Culture magazine norcal june 2016 by Culture Magazine

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contents 06.16 Vol 7 IssUE 12

KEEPING ROCK ALIVE

CULTURE takes a look at the Thin Lizzy Legacy, and chats with the band about new shows, old memories and their feelings on cannabis legalization.

ON THE COVER: p h o t o c o u r t e s y o f T o ta l G u i ta r M ag a z i n e

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inside

contents 06.2016

features 32 38

Natural Solutions Many individual who suffer from PTSD have found relief in high-CBD therapies.

Hooray for Hemp In honor of Hemp History Week, here's a list of some of the amazing things that can be made from the plant.

Industry Insider Nate Winokur of the renowned SC Labs is helping to lead the pack with technological innovation and proper testing for cannabis products.

Herbal Savior Stuntwoman Francine Morris used cannabis to help her heal and giver her new life meaning.

Healing Miracles After testing out a variety of medicine on her son Abram, Erin Miller found a miraculous solution with CBD oil.

Living Social Social media is at the heart of the cannabis community, and its importance will only increase as cannabis becomes more widely accepted.

Knowledge Abounds The Cannabis Business Summit & Expo returns for another year full of industry-related seminars and discussion.

online Exclusive!

departments news

Stuff 70 Entertainment Reviews 72 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews Now! 99 News of the Weird

reviews 68 Cool in every issue 84 Growing

20 News Nuggets 22 By the Numbers 24 Healthy Living 26 Political Push

Culture 86 Destination Unknown 88 Profile in Courage

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90 Recipes

94 Shooting Galleries

98 NorCal

d Former LAPD Leaders

Back Cannabis Movement d Colorado School District

Implements Medical Cannabis Use Policy

Vol 7 IssUE 12

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CULTURE M

Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas 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 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 director of digital media Brian Gingrich digital media Editor David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla

Culture速 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速 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速 Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.

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NEWS

nuggets

Oakland Approves New Laws to Regulate Cannabis Collectives Although Oakland was one of the first cities in California to regulate its cannabis collectives, there are currently only eight operating legally within the city. To avoid city inspections and taxations, many collectives and other businesses are run just outside of city bounds. However, in May, the City Council unanimously voted to approve a set of laws that would significantly increase its current amount of legal cannabis businesses in response to the Medical Marijuana Regulations and Safety Act (MMRSA), according to SF Gate. This is Oakland’s way of getting rid of illicitly run collectives and other cannabis businesses and gain revenue in safe and proper regulations. With these new laws the city can now make room for eight more collectives, 30 cultivators, 12 delivery services and 28 manufacturers, amongst other businesses and operations. At the meeting, the City Council noted that it plans to revisit the language of the aforementioned laws within the next month.

Oklahoma House Approves Bill that will Expand Age Range for CBD Use Oklahoma has not been shy about its opposition towards cannabis, but recently the state has learned to embrace the plant and its therapeutic benefits. In May, the Oklahoma House voted 69-14 to pass a bill that will expand the use of CBD oil, according to KOCO. Previously, CBD oil was only administered to cannabis patients under the age of 18, but the recently approved bill removed that age restriction. Conditions that qualify patients to medicate with CBD oil are those hoping to treat spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis and paraplegia, and those looking to alleviate symptoms of chronic wasting disease. This decision came shortly after Governor Mary Fallin signed House Bill 2154, allowing children with severe epilepsy to medicate with CBD oil. The House’s decision currently awaits approval from Governor Fallin.

City of El Cerritos Discusses Lifting Cannabis Ban As city and state officials are anticipating the potential legalization of recreational cannabis come November elections, the city of El Cerritos is weighing its options. According to East Bay Times, the El Cerritos City Council discussed ending its moratorium on cannabis to welcome a medical cannabis collective that hopes to open in an abandoned drive-thru restaurant. This will allow the city to regulate the collective as they see fit and gain nine percent of the collective’s gross sales, which could make up to $1 million a year. At a May 18 meeting, the council concluded that it needs more research to determine whether or not the collective would be a beneficial asset to the city and also weigh in on factors like potential criminal activity and the benefits of medical cannabis. Since the city does not have the budget to conduct research itself, the collective, Davis Wellness Center, would sponsor the research “as part of an exclusive deal,” as stated by East Bay Express.

Eight Annual Cannabis Liberation Day Celebrated in the Netherlands Since the Cannabis Cup left the Netherlands, there is only one event in the country that celebrates cannabis: Cannabis Liberation Day. Now in its eighth year, the festival, which is organized by the Union for the abolition of cannabis prohibition (VOC), includes a variety of guest speakers and musicians from the Netherlands and abroad, all coming together for the advancement of cannabis reform. While there are still serious issues revolving around cannabis reform all across the globe, organizers of Cannabis Liberation Day created this event with the intent of creating a positive culture surrounding cannabis. Guests can enjoy the event’s Hemp Market and Cannabis Film Festival while checking out vendors and attending lectures. With the recent and unexpected passing of VOC founding member Josep Oomen, a tribute will be held in his honor.

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NEWS

The number of cannabis-related businesses, including collectives, cultivators and delivery services that will be allowed to operate in Oakland now that the city’s new laws have been approved: (Source: SF Gate)

The estimated number of retired senior citizens who regularly attend meetings at the Rossmoor Medical Marijuana Education and Support Club in Walnut Creek: (Source: CBS News)

100

The percentage of Bay Area residents who support the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) cannabis initiative: (Source: CBS SF Bay Area)

The estimated number of collectives that have been shut down in California due to civil forfeiture proceedings from the U.S. government between 2011 and 2012: (Source: Reuters)

The estimated number of applicants who attended the Cannabis Job Fair in San Francisco in April: (Source:

2,500

600

SF Gate)

The number of medical cannabis dispensaries in Vancouver, Canada that have been issued development permits under the city’s regulations: (Source: CFJC Today)

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Illinois made from medical cannabis sales in April, 2016: (Source: Fox 32)

The percentage of British people who support medical cannabis: (Source: International Business Times)

26th Annual ICRS Symposium on the Cannabinoids WHAT: 26th Annual ICRS Symposium on the Cannabinoids. WHEN/WHERE: Mon, June 27-Thurs, June 30. Hotel Bukovina, Sportowa 22, 34530 Bukowina Tatrzańska, Poland. INFO: For registration and additional details visit www.icrs2016.org. The International Cannabis Research Society (ICRS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research in all fields of cannabis science. This includes biochemical, chemical and physiological studies of the endocannabinoid system. While the ICRS is a great resource in cannabis studies, it also serves as a platform for other researchers to share their findings in cannabis science. With over

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500 international members each year the ICRS brings together like-minded individuals in the cannabis research for its annual symposium on cannabinoids. In its 26th year, the ICRS will be hosting this event in Poland at the lavish Hotel Bukovina. Guests will be able to enjoy the many luxuries of Hotel Bukovina along with the culture of the Polish city Kraków, where guests can bus from.

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NEWS

healthy living

Cannabis and Your Heart

Is It Much Ado About Nothing? by Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC

Should cannabis smokers be concerned about the effects of their use on the health of their hearts? Although there have been a number of studies on the issue, there is still no definitive conclusion. In France, health care providers are legally required to report serious cases of substance abuse. An article in the Journal of the American Heart Association examined this data from a five-year period and identified 1,979 cases of “marijuana abuse” in which 35 cases involved cardiovascular complications. From this small number of cases the authors concluded that cannabis use might contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among young and middle-aged adults. Another study came to the opposite conclusion. Published in the American Journal of Cardiology, researchers reported that a 15-year longitudinal study of 3,617 young adults found that high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors are not associated with heavy cannabis use. A 2008 report issued by the National Institute of Drug Abuse stated that heavy cannabis use can boost blood levels of the protein apolipoprotein C-III which can cause increased levels of triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides can contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls raising the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. It should be noted that the subjects in this study were really heavy cannabis consumers averaging 78 to 350 cannabis cigarettes smoked per week—that’s 11 to 50 joints per day! Although the study did not look at whether the heavy cannabis users actually had heart disease, another study published in the America Heart Journal did. Assessing the survival rates of 3,886 heart attack survivors over an 18-year period, investigators at the Harvard Medical School concluded, “There was no statistically significant association between marijuana use and mortality.” Coincidentally another study done at Harvard Medical School and published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation concluded that cannabis increases the risk of having a heart attack within the first hour of 24

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smoking to five times that of non-smokers. The reported five-fold cannabis risk statistic is an average. Lead researcher Dr. Murry Mittleman emphasized that “as with any risk factor for heart attack, or for heart disease in general, the risks become more pertinent as we grow older. Marijuana use is no exception.” It should be noted that the five-fold cannabis risk is about the same as strenuous exercise and a bit higher than the heart attack risk for sexual intercourse—activities that doctors usually encourage. Although smoking cannabis could increase the chance of a heart attack, another study found that heart attack patients with a history of cannabis use are less likely to die during hospitalization. Research scientists from the University of Colorado compared the hospital records of over 3,800 heart-attack patients who had consumed cannabis to those of over 1.2 million similarly matched controls. The data showed that the patients who had used cannabis had a lower mortality risk during hospitalization and were at lower risk for intra-aortic balloon pump placement compared to controls. There are a plethora of other studies that show positive benefits and negative consequences from cannabis use in relation to cardiovascular health—everything from a reduction in metabolic syndrome (increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, abnormal cholesterol levels—all a precursor to CVD) to second-hand cannabis smoke leading to hardening of the arteries and resultant CVD. The bottom line of all the studies is there may be some risk and there may be some benefits, but the ultimate bottom line is that whether its yea or nay, the benefits and risks are fairly minimal. This is especially true for patients who use cannabis to reduce or replace prescription pharmaceuticals for pain, depression, anxiety and insomnia—all of which are arguably more life-threatening than any of the cardiovascular problems associated with cannabis use. If you are using cannabis to just party and have CVD, you might want to consider moderating your intake of cannabis. Of course, if you turn to alcohol to party instead of cannabis, then (since many studies that document alcohol’s deleterious effect on the heart) maybe you should continue using cannabis. c

Real Estate Roundtable: Cannabis in California Cannabis regulations are changing faster than most cannabis business owners and cultivators can keep up with. Although the state has decided to properly regulate medical cannabis, it still remains illegal on the federal level and landlords who rent or own a facility for cannabis business purposes can be subject to property seizures by the feds. To help prevent this, the law firm Hanson Bridgett will host an informative seminar that will help clarify the state’s regulations and the potential risks that cannabis business landlords and tenants face. Also being discussed at this event are changing attitudes towards cannabis on a federal level and how California’s recreational market will affect landlords and tenants if approved in November elections. Approved by the State Bar of California, this event will present guests with legitimate knowledge and will be led by attorney Lara DeCaro.

WHAT: Real Estate Roundtable: Cannabis in California. WHEN/WHERE: Thurs, June 9. 12pm-1pm . Hanson Bridgett, 155 Sansome St., San Francisco. INFO: For tickets visit www. eventbrite.com.

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NEWS

POLITICAL PUSH

Passing Laws is the Easy Part

by Sean Donahoe

ere in California, it’s been ages since the voters passed our historic Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act, back in 1996. Another mere 19 years later, the capitol finally weighed in on cannabis, by passing the comprehensive Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA) in the final hours of last year’s legislative session. Later this year, after a tentative stab at legalization six years ago, the voters should legalize cannabis for recreational adult use here in California. But passing laws, as difficult as that may be, is often the easy part, but the real work is yet to come. Budget appropriations and regulatory rule-making aren’t really covered on the evening news, brought up in social media or come up in casual conversation while passing a joint around. But the devil is always in the details and this is even more so the case when it comes to government—

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how will laws be implemented, who will do the implementing and how will it all be paid for are matters of huge consequence. The MMRSA became law on January 1, setting up a pathway for a new state Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation, as well as empowering the state Department of Public Health to regulate manufacturing and the state Department of Food and Agriculture to regulate cultivation—but that’s mostly just on paper until actual employees are hired, office space arranged for, furniture and computers are purchased, all of which depends on the Legislature and the Governor agreeing on and passing an annual budget, a process which extends from January to June of every year. The process goes like this: The Governor’s office releases a tentative budget proposal in January, and various subcommittees in the Legislature discuss topics of concern, hearing testimony from agencies

p h o t o b y S ta s E n s o

and effected communities. The administration listens along, and also waits to see how the economy and tax revenues, then releases a “May revise” to their budget proposal, which gets down to the nitty gritty of specific employee numbers and specific dollar amounts. Running alongside the Legislature and the Governor’s office are the various state departments and agencies headquartered in Sacramento but with staff throughout our huge state. When a bill is passed, whether through the Legislature or passed by the voters, the details are generally very, very vague and it’s unclear how it’s meant to be implemented. As with any process in our democratic society, stakeholder groups speak up with their opinion as to how the new laws will affect them. To establish some level of transparency and a semblance of order, a “rulemaking” system begins, with input requested on official agency websites, email subscription lists to be signed up for, townhall-style events held throughout the state, rounds of proposed public comment periods, requests for proposals from environmental or other experts, and a general laying out of facts and data by subject matter experts in a very dry fashion, far away from the volatile field of politics and grandstanding elected officials. Apologies for the remedial government class, but rulemaking and the budget process have intersected in a most fascinating way here in California, as the development of “budget trailer” bills that perform a hybrid function, both modifying existing laws (in this case the recently passed MMRSA) and provide guidance to regulatory implementation while paired up with specific hard dollar amounts for employees and costs. This year’s May revise has specific guidance on medical cannabis implementation that’s a breath of fresh air. After the long, cold winter of ban-a-palooza and the general municipal freakout when it came to licensing medical cannabis operators at the local level, Sacramento has heard the message that more clarity is needed and has made steps to streamline the regulation of medical cannabis here in California, if the Governor’s proposal is passed by the Legislature without being hugely modified. And that would be a great thing, but just the first steps that the cannabis industry and movement should be pushing for, as passing the laws is really the easy part. c

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Evolving PTSD Treatments Now Look to Cannabis as a Natural Solution High CBD therapies can relieve many common symptoms by Victoria Banegas

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition prevalent in 60 percent of men and 50 percent of women in the U.S. While symptoms are often unique to each individual, U.S. veterans often experience PTSD symptoms as a result of combat, sexual assault, abuse or witnessing death or injury. Clearly, it is not easy to live life while suffering from PTSD, as those diagnosed with the condition often experience intrusions (nightmares), elevated levels of anger, depression, irritability and anxiety. According to The New York Times, substances that are commonly used to treat PTSD include antidepressants like Zoloft and Paxil, benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax and azapirones (buspirone) to name a few. Although substances like antidepressants and benzodiazepines are successful in alieving symptoms of anxiety, the side effects can sometimes be worse than the original symptoms. Antidepressants can cause low sex drive, increased suicidal behavior and can lead to weight gain over time. Benzodiazepines cause day-time drowsiness, may cause agitation and can cause withdrawals in those who stop taking the substance after only using it for a few weeks. Azapirones on the other hand, take time to work to relieve symptoms of anxiety, leading many to believe that they are ineffective. Because the medications commonly used to treat PTSD can be harmful and lead to worse symptoms, cannabis has recently picked up attention and is being explored as an alternative treatment for this awful disorder that effects so many Americans. Recently, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) approved a study that will test the effects of cannabis on 30

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U.S. veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The study is sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelics (MAPS) and will study the effects of the actual plant, not synthetic cannabinoids. This study will focus on a group of 76 veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD who will imbibe in various consistencies and strains, according to Military Times. As the government is becoming more accepting of the potential benefits of medical cannabis for those suffering with PTSD, information is being compiled by those who truly support cannabis as medicine. A prime example is Care by Design, a California-based medical cannabis company that specializes in CBD-rich products. Recently, Care by Design surveyed over 300 individuals diagnosed with PTSD. The survey revealed that, on average, PTSD patients were being prescribed up to five prescriptions, which had little to no effect on their symptoms. The most common prescription amongst participants were antidepressants, which proved ineffective as only 18 percent of participants said they saw an improvement with antidepressants. Going up against other medications used to treat PTSD, medical cannabis reigned supreme. Compared to medications for five common symptoms of PTSD including insomnia, anxiety and depression, more than half of those who participated in the survey found relief from all five symptoms with some stating they saw no difference and very few stating that their symptoms worsened when using the plant. Care by Design states that their cannabis therapy may help mitigate the hallmark symptoms of PTSD, including impaired fear extinction, poor memory consolidation and chronic anxiety. Most people avoid using cannabis as a medicine

“Because the medications commonly used to treat PTSD can be harmful and lead to worse symptoms, cannabis has recently picked up attention and is being explored as an alternative treatment for this awful disorder that effects so many Americans.” in fear of experiencing its psychoactive effects but not many know that CBD is a non-psychoactive alternative to high THC medicines. In the Care by Design survey, 80 percent of participants shared that they used CBD-rich products, which in turn revealed that over half of the participants consumed less alcohol while medicating with high CBD products. This new finding suggest that cannabis is not a gateway drug as previously perceived. As studies continue to evolve, cannabis will eventually become the new and only alternative to helping those diagnosed with PTSD find peace. It is clear that conventional pharmaceuticals cause more harm than good as the side effects often worsen a person’s well-being. For those in fear of feeling the psychoactive effects of cannabis remember, that products like those offered by Care by Design are a convenient alternative as they are high in CBD not in THC, and won’t get you “stoned.” Cannabis also comes in many other forms at many levels of potency and you can get an individually unique recommendation from a doctor to help you with your symptoms. c

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Hemp History Week

Hemp innovation is on the horizon

by Nicole Potter

Hemp History Week is upon us once more, and for every year that passes the world is discovering new ways to utilize the versatile hemp plant. Hemp cultivation is largely illegal in the U.S., with the exceptions of a few states, but the material is often imported from Europe and Canada where it is more widely used. Known for its variety of uses, hemp has been experimented with for centuries across the globe. Now more than ever the world is developing new ways to utilize the plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique structure and benefits. In honor of the seventh annual Hemp History Week, which takes place between June 6 and June 12, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking a look at newest innovations and classic uses for hemp. >>

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Hemp History Week Events

Makers and Tasters Series: Industrial and Nutritional Hemp June 3. 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Hemp History Week at Eco Goods June 6. 1130 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz.

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Skincare emp lotions have been on the market for years now, with staples like Hempz and products from The Body Shop rising high in popularity, but other companies have moved on from a simple hydrating skin lotion, and have helped hemp evolve into an entire skincare. Cannabis Beauty Defined (CBD) is a beauty line from Kannaway offers a cleanser, exfoliate, toner, serum, moisturizer, detox soak and salves. Utilizing hemp CBD oil in their formula, the various products help moisturize skin, remove dirt and makeup, all which help give skin a luminous and healthy, natural look.

Buildings rguably the most important use of hemp is through hemp concrete, or what’s commonly called “Hempcrete”—and it’s changing the world one building at a time. The unique substance is created by mixing hemp hurds (the center of the hemp stalk), with a lime-based binder and mixing with water until it forms a thick, strong material that is much lighter in weight than traditional concrete. It’s important to note that hempcrete isn’t used as a foundation for structure, but rather it’s being used as support for the frame of buildings, as well as insulation. It also offers other benefits such as being resistant to rodents or pests, is non-toxic, is immune to mold, breathes better than concrete and is said to last longer too. Many hemp companies have come forth, like American Lime Technology, whose goal is to become a leader in “healthy building solutions with low embodied carbon in construction as well as low energy consumption in use” using their trademarked Tradical® Hemcrete ®.

Vehicles ust last month, a Florida man named Michael Dietzen announced the completion of his “green machine,” a Mazda with a chassis made out of hemp, according to the New York Post. The car’s body, which is protected by three piles of woven hemp, weighs less than cars with a fiberglass exterior and is an estimated 10 times more dentresistant than steel. Dietzen cited his inspiration for using hemp when he found out that Henry Ford created a soybean-hemp car in 1941. Farther North in Canada, Calgary-based Motive Industries Inc. has also created a hemp car called the Kestrel, with a body made completely from hemp.

Clothing hirts, blouses and pants made of hemp have become common, but hemp extends to everything from socks and underwear to bow ties, dresses, bras, hats, wallets, belts and shoes too. The most obvious benefit of utilizing hemp in clothing is the material’s breathable quality, making clothing even partially made of hemp cool and comfortable to wear. The opportunities to transition from cotton products is easy when you glance at hemp retailers such as Rawganique, which offers a wide variety of clothing and apparel.

Food

he healthiest benefit of hemp for our bodies comes from either the hemp seeds or oil derived from pressing the seeds and/or plant’s stalks. While hemp seeds can be a healthy snacking alternative, the oil has numerous uses. Hemp oil has a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is a healthy fat that our bodies do not produce on their own. Hemp food companies are beginning to take hemp foods to the next level, such as Manitoba Harvest Hemp Seed Butter is a source of healthy fatty acids and protein too, as is Just Hemp Foods' Hemp Protein Powder which is an allergen-free powder that is a high source of protein, fiber and Omega 3 and 6. Hemp foods are beginning to scratch the surface of health benefits to eating the plant.

hemphistoryweek.com 34

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“We’re talking about something that didn’t have any regulations, any thought to what the future of the product might be, and I saw a massive void in the ability to have a special brand and the ability to start regulating (THC) dosages.”

ndustry nsider

Nate Winokur of SC Labs by R. Scott Rappold

When Nate Winokur first got into the cannabis game, the industry in California had yet to evolve beyond the Ziploc baggie as proper storage. It was 2008, and Winokur began asking himself

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just what they were selling to people. “We’re talking about something that didn’t have any regulations, any thought to what the future of the product might be, and I saw a massive void in the ability to have a special brand and the ability to start regulating (THC) dosages,” recalled Winokur, 36. “People in general couldn’t tell you how many milligrams were in a product. They could only sort of tell you how bad they thought it would mess you up. That wasn’t a very acceptable scale to start working from.” Things have changed, in large part thanks to cannabis enthusiasts like Winokur who have moved out of the kitchen or grow room and into the laboratory. For five years, he has been working for SC Laboratories, one of the largest cannabis testing companies in California, where he is the Operations Manager for Southern California. Such laboratories have helped growers and edible makers learn about the good, the bad and the ugly of what’s in their products. While such testing is still voluntary in California, big changes are on the horizon. And Winokur says those who aren’t prepared could be in for a big shock. >>

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as a result, regulations are growing more stringent regarding testing. California has none. But that will soon change.

In The Kitchen Winokur cut his teeth in the industry selling pipes and working at a head shop. That evolved into a distribution business, and then an edibles company. He launched his own product line, Pacific Sweets, in 2008. It got him thinking about concepts like decarboxylation, the heating that releases the THC in the making of edibles, and how many milligrams were in the products he sold. With little formal scientific training, he began reading everything he could about the science involved. Winokur then began looking for a way to use his acquired knowledge in a bigger way for the industry and consumers. He’d grown well-connected in the southern California cannabis scene, and through these connections got a meeting with SC Labs in 2011. The interview consisted of visiting several dispensaries, where he made an impression by how well he knew and worked with the other players. He got the job.

Marketing, Not Regulation In those days, having edibles or cannabis flowers tested was mainly a marketing gimmick, something a product line or dispensary could use to set them above the pack. “They went for what was marketing friendly, and that was largely potency tests,” said Winokur. Though the technology was available to test for contaminants, why would they bother? Winokur’s first large client to take an interest in safety testing was the Emerald Cup cannabis competition. Along with

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showing the THC content and terpene profile—terpenes are what defines taste and smell—they could now conduct residual solvent tests for extracts and edibles. It’s still the most popular safety test SC Labs performs. “In this setting of living and being in a developed country that we’ve been able

“In this setting of living and being in a developed country that we’ve been able to maintain, people deserve and should be only consuming safe goods.” to maintain, people deserve and should be only consuming safe goods. And the idea of a residual solvent test is taking these types of extracted products and making sure these extracted products are safe for consumption,” he said. Winokur convinced more and more growers and producers to submit to voluntary testing. Meanwhile, testing and product information was creating a connoisseur class of cannabis users. They wanted to know the terpene profile. They wanted to know it was free of contaminants. All sorts of pathogens, such as E. coli, were found in samples. Residual solvent tests revealed chemicals like phosphorus. Dangerous pesticides were present. Fungus, bacteria and yeast were all found. In all, about 20 percent of samples fail as unsafe for human consumption, said Winokur. The situation is not unique to California. Colorado has experienced some eye-opening testing results, and

Regulation Looming California’s Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act won’t be implemented until 2018, and there is uncertainty about what it means for testing. Another wild card is this year’s statewide referendum on legalization of recreational cannabis and what testing requirements it could involve. But the bottom line, said Winokur, is that mandatory testing is coming to the Golden State. That’s why he encourages businesses to get a jump on regulations by submitting samples to a lab. Sure, it’s good for business, and SC Labs has grown by a factor of 50 since he’s been there. But he sees the stakes as nothing less than the industry’s survival. “We’re going to see people caught with their proverbial pants down. We’re talking about markets that have been able to survive for years without actually having any level of regulation to truly worry about and at the end of that is going to be the other end of the spectrum,” he said. “We’re going to have something where a producer or grow operation is going to be sending their stuff down river to a distributor and if that distributor has to test something . . . they’re either going to get a letter back saying that their whole crop, their whole product was torched and that everything was incinerated or they’re going to get a check back. That’s going to be a large change from what a lot of these grow operations and producers have seen.” As for the consumer, they’ll not only be getting a safer product, but they’ll be able to make better-informed decisions, on everything from taste and smell to extracts that mimic the effects of smoking a certain strain. That’s a long way from buying whatever your dealer had at the time like in the old days. As an enthusiast, Winokur can’t wait for it to happen. “Yeah it’s a big deal, in terms of just something that’s a little skunkier than the last batch he had but what the hell you’ll take it anyway because it’s not like you have another choice. We’ve come a very long way in terms of what’s available to us, what will be available.” c

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The Stories of a Stuntwoman and the Cannabis that Saved Her Francine Morris and the edge of adrenaline by Jasen T. Davis

“It saved my life. It helped me deal with the pain.” 42

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Francine Morris had always been a very athletic woman. “I loved all the gym classes at school and played any sport I could get into including tennis, volleyball, basketball and gymnastics,” she says. At age 22, Morris began learning Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art. At age 27, she had a black belt and decided to be a professional, full-contact kickboxer. “I trained for about three years. My record is six wins, 4 by TKO, 1 loss by decision. Right about the time I got an offer to work for Hollywood. I decided to fight for the movies, instead.” Morris was interviewed by Inside Karate Magazine. An agency noticed the article and appreciated her abilities and good looks, so she signed up with them. “This was in 1993, when women rarely were in martial arts classes or competed in full-contact kickboxing,” she says. Her first job was working on the set of the film Vampire in Brooklyn, starring legendary actor and comedian, Eddie Murphy. Morris went on to do other stunts including falling, driving and explosions. >>

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“The herb helped me to think better. I realized what I was supposed to do. Now I can work again.” Morris kept working until she ended up on the hit television show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. “It was a dream come true. I loved working the seven years of it. As a female, it was empowering and exhilarating to fight on this show. Good female fight scenes were hard to find.” This was not the case on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, since many of the combatants are women. “Some of the world’s best martial artists graced this production. You never knew who or what to expect with this supernatural storyline packed with all types of creatures and bizarre scenarios.” Morris worked in films like Swordfish starring John Travolta and Starship Troopers starring Michael Ironside. Her career ended suddenly when she was injured while filming a stunt for the hit television show, Family Matters. “There was a freak accident with a motorcycle. I fell over and the bike landed on my side. I finished the scene, but later I realized I was injured. It took a couple of months before I went to the doctor and it was like they handed me my coffin.” Morris was told that she would need expensive hip replacement surgery, and that

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she would never work, or even walk properly, again. For months Morris denied the inevitable and kept working through the injury, until one day she could barely walk because of the crippling agony. Her career as a stuntwoman was over too early; she became depressed and turned to cannabis for both the pain and to salve her own mental desolation. “I felt as if I had no purpose and had nothing else to lose. I didn’t want to live if I could not be active again,” she says. After enduring the brutal surgery, Morris smoked cannabis even though family and friends accused her of being a drug addict. “It saved my life. It helped me deal with the pain.” As time went on, her agony alleviated and she was able to walk again. Just in case she was fooling herself, Morris visited a doctor to find out what was going on.” Six months later doctors told her the hip seemed normal. “They couldn’t find any obvious replacement damage.” Morris found that cannabis also allowed her to see a new future for herself in Hollywood, after her stunt career ended prematurely. As her body healed, the young woman realized she still had a future. “The herb helped me to think better. I realized what I was supposed to do. Now I can work again.” Since her mobility has returned, Morris has devoted her considerable energies to founding her own production company, Reel Entertainment, and has authored a book about her experiences entitled Adrenaline’s Edge. A veteran to the industry, she believes that it is time to apply her own style to Hollywood productions. “I have plenty of connections and plenty of film scripts. When I go to the movies now, they just aren’t that great. It seems to be the same thing, over and over again. I know audiences will enjoy my perspective.” c

iReadCULTURE.com JUNE 2016

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

iReadCULTURE.com JUNE 2016

Abram’s Biggest Advocate Erin Miller Discovers the Healing Properties of CBD Oil for her Young Son’s Rare Condition

by Jamie Solis

When Erin Miller first brought Abram home from the hospital, she knew something was wrong. Her newborn son was inconsolable and screaming constantly, however his doctors were not concerned about Abram’s behavior. At 10 months old, Abram got sick, which led him to seeing a new pediatrician who instantly noticed something wasn’t right. Abram was

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referred to a neurologist, who found a cystic pineal tumor. This type of tumor is dangerously located on Abram’s pineal gland in the middle of his brain. Erin explained, “The brain surgery is so dangerous, they wanted to wait for worsening neurological symptoms before they would perform surgery. We were warned the tumor would cause seizures, so when Abram started having seizures, we thought it was because of this mass.” Abram’s seizures started around his

first birthday in June 2014. By October, his seizures took a turn for the worse. Abram was diagnosed with a generalized seizure disorder and epilepsy, and he was prescribed Klonopin. Erin said, “The first month on Klonopin was awesome. We were really excited because he fed himself for the first time with a spoon. It seemed like it was going in the right direction. But then suddenly he started having more seizures, different kinds of seizures, >>

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“Right after the very first dose, he stopped signing ‘ouch.’ For the two weeks after that he had maybe two absent seizures where he would just kind of stare off, and then they were gone. He hasn’t had a physical seizure ever since.” worsening seizures, and the more the seizures came, the more Klonopin they would give him.” At just two years old, Abram was taking more Klonopin than most adults are prescribed. Erin recalled, “I found out later that Klonopin had never been tested or approved for kids under 18.” While Abram was on Klonopin, he lost his words and ability to walk or crawl. His symptoms worsened over time, and Erin brought him back into the ER. The following day, his regular neurologist admitted that Abram’s case was over his head, and the family would be referred elsewhere. Before Abram was moved to a level 4 epilepsy hospital, Erin recalls the neurologist’s life-saving recommendation, “Our neurologist came in and was whispering, ‘You guys need to go to Colorado, and you need to try cannabis.’ Even though I was really angry with him for not knowing how to help Abram when I felt like he should have been helping, I’m so grateful for him telling us to try cannabis oil, because that is exactly what helped my child.” Once they were transferred to a specialized hospital in Minnesota, Erin hesitantly inquired about cannabis for her son. Instead, doctors prescribed Abram with Keppra. Abram’s side effects were terrible and B6 was added. This resulted in 14 days straight of Abram screaming constantly and even ripping his hair out. Erin realized cannabis oil might be Abram’s only hope. Although CBD oil is legal for medicinal use in Iowa, the state doesn’t have dispensaries. Erin explained,

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“My only choice was hemp that could be shipped. I ordered Charlotte’s Web Oil. The first day I finally decided to do it, he was hitting his head and signing ‘ouch.’ Right after the very first dose, he stopped signing ‘ouch.’ For the two weeks after that he had maybe two absent seizures where he would just kind of stare off, and then they were gone. He hasn’t had a physical seizure ever since.” June 27th marks Abram’s one-year of being seizure free. Around Christmas Abram switched strains to Hayley’s Hope out of Colorado. After this change, he started giving kisses for the first time. Abram also started laughing, giggling and making more sounds. Since they’ve started cannabis oil one year ago, Abram has been weaned off three-fourths of Benzodiazepines, and they have one milliliter of Klonopin to wean. “We actually saw his neurologist last Monday, and I told him, ‘I don’t want him on this Benzo anymore. I want to see what happens if we take him off. I feel like that is what took his words. Maybe if we take him off of it, maybe he’ll get his words back.’ Crazy enough, his neurologist

agreed that in November, once he hits the 18 months seizure-free mark, he is willing to have my son on cannabis only.” Abram’s “official” diagnosis is UBE2A X-Linked Syndromic Intellectual Disability or UBE2A Syndrome for short. Although this condition is super rare, as the Millers are only the third family in the world to have this particular spontaneous gene mutation, Abram’s story is making a huge difference in the lives of countless others. Erin is part of a group called concerned Iowans 4 Medical Cannabis, which gives Erin the opportunity to advocate for all children and adults in need of medical cannabis. c

“Since they’ve started cannabis oil one year ago, Abram has been weaned off three-fourths of Benzodiazepines, and they have one milliliter of Klonopin to wean.”

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by Madison Ortiz The cannabis community has exploded onto the internet by way of social media. Though every platform offers something unique, there’s a shocking presence of patients, artists, dispensaries and brands, standing strong and making us proud, everywhere we look. Instagram (arguably) dominates the majority of the cannabis community’s interactions, if nothing else acting as a home base to return to. Reviving the days of snail-mail and pen-pals, an extremely common trend within this community is to send and receive non-medicated treats via post. These packages often include stickers, art, apparel or small gifts from fellow IG accounts—a truly brilliant and simple form of promotion, as upon receiving the mail, documentation and sharing surely occurs. Many brands set up affiliate programs or provide discount codes for influential accounts to share with their unique audiences. Equally so, many patients and advocates have been able to generate a part-time income and beyond, for proving their promotional value to the right brand(s). Though the cannabis community is clearly present on Facebook, we don’t seem to be as overly boisterous about it on our personal posts. Maybe because there are private groups and

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pages made specifically for this topic, or maybe, just maybe, both mom and grandma have come around to figuring “this contraption out” causing us to be way more courteous of the content we share. Because we are most likely connected with family members or potential employers on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, "closet medicators," or simply those who have to be a bit more concerned about associating themselves with cannabis, have found platforms/apps that are directly intended for this community, such as @Leafly (116k), @WeedMaps (10.8k), @MassRoots (411k), as well as platforms that offer a bit of anonymity like Reddit, Forums and Private Chat Communities, or even apps that offer a sense of impermanence such as SnapChat. Our community has also found ways to connect by means of video dominant platforms. Owner of @SocialEyesLash (53.1k) and YouTube icon @KarissaPukas (369k) encourages her fans to educate themselves about cannabis and hemp. In addition to dominating Instagram with her beautiful botanically dominated photography, @SheSmokesJoints (257k) content is received very well through Vine and Periscope.

“As acceptance of legalization sweeps the nation, it’s incredible to see where the growth of our community is not only appreciated, but most easily nurtured. All of these social media platforms provide us with rabbitholes of information to absorb an eternity-of-clicks worth of friends to connect with.” As acceptance of legalization sweeps the nation, it’s incredible to see where the growth of our community is not only appreciated, but most easily nurtured. All of these social media platforms provide us with rabbit-holes of information to absorb an eternity-of-clicks worth of friends to connect with. Grateful for the acceptance, understanding and camaraderie we’ve found in one another, it is up to us all to remain responsible with our usage of these platforms, as deactivation still happens often. Please, continue to use these tools and wisely, friends. Gratitude to all the friends we’ve mentioned and so many more for setting a good example for your peers in this community. Keep up the great work. >>

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Our friends in this community have found such an incredible way to bond through Instagram over the past few years. Sure, at first glance there are lots of butts and bongs, but we’re proud to share that we’ve dug deep and see so much more development than that: We laugh at ourselves via meme, by way of accounts such as @WeedHumor (1.5m).

We indulge our cravings, with friends like @ItsDelisiouslyDee (30k), by following along with recipes through her blog as “The Happy Chef”.

We meet mothers like @_MotherGreen (62k), who work hard to show the world that cannabis cures, by nurturing education based communities such as @ ParentsForPot (20.6k).

We get a peek into the lives of patients such as @Princess__High (63k) who push past chronic, (often invisible) illnesses, sharing their daily thoughts and lives as catalysts for positive discussions with their peers.

We also see patients such as @HappyTokes (53.4k), blossoming into natural activists, creating communities and becoming representatives for both patients and brands, alike. @HappyTokesTribe member, @HoopLoveFireAndFlow (3.2k) regularly goes above and beyond with political based activism—We especially loved watching her recent video hula-hooping with Bernie Sander’s wife (Jane) and daughter (Carina) during the Alaska caucus.

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The brands that are available to interact with on Instagram are endless: For rolling papers and basic herb related accessories, check out @FuturolaUSA (41.3k). For a reliable brand that offers discreet medication, check out @OpenVape (15.9k). If novelty accessories are up your alley, boss-up with a 24k gold joint from @ShinePapers (167k), or get insanely playful with some @Monkey_Os (16.3k). Plenty of one-stop, online-shops with visually stimulating documentation of brands you know and love, such as @ BillowbyCo (11.8k). Subscription services like @MyBurnBox (10.7k) offer discreet monthly shipments of non-medicated smoking products and accessories, delivered to your door. Though you can’t get medicated treats like @KushCakePops (94k) delivered, due to legality issues, brands like these are great at sharing appealing visual content for their current and future customers.

The creators within this community are also getting a spotlight on Instagram: Glass artists such as @ElboGlass (153k) & @MikeShelbo (63.4k) are iconic visual staples within the community. Digital illustrator @Trevolution_Art (43.3k) reimagines his follower’s selfies as aliens, warriors, and galactic goddesses. The presence of cannabis leaves, joints and smoke are common. Stunning organic jewelry crafted from the center of the world’s densest pinecone comes from @ThirdEyePinecones (143k). Look for these spiritually bonding pieces decorating the necks of others, and you’re sure to see the very cannabis friendly “pinecone family” is everywhere. c *Follower counts were all referenced from Instagram, despite the platform being discussed.

iReadCULTURE.com JUNE 2016

Cannabis Business Summit & Expo

Join fellow industry professionals in celebrating and discussing the future of cannabis

The progression of the cannabis industry is in its prime right now, and a decade from now when many more states will likely legalize cannabis, they’ll look back and see that that progress came from industry events like the Cannabis Business Summit & Expo. This year’s Summit is making its mark amongst the greatest cannabis events with a long list of unique seminars, workshops and a large trade show floor to explore. Anyone who wants to better their business, learn about new trends and network with a wide variety of business

professionals will find themselves right at home here. An estimated 3,000 people will be attending this year’s Summit, bringing business men and women who work as growers, dispensary owners, infused product manufacturers and many other careers. Those who attend are invited to check out a variety of workshops, panels and lectures, which will be led by professionals, speaking about topics ranging from the role of cannabis nursing in the industry, banking, technological advances for businesses, all the

way to sustainable approaches to cannabis cultivation. Tours will also be available throughout the first day (limited to 20 people per tour) which will take attendees out to famous and successful local cannabis businesses such as Harborside Health Center, Analytical Laboratories, Berkeley Patients Group, Steep Hill Labs and Dark Heart Nursery. Following the end of the day’s events, attendees can spend a few hours exploring the show floor, and check out a great welcoming reception. It isn’t until the “General Summit Day One,” technically the second day of the event, where the Summit truly shines. Following exciting keynote speeches by Ahmed Rahim, cofounder and CEO of Numi Organic Tea, and Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor of California, the show floor will officially open to all attendees, allowing everyone to explore the Summit’s countless vendors, and make a few networking friendships in the process. The seminars include: “The Fine Print: Money, Law and Your Business,” “Cultivation & Processing,” “Running Your Cannabusiness,” “Policy & Reform” and “Leading Edge: Emerging Topics in the Cannabis Industry.” “General Summit Day Two” will continue at the same pace, opening up with Cody Bass of Tahoe Wellness Collective and Steve DeAngelo of Harborside Health Center in the morning, and offering even more seminars regarding the previous days’ unique topics, with the addition of the “Medical Applications of Cannabis” category. At the heart of the event are the many well known and well respected industry experts who have been invited to speak. Rob Kampia of the Marijuana Policy Project, Sue Sisley M.D., the Director of Medical Plant Research at HelioSpectra, Attorney Hillary Bricken of Harris Moure PLLC, are just some of the amazing individuals representing their niche expertise in the industry. There is an astounding amount of knowledge to be had at this year’s Summit. c

WHAT: Cannabis Business Summit & Expo. WHEN/WHERE: Mon, June 20-Wed, June 22. Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, California, 94607. INFO: Visit cannabisbusinesssummit.com for details.

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by Simon Weedn hen it comes to classic hard rock acts, few are thought of so highly and loved by so many as Irish rockers, Thin Lizzy. Managing to transcend their own genre and endearing themselves with punk rockers, metal heads and rock and roll enthusiasts of nearly any variety, Thin Lizzy took the world by storm in the 1970s and ‘80s. The band, through years of hard work and relentless touring, became extremely well known for bringing a thunderous maelstrom of driving, frenetic rhythms and bass lines, blistering dual guitar leads, and some of the most brilliantly authentic, honest and personal lyrical story telling of the genre and time. Unfortunately, Thin Lizzy’s trajectory was ground to a halt in 1984 when an array of personal turmoils forced the band to split. Then two years later, the unexpected and sudden passing of founding member, front man, and primary songwriter, Phil Lynott, denied the prospect

of any immediate reunions for the group. However, even with Lynott’s untimely passing, Thin Lizzy’s legacy had already been firmly cemented, and songs like “The Boys Are Back In Town,” “Whiskey In The Jar,” “Jailbreak” and “Waiting For An Alibi” have become hard rock staples over the years and are played by bands, both popular and obscure, nightly, all over the world. In recent years, Thin Lizzy guitarist, Scott Gorham, has taken it upon himself to reform the band with its surviving members every so often, to perform reunion shows to celebrate both Thin Lizzy’s legacy and music, as well as the life and legacy of the late Phil Lynott. Recently, CULTURE was able to catch up with Scott and hear all about the band’s upcoming shows, his memories of recording the Jailbreak album which turned 40 this year, his feelings about cannabis, and his recollections about his beloved friend and bandmate, Phil Lynott. >> iReadCULTURE.com JUNE 2016

You mentioned the whole “third record” aspect of things. Do you think that pressure also contribute to the heightened energy on Jailbreak? Were you as a band sort of at your hungriest at that point because of that pressure? Yeah! You know, I think the fear factor makes you concentrate a hell of a lot more. It didn’t feel like playtime anymore, all of a sudden everything got real. I think the other helpful side of it was that we already had two albums under our belt together, so we kind of knew each other’s moves, it was easier to play with each other, and it was easier to come up with suggestions and not feel embarrassed about it. So, I think the experience from the previous two albums really helped a lot and the fear factor gave us a kick in the ass.

First and foremost, you’ve got some dates coming up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jailbreak as well as 30 years since the passing of Phil Lynnot. Is it at all surreal for you that it’s been four decades since Jailbreak’s release? Scott Gorham: You know something, it really is. I hadn’t even realized it until last year when a journalist said to me, “Wow, so 40 years since Jailbreak came out.” And I said, “No, no, no, that can’t be right.” But, then I counted back and I said, “Holy crap, you’re right! It’s been 40 years!” So it is strange, that all of these years have been reeled off, and you’re not even thinking about it, then all of the sudden your bones start to hurt. It is amazing that people still want to come out and see the band play, buy the records, and talk about it. It doesn’t get much better than that. Do you still have any particularly strong memories about recording the album? I do! This was our third album. Back then in the ‘70s, it was kind of expected that if you hadn’t made it on the first or second record, that you’d better make it on the third or you were out the door. I mean, there was no talking about it. People kept saying this to us, things like, “You know this is the third album man, and you haven’t broken through yet.” The pressure was building on us to really turn this into something special. So, what we did is, we went out and bought an eight-track, we rented a farm house out in the country, that way nobody could disturb us and there’d be no distractions, and Phil, myself and the two Brians went out there and started 62

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“We were a band who wasn’t afraid of this new regime that was sweeping through the rock world, which was really scaring the shit out of a lot of the hair bands.”

writing. We ended up writing about 15 songs all in all, and then we had to carve out a list of ten that we were going to take into the studio and record. Of those 10, the song “The Boys Are Back In Town” was not included. So, one of our managers came down and said, “I’ve heard the 10 that you guys want to do, and they sound great, but let me hear the other five that you don’t want to do.” So we played them for him and he went straight to “The Boys Are Back In Town” and said to us, “You know, there’s something about this song I really like. Can we add this to the list?” And we said, “Sure! Why not? There’s at least one guy who likes that song.” And if that song hadn’t made it on the list, you and I probably wouldn’t be talking right now.

Was there any sense, once you all got into the studio and fleshed things out, that the record was going to be as successful as it became? No, not at all. I mean, you gotta remember, on the first two albums we, the guys in the band, were the ones that chose the singles and, obviously, they totally and horribly flopped. So on this third album, we decided we’d let the record company choose them this time, and they picked the title track, “Jailbreak,” for the first single. But, it was two disc jockeys out of Louisville, Kentucky that latched onto “The Boys Are Back In Town” and played it to f*cking death. To the point where other radio stations around them caught on, and they started playing it heavy, and it began this huge spiral thing across the whole of America. It was really cool to see that happen. So, it really had nothing to do with us or the record company picking things, they didn’t really do any PR on it or anything; it came down to the listenership of all of these different radio stations. Were you guys on tour at the time this was happening? How did you all find out the song was taking off? Well, we were on tour, and I remember distinctly that we were playing at this club and one of the managers walked in and said, “Well guys, it looks like we’ve got a hit single on our hands!” And we said, “Re-really? Wh-what song?!” And that’s when he told us it was “The Boys Are Back In Town.” That’s incredible; I bet you guys must have felt so relieved. Oh, the weight off our shoulders was immense. >>

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What does it feel like for you nowadays to play through these songs? To pick up your guitar and run through these riffs? Well, you know, it’s not like I fall down on my knees and thank the Lord every time I play one of these songs [laughs]. But, because we’ve been playing these songs for such a long time, we know the reaction we’re gonna get when we strike up the chorus to “The Boys Are Back In Town,” “Jailbreak,” “Emeralds” or any of the songs on our list because the audiences are really familiar. So, there’s a lot of confidence with our set. I mean, we can go out there, play for an hour and a half or and hour and 45 minutes and, really, nobody is gonna get disappointed. That’s the great thing! You all have Scott Travis from Judas Priest on drum duty for the majority of these upcoming shows and that’s pretty spectacular. How did Scott’s name come up when deciding on a drummer? Well, you know, in 2011 we toured with Judas Priest for about four weeks. It was a great tour, and we got to know all of the guys in the band. It’s funny, I’ve got a real thing about drummers and I don’t laugh at drummer jokes and all that because, to me, they’re the real back bone of the band. Guitar players, we’re kind of just the fluff on top. So I kind of gravitate towards those guys. When we were touring with Judas Priest, I kept checking out what Scott actually did and how well he did it, and I remember thinking, “Wouldn’t it be great to do something with this guy! I don’t know how, when, why or where, but doing something would just be a really cool thing!” So, here comes the opportunity, and when we reached out to Scott, his exact words were, “I’m into this onethousand percent!” You’re also going to have Tom Hamilton, a founding member of Aerosmith, on bass, another stellar addition to your line up. Can you tell us a bit about how it was decided that he was going to join you as well? You know, we put a wish-list together and he was literally the first name on the list, and Tom stepped right up to plate and started swinging. He said, “I’m in! When are the dates? Where are we going? Who else is on the bill?” And as soon as I heard those questions I knew he was in for sure. It’s all happening really quickly and in a really good way, and right now all of the band is nailed down and we’re just getting ready for rehearsals. >> 64

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Will you guys be playing exclusively Jailbreak material, or will there be other tunes worked in as well? Oh no, it’s going to take-in all of the albums. It’s hard to make a concert from just one album. At most, you have maybe 40 minutes of music on there, and we plan on being up there for nearly two hours. It’s going to be like Live & Dangerous was; it took in songs from a lot of different records. During this hour and 45 minutes or so, we’ll probably be adding in some songs that we have never really played on stage before. So that should be cool too! As somebody who’s been playing music all over the world for quite a long time now, you’ve gotten to see a great variety of cultures and social movements of all types, including the growing cannabis legalization movement. You’re prolegalization, right? Well, I’m definitely pro medical marijuana! Obviously, my background has a lot to do with having problems with drugs in the past, but the medical marijuana thing—that’s a whole different ballgame. Now we’re trying to get people out of severe pain, if this is the way to do it, then absolutely by all means. I’m sure people will be using it recreationally, I’m quite positive of that. But, when somebody has a real honest-to-God ailment and their quality of life is shit, then let’s make it un-shit. Let’s get them relief from the pain from whatever the problem might be. I am pro-legalization. We’ve been seeing some gorgeous re-issues of Thin Lizzy records on nice 180 gram vinyl on record store shelves everywhere we go. Do you enjoy knowing that a new generation of fans are getting the chance to enjoy your band’s music on the medium you all were originally releasing your music on years ago? 66

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“I am definitely pro medical marijuana!” It is pretty cool! You know, if you ask any musician of any age who was around when the album thing was still happening, they’ll tell you that was the coolest thing. You took the cellophane off of the record, slipped out this big huge square cardboard thing, and all of the artwork that the band put into it was really worth it because you could see it all in detail. Is it cool knowing this new generation of fans is getting that same experience with records that you had as a kid, or that you and the band had when you released this material for the first time? I think that’s a really great question, and a really good point. It’s like, “This is what we went through, what do you guys think?” You know, when I look down from the stage, I see fathers with their sons and uncles with their nephews, its people of all ages these days. So I think it’s kind of cool that the next generation gets to experience how we listened to records and learn the ritual of wiping the record off, dropping the

needle on, and then sliding it carefully back into its case so you don’t scratch it. It seems like, while many of your band’s peers seem to fade from the contemporary musical lexicon, Thin Lizzy’s name and music continues to be prominent and relevant. What are the qualities that you think have made Thin Lizzy’s music so timeless and have contributed to its staying power? That’s a really good question, and one I’ve never really been able to answer, because I can’t look at it objectively; I’m too close to it. I think some of it is from us being semi-connected to the whole punk thing. We were a band who wasn’t afraid of this new regime that was sweeping through the rock world, which was really scaring the shit out of a lot of the hair bands. As soon as they saw the Sex Pistols come out, they sort of knew it was over; whereas, we embraced it. In fact, we even started a band with Steve Jones and Paul Cook called The Greedy Bastards.

When you think of Phil Lynott, what are the strongest memories that come back to you? Well, what immediately comes into my head is how he didn’t want Thin Lizzy to become a one man show. He always said, “If I wanted it to be a one man show, I’d call it “Phil Lynott’s Thin Lizzy.” But we’re not, we’re a band.” He was constantly trying to include everyone into the songwriting and he wanted to make sure that each guy in the band had his own set of fans and all that. He’d always make sure that interviews were set up for everyone in the band, some people were good at it, some were not so good, so that kind of got paired down to me and Phil after a while [laughs]. But, he was really generous that way. He figured that if everybody in the band succeeded, then that meant that the band would succeed; and him along with it. He was that guy. He was the fearless leader who kept it all together and wanted everybody to do well. So, how cool to be working with someone like that, right? c

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REVIEWs

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For the cannabis-loving man looking to class things up a bit, checkout Fresh’s Cannabis Santal Eau de Parfum Cologne. The original fragrance in Fresh’s cannabis-inspired line, Cannabis Santal has a woodsy scent with top notes of bergamot and black plum, and has received wide popularity amongst fragrance lovers. Like most designer fragrances, Cannabis Santal, gives off an irresistible, masculine scent that leaves a lasting impression on those who encounter its distinct aroma. Made with natural ingredients Cannabis Santal is a must have fragrance designed by renowned fragrance designer Caroline Sabas that is perfect for any man. PRICE: $50 MORE INFORMATION: www.fresh.com

4. Hemp Heart Bites

2. Cannadent Hemp Toothpaste Most major toothpaste brands contain unnatural chemicals or substances that aren’t ideal to go in your mouth. To save you from submitting yourself to unhealthy dental habits try Cannadent, a hemp toothpaste produced by European cosmetics company Cannaderm. With ingredients like pure hemp oil, grapefruit seed, oak-bark and rosemary extracts, Cannadent is gentle on the mouth but cleanses effectively. Not only does this toothpaste help keep your mouth clean and odor free, it aids in calming and preventing tooth sensitivity, canker sores and bleeding gums. Give your mouth the care it deserves and enjoy the miraculous benefits of hemp hygiene. PRICE: $14.90 MORE INFORMATION: www.cannabis-cosmetics.com 68

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Hemp-based foods are nutrient dense and jam packed with protein and Omega fatty acids, which help build healthy cells and maintain nerve function. For the health-nut on the go, Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Heart Bites are the perfect morning or mid-day snack. With 10g of protein and 10g of Omega 3 and 6 in a suggested eight-piece serving, these delicious treats will give you the energy you need to get through the day. Non-GMO, vegan and paleo, these tasty treats are almost too good to be true. Get yours today to promote hemp-based foods and a better lifestyle. PRICE: $6.99 MORE INFORMATION: manitobaharvest.com

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entertainment

REVIEWs

BOOK

Marijuana Horticulture Fundamentals K of Trichome Technologies Green Candy Press If you know your cannabis cultivator trivia, Trichome Technologies’ breeder “K” is a legend in growing. This new book by K is an easy-to-understand guide for any level of horticulturist. It goes into great detail about every level of growing cannabis, teaches the useful information about the plant and exactly how to grow your perfect strain of cannabis, whatever that means to you. Marijuana Horticulture Fundamentals is a great book for anyone looking to improve their cultivation or start one! (Alex Bradley)

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Release Date: JUNE 21 Available on: PS4 and PC

MUSIC

GAME

No Man’s Sky Dev. Hello Games Pub. Hello Games Survival games have their appeal in the gaming world, but none more than the upcoming science fiction game, No Man’s Sky. Players are introduced to a massive universe with 18 quintillion different planets to visit, which they will navigate using their own spaceships to investigate planets with their own unique plants, animals and atmospheres. Explore this seemingly unending universe in search of ship upgrades, and best of all, you can either travel the stars with friends or make it a single-player adventure with offline mode. (Nicole Potter)

MOVIE

Deadpool 20th Century Fox, Marvel Entertainment Dir. Tim Miller

Combining intense action, witty, dark humor, and actor Ryan Reynold’s knack for comedic timing and delivery, Deadpool hits hard and delivers like few in the X-Men franchise have been able to so far. Unburdened by the need to seek a PG-13 rating, Deadpool is able to be the no holds barred fight/laugh fest. Reynolds’ delivery of the character is mesmerizing, and a supporting cast of brilliant young character actors, including T.J. Miller (Silicon Valley), Karan Soni (Safety Not Guaranteed) and Morena Baccarin (Serenity), ensure the film’s perfection. (Simon Weedn)

Running Out of Red Zig Zags Iron Lung Records Taking only a twoyear break between full-length records, hell-raisers Zig Zags return with another eruptive blast of heavy rock and roll on its new album, Running Out Of Red. Drawing equally from elements of hard psychedelia and primitive, frenetic garage rock, Running Out Of Red captures the group at its heaviest, tightest and most intense yet, all the while showcasing radical continued growth and evolution in the group’s sound and style. For all you headbangers out there, or just folks who enjoy some truly aggressive music, Zig Zags is a band to take notice of. (Simon Weedn)

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REVIEWs

strain, edible & concetrate

Available wherever: POP Naturals products are carried.

White-Tsu High CBD 500mg POPCart The next generation of cannabis oils are super-balanced with nearly one-to-one ratios of CBD and THC; perfect for casual patients who need to medicate and stay functional. Leading the charge is West Coast brand POP Naturals who’ve staked their name on completely pure products—grown organic and then extracted with clean, all-natural CO2 and nothing else. No co-solvents like butane, or alcohol. No additives like glycol, glycerin or fillers. For their High CBD cart, POP Naturals went with organic HarleTsu and White Widow, extracted into an oil that is 25 percent THC and 44 percent CBD. Each Pyrex cart contains 500mg of oil, and works with 510 thread batteries. The POP Naturals battery is dual coil, and we blew some thick clouds of high-CBD vapor with this baby, and got instant, head-clearing, anxietyreducing effects.

Available at: Grass Roots in San Francisco.

Clementine Live Resin Cannabis aficionados, alert! San Francisco’s classiest club Grass Roots is carrying the elite hash-maker “Fresh Off The Bud,” including his batches of Clementine Live Resin. This is a ‘shatter’-type hard extract of cannabis that is several times as strong as the strongest flower. High-potency indoor flowers from the orange-flavored strain Clementine—made of Tangie crossed to Lemon Skunk—were freshly harvested and subjected to hydrocarbon solvent extraction to yield this “live resin”; so named because the plant was still very much alive, and hadn’t been dried or cured. Available in half-gram sizes, this was best-in-class shatter with unmatchable citrus terpenes. The shatter felt smooth, hard and dry, and was perfect for dabbing, where we got mega-citrus flavors and mega-potent sativa hybrid effects. Patients dab high-THC sativa hybrids for daytime management of many indications, from Multiple Sclerosis to spinal cord injury spasms, to ADD, PTSD and alcohol withdrawal.

Northern Emeralds Titan OG Hash Rosin The wonderful world of rosin hits new heights with The Green Door SF’s unstoppable Northern Emeralds Titan OG Hash Rosin. Rosin is cannabis extract made without chemicals—usually involving just heat, pressure and filters. This exceptional example of the new trend is a glassy, smooth, greenish wafer on parchment paper, with a rosin’s opaque hue, and a really phenomenal amount of residual terpenes from its indoor Titan OG source. Indica-dominant, Titan OG is Seed Stock’s cut of San Fernando Valley OG. Perfect for dab rigs, the rosin is very sticky and vapes super flavorful and super-strong, yet really clean with no throat bite. This is really mythicalquality medicine, testing at 83 percent THC, or four times the strongest flower. Patients vape high-THC indica hybrid concentrates in the evenings and night to control types of pain, spasms, nausea and mood disorders.

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Available at: The Green Door SF in San Francisco.

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REVIEWs

Available wherever: Medizen products are carried.

Cheesy Ranch Sunflower Seeds Win baseball season before it barely gets going with these Cheesy Ranch sunflower seeds from Medizen Inc. Medicating doesn’t get more professional, simple, calculated and lowerprofile. Each resealable foil pouch contains about 100 seeds, we’d guess, and each batch is lab-tested to be 100mg of THC per pouch—that’s 10 standard doses. The seeds are lightly dusted in a non-GMO, organic white cheddar coating and CO2 oil, and have a dusty feel in hand, with a mild, neutral smell that only hints at cheese. These Cheesy Ranch sunflower seeds had a really mellow flavor that made it easy to suck on them, before cracking the shell and going for the seed. One nice thing about the modality is that effects of THC administered through the mouth (buccal) come on faster than infused foods that are eaten and swallowed. Ideal for patients are using hybrid cannabis infusions to manage pain, and anxiety. Available at: Urban Pharm in San Francisco and Northstar Holistic Collective in Sacramento.

Lemon Head OG One of those flavors patients never want to run out of— Lemon Head OG is a pristine cut of phenomenal phenotype of OG Kush. The flavor comes from a deep line-up of lemonzapped OG Kushes—all chasing maximum lemon zest mixed with notes of pine and fuel. Lemon Head OG was grown indoors by Bickey420 and crosses Goji OG to OG Kush. Our review buds lived up to their title with a terped-out, fiery, Lemon Pledge zest, undercut with nutty pepper. The buds were elegant, angular and immaculately manicured with nicely handled trichomes and zero bag-smashing. Good luck keeping this stuff around—it’s such a versatile hybrid, generally dampening stress, lifting depression, providing pain relief and appetite support. 74

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REVIEWs

Available at: Valley Health Options in Sacramento.

White Rhino Patients around the Sacramento Valley should be on the lookout for the famed White Rhino, spotted at Valley Health Options dispensary. The award-winning flower is an old-school mix from Green House Seeds—crossing Afghan, Brazilian and South Indian strains and is famous for its strong sedative effects. These White Rhino nugs earn their name for resin count alone—they’re super frosty with trichomes over a light-green bud leaf with light blond pistils. White Rhino looks super-hybridized and high-quality, with an earthy, berry, hash smell. This White Rhino was brought down with care, and seemingly barely handled during drying, curing and trimming. The sample ground to a floral-mineral-smelling powder and smoked medium-bodied and medium-strength with indica-dominant effects suitable for pain insomnia and nausea.

Available at: HTP Group in Vallejo.

Hashy Larry’s Dabblicious Strawberry Lemonade When life gives you lemons, try dabbing this. Hashy Larry’s Dabblicious Strawberry Lemonade offers cannabis connoisseurs nearly unparalleled quality, flavor and effects in this crumble-type extract. The brand Dabblicious Extracts has taken 15 Cannabis Cups for products like their phenomenal Red Dragon Budder. These live resin specialists and fruit infusion innovators do not disappoint with Strawberry Lemonade hash. It comes in a tiny half-gram jar, and consists of amazing, quality light-blond and gold crumbled wafers, which give off a perfume of sugary sweet strawberry with a hint of lemon. The extract is crumbly, dry and pure, and is best suited for dab rigs, bowl toppers and vape pens, where it vapes up mega-potent, sugary, sweet, light and ultra-clean. Testing at 77 percent THC, about three times as strong as the strongest flower, Dabblicious Strawberry Lemonade crumble packed hyper-potent effects suitable for daytime use on major issues like cancer pain, Multiple Sclerosis and recovery from opioid dependence.

Alchemy Inspire Eureka! We’ve got it! Leading the aromatherapy trend in vape pens in California widely respected Dark Heart Nursery and their new, experience-based line of terpene added, pre-filled vaporizer cartridges. The Alchemy ‘Inspire’ pen comes in a pretty, designed box, and the 750mg CO2 oil cart screws onto Alchemy’s battery base. With a silver mouth-tip, the Alchemy Inspire has a nice feel in the hand and no telltale smell. You simply sip on the tip to activate the little vape, and the 30 percent THC oil contains hints of vanilla, coffee, clove, cinnamon and cardamom, with a final note resolving on sweet orange. It’s really pleasant, mild and easy to dose. Perfect for all day use, while being creative, doing yoga, meditating, relaxing with friends, as well as managing depression, anxiety and pain. Available at: Magnolia Wellness in Oakland.

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REVIEWs

Riddler Riddle me this—name your favorite new Gorilla Glue cross? One of Sacramento’s best clubs, The Green Door Metro, is carrying this new mix of two trending strains Gorilla Glue and Platinum OG—dubbed Riddler. It was probably named because it’s just as green as the comic book villain in the Batman universe. Our Riddler nugs were super-green with very light, blond pistils. They were also super-dense, and twinkling with resin, with a powerhouse aroma of Gorilla Glue’s chocolate Thai-tinged diesel, and a berry fuel OG bottom. The indoor buds were immaculately harvested, dried and cured, and tasted like a rowdy mix of fuel, chocolate and berry cream, with mega-potent hybrid effects that are nearinstant. Patients use hybrid high-THC strains for a variety of day and night conditions including stress, appetite, pain and depression.

Available at: The Green Door Metro in Sacramento.

Available at: Various collectives throughout California.

Northern Emeralds Private Reserve Titan OG Achieve mythical levels of medication with this Northern Emeralds Private Reserve Titan OG. Northern Emeralds has emerged as leading name in the top-shelf flowers pantheon of California, and their Private Reserve Titan OG is their most potent, luxurious, indica-dominant strain. Titan OG is Seed Stock’s cut of San Fernando Valley OG, and has SFV OG’s trademark color, density and shape. Our buds were dense, and lime green with orange pistils, and a galaxy of twinkling resin heads. Harvested at peak ripeness, and cured by professionals, the sample still had all the loud, piney lemon fuel terpenes of an OG, and grinding just made the smell louder. Perfect after a long day of work, or as part of a lazy weekend, Northern Emeralds Private Reserve Titan OG smoked thick, flavorful and potent with indica effects that’ll shut down insomnia and anxiety. Also used for pain and PTSD.

Cherry AK-47 Available at: South Sacramento Care Center in Sacramento.

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Lock and load for these long summer days with Cherry AK-47 from South Sacramento Care Center. The medical cannabis dispensary is carrying an extremely highquality cultivar of this elemental cannabis strain grown by The Village (IG @_TheVillage). AK-47 is a decades old, important sativa hybrid made from a cross of Columbian, Mexican, Thai and Afghani. The “Cherry” pheno of AK-47 aka “Cherry AK-47” is very rare, and closely held in grower circles, with a pronounced, sweet cherry smell. South Sacramento Care Center’s cuts are locked on. Our sample had a beautiful pale green look and was seemingly dusted in trichomes, with a huge cherry aroma mixed with light grassy loam. The buds were treated superbly during harvesting, and were hand-trimmed, not machine-tumbled. The trichomes on our samples were plentiful and intact. Patients are smoking or vaping high-THC sativa hybrid flowers for productive yet euphoric effects.

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REVIEWs

The Sauce

Available at: Airfield Supply Co in San Jose.

The strain of the year, Gorilla Glue #4 gets crossed with another classic to make The Sauce—Airfield Supply Co’s mix of GG#4 and Green Ribbon. The Sauce has potent, high-THC hybrid sativa effects, making it appropriate for daytime use. This cuts started out with Gorilla Glue #4 a triple back-crossed diesel and chocolate Thai. Then, growers crossed it Green Ribbon (aka Green Cush, or Green Crack)—one of the most popular sativas of all time. The result is big, dense, thick and light-green, with dabs of purple, rusty pistils, and healthy coat of resin. The Green Ribbon mutes the biggest bite from Diesel—giving The Sauce more floral sweetness. These nugs were perfectly harvested, cured and trimmed without any damage or excess leaf. The Sauce ground up to smell sweet and lightly lime, not sharp or biting with a sweet, floral, medium-bodied and potent smoke.

Available at: Various collectives throughout California.

ACDC Full Flower Kind Caps Nothing gets better than organically grown California cannabis. Especially amazing are the high CBD strains like ACDC, a phenotype of Cannatonic. ACDC Kind Caps are made with only the best flowers and organic coconut oil. This type of infusion is easily digested and the body can receive all the benefits from the cannabinoids and terpenes. Each capsule has 35mg CBD and 2mg THC. The feeling is relaxing and pain relieving with no real psychotropic effect. CBD has the ability to increase blood flow and regulate abnormal cell growth which makes it an excellent treatment for an ongoing list of conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, PTSD and even alcoholism. ACDC Full Flower Kind Caps are safe, natural, solvent free and consistently tested. These capsules are the most recent creation by Kind Medicine.

Available at: Wherever Absolute Extract products are carried

Satori Chocolates Achievement true, zen enlightenment—at least when it comes to edibles dosing—with these delicious Satori Chocolates from California’s leading producers AbsoluteXtracts. This is one of the award-winning company’s first forays into edibles, and they bring their talent and professionalism to these organic milk chocolate-covered wild strawberries. The goods come in high-quality, paper box packaging with all the medical details, and each chocolate is about 3mg THC, or about one third of a standard dose (20mg)—which is extremely manageable. The edible smells like confectioner’s chocolate with a smooth glaze and a fresh, rich taste. The full Satori line has 16 takes on chocolate bars and chocolate covered fruit. Each batch is lab-tested, making it possible to take the exact dose. Patients use hybrid cannabis infused edibles for long-lasting, bodyfocused effects that can work on pain, anxiety and insomnia.

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

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culture growing RECIPES

Testing The Varieties: Part 5 In January, clones of 35 varieties were started n a 4’ x 4’ tent under a 1000 watt HPS lamp. After two weeks the adolescent plants were forced to flower by changing their light cycle from continuous light to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness. At the same time the fertilizer was changed from a vegetative to a flowering formula. The plants were still growing as they flowered and they were getting crowded, so in late February I moved them to a 4’ x 8’ section of a dimly lit greenhouse and provided the plants with five hours of supplemental light daily to elevate the intensity and increase the day length to 12 hours. The harvest began on March 25 and ended three weeks later. The plants were slowly dried in a cool room with temperatures under 70 0 most of the time.

TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED® This is the ideal time to get your plants outside for a big harvest in the fall or a smaller, but more potent harvest in late summer. Whether you have adolescent plants, clones or seeds, now is the traditional time to plant. The day length is long so the plants will grow vegetatively to start. The strong stem will support branches and leaves for now. The flowers will grow later in the season. Most people start seeds in containers and then transplant them. Living plants can be planted directly in the soil or grown in containers. Enjoy!

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.

PROFILE

COURAGE

DESTINATION

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by Ed Rosenthal

They were hung in tents with a gentle draft generated by an oscillating fan. After drying and curing, the plants were manicured and weighed. The results were not impressive, which was a result of low total light level during flowering and harvest. The outdoor plants were also manicured and weighed, all of which are being tested for cannabinoid content and the results will be published next month. Meanwhile, my five-plant spring garden is coming along. The varieties are Romulan Grapefruit x2, Sour Grapes, Killawatt and Sour Tangie. They are all in five-gallon soft containers in a 2’ x 4’ tray mounted on rolling tray. They started flowering in early April soon after they were placed outdoors. Although it was past the Equinox and the plants were receiving fewer than 12 hours of darkness, they are flowering profusely. Their critical dark period is shorter than that, probably 9½-10½ hours, although it could be even shorter. Thought of another way, the plants could probably be induced to flower under a regimen of 13½-14½ hours of light daily. Many outdoor varieties start to flower in early August, when the light period is still considerably longer than 12 hours. When the plants were placed outside, the dark period was just under 12 hours. Now dawn to dusk in San Francisco (as of May 9) it is 15 hours and 3 minutes. The dark period is only 8 hours and 57 minutes and the plants will soon be heeding the signals of the shorter dark period to revert to vegetative growth. For this reason, I will be providing the plants with a custom-made darkroom. From this point on, the plants will be wheeled into the dark space nightly anytime after dusk. They will be wheeled out again 12 hours after dusk, which occurs now at 8:37pm . Dawn lights up at 5:34am, but the plants will be napping until 8:37am, when they will be wheeled out to the sun for another fine day of sunbathing and photosynthesizing. c

Close-up of dried Harlequin Bud.

Close-up of dried Grand Daddy Purple.

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Plants were measured and photographed to picture their shapes. This is a Sour Diesel.

Plants on wheels (a dolly) can be moved as the sun’s position changes or pushed into the darkroom.

The plants in the tray are basking in the sun.

These Sour Tangie buds indicate that the plants are well into flowering, with about five weeks to go.

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PROFILE

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growing

culture

iReadCulture.com

Photo by Sean Pavone

Photo by Tumar

Berlin and Hamburg Bloom in June by Sheryll Alexander

With Germany set to legalize medical cannabis in 2017, did you know Berlin and Hamburg are the country’s two top cannabis-friendly travel destinations? And it’s no surprise either as these freewheeling German metropolises—Berlin and Hamburg (which are just a two-hour train or threehour car drive away from one another)—are filled with summertime revelers in June as outdoor art, dance, music festivals, markets and even nightlife abound. This summer, the celebrations of summer in cannabinoid-loving Germany (cannabis is more popular even than in neighboring Holland)

may be ever more raucous as health minister Hermann Gröhe recently announced the country will pass a law by early 2017 to create a national medical cannabis policy. Not only will chronically sick and terminally ill Germans supposedly be able to buy cannabis in local drug stores, but Germany will be the first European nation to allow the medicine to be covered by health insurance. This, in turn, will help cannabis patients cut down on their medication costs. So, why Berlin and Hamburg for an uber-cool summer getaway? Dubbed “the other city that doesn’t sleep,” Berlin blooms in June as the gateway to summer’s many frivolities. Berliners

begin to wake up in June as summer’s warmth brings them out of doors for smoking in parks (especially at the notorious Görlitzer Park where illegal and mostly immigrant cannabis “dealers” sit at benches to offer their wares) and at the season’s many public classic cultural and pop culture events. Because of a legal loophole, Berliners cannot be arrested if they are found with 16 grams or less. Perhaps it is Hamburg’s location as the “gateway of the world,” which makes Germany’s second largest city so vibrant. Situated east of Amsterdam, west of Berlin and south of Copenhagen along the city’s mostly industrial harbor, Hamburg sits in the very center of Northern Europe. Just like Berlin, cannabis is easy to get in certain public parks and it is legal to carry up to six grams of cannabis flowers. Ready to relax and revel in Germany’s lax cannabis cities such as Berlin and Hamburg? Summer is definitely the time to visit these urban wonderlands where cannabis is about to take the stage as a viable medical option for medical cannabis patients. c

Fun-Filled Facts Both Berlin and Hamburg are centers for Germany’s lively and sometimes queer community. The Berlin LGBT bar and nightlife scene is legendary while Hamburg is better for romance with its picturesque harbor. 1

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Don’t miss a day touring Berlin on any Sunday in summer. Open-air markets of all types—especially flea markets full of cheap retro items and antiques—can be found in every neighborhood along with quirky festivities such as karaoke at Mauerpark’s stone-laden amphitheater in northern Berlin (near Gesundbrunnen station). 2

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HERE Time to Go: June and through autumn Weather: June begins the summer season in Germany with an average of 14 days of rainfall and temperatures ranging from a low of 63F to a high of 72F. Budget: $$$$$

if you go: Cannabis is smoked rather casually in Berlin and Hamburg’s vast open public spaces, but tokers are smart. They mind the cops and avoid mothers with kids, schools, government buildings, libraries and classic restaurants and cafes. Open air beer gardens and temporary al fresco dance halls seem to not mind groups of smokers either. While studies show 30 percent of Germans are proponents of full legalization, it seems the upcoming 2017 legislation will usher in a state-controlled system of cannabis at dispensaries and pharmacies, which could usher in the legal sale and consumption of medical grade THC and CBD products (and bring a whopping €1-2 billion in annual to the government’s coffers). Perhaps soon, the eternal question one hears at Germany’s parks—Want ganja? or Alles klar?—may no longer be necessary once Germans can buy their medication cheaply and easily at state-supplied pharmacies.

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culture PROFILE

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RECIPES

growing

Libbie Whited-Seabourn

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Age: 47 Condition/Illness: Calciphylaxis, chronic pain, chronic migraines, high blood pressure Using Medical Cannabis since: 2012

Why did you start using cannabis? My cousin had told me to try smoking cannabis to see if it would help alleviate the pain caused by the calciphylaxis. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I tried Percocet, Vicodin, (I soon found out that I am allergic to those), dilaudid, imitrex (which I am also allergic to), hyberbaric oxygenation treatments and an internal pain pump.

What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Not being able to obtain the medications legally. What do you say to folks that are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I tell them what I deal with on a daily basis and how cannabis has helped me to live a little more of a normal life. Without cannabis, I am a hermit because I am unable to go out and do the things that I used to do. I am unable to be the mother I need to be to my children— although my older two are grown—without the help from cannabis. 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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culture growing

Menu: Lemon Curd Tart Sweet Potato Croquettes with Honey Mustard Sauce Grilled Apricot with Fresh Ricotta and Lemon Vinaigrette

I absolutely love Summer. When CULTURE asked me to do a few recipes for their June issue, I jumped at the chance to bring something light and vibrant to the culinary side of the cannabis industry. Citrus and stone fruit sings Summer to me, which is why I have chosen to make those my focal points for the articles. All my recipes are meant to be very light doses, meaning a maximum of 10mg THC for one serving. Enjoy!

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RECIPES

Swing in to Summer with The Herbal Chef

recipes by The Herbal Chef™ aka Christopher Sayegh

At his core, The Herbal Chef™, aka Christopher Sayegh, is a passionate science and biology student who turned to the chemistry of food and herbs to feed the intellectual side of his creations. A walking brand full of charisma and charm, Chris has pioneered cannabisinfused fine dining in an effort to elevate the perception of cannabis through mainstream media. Currently, Chris is producing gourmet edibles, frozen CBD- and THCinfused dinners, as well as catered and private dinners. With the innovation of Chris’ frozen, infused meals, coupled with two shows currently in production, Chris has already been able to solidify his space as the #1 cannabis infusion chef. With a seemingly endless supply of passion and drive, Chris has his sights set on leaving a positive impact on the world through his medium of choice, food. Having faced intense struggles to pursue this commendable dream, leaves him open to sharing his vision with the world that is The Herbal Chef ™.

DESTINATION

Lemon Curd Tart

Who doesn’t love a good lemon meringue tart? So simple, incredibly refreshing and perfect for a passed dessert.

Ingredients 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 cup fresh lemon juice

COURAGE

9 tablespoons soft butter 1 tablespoon cannabis butter (equaling 20mg total) t 4 egg yolks 1 egg

Directions

PROFILE

Beat the eggs with the sugar until lighter in color, and then add the lemon juice and zest. Put that into a pot on low-medium heat and continually stir for 2 minutes until combined. Add butter and slowly incorporate into mix. Cook down until the curd is a thick consistency. It will thicken up as it cools. Empty the curd into a bowl, in an ice bath and let cool completely.

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.

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com

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culture

Sweet Potato Croquettes with Honey Mustard Sauce

growing

Sweet potatoes are so in right now. They are also high in complex carbohydrates, if anyone was wondering. Potatoes like these are also sensational when paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard. Great for an appetizer!

Ingredients 3 sweet potatoes

3 cups Panko bread crumbs Salt, to taste

Honey Mustard Sauce

Great for a home-style sharing appetizer, or you can add some of your favorite sliced prosciutto, balsamic reduction and make it a dish!

Ingredients

2 ounces (1 jar)

4 fresh apricots (or peaches)

Pepper, to taste 1 quart soy bean oil

The Herbal Chef’s Whole Grain Mustard t

1 cup whole milk

1/3 cup your favorite honey

½ cup heavy cream

½ tablespoon sherry vinegar

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 pinch salt

1 tablespoon olive oil to brush

1 teaspoon pepper

on the halves of apricot

Directions for Croquette

Peel potatoes and cut into one-inch cubes. Add to a medium pot and cover with water. Add a tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil, turn the heat down to a simmer and cook until tender. Drain well and put sweet potatoes into a food processor. Add in herbs, almond flour, egg and parmesan. Mix well, then add salt and pepper to taste. Put in a container and let set in the fridge for 4-5 hours. Heat the soy bean oil to 350-375 degrees. Set up a breading station of almond flour, whisked eggs and Panko bread crumbs. Form the sweet potato dough into small circles. Cover with flour, then egg wash, then coat with Panko. Set in the fridge for 30 minutes. Fry until golden brown and hot on the inside (about 3 minutes), finish with sea salt.

Directions for Honey Mustard Sauce

Put all ingredients into a bowl and whisk together. Add dijon mustard if you want it a little spicier, or add more honey if you would like it sweeter. 92

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

1 tablespoon (per half) The

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3 tablespoons grated parmesan

Grilled Apricot with Fresh Ricotta and Lemon Vinaigrette

Herbal Chef’s Lemon Haze Vinaigrette t Salt, to taste

Directions

Bring the milk and cream to boil, turn off heat and add lemon juice. Stir until you see the curds separate from the whey. Secure the cheese cloth on a bowl with a rubber band. Remove the whey liquid from underneath and strain for 3 minutes before emptying the cloth into a glass bowl. Fold in salt to taste. This is such a light, fresh mixture, and I would caution using more than 1.5 tsp. Put in the fridge to cool. Cut the apricots in half and brush with olive oil before putting them on a hot grill. Don’t move the apricot around after you have placed it on the grill, you want the heat to caramelize the sugars in the apricot. Leave on the grill for 3-4 minutes or until the apricot can be easily removed. Put the apricot down with a heaping spoonful of ricotta and drizzle with a tablespoon of The Herbal Chef’s Lemon Haze Vinaigrette.

COURAGE

1.5 eggs

Special Equipment: • Cheese cloth or a fine mesh strainer (cheese cloth preferred) • Grill

3 tablespoons almond flour (fine)

PROFILE

5 leaves sage (finely chopped)

DESTINATION

8 sprigs thyme (stems removed and finely chopped)

RECIPES

1 tablespoon salt

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SHOOTING GALLERY

United Patients Group PRESENTs

MEDICAL CANNABIS: THE SCIENCE. THE TRUTH

photos courtesy of UNITED PATIENTS GROUP 94

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SHOOTING GALLERY

EXPOCAÑAMO 2016

photos courtesy of EXPOCAÑAMO 2016 96

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norCAL NOW! event listings

“Myth, Allegory and Faith: The Kirk Edward Long Collection of Mannerist Prints,” Ends June 21

Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples, June 10

The legendary Bob Dylan reunites with one-time girlfriend and fellow musician Mavis Staples. Together, the pair will tour the U.S. this summer. Greek Theater, Berkeley thegreektheatreberkeley. com

Berkeley World Music Festival, June 11-12

The Berkeley World Music Festival is a way for locals to support cultural tradition through music. This year, a variety of musical styles will be on the line-up, from afrogalactic hip-hop to Bluegrass. People’s Park, Berkeley berkeleyworldmusic.org

The Cantor Center showcases pieces from some of the world’s most exclusive collections of 16thcentury Mannerist prints. Featuring a wide variety of renowned artists, the exhibit “familiarizes visitors with the development of the Mannerist style.” Cantor Arts Center, Stanford museum.stanford.edu

Motown: The Musical, June 21-26

Motown changed music in America forever when it introduced artists like Diana Ross, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson. This musical tells the story of the Motown legacy and features memorable hits produced by the Motor City music studio. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose sanjosetheaters.org

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Flight of the Conchords, JUNE 27

Flight of the Conchords is a comedy band who became known from its HBO series of the same name. After a two year touring hiatus, the band is back with new material for its “Flight of the Conchords Sing Flight of the Conchords Tour.”

Bacon and Beer Fest, June 18-19

The Dell’Osso Family Farm celebrates all things bacon at its first ever Bacon Fest. Not only will there be amateur and professional bacon cookoffs, there will be plenty of bacon-themed food vendors, microbreweries and more. Dell’Osso Family Farm, Lathrop dellossofamilyfarm.com

featured event

Nob Hill Masonic Theater, San Francisco www.sfmasonic.com

Cabaret, June 21-July 17

Cabaret is a Tony Awardwinning Broadway musical based off writer Christopher Isherwood’s time in Bohemian Berlin during the 1930s. Sexy and fun, Cabaret

will take you back in time and through a whirlwind of emotions. The Golden Gate Theater, San Francisco shnsf.com

Burger Boogaloo, June 25-26

Every year Burger Records holds a Punk Rock festival dedicated to DIY culture. This year’s event is extra special as it will be hosted by legendary alternative icon John Waters. Mosswood Park, Oakland bugerboogaloo.com

Chuck Shepherd's

News of the

Weird

LEAD STORY—THE POWER OF PRECEDENT u Department of Veterans Affairs employee Elizabeth Rivera Rivera, 39, was fired after her arrest (followed by a February guilty plea) for armed robbery, but when she was sentenced only to probation, an arbitrator ordered the VA to rehire her—and give her back pay she “earned” while sitting in jail awaiting trial. (She had been the driver for a man arrested for a street robbery in San Juan, Puerto Rico). Rivera’s union had demanded the reinstatement without salary penalty—for “fairness”—

because the same Puerto Rico VA office had earlier hired a convicted sex offender, and the office’s hospital director, recently charged with DUI and drug possession, avoided VA discipline because of technicalities about the traffic stop. EVOLUTION OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE u Turmoil in Selma, Alabama, March 1965: The historic “Bloody Sunday” at the Edmund Pettus Bridge ultimately became a turning point in the battle for voting rights. Turmoil in Selma, Alabama, March 2016: The town is riven by demands for stricter enforcement of the ordinance requiring horses on the street to be wearing diapers—a campaign led by Ward 8’s Councilman Michael Johnson (an AfricanAmerican): “I’m tired of it because there’s other things I could be doing than dealing with horses.”

BREAKTHROUGHS IN SCIENCE u German researchers, publishing in March, revealed that female burying beetles uniquely discourage their mates from pestering them for sex after birth—thus explaining how the male of this species is observed actually helping with child care. The females apparently release a chemical “antiaphrodisiac” to the father’s antennae. Said the lead researcher (a woman), “They are a very modern family.” Said another biology professor (also female), “Burying beetles are supercool.” u The Emerging American “Right” of Rejecting Science: In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared that measles had been eliminated in the United States, but by 2014 Americans had resurrected it (677 reported cases), and researchers from

Emory University and Johns Hopkins set out to learn how—and recently found the dominant reason to be the purposeful decision by some Americans to refuse or delay widely available vaccinations (especially for their children). (The researchers found similar, but less-strong conclusions about whooping cough). UNDIGNIFIED DEATHS u (1) An 86-year-old woman died in February in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, when she tripped and got her medical alert necklace caught on her walker, strangling herself. (2) A 25-year-old off-duty New York City police officer was killed on a highway near Elizabeth, New Jersey, in March. According to the police report, the officer had rearended another car and had gotten out to “discuss” the matter, then suddenly pulled his service revolver and threatened the driver using

iReadCULTURE.com JUNE 2016

road rage-type language. As the officer backed up while pointing the gun, a passing driver accidentally, fatally struck him. FINE POINTS OF THE LAW u Joe Vandusen said he has had no contact whatsoever with his estranged wife for “16 or 17 years” and that both moved long ago to other relationships (Joe currently living with a woman, raising both his two children and her two, as well). Nonetheless, Vandusen’s “real” wife recently gave birth, from another father, and, without claiming Vandusen as the father, filed in February for child support from him. In the Vandusens’ home state of Iowa (like the law in many states), he must pay, irrespective of any DNA test (unless he gets an expensive court order to “de-establish paternity.” IRONIES u (1) Ervin Brinker, 68, pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud as CEO of the Summit Pointe health care provider in Michigan and was sentenced in January to 32 months in prison. He had embezzled $510,000 in “mental health” payments and apparently spent it all on a Florida fortune teller. (2) Two of the three candidates for the Republican nomination for county property appraiser in Erwin, Tennessee, in November died before the election, leaving Rocky McInturff the only survivor. However, he is ineligible for the nomination because he lost badly on election day by one of the two dead candidates. LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u Albuquerque police encountered Leonard Lopez, 26, inside a Chevy Cobalt car (that was not his) just after midnight on March 30 after neighbors reported 100

JUNE 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

a man screaming inside, flashing the car’s headlights. A panicked Lopez was upside down, with his feet on the dashboard and his head and shoulders wedged under the steering wheel, hands and arms tucked inside his sweatshirt. He was charged with burglary, and police guessed he was probably going through opiate withdrawal. RECURRING THEMES u (1) Yet Another Way to Tell If You’re DUI: Maryann Christy, 54, was arrested in Roselle, Illinois, in January when police spotted her driving through town with a 15-foot-tall tree firmly lodged in the grille of her car, sticking straight up. She was apparently too intoxicated to recall where she “acquired” the tree or how many minutes earlier that was. (2) Peak TruckSpill Karma: On March 23 on Interstate 95 near Melbourne, Florida, two tractor-trailers collided, spilling their contents on the road. One truck was carrying Busch beer and the other various Frito-Lay products. A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (JANUARY 2012) u Anti-Theft ID Breakthrough: For people who become stressed when asked to prove their identities by biometric scans of fingerprints, hand prints or eyeballs, Japan’s Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology has developed a chair frame that authenticates merely by sitting down: a buttscanner. Professor Shigeomi Koshimizu’s device produces a map of the user’s unique derriere shape, featuring 256 degrees of pressure at 360 different points and could be used not only to protect vehicles from theft, but also, when connected to a computer, to prevent log-ons by those with unauthorized posteriors.

TORCH PASSED TO A NEW BODY-MODIFICATION EXEMPLAR u Eva Tiamat Medusa, 55, of the Phoenix area, has almost completed her journey (she calls it “transspecieism”) to become a “mythical beast”—like a dragon videogame character—through purposeful facial scarring, surgical implants and even removal of both ears. “Tiamat” was born Richard Hernandez before becoming female and now sports such features as reptilian-style skin “scales,” green-colored “whites” of the eyes, “horns” on her forehead and, of course, breasts. (However, she is perhaps so far satisfied with one part, as she is still a “pre-op” transsexual). GOVERNMENT IN ACTION u The Pentagon admitted recently that it has no way to know how many parts or devices are in its equipment inventory—except by going through its estimated 30 million contracts (on the text-unsearchable electronic database) one by one. For a recent Freedom of Information request from a software developer (for the Pentagon’s number of “HotPlug” power-extenders for computers), it quoted a retrieval price of $660 million to cover 15 million hours of work. u Wait, What? (1) The most recent problem with the Defense Department’s prospective, ultra-modern F-35 fighter jet, revealed in March, is that its “radar control” sometimes malfunctions and that system updates will not be ready until 2020. In the interim, an Air Force official advised that, as a workaround, the radar could be turned off and then back on again (similar to restarting a glitchy computer). (2) Michael Ford, 36, a U.S. Embassy staff member in London, was sentenced in March to 57 months in prison for

having run a “sextortion” email scheme preying on young girls—from his heavily monitored embassy computer workstation, operating undetected for two years. (One workday last April, for example, he sent 800 emails from his desk “phishing” for gullible social media users). POLICE REPORT u Ms. Charli Jones Parker, a teacher and girls’ basketball coach at the Pickens Academy (Pickens County, Alabama) was arrested on March 28 and charged with having sex with an underage male student. Her husband, James Parker, a math teacher and coach at Pickens, was arrested two days later and charged with having sex with an underage female former student. The district attorney said the incidents were unrelated and resulted from separate investigations. LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS u Inequality on Parade: (1) The city council in Palo Alto, California, trying to retain some of its Silicon Valley non-millionaires, proposed a subsidy plan in March to help with steep housing costs. In a town where tiny homes sell for $2 million (and are immediately knocked down and rebuilt), subsidies will be available even to families earning $250,000 a year. (2) In February, a family court in England reduced the child-support payments from hedge fund financier Christopher Rokos to the mother of his 7-year-old son from the equivalent of about $17,000 a month to about $11,300—though that amount includes more than $1,200 a month for “wine” (perhaps, in case the kid is a handful). u The giant HSBC Bank, which was let off the hook in 2012 for its money-laundering by paying a $1.9 billion settlement and promising to vigilantly guard against

future money laundering, was revealed in March to be regressing. HSBC’s monitor said that the bank somehow failed to stop transactions by a company whose professed business included exporting miniskirts to Iran (which would be against international sanctions but also not exactly smart business). In another incident, a 19-year-old Mexican man in the drugcartel-intensive Sinaloa state was allowed to open a privatewealth account with just a bagful of cash, claiming to be a “shrimp farmer.” LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES u In March, Kingdom Church, in the south London district of Camberwell, was fined the equivalent of about $10,900 by the Southwark Council for its amplified music and incessant “loud preaching,” ritually performed “almost daily” at around 3 a.m. A spokesperson told the London Evening Standard that the timing was necessary because that is when evil spirits are most likely to be present. SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS u Downloads and Uploads: (1) A new weight-loss device being tested in the U.S. (“AspireAssist”) is billed as a less-expensive alternative to bariatric surgery, with the ability to evacuate up to 30 percent of recently eaten food from the stomach before digestion. A tube, through a port in the stomach, sucks (“aspirates”) the food. (2) Researchers at HRL Laboratories in California, in a recent journal article, reported that test subjects without airplane-pilot knowledge nonetheless performed flight simulations 33 percent better than a control group after the researchers uploaded electrical signals to certain pilotinghelpful areas of their brains. O CANADA! u Latest Behavior Standards: (1) The town council in

Bracebridge, Ontario, approved a new municipal bylaw in March ending existing prohibitions on people engaging in “yelling, shouting, hooting or similar noises.” (Other noise controls, such as on audio devices, or by humans between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., remain in effect). (2) Also in March, the city council in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was considering a proposed anti-bullying bylaw prohibiting gossip or (according to the National Post) “rumormongering, name-calling, taunting, mocking and ostracizing”—not only in the streets and parks but in “public” places such as bars and restaurants. THE UNDERRATED GOLDFISH u Veterinarian Tristan Rich, in Melbourne, Australia, was credited in March with saving the life of a 9-yearold goldfish (“Bubbles”) by removing its brain tumor. Dr. Rich had to first figure out how to keep Bubbles out of water long enough to operate, but finally rigged a contraption to continually splash water over the gills. This was Dr. Rich’s second heroic goldfish surgery. (Bubbles’ breed was not reported; ordinary goldfish can be purchased for less than $1). LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u Bad enough that Alfonso Mobley Jr., 26, is a “sovereign citizen,” self-proclaimed as exempt from obeying laws or paying taxes, but on April 5 he also lost both hands—when a bomb he was working on exploded in Columbus, Ohio. The bomb was made of the same material as that in the November terrorist attacks in Paris. A 2010 FBI report labeled sovereign citizens a domestic terrorist group, but Mobley’s associate (who was not hurt) told police the bomb was to be simply a diversion for their planned bank or armored-car robbery. iReadCULTURE.com JUNE 2016

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