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contents 07.16 Vol 8 IssUE 1
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BEATS AND BASS Berner is a veteran of the rap and cannabis communities who puts great emphasis on positive music, family and cannabis legalization.
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ON THE COVER:
photo by Duncan Rolfson
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inside
contents
07.2016
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features
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Concentrate Novice Everything first-time users need to know about the art of cannabis concentrates.
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Evolution In Extracts The evolution of solvent-less extracts has come a long way, but extracting cannabinoids from cannabis plants has been around for centuries.
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The Future Of Cannabis The pros and cons of using concentrates versus flowers.
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Industry Insider Chief Technology Officer at United Cannabis, Tony Verzura is helping medical cannabis patients everywhere.
online Exclusive!
departments news
24 News Nuggets 26 By the Numbers 28 Local News
reviews
72 Company
Highlight 74 Cool Stuff 76 Entertainment Reviews 78 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews
in every issue
92 Growing Culture 94 Destination Unknown 96 Profile in Courage
98 Recipes 102 Shooting Galleries 106 NorCal Now! 108 News of the Weird
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d Legal Cannabis Hurts ISIS d Insurance Companies
Struggle to Give Life Insurance Policies to Cannabis Patients
Vol 8 IssUE 1
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Jamie Solis Editorial Contributors Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Meilani Darby Regional Manager Gene Gorelik Account Executives Rob Bayless, Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Teddy Helms, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital media Editor David Edmundson 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. 2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
/iReadCulture
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NEWS
nuggets
Sacramento Cannabis Tax Falls Short in June Primary Medical cannabis businesses in Sacramento came together in support of Measure Y, an initiative that would have enacted a five percent tax on cannabis cultivators. The money generated through this tax would have created a children’s fund dedicated to helping enhance afterschool programs, and open the doors for job training, youth employment and preventative programs that help keep children off the streets, according to The Sacramento Bee. Cannabis businesses that supported the campaign were able to raise $92,000 for the ballot, but it sadly did not pass in the June primary elections. According to Sacramento Bee, the measure received a “yes” vote from 65 percent of voters but failed to meet the two-thirds margin required to pass. In any case, Measure Y serves as a glimpse into how a legal cannabis market could help support local programs and how cannabis business owners are willing to support such movements.
San Jose Voters Reject Measure C but Approve Tax Increase
Medical Cannabis Education Center Established in Pennsylvania Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has created what it is calling the first medical cannabis research education center. The Center for Medical Cannabis Education & Research will be part of the Institute of Emerging Health Professions and will educate physicians and patients on medical cannabis therapies, as reported by the news magazine Philadelphia. Leading the center will be Doctor Charles V. Pollack Jr., who believes that the current dialogue surrounding medical cannabis is highly based off of “hype and advocacy.” Pollack Jr. believes that there is not yet enough scientific research to truly educate anyone properly on the plant’s medicinal properties. This announcement came one month after Pennsylvania became the 24th state to legalize medical cannabis. Funding for the center will come from groups interested in the advancement of medical cannabis.
Medical cannabis collectives in San Jose will still continue to operate under highly enforced regulations, as voters have decided not to pass Measure C. The measure would have allowed more medical cannabis collectives to operate legally within the city without zoning regulations so that patients could gain better access to the plant, but 65 percent of voters voted “no” on the measure, according to CBS SF Bay Area. Voters did, however, vote yes on Measure B and will enact a quarter-cent sales tax for 15 years, which is expected to accumulate $40 million annually and go toward public programs and city repairs. Currently, there are only 16 medical cannabis collectives operating in San Jose that meet the city’s strict regulations.
Pakistan Spreads Awareness for Cannabis Legalization With the constant political unrest in Pakistan right now, local medical cannabis activists decided to host one of the country’s first ever cannabis meetups last month, at Bin Qasim Park in Karachi. “The idea is to build a community, a society who believes in peace as much as we (the artists) do. This community serves as a bridge between artists, musicians and cannabis/hemp enthusiasts and gives them all a common ground to connect,” stated Agha Nomaan, a cannabis activist and filmmaker who helped coordinate the event. The meetup allowed for peaceful cannabis activists to join together as part of a campaign intended to persuade other Pakistani citizens and government officials to consider cannabis legalization. With online hashtag #420khi for social media to promote the event, the meetup reached an estimated 30,000 people.
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The approximate amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that local cannabis businesses donated to support Measure Y in Sacramento: (Source: The Sacramento Bee)
NEWS
The percentage of San Jose voters who voted for Measure C in June, which aimed to ease regulations on medical cannabis collectives: (Source: CBS SF Bay Area)
92
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The number of members that make up the Sacramento-based California Growers Association: (Source: The Santa Clarita Valley Signal)
550
The estimated number of license categories that will be available for application, for medical cannabis businesses in California, by January 1, 2018: (Source: The Santa Clarita Valley Signal)
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The percentage of Sacramento voters who voted in favor of cannabis tax initiative Measure Y in (Source: The June: Sacramento Bee)
65
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the state of Illinois has made in medical cannabis revenue since November 9, 2015:
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(Source: The Washington Times)
The number of votes from the Ohio House, out of 97, that were in favor of legalizing medical cannabis in the state: (Source: Cincinnati Enquirer)
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The percentage of patients in Israel who reported significant improvements of their ailments after using medical cannabis: (Source: The Jerusalem Post)
90
The number of signatures that supporters of Initiative 182 in Montana, which would create a medical cannabis program, have collected to get the initiative on the November ballot:
30,000
(Source: KTVQ.com)
Cannabis Career Institute
WHAT: Cannabis Career Institute. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, July 9. Holiday Inn Express Suites Sacramento, 2981 Advantage Wy., Sacramento. INFO: To register for this course visit cannabiscareerinstitute.com.
With all of the grey areas in California’s cannabis regulations it would be wise to brush up on your knowledge on the topic, whether you are a patient, caregiver, business owner or advocate. If you’re looking to do this and more, the Cannabis Career Institute is the perfect place to go, as its staff consists of individuals who have a lifetime of experience in the cannabis industry. In this day-long course, attendees will not only learn 26
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the legal side of medical cannabis, they will learn good business practices including marketing and cultivation. Cannabis Career Institute doesn’t stop there though; it also offers cannabis cooking classes where attendees can learn to make medical cannabis edibles for their loved ones or themselves. There is no better alternative to the Cannabis Career Institute if you’re looking for a wellrounded course in cannabis education.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Jim McAlpine
Getting Pumped
Kyle Kingsbury, Ricky Williams, Jim McAlpine and Boo Williams
Plans for the first cannabis-friendly gym, Power Plant Fitness, unfolds in San Francisco
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by Madison Ortiz he “world’s first cannabis-friendly gym” is coming to San Francisco, but it is “not a place to come, get high and fuck around,” assures Power Plant Fitness co-founder Jim McAlpine, who partnered with retired NFL player Ricky Williams for this venture. Though the positive effects of cannabis on health and wellness sweep the nation, it’s surely not uncommon for a first interpretation of a “cannabis-friendly gym” to be hazed with stigmatized visions of rainbow tie-dyed sweat. Benefits to members of Power Plant Fitness are well beyond simply being allowed the opportunity to consume cannabis onsite; let’s not forget this is a gym, first and foremost. A baseline performance assessment will be conducted prior to a secondary cannabis performance assessment, where the “most optimal ways to consume” will be evaluated on a person-to-person basis. McAlpine notes, “Cannabis effects people differently. It’s important that we are understanding the comparative per individual.” Power Plant Fitness plans to use multiple third-party resources such as CannabisReports.com to keep up-to-date with strain bios for their recommendations. Members are also encouraged to “kill two birds with one stone” as the gym plans to offer the convenience of ordering medicated goods to be delivered directly to the gym’s front desk within approximately five minutes. Pick-up medication and get a workout; this is a game-changer. Prioritizing healthy cannabis consumption, Power Plant Fitness staff will preach to its members the benefits
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of consuming edibles, tinctures, using topically applied lotions/oils and vaping over the go-to of (inhaling combusted plant material) smoking cannabis flower. Though a smoking deck will likely be added for members who wish to spark up the old fashioned way, the intent is to provide resources such as clean, professional stations decked out with desktop vaporizers for members to enjoy. We asked McAlpine how the idea for Power Plant Fitness came about and he was quick to joke that the first cannabis gym was at his parents’ house, as he reminisced about his 18-year-old self— hitting the water pipe with his friends in their garage-gym. McAlpine’s first venture, SnowBomb.com, helped the ski industry progress by way of a POS friendly “E-Ticket” system, giving ski resorts the ability to sell lift tickets online, nearly 20 years ago. Unfortunately, as California began to experience a massive drought nearly four years ago, the snow stopped, causing business to slow down. With desire to find a new productive outlet for talents, McAlpine departed for his “Tahoe House” in search of a new professional direction. In an interview with CULTURE, McAlpine paints a scene of the moment inspiration struck: Sitting on the couch, with a freshly packed water pipe beckoning to be sparked. Just before lighting the bowl, McAlpine turns on the TV to be greeted by a “Green Rush” segment by VICE, which goes into detail about the opportunities developing for ganjapreneuers and families of patients. It was in this
moment that McAlpine started to develop the ideas that soon progressed into a lifetime of enriched careers within the cannabis community. Before Power Plant Fitness, McAlpine developed the concept for the “420 Games.” This series of unique athletic events takes place in California, Colorado, Washington and Oregon with a goal to promote the healthy and responsible use of cannabis while simultaneously using athletics to destigmatize the normative misperception of a cannabis user being a “lazy stoner.” McAlpine passionately interjects, “I don’t like the word ‘stoner.’ It shouldn’t represent a cannabis user. That’s only a small percentage [of those who medicate with cannabis].” Through athletic achievement, the 420 Games have given millions of responsible cannabis users the opportunity to come together and prove this sentiment true. Beyond positively affecting the cannabis community by way of athleticism, McAlpine’s tech background has significantly benefited the masses as the founder of the “New West Summit” conference, which focuses exclusively on the innovative and disruptive developments in technology, investment and media within the cannabis space. With so much momentum, it’s safe to say the cannabis industry’s high hopes have spread like wildfire, thanks to the relentless efforts of people like McAlpine and his team. Power Plant Fitness plans to open its doors November 2016. c
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A How-To Guide What You Need Dab Rig
Varying in size, this piece resembles a glass water pipe, however the glass bowl is replaced by a nail and glass dome.
Nail and Dome
A nail or skillet made from titanium, glass, quartz or ceramic. This hot plate is usually surrounded by an open-ended glass dome to help hold in the vaporized extract.
Heat Source
You need to secure a way to heat your nail. Electric nails are great, because the nail is its own heat source. Electric nails also appear much safer than the other popular alternative, which is a blowtorch. However, many still choose to safely use a blowtorch with caution and proper ventilation. An experienced friend is also a plus.
Wand
A ceramic, metal or glass tool used to manipulate cannabis concentrate and drop it onto nail/ skillet.
A Vaporizer Pen
for First-Timers by Jamie Solis 34
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Vaporizer pens are a simple alternative to a dab rig, giving you a convenient and discreet way to vaporize your cannabis extracts while on the go. >>
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Choosing the Right Concentrate Options are always a good thing, and when it comes to cannabis concentrates, the options are seemingly endless. From budder and hash to shatter and wax, these different forms of cannabis concentrates are all great for dabbing, while the best cannabis extract for vaporizer pens varies from pen to pen. Choose whatever cannabis extract is going to meet your needs, and be sure the concentrate will be easy to manipulate using a wand. For this reason, something sticky and pliable like budder, shatter or wax is going to work better than an oil when it comes to dabbing. On the other hand, you may have a pen that works best with oil. When buying a concentrate, you definitely want to keep in mind that a little bit of product goes a long way. A gram of cannabis flower is much less potent than a gram of concentrated cannabis. Always start small and build slowly from there.
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Seasoning Your Nail If you have never used your nail before, you have a little preparation ahead of you before you can jump right in. You must “season” your nail, which means you need to burn any harmful fumes from the nail, such as machine oils or polishes. In this process, you want to carefully heat your nail while it is on the rig until the nail is near red hot. Do not overheat your nail. Next, you want to coat the usable part of the nail with some concentrate, and reheat the nail. Once the extract has burned away, use tongs to move the nail into a bowl of water. Let the nail cool, and repeat the process a few times.
How it Works Dab Rig Add an appropriate amount of water to your rig, just enough to filter the vapor. Take your metal or glass wand, and scoop up a small amount of cannabis concentrate onto the end. Put the nail onto the rig, and heat it either electronically or by safely using a blowtorch until it’s just shy of red hot. Then cover the nail with the glass dome. Carefully drop the concentrate onto the heated nail through the opening in the dome. When the cannabis compound hits the heated nail, it turns into a vapor. You will want to gently inhale the vapor through the water chamber of the rig and into your lungs. Prepare to feel instant effects.
Vaporizer Pen Depending upon the type of concentrate compatible with your vape pen, add a small amount of cannabis concentrate into the designated area on your pen. Most pens operate at a simple press of a button. If you’re looking for even more convenience, some collectives sell pre-filled vaporizer pens. c
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CONCENTRATED CREATION
by Madison Ortiz
The history and importance of
solvent-less cannabis extraction
“When finding the right solventless natural extract for yourself, it’s important to consider a few things: Its appearance, its smell, the strain it came from and its meltability.”
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In spirit of the season, we must pay our respects to a key phase in the evolution of cannabis concentrates: Solventless extraction. In order to explore the history of this unique process, CULTURE took great time to research the underground development of solvent-less extraction. When talking about gross development and evolution of any industry, it’s often hard to put ego aside as there’s a constant battle for an invisible crown of pride, however, realistically this drive propels innovation and discovery. No matter what your direct role in the cannabis industry may be, it’s important to remain grounded with a simple fact: Creating concentrates is not new, but technology has allowed us to discover new methods of how to make them. Solvent-less extraction is any extraction method that uses a non-polar or semi-polar solvent. These techniques range from sift, to CO2 and rosin. Though it may seem like bubble
hash was mistakenly left off the list, Kyle the captain at Michiganbased extraction company Loyalty Extracts weighs in on one of the biggest controversies in solvent extraction—“Water is a solvent; therefore, bubble hash is not a solvent-less extract.” While medicinal uses for cannabis date as far back as 2737 BCE, according to Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at Scientific Evidence by Mitch Earlywine, the solvent-less process of sifted hash has also been going on for thousands of years. The process originated in parts of East Asia, making its way throughout India, Nepal, the Himalayas, Afghanistan, Turkey and Morocco dating back as far as the year 100 BCE, where cannabis flowers were rubbed in-between hands to collect the resin glands, producing hand-rolled hashish known as charas. According to journalist Maria Tavernini, who recently wrote on cannabis farmers in National Geographic, charas is still made the same way today. >>
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Medicinally, even the Egyptians were extracting using ether-like substances. Surprisingly enough, despite the country’s current war on drugs, cannabis was even dissolved into some old medicines found in the United States. With its existence and consumption being nothing new, it’s safe to say that cannabis is never going to go away. But people, no matter what, are always going to look for a stronger product that they can smoke less of in order to feel the same effects. The pursuit of creation and consumption of that concentrated form of the plant comes down to one key factor, the removal of the patient’s need to combust plant material. Beyond obvious health benefits, this gives patients the ability to walk into public not reeking of said product because of vaporization. No matter the direct motivation, development has been unstoppable. Back in the late ‘60s to early 1970s, the first example Rosin-like extraction process sprung up. This process has since been modified thanks to some incredibly curious hands, like Phil Salazar from SoilGrown Solventless, who is rumored to be of the first to pick up a hair straightener and publicize a flower rosin technique. The thought process is relatively simple, as it’s basically the same process that has been used to extract essential oils from other plants like lavender or peppermint. Before long, the at-home Rosin-tech 42
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extraction movement spread, and all around the country, hair straighteners have become the newest tool for extraction. A piece of parchment paper is folded around the bud, while a significant amount of pressure is applied at a low heat setting. The result looks like a halo of oil around the outline of the squished nug. This oil is simply scraped off the parchment and eventually consumed by a patient. Kyle from Loyalty Extracts mentioned the importance of the discovery of this process, “The expansion of concentrates is really the expansion of the glass industry—it’s like a spark—it’s almost like the beginning of the universe kind of thing, but with the culture of weed,” he explained. While it seems convenient, using a hair straightener seems obsolete in comparison to using pneumatic dual heatpresses. Many of these machines, which were originally used for printing shirts, have been since adapted for extracting concentrates from cannabis. Although they can be pricey, these machines yield more consistent results in a machine that consists of two enclosed heated plates which can be pressed together and pulled apart using a handle. While professional pneumatic dual heat presses can also cost a pretty penny (ranging from $500-$5,000+), there are also at-home machines that are affordable for the average at-home extractor (ranging from $100-$400).
When finding the right solvent-less natural extract for yourself, it’s important to consider a few things: Its appearance, its smell, the strain it came from and its meltability. Some people prefer solventless extracts because they believe they’re cleaner and more pure in comparison to a product that’s been extracted using BHO, CO2 or alcohol. Others prefer an ice water extractions for their purity and safety. Also, water and ice causes the cannabinoids and essential oils to mechanically separate. This gives the extract a better taste that is high in cannabinoids. While using solvents to extract cannabis concentrates is still wildly popular among industry-leading concentrate companies, there are various organizations who focus primarily on solvent-less extraction processes. Some of these companies include BAMF Extractions, Cannaisseur Extracts, Clear Concentrates, Essential Extracts, ET Extracts and Tree Sap Xtrax. The pure unrefined flavor and smell of solvent-less extracts makes for a smooth smoke, vape or ingestion, unlike anything raw cannabis has to offer. As development of the solvent-less extraction process unfolds, understanding the roots and transformation of the concentrate industry will ensure that the purest of heart will have access to safe medicine. Solvent-less extractions will allow even more cannabis users in the future the ability to rely on themselves to make concentrates. c
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The Benefits, the Drawbacks and the Facts of Vaping “According to a recent study by Chief Medical Officer Perry Solomon of HelloMD, legal consumer sales data indicates that 66 percent of people enjoy vaping and 71 percent prefer smoking the herb.”
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by Addison Herron-Wheeler As time goes on, it seems that more and more patients, recreational users and legislators are leaning towards concentrated cannabis vs. actual flower. The new trend in legalization is to allow only vaping—no smoking, and many patients prefer vaping because it gives the needed medical dose in a quick and easy way. Similarly, recreational users favor it because they want to be able to vape discretely and save their lungs from inhaling unnecessary plant matter. But is this really the future of cannabis, or is an all-synthetic cannabis landscape problematic? According to a recent study by Chief Medical Officer Perry Solomon of HelloMD, legal consumer sales data indicates that 66 percent of people enjoy vaping and 71 percent prefer smoking the herb. The study also indicated that it is our younger generations that prefer vaping
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to smoking flower more frequently than older generations. Similarly, anecdotal data supports that more patients and recreational users are turning to vaping as a way to medicate or recreate more and more. Joshua Hindi of Dabble Extracts stated that he has seen a definite trend, as many of his cannabis consumers are purchasing extracts rather than flower. “There are several reasons why patients prefer vaping,” he explained. It’s substantially more discrete, and if you compare flowers and concentrate pound for pound, you probably need a gram of concentrate for an eight of flower. There’s also more likelihood that if users are with someone who isn’t familiar with the industry, they won’t know what the concentrate is—it’s substantially more discrete, and overall just a lot more convenient and a lot easier to use.” >>
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“Concentrates are usually for the more experienced cannabis user or for people working with illnesses like cancer,” Jennifer Price of HelloMD told CULTURE, referring to the strength of the medicine for treating more serious conditions. Many patients seek concentrates like oils and tinctures for their severe ailments, which are much easier to take than a shatter or a wax. While flowers generally range between 10-15 percent THC, a concentrate roughly ranges 50-80 percent THC. However, with the everexpanding and evolving technological side of the cannabis industry, concentrates can be specified for ailments, giving patients only what they want and need. For example, patients can get tinctures that are only high CBD, or a shatter that is 30mg CBD and only 10mg THC. Note: The CBD concentrates are a good place for a newbie to begin. In addition to the medical benefits for patients, healthy recreational users can
degrees, according to The Dab Lab and Seibo Shen of VapeXhale. Though most consumers generally gravitate toward concentrates because of their discretion or their high potency, in recreational markets, the cannasseurs have drifted toward concentrates in search of “flavor hunting.” Cannasseurs who have been using cannabis recreationally or medicinally for a long time are often looking for new flavors and experiences when they smoke something. Ry Prichard from the The Denver Post and The Cannabist explains, “Because well-made concentrates provide concentrated flavor instead of being muddied up by the taste of burning plant material, a properly-done concentrate will provide the pure flavor of the terpenes in that strain, giving a tasting experience like none other,” he says. “If you’ve ever had a flower that smelled amazing but just didn’t taste that great, chances are that it would be much more appealing in concentrate form.”
“In a society that is becoming increasingly digital, fast-paced, and clean, it is no surprise that concentrates are fitting right in as the new and sleek way to use cannabis.”
also benefit from trying concentrates instead. The fact that vapers can avoid inhaling unnecessary plant matter such as pesticides, contaminants and residual solvents, and are only combusting THC or CBD, is a good way to help keep lungs clear and avoid the perils of traditional smoking. It is important however, to keep the issue of temperature at the forefront of your concentrate curiosity. Often times, cannasseurs turn up the heat on their vaporizers to produce an extra thick vapor or smoke, mostly for show. But, this can cause benzene production, which is a carcinogen. Benzene can be found in things like car exhaust and tobacco. Cannabis tends to produce low benzene levels, according to a 1986 study which found that benzene levels in cannabis consumers are lower than those of tobacco consumers, but higher than non-smokers. However, the chemical can still be released when consumers heat their product over 365
“While some people have a preference of an extract’s consistency, what’s important to many people is the solvent used and how compatible that extract is with their preferred consumption method,” Washington-based cannabis advocate and Leafly’s Engagement Specialist, Bailey Rahn explains. “Most concentrates are extracted using CO2, butane, hydrocarbons, propane, water, alcohol, and heat. Solventless extracts made using water (e.g., hash) or heat (e.g., rosin) are excellent choices for those wary of how consuming solvents might affect them.” Gearing more toward concentrates could eliminate health problems associated with smoking and some of the stigma of using cannabis, as vaping is better for patients as well as those who want to recreate in public discretely. However, just because this form of imbibing is gaining popularity and has a lot of benefits, does not mean it is time to out flower completely.
“I find people are moving towards concentrate more today because of all the interesting things happening with them,” added Kelsey Liedman, store manager for Colorado dispensary Verde Natural. “CO2 extractions, adding terpenes for flavors and so much more. It’s new and exciting for many of us out there. However, there’s nothing better than rolling up some sticky, stinky flower and sharing it with your closest friends. As long as you’re doing the research on the grow methodology, source material, strains and extraction methods, it’s simply a personal preference.” In a society that is becoming increasingly digital, fast-paced, and clean, it is no surprise that concentrates are fitting right in as the new and sleek way to use cannabis. However, the cannabis flower can still offer many insights for research and benefits to the smoking experience and is a classic way to imbibe that some people will always love a little bit more. c
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“If you want to help a massive amount of people and get it in the mainstream, if you want insurance to cover it, you have to develop products and you have to prepare yourself for that next wave and that’s kind of what we’ve been doing,”
I
ndustry nsider
Tony Verzura of United Cannabis by R. Scott Rappold
Back before there were cannabis dispensaries, as far as most enthusiasts were concerned, there were basically two types: “Schwag” and “kind bud.” It was the latter that helped a young Tony Verzura get off oxycodone and finally recover from a debilitating car accident. His appetite and sleep
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returned. The opioid side effects were gone, and eventually, so was the pain. The experience launched a fascination with cannabis as medicine, which 20 years later, has flowered into one of the nation’s most innovative medical cannabis companies. As Chief Technology Officer for Denver-based United Cannabis, today, Verzura is pushing the boundaries of how cannabis can help patients, while at the same time preparing for a time when medical cannabis will come from a pharmacy, not a dispensary. Selling out? More like buying in. “If you want to help a massive amount of people and get it in the mainstream, if you want insurance to cover it, you have to develop products and you have to prepare yourself for that next wave and that’s kind of what we’ve been doing,” said Verzura, 38. “A lot of people misunderstand it and think it’s a sellout of some kind. A sellout would be if I sold out to a big pharmaceutical company, which is not the goal.” “The goal is to create the technology, to create products and get the products into the hands of patients that need it and God willing we can get insurance to cover it and pay for it.”>>
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cannabis in 2012, his partners wanted to expand into that market. So Verzura left and settled in California to start what became United Cannabis. “It was harder to do in Colorado because they really went into a heavily regulated market and people started growing for profit, rather than the patients, in my opinion,” he said.
Holistic Approach When a patient walks into Harborside Health Clinic in Oakland, they can get much more than an edible or a jar of medical cannabis. That collective was the first to integrate the A.C.T. Now Program,
“The industry was evolving and it was amazing. The more people we could help and the more change we could make, that’s why I got into all this.” Three Grow Lights It started with a shed and three grow lights. In 2009, thanks to a loosening of state regulations, Colorado’s medical cannabis industry was booming. Verzura was working as a contractor in postKatrina New Orleans, when he and some friends decided to head west. He’d never stopped using cannabis, micro-dosing during the day for pain and inflammation and smoking at night to relax. Here was a way to put his personal experimentations to work for others. He began compiling data and patient reviews for various medical conditions, from epilepsy to cancer. The cannabinoid sequencing protocols developed at RiverRock Colorado would become the foundation for his work at United Cannabis. “It was like, how do I take this from a flower into some kind of standardized dosing system?” he said. “The industry was evolving and it was amazing. The more people we could help and the more change we could make, that’s why I got into all this.” Eventually the dispensary had some 3,000 patients, investors and a 20,000-square-foot greenhouse. But after Colorado approved recreational
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developed by Verzura and United Cannabis, short for Advanced Cannabinoid Therapy. In this program, patients can get free consultations with a nurse and access to an online portal where they can tailor-make every detail of their treatment. The website is open to anyone anywhere, not just California. The line of products developed by United Cannabis, Prana Bio Nutrient Medicinals, come in capsule, sublingual and topical forms. There are also five types, several of which won’t get you high— THC:THCa; 3:1 CBD; 1:1 CBD; CBD:CBN; and CBD:CBDa. They’re made organically, with no solvents. Dispensary employees are trained in their use. It’s a holistic approach to medical cannabis, and Californians are taking note, with some 15,000 enrolled since its inception. Verzura hopes to have the products available in Oregon this summer and in Colorado in the near future, as well as at 10 more California collectives. For Verzura, it’s an ongoing experiment, as each patient’s experience—once they’ve signed necessary privacy waivers—goes into the ever-growing database of what is working for each condition and what’s not.
The company has filed for a patent for its combination of pharmaceutically active cannabinoids to treat disorders of the immune and nervous systems and cancer. The patent application includes a matrix of cannabis strains rich in CBD and THC, terpene profiles and dosed delivery methods for inactive and active cannabinoids. Verzura sees this work as moving the industry forward for the benefit of all. “I hope to make a difference in patients’ lives. I hope to make a difference in our communities and our industry. And I hope to help progress and mature our industry in leading by example in the products and programs we offer.”
Questions Ahead The year 2016 could be a watershed moment for recreational cannabis, with California and several other states poised to approve adult use. But that makes Verzura worry about the future of cannabis as medicine. He watched as Colorado’s regulatory system created a tax of 25 percent or more on recreational sales, and worries the concept of medical cannabis could someday be lumped in with recreational, forcing patients to pay high taxes. He also wonders what a rescheduling of cannabis would mean for patients. It’s currently on Schedule 1, meaning the federal government considers it to have no medical value. If that was changed, would patients be required to get it from a pharmacy like other controlled substances? Would large pharmaceutical companies take over medical cannabis? For his part, cannabis is and always will be medicine first. He has since been in two more car accidents and blew his knee out playing softball. He credits quick recoveries to cannabis products. He still maintains a daily regime of treatments, a walking testament to the healing power of this plant. “I use my capsules and my sublinguals and my topicals every day. I use my CBD topical on my heels, my ankles, my knees, anything that’s swollen. I use my THC roll-on for any kind of nerve pain in my back or neck or for migraines I would get. I use my non active capsules, the 3:1 during the day just to kind of control inflammation and to manage anything else that would come up, kind of preventative.” c
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by Addison Herron-Wheeler It’s no secret that cannabis, hip-hop and an entrepreneurial spirit have gone hand-in-hand for a long time. Hip-hop music about hustling cannabis is as old as the genre itself. Obviously, because of the negative stigma that has unfortunately surrounded herb since the inception of rap music, these songs have largely been criminal anthems. But the year is 2016, where cannabis is largely becoming legal and decriminalized across the U.S., and Berner, aka Gilbert “Berner” Milam Jr., hustles hard. He has his hands in the cannabis business in multiple ways and profits like crazy from the sweet green plant. And, it’s all legal—from his raps about cannabis on Wiz Khalifa’s label and at live shows, to his cannabis accessories store and water company, to his part in popularizing the Cookies family, it has all been one hundred percent above board. He even got his start selling cannabis to fund his career—not out on
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the streets, but in the legal club that he ran before striking it big in the rap game. Having success that is founded in hard work, perseverance and maintaining a good name in the worlds of rap and cannabis have made Berner driven, inspired and loyal. He’s a family man and a father, and is just as likely to pen a song about raising his daughter as he is to write one about smoking a blunt. Berner became successful as a rapper later in life, and he wasted no time putting out dozens of albums and mix-tapes, touring and getting as involved in business as possible. When we caught up with him, he was on the road, taking a moment between gigs to smoke some good herb, write some verses and talk to CULTURE. The pearls of wisdom he dropped about Girl Scout Cookies, his latest album and the realities of the rap world ring as true as the verses he pens on a daily basis. >>
p h o t o b y D u n c a n R o l f s o n | l i v e p h o t o s s h o t b y F a rid
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about the things that can bring you down, real life type stuff, not just the good stuff and how well I’m doing. When did you get signed to Wiz Khalifa’s label, Taylor Gang, and how did that happen? Have you had a good experience with them so far? I got signed by them about three years ago maybe, and it happened really naturally. Wiz was my friend, and we were just smoking and chilling together, and I felt like he had a platform that could help take me to the next level. I think it was a good thing for me for sure, and it’s been working out great.
How did you get your start as a rapper, and when did you experience your initial success? I started rapping in 2003 or 2005, just kind of playing around, but I didn’t really get my first taste of success until 2007 when I put out my first album. That’s when I’d say I first had real success as a rapper. What do you feel is one of your biggest accomplishments since entering the rap scene? Being able to work with all the artists I grew up with and wanted to work with, for sure, is one of my biggest accomplishments. I was able to work with people I genuinely like listening to and really vibe with, and that’s kind of the reason I got into music, was to work with people I like, and with people who put together beats that I really like, people I want to be associated with. How would you describe your sound? What kind of beats do you like to use, and what subjects do you usually rap about? I like melodic sounds, like a real melodic type of beat, something real hypnotizing. That’s what I’m mostly using these days. My sound is chill; it’s real wavy. I talk about shit I’ve been through in my life, my daughter and things that helped me get to where I am today. I speak from the heart. A lot of people say that most rappers talk about their success in the drug business, the glorifying of all that type of stuff, and of crime, and all the good things they have in their lives, but I talk 60
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You also released 20 Lights as a solo record, which features Wiz Khalifa. How active has the collaboration between the two of you been, and how did that come about? It’s a natural thing; we make music when we’re together. People like our chemistry; we vibe out, we make music. We have a good time together. Rap is a genre where the artists tend to put out a lot of records, and you already have an impressive amount under your belt considering you didn’t put out your first record until 2007. What recording are you the happiest with? Which would you choose if you had to pick one to define your career? I would probably say Urban Farmer or Drugstore Cowboy; they are both mix-tapes I worked on that we gave away for free, but they are the first things I put out after hooking up with Wiz. They all have their own vibes and their own sounds though, so it’s hard to choose. I like ‘em all. >>
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How do you feel about the success of your latest album, Hempire? What are you the happiest about with the record, and what were some of the biggest themes of the album? I’m just happy that we built something strong and it’s sticking—we did 11,000 the first week, and that’s bigger than what I’ve done before so I’m happy. I’m just really happy the people enjoy the music–not much has really changed, but the overall feedback is that people really like the album. If you can keep releasing music and people like it that’s really a plus—I didn’t really get anyone saying it’s the same old shit—everyone is really positive. A lot of big artists complimented my album. People are giving me mad props for this album.
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Have you been touring or playing shows lately? I am on tour right now, and I’ve been playing shows lately all across the world. We stay moving. There is a lot to look forward to in the future; I plan to be on the road a lot. What is your creative process like as far as writing and rapping? I write it down when I rap usually, but when I am in a different city around people I don’t really know, it motivates me to be dope and adapt to the city. The city I’m in and where I’m at definitely play a big part in what I write and how I create. You just opened a clothing and lifestyle store in the Bay Area, called Cookies. How did this come about?
The clothing store came from an online store we had for a few years. We sell men’s and women’s street wear and a whole line of creative smoke accessories, our own jars; and we carry a lot of other dope stuff as well. Mostly smoking accessories and clothing. Obviously the big rumor and story surrounding your career is that you helped invent the strain Girls Scout Cookies. How true is this rumor, and how involved were you in coming up with the name? My boy Jive created Girl Scout Cookies and I was there all along being an ambassador, trying to get the name out there. It’s a group effort. The Cookie fam definitely played a big role in that, but I was there from day one.
Is Girl Scout Cookies your favorite strain? Right now, my favorite strain is Gelato—it’s a Skunk and Cookie cross. How else have you been involved with the cannabis industry over the years? Every way possible. I ran a cannabis club when I was 18 years old; I’ve been an activist for it; I own a bunch of companies in that field; I have a partnership with RAW Papers; I’m in it every way I could picture it. I’ve got my hands in it all over the place (laughs). I also have my marijuana consulting business, which is going great. My Hemp2O water company is also doing really well, and the beverages are everywhere—711, CVS, Shell gas stations, etc. >>
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How do you feel about changes to the cannabis industry since legalization began? It’s interesting—it’s very obvious that the feds and the government don’t know how to treat this yet, so they are just letting people open up with different rules in different states, but they are trying to figure out the best way to monetize it, and they don’t necessarily know how. People are watching to try and learn how this works. I think the whole venture capitalist shit is starting to get 68
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annoying; at first it was exciting, but a lot of venture capitalists are coming around and picking people’s brains, getting a lot of knowledge and a lot of information for free and not following through with shit. A lot of real estate gurus and big banking guys—you can’t start a business with money that’s not in the bank and you can’t really put cannabis money in the bank, so you get a lot of these bigwigs who try and come in and help and they can take shit away real quick if they take your money; it’s kind of scary. We just
keep getting closer to legalization, though, which is what I hope is the main goal. How do you work cannabis into your creative process? Do you smoke while writing and rapping or only when relaxing and recreating? I smoke when I write, when I relax, when I eat and when I don’t eat. Right now, my homie just got in the room, and we smoked some Skittles. It’ll make our flavor different, and when I get tired I'll smoke some Snowman. >>
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In the past, cannabis and rappers have always been negatively associated with criminal connotations, but that is changing a lot more now. Do you think you are helping with that, running your store, rapping about Cookies and being so visible? The number one thing people tell me when they meet and see me is, you motivate me to do something great;
you’re a good father; you’ve got your business right. I realize that everybody needs money to get their thing going, but we try not to support getting money in a way that’s not legit. I do rap and I do rap about weed, but I show publically that there are all kinds of things that got me good, so I definitely try to send a positive message. What do you have going on right now, in terms of music, selling clothing or other endeavors? I can’t even wrap it up in one sentence. There’s so much going on; I’ve got my hands in 20 different herbrelated projects. I’m just trying to work. I’m letting the Mexican in me come out right now (laughs). I’m just gonna stay working. What do you hope the future holds for your music and career? I’m trying to retire, but I want to be able to leave a legacy. When I pass away, I want people to care; I want people to know about it; I want people to reminisce on my music and what I did in this world. It’s just trying to find a way to make it last forever–Tupac is gonna be forever, Biggie’s gonna be forever, so the goal is to get to where I can be remembered forever somehow, whether it be through cannabis, the music or whatever. c
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company highlight
Spliffin How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? Spliffin is a leading producer of solvent-free concentrates and premium vaporizer hardware. Based out of Los Angeles, the company launched in the summer of 2014 and now serves close to 200 licensed dispensaries throughout California. Spliffin offers a variety of pre-filled vaporizer cartridges, batteries, apparel and accessories. Spliffin PURE, the company’s signature product, consists of premium, solvent-free extract and all natural plant terpenes. PURE is available in six varietals and delivers balanced euphoric effects at 700mg of THC per cartridge. What do you offer consumers/clients that others don’t? Spliffin was one of the first cannabis brands to offer first class products and transparent customer service. We’re proud of our work and back it with a satisfaction guarantee. We also pride ourselves on being open and responsive to user feedback. Our products are made to improve lives—whether that’s relieving stress, managing pain or igniting creative inspiration. For example, the color-coding of our cartridges was directly inspired by user feedback. If you want your company to grow, you must give your consumers a channel to provide feedback and insight. How and why did your company start up?
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Pasadena, CA (844) 775-4334 www.spliffin.com
Spliffin was founded to meet the need for clean, effective THC vape products that look, taste and feel good. When we entered this space back in 2014, there were very few producers that emphasized quality and purity. Everyone seemed to be focused on potency, with little regard for how products were made and what adverse effects they could have on your body. It’s a painstaking process, but with the right resources and expertise, you can give people that unbelievable effect, without compromising safety for effectiveness. With the changing landscape of MMJ and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? The biggest challenge is helping people outside of this industry realize that we, and a growing contingent of others, are seriously committed to finding a common ground for cannabis legalization and industry regulation. It takes time and a higher degree of professionalism than most in our industry are accustomed to, but with constructive dialogue and transparent intentions, we are steadily building momentum. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? We broke into this industry by raising standards and expectations, and that’s what
we’ll continue to do. From a product standpoint, that means developing exciting new products and improving existing ones. On a macro level, we hope to partner with every like-minded dispensary in California that prioritizes people over profit. In five years, we hope the landscape has evolved to a point where Spliffin’s euphoric effects can be enjoyed responsibly, without fear of recourse or persecution. What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? The allure of the “green rush” is seductively deceptive. There are incredible opportunities in this industry, but you have to have a legitimate game plan and align with the right partners. It’s not like the old days. Do your homework before
you align with someone, especially those that selfidentify as industry experts. You can’t expect to be an expert on every aspect of the business. What do you hope to accomplish in the MMJ industry? We just entered into a partnership with Polo Capital to help us with our next phase of funding and expansion. With their expertise and resources, we hope to continue growing so that the Spliffin name becomes synonymous with premium cannabis products. Any sneak peeks on new products or news you’d like to share? Keep an eye out for two very cool new product lines from Spliffin. Both are moving into production this summer and will begin hitting shelves before the fall. c
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
3. Herbert Sherbet Glass Art Pencil Sculptures
1. KandyPens Gravity Vaporizer It’s concentrate season, so it’s important to make sure you’re equipped with the best tool to take advantage of your high quality waxes. The KandyPens Gravity Vaporizer sticks out in the sea of run-of-the-mill vape pens, offering a unique coilless ceramic atomizer technology and quartz crystal atomizer that allows for some of the cleanest and purest wax experiences imaginable. Its temperature controlled battery has a leg up against competitors too with four preset temperature settings available at 300°, 350°, 309° and 430°. Although the specs are always important, the look and feel of a pen can also be a factor, and this particular style of sandblasted black finish on such a small pen results in a product that’s both sleek and discreet. Best of all, there’s a lifetime warranty on the battery to ensure that users can get the most out of their pens. PRICE: $129.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.vapornation.com
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4. CBD Naturals Nano CBD Water
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2. Amore Bath Bombs There is a new way to take a bath. Treat yourself to a luscious experience while medicating your muscles, skin and body as a whole, with loving cannabis. Amore Bath Bombs are breaking into the scene as the most sought after high-end bath bombs in bathers all across the country. Made with high quality THC and CBD extracts, and organic essential oils, Amore Bath Bombs tap into chromotherapy, aromatherapy and cannabinoid therapy to give you the best spa experience possible. Get yours and see for yourself. PRICE: $25 MORE INFORMATION: www.amorebathbombs.com 74
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Glass collectors and frequent dabbers will love Herbert Sherbet Glass Art Pencil Sculptures. Not only are these glass pencils fun to collect, they are also a great wand tool for dabbing. Available in classic yellow and other vibrant glass colors, these pencils are must-have, functional art pieces. Be sure to get your hands on these fun art accessories before they sell out. PRICE: $129.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.vapornation.com
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Water is one of the most important substances on the planet—no life form can live without it. Luckily, there’s a new water product on the market that both hydrates users with essential vitamins and antioxidants, but also contains ample amounts of CBD. CBD Naturals’ Nano CBD Water mixes crisp and clean, purified water with a dose of CBD, which we all know is non-psychoactive and comes from the hemp plant. It also contains d-Ribose (a carbohydrate that gives energy to hearts and muscles) Methylcobalamin (the active form of Vitamin B12 which boosts metabolism) and Coenzyme Q10 (which acts as an antioxidant and helps both metabolism and energy creation). Nano CBD Water is unlike any other water out there, and it’s the perfect way to hydrate and get ready for your daily summer activities! PRICE: $3.99-$5.99 MORE INFORMATION: cbdnaturals.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
The Stoner’s Coloring Book: Coloring for HighMinded Adults Jared Hoffman TarcherPerigee / Penguin Random House Coloring can be a very therapeutic and meditative activity for any adult that needs a mental break or release. Researchers have acknowledged the therapeutic qualities of art for years, and today, art therapy is used to help people express themselves when what they’re feeling is too difficult to put into words, such as when they’re faced with a cancer diagnosis. Art therapy is also helpful among people dealing with a variety of other conditions, such as depression, dementia, anxiety and PTSD. This coloring book adds the particular theme of cannabis to an already fun and helpful activity. It's a must have coloring book for any adult. (Alex Bradley)
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Release Date: JUly 15 Available on: Nintendo 3DS
MUSIC MOVIE
GAME
Monster Hunter Generations Dev. And Pub. Capcom The action-packed Monster Hunter (MH) games have seen great success for over a decade, and a new addition to the series, Monster Hunter Generations, is bringing some great updates to the table. Players will choose one of 14 weapons and set out into the world to hunt down a variety of monsters, from small raptors to massive dragons, to make better armor and equipment. Unlike previous MH titles, this game allows players to play as Felynes, and also adds new combat styles and special attacks—perfect for those who thrive on challenge and improving their skill. (Nicole Potter)
Anomalisa Paramount Pictures Dir. Charlie Kaufman, Duke Johnson
For those already familiar with Charlie Kaufman’s work both as a writer and director (Being John Malkovic), pushing the limits of modern fiction and storytelling, it shouldn’t be surprising just how different his most recent film, Anomalisa, is. This stop-motion animated film tells the story of a troubled and disconnected man, Michael Stone, who meets a young woman who seems to reinvigorate and restore his purpose. However, like many Kaufman films, nothing is truly as it seems, and audiences will be blown away by both the beauty and impressiveness of the animation, as well as the unique, novel qualities of the script and the performances. (Simon Weedn)
case/lang/veirs Neko Case, K.D. Lang, Laura Veirs ANTI-Records/Epitaph Taking influence from the careers of singers Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, who banded together for their Trio record in 1987, modern singers Neko Case, K.D. Lang and Laura Veirs have their first outing together with case/lang/veirs. While Parton, Harris and Ronstadt’s record was a coming together of three of the most wellknown country singers, case/lang/veirs brings together a much more musically diverse grouping. The songs and arrangements are ethereal, the harmonies wonderfully lush and each singer stretches and pushes their own limits to meet the others. (Simon Weedn)
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strain, edible & concentrate
REVIEWs
Available at: Various collectives throughout California.
The Monarch Cherry AK vape pen Medicate discretely and on-the-go like never before with The Monarch Cherry AK, The Legion of Bloom’s new strain specific vaporizer pen. Just press and hold the main button while inhaling to create tightly controlled doses of cannabinoids. The silver mouthtip, light-gold oil and logo on the cartridge give the pen a really refined look. Nothing about the design screams medical cannabis—which makes it perfect for many professional types. The Monarch starts with refined CO2 oil, then natural strain specific flavor is extracted in-house by the the Legion of Bloom from the Cherry AK flowers. These cannabis derived terpenes are then reintroduced to the refined CO2 giving The Monarch a taste that is undeniably similar to the flavor of the actual strain, creating a tasty and unique vaping experience. Solvent-free and lab-tested for pesticides and potency, The Monarch boasts THC levels in the high 70s to low 80s. The oil is hyper-light with a slightly tropical note and hints of cherries and earth tones throughout. Cherry AK is sativa hybrid with strong indica effects.
Hi Tech Don’t bring no boo-boo flowers to that summer barbecue. Be the party savior with some new Hi Tech from Cookies SF in San Francisco’s southern area. This mystery strain obviously hails from the same gene pool that gave us Girl Scout Cookies, Thin Mint Cookies, Sunset Sherbert and Gelato. The uniquely light-green nugs are very dense with an extreme trichome covering that’s powdered sugar-like, with sparse, rusty pistils. The nugs aren’t huge, but they are mega-dense with cookies’ lumpy, rocky appearance. Hi Tech’s smell mixes the gas and fuel of OG with flowery, mango cream fruit aroma, and grinding really taps the gassy-mango-cream-spice terpenes. Hi Tech tastes tangy, sweet and creamy with reference points including Gelato and the Cookie Fam. At 24.1 percent THC, it has a zippy onset then crushing indica effects.
Available at: Medithrive in San Francisco.
Available at: Cookies SF in San Francisco.
Pineapple Jack Frosting The Warriors missed their shot at a dynasty for now, but we have just the cure for the blues: Dynasty Extracts’ Pineapple Jack Frosting—a crazygood, candy-sweet sativa hash that’ll make you understand why some tokers are breaking up with flowers. It all starts with a great combo: The sativa Pineapple and the award-winning sativa hybrid Jack Herer. Dynasty Extracts performed a fresh frozen nug run, meaning only select, fresh cut and frozen buds were extracted—resulting in this impossibly aromatic and tasty dabber’s delight. The small jar had a crazy candy-sweet pineapple smell that lifts moods all on its own. Light blond in color, it was gooey with a tiny granularity to it—making it extremely dabbable. Just a tiny amount generated huge sativa hybrid effects along with truly delicious vapor.
Rainbow OG Re-upping for Pride activities doesn’t get much easier than visiting The Cookie Co 415 in San Francisco. It’s located on the main artery, Mission St. at Cesar Chavez, with bus stops all around it. Inside, you’ll find a selection of elite hashes, including this Rainbow OG shatter—a hard resin from the source strain Rainbow OG, which mixes Rainbow Haze and Saturn OG. The two families pair gloriously in this great-looking shatter-type concentrate. Made by Mad Scientist Extracts, the group only used the finest flower buds and then performed a 72-hour purge on the solution to get out the solvent. It dabs with a really nice OG-fuel profile and is great for daytime events and dabbing while still managing pain. 78
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Available at: The Cookie Co 415 in San Francisco.
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REVIEWs
Available at: South Sacramento Care Center in Sacramento.
Purple Punch Dry Sift Now you can dab the purest, best-tasting extract in the world without ever going near a solvent like butane. South Sacramento Care Center is carrying Pure Headies Purple Punch Dry Sift, a 99 percent purity dry sift grown by @_thevillage and extracted by @pureheadies2.0. This product was a special collaboration under both brands. The jar smells riotously delightful—setting off huge whiffs of purple candy. Purple Punch is a female Larry OG crossed with a Grand Daddy Purple male, bred by Supernova Gardens. This particular Purple Punch rare phenotype was given to The Village by Supernova Gardens, and is grown indoors in coco coir. Pure Headies nailed this dry sift—its trichome heads stand out above all else. This crystal-like sift was perfectly cured, making dabbing this Purple Punch so divine. Patients use indica hybrid extracts on chronic pain and insomnia, among other conditions.
Available at: Valley Health Options in Sacramento.
Strawberry Crack Shatter Now you can get your berry-flavored, energetic sativa in extract form with Valley Health Options’ Strawberry Crack Shatter. This is a type of cannabis resin that’s brittle to the touch and multiple times as potent as raw flowers, making it suitable for extremely serious conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. Strawberry Crack refers to the source strain, a likely cross of popular sativa Strawberry Cough and Green Crack. The source flower was subject to solvent extraction and a heated vacuum-purge resulted in this highly refined, pure resin. The sample had little initial aroma and vaped up hyper-light yet super-potent, with mouth watering aftertastes of sweet berry, grass and resin. Patients use shatter with special water-filtered pipes called dab rigs, and on bowls and in joints or vape pens.
Lemonade
Available at: Collective Efforts in Sacramento.
The perfect smoke to Beyonce’s new album of the same name, Lemonade is yet another fire flavor from the Cookies brand and their Sacramento affiliate, Collective Efforts. The origin of this Lemonade is unknown, but it’s a truly unique addition to California’s trend in fruity herbs. This indoor, organic-grown bud has pale green leaf and smelled super-sweet and fruity, like the sugar in lemonade, or when you pulverize lemon peels in cane sugar. It felt super-dense and frosty and not very oily or sticky, and ground up perfectly dried and cured, then smoked thick-bodied with a unique taste of lemon-infused sugar. Another solid referent is the Zkittlez line of candy-tasting flower bud. Lemonade was a super-strong hybrid, and patients are using high-THC flowers for mood, nausea and pain.
OG Jack Cartirdge Medical cannabis patients are free to move about the state with this chic, highly discrete pre-filled vape cart from Highly Concentrated. Vaporizer cartridges are ready-to-use containers of cannabis oil that fit onto standard e-cigarette battery bases (510 thread). Options in the cart space are exploding into every possible strain, and the OG Jack source for this oil crosses two bosses of the cannabis world—the award-winning designer sativa hybrid Jack Herer, and West Coast underground legend OG Kush. Highly Concentrated stands out with a steel tip and glass container, as opposed to flimsier plastic. The vape dispenses perfectly titrated puffs of ultraodorless, solvent-free OG Jack oil, gently elevating patients on a sativa hybrid wave that can stave off migraine onset or quell other nervous conditions, patients report.
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Available at: Barbary Coast and Grass Roots in San Francisco.
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REVIEWs
Super Lemon OG Live Resin Quite possibly the lightest-colored shatter we have ever encountered, this Super Lemon OG Live Resin lives up to the Emerald Cup brand in taste as well. Southern Humboldt Concentrates partnered with Emerald Cup products to bring the highest quality concentrates to the market. Dubbed “Live Resin,” the extract was a hard, near-clear-gold translucent wafer and the distilled essence of the hit strain Super Lemon OG. It would be hard to mistake the lemony OG desert taste for anything else. We’ve rarely encountered such flavorful shatter. Live Resin runs usually involve buds that are fresh frozen and extracted, rather than dried and cured, which costs terpenes and other oils. Fresh, pristine, indoor Super Lemon OG must have gone into this extract—there’s no other way to get such fine results. Sativa hybrid extracts are used mainly during the day to manage a variety of conditions, patients report.
Available at: Various collectives throughout California.
Eureka Vapor Clear 500mg Indica
Available wherever: Eureka Products are carried.
When someone offered us a ticket to see Steely Dan one random night, we weren’t sure we wanted to abandon our plans to smoke ourselves into a pleasant cannabis coma, but decided to head to the Hollywood Bowl with our Eureka Vapor Clear 500mg Indica vape cartridge stowed away in our pocket. Halfway through “Reelin’ in the Years,” we began to feel a nice effect creeping in as the crowd around us kicked their crocs up and settled into their chardonnays. The rose-colored band around the cartridge is a subtle hint at the perfume-like vape you get from this winner of Hempcon’s 2015 Best CO2 Concentrate category. The company’s site boasts a very thorough breakdown of the compounds that make up their highly sought after products, and after you’ve experienced it for yourself, you can use their search engine to pick one up wherever Eureka products are sold.
Available at: The Clinic in Stockton.
Gasoline Take us to the gas station! The Clinic in Stockton is refueling patients in the region with this high-octane treat from the Cookies brand—Gasoline. It’s a 60 percent sativa hybrid of Chem Dawg and OG Kush, two classic strains renowned for their pungent fuel aromas. Our sample of indoor organic Gasoline was small and dense like Diesel tends to be, with a glorious green hue and dapples of red pistil. The bag had a gassy, fuel bottom and a sweet gelato top-note that only got bigger when we ground it up. The strain smoked big-bodied, and super-potent and smooth, with a knockout 25.6 percent THC effect that resets both mind and body, fighting stress as well as tension. Super-dense, the small nugs popped into a huge amount of fluff in the grinder. Start your engines!
Alchemy Pride Pack
Available at: Participating Alchemy by Dark Heart vendors.
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In celebration of LGBTQ Pride, Alchemy is providing a Pride Pack which gives five percent of proceeds all summer long, to support multiple causes. June and July proceeds will go to SF AIDS Walk Team Cannabis and the Orlando Pulse Community GoFundMe campaign. It’s a dandy little hip pack with rainbow color lines and it’s packed with their “Awaken” and “Explore” aromatic vape carts. It comes with a battery and a rainbow lanyard too. Vape pens are the answer to on-the-go medicating—superlow profile, and easy-to-use. Just sip the tip to draw a cool aromatic mist of citrus mint and sativa with the Awaken cartridge. Then loosen up and Explore with the jasmine rose and hybrid cannabis cart. Patients report using cannabinoids to help with conditions including anxiety, pain management and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If you’re going to medicate, this is a great way to help yourself, and help others in need. Visit www.darkheartalchemy.com/pride to find out exactly where to get yours!
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REVIEWs
Available at: HTP Group in Vallejo.
Chemjack X Durban Wax Get ready for a sativa blast-off with this extract version of a plant crossing Chemdawg, Jack Herer and Durban Poison. All three are leading sativas in their own right, and their unification is something we’d never even considered, let alone seen before. Dankman Concentrates is clearly ahead of the curve, serving up a semi-solid extract version of the flower, which has been most likely crafted through butane extraction. This Chemjack X Durban wax smelled very light and without much terpenes, and feels sticky and is best for dabbing. The extract vaped super-potent with a bitter note of chem and the sugar of jack, but mostly rocket-league sativa effects. Patients use high-THC sativa extracts for things chronic wasting and nausea, chronic fatigue syndrome and depressive disorders.
H2C 707 Cookies CookieFam Gelato lovers, 707 Cookies in Vallejo has your back with a new batch of H2C 707 Cookies, or Bacio Gelato—a coveted phenotype from the world-class Cookies line. This creamy, grape soda-tasting indica hybrid tested at 28.6 percent THC and crushed nighttime stress, pain and insomnia. The product of Sunset Sherbert crossed to Thin Mint Cookies, our H2C 707 Cookies nugs were small but mighty, and deeply purple with fiery red pistils. The dense, thick nugs were expertly dried and cured and ground very indica, less about fuel and more about pepper. The rich, thick flavorful smoke proved mega-potent and one hit will be plenty for all but the most high-tolerance patients. Cookies-related genetics have won dozens of awards and climbing, having originally crossed an OG Kush pheno, a Purple and Durban Poison.
Available at: 707 Cookies in Vallejo.
Cookies and Cream Shatter
Available at: California Collective Care in Vallejo.
Shatter-type hash doesn’t get much more exemplary than California Collective Care’s stock of Cookies and Cream extract from Old School Extracts of Marin County. The source strain Cookies and Cream mixes two mega-popular strains, the old school OG Kush and the new kid Girl Scout Cookies. Old School Extracts used a propane hash oil extraction for their extremely brittle, solid, thick shatter slabs, which are see-through gold and pure, with little initial aroma. The brittleness makes it easy to handle with a dabber or as a topper, and the hash vapes with an ephemeral note of sweet kush, generating massive indica-hybrid effects that can crush insomnia, lack of appetite, stress, depression and pain. Medical-grade propane extractions can be super-pure, and can be purged to extremely low, safe residual solvent levels.
Liquid Dreams CBD Capsules Great for seniors and other non-traditional cannabis patients, Liquid Dreams CBD Capsules offer some of the highest quality-sourced cannabidiol in Northern California. The product’s parent company makes the award-winning “Day Dreamers” line of precision-dosed edibles. Liquid Dreams CBD Capsules come from all-natural, fresh, regional outdoor medical cannabis subjected to CO2 extraction to yield the fine, liquid gold oil. Each organic coconut oil-based gel cap contains 25 milligrams of CBD and also 12.5 milligrams of THC—perfect for arthritis patients who can tolerate a little THC. Both molecules work best in synergy. More and more non-traditional patients with pain, inflammatory, or auto-immune diseases want to try cannabinoids, but not smoke raw flowers. Now, more than ever, they can. 84
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Available at: Various collectives throughout California.
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Agent Orange Sap Another scarily named, yet really high-quality product—Agent Orange Sap refers to the copious amounts of citrus terpenes both in the source flower, and this resulting hash from California Extracts. Carried at The Green Door, patients are demanding more and more of these high-THC, high-flavor, no-smoke formulations. Just one tiny dab of Agent Orange Sap is equal to an entire bowl of flowers or a joint, thus helping patients save their lungs. The source strain Agent Orange comes from the breeding company TGA Genetics and their biggest star Subcool, and is an intensely hybridized cross between Orange Velvet and Jack the Ripper. California Extracts subjected the flower to solvent extraction, yielding this incredibly fine sap, which is sticky and stretches, making it great for dabs, but tricky elsewhere. Expect extreme, heady sativa effects that last for hours.
Available at: The Green Door in San Francisco.
Strawnanna Shatter
Available at: Urban Pharm in San Francisco.
Enjoy a big bowl of fruit this summer, courtesy of Urban Pharm in San Francisco and their stash of Slick Extracts’ Strawnanna Shatter. Cannabis’ huge variety of aroma molecules have been coaxed into eliciting both strawberry notes (Strawberry Cough) and banana (Banana Kush)—so a Strawnanna was inevitable. But a shatter version from a DNA Genetics Strawnanna nug run is a rare treat indeed. Ours sample was a beautiful hard shatter with no bubbles or impurities, and a light, fresh, soft banana smell with just a hint of strawberry. Perfect for dabbing, or toppers or loading into compatible vape pens, Slick Extracts’ Strawnanna Shatter evaporated clean and pure into a high-THC, intensely flavorful fruity vapor with enormous and immediate sativa hybrid effects. Source strain grown by LiberTPharms.
Clementine Live Resin For patients looking to medicate with high quality shatter with huge citrus flavor and instant effects, look no further than Clementine Live Resin at Barbary Coast in San Francisco. Produced by the reputable extract company, “Fresh Off the Bud,” the roots of this impressive cannabis extract trace back to freshly cut Clementine flower, which are a cross between Tangie and Lemon Skunk. The flower is then transformed into live resin using hydrocarbon solvent extraction. The golden, glass-like resin was easy to manipulate on the wand, and once it hit the nail, we were instantly hit with a fresh, orange taste and powerful sativa hybrid effects. High in THC, consuming this concentrate is great for many ailments including Multiple Sclerosis, chronic pain and PTSD.
Available at: Elemental Wellness in San Jose.
Available at: Barbary Coast in San Francisco.
True OG Live Resin A recent silver medal winner in the Indica Concentrates category at the 2016 NorCal High Times Cannabis Cup, True OG Live Resin is the result of a collaboration between Elemental Seeds and Dabblicious. Its rich, golden hue and desirable malleability will catch the eye of any extract aficionado. Upon twisting off the lid, we were immediately met with the punchy, unmistakable aroma of the True OG—it’s a flower that normally translates superbly to concentrate, and this live resin may be the crown jewel of OG extracts. Placing the extract onto the dab tool was a pleasantly effortless process—chunks fell apart when minimal pressure was applied, providing soft, damp doses that were easily handled. We heated the quartz nail to a low temperature in order to preserve the flavor of this awardwinner and gently touched our extract to its surface. The flavor followed through on what the aroma promised—a classic piney undertone with the strain’s refined hint of Chem. Its trademark full-body relaxation was coupled with a warm-behind-the-eyes sensation, providing an overall feeling of euphoria. Its noteworthy 78 percent THC content was no joke—this medicine is recommended for high-tolerance patients.
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Available at: Airfield Supply Co. in San Jose.
Great White Shark Rosin America’s biggest hash craze—rosin—doesn’t get much finer than Airfield Supply Co.’s Great White Shark Rosin, which has a beautiful pale look, ridiculous amounts of terpenes, and beastly effects. Rosin is a type of hash that results from the heated pressing of raw flower buds through a type of filter, resulting in a purified resin that’s multiple times as strong as raw flower and devoid of solvents like butane or propane. This Great White Shark Rosin has an outrageously fresh, floral, bubblegummy-sweet smell and an extremely gooey consistency at room temperature. The pale color indicated purity, and you can just tell it is world-class hash. The source strain is a classic from Green House Seeds, and longtime favorite at Airfield. At 71 percent THC, it’s best for patients with high tolerances and serious conditions.
AK-47 Medical cannabis patients in San Jose know exactly what they are getting at Buddy’s, which grows their own medicine, including their super-popular sativa AK-47. Don’t let the name scare you, AK-47 is a super-versatile, daytime treatment for a host of conditions, including pain, cramping and depression—some patients report. The strain is a mix of global hybrids that’s been around for decades, and remains widely popular for its grassy sweet, floral fruit aroma and strong, energetic sativa hybrid effects. Buddy’s latest cut of AK-47 is exemplary, with lightgreen, stacked, medium-dense leaves and strawberry blond pistils. The sweet fruit top-note had an earthy bottom of loam. Grinding brought out cherry notes, and it smoked light-bodied and smooth. Great for weekend chores or vacation stress.
Available at: Buddy’s in San Jose.
Sage N Sour Premium CO2 Oil Available wherever: POP Naturals products are carried.
Bay Area patients have one of California’s best extract options this summer with POP Naturals’ Sage N Sour CO2 Oil—an ultrarefined, medical-grade extract used for serious daytime conditions. This is pharma-grade medical cannabis extract, derived from organic, outdoor California Sage N Sour—a sativa hybrid of Diesel and SAGE (which includes Haze and Afghani). POP Naturals uses pressurized carbon dioxide to make their products. Our translucent, amber half-gram looked as gorgeous and clean as cannabis oil comes, and the dispenser makes vape pen reloads easy. Sage N Sour oil vaped up hyper-light yet very potent with a minor pine-earth aftertaste. Patients are using high-THC, sativabased extracts for daytime indications, including stress disorders, pain disorders and G-I tract disorders like Crohn’s Disease.
Jack Herer Sugar Spend your 7/10 this year with something truly legendary—Jack Herer Sugar wax from California leaders Guild Extracts. Quality tested solvent free by Steephill Halent, this Jack Herer Sugar comes in a tiny gram jar filled with mega-potent 74.2 percent THC extract. The glittery, waxy yellow granules smell like the purified essence of Jack Herer—with a candy-sweet pine aroma. The extract feels tacky and waxy and is perfect for dabbing, but also works as toppers or in joints or vape pens. Jack Herer Sugar vapes up super-smooth, pure and sweet, with a high-THC lung-expansion, and massive immediate effects. Patients are using high-THC sativa hybrid extracts to manage serious, chronic daytime conditions including alcohol and opioid use disorders and even ADD, among many other uses.
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Available at: The Guild in San Jose.
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Super Goji Haze Quite possibly the extract of the summer, prepare to get lost in this Super Goji Haze, Gold Drop’s dab-tastic sativa wax. Gold Drop stands among the brightest of California’s hash stars precisely because of their access to superb genetics and an elite extraction process. Super Goji Haze crosses the award-winning Goji OG and a muscular sativa Superhuman Haze, huzzah! These light orange, waxy granules were translucent and smelled like the ghost of OG and Haze—fuel grassy loam fuel. It felt tacky and was supereasy to handle and versatile as dabs, in pens, and bowls for extra fiyah! It tasted super-clear with a fuel-citrus taste. Patients dab high-THC sativa hybrids to manage symptoms of intestinal disorders, opioid dependence related depression and phantom limb pain.
Available wherever: Gold Drop products are carried.
IVXX Sour Banana Sugar Wax Sacramento’s Green Door Metro takes hash branding to another level with the IIVXX (420) line of extracts, including this Sour Banana Sugar Wax—a classy, potent hybrid perfect for daytime use in vape pens. The source strain Sour Banana is most likely a cross of distant cousins Sour Diesel and Banana Kush. Hidden inside IVXX’s unique, branded, silicon jars, the sugar wax smells sweet, and floral with the soft smell of banana. The hash feels dry and crumbly and dabbable like little playdough bits that are also great for toppers, and fortifying joints. Dabbing this sugar wax generates hyper-potent, sweet vapor with a note of fuel and banana and strong hybrid effects that can manage a whole range of conditions, including anorexia, cancer, nausea and intractable nerve pain.
Available at: Green Door Metro in Sacramento.
Gorilla Glue #4 Available at: Vallejo Holistic and other CA Collectives.
The North Bay’s Vallejo Holistic is rocking some of the biggest cuts of California’s biggest strain of 2016—Gorilla Glue #4. Grown by the team at Zlixir, our cut of Gorilla Glue redefined what we thought the strain could do. Gorilla Glue #4 is a heavily hybridized mix of Diesels triple-backcrossed to Chocolate Thai, and you wouldn’t expect the sativa hybrid to be a big yielder. Zlixir has apparently cracked the code, because our sample dwarfed all others and had the resin-levels to match. So named for its glue-like stickiness when dry, Vallejo Holistic’s cut tested at 31 percent THC by CW Analytical and reeked of pine, fuel and chocolate. It smokes heavy-bodied, potent and Diesel-tasting and can help manage anxiety, insomnia and chronic stress.
FlavRx Black Label Blackberry The slogan “Experience Higher Value” is a tough motto to live up to, but this sleek, earthy flavored indica-dominant cartridge really holds up against that motto. Easy to store and packed with 500mg of pure bliss, the Blackberry strain is perfect for patients in need of the muscle relaxing effects indicas deliver. For anyone that wants a pure, CO2 extract that is delicious and potent, without alerting everyone in the vicinity, these little beauties will give you everything you could want. Head over to FlavRx.com to find the right strain and product for you. 90
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Available wherever: FlavRx products are carried.
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Testing the Varieties: Part 6
TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED®
by Ed Rosenthal
Last month, the winter garden was still hanging, taking a long time between drying and curing. Now they are all properly dried and are hanging out in glass jars. The buds were tested using infrared light to determine percentages of cannabinoids. We tested for heated THC and heated CBD for a number of different strains. The THC levels were not high. The main reason is that the plants were receiving only a moderate amount of light during flowering. The total hours of light averaged only about 10.5 hours daily. The winter and early spring sunlight received was weak and mostly indirect. This was supplemented with six hours of HPS light, still too little to produce maximum bud development and to reach THC potential. THC levels differed greatly between strains, showing the relative THC/CBD potentials of the varieties. Except for specialty varieties, all had very little CBD. Varieties differ in effects because they have different ratios of terpenes (odor molecules that affect mood and have medical qualities). About eight weeks ago, I picked up five plants, transplanted them and then let them grow in the greenhouse. They were under lights for an extended period JULY 2016 iReadCULTURE.com
each day, long enough to prevent them from flowering. About four weeks ago, the supplemental lighting was turned off and the plants started to flower. A couple weeks later, the plants were showing the slightest sign of temptation to turn vegetative, some leaf growth and a slight stretching of bud. I had to take action immediately to prevent the plants from returning to a vegetative state. The solution was to increase their dark time to 12 hours or more each day. I decided to use a 5’ x 9’ “utility frame” built for a previous project and covered it using a high grade reinforced opaque polyethylene film. “Panda plastic” is colored white on one side and black on the other. The frame was wrapped white side out, reflecting sunlight to keep the interior cool. The black interior absorbs any stray light that enters. No light entered when the
The dark chamber is used to prolong the dark period, promoting flowering.
flaps were closed. Each of the five plants were in five gallon soft containers, sitting in 4’ x 8’ trays and placed on top of a moving caster, for easy mobility. Each evening towards the end of dusk, the plants are pushed into the dark chamber. Yesterday, that occurred at 9 pm . In the morning, bright and early at 11am , the flaps are opened and the plants are wheeled into sunlight. They receive about 11 hours of light and 13 hours of darkness daily. The long dark time promotes flower ripening. The first of the five plants, a Rom-Grapefruit, is almost ripe. In the last two weeks, it transformed from a softy to a hard ripe bud bulging with trichomes. The other four plants will ripen within the next week or two. The dark chamber is a convenient addition to my tool chest of growing supplies and I intend to use it again for my next crop. c
The flaps are up and the plants are about to emerge.
The tray is resting on a moving caster, making it easy to push around the yard during the day allowing the plants catch the best rays as well as avoid shade.
When you are growing plants in containers with wheels, it’s easy to move them around. Even large plants can be moved without too much effort. This can become an important factor as the position of the sun changes over the season. Parts of the garden that were in sun early in the day or earlier in the season often become shaded later on. Moveable plants can always be in a sunny position.
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.
The plants are basking in the sun.
Ripening bud of Rom-grapefruit will be picked next week.
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Geneva and Bern, Switzerland Flower in Summer
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by Sheryll Alexander
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Geneva and Bern are Switzerland’s top cannabis-friendly travel destinations, especially in the summer months when toking for the country’s estimated half million medical cannabis patients and recreational users go outdoors during this central European country’s short warm season. In the ’90s and up until a famous bust in 2005, a loophole in Swiss law allowed hemp farmers to grow high-THC flowers (along with fiber and seeds for industrial and artisan hemp-based products). But sadly, long gone are the days when tourists could just stroll through
Switzerland’s urban centers or tiny medieval towns to find a “hemp shop” or “smoke shop.” In 2013, cannabis possession (under 10 grams) was famously decriminalized. However, a recent announcement from Swiss officials this spring reveals the government is gearing up for a “pilot project” in four cities (Geneva, Bern, Zurich and Basel) to legally sell small amounts of medical cannabis to authorized patients. Geneva (or Genève) is the mostly French speaking, yet multinational urban center (The UN and The Red Cross
are headquartered here) as well as the country’s financial center. Situated at the very southern tip of Lake Geneva, where the mighty Rhone River empties, Geneva becomes almost like a beach zone in summer as city is surrounded by miles of lake-front parks. With sweeping views of The Alps and The Jura Mountains in the distance, locals and tourists alike relax, play and dip in these cold lake waters during summer’s hottest days. Bern may be the capital of Switzerland, but it feels more like a village caught in a medieval time warp. Cannabis culture is very much alive in Bern, and politicians are even considering selling cannabis flowers and THC-laced products at pharmacies. Tourism in Bern is at its peak in the summer months as this vibrant city is a designated UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Not only does Bern boast one of the world’s first moving time clocks, but also one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe along with hundreds of other historic buildings, fountains, museums, parks and towers. c
HERE
Time to Go: Summer Weather: Light sweater weather with occasional showers. Budget: $$$$$
if you go: Switzerland famously decriminalized cannabis in 2012, which was implemented in October 2013, and allows for anyone 18+ to carry 10 grams or less of cannabis flowers. This important “federal” law unified Switzerland’s previous patchwork of regional policies. Caught with more than 10 grams (or selling any amount), stiff fines and potential prison time is enforced. Growing and selling cannabis is also illegal at the moment although Swiss farmers and cannabis advocates are battling against the pro-pharma system.
Fun-Filled Facts Bern is known in summer for perhaps the most fun and most unusual water recreation in Switzerland. Locals and tourists literally jump into the icy waters of the fastflowing Aare River, which runs right through the town, and float down in a state of summertime bliss. 1
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Perhaps the best jazz music festival on the planet happens every summer (July 1-16) in nearby Montreux. An hour’s drive of Geneva along a breathtakingly scenic route of 45-mile-long Lac Leman, The Montreux Jazz Festival and its stunning shoreline location attracts tens of thousands of jazz lovers and some of the world’s top jazz musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Simply Red, JeanMichel Jarre and Patti Smith. 2
GET YOUR CLICKS
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Linda Krystal Lopez
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Age: 26
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Condition/Illness: Cervical Cancer, Epilepsy, Severe Anxiety
Why did you start using medical cannabis? I started using medical cannabis in early 2013, when I was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer. Later that year, I was diagnosed with late onset epilepsy due to the stress on my body. The epilepsy caused several chronic issues such as insomnia, depression and neuropathy. I was wheelchair- and walkerbound for quite a while. The prescription pills were also causing more harm than good. I decided to go on a strict diet, and made sure to consume as much CBD based products as possible as well as smoke to relieve the pain, stress and regain my appetite. I went into full remission in September 2014; however, I use CBD daily still, to prevent any further cancer. Now, I am able to do all the things I was able to do before my illnesses set in. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? For the cancer, chemo and radiation were offered
to me as well as a full hysterectomy. I immediately declined. I tried some of the basic medications given to epileptic patients, but they were causing neuropathy and pulling my appetite. I lost about 20 pounds in only a matter of months. If it weren’t for this holistic form of healing, I don’t know where I’d be health wise, but I am not sure it would have been pleasant for me. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I think the biggest issue would be the accessibility and lack of knowledge. General physicians and specialists seem to not give proper information or for the most part not even advocate this safe and effective way of healing. I’ve personally experienced a doctor telling a family member of mine that medical marijuana and CBD is only for nausea. I think patients should always be given options and different forms of help. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I’d say to do some proper research. Talk to advocates, speak to survivors. Research the proven medical benefits. Be open minded. Don’t just dismiss something you know nothing about. Meet patients going holistic and hear the positive responses. If we all become open minded, we can make a change and save or improve some lives. Being a survivor and being able to help is a blessing and I will continue to advocate and share my story! 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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Summertime Sous Vide Menu: Medicated Shrimp and Mango Fresh Rolls Infused Olive Oil Lemon Curd
I created Sous Weed while I was at Nomiku, a company that makes the smallest sous vide device for precise temperature cooking. I found that the sous vide method lends itself perfectly to cannabis cooking. It’s easy to set up, safe, precise and discreet. The cannabis is sealed in a jar and placed underwater, so there’s absolutely no smell, and you no longer need to babysit a stovetop. Sous vide is French for “under vacuum,” and is a cooking process where you cook food in a temperature-controlled water bath in airtight containers (usually either plastic bags or glass). This process cooks the item evenly and helps to retain moisture. I make lightly medicated meals to enhance my day, manage my chronic lower back pain and reduce stress. Here are some of my favorite recipes for summer.
Makes 1 1/3 cups
Infused Olive Oil Lemon Curd Ingredients: 6 tablespoons cannabis-infused olive oil 3/4 cup granulated sugar Juice of 3 lemons (I used Pink Lemons) 2 tablespoon lemon zest 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 5 egg yolks
Directions:
Warm infused olive oil in a saucepan on medium heat until you see bubbles. Remove pan from heat and whisk in sugar, lemon juice, zest and salt until all is uniform. Whisk in egg yolks until smooth. Place egg mixture back on low heat, whisking constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Immediately pour lemon curd into a clean jar and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.
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Monica Lo is an activist and photographer working to change public perception of cannabis users. Monica is the creator of Sous Weed, co-founder of WeedHorn, the co-creator of Asian Americans for Cannabis Education, and a photo contributor at Stock Pot Images. Monica has many years of experience in food styling and photography. She has trained at The Institute of Culinary Education in NYC and with Andrew Scrivani from the New York Times. Monica just wrapped a photo shoot for a Sous Vide at Home cookbook with Ten Speed Press and Nomiku, slated for a November 2016 launch. Monica has also cooked and shot with Top Chef Mei Lin, Dara the Bow Girl from MasterChef Junior, Opening Ceremony, Chef Jacques La Merde, and has been featured on PopSugar.
recipes by Monica Lo from Sous Weed
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Sous Weed (Sous Vide) Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
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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t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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3 tablespoons peanut butter 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon medicated olive oil 1 garlic clove, mashed 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon sriracha
Directions
Amphora Nueva 2928 Domingo Ave., Berkeley (510) 704-9300 www.amphoranueva.com The Table 1110 Willow St., San Jose (408) 638-7911 thetablesj.com
*Note: Mangoes have the same myrcene and terpenes found in cannabis. When you consume cannabis and eat a mango, the psychoactive ingredient THC will interact with the terpenes and enhance the effects.
Place sliced shrimp in a small bowl and toss well with sesame seeds, medicated olive oil and a pinch of salt. Next, soften the rice paper by filling a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper very carefully and let it soften for 20-30 seconds. Lay rice paper flat on a clean cloth and start arranging mint leaves, 3-4 shrimp halves, 1 avocado slice, 2 mango slices, 2 cucumber strips and mixed greens. Fold the sides inwards towards the stuffing and then tightly roll the rice paper. The fresh roll should resemble a little burrito. Repeat with the rest of the ingredients. To prepare the sauce, blend all ingredients together. Serve your medicated fresh rolls immediately!
Makes 16 oz
Sous Weed (Sous Vide) Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
culture
Ingredients for Dipping Sauce:
5 round spring roll rice paper wrappers 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 2 tablespoon medicated olive oil 10 large cooked shrimp, peeled and sliced in half length-wise 1 Persian cucumber, julienned 1 avocado, sliced 1/2 large mango, sliced 1/4 cup mixed greens Handful mint leaves
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Ingredients for Fresh Rolls:
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Ace Wasabi’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi 3339 Steiner St., San Francisco (415) 567-4903 www.acewasabisf.com
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Local eateries with similar dishes:
Makes 5 rolls
Pour olive oil in two 12 ounce mason jars. It is important to use jars specific to canning, so please, no repurposed mayo jars. Inspect the jar for cracks. A freezer-safe zip bag may be used as well. Decarboxylate your cannabis to activate the THC. After decarboxylation, pour the cannabis into each jar of olive oil. Seal the jars finger tight. Set your sous vide water bath to 85˚C (185˚F). Once the sous vide water bath has reached its temp, gently place the jars in the water bath. Sous vide for 4 hours. Remove from water bath and strain. Discard the clippings and allow the infused olive oil to cool. Store in a cool dark place, and use at will.
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16 oz extra virgin olive oil 1 oz cannabis clippings/trim or flowers (add more or less depending on desired potency)
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Ingredients:
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California Roots Music and Art Festival 2016
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SHOOTING GALLERY
European Medical Cannabis Bike Tour
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norCAL NOW! event listings
Sunday on the Streets, July 10
Louis C.K., July 9
Fresh on the start of his international tour, Louis C.K. has been impressing fans across the U.S. with his refined look and joke delivery. Just when we thought Louis couldn’t get any better, he worked to get ticket prices as low as $50. Oracle Arena, Oakland coliseum.com
“Bangles” and “Rehearsals” Opening Reception, July 9
Don’t miss the opening of two creative exhibitions. Local artist, Lisa Rybovich Cralle, is a Bay Area artist who created all the suspended sculptures in “Bangles,” while “Rehearsals” consists of work by Richard Haley from Detroit. Verge Center for the Arts, Sacramento vergeart.com
37th Annual Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival, July 9-10
It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a little outdoor food, drink and art. The 37th Annual Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival is the perfect event for those looking for variety and vintage wines from local wineries. Downtown Los Altos downtownlosaltos.org
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featured event
On select Sundays throughout the year, certain streets in San Francisco are closed off to traffic so people can have fun biking, running, doing yoga or whatever other physical activity they enjoy. This event will provide information on animal advocacy, clean power and the general election. Various Streets, San Francisco sundaystreetssf.com
Tacocat, July 15
Tacocat is a lively and loud indie rock band that isn’t showing any signs of slowing down any time soon. Rising in popularity, it has been touring all across the U.S. and Europe in support of its latest album, Lost Time. Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco bottomofthehill.com
7th Annual Salsa Festival on The Fillmore, July 15-16
Dance to salsa music for two days straight at this free event. Attendees will enjoy live music from bands like Montuno Swing, Salson and more. Various Venues on Fillmore Street, San Francisco salsafestivalfillmore.com
Adele, July 30
When Adele’s album 25 released in November 2015 it reached #1 on the charts in 100 different countries. Don’t miss your chance to see this powerhouse singer perform those many hit songs live. SAP Center, San Jose sapcenter.com insight is shared through series of video installations, photos and community bookmaking projects. Oakland Museum of California, Oakland museumca.org
The Mikado, July 22-Aug. 7
One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most loved works, The Mikado is a story about a complicated love web, set in Titipu off the coast of Japan. This production will be done in cabaret style and will make room for some audience interactions. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa lutherburbankcenter.org
“Oakland I Want You to Know . . .” July 23-Oct. 30
West Oakland is experiencing significant changes, socially, economically and demographically. In this exhibit, the people of west Oakland are asked what the city means to them, and their
Pedalfest, July 23
Celebrate the active lifestyle of biking at Pedalfest. There will be a number of live musical performances, bike stunts and other fun activities for all of the family to enjoy. Jack London Square, San Francisco jacklondonsquare.com
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—Jail Is Hell u The eye-catching Vietnamese model and Playboy (Venezuela edition) Playmate Angie Vu complained to the New York Daily News in April that her five-plus months in jail in Brooklyn have been “torture” and “cruel” because of her lack of access to beauty care. Vu is fighting extradition to France for taking her 9-yearold daughter in violation of the father’s custody claim and is locked up until a federal judge rules. Among her complaints: “turning pale” in the “harsh light”; lack of “Guerlain’s moisturizer”; inability to look at herself
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for months (because glass mirrors are prohibited); and “worrying” about being hit on by “lesbians” (thus causing “wrinkles”). At least, she told the reporter, she has found God in jail and passes time reading the Bible. QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENTS u Chef Mahbub Chowdhury pleaded guilty in April to food and hygiene violations in Swindon (England) Magistrates Court after inspectors found “brown fingerprints” in the kitchen at his Yeahya Flavour of Asia carry-out restaurant. Chowdhury was candid about his “cultural” habit of bypassing toilet paper and using his hand to clean himself. The plastic bottle with the fingerprints, Chowdbury said, contained water that he normally used instead of the toilet paper, and his lawyer argued that since the bottle was never actually lab-tested, the brown spots could have been “spices.”
u England’s Brighton and Hove City Council, striving to be progressive, issued a directive to parents of new school students (kids as young as age 4) calling on them to mark the gender identity they prefer—and notes that any child who identifies as other than male or female should leave the space blank and consult with officials individually. (Critics, according to The Sun, expressed that school should be for “developing” such identities without the necessity of declaring them so early in life). UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT u “Zero tolerance” claimed another victim, in Charlotte, North Carolina, in April, when Jaden Malone, 12, came to his bullied friend’s aid, was knocked down himself and repeatedly punched in the head by the bully, and pushed the boy off of him to avoid further damage—but was himself suspended for three days by his charter school Invest Collegiate. A school
official pointed out that the bully got five days, and besides, the policy against “all” physical violence is very clear. (After having Jaden treated for a concussion, his mother promptly withdrew him from the school). u Ms. Madi Barney, 20, courageously publicly reported her own rape accusation recently in Provo, Utah, and as a result has been disciplined as a student at Brigham Young University for allegedly violating the school’s “honor code.” (She is barred from withdrawing from courses or re-registering). Whether the sex was consensual must be investigated by Provo police, but BYU officials said they had heard enough to charge Barney with the no-no of premarital sex. (Critics decried the advantage BYU thus gives rapists of BYU females—since the women face the additional fear of university reprisals irrespective of the criminal case).
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