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inside
contents 1.2019
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HIGH CAL IBER
Five-time boxing champion and current WBC winner, Ava Knight, gives CULTURE a peek into her life—her journey as a boxer, her aspirations and how cannabis plays a significant role in her daily life. ON THE COVER:
PHOTO BY SEAN MCDONOUGH
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Setting the Example Activewear clothing that embraces cannabis and hemp allows consumers to destigmatize the “lazy stoner” stereotype..
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Plant Power Former talk show host Montel Williams speaks honestly about his recent stroke and how CBD products have helped him recover.
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departments
10 Letter from the Editor news 12 News Nuggets 13 By the Numbers 14 Local News 18 Healthy Living reviews 20 Cool Stuff 22 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 40 À La Carte 42 Growing Culture 44 NorCal Now!
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Online Exclusive! d New Zealand Loosens Cannabis Laws d Improve Health in 2019 with Hemp
VOL 10 ISSUE 7
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Solis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Bennett EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Benjamin Adams ASSISTANT EDITOR Ayesha Rahman EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, David Edmundson. Caroline Hayes, Carl Kozlowski, Alison Malsbury, Emily Manke, Kiara Manns, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf ART DIRECTOR Steven Myrdahl PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Aguirre GRAPHIC DESIGNER John Venegas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Casey Roel, Vic Zaragoza OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar
CULTURE® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout the Southern California. 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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LETTER
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EDITOR
Lead by Example
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his just in! Mainstream wellness and fitness publications have confirmed it—cannabis will be one of the hottest health trends in 2019. While we rejoice as the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) continue to make headlines and bring benefits to the masses, it’s important to remember that whole plant cannabis and hemp have also been used for wellness purposes for many, many years before the CBD trend took over. It should come as no surprise that every year CULTURE dedicates its January issue to focusing on health- and wellness-focused topics that are relevant to the cannabis-loving lifestyle. Reversing the stigma that cannabis consumers are lazy, CULTURE is joined by professional athletes, wellness experts and everyday people who are dedicated to living healthy and active lifestyles with cannabis and hemp. In this special Health and Wellness issue, our cover interview with champion boxer Ava Knight demonstrates just how intertwined wellness, cannabis and professional athletics really are. While our community is always eager to learn more about the many benefits of the most mainstream cannabinoids, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CULTURE is looking into the endless wellness possibilities that are held by lesser known cannabinoids that are steadily gaining in popularity. You will also find within these pages an inspirational story about a professional cannabis and hemp chef, who is able
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to overcome her own dietary restrictions utilizing cannabis. It doesn’t matter what has led you to picking up this issue, rest assured that you’re now a step closer to embracing wellness through cannabis. In honor of the new year, challenge yourself to focus on bettering your wellness as a resolution. You can start training for a 5K, look into cooking with fresh ingredients at home versus eating fast food, or choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator the next time you’re given the option. Be an example of balance and wellness to others, and make choices that help demonstrate that hemp and cannabis are complementary to a healthy lifestyle. c Cheers!
JAMIE SOLIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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NEWS
NUGGETS
Martinez City Council Adds Greenhouses to Home Cultivation Rules On Dec. 5, 2018 the Martinez City Council considered revisions to Ordinance 1411, a 2017 home cultivation ordinance, but the city council sent it back to city staff because it was too restrictive, even with the new revisions. The council asked the staff to modify the law to allow residents to grow cannabis in their backyard using greenhouses.
“Based on direction from the Council,” the Dec. 5 staff report reads, “staff is proposing a permanent personal cultivation ordinance. The purpose of the new ordinance would be to impose regulatory restrictions on the personal cultivation of cannabis pursuant to state law.” State law allows residents of any city to grow up to six cannabis plants in the privacy of their own home, and cities can only do so much to limit home cultivation. The city’s Planning Commission approved of the ordinance, but asked to require an outdoor accessory structure (greenhouse) to raise the plants and secure a foundation.
City of Alameda Allows Dispensary Next Door to Martial Arts Studio Alameda city officials removed a barrier to allow a dispensary to open next door to the International Chi Institute with students who are mostly under the age of 18. Fifty-three parents of the children who practice martial arts at the studio signed a petition to block the dispensary from opening. But despite their pleas, on Nov. 27, 2018 the Alameda City Council voted to eliminate all youth recreational and cultural establishments from the city’s definition of “youth center,” in order to allow storefront cannabis 12
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businesses to open nearby. “This report recommends an additional amendment to the city’s cannabis regulatory ordinance, modifying the definition of ‘Youth Centers,’ a sensitive use specified in the ordinance, to exclude certain uses, including martial arts/combat sports, cultural or similar education, and physical fitness activities, and to make other revisions to the scope of the definition,” a city council executive summary reads.
World Health Organization Postpones Cannabis Rescheduling Recommendations The United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) delayed the release of recommendations on rescheduling cannabis on Dec. 7, 2018. The recommendations were expected to be unveiled on the same day at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs 61st reconvened session in Vienna, Austria. While recommendations on other substances like Tramadal were addressed, a WHO representative said the organization needs more time to evaluate how to proceed with cannabis, leaving cannabis advocates around the world shocked. “When the time came to release the findings on cannabis to the packed audience, all were stunned to watch, in person, the spokesperson for WHO announce that the outcome on cannabis was kept confidential, but did not announce any date for the release,” said a press statement from FAAAT think & do tank, an international drug policy advocacy group. While no new date has been provided yet, member states of WHO are expected to vote on rescheduling cannabis in March 2019.
The maximum number of cannabis plants that the Martinez City Council is considering limiting residents to grow indoors at home, per household: (Source: Martinez NewsGazette)
The number of license applications that Calaveras County received from potential commercial cannabis cultivators as of early December, 2018: (Source: East Bay Times)
743
The number of applications that Calaveras County has approved for commercial cannabis cultivation licenses, as of early December 2018: (Source East Bay Times)
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250
The number of cannabis farms that are expected to be approved to begin operation in Alameda (Source: County within the next six months: FOX KTVU)
1
The approximate amount of money, in millions of American dollars, that Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organization invested in a cannabis research plantation: (Source: Asia Times)
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Senior Cannabis 101
The number of licensed cannabis dispensaries currently operating in Brandywine, Maryland: (Source: Baltimore Business Journal) The number of licensed medical and recreational cannabis producers in Canada that received approval to cultivate and sell cannabis: (Source: The Seattle Times)
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The estimated amount of cannabis, in micrograms, that residents in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada consumed per person, per week from March 2018 to August 2018: (Source: CTV News)
1,310
WHEN: Thurs, Jan. 10 WHERE: Harvest Off Mission Lounge, 33 29th St., San Francisco
WEBSITE: harvestshop.com Baby Boomers and members of the Silent Generation are increasingly becoming curious about cannabis—but there are only a few resources available for beginners. As part of the “Thursdays with Tali” series, board-certified holistic health practitioner Ms. Tali Eisenberg offers an introduction to cannabis, specifically designed for seniors. A presentation on cannabis basics will be followed with a Q&A to clear up any remaining confusion on cannabis
titration, safety, health and wellness. Eisenberg offers seminars on everything cannabis-related, such as Cannabis for Women. She’s taught audiences about the subject for over 22 years. This 60-minute introductory class offers a judgment-free environment where newbies can learn all they need to know, in the heart of downtown San Francisco. So grab a pen and paper, and allow yourself to learn a little bit more about this incredible healing plant. CultureMagazine.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
DELIVERY ONLY
California officials approve d e l i v e r i e s i n c i t i e s a n d c o u n t i e s t h at have banned cannabis sales By Benjamin M. Adams
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ne of the most contested aspects of California’s permanent cannabis rules revolves around delivery in cities and counties that have banned the sale of cannabis—but delivery companies will probably win this particular battle. Much to the dismay of various opposing organizations and law enforcement groups, California regulators approved a provision to allow cannabis deliveries in all areas of the state. The Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), Department of Public Health and Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) sent final drafts of permanent cannabis rules to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on Dec. 3, 2018 and the BCC’s rules include the delivery provision. The delivery provision is a response to reports of several cities and counties that insisted they could arrest cannabis delivery drivers coming from other cities. The OAL was given 30 days from that date to complete its full review and to finalize the permanent rules. Once the permanent rules are finalized, cities and counties can continue to ban cannabis storefronts as they please, but they can’t block delivery companies from entering their jurisdiction. Cannabis delivery companies like Eaze, Kushfly, HERB and Nugg are increasingly staking out territory throughout California, and they could expand much faster under the permanent rules. Pending the OAL’s final green light, any Californian adult could order cannabis via
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delivery—no matter where they live. “The way it would work is similar to pizza delivery,” California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA) Communications and Outreach Director Josh Drayton told CULTURE. “If a pizza delivery company is in one city, it can deliver into another. The way that this would read for cannabis is that if a delivery service is located in a regulated area, and they are licensed, they are still able to deliver into banned cities and counties.” Originally, the regulations were supposed to remain private for a month, but by Dec. 7, 2018 the rules were released. BCC Assistant Chief of Communications Alex Traverso told CULTURE, however, that the rules are contingent upon being finalized by the OAL. The CCIA represents the voice of Californians who work in the cannabis industry, and the association promotes state laws that are beneficial to its various causes. “Our association strongly supports statewide delivery,” Drayton said. “We do believe that this regulation reflects the will of California voters that supported Prop. 64. [Organizations] launched a campaign against this called ‘Stop Wandering Weed,’ but we fully support this regulation and greatly appreciate that this administration and the BCC also interpreted the statute in the same manner.” The California Police Chiefs Association, League of California Cities and United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council opposed the provision allowing statewide deliveries and launched an online petition. According to the Stop Wandering Weed campaign website, the delivery provision would “eviscerate” cities’ ability to ban cannabis. Once the permanent rules began to be released, the Stop Wandering Weed campaign pulled its ads off of social media. Their efforts were in vain. Many other rules were clarified or reiterated. The CDFA, for instance, also released its draft regulations, which would continue to allow farm operations to obtain an unlimited number of cultivation permits. The OAL is not expected to approve the permanent rule packages until sometime in mid-January. Until then, California’s emergency rules that were re-adopted in June 2018 will remain in place. c
SF Bay Area Premiere of Secret Ingredient Secret Ingredient, a magnificent film about medical cannabis, is the official Macedonian submission for the Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film. It has already won at least 15 international awards and premiered at 48 film festivals. The film is about a train mechanic who gives his father a cake infused with cannabis— but the cannabis happens to be stolen from a band of criminals. The film’s protagonist must overcome nosy neighbors and escape the wrath of violent criminals. The Hollywood Reporter called it an “unassuming tragic gem,” and most other critics are embracing the film’s utter power and exceptional execution. Few cannabis-related films attract as much attention as Secret Ingredient did. Seating is limited and expected to sell out, so grab tickets while you can. WHEN: Sat, Jan. 19 WHERE: Stanford University Bechtel International Center, 584 Capistrano Wy., Stanford WEBSITE: bechtel. stanford.edu
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
The Other Cannabinoids Exploring six lesser-known c h e m i c a l s t h at i n t e r a c t w i t h t h e endocannabinoid system By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
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annabinoids are a diverse set of chemicals used by the endocannabinoid system, one of the largest neurotransmission systems in the bodies of all mammals. Whether the cannabinoids are produced by our bodies (endocannabinoids) or are obtained from external sources like cannabis (ectocannabinoids), they have profound effects on regulating appetite, mood, motor control, immunity, reproduction, pain, memory and sleep, to name a few. The cannabinoids produced in our bodies are not the exact same cannabinoids found in cannabis, but they all interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in a very similar way and consequently produce very similar effects. There are over 100 “The cannabinoids cannabinoids, but the only ones that make headlines produced in our are the two cannabisbodies are not produced cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the exact same and cannabidiol (CBD). Both cannabinoids found are known for many health benefits such as relieving in cannabis, but pain, mitigating depression, they all interact inducing sleep and fighting cancer, but THC is notorious with body’s for the psychoactive high it endocannabinoid produces. As a consequence, THC and CBD eclipse the system in a very “other cannabinoids” in similar way and name recognition. The rarely consequently mentioned and less-researched “other cannabinoids” have produce very health benefits that deserve similar effects.” serious consideration. 18
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Cannabigerol (CBG) is found abundantly in immature plants, but as the plant matures it all but disappears as it is broken down by specific enzymes into other cannabinoids—mainly THC and CBD. CBG has been shown to provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome, reduce intraocular eye pressure in glaucoma patients, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and act as an antibacterial agent. As a consequence of these multiple health benefits, geneticists are working to develop cannabis strains that retain high levels of CBG.
Cannabichromene (CBC) is also a derivative of CBG. Of interest is that CBC is reported to provide pain relief by binding with receptors outside the endocannabinoid system leading to increased levels of the body’s natural THC like cannabinoid— anandamide. CBC has also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibiotic properties.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) has a similar
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is similar in structure and
molecular structure to THC, but medical studies have produced conflicting results on whether it has the same psychoactive properties as THC, with some studies finding enhanced psychoactive properties while others found it to reduce THC’s psychoactive effects. As for health benefits, positive results have been demonstrated in treating diabetes, as THCV has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and regulate blood sugar levels. Research has also shown its potential to lessen anxiety in post-traumatic stress disorder patients and reduce the tremors, brain lesions and loss of motor control associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
function to CBD. Studies have demonstrated the ability of CBDV to heighten the anti-convulsive properties of CBD. GW Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Epidiolex, the first cannabis-based medicine to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, undertook research studies to document the ability of CBDV to treat adults with seizures and autism. Even though the studies did not produce the desired results, GW Pharmaceuticals is continuing the research as its totally non-psychoactive properties make CBDV an ideal candidate for treating these disorders.
Cannabinol (CBN) is formed from the exposure of THC to light and air. With minimal psychoactive effects, the high produced by cannabis decreases when THC degrades into CBN due to improper storage. Although CBN will not produce a psychoactive effect, studies have shown an ability to reduce insomnia, fight infections and provide relief from pain.
Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) has the same atomic composition as traditional THC, but the atoms are arranged differently. Somewhat less psychoactive, it has shown great promise in treating cancer patients as research has demonstrated its ability to kill cancer cells and reduce tumors in mice. Studies have confirmed the research undertaken with mice as Israeli researchers have reported successful cancer treatments utilizing Delta-8-THC in 480 patients. In addition, it has been shown to significantly reduce nausea and vomiting, which would benefit cancer patients experiencing the debilitating side effects of chemo and radioactive therapies.
Although cannabinoids can provide benefits on their own, research has established that the cannabinoids found in cannabis work best in the presence of other cannabinoids and not in isolation. Known as “The Entourage Effect,” whole-plant cannabis used in its natural form with its cornucopia of cannabinoids intact remains effective and is perhaps one of the best ways to obtain the health and medical benefits of cannabis. c
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3. QardioBase 2™ Want to lose weight quickly and efficiently? Be the person who actually achieves their New Year’s resolution this year. This award-winning smart scale will give you just the right amount of motivation to hit the gym and refine your workout schedule. As much as we all want to see a lesser amount of pounds on the scale, this model will give you accurate results, unlike cheap scales. Its digital display and topof-the-line modern design will also look great and elevate your bathroom décor for your guests. Show someone that you’re serious about achieving this year’s goals and resolutions. Price: $149.99 More information: getqardio.com
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REVIEWS
entertainment
BOOK
Beauty of Cannabis: 200 Strains of Marijuana, A Visual Guide
RELEASE DATE: JAN. 29 AVAILABLE ON: PLAYSTATION 4 AND XBOX ONE
Spurs Broken Pub. Amherst Media Beauty of Cannabis is a spectacular visual journey that takes readers deep into the wonderful world of cannabis strains. Award-winning photographer Spurs Broken creates magic with his macro photography, magnifying the intricacies of each cannabis flower and making every minute detail of this earthly delight tangible. This book also features instructions on how up-and-coming photographers can improve their own cannabis photography with tips such as directing light inside a bud to reflect off crystals and reveal beautiful colors. The up-close and personal relationship that the photographer creates between his readers and subjects through this book is a treat any cannaseur will relish in. (Ayesha Rahman) 22
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GAME
Kingdom Hearts III Dev. Square Enix Business Division 3 Pub. Square Enix Co., Ltd. Almost 20 years since the original Kingdom Hearts was released on the PlayStation 2, the game’s developers are finally ready to unleash Kingdom Hearts III—a crossover game between Disney and Final Fantasy characters— upon the world. In fact, the game is a veritable explosion of recognizable characters, including characters from Rapunzel, Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, Frozen, Big Hero 6 and so many more. Plus the game’s reputation as a satisfying hackand-slash RPG with a complex story is bound to delight longtime fans. (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
Venom Dir. Ruben Fleischer Sony Pictures Releasing With all of the love and attention that so many classic Marvel heroes have been getting over the years in the explosion of comic book movies, it was about time that one Marvel’s greatest and most captivating monsters got some time in the Sun too. Guided by director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Gangster Squad), Venom brings the iconic symbiotic, extra-terrestrial lifeform of the same name to life in all of its horrifying glory in one of the most action packed films of the year. Brimming with awesome performances from Tom Hardy, Michelle, Woodie Harrelson, and many others, Venom is for everyone who roots for the villain in every good vs. evil struggle. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Oxnard Anderson .Paak Aftermath Entertainment Not quite as raw as his 2014 debut, Venice, but not as smooth as 2016 sophomore release, Malibu, Anderson .Paak’s third studio album, Oxnard, finds itself somewhere in between, but still cohesive. Featuring the legendary Dr. Dre at the helm of the mixing and producing, .Paak’s newest release shows an artist continuing to push himself and his sound into new territories. With an array of songs that hit harder, feel heavier and flow with the cinematic arc that has defined Dr. Dre’s productions over the years, .Paak still never loses the silky, velvety qualities that has made his style so compelling. (Simon Weedn)
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“ . . . they can’t keep denying that there are some world class athletes that smoke and train and break world records.”
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PHOTOS BY SEAN MCDONOUGH
ava knight is a great ambassador for both boxing and cannabis BY DAVID EDMUNDSON
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hampion boxer Ava Knight has been boxing for more than half of her life. Starting as an amateur in her teen years, she quickly ran out of opponents and opportunities. After turning pro at age 19, she has won several championship title belts, including the International Female Boxers Association Bantamweight Championship, International Boxing Federation Flyweight World Title and World Boxing Council Silver World Title, and trained some of the biggest names in the music industry, all the while keeping her signature positive attitude and indelible work ethic. She’s also the first female boxer from the United States to win the World Boxing Council Diamond Belt Championship. She is a tremendous ambassador of her sport, and a bright light in the sometimes-
dark world of professional boxing. Knight is also part of a list of elite athletes who have come out on the side of cannabis and its medicinal benefits. She, along with a growing number of high-caliber athletes, are trying to combat years of misinformation and attacks on a plant whose healing benefits they have felt first hand. Fighting takes a tremendous toll on your body—not only during the actual fight, but in the thousands of hours spent preparing for the bout. As injuries and fatigue take hold, Knight has used cannabis as part of her healing regimen and sings its praises. CULTURE was able to sit down with Knight to discuss her boxing career, training Wiz Khalifa and Joe Jonas, comparing women in boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and how women’s boxing can compete with men’s boxing.
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Have you always been into contact sports? Yeah, I started at the age of 13, and since then I have always been into contact sports. Since I’ve started, I’ve taken about two years off, and that’s it. Did you immediately take to boxing? It was kind of a weird thing. I started going to the gym with a friend as a teen. I had never watched a boxing match. I had never been involved in any type of contact sport before that. It was just kind of an accident that happened to be a blessing, in that I got to find my calling in life. After trying it at a young age and wanting to do it, it became a passion after about six months of doing it. I just fell in love with it. In the early days was there an abundance of female opponents? Coming from Northern California, there was barely anyone involved where we were at. But we would drive down to the Bay Area all the time. We would find fights in Oakland and San Francisco. I would fight the same girls three or four times as an amateur. It was always hard to find opponents on a steady basis. I had gone to a national tryout in 2006, and they told me that women would never see the Olympics. It was kind of heartbreaking, but at that moment I decided that I had gone as far as I could as an amateur and turned professional. By going professional, I had the opportunity to fight more often. Can you tell us where your nickname “Lady of Boxing” comes from? My first coach Joe Rodriguez, the one who started me out and kept me going, would always call me a lady. He was a very old school military man, and I when I would come to the gym, I wouldn’t be rude or talk back to anyone. So, since I was nice and polite, he would call me a lady. The nickname has stuck with me ever since then. 30
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“i also think that all the people that have a criminal record because of cannabis should have their records expunged. the country should be free to use and smoke as they please. ”
You recently came back to the ring after a two-year absence; have you or the sport changed? The break didn’t start out as something I wanted to do. Women’s boxing was really bad, and nothing was happening at the time. I got an amazing opportunity to become Joe Jonas’ personal trainer on the road. So that was a blessing, and it was great to teach him boxing, while I got to still have some passion in what I did and travel the world. But I did see that during that time, that women were starting to become mainstream getting on television, and things were starting to look up for women in boxing. So, I decided I wanted to come back. And while I can’t say it is a whole lot better, they have taken some steps forward.
Aside from Joe Jonas, you’ve also been training with former CULTURE cover Wiz Khalifa. Are they training to possibly fight, or more for fitness? Joe just did it for fitness, to get into shape and look great. He did an awesome job with it. And Wiz is amazing. He has taken up Muay Thai, and I’ve done some boxing with him. I’ve held pads for him and sparred with him as well. He is catching onto the sport so fast, so well that I’ve told him that he should do an amateur fight. He’s really thinking about it. He told me that there are only a few things he loves in the world—his son, his music, his weed and the gym. It was awesome to see that he really loves his contact sports. Do you enjoy training fighters; is it something you could see yourself doing when you hang up your gloves? I do, because when I was hurt or couldn’t find a fight, the only way I could get my excitement was teaching people to box. You get that little spark inside of you that you got when you fought in the ring. I want to start a gym in south Texas. I know it’s a really poor area down there, but fighting is a poor man’s sport. I started it as a kid in a family with no money, and it kept me going. It’s not making most of us rich, but it fulfills a deep passion within. How has it been working with Mayweather Promotions? Working with Mayweather Promotions is great. So far, they’ve been very good to me. They’ve got me on my last two cards really quick. I don’t know Floyd [Mayweather] very well, but at the
end of the day, when it comes to boxing, this man knows his stuff, and he is very supportive of the people he puts in the ring. What can the sport do to elevate women’s boxing to the level of the men? The women in the sport are doing what they do very well, and that’s boxing. It’s hard now that we live in a society with social media. You become more popular on Instagram with likes than you are if you’re just a badass boxer. The world has changed in the sense that entertainment and money has fallen into the politics of boxing. But the women are doing a great job of being fighters. The problem in boxing is that the men don’t support us as much as they do in sports like MMA. MMA puts them on the top screen, they put their pictures out there, they advertise them very well and they get them sponsors. The world for women in boxing is going backwards. We don’t have that support, like you would find in other mixed gender sports like
tennis or MMA. MMA is doing great with the women. In MMA, you had Ronda Rousey who became as famous, if not more famous, than her male counterparts. Do you foresee a time that boxing follows suit? If it is a possibility, and I am being as positive as I can, it is not going to be anytime soon. The problem in boxing, that is different from MMA, is that boxing is an old sport. It is run by a big group of old men who might not want to accept women into the sport, whereas MMA is fueled by a younger crowd who accept different things better. They bring women into the gym and train with them. In boxing, it can be hard to walk in and be treated like a reputable fighter. There’s always someone trying to pull you back when it comes to boxing. To be a female gladiator is still kind of unheard of. No matter where you go people are still surprised that you’re a female boxer. It would be nice to see that part change. Once it changes in the gyms, it will spread to the higher-ups. CultureMagazine.com
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fighters I know do it but keep it under wraps. I would say like 50/50. Do you think boxing’s unwillingness to embrace the medicinal properties of cannabis stems back to that “Old Boys” club you mentioned? Things are always “too new” for the sport. Just like women in boxing, they can’t keep denying that there are some world class athletes that smoke and train and break world records. But with boxing, since it is so old school, I just don’t see them changing their minds. You live in Las Vegas, Nevada where cannabis is recreationally legal. Do you feel it should be readily available nationwide? I think cannabis should be legal for recreational use throughout the country. Canada just did it, and we could do the same thing. We could tax it and use it to build up the country. Also, we should be allowed to grow it and do things organically without getting in trouble for it. I also think that all the people that have a criminal record because of cannabis should have their records expunged. The country should be free to use and smoke as they please.
Would you be interested in switching from boxing to MMA for those reasons? I’m definitely thinking about it; only because that seems to be the way women are going, especially the good ones in boxing. Not that I am following in anyone’s footsteps. I have my own plans for my career, and I want to see some good things come from it. Do you consume cannabis or cannabis products? Marijuana is such a taboo thing in the athletic world, and I questioned admitting that I smoke weed, but at the end of the day I feel like it’s such a positive plant, that has medical benefits to it, that I feel like I can’t deny it. I use topicals, and I do smoke. How has cannabis helped in your recovery from fights? I use the Dixie Elixirs balm. I use it on my wrists. I severely hurt my wrists during the first fight I had this year, and every day I go to the gym I use this balm on my wrists, and since the last two fights I have not had pain at all. Even now I can 32
“to be a female gladiator is still kind of unheard of. ” turn it, move it and there is no inflammation. It is getting better and better every time I use it. I’ve tried so many other things like Tiger Balm and things like that. My dog had surgery the other day, and she was swollen. The only ointment that could get the redness away from her chest was the Dixie Elixirs balm, and it did wonders for her. When I do smoke though, my friend grows his own marijuana, and it helps me sleep. I have insomnia, and it has helped me 100 percent. How prevalent do you think cannabis is in the boxing world? I want to say it’s everywhere. The biggest
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What is your favorite memory as a boxer? People think winning world titles is the best part of boxing. But I think the most memorable and happiest moment for me in boxing is bringing it home to my parents. I think knowing that I made my parents proud of what I’m doing, and the road I’m going down is probably the best feeling in the world. Who’s your favorite boxer? Tommy Hearns was my favorite. He was tall and lanky and could throw with power. He wasn’t undefeated, but that man fought everybody. He was just an amazing fighter. If you could box anyone from history, who would it be and why? I’m going to go for a swing here and say Donald Trump. Maybe it’s just a celebrity boxing thing, but I disagree with so much of what this man says that I would just love to get into the ring, and just get my problems out of the way with that. Get that anger out. c www.officialavaknight.com
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fashionably GREAT
Stigma ® adds st yle to your workout routine with a nod to cannabis and hemp By Caroline Hayes
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ew year, new you. Some might consider this phrase cliché, but many people think of the new year as an opportunity to make changes and develop positive habits. People are always vowing to get in shape, but why not actually do it in 2019 and aspire to lead a more active and meaningful life? It can be hard to get the ball rolling, but we have an idea that might excite you—stocking your closet with items from mindful and cannabis-forward companies to complement your new active lifestyle. By choosing to support companies that grow organic hemp or cotton or vow Fair Trade practices and less of a carbon footprint, you are helping the sustainable clothing movement. Stigma® is a California-based, global company whose brand is focused on spreading a procannabis message through its activewear clothing line, team and upcoming cannabidiol (CBD) enhancement products. Founded by a brother and sister duo, Anthony and Nicole Gonzales, Stigma® is a cannabis health and wellness lifestyle brand. The siblings created the company around a mission to deconstruct stereotypes about “lazy stoners” by highlighting members of the cannabis community who are active and motivated. Anthony told CULTURE, “People of all different ages and backgrounds consume cannabis while leading healthy, productive and active lives.” In addition to their own stories, Anthony and Nicole have a global network of brand ambassadors who share their personal experiences about the positive role cannabis has played in their lives. Stigma®’s line of activewear is chic and fashionable with a powerful message. They make sports bras, tanks, leggings, performance shorts, joggers and hoodies that are made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and rPET (recycled plastic bottles) with subtle messages like “F*ck Stereotypes” and “Aim Higher.” Anthony says that they have plans to incorporate hemp as a fabric in the future. “Hemp is a highly sustainable and low impact crop that provides several benefits over other natural materials. For us, our challenge has been incorporating this natural fiber into activewear products that are typically made from performance materials such as nylon and polyester. We’re working with suppliers to develop a fabric that uses hemp
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and other fibers specific to our sports application. We want something that is soft, durable, sweat resistant,” he said. Anthony’s mission to found Stigma® started after he saw firsthand how cannabis positively affected his health. He wrote in an Instagram post that two years ago he was suffering from stomach issues, was overweight and working a high stress job at Apple. Doctors were prescribing him pharmaceuticals to relieve his pain and inflammation, but he knew that there had to be a better way than prescription drugs. He started doing research and discovered CBD as a natural remedy, which greatly improved his health. He wrote, “I started using cannabis to support my fitness routine and found it made a huge
difference. The gym and working out became fun again as I played around with different sativa strains prior to my workouts.” He explained that a vape hit before a long run, CBD salve for sore muscles or eating an edible to relax and rest are ways to incorporate cannabis into a workout. Anthony’s sister Nicole, who is cofounder, is involved with all clothing designs, is Stigma®’s primary photographer and also utilizes the health benefits of CBD. “She’s been with me since the inception of the brand and has played an integral part in pretty much every decision. We’re a small family startup with my sister, dad and boyfriend all supporting in some capacity,” Anthony said. Stigma®’s other focus is a line of CBD sports performance products for athletes, set to debut early next year. Anthony said they will be infusing oral spray, protein powder and topicals with 100 percent organic CBD plant material. “We’re using an innovative CBD delivery system
to improve bioavailability within the body versus traditional CBD oils. Many people don’t realize that only 10 to 20 percent of the CBD contained in oil-based hemp extracts actually enters into the human body,” Anthony said. The hemp from which the CBD is derived is grown outdoors in Colorado without pesticides or herbicides in a zero waste process. Anthony explained, “Our manufacturing partner utilizes 100 percent of the hemp byproducts for fiber, animal bedding and biomass energy.” Stigma® has a lot of room to grow and has big plans for the future. Look for the company’s CBD enhancement products early next year and for their new hemp gear to come after that. Treat yourself to some stylish mindful gear to help jump start your new active lifestyle. If you feel the part you will act the part. Power the sustainable clothing movement by supporting companies that use mindful practices and renewable resources while redefining the stigma surrounding cannabis with movements like this.
Hemp Roots
“PEOPLE OF ALL DIFFERENT AGES AND BACKGROUNDS CONSUME CANNABIS WHILE L E A D I N G H E A LT H Y, P R O D U C T I V E AND ACTIVE LIVES.”
Sustainable activewear made from hemp is an ongoing trend that has been around for decades, and companies like PrAna and Rawganique are a couple of leaders in the industry. PrAna is a sustainable clothing brand with conscious initiatives. PrAna as a company has shared that we all have a choice in what we choose to wear, grow and buy. PrAna is committed to utilizing 100 percent organic cotton and hemp, recycled wool, responsibly sourced down and Fair Trade practices. PrAna makes sustainable clothing that keeps up with the trends and what people want and need. Its activewear seamlessly allows people to transition from the gym or yoga studio to running errands or to happy hour. From the mountains to the beach, PrAna makes athletic gear for all activities. “Ultimately, sustainable clothing respects the
planet and its people,” according to the company’s website. Founded in 1977 by off-thegrid islanders, Rawganique handcrafts clothing from hemp, linen and organic cotton. The company grows, combs, spins, weaves, knits and sews all of its products. Activewear items like hemp socks, undergarments and T-shirts help wick away moisture during a workout. Rawganique’s hemp gym bags and hemp or polyvinyl chloride-free yoga mats are perfect to accompany to the gym. Rawganique even makes hemp home furnishings such as sheets, curtains and rugs. Supporting smaller companies like Rawganique helps them in their quest of sustainable practices. c CultureMagazine.com
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“OVER 90 PERCENT OF THE P O P U L A T I O N U N E Q U I V O C A L LY BELIEVES THAT THERE SHOULD BE MEDICAL CANNABIS AVAILABLE FOR E V E R Y B O D Y. I T H I N K I T ’ S T I M E T O EXPUNGE RECORDS IN ADDITION TO JUSTICE REFORM.”
SSuurrvviivvaall IInnssttiinnccttss Montel Williams on surviving a stroke and the products t h at h e l p e d h i m d o i t
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By Benjamin M. Adams
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here are numerous reasons why Montel Williams is a vocal defender of the medical properties of medical cannabis and hemp. Had he never discovered the power of medical cannabis many years ago, his life today would be much different.
“I don’t really know where I’d be,” Williams admitted to CULTURE, “because of the positive effects it has on my battle with multiple sclerosis.” The talk-show-hostturned-cannabis-advocate uses cannabidiol (CBD) products to alleviate a plethora of problems beyond multiple sclerosis, and the plant’s power was recently put to the test.
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In May 2018, Williams survived a life-shattering wakeup call in the form of a cerebellar hemorrhagic stroke while doing his usual intense morning workout—a practice he picked up while serving in the United States Marine Corps and Navy. Thanks to an episode of The Dr. Oz Show that Williams watched a month earlier, he instantly knew the popping noise inside his head and sudden fatigue were the hallmark traits of a stroke, so he somehow managed to alert his wife Tara to call 911. He barely survived, and may not have if he didn’t act immediately. Survive he did, and the stroke reaffirmed to him CBD’s beneficial effects. “As a matter of fact, I started using my CBD product on day nine after the stroke,” Williams confided. “I spent 21 days in the hospital. I was using my CBD product from the ninth day on, and I continue to use it every day. I really believe that the speed of my recovery has been based on the fact that I had such a significant amount of protection there to begin with CBD on a daily basis.” Williams has known firsthand about the healing properties of the plant since at least 2001. Those convictions eventually led Williams to found LenitivLabs in 2017, a company that sells products infused with various ratios of CBD and THC, including its second generation flagship product line, 38
Montel by Select. Many of the products are regionally specific, and are based upon state cannabis laws. As anyone in the industry knows, operating and serving the cannabis and hemp markets is tricky business. But with Congress’ approval of the 2018 Farm Bill, the federal government’s definition of industrial hemp will be clarified, and it may have imminent implications for hempderived products and perhaps CBD. The cannabis industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and real federal reform is on the horizon. “I think that the [expected] passage of the Farm Bill and the signature will send this industry through the roof,” Williams predicts. “I think there are some other things that have to happen. Just the Farm Bill by itself, under the way it’s currently written, leaves a lot more that still needs to be done. And now, this is going to revolutionize it, and it may break the institutional model.” It hasn’t always been this way, and not everyone has the opportunity to reap the benefits of a regulated plant. While American culture now says that cannabis is OK, thousands of people— predominantly people of color—ironically remain locked up in prison. “There have been a lot of people that have been arrested in the past for a crime that we as a society now accept,” he said. “Over 90 percent of
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the population unequivocally believes that there should be medical cannabis available for everybody. I think it’s time to expunge records in addition to justice reform.” Sadly Williams’ foray into the cannabis market hasn’t been without problems, and his product line was recently hijacked by greedy scammers. Beginning in 2017, online scammers used the Montel Williams name and imagery to hock counterfeit CBD products, leading to multiple complaints to LenitivLabs, which had nothing to do with the fake products. The fiasco caused Williams and his LenitivLabs team a great deal of stress and time. “. . . I’m hoping that now with the Farm Bill that there will be more standards applied,” Williams suggested. “As this industry matures, we’re going to get some really good science behind everything that’s going on. It’s something that I’ve been fighting diligently to clear my name because there were people putting out products in my name that weren’t even from me. They’re counterfeit in the sense that there is no formulation behind the products. I’m glad that now even the judicial system is starting to pay attention to this.” Despite these hurdles, Williams still has a few more tricks up his sleeve. “Within the next few months we will have a tincture product in place,” he said. “It will be all CBD, and it will also be a product that will be available where medical marijuana is legal at the ratios that are available.” The former talk show host knows that not everyone is going to take cannabis products the same way. Cannabis consumers come from all different walks of life. And who knows what the future holds for the possibilities at LenitivLabs and Montel by Select. “We are definitely working very diligently, offering different types of delivery systems,” he said. “Again, not everybody likes to take gel caps. Some people have a difficulty swallowing things. To be able to offer a tincture or something else that may be slow-dissolving gives the patient the ability to titrate the product themselves. We’re working on a few possibilities.” c
“ I R E A L LY BELIEVE THAT THE SPEED OF MY RECOVERY HAS BEEN BASED ON THE FACT THAT I HAD SUCH A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF PROTECTION THERE TO BEGIN WITH C B D O N A D A I LY BASIS.”
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À LA CARTE
Whole Food Magic C a n n a b i s a n d h e m p h av e l e d t o successful business ventures and p e r s o n a l w e l l n e s s f o r A s h l a e Wa r n e r By John McClain
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ood blogger Ashlae Warner works her whole food magic creating decadent-tasting cannabis edibles and is expanding to a fullspectrum hemp oil line. When cannabis first became legal in Colorado, her husband stood in line for hours and brought back a quarter-ounce of bud. But Warner wasn’t interested in smoking it—so she turned it into an infused coconut oil. “And it just sat in my pantry,” Warner told CULTURE. “I made these amazing raw brownies for some friends [. . .] They said, ‘This is so amazing, you need to bring this to the market.’” Warner is the blogger behind Oh, Lady Cakes, a corner
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of the web dedicated to traditional sweet treats. She has used her experience in whole food recipe development to create a line of healthy and fun edibles, Alchemy Food Co. After two-and-ahalf years of research and development in a Denver, Colorado commercial kitchen, Alchemy opened in February 2018. Warner keeps a high standard for the ingredients her company uses in its products, which continues to be represented through the products and the packaging the company uses. Even the grower, Los Sueños Farms, was chosen in part for its cannabis grown in the sunshine, which Warner believes is “how cannabis is supposed to be grown.”
Like the ingredients and packaging of her edibles, even her company’s name is thoughtful and intentional. “Alchemy is the precursor to chemistry, which is highly scientific, and alchemy is naturally-occurring elements,” said Warner. “All of our products are made with whole foods, natural ingredients, not processed, so ‘Alchemy’ was super-fitting.” Alchemy uses dates, nuts, cacao and handmade canna-coconut oil, which Warner whips up using an Instant Pot and a high-shear homogenizer to keep the oil consistently potent. The canna-coconut oil, Warner said, is an awesome way for people to infuse their recipes safely while knowing exactly how potent they
will be. Next year, the company hopes to expand with new canna-coconut oils and a hemp product. In August, Warner and her husband launched Supergood, a full-spectrum hemp oil infused with turmeric, that both Warner and her husband use personally. Warner discovered that cannabis allowed her to tolerate gluten in foods, but the main benefit was actually treating her ulcer and gastritis that had developed after being prescribed 2,800mg of ibuprofen daily for her endometriosis pain. She has been using the fullspectrum hemp oil to treat that pain as well as anxiety. Her husband Thom, an Iraq War veteran, suffered from insomnia and posttraumatic stress disorder for years, and visited the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance before trying cannabis. “They prescribed him the craziest medication,” said Warner, who said her husband didn’t like taking drugs. “Like bottles and bottles and bottles of blood pressure medication, and heart medication, and sleeping pills, and I was just like, ‘Why are you going to put this into your body?’” “He’s not a fan of using any kind of drug, not even caffeine,” she said. “He won’t do [it]. We started Supergood, and he started using those products and [. . .] it was like day and night for him when he started taking it, which was incredible.” Supergood hemp products have made a
“The insomnia t h at h e h a s i s c o m p l e t e ly gone. He sleeps through the n i g h t f i n a l ly, a n d h e c a n fa l l asleep and s tay a s l e e p. A product I c r e at e d h a s changed my p a r t n e r ’ s l i f e .” vast improvement in his life overall, which many of us personally know can start with a healthy sleep schedule. “The insomnia that he has is completely gone. He sleeps through the night finally, and he can fall asleep and stay asleep,” said Warner. “A product I created has changed my partner’s life.” Warner said the couples’ previous experience with Alchemy and the cannabis industry gave them knowledge that helped them create a good, trustworthy product in Supergood. Now they are able to pass on that expertise to their customers through education and support. “It’s not something we’re required to do,” she said, “but we feel like it kind of brings a little more integrity to our company and our products.” c
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GROWING CULTURE
OAKLAND OUTDOOR GARDEN: T H E F I N A L I N S TA L L M E N T By Ed Rosenthal
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y last report on the garden was in late November. At the time, almost half of the plot had been harvested. Harvesting continued through the end of the month. There were several reasons for the sense of urgency in harvesting these plants. First, some of the buds were beginning to get overripe. Secondly, the weather, which had been amazingly sunny as a result of the drought in California, was about to turn. There were numerous rainstorms on the way. Except for Thanksgiving, harvesting continued through the end of the month. The procedure was to cut the plants, place them in wagons and transport them to the processing center. The plants were dunked in hydrogen peroxide solution to wipe off dirt and kill spores and bacteria. Then they were hung to dry. The drying frame was constructed out of steel beams with four levels of wire hung across the area. Wires were spaced three feet apart to promote air circulation. The space was heated and dried using a blower powered by its own generator, which filled the room with warm air with a relative humidity
The rafters are filled with drying plants and branches. The blower fills the drying area with warm dry air. The lift is used to place plants on the high levels.
Workers de-budding the stems and branches.
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of less than 40 percent. The temperature was just under 80 degrees. The perimeter of the drying area was surrounded with powerful fans that circulated air between the rows. By the time the frame was filled with plants and bud, the plants that were hung the earliest were dry and ready to be moved into the curing area. This consisted of a slightly cooler and more humid area. The plant branches were laid on craft paper only one cluster deep. Then another sheet of heavy craft paper was laid down and another layer of branches was placed on them. This was repeated five or six times. Some plant tops were hung on wire along the walls increasing the capacity of the curing center. After spending at least a week in the curing section, the branches were bucked. This was accomplished in one of several ways. Either the plants are stripped by hand [or stripped using a bucket]. Wearing heavy canvas gloves, the branches were pulled through a mostly closed hand, stripping the plant. A more efficient method uses a rim that fits over a five-gallon bucket. Branches are fitted through the slots in the bucket, and pulled through. The foliage is stripped off. The team is also experimenting with a de-budding machine. The stem is fed into a hole in the machine and it pulls through, automatically removing the bud and other foliage. This really speeds up the process. The buds were then being stored in cans. Until the buds are mostly dry, they were kept uncapped. Only when they won’t sweat when enclosed, are the canisters capped. c
TIP OF THE MONTH Are you planning to grow some big plants outside this year? January and February are the months to get seeds and clones started. Give them bright light and start training them to grow into the shape you prefer. By May or early June when you set them out, some varieties that are four or five feet tall have the potential to grow to 10to 15-foot giants.
Fans keep the air circulating between the rows.
Plants in the curing section. The humidity is kept at about 50 percent using dehumidifiers. It consists of layers of branches separated by heavy craft paper.
Some of the plants were hung.
Finished buds will soon be destroyed.
The leaves and small buds will be used for concentrate.
NBF (New Best Friend) bud pile.
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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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NORCAL NOW! EVENT LISTINGS
featured event
KONGOS, Jan. 9 Pretoria, South Africabased rock band KONGOS found continued success in America with singles like “Come with Me Now” and “I’m Only Joking.” All four members of the KONGOS are brothers and sons of South Africa’s popular singer John Kongos, and together, the sons put on quite a show! Great American Music Hall, San Francisco kongos.com/shows
Cheesemonger Invitational, Jan. 11-13 Welcome to the “Lollapalooza of Cheese” where every cheese-based dish imaginable will be offered to attendees as wine pairings, finger foods, desserts or main courses. Stick around for the competition where six winners will be chosen, followed by an after-party event. The Midway, San Francisco cheesemongerinvitational. com
A Tribute to Jerry Garcia, Jan. 11 The Jerry Garcia Birthday Band features band members Melvin Seals, Jacklyn LaBranch, Gloria Jones, Oteil Burbridge, Tom Hamilton and Duane Trucks. Celebrate Jerry Garcia by tuning in live to these popular versions of Grateful Dead classics like “Terrapin Station,” “Bird Song” and “Morning Dew.” Warfield, San Francisco thewarfieldtheatre.com
Fungus Fair, Jan. 11-13 This year’s theme for Fungus Fair is “Mushrooms as Medicine,” and the timing couldn’t be more appropriate with a number of psilocybin mushroom initiatives moving forward in multiple states. You’ll be able to browse through hundreds of fungi specimens and learn about mushrooms’ medicinal qualities such as their anticholesterol effects. Louden Nelson Community Center, Santa Cruz ffsc.us/fair
don’t miss the closing competitive event, Magic Slam!. EXIT Theatre, San Francisco theexit.org
Fog City Magic Fest, Jan. 23-26 Co-curated by master magicians Jay Alexander and Christian Cagigal, this festival includes at least seven mind-bending magic shows at the EXIT Theatre. Highlights include the magic of Jade, Grumpy Princess, Peter Samelson and David Hirata—and
Edwardian Ball, Jan. 25-26 In the style of macabre renowned cult artist and author Edward Gorey, this industrial and steampunkthemed event is unlike any other event this January. In its 19th year, the festival has grown to include theatre, circus arts, fine art, ballroom dancing, DJs and character cosplay.
Capital Cities, Jan. 11 Los Angeles’ duo Capital Cities exploded onto the charts in 2010 with one of its first mainstream singles, “Safe and Sound.” The duo’s members, Sebu Simonian and Ryan Merchant, are still creating catchy hooks and chords with their latest studio album Solarize. Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco capitalcitiesmusic.com 44
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ELTON JOHN, JAN. 18 Sir Elton John’s endless tour dates are top-rated, but his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour is being called his last tour. So don’t miss out on your potentially last chance to see Sir Elton John perform his music catalog live before all tickets sell out—which will likely happen soon. Oracle Arena, Oakland eltonjohn.com The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco edwardianball.com G-Eazy, Jan. 26 Years ago Gerald Earl Gillum transformed himself to become G-Eazy, a rapper who focuses on sophistication and class. G-Eazy is no longer dating Halsey, but is still constantly in the limelight, and he kindly takes care of his mother who suffers from chronic pain. The New Parish, Oakland g-eazy.com
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