans Block Cannabis Banking Bill
Vol 9 IssUE 6
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
9
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Keira Fae, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Madison Ortiz, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Alexa Steinberg Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Amy Witt, Laurie Wolf Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic Designers Payden Cobern, Nathan Hernandez sales director Joe Larson Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Chantal Jura, Monte Lee, Lee Moran, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Annie Weber, Shayne Williams, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy office manager Mikayla Aguilar INTERN Sophia Rybicki, Tyler Shultz Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout the Bay area. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
2175 Sampson Ave. | Ste. 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
10
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
/iReadCulture
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
11
LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Justice and E q ua l i t y
T
his month’s issue is one of CULTURE’s best. First and foremost, we scored an exclusive interview with the one and only Whoopi Goldberg. Goldberg gracing the cover of our magazine is iconic for many reasons. Goldberg’s name has been synonymous with cannabis advocacy before it became trendy for celebrities to openly embrace the plant, let alone venture into the world of cannabis entrepreneurship as Goldberg has. Between her countless awards for acting and being the most recognizable actress in modern history to embrace cannabis, there is no person we would rather feature on the cover as we wrap up 2017. Goldberg isn’t just famous for being a cannabis entrepreneur and esteemed actress. She is an activist who has helped to pave the way for other women and people of color on the silver screen and in business. While she has succeeded and made a name for herself over the course of her career, there is still much progress to be had to ensure justice and equality for people of color. Unfortunately, institutionalized racism continues to target minorities in so many facets of American society, with incarceration for cannabis-related offenses still disproportionately affecting people of color serving as just one example. Recent evidence of this was published last month in a Policy Brief by Partnership for the Public Good, which found that Black, African American and Latinx people made up 80 percent of low-level cannabis possession charges in New York State in 2016, while it was reported these groups only made up 31.1 percent of the state’s population, according to the United States Census Bureau.
12
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
These facts are appalling. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. in a letter from Birmingham City Jail, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” People in the cannabis industry must remain dedicated to not only ending racism, but also making the changes necessary to ensure those who have been disadvantaged by the “War on Drugs” are given the opportunities they deserve to succeed. Much like Goldberg said in her interview with CULTURE in regards to the representation of women and people of color in cannabis business and the silver screen, “ . . . lots of things have changed, lots of things have not.” Even though we have moved forward, there are still miles and miles for us to go in terms of progress. Take a moment to recognize the people in the industry who are driving us toward positive change. Support politicians who acknowledge and work to change racial disparity in our nation. Most importantly, let’s continue to support and celebrate the power that we each have at an individual level to demand a more equitable future for each and every human on Earth. On behalf of CULTURE, we hope you have a beautiful holiday season with your family and friends, and don’t forget to continue fighting the good fight and loving your neighbors. c
Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
13
NEWS
nuggetS
Oakland Approves Recreational Cannabis Permits While other Californian cities struggle to get ready for the first day of recreational cannabis sales on January 1, Oakland is way ahead of the competition. On November 7, the Oakland City Council approved adult-use permits. City Councilmember AtLarge Rebecca Kaplan was behind the push to make permits available in time
for January 1, and she is also behind Oakland’s progressive approach on cannabis. “Oakland now will be one of the few cities in California that will be up and running with permits by January 1st. I’m very, very proud of that,” Kaplan stated. Even though Californians approved Proposition 64 last year, businesses can’t sell recreational cannabis unless they obtain local authorization. Kaplan was also behind Oakland’s Measure F, which implemented one of the nation’s first cannabis taxes in 2009, taxing businesses at 1.8 percent on gross receipts.
San Francisco Public Transit Agency Bans All Cannabis Ads The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency voted on November 21 to ban both medical and recreational cannabis ads in buses, trains and shelters in preparation for January 1, when recreational cannabis sales are scheduled to begin in California. This affects at least 130 medical cannabis ads from companies such
New York Governor Signs Bill to Add PTSD as Qualifying Condition On November 11, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed five bills supporting veterans. One bill in particular, Senate Bill S5629, added Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to New York’s list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. “Our veterans risked their lives in order to defend the ideals and principles that this nation was founded upon and it is our duty to do everything we can to support them
14
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
as Eaze, Urban Pharm and The Green Cross. Citing a staff report, the agency stated that it “has received a number of complaints from customers and others about cannabis-related advertising.” The move was supported by San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, who agreed that cannabis ads should not be seen by children. The agency will continue to run ads that have already been purchased. Keeping things fair, the agency also bans advertising for alcohol and tobacco-related ads. Limiting children’s exposure to cannabis has been a main source of focus in states with legal cannabis such as California and Colorado.
when they return home,” Cuomo stated. “From improving access to healthcare treatments and services, to removing barriers to employment, all five of these bills take important steps to ensure that veterans have every opportunity to continue succeeding when they return home.” In addition, Cuomo launched a new series of license plates honoring the 770,000 military veterans that call New York home. An estimated 19,000 of those veterans suffer from PTSD and could benefit from having access to medical cannabis.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
15
16
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
17
The estimated amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that the city of Cotati expects to collect in cannabis taxes per year: (Source: NBC Bay Area)
300
The percentage of votes cast in Pacifica and Cotati in favor of taxes on recreational cannabis dispensaries: (Source: San Francisco Gate)
79
The estimated number of cannabis farms that were affected by the Northern California wildfires in October: (Source: Daily News)
34
The percentage of people who said in a survey that they support medical cannabis (Source: East Bay Times) sales in the city of Concord:
69
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that is planned to fund development for a new hemp processing plant in western Kentucky: (Source: WKMS)
30
The number of companies that have already applied for permission to cultivate cannabis in Denmark: (Source: The Copenhagen Post)
13
The estimated percentage of government employees who work in Washington D.C. and have purchased legal cannabis: (Source: Forbes)
11
Hip Hop Nutcracker WHEN: Fri, Dec. 15-Sun, Dec. 17 WHERE: Peninsula Ballet Theatre, 1880 S. Grant St., San Mateo WEBSITE: www.peninsulaballet.org The Hip Hop Nutcracker brings a modern hip-hop twist to a timeless holiday classic. In this rendition, Clara dreams of toy soldiers and wizards in Hip Hop Land. Both choreographers, Alejandra Martinez and Isaac “Stuck” Sanders, bring years of hip-hop dance expertise to provide a different take on the original ballet and explore the future of dance. The production 18
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
will feature 17 hip-hop artists from The Tribe and Poise’n, a dance team founded by Martinez and Sanders, in addition to a number of dancers from the Peninsula Ballet Theatre. Martinez and Sanders both seem to recognize that traditional ballet isn’t for everyone, and Hip Hop Nutcracker is a crossover that all fans of traditional theater can appreciate. (Tyler Shultz)
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
19
20
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
21
NEWS
LOCAL
The
Emerald Cup
New Year, New Rules San Jose gives the green light to recreational cannabis By Benjamin M. Adams
T
he Bay Area’s most populated city recently approved recreational sales at existing medical cannabis dispensaries. On November 14, the San Jose City Council unanimously voted to allow its medical cannabis dispensaries to sell recreational cannabis to adults over the age of 21. The decision reflects the will of the city’s residents, who voted in favor of Proposition 64 last year with 57 percent approval. Per the city council’s plan, medical cannabis dispensaries would have to apply to sell recreational cannabis, pay the registration fee and undergo inspections. The changes include amendments to Title 6 (business licenses and regulations) and Title 20 (the zoning ordinance) for medical and nonmedical cannabis dispensaries and cultivation. San Jose’s 16 licensed dispensaries will now be permitted to sell cannabis to any customer age 21 and over, beginning on January 1. Sean Kali-rai is owner of Jackson and Main, LLC, a respected business advisory and lobbyist company, and founder of the Silicon Valley Cannabis Alliance. “San Jose’s decision
22
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
to allow recreational cannabis sales did not surprise me,” Sean Kali-rai told CULTURE. “I have been involved with San Jose’s cannabis industry prior to 2015 when I assisted seven of the 16 licensed dispensaries obtain their permits. At that time I realized that if we received permits as an industry, which we did, we would be held to a higher standard and had a responsibility to go beyond being good corporate citizens.” Palo Alto, Campbell, Foster City, Hayward, Davis and Martinez have all taken steps to ease cannabis sales. “The other thing I realized through the permitting process was that we needed to get the industry and every little decision out of the political and professional management arena and to the reasonably non-partisan police department,” Kali-rai added. “Two years later and with a $105 million dollar legal cannabis market, the memorandum recommending adult-use was authored by the San Jose Police Chief, Edgardo Garcia.” The 11-0 vote by the city council affirmed that the local cannabis industry has been a good corporate citizen and that the police department can adequately regulate the industry. Although voters in every Santa Clara County city voted in approval of Proposition 64, local jurisdictions have the say-so in the end. “I believe cannabis is better off in the hands of regulated businesses than where it has always been—in the hands of black market peddlers,” Kali-rai said. “That said, the transition into a regulated market is absolutely a painful endeavor but the perils of a black market are too great not to migrate to legalization.” Now that voters effectively gave the green light to recreational cannabis in California, it is the responsibility of law enforcement to acknowledge the will of the voters. c
One of the largest and most respected medicinal cannabis competitions, The Emerald Cup returns for its 14th year to bring the community together and celebrate the year’s medicinal cannabis harvest. This year’s event features a stacked live music lineup with performances from The Roots and Portugal. The Man. Stunning glasswork handmade by a multitude of artists will be on display as well as for purchase to anyone interested in adding some of the more decorative pieces to their collection. The competition portion of the cup will give awards for the best fullsun flowers, best concentrates, best edibles and more. (Tyler Shultz) WHEN: Sat, Dec. 9-Sun, Dec. 10 WHERE: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa WEBSITE: www. theemeraldcup. com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
23
NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Surviving the Season
When the holidays are bringing you down, cannabis can help By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
A
lthough the holiday season is supposed to be about joy, happiness and goodwill to all, for many the season often feels quite the opposite. Stress, anxiety, family issues, loneliness and unmet expectations can lead to melancholy, despair and depression. One of the major factors leading to depression is stress, and stress can soar during the holiday season. A report issued by the American Psychological Association estimated that 44 percent of women and 31 percent of men report an increase in stress during the holidays. The higher percentage for women could be due to women taking more responsibility for holiday tasks such as shopping, family celebrations, cooking and cleaning. Holiday family celebrations can produce feelings of anxiety and even dread as many families are far from harmonious love affairs. From sibling rivalries to problematic uncles, aunts and cousins, being together may not be all warmth and coziness. Those who cannot be with or are estranged from their families can experience loneliness and isolation. The media’s overbearing emphasis on family along with close friends celebrating joyously can make the situation even worse. For many, cannabis may be an effective answer to depression, as the role of cannabis in treating depression has been documented in a number of studies. A 2015 University of Buffalo study found that stress reduces the production of endocannabinoids, which can be a risk factor for the development 24
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
of depression, according to the study’s author an lead researcher, Dr. Samir HajDahmane. “Using compounds derived from cannabis—marijuana—to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression,” Dr. Haj-Dahmane said. Realistically, holiday depression is of a temporary nature, so the role of cannabis in treating holiday depression should be seen more as a preventative than a curative. If you can keep from stressing out in the first place, you won’t have the problem of reduced endocannabinoid production leading to depression. Reducing stress is one of cannabis’ most legendary attributes and is why it is so functional in inducing sleep, calming nerves and reducing aggression. When you know you are going to be in a stressful situation during the holidays, imbibing a few hits of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-heavy cannabis has been reported to keep emotional processes balanced and calm no matter how imbalanced and hectic everything else is.
Sitting at a bar stool drinking themselves into oblivion and bemoaning their plight has become the classic picture of a lonely and isolated person during the holiday season. A person may still be lonely and isolated from family, but those feelings can often be mitigated by the ability of cannabis to facilitate socialization augmented by the shared camaraderie of others similarly situated. Although many of the legalization initiatives that have been passed by voters allow for consumption at public places in the same way alcohol is consumed, it is unfortunate that very few have opened up. Perhaps the greatest holiday stressor is a traditional family gathering. There is nothing more depressing than families bickering heatedly. Often, toxic family relations are further strained as forbearance levels are exceeded, especially when they are exacerbated by alcohol. The ability of cannabis to promote socialization and at the same time create a mood of tolerance and compassion makes it ideal for family gatherings. With legalization now in place for almost one-quarter of the population of the U.S., suggesting the use of cannabis is no longer outof-line. For joy, happiness and goodwill to all, cannabis should be part of the holiday season. Hopefully it will become as traditional as candy canes and spiked egg nog. c
“Reducing stress is one of cannabis’ most legendary attributes and is why it is so functional in inducing sleep, calming nerves and reducing aggression.”
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
25
26
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
27
GUIDE! 2017
Whether you’re buying the latest gear, tools and accessories for a friend or putting cannabis-infused goodies on your personal holiday wish list, here are the CULTUREapproved must-haves to help you wrap up your holiday shopping.
Cheech & Chong™ Glass Labrador Grande Hand Pipe
Named after the famous scene from Up In Smoke, the Labrador Grande Hand Pipe is a larger version of the wildly popular Labrador Hand Pipe. The Labrador Grande looks more like the original from the movie, making this hand pipe a must-have for any Cheech & Chong fan. Available in color changing or white glass, the Labrador Grande features a bigger bowl for bigger sessions that are sure to get the job done, even if you don’t have any dogs around. www.cheechandchongglass.com
Cannabis Botanical Illustration Print
As cannabis continues to enter the mainstream, cannabis art is sure to enter people’s homes as decorative pieces too. The Cannabis Botanical Illustration Print provides a vintage feel as well as scientific accuracy. The stunning details and vibrant colors will attract attention wherever the print is hung and will offer a different perspective of cannabis by showing that it can be artistic and gorgeous. shopgoldleaf.com
28
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
Breaking the Grass Ceiling
Breaking the Grass Ceiling is a biographical collection featuring 21 powerhouse women who own and operate companies in the cannabis industry. From Dr. Sue Sisley and her efforts taking on the DEA to Wanda James, the first black woman in America to own a licensed edibles company, each woman lends her unique story, triumphs and challenges while working to promote gender-equality in the industry. One-hundred percent of proceeds will be donated to California Grower Association’s Fire Relief efforts. Snag a copy today on Amazon, at grassceilingbook. com or email us at hello@grassceilingbook.com to learn more about the dispensary consignment program! grassceilingbook.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
29
Cobra Battery and Vape Catridges
GUIDE! 2017
This holiday season, give the gift that keeps on giving. The look, feel and user-friendly design of this battery is in a league of its own. The battery can charge with any USB port, as the cord tucks in nicely to the battery when it’s not needed—say goodbye to digging through your junk drawer to try and find the charger for your vape pen. Cobra Extracts has you covered with this easy, and much welcomed, solution to vaping. Cobra Extracts vape cartridges are perfect stocking suffers for that special someone. Make the holiday stress fade into a distant memory. Have a medicated Christmas! www.cobraextracts.com
PUNCH C-90 Blackberry Dark Chocolate
The PUNCH C-90 bar, with 90mg of CBD crystalline isolate at 99.9 percent purity is a favorite for those who are focused on medical relief instead of an intoxicating effect, as there are no THC residuals in the bar. It’s also available in four other flavors, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Mint Dark Chocolate and Toffee Milk Chocolate. Finally, there are only four grams of sugar per serving, which is great for those who have dietary restrictions. Most report that the effects typically peak in about 60 to 90 minutes. www.punchedibles.com
Toker Poker®
Bring cheer to every toker on your nice list! Whether you vape, dab, toke or roll, the Toker Poker® is your goto tool. Finally, your poker, tamper, hemp wick and lighter are all in the same place. This soulfully designed lighter sleeve provides all of the essential tools needed to enjoy your smoke. Glow-in-the-Dark, Artist Edition, Sparkle and other limited styles are now available online. Your stocking stuffer search ends here! Use “CULTURE25” at check out for 25 percent discount online at TokerPoker.com (offer expires 12/31/17). www.tokerpoker.com
30
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
Hora Super Serum+ CBD
This lightweight Super Serum by Hora Skin Care is the perfect stocking stuffer for the beauty care lover in your life. By applying a small amount to your skin in the morning and evening, the high quality ingredients work poetically alongside the healing properties of CBD to ensure that skin looks and feels rejuvenated and refreshed. Be sure to stock up on some for your friends, family and even yourself—there is no better way to protect your skin from the cold winter weather. horaskincare.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
31
32
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
33
Dr. Dabber Boost Black Edition
The Dr. Dabber Boost is a quality portable battery powered dabbing rig, for anyone who loves dabs but hates having to carry around a giant rig. The Boost Black Edition comes with larger nails and a convenient, luxury carrying case. With the press of a button, the device heats to an optimal temperature that adjusts based on the type of nail being used. The portability of the Dr. Dabber Boost Black Edition makes this rig perfect for any dab aficionado looking for a simple and powerful new toy. www.drdabber.com
Sphero BB-9E™ AppEnabled Droid™
The Icey Stick
The Icey Stick, with 100mg of THC and 100mg of CBD in a 1:1 ratio, contains a highly balanced healing liniment. Apply anywhere that you feel pain. The THC “ices” out unwanted sensations by confusing the nerve endings while the CBD reduces pain and inflammation. Avoid putting the liniment in eyes or on lips. The Icey Stick, made by Om Edibles, is made with therapeutic grade essential oils. The topical use of cannabinoids is often underrated, but reportedly can do wonders for an array of skin ailments, and The Icey Stick is one of the best topical products around. www.omedibles.org
GUIDE! 2017
Coil Pipe
If your red lightsaber doesn’t make you feel enough like a Star Wars villain, controlling your own BB-9E droid will make you feel like an actual member of the First Order. Using the companion app, users can guide the droid and watch it roll around just like on screen. Users can also experience holographic simulations and even use augmented reality to train and keep your BB-9E sharp. The BB-9E has an adaptive personality and can recognize and react to your voice giving each droid user a unique experience. If shopping for any Star Wars fan this holiday season, this is the droid you’re looking for. www.store.sphero.com
Small, discrete and ribbed for your pleasure, the coil pipe brings an updated design to a classic pipe shape. The coil pipe provides a unique feel for the consumer looking for a pipe that strays from the traditional. Each pipe is hand crafted by ceramicist Christina Haines and is small enough to fit in a pocket or purse for any cannabis consumer on-the-go. www.shop-tetra.com/collections/christina-haines
34
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
35
Daily High Club
A monthly subscription box for cannabis consumers, the Daily High Club monthly package provides various price plans that include a variety of cannabis necessities and new accessories. Daily High Club’s cheapest plan provides a couple of packs of rolling papers from various brands, while the most expensive plan includes a multitude of accessories in addition to a glass piece. If you aren’t sure what to get the cannasseur in your life, a Daily High Club subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. dailyhighclub.com
Shine 24K Gold Rolling Papers
GUIDE!
Although living the rapper lifestyle isn’t for everyone, Shine 24K Gold Rolling Papers make you feel like a “baller” even if you’re on a budget. They can be used to add a little bit of elegance to a smoke session or they can be used to make all of your haters jealous. The wraps are covered in edible 24K gold and give off a realistic golden shimmer. Shine 24K Gold Rolling Papers also have a distinct taste to them—ensuring consumers get a real taste of the high life. www.shinepapers.com
2017
O.penVAPE® ISH™
The O.penVAPE® ISH™ provides consumers with best-in-class flavored distillate in three flavors: Bavarian cream, blue raspberry and watermelon. Using O.penVAPE®’s patented Ceramflo Technology, users can expect bigger, more flavorful hits from an allceramic heating element. The reimagined design offers a one-time use form, with rechargeable functionality, and comes in both 250mg and 500mg cartridge sizes. openvapeshop.com
36
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
3-D Printed Dubbler
Headdies’ Dubbler, as its name suggests, doubles as both a dabbing rig and as a micro-bubbler. Simply exchange the Dubbler’s flower side components with the concentrate dish to turn the Dubbler into a portable, micro dabbing rig. The Dubbler is scientifically engineered to minimize splashing and also integrates a spill proof design that will make the Dubbler one of the cleanest pieces in your collection. The attached lanyard provides convenience and makes the piece perfect to travel with. www.headdies.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
37
REVIEWs
entertainment
Release Date: december 1 Available on: Nintendo Switch
BOOK
Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America Emily Dufton Pub. Basic Books The “War on Drugs” covered many gains and losses for the cannabis community over the years. Historian Emily Dufton highlights the correlation between the state of cannabis today with the state of cannabis 40 years ago, when cannabis legalization seemed inevitable. We too soon forget that the swinging 1960s were a long, forgotten memory by the time the Reagan Era had returned to demonizing cannabis. Dufton’s book helps us learn from the mistakes of the past and apply that to the movement to legalize cannabis. (Richard Saunders) 38
GAME
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Dev. Monolith Soft Pub. Nintendo Further proving how the Nintendo Switch is the more exciting console of this generation, the arrival of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is definitely giving open world action role playing game fans something to look forward to. The rest of the human population is now living on the back of massive monsters called Titans, and three main characters set off on a quest to locate a paradise called Elysium. The game is fully fleshed out, complete with a constant cycle between day and night, seamless connection between new zones and environments, plenty of unique items and weapons—and so much more. (Nicole Potter)
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
MOVIE
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Dir. Luc Besson EuropaCorp Distribution The science fiction genre is experiencing a kind of renaissance at the moment with some of the most fantastical universes and worlds ever dreamt up and realized on the big screen. Perhaps one of the most ambitious of these worlds is the one in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Helmed by director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Léon: The Professional), the film follows characters Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) as they take a visually psychedelic thrill ride to save one of the most important cities in the universe. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Turn Out The Lights Julien Baker Matador Records Julien Baker has returned once again to follow up on the surprise success of her debut album with an incredibly impressive sophomore record, Turn Out The Lights. Though the new album only raises the production of the recordings ever so slightly, the results add even more power and intensity to Baker’s brand of raw, stripped-down acoustic music. The record is hauntingly beautiful and seems to improve on all of the aspects, which made Baker’s debut, Sprained Ankle, so captivating. (Simon Weedn)
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
39
REVIEWs
strain & concentrate
Utopia Royal Pineapple There’s no better way to live like an island king here on the mainland than by keeping this Royal Pineapple sauce in heavy supply. Crisp and pungent tropical scents emanate out of every container and are joined by equally potent flavors. Tested for potency and purity by SC Labs, the Royal Pineapple concentrate clocks in at 89.3 percent cannabinoids and 42ppm of residual solvents—a mighty fine score in many eyes. Keeping up with the concentrate trends of 2017, the Royal Pineapple’s texture is certainly more “sauce” like, an indicator of the massive terpene content. Pure and utter relaxation is the name of the game when it comes to this extract’s effects, and it sure does that job more than well. South Bay locals know that Airfield Supply Co. in San Jose always keeps a vast and fresh supply of top-shelf extracts, and the Royal Pineapple certainly is the crown jewel of the collection.
Available at: Airfield Supply Co. in San Jose.
Strawberry Banana Available at: Buddy's Cannabis in San Jose.
We’ve rounded up a splendid harvest season here in California, and this time of year means there is a surplus of strains that will be in dispensaries for patients to choose from. Our best advice with that difficult decision is to choose Strawberry Banana. This strain is a brilliant example of what happens when all the ideal growing conditions come together. Visually, the nuggets are a sparkling chartreuse hue with small orange sprouts crawling throughout the crevices of the flowers. Sensually, the balance of vibrant citrus scents are matched with the dank flavors, which yield a unique and completely positive sensory experience. Next time there is a rainy day keeping people stuck inside, bust out a jar of the Strawberry Banana, and find everyone’s inner child bursting into the spotlight. The effects of nonsensical giggling, unadulterated play and a general fascination with the world are what truly makes this strain a favorite. There’s nothing like being a kid again, and the Strawberry Banana from Buddy’s Cannabis in San Jose makes that trip down memory lane all that much easier.
Synergy Concentrates Forbidden Fruit Live Resin There’s one thing very clear about this live resin, and that’s if any concentrate lover were offered this Forbidden Fruit in the Garden of Eden, there is absolutely no doubt they would encounter the same fate as Adam and Eve. The multitude of exceptional qualities present in this concentrate is truly sinful, starting with its uncanny aroma. Immediately upon opening the UV protective jar, the scent of exotic fruits and juicy cannabis burst into consumers’ nasal cavities, rendering them unaware of anything on the planet with a better smell. A firm yet slightly squishy crystal-like texture allows for easy handling of this concentrate whilst maintaining its superior visual form. A very eye-opening extract, many people will find that beginning a morning with a helping of the Forbidden Fruit with breakfast will get the day started in the best way possible—stress-free and full of energy. Take a trip to California’s own little “Garden of Eden,” which is Santa Cruz, and dare to try a piece of the Forbidden Fruit available at C.H.A.I. 40
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
Available at: C.H.A.I. in Santa Cruz.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
41
REVIEWs Available wherever: Tree Base products are carried.
Citrus Kush Klear Kart Let’s talk about purity you can see. Always lab-tested and virtually odorless, the Citrus Kush Klear Kart by Tree Base also presents one the most potent offerings of crystal clear cannabis oil. Ringing in with 83.1 percent THC in 500mg of pure oil, prepare yourself accordingly for this heaver hitter. This indica-dominant hybrid provided a smooth draw on the inhale, only to have our legs quickly transform into strong tree roots, locking us down in a peaceful and euphoric state of relaxation. Reviewers reported intense appetite stimulation that onset 20 minutes after consumption. If you can overcome the relaxed effects, an all-you-can-eat buffet might be the ideal destination after consuming this Citrus Kush Klear Kart.
STIIIZY Skywalker OG
Available wherever: STIIIZY products are carried.
STIIIZY’s brilliance is exemplified in a sleek, flattened pen that sports a much different design than other vaporizer pens, with unique dual airflow tunnels. Our CULTURE reviewers’ Premium THC POD (cartridge) was filled with a half-gram of Skywalker OG distillate, an indica-dominant favorite. Skywalker OG, with its lineage of Skywalker and OG Kush, is ideal for alleviating symptoms such as insomnia, depression and stress. It can also help with increasing appetite. Pods also come in the strains Pineapple Express, Gelato, Grand Daddy Purp, Blue Dream, Sour Tangie, Strawberry Cough and SFV OG. The solvent-free distillate won’t leak out and won’t burn up like other pens. The accompanying starter kit includes a USB charging port and a 210Ah rechargeable battery. Try one of the most modern-looking and functional quality vaporizer pens around with the STIIIZY.
CULTUREMAGAZINE.com GET YOUR CLICKS
HERE
Bruce Banner Nothing makes us feel stronger than a discreet and powerful way to consume our favorite green. Even with the strength we were awarded after vaping on some Bruce Banner courtesy Cobra Extracts, we didn’t bulge up and show off our Hulk moves—although further vaping could have yielded a different result. The 1,000mg of pure oil offered in this cartridge contained 80 percent THC. Needless to say, our first hit brought on strong cerebral effects and a slight citrus taste. We were really excited about the Cobra Battery that paired perfectly with this cartridge. The sleek black box opened up with the company’s signature Cobra logo, with the words “change the way you vape” underneath. The user-friendly design of this battery made our vaping experience discreet and effortless.
42
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
Available wherever: Cobra Extracts products are carried.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
43
Spirited Star Whoopi Goldberg is a powerful force of talent and entrepreneurship By Addison Herron-Wheeler
A
woman who truly needs no introduction, Whoopi Goldberg is one of the most beloved and recognized actresses on the silver screen. As the winner of a Grammy, a Tony Award, an Oscar, two Golden Globe Awards and nine Primetime Emmy nominations, Goldberg is hands-down one of the most celebrated entertainers. From a lifelong fascination of Star Trek that led her to a recurring role in Star Trek: The Next Generation, to a voice role in The Lion King, to her heart-wrenching, breakthrough performance in the film adaptation of The Color Purple, it is an understatement to say that Goldberg has had a varied and rewarding career. However, Goldberg is more than just an iconic figure who is incredibly talented. She is also a spirited advocate for cannabis and other causes that she believes in. Throughout her career, she has been known to speak up for human rights and stand up for both women and people of color. She also used her influence to become an outspoken cannabis activist. Recently, she has turned that advocacy into action, with Whoopi & Maya, her line of cannabisinfused premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual pain relief products that she co-founded with Maya Elisabeth, the successful entrepreneur behind Om Edibles. Launched in 2016, Whoopi & Maya products have already gained a loyal following in California among women who seek menstrual relief. Now, Whoopi & Maya is expanding its line from California into Colorado and partnering with GroundSwell Cannabis Boutique. Available now in select Colorado locations, the line offers medicated raw cacao, an herbal tincture for pain relief, a lavender bath soak and a body balm that can be applied topically to help relieve cramps. Whoopi & Maya’s aesthetic appears to be simple, tasteful and above all, medicinally beneficial. Goldberg was kind enough to give CULTURE the inside scoop on the expansion, the inspiration behind menstrual relief products and the future of legalization.
46
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
What inspired you to launch your own line of cannabis products? What is your history with cannabis, and why did you want to get involved in the industry? I’ve always had cannabis products in my life because I’m old [laughs]. The way I got involved was hearing people say, constantly, “Oh, this guy is in the industry, or this guy is doing this.” I finally said to my friend Rick (who would say this to me all the time), “Is there anybody doing anything for women, for cramps or anything?” And he said to me, “It’s a niche market,” and I said, “It’s a niche that is half the population; that’s ridiculous!” So, I asked him to find someone who could help me do this, which is how I got involved with Maya, and I wanted to be sure we had something medicinal, for people who have cramps, something they could rub on, and also something for young people, women, who are getting their period for the first time. Our products don’t get you high, but they will relieve pain for lots of people. What can we expect from your company in the future? What are your goals? We want to make sure
that we get Whoopi & Maya around the world. With Colorado being our first dispensary area outside of California, we are on our way. We are all over California, and with GroundSwell, we will be all over Colorado. Their sensibilities match ours; we are not trying to be big and flashy. We just want people to know that if they are having cramps and issues like that, they can get help. We liked the fact that GroundSwell represents a lot of different folks.
“We are not trying to be big and flashy. We just want people to know that if they are having cramps and issues like that, they can get help.”
let
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
47
Even though women are helping to lead the cannabis industry, there aren’t many products out there that are specifically marketed for PMS and menstrual relief. Why did you think it was important to market that way, rather than just labeling your products as effective for pain relief? Because I didn’t have it when I was growing up, and I had horrific cramps, and most people don’t believe they are real, so you are sort of getting the same reaction from different people. You even get it from women who haven’t had cramps. But for me, when you do your homework, the Pamprin and Midol were created in the 1960s and 1990s. People didn’t really give a lot of thought to that kind of pain for us until then. So I felt it was important to isolate it, because no one else was doing it; it was very generalized. So for me to participate in the cannabis industry, I felt this would be the way I could do it. How do you feel about cannabis legalization so far? What do you think could be done better or differently? I thought we were doing really well 48
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
and then we had a big change in Washington, and having to re-educate and re-explain to people after that has been a challenge. Because if you are treating it from a medical perspective, you have to treat it a lot like penicillin; it used to be legal and got a really bad rap by and from the government, and there are all kinds of conversations people have about it being a gateway drug. Well, if you have an addictive personality, everything is a gateway drug. You have to get people on board with what [cannabis] has been able to do, especially for kids, cancer patients and women with cramps. Now, getting the states to say these are the things that are covered treatment-wise, is the next big move as far as things are concerned,
“The way I got involved was hearing people say, constantly, ‘Oh, this guy is in the industry, or this guy is doing this.’ I finally said to my friend Rick (who would say this to me all the time), ‘Is there anybody doing anything for women, for cramps or anything?’ And he said to me, ‘It’s a niche market,’ and I said, ‘It’s a niche that is half the population; that’s ridiculous!’”
because [when it comes to what types of cannabis are medically legal], they will say it doesn’t cover this and that, so you can’t get any help for it. But not everyone gets help the same way, so you have to be a little smarter. States will say you can’t smoke it—well, some people can only smoke it. You and your doctor should have that conversation, and that’s it. However, we deal with what we have now. Some places are great for recreational, too. I just prefer to look at it from a medical perspective. What is your favorite strain? I’m really just about my own product, but I like Girl Scout Cookies. I think that strain is wonderful, but I can’t smoke anymore. Once I stopped smoking cigarettes, I can only do the vaping. I can only put things in my pen; so that’s how I do everything. As an iconic film star, how do you feel about the representation of women and people of color in TV and film since your career started? Do you think representation has improved, and how can representation improve even further? The answer to both of those things is, there is a long way to go. Yeah, a lot of things have changed, but I don’t really stop to look at what is happening. But, it’s kind of great to see more and more women in the cannabis business. I met with these wonderful women from CBD For Life, and that’s all women-run. They are reaching other women and coming around wanting to know how we do what we do. As far as Hollywood is concerned, you really have to talk to the people who cast the movies; that’s who it is. Anyone could have been in La La Land. So, lots of things have changed, lots of things have not.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
49
It Takes Two
Experienced cannabis entrepreneur Maya Elisabeth steers her business partner Whoopi Goldberg toward success
What can we expect from you and your company in the future? Do you have anything new in the works? Right now we are in Colorado, and it’s great. Eventually we are going to move into other states and work with the legislators. Most people don’t have menstrual cramps listed as something you need relief from, and we’d like to see that change. So, aside from trying to do world domination, no not really much [laughs]. We’ve also been adding to our line, and we have new containers; you can pop ‘em in your pocket book. It’s kind of great. You have a pretty interesting collection of shoes that you’ve 50
made public. How did this interest come about, and what is your favorite pair? I couldn’t tell you what my favorite pair was right now, but I looked over one day and saw that all these women had really great clothing, looked really svelte, really great, and I thought, “Gee, maybe I should find some fun shoes or something.” So, I started doing it to make myself laugh. They all exist at work. I don’t have them at my house, ‘cause at my house I just wear Birkenstocks. It’s crazy! Is there anything else you’d like to add? We are going to be all over Colorado! We are really happy that we found GroundSwell,
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
and we’ll be making partnerships hopefully in places like Reno, Nevada, Oregon and wherever we can get to. This is what we are trying to do, because I believe every woman should have relief from cramps, so we are kicking ass and taking names. We used to just have a tub of our product; we had tinctures and soaps, but now you can put the new, smaller version in your bag, so you can just rub it wherever you are. You can have it at work since it’s in a smaller jar, and then productivity comes back because women aren’t missing two days of work every month if their cramps are bad. We are trying to save the world—one rub at a time. c
Whoopi Goldberg may be the face of the brand behind Whoopi & Maya, but Maya Elisabeth is equally important to the entire operation. While Goldberg brings her unbridled passion for cannabis and women’s health to the table, Elisabeth brings an impressive background of experience in the cannabis-infused edibles industry. As founder of Om Edibles, Elisabeth won several High Times Cannabis Cup awards for her company’s products, and she gained a rocksolid reputation in her home state of California. She was a clear choice for a partnership with Goldberg, and her insider knowledge combines well with Goldberg’s passion and experience to form a strong duo. “Whoopi is amazing. She is truly inspirational and I look up to her so much,” Elisabeth explained to CULTURE. “I think our partnership is really positive. One of the things we have in common is our business, and also our connection being women. Being a pair is actually really beautiful because we get along.” In addition to serving as company cofounder, Maya also serves as the company’s infuser—she is the woman in charge of ensuring proper dosing for the contents within every product. As Elisabeth explains on the company’s website, she got her start in the cannabis industry working in a dispensary, but didn’t feel that she was entirely putting out her own product. She eventually became a cultivator and edibles manufacturer, putting a personal touch in every product. Now that the brand is expanding from the market in California to Colorado, Elisabeth is ready to share her product with even more eager women and spread the word about natural menstrual pain relief. “We are most excited about making our products available and accessible to more women countrywide,” Elisabeth said. “We are all about safe access and education, and we couldn’t feel happier about expanding to the Colorado market.” Whoopi & Maya products are now available in select stores in Colorado, and these two women are proud to provide relief to a wider pool of women.
+ whoopiandmaya.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
51
The Evidence is Clear
A Magnanimous Gesture
While homelessness is an ongoing issue, cannabis businesses are set to support the homeless community By Amy C. Witt
C
ontrary to what some have speculated, cannabis legalization has not contributed to an increase in homelessness. Back when recreational cannabis sales first began, skeptics believed that legalization would have a negative impact. They predict-
ed that homeless people across the state and the country would invade regions with legal cannabis. But in reality, if cannabis has done anything, it has created a connection of love across almost every demographic. The homeless population has not affected the industry negatively, and some cannabis businesses recognize that their efforts could be a helpful solution to improve the lives of people who are homeless.
52
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
Dr. Donald Burnes, executive director and founder of Burnes Center on Poverty and Homelessness in Denver, Colorado at the University of Denver, agrees that there is a misguided impression on the correlation between cannabis and homelessness. Through his research, data shows that at least in the state of Colorado, there is no evidence that people “flocked to the state” and have become homeless. Burnes also noted that like many other avenues of revenue that flow to other statewide funds, even more tax money from legal cannabis sales should be put toward improving the lives of those who are currently homeless. “Clearly, the arena of extreme poverty and homelessness is competing with other important local issues, such as education, transportation, infrastructure, climate change, etc., and we are interested in maximizing the flow of dollars to ad-
dress the issue with which we are engaged,” he said. Through cannabis tax revenue, states like Colorado are taking action in developing resources for their communities. On May 26, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed the SB-17-254 “2017-18 Long Appropriations Bill” into law, which aims to “provide permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing assistance for individuals with behavioral health needs, and for individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.” In California, Attorney Marc Wasserman from Pot Brothers at Law, one of California’s leading medical cannabis law firms, provides pro bono criminal defense cases if a homeless person is charged with a crime. Wasserman believes that “ending cannabis prohibition will help the homeless,” and that the cannabis community will be a strong force for change through their charitable actions. It’s no longer just about business, but about caring for people in need.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
53
Taking a Stand The cannabis community has recognized a need to take further action in contributing its efforts in highlighting the benefits cannabis has for all, as many companies are giving back to their communities. With the holiday season in full swing, this time of year is all about giving thanks and giving back. From monetary donations to product and customer involvement, these are just a few businesses that go above and beyond to change or rebuild the lives of individuals, families and animals. For instance, Kaya Cannabis is on a constant mission in improving healthy, happy and safe environments throughout the community. Through the company’s efforts, Kaya Cannabis claims to be the first company in the industry through its Grow it Forward projects, to donate a percentage every month for every purchase to four local organizations that are improving individuals' lives in Colorado. CEO Amanda Gonzalez believes that her company is one of many to set out to assist the homeless population. “We hope that our company can help be part of the work to end homelessness in Denver and that our contributions continue to make Colorado a more vibrant place to live, work and play, in general,” she said. California’s Potters Cannabis Co. and Golden State Greens Point Loma partnered this November, as they helped assemble lunch bag meals and distributed them to those in need throughout San Diego while teaming up with #Hashtag Lunchbag, a humanity service movement dedicated to empowering and inspiring humanity to reap the benefits of giving through the use of social media. “Some people that we handed a lunch to, hadn’t eaten in five days or more,” said Heidi Rising, general manager and event coordinator for Golden State Greens Point Loma. “We love to help our community. It keeps us going, and it feels good to give back. We never know what another person is going through or what has put them in 54
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
[that] situation. Love does not cost anything, and we all have a little extra to share, so go share it.” One of Organa Brands’ core values is being a strong representative and leader in the local community. From hosting charity golf tournaments, volunteering time, helping victims affected by Hurricanes Maria and Irma, to local coat and food drives, the company feeds and clothes hundreds of people. Chris Driessen, president of Organa Brands U.S., spoke about how his company is making waves in the community’s representation of altruism. “We are extremely proud of the success we’ve had as a company—but with success, comes huge responsibilities. We feel a real onus to serve the communities in which we operate in a meaningful and positive way. Things like the coat drive and partnerships with organizations like Grow For Vets help establish the cannabis industry as an asset to the areas in which we operate.” Not only does the cannabis industry give support to those who are homeless, but it supports humanity and dignity overall. On its own, cannabis creates unity, love, relationships and connections. Cannabis is the gift that keeps on giving, and it will continue to do so as long as members of the community care. c
“We love to help our community. it keeps us going, and it feels good to give back. We never know what another person is going through or what has put them in the situation.”
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
55
Powerful Presence
“I believe people should be educated about the plant, especially people of color. There’s just not enough people of color who are engaging in the industry, because they’re not educated on what this plant really does.”
Leading women of color are some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the industry By Devon Alexander Brown
The normalization of cannabis is ushering in an era of unprecedented economic opportunity. And like Whoopi Goldberg, there are many women of color who aren’t taking a backseat. According to the Women & Minorities in the Marijuana Industry Report, published by Marijuana Business Daily, over five percent of senior positions in the cannabis industry are held by
women of color. Also, the U.S. Census’ Survey of Business Owners and SelfEmployed Persons reported that companies owned by women of color jumped 67 percent between 2007 and 2012. Although minorities face a slew of barriers that disproportionately affect their entrepreneurial potential, these women are at the helm of the green rush. And they plan to cultivate a lot of cash.
Whitney Beatty Whitney Beatty is the CEO of Apothecarry, a provider of luxury cannabis storage and accoutrement based in California. A former television executive, Beatty grew up a firm believer in Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” antidrug campaign and never envisioned that she would be running an ancillary cannabis company. It wasn’t until she received an anxiety diagnosis that she began exploring the world of cannabis. Now she seeks to normalize cannabis culture and educate connoisseurs about properly storing their flower to avoid mold growth and a loss of potency.
56
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
“No one is talking about how to keep their meth fresh, because meth is considered an illicit drug,” Beatty said. “Back in the day when cannabis was considered an illicit drug, people weren’t talking about how to keep their plant fresh either. I keep my wine in a wine fridge, I keep liquor in bars, I keep my cigars in a humidor, but I was hiding cannabis in a lovely shoebox under my bed. That’s not right.” The Apothecarry case features airtight humidity jars that keep cannabis flower from drying out or molding, dab sticks, grinders and nooks for organizing pipes, papers and vaporizers.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
57
Marvina Thomas Marvina Thomas is the nervous type, but you would never know it. Owner of 420 Skincare and Start Living Inc. Recovery Home, Thomas is also market leader for the Phoenix chapter of Women Grow, an organization focused on female leadership in the cannabis space. Thomas, a former nurse, spent years honing her skills while crafting artisan soaps and creams. When a patient developed a fungal infection on her face, Thomas decided to add cannabis oils to her products. When they proved to be a success, she moved to a licensed kitchen
to perfect her line and the rest is history. 420 Skincare offers CBD-infused bath bombs, soaps, body butter and creams. All products are handmade using the hot process method and contain natural, organic ingredients. THC-infused options are also available in 20 dispensaries throughout Arizona. Fifty percent of all profits from 420 Skincare go toward Start Living Inc. Recovery Home, where she helps patients find employment and procure medical cannabis cards to combat alcohol and opioid addiction.
Bonita “Bo” Money Bonita “Bo” Money is a cannapreneur and founder of Women Abuv Ground, a networking organization designed to position women of color in cannabis companies, and That Glass Jar, a cannabis-infused topical developed to combat the drug-resistant bug MRSA. A California native, Money spent decades working in the entertainment industry where she often came face-to-face with racial and gender discrimination. After transitioning into cannabis she saw patterns of the same behavior and founded Women Abuv Ground in 2015 to combat industry-wide
inequity. She also developed That Glass Jar out of necessity. When a close friend contracted MRSA and fell gravely ill, the odds looked grim. So Money turned to cannabis as a last resort. After using their makeshift topical for four days, her friend’s MRSA disappeared. “I believe people should be educated about the plant, especially people of color,” Money said. “There’s just not enough people of color who are engaging in the industry, because they’re not educated on what this plant really does. They’re excluding themselves because of this.”
Tanganyika Daniels Tanganyika Daniels is the founder of Jayn Green, a gender-neutral cannabis-infused skincare line offering beard balms, beard oils and body butters. And cannabis is her lifestyle. A United States Marine Corps veteran, Daniels spent most of her life thinking negatively about cannabis. After graduating from film school in Washington, D.C., she sold her home to move to California to pursue a career in film. But while in California she landed a job with TKO Edibles and discovered the medical benefits of cannabis—which she said saved her life and led her down a path of wellness and advocacy.
58
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
“I got into this by trying to treat my symptoms of PTSD,” Daniels said. “Joining the industry I was able to jump in and find out what worked best for me, and I used that to start my line and help others.” Despite economic barriers, Daniels hopes to serve women of color as a cannabis consultant and eventually wants to open a cannabis day spa. “There’s a lot that goes into being an entrepreneur in this space,” Daniels said. “Not only the uncertainties, but you have to worry about law enforcement, you have to worry about the stigma from your family, your church members. But I want people to know that there are people in this space that look like them.” c
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
58
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
59
Industry Insider
Direct and Discreet
Cannadips founders have discovered a way to improve the cannabis consumption process By R. Scott Rappold
I
f you’ve ever taken a cannabis
and found themselves way too
nicotine. The container even looks
edible—and since you’re reading
strongly affected by cannabis.
like a tin of tobacco.
this magazine, the odds are
At Arcata, California-based
“We wanted to solve the problems
pretty good that you have—you
Cannadips, Co-founders Case
of edibles—unreliability and the amount
know that waiting feeling.
Mandel and Cliff Sammet say they’ve
of time they take,” said Mandel. Clearly, it’s a concept that cannabis
“It’s been an hour, and I
found the solution—lip pouches,
don’t feel anything. Should I eat
similar to chewing tobacco, that
consumers are embracing. After
more?” Every cannabis consumer
deliver tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
debuting in August, you can already
has a story about when they or a
from your saliva to your brain
find Cannadips in some 100 California
friend chose unwisely to eat more
in about 10 minutes, instead of
medical cannabis dispensaries.
60
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
Photos by Jason Ogulnik
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
61
Cannadips CEO Case Mandel
C.
Childhood Friends
F.
Fast-acting
Mandel and Sammet went to high school together in Santa Cruz, California and later followed different career paths—Mandel in cannabis and Sammet in corporate health care. A couple of years ago, Sammet and a friend were smoking a joint before heading into a football game and wondering how they would sustain the buzz. There was a tin of Copenhagen in the car. “I looked look over at my buddy and said, ‘We’re going to have to put the pot and mix it with chewing tobacco,’” recalled Sammet. They both had a laugh—without heating, buds don’t get you high—but the joke planted a seed that Sammet kept coming back to. After calling Mandel about it, the two decided there might be something to the idea. There is a burgeoning scientific effort to find new ways to deliver THC, and through mutual friends the two met Chemist Leslie Norris. The main barrier to such a product had always been the difficulty of making THC water-soluble. Most edibles use fat or oil for the transmission of THC, which is then absorbed by the liver and is why the THC takes so long to reach the brain. But in a pouch, said Sammet, “the medium was super discreet, and there was technology there to make it happen.” And the chemist had a way.
When you put a Cannadips pouch in your lip, you don’t need to spit out the saliva like with chewing tobacco—you begin to feel the effect within about 15 minutes. Some of the THC is absorbed by the liver, as with regular edibles,
62
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
but the THC is absorbed sublingually also. The person can then throw the packet away, and nobody around is any wiser. The effect lasts about two hours, and Cannadips says it is different from the effect with edibles, which tends to produce a “couch-lock” effect. It doesn’t taste or smell like cannabis. Flavors include citrus, mint and coffee bourbon with maple syrup. “It’s perfect for people who need something throughout the day, which isn’t going to create a disassociation,” Sammet said. “It’s going to give them a lucid, upbeat, very high-functioning experience. They don’t have the obstacles to trying to get a dose in while they’re out there on a daily basis.” Cannadips currently comes in 10mg doses, though there are plans for a stronger version. The company is also developing a CBD version, which could be available in multiple states. They’re working with a national distributor that provides tobacco to convenience stores and shops “to begin bringing CBD products to mainstream America.” There are also uncertainties going forward, as California works to enact regulations on the cannabis industry. Cannadips hopes to help convince regulators and lawmakers that it shouldn’t be held to the same standards as edibles, because there’s no danger of eating too much. Said Mandel, “This is a medically-infused product, and it’s in a category of its own.” c
“The medium was super discreet, and there was technology there to make it happen.”
Cannadips Co-Founder Cliff Sammet
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
63
Pure Laughter
Todd Glass dishes about cannabis and integrity in comedy By Jasen T. Davis
B
y the time he was 11, Todd Glass already knew that he wanted to be a professional stand-up comic. Now a veteran in an industry who eats charlatans, Glass believes stand-up comedy is the best bang a person can get for their buck in the entertainment industry. “If you go to see a comedian do an hour [show], you’ll get hundreds of laughs. If you go to see a movie, you don’t get that.” Over the years, Glass has not only performed 64
after success, Glass warns that for any comedian, performing can still feel like taming a lion for the first time. “Stand-up can be harrowing. It’s like sex, you must really want to do it or you never would.” Stand-up comedy is still a facet of the entertainment industry, and eventually any entertainer has to either make money or settle for enjoying the ride. Glass knows. Between the internet, YouTube and other platforms, comics have more opportunities than ever to find success. “It really just takes its course. You just do it and do it. Some people take longer than others. I have friends that do it as a hobby,” Glass said. “There are a lot more vehicles than there used to be. Comedy gets better and better, more real. Acting has gotten more real.” If you’ve always wanted to check it out, now is the right time. “I think comedy is in a good place,” Glass said. “It seems like a golden age.” Glass observes that stand-up comics should be
“I said a long time ago, I’m not pro-marijuana in that I want to march to get it legal. I just want to smoke it.” in prestigious locales across the planet, he’s also appeared on television shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, the legendary Politically Incorrect, and sitcoms like Home Improvement, Friends, Married . . . with Children, his own Comedy Central special, and other shows including Comics Only and The A-List. Even
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
realistic. “On one level, they all want to make a living. I’ve been doing stand up a long time. You see people who go further than you, but you also see people who quit,” Glass shared. For some, even after finding success in comedy, the fight to maintain success is one that comes with challenges. “There are actors who ended up on a series that got canceled
and they are back to waiting tables. At the end of the day, people want a vehicle to get noticed, and that can be just about anything these days,” Glass says. “A podcast, Netflix and even social media.” Glass keeps busy playing nearly every club in Los Angeles when he isn’t touring the rest of the planet or doing his podcast. “I just got done shooting another one-hour special. I put a lot of time and work into it. My last one ended up on Netflix.” He is still thinking of a name for it. Glass is also working on a television show. “I’ve shot a pilot called Camping with Todd.” The premise involves taking various celebrities into a deep, dark forest for an interview. “We sit around a crackling fire and talk.” So far some of his guests include Jon Dore, Zach Galifianakis and Eddie Pepitone. Part of the class Glass possesses is that he is cool with cannabis. “I said a long time ago, I’m not promarijuana in that I want to march to get it legal. I just want to smoke it.” Across the country, however, possession can still mean prison. “Unfortunately, it is a fight,” he says. “If someone is anti-liquor, I get it. If you don’t think pot or liquor is good, that’s OK. If a person thinks liquor should be legal but not pot, I don’t know where to start. If I go down to the beach and have a hack or wine, nobody says anything. So, I act the same way about pot. I started smoking it at 30. I don’t want to smoke it 24 hours a day. I don’t smoke seven days a week, but I like getting high, and I enjoy the people who enjoy it, too.” c
+ www.toddglass.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
65
66
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
67
Delving into DNA
O n e R e s e a r c h In i ti ati v e i s Deci p h e ring the C a n n a b i s G e n om e fo r a Bri gh ter Fu ture By Addison Herron-Wheeler
N
ow that cannabis is becoming better understood as both a medicine and recreational herb, it is more common to hear people talking about the specific genetic makeup of different varieties. But there is still a lot to learn about cannabis at the genomic level. This is why the Cannabis Genomic Research Initiative (CGRI) is specifically focused on sequencing the genomes of cannabis plants. The genome is the whole collection of DNA of an organism, all of its genetic makeup. The CGRI team isn’t just doing this out of scientific curiosity. Although it is certainly a worthy endeavor to understand how cannabis DNA works, especially something as widely used as cannabis, this information can also be used by cultivators to breed better strains, generate specific products that will target pain and nausea or deliver other desired effects. 68
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
69
“It is going to make life easier for growers and breeders, because right now people are choosing plants because they are the color purple, or they smell like lemon, but with other crops, like corn, soy and wheat, they have all these genetic tools, and we are developing them for cannabis,” explained Dr. Daniela Vergara, an evolutionary biologist and co-founder of CGRI. “So you’ll be able to tell what properties it’s going to have, like if it is going to be purple, or tall or whatever characteristics you want in our plant.” Vergara and her team hope to be able to tell breeders which two plants to cross, which will help when it comes to seed selection and making breeding predictable. This can be beneficial for those looking to make 70
a profit off of certain types of cannabis, and for the discerning consumer, it will ensure that the stickiest, strongest and most specifically-bred buds are available. It also has definite applications for those wanting medical cannabis. “The research we are doing is helping to identify why the plant is important, and further what constitutes a strain; what makes them different; what is
common in all cannabis,” said Reggie Gaudino, vice president of science, genetics and intellectual property at Steep Hill Labs, a lab that partners as research collaborators with CGRI. “Can we establish a kind of ‘traveling partner’ map? By that I mean, are there certain compounds that are usually found together?” This would provide more information about the lineage of the plants, in order to notate a broader view of what is important when it comes to treating specific conditions. In some cases, it may be that strains from specific lineages produce certain compounds, which would be a helpful thing to know. In addition to the obvious questions about how we can grow cannabis better, stronger and more specifically-targeted cannabis, the scientists at CGRI believe that it can also help us answer questions about evolution in general, and the origin of the two sexes. “I’m most excited about what’s in the X and Y chromosomes,” explained Dr. Nolan Kane, another researcher and co-founder of the project. “What makes the sex chromosomes different from the rest of
“What makes the sex chromosomes different from the rest of the genome, and that’s something that’s so interesting. In our ancestry they evolved 250 million years ago, but in cannabis it’s happening right now.”
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
the genome, and that’s something that’s so interesting. In our ancestry they evolved 250 million years ago, but in cannabis it’s happening right now.” Kane believes that by studying the events that happened throughout natural history, and what is happening now with cannabis evolution, researchers will be able to learn about the origin of two separate sexes from one hermaphrodite ancestor. To fund their research, the group also has a nonprofit, the Agricultural Genomics Foundation. Donors can fund these important studies through the website www. agriculturalgenomics. org, allowing genomic research to continue. This is where CGRI has received most of its funding. “I am really excited about all of this research, all of the movement, and I think it’s cool that there are a lot of women involved,” Vergara said. “I think there are so many opportunities and so many tools to be developed.” “When we started out there were some other people doing genomic research, but it was pretty limited,” Kane added. “Now there is a lot of research in the legal landscape and in general, there are quite a few different groups realizing the importance of this. We aren’t the only ones working towards this goal, and there is a small amount of friendly competition, but we are really working together to try and find these sources that we think will be useful to everybody.” c
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
71
“We have been using HempRx to treat arthritis, anxiety, cancer, seizures and IBD in [cats].”
The Purr-fect Dose I mp rovin g the life of f el in e pet s t hrough m edi cal c a n nabis
72
T
By M. Jay here are many companies that are developing cannabis medications for pets, including both the canine and feline varieties. Some of these companies include Seattle-based CannaVet, True Leaf Pet, Pet Releaf, infusedPets and Canna-Pet, to name a few. CULTURE connected with Canna-Pet to learn more about the efficacy of medical
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
cannabis for cats. Established in 2013, this company offers hemp-derived products for pets. Samantha Wormser, spokesperson for Canna-Pet shared more about the effectiveness of her company’s products. “More than two dozen cannabinoid, terpenes and flavonoids are found in our products,” Wormser said. These cannabinoids have been proven to work for treating multiple symptoms.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
73
Some of the most profound results from cannabis use can be seen in cats with seizures. Cannabinoids work by activating the brain’s CB1 receptors, thus reducing the length and frequency of a seizure. Often, CBD completely dissolves the occurrence of seizures altogether. What other kinds of issues does cannabis help with? “There are definitely a lot of different ailments that are treatable with Canna-Pet. But, the top would be anxiety, gastro issues (lack of appetite, diarrhea, etc.) and pain and seizures,” added Wormser. There are many feline owners who have already found success in treating their companions with CBD. According to one company that manufactures CBD medicine for pets, it has the potential to turn some pets’ lives around. One anonymous cat owner provided a testimonial about their pet’s improvement with Canna-Pet’s medicine. The pet owner’s cat, Spider, was suffering both from cancer as well as a lack of appetite. “About a week after starting my 17-year-old tabby boy Spider, on Canna-Pet, he started acting like a new cat!” the owner
74
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
wrote. “He has always been a picky eater, and over the last year he has at times completely stopped eating and lost weight.” Since Spider started consuming cannabis, he was reported to also be more cuddly and active, in addition to putting on some weight. Many veterinarians recognize the effectiveness of medical cannabis as well. Dr. Angie Krause of Boulder Holistic Vet in Colorado is one of many who treats cats with cannabis. “We have been using HempRx to treat arthritis,
“Since Spider started consuming cannabis, he was reported to also be more cuddly and active, in addition to putting on some weight.”
anxiety, cancer, seizures and irritable bowel syndrome (IBD) in [cats],” she told CULTURE. Most commonly, she’s witnessed cats experiencing arthritis and pain. Fortunately, she added that there isn’t normally a problem administering CBD medicine to cats. “I have seen very few side effects and most cats find the oil palatable.” For those who are interested in giving their cat cannabis, Dr. Krause recommends starting off slow. “Start with a CBD-only product and ensure the potency is therapeutic,” she noted. “While there are beneficial properties of THC, our [cats] can’t tell us what they are feeling. These [CBD-only] products are also more available in all 50 states. Good farming practices and extraction methods do make a big difference in the quality of the product.” Some domestic felines have been known to live up to 30 years. While the secret to this longevity is unknown, what we do know is that older cats are especially in need of medicine to help them live healthier and happier. Thanks to CBD treatments, many felines are able to go about their daily lives and stay with their families longer. c
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
75
culture growing RECI P E S COUR A GE IN P RO F ILE
Tweaking Bud Potency Using Light By Ed Rosenthal People used to think that plants were vegetables; that they have no way of reacting quickly to their environment and were more like couch potatoes with very slow reactions. There were always signs in clear sight that this isn’t necessarily so. Sunflowers move so they always face the sun. The Venus flytrap closes on its victims the second its prey touches it. A fraction of a second after lights are turned on, plants start photosynthesizing. Mimosa pudica, also called “the sensitive plant,” quickly collapses its leaves upon being touched. However, when it is touched repeatedly by the same stimulus, it becomes habituated and stops reacting. After not stimulating the plant for weeks, it still “remembered” the stimulus and didn’t react. It had “learned.” Rhodopsin is a pigment that is very sensitive to light. A version of Rhodopsin is found in bacteria, and it is used in our sophisticated sight system. It’s also found in plants and helps cannabis regulate its flowering by distinguishing light from dark periods. Plants also share stress responses with animals regarding UV light. In animals, dark skin has high melanin content to protect against UV light. Light skin develops more intense stress reactions and respond to the light by producing melanin, causing tanning, or more severely, sunburn, which actually results in destruction of layers of skin and other destructive reactions. Plants growing under natural sunlight develop resistance to these harmful UV rays in several ways. They grow longer protective cells (palisade cells) to disperse the light
to minimize its intensity, and they produce higher levels of pigments, flavonoids and terpenes as sun shields. In various experiments and anecdotal reports THC production increased by 10 percent. Terpene levels also increase significantly. There are positive effects in other plants, too. For instance, tomatoes grow thicker skins and contain more flavonoids. When plants grown indoors are placed outdoors in late spring or summer, they sometimes get sunburned. Their leaves droop or dry out, and they suffer tissue damage. Whether or not they survive and thrive, they are set back. For this reason plants should be gently, gradually introduced to direct sun, perhaps first placed in the shade or by using shade cloth to protect against the sun’s intensity. You might think that plants in greenhouses are getting full sun. However, most plastics and glass are opaque to UV light. One exception is acrylic sheet, often known by its brand name, “PLEXIGLAS.” Indoors, fluorescents and HPS lamps produce no UV light. Metal halide lamps often produce small but significant amounts of UV, but the plate glass required for safely enclosing the lamp in the reflector is opaque to it. Some LED manufacturers include the spectrum in their mixes, but emitters in these spectrums are still costly. The lamps need only be used during the last 10 to 15 days of flowering, for six hours a day. For instance, plants growing outdoors receive the highest amount of UV light in the summer when they are in the vegetative stage. I haven’t seen the results of any experimentation on this. This is an area where there is a lot of room for experimentation. c
This room is illuminated using tanning lamps. Usually they are used five hours a day in conjunction with HPS lamps. In this photo the HPS lamps have been turned off for illustrative purposes.
A view of the room showing the six-foot tanning lamps.
A tanning lamp with reflector.
Reptile lights can be used to supply UV light.
Garden of the Month® Coral Cove Greenhouse, Jamaica.
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.
76
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
77
P RO F ILE
IN
COUR A GE
RECI P E S
growing
culture
aulo Lacerda Sobral
78
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
Age: 35 Condition/Illness: ADD Using Medical Cannabis Since: 2013 Why did you start using cannabis? I got curious about cannabis when I was 31 and watched a documentary about psychedelics. At the time I was just diagnosed with adult ADD and got into meditation. Cannabis made me more aware of my body and mind and actually helped me focus. An added benefit I didn’t anticipate was that it made for an excellent pre-workout. When I work out high, I’m completely focused and more aware of my individual muscles and joints. When I play basketball high, I feel like the defenders are in slow motion, and I’m operating in a flow state. The day after grueling workouts I go to CBD, and I can walk with little discomfort. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I put my health above anything, and other methods and treatments might cure a certain symptom, but then cause 10 other negative side effects. Even when I
would have surgeries or sports injuries, I refused opiates and other pain killers. The main side effects I could find with moderate cannabis use is that some strains cause some people to feel sleepy. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Stigmas which lead to shame—my fiancé’s mother just passed away from cancer, and her pharmacist told her that medical marijuana was bad for her health. Our government has really done its citizens a disservice by not sharing medical research on the benefits of cannabis. I now work in sales for Bloom Farms, a cannabis startup in California. I hope by being open about my cannabis use and showing that I’m an active, professional member of society, I get more people curious about cannabis. What do you say to those who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? “Medicine” is a loose term. Almost anyone can agree that stress causes excess cortisol in our bodies, which has many devastating effects on your general health. If you do nothing else but smoke a joint after a long day of work, you’re getting medicinal benefits. c
Are you an medical cannabis patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
79
Menu: Honey Butter Glazed Ham Beef Brisket with Onions Classic Champagne Cocktail
growing
culture
Tis the Season Local eateries with similar dishes: 1300 on Fillmore 1300 Fillmore St., San Francisco (415) 771-7100 1300fillmore.com
RECI P E S
Mangia Tutti Ristorante 635 Clay St., San Francisco (415) 788-2088 www.mangiatuttisf.com Café Colucci 6427 Telegraph Ave., Oakland (510) 601-7999 www.cafecolucci.com
COUR A GE
1/2 cup honey
P RO F ILE
Honey Butter Glazed Ham
IN
Classic Christmas entrÉe
80
Ingredients: 1/4 cup cannabutter
Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Melt the butter in a small microwavesafe bowl. Stir in the honey, brown sugar and mustard until smooth. Stir in thyme and garlic; set aside.
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan large enough to hold it with room on the sides. Score the top surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making the cuts about 3/4” apart. Spoon half of the honey butter mixture over the ham.
3-5 pound fully cooked half ham
3. Roast the ham, uncovered, for
2/3 cup brown sugar 2-3 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
The holidays are a celebration recognized by many different cultures with traditions that span generations, and the food that is served during this time of year is no exception. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or nothing at all, there is no better time to make a thoughtful, special meal for your friends and family—especially when it's infused with a little bit of cannabis cheer. Embrace the sweet and savory flavors of a traditional Christmas ham, delight in the scents and flavor of a juicy brisket, and top it all off with the clinking of Champagne glasses to ring in the New Year. Sprinkle with joy, laughter and fun— and you have the ultimate recipe for an enchanted holiday season!
20 minutes, then spoon over the rest of the butter mixture. Roast for another 20 minutes, then baste the ham with the pan drippings. 4. Roast for another 20 minutes (for a 3-pound ham), 40 minutes (for a 4-pound ham), or 60 minutes (for a 5-pound ham) or until the ham reaches 145° and is glazed. 5. Baste every 15 minutes with drippings. Slice thinly to serve. Serve this ham with scalloped potatoes, sautéed green beans and some big dinner rolls with lots of butter for a great holiday meal.
Beef Brisket with Onions Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
2 teaspoons thyme, chopped 1 teaspoon oregano, chopped 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika 1 6-pound flat-cut brisket 1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups dry white wine 1 cup chicken stock 2 cups diced canned Italian tomatoes, drained 3 bay leaves 3 medium onions, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons garlic cloves, chopped
Note: Like most braised dishes, this brisket is best made a day or two in advance. Look for a leaner, flat-cut or first-cut brisket with a layer of fat that is at least one-eighth inch thick. If you can’t find a 6-pound piece, buy 2 smaller pieces.
Classic Champagne Cocktail Instructions:
1 THC-infused sugar cube
1. Place the sugar cube in the bottom of a Champagne flute. Saturate the cube with bitters. Add the brandy.
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters 1 ounce brandy
2. Fill with Champagne and watch the sugar cube dissolve. Garnish with an orange peel or maraschino cherry.
culture
Ingredients per drink:
growing
1 cup hot water
3. Add the brisket, fat side down. Cook over moderately high heat until well-browned, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer brisket to a plate and pour off any excess fat from the casserole. Add the wine and chicken stock, then pour in the reserved mushroom soaking liquid. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the casserole and stir in the drained tomatoes, porcini and bay leaves.
5. Transfer the brisket to a carving board and cover loosely with foil. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes, season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Discard bay leaves. Carve the brisket across the grain into 3/8-inch thick slices and arrange on a large, warm platter. Spoon sauce and onions over the meat and serve. If cooking the brisket ahead, let the meat cool in the sauce before refrigerating. Skim the fat from the surface and slice the brisket, then rewarm the meat in the sauce.
RECI P E S
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon cannabisinfused olive oil
COUR A GE
Classic Hanukkah Entree
2. After 20 minutes, remove the mushrooms from the soaking liquid; rinse and coarsely chop them. Reserve the soaking liquid. Preheat oven to 350°. While the oven is heating, heat oil in a large enameled cast-iron casserole until shimmering.
IN
1. In a small bowl, combine salt and pepper with the thyme, oregano and paprika. Rub the seasonings all over the brisket. In a medium heatproof bowl, cover the porcini mushrooms with hot water, and set aside until softened, about 20 minutes.
4. Return the brisket to the casserole, fat side up. Scatter the onions and garlic over the meat and into the liquid and bring to a boil. Cover and cook in the oven for 1 hour. Uncover and cook for 30 minutes. Spoon the onions on top of the brisket and cook for about 30 minutes longer to brown the onions. Push some of the onions back into the liquid, return the cover to the pot and braise for another 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
P RO F ILE
Instructions:
4-6 ounces Champagne Orange peel or maraschino cherry
Note: It’s best to add the Champagne at the very last minute.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
81
NORCAL NOW! event listings
East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest 2017, Dec. 9 The East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest (EBABZ) is returning to Oakland for its eighth year and arriving once again to celebrate zine culture. EBABZ serves as a safe space where people can grab a table and share their own personal and collaborative projects. Omni Commons, Oakland www.ebabzfest.com
“The Legend Of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses,” Dec. 9 An event for both gamers and symphony-goers, "Symphony of the Goddesses" takes the audience on an auditory journey though the history and lore of the Legend of Zelda franchise. While not every title is featured in the symphony, “Symphony of the Goddesses” highlights the pivotal musical moments from the franchise that will have you running to replay your copy of classics like Majora’s Mask or A Link to the Past. City National Civic, San Jose www.zelda-symphony.com 82
Santa Skivvies Run, Dec. 10 Put on your favorite red or holiday-themed underwear, and get ready for the Santa Skivvies Run, an annual festive one-mile run through the Castro district of San Francisco that raises money for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. After the run, join to wild times at Santa’s Village Block Party where you can eat, dance and strut your stuff in the beloved Santa’s Walk-Off. Lookout, San Francisco www.santaskivviesrun.org Winter Solstice Sound Bath, Dec. 21 Celebrate and attune your body with the slow, inward energy of the solstice by meditating and listening to the healing sounds of crystal quartz singing bowls at the Winter Solstice Sound Bath. Presenter Melissa Felsenstein aims to create a harmonious balance between your body and mind in addition to restoring your nervous system through sound healing. University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley www.events.berkeley.edu POPNYE, Dec. 29-31 Ring in the New Year with three nights of nonstop music and fun as POPNYE makes its return to San Francisco. Featuring a lineup of some of the
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
featured event
SantaCon 2017, Dec. 9
Put on your Santa suit and join up to 8,000 other people dressed up like Santa in the biggest pub-crawl of the holiday season. For SantaCon 2017, Union Square becomes flooded with red-and-white-dressed Santas, with plenty of holiday spirit and alcohol to go around. Union Square, San Francisco www.santacon.info biggest trance artists in the EDM scene like Showtek and Gorgon City, POPNYE is sure to have you dancing into the New Year. San Francisco Armory, San Francisco www.popnye.com EYE HEART SF, Dec. 31 Recognized by Rolling Stone and VICE as one of the best New Year’s
Eve parties in the United States, Eye Heart SF prides itself on the experiences its guests have. This year’s party is headlined by T-Pain and features a Champagne toast at midnight to properly ring in the New Year. Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion, San Francisco www.eyeheart.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
83
News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—TRADITIONS The 72nd annual Yellville (Arkansas) Turkey Trot, which took place on Oct. 14, is famous for its Turkey Drop, in which live turkeys are dropped from a low-flying airplane and then chased by festivalgoers. This year, KY3. com reports, several turkeys were dropped during the afternoon despite animalrights activists having filed a formal complaint with the sheriff’s office, saying the pilot “terrorized” the birds. But pharmacist and past pilot Dana Woods told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: “We treat the turkeys right. That may sound ironic, but we don’t abuse those turkeys. We coddle and pet those turkeys. We’re good to them.” Wild turkeys can fly, but in 2016, about a dozen turkeys were dropped and not all survived the fall. According to The Washington Post, over the past several years, local sponsors and the chamber of commerce have distanced themselves from the Turkey Drop, now more than five decades old. The Federal Aviation Administration is checking to see if any laws or regulations were broken, but said it has not intervened in past years because the turkeys are not considered to be projectiles. ‘TIS THE SEASON Could turkeys be sensing the peril of the season? Police in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, tweeted a warning to the town’s 84
residents on Oct. 15 about aggressive wild turkeys, WBZ-TV reported. As proof, an accompanying video showed four turkeys chasing a Bridgewater police cruiser, but police were not as amused as their Twitter followers. “Aggressive turkeys are a problem in town,” the department tweeted. “State law doesn’t allow the police or (animal control) to remove them.” UPDATE In 1990, Marlene Warren, 40, answered her door in Wellington, Florida, and was shot in the face by a clown bearing balloons (one of which read “You’re the greatest!”) and flowers. On Sept. 26, Palm Beach County Sgt. Richard McAfee announced that Warren’s widower’s current wife, Sheila Keen Warren, 54, had been arrested for the murder, 27 years after the fact, and taken into custody in Abingdon, Virginia. Sheila Keen married Michael Warren in 2002, NBC News reported. (Warren went to prison in 1994 for odometer tampering, grand theft and racketeering in connection with his car rental agency.) Sheila had worked for him, repossessing cars, and they were reportedly having an affair when the murder took place. While Sheila had always been a suspect, new technology finally allowed prosecutors to retest DNA evidence and build a case against her. SEX THERAPY Zookeepers believe China’s four-year-old giant panda Meng Meng, currently on loan to the Berlin Zoo, displays her displeasure with her surroundings, food or caretakers by walking backward. “Meng Meng is in puberty,” Zoo Director
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
Andreas Knieriem explained to the Berliner Zeitung newspaper on Oct. 22. “The reverse walk is a protest.” To address the situation, zookeepers will introduce Meng Meng to Jiao Qing, a male giant panda three years older, who presumably will ease her frustration by engaging in sexual activity with her. LUCKY! Kenyans Gilbert Kipleting Chumba and David Kiprono Metto were among the favorites to win the Venice Marathon on Oct. 22. Instead, Eyob Ghebrehiwet Faniel, 25, a local running in only his second marathon, took the prize after the lead runners were led several hundred meters off-course by an errant guide motorcycle. Faniel is the first Italian man to win the Venice Marathon in 22 years. “Today’s race shows that the work is paying off,” Faniel said following his victory. Uh, sure. MOST CONSIDERATE CRIMINAL Nelly’s Taqueria in Hicksville, New York, suffered a break-in on Oct. 3, but the burglar redefined the term “clean getaway.” Surveillance video showed a man donning food-service gloves and starting a pot of water to boil before hammering open the cash register. He secured $100 in his pockets, leaving a dollar in the tip jar, then started “cooking up a storm,” owner Will Colon told Newsday. Cameras recorded as the thief cooked beans, sauteed shrimp and chicken, and helped himself to a cold soda before enjoying his meal standing up. “The way he handled that pan, man, the dude had some skills,” Colon said. Afterward, he carefully stored the leftovers
in the refrigerator, cleaned his pans and wiped down all the surfaces he had used. Then he took off through the back window, the same way he had come in. PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM US In Lissone, Italy, 40-yearold fitness instructor Laura Mesi made news when she married herself in late September. “I told my relatives and friends that if I had not found my soul mate, I would marry myself by my 40th birthday,” Mesi said, according to The Independent. She spent more than 10,000 euros ($11,700) for the occasion, which included a white wedding dress, a threetiered cake, bridesmaids and 70 guests. Mesi is part of a self-marrying movement dubbed “sologamy” that has followers all over the world. Her marriage holds no legal significance. “If tomorrow I find a man to build a future with, I will be happy, but my happiness will not depend on him,” Mesi declared. An anonymous collector from Palm Beach, Florida, was the winning bidder in an Oct. 11 online auction for a half-smoked cigar that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill enjoyed during a 1947 trip to Paris. AP reports the 4-inch cigar remnant brought just over $12,000 in the auction managed by Boston-based RR Auction. The company says Churchill smoked the cigar on May 11, 1947, at Le Bourget Airport. A British airman, Cpl. William Alan Turner, kept the cigar after he and his crew flew Churchill and his wife between Paris and London. The label on the Cuban stogie includes Churchill’s name.
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
85
86
DECEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2017
87