Culture Magazine NorCal January 2017 by Culture Magazine

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

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January 2017

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

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January 2017

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

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January 2017

contents Vol 8 IssUE 7

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01.17

p h o t o b y H a r m o n y G er b er

MUSICAL CLARITY The songwriter, lead guitarist and frontman of Everclear talks about the band’s unique and nostalgic ’90s music, cannabis and goals for 2017.

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contents

inside

1. 2017

32 74

feature

Big Business Don’t miss out on the leading cannabis B2B event of the year at the BIG Industry Show in Los Angeles.

Industry Insider Apop Media’s CEO, Matt Young, creates a new platform for cannabis advertisements at dispensaries.

The Secret Of Health Embrace your New Year’s resolution to stay healthy, and let cannabis help you along the way.

The Emerald Embrace Having just celebrated its 13th year, here’s what went down at the famous Emerald Cup in Santa Rosa last month.

departments news

Online Exclusive!

18 News Nuggets 20 By the Numbers 22 Local News

reviews

50 Collective

Highlight 52 Company Highlight 54 Cool Stuff 56 Entertainment Reviews 58 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews

in every issue

70 Shooting Gallery 72 Growing Culture

74 Destination Unknown 76 Profile in Courage 78 Recipes 82 NorCal Now! 84 News of the Weird

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

d Bernie Sanders wants better

cannabis banking policies d Pop up cannabis shops to open in Montreal

Vol 8 IssUE 7

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January 2017

CULTURE M

Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Jamie Solis Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Jefferson Van Billiard, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designer Tanya Delgadillo sales director Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Teddy Helms, Beau Odom, Chris Thatcher, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson digital marketing Alazzia Gaoay manager Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla

Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 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.

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January 2017

NEWS

nuggetS

Sacramento City Council Approves Cannabis Cultivation Ordinance

City Council members in Sacramento voted in November to allow licensed cannabis cultivation businesses within its city limits. Although the 5-3 vote was a win for Sacramento, the city will not begin issuing permits immediately. The city presented choices between amending “ . . . chapter 5.150 of the Sacramento City Code relating to marijuana cultivation permits and the delivery of medical marijuana, with direction to staff to return to council with 1) a neighborhood responsibility plan, 2) options for delivery-only dispensaries and 3) hiring criteria for previous offenders.” The council chose the former “neighborhood responsibility plan,” which was proposed by two councilmembers who were worried about how legal cannabis cultivation could affect the local neighborhoods. This plan would ensure that fees being paid by licensed cultivators would benefit local communities. The city will come up with necessary fees for cultivators based off of research it does into topics like how cannabis cultivation facilities affect law enforcement needs, property values and day-to-day life.

PTSD is Added to Minnesota’s List of Cannabis Qualifying Conditions Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Minnesota will be able to medicate using medical cannabis starting August 2017. The Minnesota Department of Health expanded its list of medical conditions to include PTSD after careful consideration, according to Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger in a press release. “This decision was made after careful deliberation of available evidence, consultation with experts in the field and public input,” Ehlinger said. “While the process of reviewing these potential additions was difficult due to the relative lack of published scientific evidence, PTSD presented the strongest case for potential benefits. PTSD also has few effective treatment alternatives available for some patients with the condition.” There are around 3,500 registered medical cannabis patients in Minnesota. While patients are only permitted to use cannabis oil or pills, Ehlinger shared that topical forms of cannabis will be allowed as soon as next year.

The Fight Continues for a Better Cannabis Cultivation Zoning Ordinance in Sonoma County Sonoma County supervisors have adopted a new cannabis cultivation zoning ordinance that does not follow the recommendations received from the county’s Planning Commission. The new ordinance was adopted during the supervisors’ meeting on December 20, although it was initially approved at the December 14 city council meeting. The new ordinance will permit cannabis cultivation in commercial and industrial zones only, despite the county’s Planning Commission recommendation to include rural residential zones as well. Many growers and city officials opposed leaving out rural residential zones as compliant cultivation sites. Joe Munson, a local cannabis grower, spoke at the meeting. “This is going to affect a whole lot of people,” Munson said. “This is how they feed themselves. People are going to head right back into the hills, the national forests.” The ordinance will also permit a per-square-foot tax for cannabis cultivation, ranging from 35 cents to $18.75, and it will appear on the ballot during a special election on March 7, 2017.

Cayman Islands Voted Unanimously to Allow Cannabis Oil The Cayman Islands, which are located northeast of Jamaica, voted unanimously to allow medical cannabis oil for patients with qualifying conditions. Premier Honor Alden McLaughlin made a speech in the Legislative Assembly. McLaughlin said, “Madam Speaker, I also wish to advise the House and the country that after carefully considering the merits and demerits of legalising the use of medical cannabinoid oil to treat those in our community with a debilitating disease, whether cancer, glaucoma, or perhaps even severe epilepsy, Government is persuaded that it is better to favour hope and compassion over fear.” He continued to explain that the Cabinet directed the Legal Department to draft a bill that would allow patients cannabinoid oil, which would be prescribed to them by doctors. McLaughlin also explained this was an urgent manner due to the need of patients, especially considering one Caymanian whose access to oil could make a difference between life and death. The new bill will only permit cannabis oil, and it will not permit the use of the whole cannabis plant for medical purposes. 18

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January 2017

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the City of Sacramento receives from medical cannabis taxes annually: (Source: Sacramento Bee)

The number of votes, out of 8, by the Sacramento City Council in favor of approving licensed cannabis cultivation within city limits: (Source: CBS Sacramento)

The number of Sonoma County Supervisors, out of four, who were in favor of approving an ordinance that allows small-scale commercial cannabis gardens in rural residential areas in early December: (Source: North Bay Business Journal)

The estimated number of cannabis growers operating in Sonoma County: (Source: Marin Independent Journal)

3,000

The number of preliminary medical cannabis licenses that were approved by the Maryland Medical Cannabis board: (Source: The Baltimore Sun)

102

The updated amount of medical cannabis, in grams, that veterans in Vancouver, Canada will be reimbursed for by the federal government, per day: (Source: Kelowna Daily Courier)

The total number of cannabis companies that were being traded on the Australian Stock Exchange, as of (Source: Yahoo! News) mid-November, 2016:

WHAT: Oakland Fire Donations Opportunities. WHEN/WHERE: Ongoing. Phytologie, 8440 Enterprise Wy., Oakland, and Cannabis Buyers Club of Berkeley, 3033 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. INFO: Visit phytologieoakland.com or cbcbberkeley.com for contact information on how you can help.

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200

The number of applications for licenses that were received by the Jamaican Cannabis Licensing Authority at the end of October 2016 for growing or processing medical cannabis: (Source: Jamaica Observer)

Oakland Fire Donations

The tragic Ghost Ship fire in Oakland not only shook the local community of Northern California, but its horrific outcome has impacted people across the country. While the arts community at large has come together to help victims and families of victims from the Oakland Ghost Ship fire, the cannabis community is also doing its part. Both Phytologie in Oakland and Cannabis Buyers

The approximate number of cannabis cultivators that have registered with the city of Sacramento with hopes of obtaining a formal business permit: (Source: Sacramento Bee)

Club of Berkeley have come together to give back by collecting money and donations like clothing, food, toiletries and home goods. Other ways to donate back to those who need it most is by going to the fundraiser hosted by TAP or Trans Assistance Project, as well as a GoFundMe fundraiser that is raising money to help surviving residents who lived in Ghost Ship to find a new home.

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January 2017

NEWS

LOCAL

REVERSE IT Campbell officials may lift ban on medical cannabis businesses

by Jamie Solis

he city of Campbell will consider a proposal on January 12, 2017. If passed, it could permit the delivery, sale and cultivation of medical cannabis within city limits. On the agenda for the January meeting, the city outlines to either disapprove or adopt the “Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.38 of the Campbell Municipal Code to Allow Delivery of Medical Marijuana.” The city clerk gave the council a report on December 6 which outlined the details of Keep Campbell Green’s plan to amend the city’s municipal code to allow medical cannabis operations. At that meeting, the city council voted that they first needed a report about how medical cannabis would impact the residents and the city of Campbell. Back in March, Campbell city council enacted a ban on medical cannabis businesses. Since then, the cultivation, sale and delivery of cannabis has been illegal. Keep Campbell Green is a group that formed with the intention of creating a ballot initiative that would reverse the ban in certain areas of the city. The initiative was initially intended to appear on the November 8 ballot, however the city clerk turned it down because there were issues with the text of the initiative’s petition documents. The group did not let this deter its plan, and Keep Campbell Green collected more signatures and has proposed the new ordinance to either be adopted by city council or to appear during a special election in 2017. The report will be given to the council no later than January 6, 2017. The council will be

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

Black Comix Arts Festival given 10 days to either adopt the initiative or call for a special election. During the December 6 meeting, Councilmember Paul Resnikoff said, “We obviously want as much time as we can get to prepare for a special election.” If passed, the initiative will permit medical cannabis collectives in specified zones, and it would also allow for the delivery of medical cannabis. Both indoor and outdoor cultivation of medical cannabis would also be permitted in the city, given that patients are allowed 100 square feet for cultivation and caregivers are allowed 500 square feet.

“If passed, the initiative will permit medical cannabis collectives in specified zones, and it would also allow for the delivery of medical cannabis.” The ordinance will also require testing at laboratories for concentration and impurities, according to the Keep Campbell Green website, in addition to other important regulations like zoning and licensing. “The ordinance generally prohibits commercial cannabis activity on a property that has entrances or exits that abut any residentially zoned land, or shares a corner with residentially zoned land, or is directly across the street from residentially zoned property by a street that is at least 80 feet in width.” The ordinance also outlines penalties for businesses that operate without obtaining a license. If city officials don’t adopt the initiative as is, it will prove to be an expensive decision. The special election could cost the city up to $429,702, according to a staff report. If there are competing measures on the ballot, it could cost up to $71,200 more. c

This art festival celebrates the unique creativity that African Americans have contributed to comic arts and visual culture. There will be many special guests in attendance of the event. Actor, director and producer Robert Townsend, Author and media scholar Frances Gateward and the writer and artist John Jennings are just a few of the talented individuals who will be at this event. The Black Comix Arts Festival is familyfriendly, as there is a kids’ activities section, but it also includes a film screenings for the adults as well. Panels and conversations will give better insight into the huge contributions that the African American community has brought to the visual and comic arts. Film screenings and cosplay events will bring even more handson excitement and education to the Black Comix Arts Festival. WHAT: Black Comix Arts Festival. WHEN/WHERE: Sun, Jan. 15-Mon, Jan. 16. San Francisco Public Library and City View at Metreon, San Francisco. INFO: Visit sfmlkday. org for more information.

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January 2017

We’ll See You at The Leading Cannabis B2B Event—

BIG Industry Show

WHAT: BIG Industry Show.

WHEN/WHERE: Thurs, Jan. 19-Fri, Jan. 20. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. INFO: Visit www. bigindustryshow.com for more information.

At CULTURE we pride ourselves in sponsoring the hottest events in the cannabis industry, and we can’t wait to see you all at the BIG Industry Show happening in Los Angeles this month. Join us as we spend time networking with the best of the best in the cannabis industry. While networking opportunities will be endless, that is just one of the many exciting features of the BIG Industry Show. This business-to-business trade show is put on by the Buyers Industry Guide. All avenues of the cannabis sector will be exhibiting at this huge event. There will be distributers, manufacturers and wholesalers in attendance that are ready to sell their innovative and top-quality products to store owners, distributors and wholesale buyers. Products featured at this event will be great all sorts of retailers including alternative gift markets, adult stores, smoke shops, vapor shops, tattoo shops and more. The Vaporize Expo is also happening at

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

the BIG Industry Show. This element gives business professionals a way to find the latest products, suppliers and professional connections in the vape industry. Make sure that your business is set up for success by connecting with some of the best buyers and distributors out there. Additionally, attendees will benefit from sales clinics like Vape 101 and Marketing 101. Another exciting part of the BIG Industry Show that we know you are looking forward to is Horticulture 360˚. This show is intended to give priceless resources to cannabis growers and cultivators from across the country. Find out what growing trends can help your yield, while meeting with industry leading wholesalers, individual growers, product developers and other professionals. Some of the featured vendors will be Advanced Nutrients, Way to Grow, West Coast Growers, Black Dog LED, Stokes Confections and many more. Horticulture 360˚ will also feature seminars and clinics on important topics like seeds, growing, trim, hemp, CBD, extraction, intellectual property, legal matters and profits.

The Galleria is a business-to-business event exclusively at BIG Industry Show that will showcase creative and functional glass art. Glass artists will get a chance to show off their best work while seeing the techniques and creations made by other top artists. Some of the various artists featured will include Blitzkriega, Jop, Vibe and Zii. Attendees who choose to preregister to buy their tickets will get $420 in vouchers that can be spent at BIG Industry Show. Vouchers will be good toward a large number of different companies, which include Formula 420, CannaFresh, Nexus Glass, Newport Butane, Blaq Vapor, Dank Fung Extracts, Magna Bowl, Integra by Dessicare, Cloud Pen and many more. Like the website says best, “The industry is booming, sales and soaring and the market is on the rise. Is your business properly aligned?” Make sure your business is set up for outstanding success by attending BIG Industry Show. c

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January 2017

Industry Insider “Being a dispensary operator, every Monday we would have training, and by Wednesday the training would be misconstrued . . . It was very hard to keep the staff informed of all these new products all the time.”

Matt Young of APOP MEDIA

by R. Scott Rappold

i nce you’re reading this, the odds are good that you have experienced the waiting room of a cannabis dispensary. Is there a television? Are they showing an old Cheech and Chong movie or information about cannabis that can help inform your purchase? If it’s the latter, the odds are that the programming (and the television) is from Apop Media. The Los Angelesbased media company, co-founded

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by CEO Matt Young in 2015, has become one of the largest providers, with televisions and programming in 120 California collectives and doctors’ offices. They’ll soon expand to Washington, Colorado and Canada. For Young, it’s about not only improving the waiting room experience, but also showing the products available at the collective and helping patients decide what’s right for them. And forget the old-

p h o t o s b y J o h n G ilh o o le y

fashioned chalkboard with the strains of the day. Apop (short for “At Point of Purchase”) Media also provides televisions to serve as informational platforms and digital menus. “You’re taking a TV that was playing non-cannabis-related content, Scarface or I Love Lucy or whatever, and transforming that waiting room into an educating and engaging experience,” said Young, 45. “We’re improving the look and feel of the store.” >>

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January 2017

Collective Experience

Ambience and Information

Like many an epiphany that has come out of coastal California, Young’s occurred to him while he was surfing. It was 2008 and Young, a longtime entrepreneur, was looking for his next big thing. He had recently been forced to shut down his company that made an energy drink mix called “Blow,” white powder sold in a vial that was the equivalent of three Red Bulls. It seems the feds took issue with marketing a product that was similar to cocaine. While waiting for a wave on his surfboard, he floated past his neighbor, who happened to run a medical cannabis collective. The neighbor was having trouble finding good product and Young, who knew a thing or two about cultivating, offered to get involved. Flash forward several years later—Young had enough of the red tape and constant risk of being arrested or shut down, so he sold his interest in the collective. But in his experience running it, the idea for Apop Media was born.

Like many collectives, Young’s was in a small, out-of-the-way location, with a sales room that couldn’t accommodate more than four patients at once. That meant a waiting time for patients that averaged between eight and 25 minutes. He was also frustrated by the inability of budtenders to keep up with new products and strains. With these two problems in mind, he and co-founder Rebecca Brinegar launched Apop Media in 2015. “The initial thing was, ‘How do we help the patients and how do we help the store owners get the correct information to the patients?’” said Young. “Being a dispensary operator, every Monday we would have training, and by Wednesday the training would be misconstrued . . . It was very hard to keep the staff informed of all these new products all the time.” It works like this: Apop provides flat screen TVs to collectives at no charge. In the waiting room, the TV plays a constantly-changing array of ads, educational segments and entertainment clips on a 15-minute loop. The programming is tailored to the collective’s demographics and what products they sell. Dispensary or collective operators can program the text of a crawler at the bottom of the screen, like what you see on cable news networks, with such information as hours, sales and specials and other details. Apop also provides free horizontal televisions to be used as digital menus, to help patients compare prices and learn about what’s available. There might be one for flower, one for edibles and one for extracts. The programming is advertising-driven, and dispensaries can actually earn up to $1,000 a month by selling enough products from advertising partners. But Young sees Apop Media’s TV services as more than that, as helping make the dispensary or collective a more appealing experience. “We have this whole market of people coming in. Dispensaries are intimidating places. As a personal option they don’t know all these brands. They don’t know what the

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“I want to help broaden the industry to where everyone has a place, to where a 70-year-old with arthritis can get the best topical for their needs.”

medicine is, what it does. A lot of them don’t know what vaporizing is or how edibles work,” he said. “I want to help broaden the industry to where everyone has a place, to where a 70-year-old with arthritis can get the best topical for their needs.” c apopmedia.com

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January 2017

“It’s funny; people sometimes say to me, ‘I believe in cannabis.’ It’s not a religion; it’s solid science. It’s like someone saying they ‘believe’ that we breathe oxygen! Proven facts are not beliefs!”

Cannabis, Health and Taking this Year By the Horns

Consider implementing a cannabis-based health plan for your 2017 health goals by Addison Herron-Wheeler

It’s time again for New Year’s resolutions and coming up with a new way to think about the challenges ahead. Every holiday season, millions of people vow to change the way they do things in order to live a happier and healthier life. However, in the case of many, it is easier said than done. Long-term medical issues, dietary restrictions, time commitment issues, financial problems and mental health issues can cause a block when it comes to improving life and moving forward. Luckily, cannabis is becoming medically and recreationally legal in more and more states, and many have found cannabis to be helpful with some of the issues that can impede wellness. Here are just a few ways to consider cannabis as a helper and healer this year.

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

Preventing Long-Term Harm When most people think about dieting or eating better, they often picture low-carb foods that will lead to weight loss and lots of fruits and veggies. While cutting back on unhealthy foods and replacing them with nutritious ones is always a good idea, there is a lot more to eating well and using supplements to achieve total health. “When you learn about the wonders of our endocannabinoid system, you can start correlating its use with

the multitude of health conditions, major or minor, which we all want to prevent that develop with age,” explained Katherine Golden, a medical cannabis nurse educator. “As we age, neuro-degeneration, i.e. Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, etc. are on the forefront of our minds as concerns, and continually educating the public that cannabis is a neuroprotectant, a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory will hopefully help people release any hesitation with this wonderful plant and give daily dosing a try.” >>

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January 2017

Education Makes for Better Decisions When many think of cannabis and health, they imagine a miracle drug that cures all, or think that cannabis only makes people feel better by helping with nausea and pain. The truth is that researchers are starting to understand more and more about how cannabis actually impacts the body. Because of the plant’s Schedule I status, this knowledge is only very recent made public. “People must understand that there is this system called the endocannabinoid system, only discovered in the early 1990s, that interacts with the compounds in cannabis, and whose role is to maintain balance in many of our physiologic systems,” explained Bonni Goldstein, M.D. for Canna-Centers. “The understanding of this system has grown exponentially over the past 25 years, as researchers all over the world including Italy, Israel, Japan, England, Canada and even Iran are looking at this system as the target of treatment for difficultto-treat illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, migraines, fibromyalgia, colitis and cancer, just to name a few.” By understanding how cannabis can impact health, it is easier to make a plan for the year that encourages wellness. For example, medical users can find out which types of cannabis target illnesses they have or problem areas. By understanding this, patients can better treat themselves with cannabis. “It’s funny; people sometimes say to me, ‘I believe in cannabis,’ Goldstein said. “It’s not a religion; it’s solid science. It’s like someone saying they ‘believe’ that we breath oxygen! Proven facts are not beliefs!”

Targeted Strains for Targeted Goals Just as someone dieting would select healthy foods, and a person with headaches would buy the appropriate medications, cannabis strains can be

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worked into health plans for maximum benefits. “While marijuana is already proven to have several health benefits, consumers can use cannabis to stay healthy by being selective with their strains,” explained Amy Tancig-Andrle, Operations and Outreach coordinator with L’Eagle dispensary in Denver, Colorado. “What many don’t realize is that there are strains out there that support healthy activities. Look for sativas, which are high in energy and focus, before engaging in physical activity. By being selective with your strain, you may find it actually increases your focus and stamina.

Overall Health and Nutrition

“When you learn about the wonders of our endocannabinoid system, you can start correlating its use with the multitude of health conditions, major or minor . . .”

Hemp, the non-psychoactive variety of cannabis sativa, is considered by many nutrition professionals to produce the most nutritious seed in the world. Hemp seeds are the safest, most digestible, balanced and complete source of protein, amino acids and essential fatty acids found in the plant kingdom. “Hemp seeds are one-third protein, packing more of a punch than so-called energy bars,” Lanny Swerdlow, RN tells us. “Providing all 20 known amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids which our bodies cannot produce, hemp seeds are ideal to help your body construct the building blocks of life.” Hemp seeds not only contain bountiful quantities of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, but just as importantly it is the only seed where the ideal 3:1 balance of Omega 6 over Omega 3 is found. Hemp seeds also have soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which contribute to good health by maintaining healthy bowel movements, preventing constipation, lowering bad cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugar and helping to maintain proper and proportional weight. That’s right—the fiber in hemp seeds can be part of a healthy diet that can help you lose weight and keep it off.

As Tancig points out, strains like Durban Poison and Green Crack help to increase stamina, so that those who want to run or exercise don’t end up with indica-induced couch lock. Similarly, Strawberry Cough has been known to help with migraines. It is even possible to look for strains that specifically do not increase appetite, for those worried about overeating due to the munchies. Look specifically for strains or products containing THCV, a cannabinoid that is actually an appetite-suppressant.

Whether you are seriously ill and looking to heal and recover during 2017, or healthy except for a few manageable weight loss or exercise goals, cannabis really does have something for everyone, not because it is a catch-all miracle drug, but because an understanding of our complex endocannabinoid system allows us to code every strain and find out what works. Feel free to experiment with strains and treatments for your health plan this year, and as always, consult medical professionals and do good research before starting a diet or workout routine. c

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January 2017

Recapping the Epic Experience of the 2016 Emerald Cup by Jacob Cannon

Another Emerald Cup in Santa Rosa has come and gone, and it has left thousands in NorCal’s cannabis community with memories of epic proportions. The Emerald Cup attracted a crowd of more than 30,000 participants this year to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds—a huge accomplishment considering that the tradition started 13 years ago as a secret celebration for those who grow outdoor cannabis. The days were filled with countless vendors, expert speakers and panel discussions. Workshops gave attendees huge opportunities to improve their lives, from expunging felony cannabis convictions to learning how to approach medical cannabis for cats and dogs. Tons of vendors were part of the event, and they were not only selling product; they were also educating the public firsthand by doing floor demonstrations and offering samples. The arts were also well represented at this cannabis event, where artist Seth McMahon performed a live painting, one of which he had been working on for 36

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over four months. The painting was a vibrant, psychedelic cityscape of sorts. There were also glass artists creating functional pieces at the event, giving attendees insight into the precision and skill it takes to make their favorite dab rigs and pipes. Nights transformed this educational and vendor-filled celebration into musicfilled concerts with multiple stages of famous, skilled performers. Damian Marley was one of the major stars who performed on Saturday night, while Dirty Heads and Tribal Seeds had Sunday’s crowd feeling the irie vibes. There were many other musical artists who helped cap off each day’s celebration with the unifying language of music. On top of all this excitement, The Emerald Cup stood true to its origin and held a huge competition for outdoor grown cannabis and cannabis products. There were 1,200 entries into the competition this year, so all the skilled winners who took home an award should feel a great deal of pride. First place in the Flowers category, which

had more than 650 entries, was the Dookie Brothers from Humboldt County with the strain Zkittles. The best flowers with high CBD content were awarded to Molecular Farms, LLC with the company’s Rainbow Gummeez strain grown in Monterey County. The top CBD extract came from Legion of Bloom with their Terra Pen RE:Zen 1:1 Vape Pen from Nevada County. When it comes to CBD edibles, OARA Chocolate took first place with its OARA Probiotic Cannabis from Oakland County. Top-quality concentrates were definitely represented in The Emerald Cup awards, as the best Bubble went to 3rd Gen/Terp Hogz/Dying Breed with Banana, who also had the best Rosin, which was Hindu Z. Dry Sift Jedi Resin Ranch Extraction took first place with its Berry White Dry Sieve, while the top CO2 was recognized as Gold Drop Co/Blue River Extracts’ Cookies & Cream. Finally, the best Edibles went to the Macaroon by Utopia Farms. Russel Honey’s Healing Tincture called Royal Purple High THC Tincture took first place in the Tincture category, and Newell Taylor’s DEPP SKIN—Penetrating Topical Oil from Sacramento County earned first place for Topicals. c

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C LEAR

C O N S C I O 40

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The talent behind

Everclear

N D U S

talks ’90s nostalgia, cannabis and the band’s bright future

by Heather Johnson

f you were growing up in the 1990s, you were a fan of Everclear. Its songs were all over the radio, and they just had that classic alternative, post-grunge ’90s vibe. The band formed in 1991, led by songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Art Alexakis. Its first three albums with Capital Records were Sparkle and Fade, So Much for the Afterglow and Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning to Smile—all went platinum. Although band members have changed over the years, Alexakis has stayed the driving force and creativity behind the band. Every year since 2012, it has led the popular Summerland Tour, a 1990s nostalgia tour featuring many other favorite alternative era bands, such as Lit, Sugar Ray and Sponge. The band has just recently finished a special New Years Eve show in Portland at Alberta Rose, and is prepping for a show this month at Apache Gold Casino Pavilion in San Carlos, Arizona. Alexakis has always been forthcoming about his tumultuous past; he has lost loved ones to drugs and suicide and nearly lost himself in both, at one point. Through his music he has

been able to confront his demons and get past the darkest moments of his life. This journey is evident through hits such as “Heroin Girl,” from the band’s commercial breakthrough Sparkle and Fade and “I Will Buy You a New Life,” as well as “Father of Mine” from So Much for the Afterglow. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Alexakis appreciates the supportive and fruitful cannabis culture that has grown there, and now living in California, he is excited for California’s legal future. Although he does not use cannabis himself and maintains a strong straight-edge lifestyle for himself and his band, he is understanding and supportive about the healing and helpful benefits of cannabis for many. In 2015, Everclear released its ninth studio album entitled Black is the New Black. The band has been touring across the country, with Alexakis making some recent solo stops in Australia. When he’s not living the rockstar life, Alexakis opens up about his important role of being a father to his two daughters. Recently, we got to sit down with the lead singer, guitarist and genius behind the band, Art Alexakis. >>

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January 2017

Having just gotten back from playing all over the world, spending a good portion of the fall in Australia, do you still enjoy playing the PNW, your home for nearly 20 years? I love it. I moved to L.A. about five years ago because my eldest daughter went to college and I just needed a break from the rain. We try to go up there at least once a year; it’s kind of like home still. If I could afford to I’d have a place up there. Has your life changed a lot since you moved out of the Portland area? I’m working more, I’m happier in the sunshine. I’m working with a lot of different talented people and keeping busy, so it’s a lot of fun. We live closer to my daughter’s grandmother down here, so it’s much easier for us to visit. It was a good move. A lot has happened to Portland since you moved down south. What do you think about the passing of Measure 91 in Oregon, legalizing cannabis? I would have thought it actually would have happened there in Oregon first, instead of in Colorado. There are a lot of referendums here in California. They had the whole medical marijuana thing here, and now it’s going to be fully legal. With the support of the state legislature and the governor, I think legal marijuana is going to go really well. Can you tell us a little bit about what you are working on now? In 2015, you came

p h o t o b y H a r m o n y G er b er

out with a new album, and I know you are touring a lot. Yeah we are constantly on tour. I do a tour every year to kind of kick off the summer. It’s called “Summerland.” It’s a ’90s alternative tour with a bunch of bands from the ’90s. Last year it was Sugar Ray, Everclear and Sponge, among others. That kicked off in July and went until the end of August. Do you usually just play throwback songs or do the fans get to hear some new music as well? We try to do at least one new song and then some fan favorites. I think that’s what the tour is really about, that familiar sound. That’s what people want to hear. There is a certain amount of nostalgia to it. Radio stations in the ’90s used to do these shows where they would have like 20 bands and each band would

The Afterglow: Highlights from Everclear’s Illustrious History in Music 1992. Everclear was established 1993. Independently released debut first album, World of Noise

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

play their hit with maybe 20 minutes on stage. Then they’d put the hook out and pull you off the stage and the next band would go right on. Sometimes it was on a circular stage, and once that stage started spinning man, you were done. So many of your fans grew up listening to you and all those bands. Sounds like a great tour! You would love it, you would know all the songs and you will hear a song and be like, “That was them?” These days, people kind of lose sight of entertainment and how enjoyable it can be to just see a good rock and roll band. A band that’s really good at doing what it does. People are starting to get back to seeing live rock and roll bands. But then you have these people that call themselves a band that are basically just pushing bass bars on a computer, and singing through auto tune. I’d rather see band screw up a

1994. Signed on to Capitol Records 1995. First album for the label, Sparkle and Fade

song, but play it. Just go out without a net and play. That’s what makes it exciting. That’s rock and roll. How do you think your music has changed since the ’90s? I’m probably not the right person to ask about that. From my perspective, I don’t think it’s changed a lot. I’ve changed as a person after 25 years; I’m a lot more grey than I used to be. I don’t hide it, and I’ve never had facial work or anything like that. Without sounding stupid, I just try to keep it really real, and go out, take what’s in my heart and put it out there. I do that in the studio and I do that on stage. The next record I make is going to be a solo record with just me and acoustic guitars. It’s all about the songs. I’ve got four or five songs that are almost done and four or five songs that are pretty much half way there. It will be some time next year, but I’m not in a rush to put it down. >>

1997. Third album, So Much for the Afterglow was released

1998.

Tour to Australia

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January 2017

“There are a lot of referendums here in California. They had the whole medical marijuana thing here, and now it’s going to be fully legal. With the support of the state legislature and the governor, I think legal marijuana is going to go really well.”

1998. Nominated at the Grammy’s for Best Rock Instrumental for “El Distorto de Melodica” 1998. Won Billboard’s Modern Rock Band of the Year Award 2000. Fourth album, Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile was released 46

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

How is life with your family? I have two daughters, one that’s 24, and I’ve got one that’s eight-and-a-half. This past summer, she had gymnastics camp, then art camp and then sleep away camp for two weeks. This kid’s got more activities than the CEO of a corporation. It feeds her brain. She’s eight-and-ahalf and she’s full of joy. She has everything that I wish I had had as an eight-year-old boy. She’s got a mom and dad who love her and love each other. We work really hard to have a really great family. That’s nine-tenths of that battle right there, everything relates to that.

oldest daughter was a baby back then. She was three when I put out Sparkle and Fade, she was five when I put out So Much for the Afterglow. Then I went through a divorce with her mom and put out a record that had a lot of good songs like “Wonderful,” which was through her perspective. Because watching her go through that difficult time was very hard. Especially knowing that I had something to do with it. Like I said before, I just try to keep it real. I try to be present, be humble, be honest, and try to put that into my art. Even when I make up stories, some of them don’t seem like they are real, but they feel very real.

Do your daughters come up a lot while writing your songs? Sometimes, I don’t necessarily write autobiographically. I’d say one or two songs a record are autobiographical. They are always there, being a parent is such a huge part of me. It’s become such a priority in my life and everything is kind of shaped from that. Even back in the old Everclear days, my

What are your and Everclear’s plans for the future? I don’t know about moving back to Portland, but someday I’d like to have a place there. I’m working on my solo project and I’m writing a book about my childhood growing up in the projects. Just being creative, being open to what the world, the universe, has to say. >>

2000. Fifth album, Songs from an American Movie Vol. Two: Good Time for a Bad Attitude was released just four months after Vol. One 2003. Sixth album, Slow Motion Daydream was released

2004. End of Capitol Records and released an album called, Ten Years Gone: The Best of Everclear 1994-2004 2004. First recording with new lineup was a cover of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” 2006. Signed to Eleven Seven Music with new line-up

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January 2017

LIVE IN CONCERT January 21, 2017:

Everclear w/ Gin Blossoms

at Apache Gold Casino Pavilion in San Carlos, AZ

p h o t o b y H a r m o n y G er b er

Are there any contemporary bands out there now that you really like right now? I’m not seeing a lot of contemporary stuff that has a lot of depth to it. I hear some cool pop stuff and some cool rock stuff. We played with a band in Portland the other day called The Wild Feathers, and I thought they were great.

I’ve been meaning to go buy their record. They had a sort of stones-ish, old band, Eagles kind of harmonies and I dug that. They were playing live and hitting those harmonies. They were really tight and it was just a lot of excitement. I loved it. These days I’ve been listening to a lot of talk radio, political mostly, and I also listen to a

2006. Seventh album, Welcome to the Drama Club was released 2008. The Vegas Years, a collection of cover songs was released April 15, 2008 by Capitol Records

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

lot of NFL radio because I’m a big NFL fan. Big Seahawks fan. Lived in the PNW for too long. I listen to NPR, CNN, I tend to stay pretty left of the dial. This year has been kind of a clown show. This was the 10th election that I’ve voted on. 1980 was the first one, isn’t that a trip? Some things change constantly, some things never change. There’s

2012. Everclear

released their first album in six years, entitled Invisible Stars.

2012. Summerland Tour was established. A ‘90s nostalgia tour

2013.

always great people, and then there’s always flawed people who can do great things. This year, with Donald Trump, I’ve never seen anything like that. But I think it’s going to end up okay. I’m optimistically hopeful. Not looking into buying a house in Canada or anything like that. c www.everclearmusic.com

Return of Summerland Tour

2015. Released latest album, Black is the New Black

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REVIEWs

collective highlight

state and local ordinances. We work closely with community leaders as well as city and state officials so they can make the best informed decision possible. Our other concern is the sales and use taxes enacted by cities and the state (2018) that increases the cost to the member. Our biggest joy in the industry is the reaction we receive from members when we are making a positive impact in their lives. It can be expressed in this quote “If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.” The Elemental team looks to make a difference every day. If someone wanted to open a collective and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them?

Elemental Wellness Center 985 Timothy Dr., San Jose, 95133 elementalwellnesscenter.com How and when did your collective start up? Elemental opened its doors with a 16,045 square foot space in the heart of Silicon Valley in 2010. What’s the story behind the name of your collective? The elements (fire, earth, air and water) are the most basic elements in the universe. On a medicinal level, our behavior, emotions and health can be said to be influenced by these elements. Our collective, Elemental Wellness, derives its name from the idea that cannabis, as a natural plant medicine, can help us stay in balance physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. 50

What does your collective offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? One of our key differentiating factors is one-on-one private consultations for those patients who desire a more personal experience. Our goal is to educate our members and answer questions on how best to use cannabis to achieve wellness. Our medicine is also lab-tested to ensure our members get the safest cannabis available. Our in house strain, The True OG has won seven awards from competitions and was chosen as the Strongest Strain on Earth in 2016 by High Times. We provide complimentary holistic healing services, educational classes, cooking and grow classes, and a host

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

of other events throughout the year to help our community celebrate the journey to wellness. Finally, we provide a safe and friendly environment and compassionate discounts on medicine for our veterans, senior members, and disabled members. For those that cannot travel, we have delivery options as well. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a collective? Biggest joys? Our greatest challenge continues to be the changing regulatory environment. Prop 64 has now introduced another layer of regulation that is inconsistent with some current

Top-Selling Strain: The True OG (our inhouse strain) Top-Selling Concentrate: True OG Live Resin

In business, it is important to have great mentors and business models that can be replicated. That is why the franchise model has been so successful for millions of business owners. At Elemental, we partner with a number of new ventures to create combined success. We are strategically positioned to assist those with the time, talent and treasure to make a mark in this industry. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MMJ community? The industry is at the dawn of creating something really special for generations to come. In many ways, it is like the rise of the internet as a platform in the late ‘80s. Companies like Facebook and Google were able to define a new marketplace. But unlike those software pioneers, this industry, with more cannabis research, will spark a revolution on how users will enjoy life without the dependencies on opioids and other addictive products. c

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company highlight subsided completely. They knew their mission was to bring cannabis to the people. After working for years in every aspect of the cannabis industry, their small homegrown pen company (RELM) was sought out by investors that recognized the massive potential of their high quality oil. The rest is W history.

W Vapes wvapes.com (877) 929-5859 How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? We are purists, plain and simple. We believe that the mission of the extraction process is to preserve and amplify the authentic soul of each cannabis strain. The vaping experience should be the inhalation of the concentrated soul of a plant, with no additives, synthetics, flavorings, or adulterants in the mix. That is why we do small-batch, single-origin, strain-specific extractions of certified and lab-tested, pesticide-free, potencyproven cannabis flowers. What do you offer consumers/clients that others don’t? Our motto is “Gold In/Gold Out.” Everything in our oil comes from the flowers that were extracted and nothing else: No mixing of strains, no store-bought terpenes, no flavorings, no additives (PG, VG, MCT), enhancers, synthetics or adulterants. Pure cannabis oil, from a single-source. We work to

protect our environment and ensure sustainability through our recycling program, often making cool art out of our returned empties. With state of the art laboratory equipment, multiple PhDs on staff, and a ceaseless commitment to innovation, we constantly strive for further improvement in our methods, materials and processes to continue creating the highest quality, cleanest, best-tasting pure cannabis oil possible. With extensive education, government relations, activism and fundraising, our commitment to the cannabis industry reaches far beyond the doors of W Vapes. How and why did your company start up? A family history of multiple types of cancer, as well as other ailments, led our cofounders to the research and development of our extracts. A defining moment that confirmed their faith in this amazing medicine was after providing cannabis oil to a family member with tourette’s syndrome who experienced more than 100 ticks per day. After a single dose of cannabis oil his ticks

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With the changing landscape of cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Staying on top of the ever-changing and everdeveloping regulatory landscape is a big challenge. It can be difficult for a company to make future plans when the future is still somewhat unknown. Being engaged in the political process, locally and at the state level, is of the utmost importance during this time of transition, when laws are being made and implemented. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Our goal and mission is to make the highest quality extracts accessible to all. Everyone deserves excellent, pure medicine. We have already distinguished ourselves by bringing more healthy delivery systems

(such as glass and stainless steel cartridges, rather than plastic) to the masses, which is quickly becoming the industry standard. We hope to continue to innovate and influence the cannabis space in positive ways by always demanding the best for ourselves, patients and all people. What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? #1: Meditate. This is a wild, wild ride. We are going through an immense period of transformation that will surely be exhilarating and downright painful. Remember to breathe. #2: Do You. This is an industry of authenticity. People with long histories in the cannabis industry have had to operate in a climate of trust and cooperation, and those roots run through the ethos of the business of cannabis. This is an industry of both personal and material generosity, and also one of authenticity. If you are a fraud or fake in the world of cannabis, it seems to come to the fore quickly. #3: Be Humble. Remember that the cannabis industry isn’t actually a “new” industry. This historic moment has been a long time coming, and this exciting “green rush” was built on the blood, sweat, tears, and prison time of incalculable pioneers. Listen to the elders. Respect what got us here. Don’t be greedy. c

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For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com

Cannabis Sativa Vintage Print Whether you are a lover of vintage prints or really just love collecting cool cannabis décor, then this colorful print is one you may like to hang on your wall. Not everyone’s office is as cool as CULTURE, where you can have your bulletin board decorated with pictures of cannabis, so you might want to leave this one at home. This Cannabis Sativa Vintage Print is a beautiful addition to your office space, or you can hang it smack dab in the living room if you’re hoping to spark some interesting conversations with relatives. PRICE: $6.99-$20 MORE INFORMATION: www.etsy.com/shop/dalumna

2. Fresh Baked Apron This adorable apron will let everyone know that when you’re in the kitchen, you mean business—canna-business that is. This Fresh Baked Apron is every cannabis consumer’s favorite color, and its adjustable neck strap makes it a perfect fit for everyone who wears it. The two pockets in the front can be convenient for storing backup ingredients or maybe a vape pen if you are too impatient to wait for your cannabis-infused dishes to be done. Show off your culinary skill, and rock this apron with pride. PRICE: $34 MORE INFORMATION: www.etsy.com/shop/ smokiestokecouture 54

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Strain Tracker by Green Flower Media This Strain Tracker will help newbies and seasoned pros of cannabis consumption track what cannabis strains truly work best for their needs. Discover various cannabis strains, and track which products and methods of delivery work best for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to use cannabis recreationally to stimulate your creativity, or if you’re using cannabis for various medicinal purposes, the Strain Tracker will guide you toward better understanding your relationship with cannabis. PRICE: $24.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.learngreenflower.com

Mato Naturals Lavender Lilac Eye Pillow The Mato Naturals Lavendar Lilac Eye Pillow brings aromatic bliss that has been known to help ease migraines, headaches and anxiety. If you’re trying to rest or practice yoga, it is the perfect solution to help you achieve calm energy and relaxation. Made with pure Himalayan flax seed, Tibetan and Himalayn herbs, lilac oil and lavender essential oil, this pillow has everything you need to drift into a more zenlike state. Namaste. PRICE: $19.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.matonaturals.com

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entertainment

BOOK

Cannabis and Spirituality: An Explorer’s Guide to an Ancient Plant Spirit Ally Stephen Gray, Editor

Release Date: January 24, 2017 Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC

GAME

Park Street Press

Resident Evil 7: biohazard

Editor Stephen Gray and 17 other prominent professional voices of the modern cannabis movement explore the spiritual benefits of cannabis in this compelling and sensitive read. Throughout this 274 page book, the authors touch on topics such as exploring cannabis spirituality in practice, religious and ritual use of cannabis from pre-biblical times to the present, the body-mind connection, the use of ganja yoga, humanity’s co-evolution with cannabis, and the spirit of cannabis. Authors also present practical information to better understand the plant, as well as the many different international cultures that have utilized cannabis in a spiritual way for centuries. This is a great book for any spiritual cannabis user to have on their shelves. (Alex Bradley)

Dev. Capcom

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Pub. Capcom Ring in the new year with a new Resident Evil title that’s pushing the boundaries of survival horror games. Although Resident Evil 7: biohazard is the 11th game in the series, it’s the first offer players a first-person perspective, and the PlayStation 4 version of the game in its entirety is compatible with a VR headset. Other Resident Evil games may be remembered as gun show, but this one plays heavily on strategy, puzzle solving and managing resources carefully alongside the destruction of horrific monsters. (Nicole Potter)

MUSIC MOVIE

Awaken, My Love!

Don’t Think Twice

Childish Gambino

Dir. Mike Birbiglia

Glassnote Entertainment Group

The Film Arcade What happens when a member of a group begins to become a famous entertainer, while everyone else continues to dwell in anonymity? That exact scenario is explored both realistically and thoroughly in Don’t Think Twice. Set in the New York City improv comedy world, the film deals with the real creative and existential struggles within an improv troupe when one of their members gets a big break while the rest fight just to keep themselves afloat. Starring Director Mike Birbiglia himself alongside Keegan Michael Key (Key and Peele), Gillian Jacobs (Community), and an ensemble of other talents, Don’t Think Twice is a must see. (Simon Weedn)

Five years ago, after a series of mix tapes, former 30 Rock writer and Community breakout star Donald Glover released his debut hip-hop LP under the name Childish Gambino. Though at the time there was confusion as to whether his music career would be as funny as his acting, it quickly became apparent Gambino was a more serious side of Glover. In his third album, Awaken, My Love!, Gambino continues to evolve and successfully produces one of the most brilliant hip-hop albums of the year. Polished, pristine and righteously funky, Glover demonstrates handily that when it comes to music, and he’s no joke. (Simon Weedn)

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strain, edible & concentrate

Purple Caddy At the Barbary Coast in San Francisco, a high-end, visually perfect and luscious purple flower is offered, known as Purple Caddy. This indica clocks in with a THC content of 23.6 percent with a 0.2 percent CBD content as well. Classy is the first word that comes to mind when enjoying this strain’s well-balanced bitterness and refreshing flavors. A stylish exterior finish of glossy crystals coats the bright purple buds and paired with its vibrant trim of small orange hairs it forms a textbook example of a visually aesthetic flower. Sour scents reminiscent of hops are complemented by an aromatic seaside scent for a unique and exquisite aroma. Purple Caddy is a bud to keep “parked in the garage” as this exemplary strain is a model of high-end purple flowers and meant to be enjoyed frequently.

Available at: Barbary Coast in San Francisco.

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HERE Gelato Shatter

Available wherever: Zlixir products are carried.

Golden, amber goodness drips flavor while maintaining the distinct shape of fine Swiss cheese. Zlixir delivers an exceptional extract with this Gelato Shatter. It’s going to be extremely difficult to find any other shatter with the beautiful translucence and ideal texture present in this tasty treat, guaranteeing its pureness and cleanliness. Firm, yet soft to the touch, this shatter is extremely easy to handle, even in the heat. Scrumptious citrus scents transport users to the tropics upon the first scent of this shatter and leave the patient dreaming about its aroma long after it’s put away. Never does this shatter feel harsh upon consumption; it maintains a smooth and light taste from start to finish. Consume with modesty, Zlixir’s Gelato Shatter destroys insomnia and restlessness with its THC content over 80 percent!

Purple Sticky Punch Take one look at some Purple Sticky Punch and it is clear why it is the purple heavyweight champion of the world. Bright violet colors surge from the center of flower all the way to the surface with a perfect amount of green and orange to complement. Offered by Elemental in San Jose, any purple lover will find this strain to exceed any and all expectations. Perfectly shaped calyxes are as dense as can be and tightly formed, packing an extravagant scented punch when broken open. A cross between Chemdawg and Purple Afghani, this strain definitely can provide one with the typical unwinding effects of an indica but is in fact a hybrid. Keep an eye out for this flower this year, it is not a purple to be passed on!

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Available at: Elemental Wellness Center in San Jose.

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Lumpy’s Sunny D Lumpy’s Sunny D Lumpy aka (@lumpstatus) along with The Dankman(@thedankman707) grow a phenomenal 50/50 hybrid available at HTP Group in Vallejo. The Sunny D name is well fitting with its citrus orange scents and flavors. Small, knob-like calyxes pack a dynamite punch with CB Labs testing samples with their THC content ranging from 20-25 percent. Frosted with crystals all over the exterior, these flowers boast limonene as the primary terpene present, creating juicy and tangy flavors that can’t be looked over. A great strain to choose for a relaxing evening, Lumpy’s Sunny D takes the most potent effects of both sativas and indicas and combines them into one delicious and delightful hybrid.

Available at: HTP Group in Vallejo.

AC/DC CBD Vape Cartridge

Available wherever: W Vapes products are carried.

“Gold in, Gold out.” That is W Vapes motto for creating the finest cannabis oil extracts available in cartridges. Single sourced oil means that everything inside the cartridge came from the same batch of high quality cannabis flowers, there are no added flavorings or terpenes present either, only the natural flavor of the high-potency strains. Additionally, this golden oil is extracted only from finest flowers (no trim or excess plant matter here) with CO2 and ultra-distilled for the most clean and pure taste. Harvested from pesticide-free farms, W Vapes definitely pulls through on offering a truly perfect, no-additive, high end cartridge. Perfect for those looking to combat anxiety and aching pain without any additional psychoactive effects, it contains an astonishing 68 percent CBD and only six percent THC. Available throughout California, W Vapes doesn’t miss the mark with this outstanding CBD cartridge.

Bhang CBD Crystalline Isolate

Available wherever: Bhang products are carried.

A quick search of the internet will yield a surprising amount of online retailers claiming to have 100 percent pure CBD crystalline isolate. The problem with these “snake oil salesmen” is that the product is usually derived from industrial grade hemp which means patients will not experience any of the calming effects associated with medical CBDrich isolate. The good news is that for patients in California, Bhang has unveiled a brand new product free of any contaminants and guaranteed to bring patients a safe and healthier way to medicate. This Bhang CBD Crystalline Isolate is perfect for any patient looking for pain-relief, and it’s the perfect form too—it can be added to almost any method of cannabis consumption (although does not dissolve in liquid). Tasteless, odorless clean and pure CBD crystalline isolate is the next level in natural cannabis-based medicine.

Available at: Blum in Oakland.

Gorilla Scout A cross between Gorilla Glue #4 and Girl Scout Cookies, the Gorilla Scout strain from Blüm in Oakland is a sativadominant hybrid that all sativa connoisseurs need to take a look at. Hashy sour tastes blend perfectly with a luscious sugary flavor. Living up to the Gorilla Glue genotype, the Gorilla Scout has a staying zesty and tangy fragrance. Tested at 15.7 percent THC, Gorilla Scout is a great choice for “locking in,” focusing and concentrating on any task during the day. Definitely a prime option for morning users, this flower will certainly satisfy any sativa fanatics, so watch for its growing popularity in the coming months.

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January 2017

REVIEWs Available at: South Sacramento Care Center in Sacramento.

Higher Ground Hawaiian Candy Higher Ground Cannabis (@highergroundseedbank) is not playing around with this next level extract by any means. A texture unlike anything seen before, this ice wax extract boasts a firm feel to it but has the appearance of a light brown sugar. Sparkling from a mile away, take one look at this top shelf extract and it’s easy to see why the Higher Ground Hawaiian Candy is considered a gourmet choice in extracts. Hawaiian Candy is a cross between Hawaiian Trainwreck and ’97 KC 36. Higher Ground Farms extracts are 100 percent solventless, organically grown, and “Clean Green Certified.” Unrivaled smooth flavors and high THC levels leave users feeling refreshed and satisfied after even the smallest dose. Expect immediate feelings of happiness and pain relief along with eliminated muscle tension and uplifting thoughts. Higher Ground Cannabis raises the bar with a top notch ice wax and needs to be checked out by all extract fans in the Sacramento area.

Available at: Cookies 415 in San Francisco.

Lemon Drop The name “Lemon Drop” is definitely on point for this flower strain with its deep citrus flavors and high presence of the Limonene terpene. A very mellow hybrid, many users enjoy the pleasant and euphoric feelings associated with this strain. Great for use in the morning, afternoon or evening, the Lemon Drop should be considered as a primary option for a patient looking for an everyday flower. Considering it is available at Cookies 415 in San Francisco with a $50 donation per 1/4 ounce, there really isn’t a good reason to pass up on this choice hybrid. A fluffy and cloud-like bud structure allows for a large surface area of trichomes and fuzzy orange hairs to be viewed from all angles. Don’t pass up on this affordable yet delectable hybrid strain; it is simply a model example of a daily driver to be enjoyed by nearly anyone.

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Available at: The Green Door Metro in Sacramento.

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Presidential Purple Grab some Presidential Purple at The Green Door Metro in Sacramento and dive into an eggplant-shaded paradise. A garden of Earthy odors pairs with a musky and luxurious scent to treat users to a distinct palette of simple yet exotic aromas. A wheat-like field of orange fur peeks carefully through a rolling hillside of lavender. Discover a centering and calming feeling with this strain, in addition to its ability to lead patients on an exploration of their creative side. A wealthy deposit of rich flavors is accented with pungent overtones and establishes a unique and fulfilling taste, during and after inhalation. 20.1 percent THC content in a 75/25 indicadominant hybrid developed from an OG Ken Estes GDP cut from 2011 certainly assures its place in any cannasseur’s stash.

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REVIEWs

Girl Scout Cookie Clone New to the market are the flower-ready teen clones from Nanofarms! These cutting edge clones have a larger, healthier root system than your typical clone. The deep and intricate system of roots allows for minimal shock upon transplant to a different substrate. If placed in the proper conditions, a 40 percent faster grow with these ready-to-flower teens is feasible compared to growing directly from seeds. The flowers yielded from the Girl Scout Cookie Clone sample were densely packed with a generous showering of trichomes. Tantalizing aromas exude from the round, acorn-like nugs and are begging to be broken down to have their crispy scents course through the air. Nanofarms offers approximately 40 different premium strains available as vegetative teens or flowerready teens and are quick, affordable and amazing option for any type of grower, from novice to master. Contact Nanofarms at instagram.com/ nanofarms8558 or info@nanofarms.com.

Available at: Redwood Coast Collective.

Blue Chip Girl Scout Cookies

Available at: Purple Lotus Patient Center in San Jose.

Cookies have been a consumer favorite since their release a few years back, and the name “Blue Chip” is a nod to those who’ve invested in the development of this genotype. This gem was developed by two master growers over the past seven years in our state-of-the-art cultivation facility. These are Grade A flowers that could easily be reserved for special occasions and are prime examples of what it means to call something top shelf. In fact, over 1,500 patients come from all over the Bay Area to try it each month. Powerful pine tastes are present due to the terpene pinene, which also yields muted refreshing citrus flavors. Darker shades of plant tissue peek throughout the glowing crystal-like coating, revealing this strains ineffable allure. The density of the Blue Chip Cookies flower is comparable to that of a popcorn kernel as it nearly doubles in size when the nugs are broken down. Delicious and potent, this is a strain you simply can’t go wrong with—a great staple strain to have.

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Brass Knuckles Abracadabra The Prohibition movement in the early ‘20s left Americans sober, angry and oftentimes resorting to drinking dangerous liquids mislabeled as their rare and precious booze. You can say the cannabis industry is sort of coming out of a prohibition-like era in its own right and Brass Knuckles are the guys taking the coveted top spot in the vape market. The outer casing is made with superior quality metal and comes in a universal 510 thread count for easily switching battery packs. The lab-tested, contaminant-free liquid gives patients a lung-full of thick, citrus-coated smoke with an unrivaled potency. Sleek and easily storable in a purse or pocket, it’s obvious that Brass Knuckles is setting the industry standard.

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Available wherever: Brass Knuckles products are carried.

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January 2017

REVIEWs

Available at: H2C Cookies in Vallejo.

Rhonda’s Candy Bliss Vallejo patients in need of CBD-rich flowers are making their way to H2C Cookies for this CBD-rich Rhonda’s Candy Bliss. A mix of AC/DC and Cheese, Rhonda’s Candy Bliss has a very airy, sativa look to it with tons of stretch. It has a pleasant sweet smell and is nicely dried and cured. The extra leaves are great for rolling joints that are big and burn well. The light-bodied, smoothhitting, mild smoke is used by patients to manage arthritis pain and anxiety.

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HERE Available at: The Green Door in San Francisco.

Candyland Pop open a jar of this skunky sativa and experience an unbelievably sweet and pungent scent unlike any other. Available at Buddy’s in San Jose, Candyland sets the bar when it comes to offering delicious flavors while maintaining a unique and exotic aroma. The flower sample we got showed a bevy of orange hairs bursting through the tightly formed nugs, but the sugary blizzard of trichomes is where Candyland gets its name and its loving devotion. Derived from a cross of Platinum Cut Cookies and GDP, this strain is gaining momentum as a popular sativa for not only the delightful scent and flavor but the ethereal qualities and relaxing effects as well. Just like a kid in a candy shop, it’s hard to find disappointment with this impressive strain.

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

Bombay Pink Panther Just like the “Pink Panther” in the movies, Bombay Pink Panther is a jewel and should totally be in a museum. Many users agree that the just taste itself of this sativa-heavy hybrid is enough to recommend it to others. Soft yet firm nugs hold a juicy plethora of fruity bubblegum flavors that linger, matching well with its initial sweet tastes. A sour and savory scent is dominant with a few citrus undertones, reminding us of an Indian summer vacation. The THC content of the Bombay Pink Panther is around 19 percent and is a nice and uplifting option for daytime use. Orange hairs are scattered throughout a dense forest of green, and dusted with a nearly reflective crystal coating of trichomes. It is a perfect choice for those times when looking to de-stress without any effects of drowsiness, Bombay Pink Panther can be found at The Green Door in San Francisco.

Available at: Buddy’s in San Jose.

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January 2017

REVIEWs

Gelato Vape Cartridge Succulent flavors with ridiculously high THC content levels in a stylish cartridge are a winning formula when developing a choice vape cartridge. Gold Drop didn’t miss a beat in the creation of this cartridge and has followed that exact recipe over and over again for its well-known consistency and success. A hefty lemon flavor is stored in this cartridge but has a scrumptious skunky aftertaste. The THC levels are listed at 77 percent, instantly providing users with the desired anxiety-eliminating effects. The cartridge is pieced together with all chrome fixtures and has an ergonomically shaped flat mouthpiece, showcasing its smart and sleek design. Gold Drop sets the bar high with this vape cartridge and should be picked up by anybody who enjoys cartridge inserts.

Available wherever: Gold Drop products are carried.

Ken’s GDP An old school favorite, Ken’s Grand Daddy Purp truly is the “OG” GDP. Dark purple buds are decorated with vibrant orange hairs. Glittery trichomes occupy the entire surface of the flower inside and out. Earthy aromas are most noticeable up front, but a skunky and juicy undertone creates an overpowering yet delectable scent that lingers on. Ken Estes is the esteemed grower of this highly regarded strain and has developed a hybrid version with its own GDP genetics crossed back into it. Robust and lasting flavors are inherent in this unique genetic hybridization. The potency of this flower is just as amazing, as users find a feeling of concentration and euphoria complemented with anxiety relief shortly after inhale. This is a great choice for any user looking to unwind and be creative after a hard day’s work. It’s currently available at Valley Health Options in Sacramento.

Available at: Valley Health Options in Sacramento.

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Humboldt Apothecary Blues Away CBD Tincture Looking for an easy way to administer CBD on the go? Humboldt Apothecary has created an ideal blend of organic herbs and oils perfect for pain relief and great for use as an antidepressant. Comprised of certified organic alcohol, honey, filtered water, cannabis, St. John’s Wort, Lemon Balm and Siberian Ginseng, there isn’t an unwanted ingredient in this bountiful cornucopia of healing plants. Administer anywhere from one drop to one dropper-full into a 12oz glass of water and behold the magical oils cascading through the glass. A delicious and enveloping tea flavor is present with a hearty, full-bodied earthy flavor. Bearing a THC content of 62.5mg and a CBD content of 188mg in a compact one fluid ounce bottle, the Blues Away CBD Tincture is a handy little tool to keep on hand to help take the edge off a rough day or alleviate those chronic aches and pains. Pick this delightful tincture up at Airfield Supply Company in San Jose and be prepared feel the blues go away with ease.

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

Available at: Airfield Supply Company in San Jose.

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January 2017

SHOOTING GALLERY

THE Emerald Cup 2016

photos by Cole Garrison 70

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January 2017

culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN

by Ed Rosenthal

Last month I demonstrated how I “painted” stigmas, the receptive portions of female plants with pollen obtained from female plants. They were induced to produce the pollen using a commercial product made this the purpose. I am sad to report that no seeds were produced by any of the plants using pollen from three different treated plants. Every portion of the experiment failed to produce seeds, only one method produced pollen and it seemed to be infertile. There are a lot of methods for making clones. A commonly used method is sticking cuttings in rockwool or soil. One of the most popular methods is aeroponic, continuously misting the stems with a fine spray. Many commercially available cloning machines use this method and there are several videos available on YouTube showing how to make them. I take plant cuttings

all the time and am often able to root them in a glass of water. Others require rockwool or a planting mix. One company used to produce a water-based cloning tray but it got mixed reviews. Still, I have been fascinated by the possibility of rooting in water. In this first experiment clones were placed in about two inches of water, and were held in place using neoprene corks. The tray was placed on a half-inch thick Styrofoam board to prevent heat transference to the concrete floor. Originally the tray held a small circulating pump that also mixed in a bit of air using the venturi effect. A fluorescent light was hung 19” inches over the plants. The cuttings were placed in water adjusted to a pH of 6, but after a week there was no indication of callus growth on the stem. Next I decided to add some more oxygen. People sometimes add hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to the water because it’s unstable and gradually adds oxygen to the water. I decided to use a machine new to the market that uses hydrolysis

TIP OF THE MONTH Traditionally and continuing today, Moroccans store their dried, harvested stalks with buds in waterproofed unheated sheds until winter’s cold set in. Only then, when the trichomes were brittle and not tacky was the material processed. You may be able to follow their practice. Let nature freeze the material you want to process: trim and crushed mininugs. Then while it’s still freezing hand screen the material using a trim screen or a rotating kief maker running small amounts of material for just a minute or so, as long as the falling dust remains blond. This is top quality. Quality lowers as it turns greenish.

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Water Clones

to oxygenate water. This occurs when electric current passes through water. It breaks it up into its elemental form: The gasses hydrogen and oxygen. When I saw this demonstrated, I was impressed that it turned a large tank of water foggy with oxygen in just a few minutes. I added this to the water tray and set it using a repeating timer for 1 minute on/1 minute off. At the same time I added a heat mat underneath the tray to maintain a minimum water temperature of 68 °. The plant cuttings started rooting within days. Unfortunately, I was away when the roots first appeared. More experiments and details of this method to come next month. Now, I am asking you to decide whether I should continue this experiment, “Making Feminized Seeds,” or move on. If you decide that I should continue, I will bring in an expert seed propagator to help us. Please visit our contest page (ireadculture.com/ contests) and indicate Yes or No. In exchange for your participation I’ll send you some tips for your garden! Please take a minute to vote on whether to continue the quest for “Making Feminized Seeds.” c

Cuttings sitting in tray.

Cuttings underside tray showing roots on all the clones.

A small circulation pump and the hydrolysis unit kept the water oxygenated and moving.

Close-up of roots on sem.

Planted clone

Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.

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January 2017

culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE 74

St. Croix Celebrates 12 Days of Carnival by Sheryll Alexander

January is perhaps the best time of year when it comes to St. Croix cannabis travel, as this gem of a Caribbean island in the U.S. Virgin Islands annually celebrates Crucian Christmas Carnival during the first week of the month. Held from Christmas Day through January 7, St. Croix’s 2017 carnival festivities rev up as the sun goes down. Each evening has a different theme (for example: Reggae, calypso, Latin, children, adults) and always includes costumes, music, dancing, food, drink and good times. St. Croix is The U.S. Virgin Islands’ most remote island and the biggest, at around 85 square miles. This isolation—as well as the incredibly chill vibe from being home to some of the world’s best white sand beaches and its rich Afro-Caribbean-Euro culture—is another reason why cannabis enthusiasts flock to scenic St. Croix. And while St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands may seem very far away, the good news is American citizens do not need a passport, the main language is English and the currency is U.S. green backs. Another reason to choose St. Croix is the island has recently undergone a farm-to-table

if you go: culinary Renaissance. St. Croix’s culinary scene was always a decidedly delicious mix of West African, native Caribbean, European (Danish, French, Spanish), South American and North American flavors, but a new breed of organic farmers and young chefs has made the island into an international fine dining dream come true. Seeking romance? St. Croix caters to couples who really want to get away from it all. The island’s accommodations include charming boutique properties positioned atop bucolic beaches. Many of these B&Bs, villas, condos and luxury hotels specialize in couples “therapy”: Zen-like cottage suites, chic outdoor lounging spaces, couple-centric spas and candlelit dinners on the sand. Of course, ocean sports abound in St. Croix. Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the world’s best while the global sailing community constantly gathers at the island’s “twin city” port towns of Dane-inspired Christiansted and Victorian-era Frederiksted. Multicultural cannabis aficionados who love the mellow Caribbean island lifestyle will fall ferociously in love with St. Croix and most especially during carnival’s nightly party scene. c

Fun-Filled Facts 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of “Transfer Day” when the Danishheld “West Indies” officially became the U.S. Virgin Islands. Centennial celebrations abound all year long as the islands embrace both their Danish and American heritages. 1

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

Time to Go: January Weather: High 80s with some rainfall Budget: $$$$$

The U.S. Virgin Islands is the only Caribbean destination that celebrates carnival thrice a year. Each island hosts a two-week carnival festival (St. Croix during the holidays, St. Thomas in late April and St. John at the end of July). 2

The U.S. Virgin Islands benefits from a strong Rastafari culture as Jamaica is 800 or so miles away. However, this U.S. territory has yet to legalize medical cannabis. In 2014, the territory’s Senate overrode then Gov. John P. DeJongh’s veto of a cannabis decriminalization provision, which has since eliminated jail time for minor possession (you can get fined $100-$200 for carrying up to one ounce). As with any chill island culture where cannabis is still illegal on the record, make certain to acquire from downto-earth locals who frequent beaches, bars and clubs. While most islanders won’t bat an eye when they get a whiff of that tell-tale cannabis aroma, resist lighting up around schools, hotels, shops and government buildings as well as crowded parks and beaches.

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January 2017

culture growing

Jenifer F.

Age: 22

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UNKNOWN

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Condition/Illness: Anxiety & IBS

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

When did you start using medical cannabis? June 2016. It would have been months sooner, but my name was misspelled in the system and I had to go through the application process all over again. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? During high school, I had been tried on a slew of medications. All of them caused me to just become increasingly agitated instead of relieved, most of time, to the point of hysteria. If I was not freaking out, I was nodding out like a zombie. I would get nauseous and then sleep for hours. The doctors told me the antidepressants, anti-anxiety, acid reflux and sleep medications would help me feel more normal, and that my use of cannabis (at the time recreational) was only harming me and causing my symptoms. I argued with my parents and doctors for years. It was not until I turned 18 that I was able to start getting the real help I needed. I now visit a dispensary here in MA, have a wonderful counselor and a kick ass nutritionist to keep me on track, motivated and healthy in life.

What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I cannot speak for all medical cannabis patients, but for me, here in MA, there are only six dispensaries. I drive a little over an hour to the dispensary and it is expensive. Insurance does not pay for this, but insurance gladly covered all the pharmaceuticals the doctors prescribed me. The laws and regulations are SO strict and difficult, from what I understand. If you are a medical patient in MA and have ever tried to call the patient service number to check the status of your application of call for information, you know what I am about to say . . . It takes forever to get a hold of someone, like hours, and their answer is usually to go on to the website and that’s just a whole mess in itself. Even though we have had medical cannabis since 2012, the system is still so new and small and there is a lot of work to be done. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? There is nothing to be afraid of. With the right explanation, education and a comfortable, safe environment cannabis can be a wonderful tool for healing. It is quite simple, times are changing; and the way you view this plant and the people who consume it should too. Cannabis users are not just hooligans getting all “guppy eyed” at the skate park anymore; they are business people and parents and successful creatives from all walks of life. c

Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.

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January 2017

culture growing RECIPES

Sweet Beginnings to Start Your New Year Off Right Menu: Canna-Banana Bread

HannaH

754 The Alameda, Ste. 80, San Jose (408) 971-1207 www.hannahbakedthis.com

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UNKNOWN

Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese

PROFILE

Cowgirl Creamery

1 The Embarcadero, Ste. 17, San Francisco (415) 362-9354 www.cowgirlcreamery.com

Walnut Cinnamon Rolls

Freeport Bakery

2966 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento (916) 442-4256 www.freeportbakery.com

recipes by Keira Fae Every once in a while, I take my mornings off and wake and bake; and, when I say “wake and bake,” I literally mean I wake up at 7am, preheat the oven and start baking (of course while smoking my morning joint). Here are three recipes I enjoy on these special occasions that are delicious, filling and easy! All infused with Ambrosia’s Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil, making it easier to micro-dose and or substitute ingredients without skimping on taste or texture, giving each dish a perfect subtle taste. Let’s start cooking!

Canna-Banana Bread

Servings: 6-8 slices

Ingredients 3 tablespoons Ambrosia’s Infused Coconut Oil

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup of sugar

4 very ripe bananas

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Directions Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 4x8-inch loaf pan, set aside. In a mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter. Mix the baking soda and salt into the banana mixture. Mix in the sugar, beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Slowly add the all-purpose flour while stirring (1 minute). Add Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, mix well. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely before taking out of the loaf pan. Serve with butter and honey! Dosage: Each slice approximately 6-7.5mg THC

Local eateries with similar dishes:

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Keira Fae discovered the healing powers of the cannabis plant in 2014, after suffering from a debilitating illness. Rather than taking a handful of different pharmaceuticals, she decided to smoke all natural medical cannabis instead. The instant improvement to her health, the return of her appetite, increased energy and complete pain relief inspired her to figure out how to cook with cannabis to help herself and those she cared about. After just a couple of years, Fae founded her own infused edibles company in collaboration with Weedmaps, and began to film and disseminate stepby-step instructional video guides on how to cook with cannabis. She now also offers an infused oil line called Ambrosia’s Oils, with a 1:1 THC:THCa. Fae believes it’s imperative that patients know what they are putting into their bodies and also understanding what cannabis can do for their overall health. For more information check out KeiraFae.com.

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January 2017

culture

Walnut Cinnamon Rolls

growing

Ingredients for Rolls:

RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE

2 tablespoons Ambrosia’s Infused Coconut Oil (30mg)

1/2 cup hot milk

3 1/2-4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 ounce package dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup warm water

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup sugar

Ingredients for Cinnamon Filling: 1/4 cup melted butter, plus more for pan

3/4 cup sugar, plus more for pan

2 tablespoons Ambrosia’s Infused Coconut Oil (30mg)

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Ingredients for Glaze: 4 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups powdered sugar

3-6 tablespoons warm milk

Directions:

Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese Servings: 2

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Ambrosia’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil (30 mg) 1/2 pounds pasta, any shape (I prefer Macaroni) 2 tablespoons allpurpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cup whole milk 2 1/2 cups shredded cheeses, Cheddar, Pepper Jack and Colby

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Dissolve the yeast in a small bowl with warm water and set aside. In a large bowl mix, infused coconut oil, melted butter, milk, sugar, salt and egg. Add all-purpose flour, mix till smooth and add yeast mixture. Mix well until dough is firm enough to handle. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover for 1-1 1/2 hours or until dough has doubled in size. While dough rises, mix melted butter, infused coconut oil, sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon filling. Roll dough out on a floured surface a rectangle. Spread melted butter corner to corner. Repeat with cinnamon filling mixture, corner to corner. Roll dough ad cut into 12 pieces. Place cinnamon rolls close together and let rise for 45 minutes or until rolls have doubled in size. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. While your rolls are baking, mix butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add warm milk 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired constancy. Spread over cooled roll and add walnuts or your favorite topping. Enjoy! Dosage: Each serving 5mg THC

Directions: Bring 4 cups water to a boil over high heat, add pasta and salt. Cook until pasta is soft (about 5-6 minutes) and strain, set aside. Prepare the cheese sauce using the same pot; add 1 cup milk over medium low heat. Once warm, add remainder of milk and flour, whisk until smooth. Turn the heat to low, add infused oil and cheese by the handful. Mix until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce in a separate bowl. Add extra parmesan and basil. Enjoy! Dosage: Each serving 15mg

Servings: 12

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Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.

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January 2017

NORCAL NOW! event listings

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K, Jan. 8

Getting exercise is always easier with a little motivation. There will be over 4,000 pounds of chocolate melted for this wonderful event, which gives each person a mug of hot, dark chocolate goodness at the end of every race. Golden Gate Park Music Concourse, San Francisco www.hotchocolate15k.com

Fungus Fair, Jan. 13-15

If you’re a lover of mushrooms, then the Fungus Fair will be a one-of-a-kind event that you will thoroughly enjoy. This fair celebrates all the delicious wonders of mushrooms with vendors, wild mushroom displays, mushroom books, expert speakers and more. Louden Nelson Community Center, Santa Cruz ffsc.us/fair

Whether you like their older songs like “Cake by the Ocean” or are a fan of their recent DNCE album, you are surely in for a treat at this performance happening at Ace of Spades. Ace of Spades, Sacramento www.aceofspadessac.com

Kathy Griffin, Jan. 21

Kathy Griffin is not only an icon in the LGBTQ community, she’s an actress, comedian, writer, producer and television host as well. This Grammy award-winning comedian will light up the stage with fun and laughter, so you don’t want to miss out! The Masonic, San Francisco sfmasonic.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Labor & Community Breakfast, Jan. 16

Keep the message of peace, love and unity alive by joining this annual Martin Luther King Jr. Labor & Community Breakfast. Seats are limited, but attendees will enjoy inspirational speakers, music and more. Marriott Marquis, San Francisco sflaborcouncil.org/ getinvolved/martin-lutherking-jr-day-breakfast

DNCE, Jan. 19

If you’re a fan of American funk-pop or dance-rock, then DNCE might be one of your favorite bands.

featured event

Kings of Leon, Jan. 25 AFI, Jan. 21

This American rock band has seen relentless success with its nine studio albums. Now you can dance along to some of the band’s latest hits like “Snow Cats” and “White Offerings.” Fox Theater, Oakland fox.theatreoakland.com

Bay Area Pet Expo, Jan. 21-22

Bring your pet along for a weekend of everything your companion animal will love. There will be vendors, adoptions, entertainment and

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This American rock band has been bringing music that has transformed over time from a Southern rock and blues sounds to a more alternative sound most recently. Check out some of the best hits as they deliver this stellar performance for fans of all ages. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco billgrahamcivicauditorium.com

even vaccinations at the Bay Area Pet Expo. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Santa Clara www.bayareapetexpo.com

Slow Wine World Tour, Jan. 24 Allow your palate to

journey through Italy by tasting delicious wines and sampling Italian eats. There will also be live entertainment to set the mood appropriately. Terra Gallery & Events, San Francisco terrasf.com

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January 2017

Chuck Shepherd's

News of the

Weird LEAD STORY— FUTURE OF TRAVEL u Australian aviator David Mayman has promised investors that his personal jet packs will hit the market by mid-2017, though early adopters will pay about $250,000 for one, to fly a person at up to 60 mph for 10 minutes. The JB-10 (developed by Mayman and designer Nelson Tyler) has made about 400 test runs in Monaco and over downtown London and New York City, but the partners realize that ultimate success will require that the fuel tanks be downsized so that the craft can be powered electrically— and thus seek crowdfunding both for that model and a larger one to accommodate the Pentagon’s (Special Operations Command) tactical needs. THE CONTINUING CRISIS u Wild Life: The state agency Colorado Parks and Wildlife filed 21 criminal charges in October against the Squirrel Creek Wildlife Rescue center in Littleton, alleging that some of the orphaned and rehabbing animals Kendall Seifert houses are not being kept according to the state’s strict standards—and that Seifert’s 15-year-old center is also home to his popular swingers’ club (Scarlet Ranch) featuring weekend sex parties. One of the criminal charges suggests that rescue animals could be stressed by gazing at activity in the ranch’s bar area. Seifert said he will challenge the charges out of fear that many of the raccoons, foxes, song birds, coyotes, skunks, rabbits and 84

January 2017 iReadCULTURE.com

squirrels he would have to relinquish would not find suitable facilities elsewhere. u Episode Almost Ended in a Tie: In November, in a remote area of Oregon’s Maury Mountains, a 69-year-old man killed an elk and dragged the carcass behind his off-road vehicle up a hill. According to the Crook County Sheriff’s office, the vehicle suddenly flipped over backward, and the man landed on, and was impaled by, the elk’s antlers. Fellow hunters summoned a helicopter, and the man has apparently survived. THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT u (1) In a retail market long dominated by priests, “nonsectarian” funeral eulogizers now offer to give individually tailored remembrances of the deceased for a fee, according to an October report by a New York Post reporter who interviewed two local “celebrants,” who cited the declining appeal of “prayers.” (2) The British retailer ASOS announced in August that 3-foot-long clip-on dinosaur tails had sold out in one of its two models (although New York magazine, which reported it in the U.S., was, for obvious reasons, baffled about why). THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS u Brittany Maynard, then 29, became “the face of the Right to Die movement” in 2014, according to a New York Post column, when she chose a legal physician-assisted suicide rather than awaiting the growth of her terminal brain tumor. In October, terminally ill California mother Stephanie Packer hoped to be “the face of the Right to Live movement” after revealing that her insurance company denied coverage for a drug that could extend her life—but at the same time disclosed that her suicide drugs are covered, and even disclosed her co-pay ($1.20).

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January 2017

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January 2017