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inside
contents 6.2018
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Nothin’ but Net
As a former NBA champion, Olympian and entrepreneur, Lamar Odom shoots for success with his newest enterprise in the cannabis industry. O n the C O V E R :
P ho t o b y J oh n G ilhoole y
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Hemp is Life Organizations like the Pennsylvania-based Rodale Institute are running groundbreaking hemp research studies.
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Industry Insider Chairwoman of Women Grow, Dr. Chanda Macias, brings a plethora of knowledge and experience with the science of medical cannabis.
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Guided Growth CULTURE revisits the progress of young Maddie Holt who started using cannabis in 2015.
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Artistic Expression The annual High Art 2018 contest revealed the talents of many artists, including grand prize winner Mike Oncley, whose passion for cannabis knows no bounds.
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Power in Pride Cannabis consumers unite with the LGBTQ community in celebration at this month’s international Pride rallies.
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departments 12 Letter from the Editor news 14 News Nuggets 16 By the Numbers 18 Local News reviews 20 Strain & Concentrate Reviews 22 Company Highlight 22 Cool Stuff in every issue 46 À La Carte 48 Growing Culture 50 NorCal Now! 52 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Thomas Jefferson University Opens Cannabis Patient Registry d Thailand Discusses Loosening Laws on Cannabis
Vol 9 IssUE 12
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic Designer John Venegas Associate Publisher & Bob Waters Advertising Director Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Rocki Davidson, Matt Knuth, Casey Roel, Rick Schwartz, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla INTERNS Cole Graves, Cecilia Juarez Publisher David Comden
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout the Bay area. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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LETTER
FROM
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EDITOR
Safety in Sportsmanship
Justin Timberlake “The only thing pot does for me is it gets me to stop thinking. Sometimes I have a brain that needs to be turned off. Some people are just better high.”
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BA Playoffs, World Series, Super Bowl Sunday and March Madness— chances are you’re familiar with most of these sports terms, and for good reason. Sports are a pivotal part of the American lifestyle. So, while cannabis consumption continues to gain popularity across the “Land of the Free,” it’s unfortunate that most professional sports leagues are still hesitant to accept the plant’s medicinal value. Cannabis serves as a substance for recreation, and it’s also a plant that provides us with wellness. Every day there are more and more individuals ditching dangerous substances like opioids and alcohol in favor of this greener and nonlethal alternative. However, many professional sports players are still prescribed dangerous and addictive opioids to deal with their sportsrelated injuries, while cannabis remains a banned substance in most American professional sports leagues. Brave heroes of pro sports, both active and retired, are coming forward to express the benefits they’ve received from cannabis. Veteran National Football League (NFL) running back Mike James was the first player to request a “therapeutic use exemption” for cannabis in March. His story aired in a Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s CNN series entitled “Weed 4: Pot vs. Pills.” James bravely shared how he depended on prescribed opioids to manage chronic pain following sportsrelated injuries, which led to numerous surgeries. He shared how he was able to discontinue his use of opioids in favor of medical cannabis, which ultimately provided him a safer alternative for pain relief. Unfortunately, the NFL leadership was not receptive to his powerful story, denying his request for an exemption in late April. Despite the setbacks, many retired professional athletes continue to lead the charge in demanding sports leagues embrace the medicinal benefits of cannabis. CULTURE’s cover story this month focuses on none other than Lamar Odom, who didn’t hesitate to discuss how his new line of cannabis products can help others 12
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on their road to recovery, much like cannabis did for him years ago. The connection between sports and cannabis is now stronger than ever. As cannabis continues to be an important topic on Capitol Hill and supported by pro athletes in all leagues, it will be interesting to see if sports leadership will finally embrace the medicinal benefits of cannabis, once and for all. Either way, we remain poised to continue fighting for our human right to consume this miraculous plant. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Mountain View Determines Retail Cannabis Rules At a May 8 study session, the Mountain View City Council began developing the ground rules for retail, delivery and non-storefront cannabis businesses in the city. Most of the council opted for California’s default 600-foot buffers around schools, but Councilmembers Margaret Abe-Koga and Lisa Matichak argued that a 1,000-foot buffer would be more appropriate. “This is new territory for us, and I think it’s important that we have a checkpoint, whether
Monterey County Lowers Cannabis Taxes The Monterey County Board of Supervisors cut cannabis business tax rates on May 22, in some cases, by two-thirds. The decision followed a recommendation to revise the county’s cannabis tax rates. “The Board of Supervisors Cannabis Committee recommends that the Board of Supervisors: Receive a report and take action on recommendations from Board of Supervisors Cannabis Committee on the following ordinance revisions concerning the commercial cannabis tax rates and penalties,” the board stated at the
it’s a year in or whatever it happens to be,” said Councilmember Chris Clark, when discussing how many dispensaries to allow. “I was thinking that we would initially limit it to about five and see how things go.” Mayor Lenny Siegel, on the other hand, suggested no limits on the number of retail outlets. Mountain View’s moratorium on dispensaries ends on Dec. 1, 2018.
Arizona Governor Signs Bill to Legalize Industrial Hemp Cultivation Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona signed legislation on May 14, which allows farmers to cultivate industrial hemp. Senate Bill 1098 allows cultivators, harvesters, processors and transporters to obtain a state license from the Arizona Department of Agriculture, which will oversee the program. Farmers will be able to harvest hemp up to four times per year, thanks to Arizona’s sunny
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meeting. Cultivation tax was cut from $15-persquare-foot to $5-persquare-foot. Indoor cultivation sites, however, will pay an $8-per-squarefoot tax. Manufacturer and distributor taxes were lowered to 2.5 percent, which amounts to half of the percentage of tax they used to pay. The board also voted to use some tax revenue to keep a local homeless shelter in business for five months. Many cities and counties in California set initial tax rates too high, and they are now settling for a more realistic approach.
climate. That could translate to 1,500 pounds of hemp per acre, according to estimates. “This bill opens Arizona to the possibility of a new agricultural product,” Gov. Ducey stated. “I’m glad to sign a bill that could have a positive economic impact for the state.” Ducey vetoed previous attempts to allow hemp cultivation due to the planned program’s lack of a funding source. Under the new law, anyone caught violating licensing requirements will be subject to strict penalties.
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was collected in cannabis sales taxes by Alameda County from January to March 2018: (Source: San Francisco Chronicle)
3.29
The estimated amount of cannabis tax revenue, in thousands of dollars, that the High Times Cannabis Cup projected it would collect at its event in Santa Rosa in early June: (Source: CBS Sacramento)
200
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that California has collected in cannabis tax revenue during the first quarter of 2018: (Source: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration)
60.9
The approximate number of cannabis cultivators in Sonoma County, out of 5,000 currently operating, who have applied for permits: (Source: San Francisco Chronicle)
140
The projected number of people who are expected to be employed in the United States cannabis industry by 2025: (Source: Desert Sun)
630,000
The percentage of American cannabis consumers who said they would vote to legalize cannabis in their home state: (Source: PSB Research)
90
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was collected in gross product sales of Kentuckybased hemp: (Source: Courier-Journal)
16.7
The number of patients on Florida’s medical cannabis state registry as of May 11: (Source: Florida Department of Health)
108,981
SAVA Symposium: Cannabis & Companion Animals WHEN: Sat, June 9 WHERE: Union Square Hilton, 333 O’Farrell St., San Francisco WEBSITE: getsava.com/about/events Humanity has a beautiful relationship with animal companions— we love them, and they often grow to become a part of the family. As members of the family, our pets also have an endocannabinoid system that can be receptive to the beneficial effects of cannabis. Many pet owners are interested in sharing cannabis with their favorite canine or feline, but information on the safety of pet cannabis prescriptions is limited. At SAVA Symposium: Cannabis & Companion Animals, one veterinarian 16
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hopes to dispel any rumors and provide pet owners with the necessary information to learn more about how cannabis can benefit pets. Award-winning veterinarian and an expert in both conventional and holistic treatment methods, Gary Richter will discuss and explore safe and effective ways cannabis improves the overall wellness of animal companions. Seeing that cannabis has the ability to lead pets to live happier and healthier lives is just one extra reason to love cannabis! (Cecilia Juarez)
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NEWS
LOCAL
Approaching the Aftermath San Francisco is using advanced technology to help clear records of cannabis convictions
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By Benjamin M. Adams
or far too long, people have suffered the consequences of procuring a cannabis conviction on their record— losing out on potential employment opportunities, housing or worse. Proposition 64 legalized cannabis for adults in California, but some were left behind, due to the damning marks on their permanent record. Few areas of America have addressed these injustices better than San Francisco. With the help of a company called Code for America, the San Francisco District Attorney’s office plans to erase thousands of cannabis convictions—using a state-of-the-art algorithm. With this algorithm, the district attorney’s office will automatically determine eligibility, so those convicted of crimes don’t have to disentangle the steps to freedom on their own. Assemblyman Rob Bonta introduced legislation on Jan. 9, which would require county courts to automatically expunge records that are eligible. Also in January, District Attorney George Gascón announced that nearly 3,000 misdemeanor cannabis convictions dating back to 1975 would be dismissed and sealed. On May 15, Gascón said that together, his office and Code for America will use the technology to help prosecutors identify who is eligible for expungement or sentence 18
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reductions. Felony conviction expungements, though lengthier, will be eligible as well. Using the algorithm, the organizations will sort through some 5,000 felony cases for eligibility. Gascón said that it’s unwise to try and use “20th century tools to tackle 21st century problems,” and that past convictions prevent people from getting the necessary services that they need. According to a press release, as of Monday, May 14, 962 motions to dismiss cannabis convictions have been prepared, 528 have been submitted to the San Francisco Superior Court, and 428 have already been granted. "Code for America uses the principles and practices of the digital age to improve how government serves the American public, and how the public improves government," Founder and Executive Director of Code for America Jennifer Pahlka told CULTURE. "Since 2011, we’ve helped more than 100 local governments serve their communities better in everything from criminal justice to food assistance. We are helping the government clear all eligible records, starting with those eligible under Proposition 64. There are one million Californians eligible to clear a marijuana conviction under Prop. 64. Fewer than 5,000 have done so. So, when District Attorney Gascon announced in January 2018 that his office would be retroactively applying Proposition 64 to all to misdemeanor and felony convictions dating back to 1975, we at Code for America were thrilled. We, too, believe government needs to be true to the will of the people." Multiple studies have indicated that people of color are arrested for cannabis at higher rates than white people, despite consuming the plant at similar rates, and that’s part of the reason why these convictions need to disappear. Code for America will utilize the technology to automatically fill out the required forms and generate a completed motion in PDF format. The San Francisco District Attorney's office will then file the completed motion with the court. The process will be applied to a total of 4,940 felony cannabis convictions. This technology could theoretically be used in other areas, thereby allowing those with cannabis convictions to get their record cleared, without the expectation of navigating through complicated expungement processes. c
Rock & Wine Fest Are you ready to rock . . . and wine? Be prepared, because your summer celebrations will be complete with a rockin’ good time at Rock & Wine Fest. The event will begin with a wine tasting experience that starts two hours before the show, offering a selection of wines from more than five wineries, including Y&T’s own Dave Meniketti’s Meniketti Wines. Next, an outdoor concert will take place, with live music provided by Bay Area-based Y&T, as well as the metal legend Dokken and special guest, Frank Hannon Band. Make your way over to the SOMO Village Event Center in Rohnert Park and find your inner wino. Who said wine events were boring? (Cecilia Juarez) WHEN: Sat, June 23 WHERE: SOMO Village Event Center, 1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park WEBSITE: sonomacounty. com/sonomaevents/rock-andwine-featuring-ytsomo-village
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrate
Lemon Penny As a premier distributor of some of the best concentrates in California, it comes as no surprise that Gold Drop Co. has created a single-use cartridge with Lemon Tree and dubbed it the Lemon Penny. This cartridge and pen is a breakthrough in extract consumption products and provides consumers with a charging-free portable way to consume some of the most in-demand concentrate around. The sleek and discreet pen is both stylish and functional, and the convenience it offers is unrivaled. With a button-free design and no need to change out cartridges, this pen is ready to use wherever, whenever. Anyone who has sampled Lemon Tree concentrate in the past knows that the citrus taste it offers is perfectly balanced and that holds true with the Lemon Penny as well. Grab a handful, because after you taste it, you won’t be able to have just one.
Available wherever: Gold Drop Co. products are carried.
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Available wherever: Caliva products are carried including on Eaze.
Spinelli by Spliffin For some of the best pre-rolls in San Francisco there is only one place to go—The Green Door. Week in and week out, there is always a great selection of different pre-rolls and one of the best is the Spinelli by Spliffin. This oil and kief slathered pre-roll is made with The Green Door’s own in house strain called Green Door OG, which is a screaming success. A slow, long and even burn characterized by massive clouds of rich smoke is what makes this pre-roll great upon first glance. But upon further inspection, the artisanship and finesse put into each Spinelli by Spliffin is what truly makes these pre-rolled joints legendary. The utmost care and precision put into the rolling of each of these works of art, paired with the great strain of flowers, concentrate and kief. This is a supreme joint that begs to be enjoyed regularly. Stop by The Green Door and get one for you and a friend—you won’t regret it! 20
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G Pen GIO Classic Jack G Pen has long been on the forefront of designing great ways to consume extracts on-the-go and this new Caliva GIO cartridge, available state-wide and on the Eaze platform, is simply cuttingedge. With a specially constructed 180mh battery and proprietary cartridge design, G Pen has devised a way to guarantee the easiest and most effective way to consume high quality concentrate. The GIO cartridges are scientifically engineered to produce the highest possible amount of vapor density for liquid concentrates on the market and yield some of the largest clouds a pen can offer. The Classic Jack strain that reviewers sampled is one the finest sativa extracts out there and is a great choice for a little boost of energy. Since Caliva has been consistently yielding top-notch concentrates, the GIO is one of the best ways to consume them— it’s a match made in heaven.
Available at: The Green Door in San Francisco.
Available at: C.H.A.I. in Santa Cruz.
Synergy’s Golden State Banana Santa Cruz locals know that C.H.A.I. has one of the best selections of flowers and extracts in town, and the Golden State Banana strain by Synergy is a favorite of regulars, and for good reason. This hybrid crossing of Ghost OG and Banana Kush is cementing itself as a new classic, and with a THC content of over 30 percent it is easy to see why. The subtle scent of bananas lies underneath a somewhat earthy but skunky and highly potent aroma. The smoke produced is neither too harsh or too mellow. Overall, it is full-bodied, flavorful and a great choice for novices and veterans alike. Most consumers have reported this strain works well for pain-relief while simultaneously being a source of happiness and laughter, making it useful day or night. Capitola Healing Association Inc. (C.H.A.I.) is a gem of a dispensary and with top-notch offerings like Golden State Banana, it’s easy to understand why the folks from Santa Cruz hold them in such high standing.
Available wherever: Kushy CBD products are carried.
Peach 100mg CBD Gummy The future has officially arrived! Gone are the days where your bag of infused gummies melt together into a giant clump on a hot summer day by the pool. Kushy CBD has fixed any potential over-heating and melting problems by offering these Peach 100mg CBD Gummy candies as individual packages, which is perfect for providing consumers with the miraculous benefits of CBD without any unwanted psychoactive effects to bog you down. Smelling of fruity, summertime bliss, this gummy by Kushy CBD tasted of fresh peach and sweet strawberry with a very slight herbal aftertaste. Already divided into four servings at 25mg per serving, consumers can feel comfortable microdosing this treat by breaking the one-quarter piece into even smaller 6.25mg servings. After all, sometimes smaller servings can be even more effective. With only 14 calories per serving, this sweet treat isn’t one that will tip the scales. The pure non-GMO CBD isolate offered within this gummy is free from gluten, dairy, fat, peanuts and GMO; Kushy CBD will make sure you’re California dreamin’ no matter what your dietary needs may be. Get ready to embrace the summertime chill with these delicious, discreet goodies. CultureMagazine.com
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REVIEWs
company highlight increase our profit margin, we know in our hearts that it destroys the soul of the plant and creates a poor experience for the consumer. Thickness matters, which is why we use only two ingredients—cannabis oil, terpenes and never questionable fillers such as glycerin or polyethylene glycol. Also, by conducting our proprietary Fresh Mapped™ full spectrum analysis of living, breathing cannabis plants, our products are bursting with terpenes and recreate the same sensations you experience in a blooming cannabis garden. Combined with state-of-the-art ceramic core cartridges, our product line is the most innovative in the market today.
HoneyVape™ (510) 246-0755 www.HoneyVape.buzz How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? Established in 2012, HoneyVape™ is a California state-licensed, adult-use and medicinal cannabis oil company, and the first and only producer in California to provide authentic, full spectrum, distilled oil in cartridges. We provide our THC and CBD lab-tested extracts in vape cartridges, applicators, caps, batteries and apparel to legal
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dispensaries and delivery services throughout "The Golden State." We live by the motto, “Only the best.” What do you offer consumers/clients that others don’t? We are the only company in California to offer the best-tasting, authentic, full spectrum cannabis oil. Many companies claim to be full spectrum cannabis [and] yet [they] use fillers, solvents and winterization to strip away the host of phytochemicals, lipids and flavors that contribute to marijuana’s “entourage effect.” While this could
How and why did your company start up? HoneyVape™ was originally inspired by our colleagues in the scientific and public health community. In 2007 our team founded the first vertically integrated medical cannabis collective in Los Angeles. We were known as the “farmers market of cannabis” that brought together farmers, breeders and patients in an atmosphere of love, medicine and rock ‘n’ roll. Through our collective we were introduced to doctors and scientists who were studying the public health effects of the young adult “dabbing” trend. This often entailed group parties where young adults would consume extremely high doses of contaminated cannabis oil to the point of passing out. When they
asked us “Isn’t there a safer alternative?” we realized there wasn’t and that is how HoneyVape™ was founded. With the changing landscape of medical and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? As the original and only full spectrum, distilled oil, vaping company in California, our biggest advantage is our knowledge and reputation. Our manufacturing team of Ph.D chemists and scientists were the first to bring marijuana distillate to the California marketplace. So, when our team educates our retail customers and wholesale partners about the science of cannabis oil and terpenes, we are not just reciting what we saw on Instagram. We are the direct link to the scientists who were doing it in California and The Netherlands for years! Our biggest challenge is winning the fight against widespread cannabis discrimination from state and federal governments. What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? If you take care of the plant, it will take care of you. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? To be known as a company that produces clean, authentic, performancebased products that one can trust. Only the best! c
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1. All Things Hemp 3 Pack Beard Oil, Balm & Stash Wax by Beard of God™ Men, do you have trouble finding that perfect product for your beloved beards? Beards of God™ is here “to help men groom and maintain their mainly beards” with high quality ingredients. The All Things Hemp 3 Pack Beard Oil, Balm & Stash Wax comes with hemp-infused organic Beard Oil, hemp-infused Beard Balm and wax for your mustache. All-natural ingredients like organic and certified Kosher hemp seed oil, as well as other nutritional oils and vitamin E, will prevent your beard from becoming brittle and dry. This is the perfect gift for any hygiene aficionado in your life, but especially for dads who rock an awesome beard. Price: $34 More Information: www.beardofgod.com 2. Orbit Bluetooth Key Tracker Let’s admit it. We all misplace our phones and keys from time to time. How many times have you searched the couch and every surface of your house for your car keys or your phone? Now just imagine all that extra time you could all be saving if you had an Orbit Bluetooth Key Tracker. Stop endlessly searching for your keys or cell phones, and find your misplaced items quickly with the touch of a button—this device makes losing precious valuables a thing of the past. The Orbit Bluetooth Key Tracker is small, affordable and comes in a variety of colors. Price: $24.99 More Information: findorbit.com/orbit_us 24
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3. Hemp Backpack Made from 100 percent certified organic hemp, this backpack is made from the same hemp as the world-famous Hemp Wick Bee Line. This design is not only functional but fashionable as well, making it one of the best hemp backpacks on the market. This organic hemp backpack is filled with plenty of compartments as well as stash pockets for your valuables. With two adjustable padded shoulder straps, along with a single side water bottle pocket, get ready to take this backpack on all your outdoor adventures. The backpack is available in three different colors—Desert Tan, Oregon Green and Midnight Black. Price: $109 More Information: hempwickbeeline.com
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4. Stone Drink Dispenser Many of us enjoy our favorite drink on the rocks, but now you can enjoy it from the rock—in the literal sense. The Stone Drink Dispenser allows whiskey enthusiasts to enjoy their own little keg dispenser that not only looks cool, but makes pouring another round of drinks even easier. Designed by Jeff Henderson, this item is the ideal gift to accompany a bottle of booze for your thirstiest of friends (or fathers). This particular handmade unit is designed in New Hampshire and made from natural New England coastal stones. It can also be paired with a matching stone lever, to boot. Price: $45-$153 More Information: www.uncommongoods.com
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“One of my favorite strains is the OG Kush; it helps with my anxiety.”
Photo by John Gilhooley
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How Lamar Odom turned adversity and tragedy into success in the cannabis world By David Edmundson
L
amar Odom has held several monikers—basketball phenom, National Basketball Association (NBA) champion, Olympian and most recently survivor, but he is adding a new title to his resume—cannabis entrepreneur. CULTURE sat down with the retired champ to discuss basketball, his miraculous recovery and his thoughts on the cannabis landscape. Odom’s life has been a dichotomy of good and bad since he was a kid. As a youth, he was a basketball standout, but his childhood was marred by the death of his mother at the age of 12, and his father’s ongoing addiction to drugs.
In spite of these early tragedies, Odom became a talented basketball player in high school. He was recognized twice as a Parade All-American when he was a junior and senior and was named Parade Player of the Year in his senior year. After a brief stint in college, Odom was selected fourth overall in the 1999 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. The following year, he joined the NBA All-Rookie Team. However, in 2001 Odom was suspended for violating the NBA Drug Policy. He was suspended a second time the following season for the same infraction. Following his suspension, he admitted to consuming cannabis. In 2004, Odom traded Clipper red for Laker gold. During his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Odom won back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. He was also bestowed the coveted NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award for his efforts in 2011. During his time on the Lakers, Odom began to repair his relationship with his father, who had become drug-free. Shortly after playing with the Lakers, Odom experienced tragedy yet again with the death of his cousin, with whom Odom was close. Exacerbating the situation, Odom was the passenger in a vehicle that struck and killed a teenage cyclist. The motor accident occurred one day after laying his cousin to rest. After these tragedies, Odom played for the Dallas Mavericks for one season before returning to the Clippers for the final season of his NBA career. During his career in Los Angeles, Odom also appeared on a number of reality shows and grew a large fandom off the court. Of course, with newfound notoriety comes the perils of living life in the spotlight. He was addicted to drugs and suffered from terrible anxiety. Odom was found unresponsive and slipped into a coma in 2015. After several days, the former NBA star woke up. However, his recovery would be arduous. It was during this time that Odom began to focus on natural healing and cannabis. His quest for health led him to partner with Camp Green to form Rich Soil Organics and to make high-grade, organic cannabis products. CultureMagazine.com CultureMagazine.com JUNE JUNE2018 2018
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As a basketball standout from a young age, did sports function as an escape mechanism for your traumatic youth? It definitely did, 100 percent. Sports was like a parent to me. It kept me straight and on the right path. It made all my dreams come true. What did sports teach you early on? It taught me everything about teamwork, what it takes to be a good teammate. I’ve always considered myself a great teammate. I always took pride in that. You played in the NBA for 13 years and won two championships. You also represented your country in the 2004 Olympics. Was one more special than the other? I think they went handin-hand. I grew up always paying attention to the Olympics, and that was a special moment. The opening ceremonies are something I’ll never forget. Just like I’ll never forget winning those two championships with the Lakers, but they run neckand-neck. I wouldn’t put one in front of the other. How did you feel playing at the Olympics with different teammates? At the end of the day it was the worlds’ teams competing, so we were representing America, so it meant a lot to me to be on that team. You describe yourself as a “walking miracle.” How has cannabis helped you in your personal life? It helped me regain my motor skills. After I woke up from my coma, I couldn’t walk or talk, and I think
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marijuana helped me with my motor skills. Of course, it helps with pain, and I was addicted to drugs as well. It has helped my recovery out a lot as well. Several NBA players have come out recently supporting cannabis. Did you hear a lot about cannabis consumption when you played in the league? Not really. I mean I think guys smoked, but of course when we weren’t in season. But now that it’s becoming a big business, a lot of players are trying to take advantage of the business aspects and of course helping people. I want to help people if I can. Do you think you ever played with or against someone under the influence of cannabis? Did you ever play under the influence? I did consume cannabis during my career. It was the wrong decision, because I was suspended for smoking marijuana. I think that rules will be changed in the NBA soon. I think they’ve come to terms that it’s not unhealthy, like some other drugs. You played during David Stern’s reign as commissioner of the NBA, where he enacted very strict anti-cannabis rules. Recently though, he has come out in support of removing cannabis from the restricted list. Did you notice a change in cannabis’ perception from when you entered the lead, compared to when you left? Well I think in America as a whole, I think marijuana is definitely more socially acceptable. Just overall, in general.
Photos by JuanMarquis “Jay” Johnson | Location: SCSA South Coast Safe Access
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“I found that I could help my anxiety through the use of certain strains of marijuana, as opposed to Xanax or other things that had opiates in it.”
Elite athletes are under a lot of scrutiny. Do you foresee a future where cannabis is something that’s not tested for and is no longer banned? I hope so. I hope it gets to the point to where it’s not even a slap on the wrist, and no big deal. Plus, they need it for the pain and for the recovery. I don’t think they’re using it just to get stoned, because they need to be active during the day for professional reasons. I’d recommend them a good strain of Rich Soil’s sativa; that’ll keep ’em up. You have recently gotten into the cannabis business arena. Can you tell me about your partnership with Camp Green, Rich Soil Organics? I had a mutual friend who approached me about Camp Green. They were growing organically, which is very clean. But it wasn’t something I just jumped into. We got to know each other, the whole team. We’re a minority-owned company, and we got to know each other to see if we clicked, businesswise. And from that point on, it has been working pretty good. I read a lot of studies on the power of natural healing. I found that I could help my anxiety through the use of certain strains of marijuana, as opposed to Xanax or other things that had opiates in it. 32
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Do you find that cannabis has allowed you to overcome your anxiety and make better decisions in life? One-hundred percent. As the world saw, I was in rehab. It took a lot of time for me to heal. During my recovery, I did a lot of research into the healing properties of cannabis. I suffer from really bad anxiety, and that anxiety led me to make terrible life-changing decisions off the court. My decision-making was terrible, because I was so anxious. One of my favorite strains is the OG Kush; it helps with my anxiety. Was it important for you that the company you partnered with is an organic grower? Yes, I want to help people, not hurt them with poor quality products [that are] full of chemicals.
Photo by John Gilhooley
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Is it equally important being a minority-owned company? Yes, it’s time for change in every which way in America. Because change is always good if it’s not hurting anyone. Black business baby! Black excellence, that’s what we support. What kind of feedback have you received from your customers? Everybody seems to like it. We went down to San Diego, and we got good reviews. Everybody seems to love it. You grew up in New York, which has a pretty strict medical cannabis program. How does the presence of a medical program impact those who live in states with stricter, or in some cases, no cannabis program? I mean, of course it’s going to affect consumers. If it’s legal in one area, but not another, that’s where you run into trouble. From our community, it’s horrible for it to be illegal in some of the black communities, because we’re going to find a way to sell it and make money off of it. Hopefully other states will legalize it and regulate it.
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There are two approaches to fighting for cannabis legalization, medical and recreational. Is one of the two more important to you? You got to fight it both ways. Fuck it! I want it all, we want it all. We want to smoke and enjoy it and heal ourselves at the same time. Your ability to bounce back from adversity is an inspiration to many. What words of advice would you give to people who are suffering from drug addiction problems? Put your higher power first, and you can overcome anything if you do that. With the tremendous highs and scary lows you have experienced in your life, what is the message people can take away from your life thus far? That I’m a fighter, that I’m a survivor, and I’m Godfearing. Anything that comes my way, I’ll overcome. What would you tell 20-year-old Lamar if you talked to him today? Just chill out and think. Think everything through. c
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Photo by John Gilhooley
Favorite Cannabis Strain Rich Soil OG Kush Favorite Movie The Hurricane Favorite Song “Angel” by Anita Baker Coca Cola or Pepsi? Pepsi Favorite Candy Airhead Bites Boxers or Briefs? Boxer briefs Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Wars Pineapple on pizza? Wrong Who’s going to win the NBA championships? Cleveland Cavaliers over the Houston Rockets
www.lamarodom.com richsoilorganics.com
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Sowing Sustainability T h e R o d a l e I n stit u t e h i g h l i g h ts its l e a d i n g hemp research project in honor of Hemp Hist o r y W e e k By Benjamin M. Adams
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emp’s rich history is embedded in the story of the United States. What was once a staple crop in early American society, hemp’s legacy eventually fell— but it is slowly returning to its former glory. With uniquely sustainable qualities, the plant is an ideal agricultural product that could also help combat the fingerprint that mankind leaves behind on planet Earth. This month we celebrate Hemp History Week (which runs from June 4-10), and to honor another year of progress in the hemp industry, CULTURE spoke with the Pennsylvaniabased Rodale Institute, which is conducting groundbreaking agricultural hemp research. 36
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Although hemp was once a major industry in Pennsylvania for over 260 years, 80 years of prohibition made hemp farms an impossibility until recently. “According to Penn State Extension, the fiber of both hemp and flax was used to produce everything from clothing, to rope, to paper in colonial times,” Tara Caton, senior lab technician with Rodale Institute told CULTURE. “Historical records from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania reveal that over 100 hemp mills operated in the state to separate the fibers from the bark and the core. Industrial hemp became a victim of the 1937 banning of marijuana, a different
variety of Cannabis sativa, because of morphological similarity of the two species.” The 2014 Federal Farm Bill, however, opened the doors to hemp cultivation once again, for research purposes. Hemp and cannabis have very different purposes, but many remain uneducated about making the distinction. “According to U.S. law, hemp is the stalks, stems and sterilized seeds of cannabis; marijuana is the leaves, flowers and viable seeds of cannabis,” Caton explained. Legally, hemp is defined as having less than 0.3 percent THC, and the plant is typically grown for its fiber content.
Now operating in what used to be one of the United States’ most popular hemp cultivation areas, Rodale Institute is making great strides in research. It’s one of 16 projects to receive a state-issued permit to cultivate hemp and unlike those other projects, Rodale Institute is one of the few organizations that is conducting independent agricultural research on hemp, directly on hemp farms. The institute is conducting a four-year research project, with an emphasis on sustainable farming. “We’re thrilled to have a new tool in our kit to find solutions for American farmers,” said Caton. “We’re honored to be included among the first research institutions granted access to experimenting with hemp. One of the most pressing issues for organic farmers is how to best fight weeds. Hemp, used as a cover crop, has the potential to not only suppress weeds but to provide a higher profit for the farmer in comparison to other cover crops (e.g. sorghum Sudan grass).” A cover crop is a crop grown for the purpose of soil enrichment, suppressing weed growth and helping to control unwanted pests and diseases. Hemp is more sustainable than many other types of plants, and members of Rodale Institute are very knowledgeable on the subject. “Hemp has a short growth phase and can be incorporated into a crop rotation, increasing the overall number of crops getting onto a field in a given year,” Caton explained.
“We’re honored to be included among the first research institutions granted access to e x p e r i m e n t i n g w i t h h e m p. ”
Caton also noted that hemp has a short growth phase, making it possible to cycle through multiple crop rotations in a single year. “This allows us to keep the field planted at all times, reducing erosion and runoff, and to increase soil carbon as the plant sequesters it from the atmosphere and returns to the ground,” she said. “Hemp is also less labor intensive than other fiber crops (e.g. cotton); one machine can harvest an entire field of hemp whereas hundreds of workers are needed to hand-pick cotton. Hemp can be harvested and its byproducts sold, but it’s also a great cover crop in
no-till systems because it leaves a lot of biomass behind, useful in building soil over time.” For its unique positions as a leading hemp research facility, Rodale Institute is being featured in a documentary called Deep Roots, in honor of Hemp History Week’s 2018 theme of the same name. With sustainability as the focus, the Institute is regarded as a prime example of success. The new short film documents the cultivation of hemp within a regenerative organic no-till agriculture model. “No till farming has many benefits,” Ross Duffield, farm operations manager told CULTURE.
“Limited disruption of the soil allows for the living organisms and fungi to grow and live undisturbed and in turn helps increase soil organic matter and soil quality. No till also helps keep soil in place and reduces erosion that is a big problem in tillage systems after extreme rain or drought.” The regenerative notill model is still a work in progress, Duffield admitted, since weed management is key to success when dealing with plants like hemp. “By rotating livestock through a grain or even a vegetable rotation and limiting the amount of tillage during a year, the regenerative organic approach can improve the health of the soil, the livestock, that and the farmers themselves,” Duffield said. “This approach not only sustains the organic land but improves it over time and will leave it in a better condition for future farmers to manage.” Rodale Institute is helping to create hemp awareness through its research and its complex cultivation strategies. In honor of Hemp History Week, it’s important remember how hemp cultivation changed the past, as well as how it can contribute to a more sustainable our future. c
Oliver Stone “[Cannabis legalization] can be done. It can be done legally, safely, healthy, and it can be taxed and the government can pay for education and stuff like that. Also, you can save a fortune by not putting kids in jail.”
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Industry Insider
Health Care Hero D r . C h a n d a M a ci a s o f t h e N a t i o n a l H o l is t ic H e a l i n g C e n t e r p r o m o t e s r a ci a l e q u i t y a n d s o u n d sci e n c e
By R. Scott Rappold
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he U.S. government has said for decades that cannabis has “no accepted medical use,” lumping it with drugs like heroin and LSD in terms of its medical potential and legality. But Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the nation’s most powerful marijuana foe, would only have to travel 10 blocks from his office in the nation’s capital to see otherwise. That’s where Dr. Chanda Macias provides medicine for 2,400 patients at her medical cannabis dispensary, 38
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violating federal law like every other cannabis seller in America. Her National Holistic Healing Center is one of five dispensaries in Washington, D.C., a small market that is symbolically large by virtue of its location. Dr. Macias expects sales to rise from $5 million to $8 million this year. As a result, she has emerged as one of the industry’s most prominent faces, a clean-cut scientist and mother of four with an impressive educational background, who doesn’t consume cannabis herself. Along with running the dispensary and studying the
plant as a scientist, she was also recently selected to serve as chairwoman of Women Grow, a nationwide organization with dozens of chapters and hundreds of business members. “Being operational for almost three years, I see what a tremendous difference in health care benefits it provides my patients,” said Dr. Macias, 43. “It’s unbelievable. I’ve seen recovery from certain ailments. I’ve seen improved quality of life for a lot of different patients. It’s miraculous what I’ve seen this plant can do for patients in the D.C. market.”
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H e a lt h C a r e D i s p a r i t y
It was on a trip to Ethiopia that Dr. Macias began to draw parallels between the health crisis in that impoverished nation and the situation facing millions of Americans at home. A cell biologist with a PhD from Howard University, she received a grant to bring students there to study diseases like malaria, which were often fatal because of a lack of medicine and available doctors. She had studied cannabis’ medical benefits and its potential to fight a number of diseases, from glaucoma to cancer, and decided to do something to help Americans gain access to it. “What I needed was to bring awareness to this health disparity that everyone experiences due to the deficiency of cannabinoids in our systems, understanding that those cannabinoids are putting us back in balance and giving us an improved quality of life, because that balance is something we need in order to not see these different progressive disease states,” she said. “It’s having access to the right medicine, and the medicine I feel can have the biggest impact on a patient is medical marijuana.” Around this time, 2013, Washington, D.C. was in the process of approving its first dispensaries. Dr. Macias applied, and two years later, was approved as the fifth and final one. She quit her job at a large pharmaceutical company to sell cannabis.
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Scientific Approach
“I can’t change who I am, which is a scientist. So I still have to indulge in that,” said Dr. Macias, who takes that approach to dispensing cannabis. When a new strain is ready, she and other scientists on her team examine the cannabinoid properties to determine what specific ailments it may be best used to treat, a concept known as “strain alignment.” Laboratory research is a major focus of the dispensary, along, of course, with its eight warehouse grow operations in the city. And it’s not just Washington, D.C. residents who can reap the benefits. The city allows medical cannabis patients from 16 other states to gain access to dispensaries, a big deal in a city that receives plenty of visitors, from tourists to government employees, who don’t need to go in search of the black market. Expanding access and knowledge about cannabis was why, in February of this year, Dr. Macias accepted the job of chairwoman of Women Grow. It’s an opportunity to not only
help women prosper in the industry, but to raise awareness of women’s issues, such as using cannabis to treat endometriosis, a painful swelling of uterus tissue, and allowing children who use cannabis to treat epilepsy to medicate at school instead of having to be taken home.
“ . . . Overall if I ever question my decision of g o i n g i n t o t h i s i n d u s t r y, I l o o k at m y 2 , 4 0 0 p at i e n t s , a n d I s ay, ‘ I d i d t h e r i g h t thing. No question.’” A.
A Polarizing Issue
Dr. Macias’ eight-year-old son isn’t allowed to say “marijuana” or “cannabis.” He can only call the plant “medicine.” It’s to protect him from getting in trouble if someone asks what his mother does. It’s also to avoid a misunderstanding that could result in social services being called. Such are the risks of running a dispensary in a region that is years behind the West in terms of the legality of cannabis. It’s the same attitude she has come up against during her entire academic career. “When I went to school, it was still the ‘War on Drugs’ and the thought of marijuana was [that] there was nothing medical about it. It was just a pipeline to prison,” she said. When she studied cannabis, it was by reviewing the laboratory research of others, because of the legal hurdles in America to studying a Schedule I drug. Some of her scientific colleagues have applauded Dr. Macias for getting involved in medical cannabis, while others warned her it would be detrimental to her career. “I get both responses, but overall if I ever question my decision of going into this industry, I look at my 2,400 patients, and I say, ‘I did the right thing. No question,’” she said. “I’m very happy to be in this space,” she concluded. “I’m happy to create awareness and meet some pretty dynamic people who really are changing the face of health care.” c CultureMagazine.com
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Still Strong Cannabis continues to provide unparalleled t r e at m e n t f o r M a d d i e H o lt ’ s rare genetic condition By Emily Manke
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magine being told by doctors that your child has only days to live. That is something Meagan Holt has been told about her daughter Maddie, twice. Early on in her young life, Maddie was diagnosed with Zellweger syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes frequent seizures, vision loss, hearing loss and many other symptoms. Maddie’s prognosis was not good. According to all of the doctors that Meagan consulted, Maddie’s life would be short and heavily medicated. In 2015, Maddie was put on hospice, sent home, and Meagan was told she would likely die the same day. But Maddie didn’t die. In fact, Meagan gave her cannabis oil for the first time at home, and something miraculous happened. Maddie went eight days without having a seizure, which was a record for her. CULTURE covered Meagan and her daughter Maddie’s story in July of 2017. Since then, cannabis treatment has improved Maddie’s quality of life dramatically. CULTURE caught up with Meagan to get an update, and while cannabis will never cure Maddie’s genetic disorder, the treatment has made incredible improvements in the young girl’s life. “Since last speaking with CULTURE, Maddie has done amazing things.” Meagan 40
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said with pride. Since last July, Maddie’s liver became so hard, that she had a massive internal bleed. This was due to her condition, which causes organ failure. Maddie was given a rapid blood transfusion. Because of her condition, and the fact that she is a cannabis patient, Maddie is not eligible for a liver transplant. Instead of a transplant, Maddie had a shunt put into her liver, which allows blood to bypass the liver.” The surgery to install the shunt took seven-and-a-half hours. Despite the severity of this surgery and her condition, Maddie went through the entire procedure without opioids, and she was able
to leave the hospital in five days. Then, in late 2017, her medical team discovered a massive vascular malformation in her esophagus, which required blood transfusions every six to 10 days. Because of this, and the toll it continued to take on her compromised liver, Maddie was once again placed on hospice. But true to form, Meagan didn’t give up. She increased Maddie’s CBG dosage, started using raw cannabis juice, and the results were once again astounding. The massive vascular malformation, also known as blebs, went away entirely, and Maddie is once again off hospice.
“Medically, it’s been overwhelming with her.” Meagan said, in an admirably understated and hopeful manner. Maddie is currently weaning off of her last traditional epilepsy medication, down from 26 medications to two including cannabis. Another upside to Maddie’s cannabis treatment is that it has been changing the hearts and minds of the medical professionals treating her. “My relationship with her care team is impeccable,” Meagan stated. “A good example of why we have to continue to reach out to the medical community and educate them—I actually became an advisor for Seattle Children’s Hospital and do a lot of policy work with them now. They now have a policy for off-policy use, so I can administer cannabis to Maddie while she’s inpatient, and the hospital isn’t liable.” All of the doctors who work with Maddie tell Meagan to keep doing what she is doing. While the doctors can’t legally come right out and recommend cannabis use, Meagan knows that they support her. Doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital often refer parents whose kids are out of other options to Meagan, because they know she can tell them what they cannot regarding cannabis treatment. Meagan has also been hard at work in Olympia. She helped draft Maddie’s Law, Senate Bill 5290 and the companion House Bill
1060, which would have allowed students to be administered medical cannabis by their parents at school. While the bills didn’t pass, Meagan lobbied for it intensely in the last two legislative sessions. Meagan is disappointed about the outcome, and she wonders why Washington State has fallen behind other medical cannabis states like New Jersey and Michigan, which allow the kids who need medical cannabis to receive it in school. Meagan has some advice for parents with children who are out of other treatment options, and considering cannabis as an option. “The most important thing is, no matter what they tell you, don’t ever give up. Until they’re taking their last breath, it’s not over until it’s over,” Meagan said. “When I started treating Maddie with cannabis, I never expected it to save her life. And I don’t think any parent should start treating their child with cannabis with the intention of it saving their child’s life. The only intention you should have is for them to have a better quality of life than they have right now.” Maddie’s condition is terminal, and cannabis isn’t going to change that. But what cannabis has done, is drastically improve the quality of Maddie’s limited time on Earth and give Maddie and Meagan more precious time together. It’s hard to believe a plant capable of such miracles, is still so controversial. c
“ W h e n I s ta r t e d t r e at i n g M a d d i e w i t h cannabis, I never expected it to save her life. And I don’t think any parent should s ta r t t r e at i n g t h e i r c h i l d w i t h c a n n a b i s with the intention of it saving their c h i l d ’ s l i f e . T h e o n ly i n t e n t i o n y o u s h o u l d have is for them to have a better quality o f l i f e t h a n t h e y h a v e r i g h t n o w. ”
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intriguing Ingenuity
Onjha by Mike Oncley
Hi g h Art 2 0 1 8 wi n n e r M i k e Onc l e y is a h u m b l e v isi o n a r y 42
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By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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annabis is a useful tool for those who want to get creative and let loose through uninhibited artistic expression. The High Art 2018 contest is a celebration of cannabis and art. And while it’s the artistic process that counts, it’s also a contest, meaning that only one proud artist gets to claim the title of grand prize winner. This year,
that proud artist was Mike Oncley, who didn’t expect to win, but was thrilled when he did. Oncley’s winning piece Onjha, some have interpreted, is a subtle hat-tip to the political division that dominates American culture today, with the image of someone looking through a red and blue lens. CULTURE talked to Oncley about the victory and how his love of cannabis has played a role in his ongoing pursuit of art.
How did you find out about the High Art 2018 contest, and what prompted you to enter? I actually ran into Natural Cannabis Company’s ad on Instagram promoting the contest. I don’t enter a lot of contests but really appreciated the rules for entering this one—no tagging 10 friends, no community voting—it was really a call for talent over the popularity contests you see most often on social media. Did you think you would win? How big of a surprise was it to you? I absolutely thought I would not
win. I saw that Juxtapoz Magazine was a part of the contest and knew people would be putting their best work forward. This was my first time hearing of this fifth annual contest, and I felt like a newcomer. So, after submitting, I just tried to forget about it. Come 420, I was flipping through social media when I got the notice from Natural Cannabis Company that I had won first place and was wildly surprised! It was an amazing feeling. Why do you think the contest is important? This contest was a great way to gather like-minded artists, all who
“ C a n n a b i s h a s a l w ay s b e e n a w ay f o r m e to help defragment my brain a little b i t, b r i n g i n g m e f o c u s w h e n t h o u g h t s c a n s ta r t t o g e t o v e r w h e l m i n g . ” use cannabis in some shape or form in their life and art. I think creating art surrounding cannabis only helps to normalize it and express the creative community’s acceptance of this plant. How do you choose to work cannabis into your art as a theme? I am actually fortunate enough to have a wonderful cannabis photographer as my fiancé, so it was through her beautiful imagery that I was able to create my piece. Her photo was my direct reference as I pasted magazine clippings and painted the portrait image. How did you first discover cannabis, and why is it important to your art and your personal life? Oh wow, I’d have to say it was first discovered on a lifeguard tower in Belmont Shore, California through an apple pipe in 2006. Cannabis has always been a way for me to help defragment Photo by Mike Fulton
my brain a little bit, bringing me focus when thoughts can start to get overwhelming. It’s a therapeutic experience to have a quick smoke and sit down with some magazine clippings and Mod Podge. How do you feel about legalization so far in the U.S.? So far, legalization is on the right track, with a long way to go. Individual legalized states provide great examples to show congress that people can consume responsibly and that cannabis is more of a solution than a problem, especially with the current opioid crisis hitting America. Although, until cannabis is legalized federally and the people who have been incarcerated for this plant are released, there is more work to be done. How would you describe your style? I would describe my current style as a beautiful mess. I can’t simply translate an image directly to a painting without losing interest halfway through. I tend to make a problem for myself to solve, like a big smear across the canvas or pasting magazine clippings that only partially fit where I need them, and then have to think, “How can I get my final image recognizable again?” What can we expect from your art in the future? It’s hard to say! I always like experimenting with different methods, so the future is still a mystery. I’d say look out for bigger and better portraits from me. Is there anything else you would like to add? I think a big thank you to Natural Cannabis Company and Juxtapoz are in order for organizing such a great contest that included a huge donation to an international nonprofit. If you’d like to see more of my work, you can head to my website, HeyOncley.com or find me on social media at the same name. c
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and cannabiS T h e c a n n a b is a n d LGB T Q c o m m u n iti e s s h a r e si m i l a r a g e n d a s — t h e p u rs u it o f c i v i l l i b e rti e s By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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t’s that time of year again—rainbow flags are flying and love is in the air while inclusive, raging parties are happening across the world. It’s Pride season once again, and even if you aren’t a member of the LGBTQ community, it’s still the perfect time to show solidarity with those who are. There are plenty of ways to celebrate Pride and cannabis together, especially in states that allow cannabis. In a lot of bigger cities with a saturation of cannabis and dispensaries, cannabis professionals sponsor Pride,
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showing up with floats and booths to help spread the word about the acceptance that goes hand-in-hand with cannabis culture. Local businesses host Pride specials and give discounts to those celebrating.
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“ T o d ay P r i d e i s a b i g g e r c e l e b r at i o n than ever, much l i k e o u r r e c e n t ly p a s s e d h o l i d ay, 420, which gets bigger and better every year.”
But at the heart of it, sponsorships from liquor and cannabis companies aren’t what Pride is all about. Just like people who love cannabis, the LGBTQ community loves to party, but the community has also undeniably faced a lot of oppression over the years. And more so than sharing a love of entrepreneurship or catching a good buzz, cannabis activists and queer people share a passion for making positive social change. Despite the challenges being imposed by current leaders, who have recently introduced both anticannabis and anti-LGBTQ policies, queer issues are still at the forefront of many people’s minds, and for every setback, progress inches towards acceptance. Today Pride is a bigger
celebration than ever, much like our recently passed holiday, 420, which gets bigger and better every year. These days, Pride celebrations aren’t just excuses to party and get wild; they are celebrations of all the social and political activism that is being done, both in the cannabis community and in the LGBTQ world. For decades, cannabis consumers were arrested and tried as felons for supplying cannabis to others, or simply for medicating. LGBTQ folks were being arrested just for expressing love for people of the same gender or crossdressing. Despite the setbacks still faced today, the communities have come so far. So, this year as Pride rolls around, don’t just think of it as a chance to wear bright colors and party with your friends. Make time to reflect on the how far cannabis and queer issues have come in 2018, and celebrate the achievements made, while recognizing that the fight for representation and acceptance is still far from over. c
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Vegan Visionary C a n n a b is is t h e secret ingredient of i n s p ir a ti o n f o r p ri va t e vegan chef and hip-hop a rtist, T h e S e ssi o n By Jamie Solis
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he Session, born Kory Chester, is on a mission to single-handedly change stereotypes when it comes to his creations. As a private chef and hip-hop artist, don’t be fooled by first impressions and pre-conceived ideas. This classically trained private chef-turned-YouTube-and-Instagramsensation indeed spits lyrics and stands at six-foot-five. Yet while he is often compared to Wiz Khalifa, he has so much more heart and depth than your typical celebrity lookalike. Working as a private chef on a daily basis for high-end clientele, The Session provides his clients with daily doses of health and nutrition. However, his altruism to give back to those who are less fortunate is what truly serves as the true driving force of his ambition. With an impressive following on social media, this private chef and artist sat down with CULTURE to talk about food, music, his community and how cannabis is the secret ingredient to inspiration in his life.
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The latest song he recorded is a true testament to this goal. The song by David Sharkey feat. The Session entitled, “NvR Without You” is a love song, the first of which The Session had a part in producing. Although he raps on the track, his flow is melodic and beautiful, which is vastly different than what one might typically expect to hear from a hip-hop artist.
The Unifying Herb labor of love Ambitious, resourceful and a lover of food—The Session started his path to becoming a chef during high school back in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended trade school classes for cooking alongside his general studies. Over a year ago, he relocated to Northern California, where he now prepares vegan meals daily as a private chef. Although he has only lived a vegan lifestyle for a little over a year, The Session is a huge advocate for the health benefits that he continues to receive. “Being a vegan is beneficial in every way,” he said. “Your skin is better. You feel better. I just feel better.” Although most of his clients aren’t interested in cannabis-infused vegan meals at this point, The Session still whips up cannabis meals for friends and clients who have become friends. He would love to branch into more cannabis-related cuisine and events in the future, but that isn’t the only future he foresees. “One of my goals is to do more weed-related events, but my main goal is to become the highest paid private chef in California,” he said. Upon visiting The Session’s YouTube channel, his altruism and commitment to giving back to the community are clear to see. Various videos show him whipping up delicious vegan meals at the kitchen in his home, then delivering vegan meals to people who are homeless and less fortunate in his local community on days like 420 and Thanksgiving. Of all that he does, his truest intention in life is to serve others. “All I really want out of this world is to make changes and help, because I feel
like everybody is not going to do that. And you only get one life,” The Session said. “So, my legacy that I would like to leave behind is just . . . God forbid if I were to pass away in a week, they could at least say, ‘Damn, he was taking money out of his pocket to help everybody.’ I’m consistent every day. I help people every day. I spread love every day.” He is committed to this mission. As he continues to find success, he will largely use his platforms for the greater good of those around him. “As I keep growing and as I get to the top, I know I will be able to help the world,” he concluded.
Although he’s spread in many directions, the one unifying aspect of The Session’s exciting lifestyle is cannabis. Playing an important role in his creative processes of both music and cooking, cannabis is an essential part of his daily life to which he is very grateful. “It’s a part of my life. I have weed tattooed on me. I don’t know if that’s an awesome thing or not, but to me it’s pretty cool. Weed inspires everything I do. Literally every time I cook for my clients, I’m always high. It gives me a creative edge,” The Session said. “For example, before I go to the store, I smoke a little bit. It gets me a little hungry and opens my mind to think, ‘What would they want to eat today?’”
“ W e e d i n s p i r e s e v e r y t h i n g I d o . L i t e r a l ly e v e r y t i m e I c o o k f o r m y c l i e n t s , I ’ m a l w ay s h i g h . I t g i v e s m e a c r e at i v e e d g e . ” P a v i n g a N e w P at h Food and altruism aren’t the only passions that The Session is dedicated to. In respect to the hip-hop music he creates, The Session’s overall direction is another example of his uniqueness. What you hear coming through the speakers from The Session clearly breaks the mold of what people might expect or stereotype from his rap music and his appearance in general. “My music direction, I don’t want to be labeled as anything. I don’t want to be a cliché rapper. My goal in life is to defy stereotypes all the way around. I make tons of rap songs for sure, but as my production grows and as I find my sound, I’m looking to make a song of every genre,” he said.
Being from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but now calling California home, The Session has seen firsthand the negative impact of cannabis prohibition. “As a black man in this country, I know so many people back home, where I’m from, who were affected by smoking a joint, and you can get arrested for the most miniscule thing. No one should be punished for consuming cannabis.” When it comes to what The Session hopes to bring to his viewers, his fans and the world around him, it’s to have perseverance and never give up on your dreams. “If you can envision it, if you can taste it, if you can feel it, it will happen. You just have to stick with it. You can’t ever give up, because I feel like this is just the start for me.” c
Photos by Ryan Wall
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Outdoo r C O2
GROWING CULTURE
THE EXPERIMENTS CONTINUE By Ed Rosenthal
Sex Expression
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few issues ago, I wrote about an experiment performed in the 1930s by Sister Mary Etienne Tibeau. She conducted various fertilizer experiments with hemp—depriving seedlings of all fertilizers or giving them a complete fertilizer (except that it lacked Nitrogen). I have been replicating that experiment. I germinated the seeds between two layers of hand towel cloth, and then planted them in rockwool cubes. They were supplied with tap water that had 70 parts per million (ppm) dissolved solids but no Nitrogen. They were kept under constant fluorescent light for 10 days and then the lighting was changed to 12 hours with each light and uninterrupted darkness to induce flowering. The plants are growing very slowly without nutrients. They look comparable to the seedlings that Tibeau recorded in her studies. As you can see in the second photo below, they are beginning to form primordial flowers. At this point, their sex cannot be determined. By next month, we will see if the lack of Nitrogen has an effect on sexual expression, as Tibeau reported.
Plants in the experiment are stunted because they are receiving no nutrients. The first flowers are beginning to develop. 48
Close-up of beginning of the first flowers developing under flowering regimen of 12 hours light, 12 hours uninterrupted darkness. The flower’s sex was undetermined, at this stage but will become apparent in the coming days.
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I first saw the use of CO2 outdoors when I was on a trip to Australia. A single cannabis plant was growing in the yard next to the house [that I was at]. A gas water heater was sitting outside, to one side of the plant. Every time the hot water was turned on, the propane was fired. It heated the water as well as produced CO2 and water vapor. The side of the plant receiving the gas was much more robust than the other side. This was an extremely well done, albeit an inadvertent experiment. It was performed on a single plant so the genetics was the same, as well as all environmental conditions except for the enhanced CO2 on only one portion of the plant. This showed that even outdoors, CO2 enhanced air results in higher yields. I recently visited a legal cannabis farm in California too, where the cultivators
Open tunnel greenhouse with regulator and CO2 releasing tubing.
were performing CO2 experiments on open tunnel gardens in order to learn the most efficacious way to supply it. They have a large tank of liquid CO2, which is held under pressure. The gas is delivered to the top of the canopy through tubing with micro-pore holes to release the gas. CO2 is heavier than air and it is cold so it drifts down to the plant tops. Light intensity, wind and temperature are all taken into account as they are developing logarithms for gas release. Results will be tallied after harvest. Meanwhile, you can try this method on your own. Regulate the gas tank using a timer and CO2 ppm meter. Set the timer to release the gas between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is most intense. Set the ppm meter to about 800 ppm. This turns the gas flow on and off which keeps the CO2 levels stable. Don’t run it on windy days though, you’ll just be wasting gas. c
Close-up of tubing running over the plant canopy.
The experimental regulator and environmental measuring device is connected to a large liquid CO2 tank.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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NORCAL NOW! event listings
Covestock, June 8-10 Windmill Cove will transform into an exciting three-day music and camping festival, bringing attendees the best of the best local cover bands. There, these talented artists will perform classic and unforgettable music made famous by The Rolling Stones, Santana, Metallica, AC/DC, CULTURE cover Jimi Hendrix and many others. Windmill Cove, Stockton windmillcovebar.com Flying Lotus, June 16 Producer and rapper Flying Lotus has quickly become one of the most influential and innovative producers to experiment in hip-hop. His trippy and spacious production has expanded to new dimensions and is best experienced at his mesmerizing live shows. Fortunately, Berkeley provides the perfect atmosphere for his musical innovations. Greek Theatre, Berkeley flying-lotus.com South Bay VegFair, June 16 Formerly known as the California Summer VegFest, the South Bay VegFair is an annual spectacle where vegan and animal rights communities gather to learn, reconnect and dine. Attendees can shop for unique vegan foods, browse over 100 lifestyle vendors, attend workshops and hear from live speakers and musicians, all in one location.
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Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, San Jose summerveg.com
64th North Beach Festival, June 16-17 The 64th annual North Beach Festival will feature over 125 arts and crafts vendors, gourmet food, poetry readings and live entertainment on two separate stages. This longstanding San Franciscan tradition will also be full to the brim with Italian street painting, beverage gardens and so much more. North Beach District, San Francisco www.sresproductions.com Father’s Day Cruise, June 17 Take dad on a cruise across the San Francisco Bay aboard Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Presidential yacht USS Potomac. Guest will sail for three hours while enjoying a heart box lunch, hosted wind bar and witness sights from around The Bay between Oakland and San Francisco. The ship will sail around Alcatraz and Angel Island, and you know dads—they love that stuff. USS Potomac, Oakland usspotomac.org/events Kevin Hart: The Irresponsible Tour, June 21 We all have seen Kevin Hart on TV or films. He is one of the biggest comedians on the scene, and now you can experience the hilarity of this epic stand-up
featured event
XOXO Pride San Francisco, June 23
Let XOXO and Avanti Productions transform The Midway in San Francisco into your own Candyland, featuring international sensation Forever Tel Aviv along with XOXO DJ and San Francisco’s very own MiSha Skye and Sagi Kariv. Other hypnotic performances from Tye and his amazing dancers will also be opening for Maya Simantov. This is one transformation you don’t want to miss—see you in Candyland. The Midway, San Francisco xoxopresents.com comedian in person. Known for selling out various clubs and venues while he’s on tour, Kevin Hart keeps the audience in stitches from beginning to end. Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View kevinhartnation.com Vans Warped Tour, June 23 One of the longest running festival concert tours has made its return; Vans Warped Tour is back for one last and final tour this summer. It’s been a staple in the California music scene for decades, offering not only a platform for music, but for athletes and the alternative lifestyle in general.
Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View vanswarpedtour.com Promised Land: Journey Into An Enchanted World, June 23 Here comes a journey into an enchanted world where you enter a land with mysterious, mystical creatures, dreamlike forests and cascading waterfalls. Be prepared to embrace an adventure into an enchanted realm. Join us for one night in a magical place filled with more than mysteries with headlining DJs including The Cube Guys, Casey Alva, Del Stamp and many others. Verso, San Francisco briankentproductions.com
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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—BOLD In the tiny Denver suburb of Castle Rock, Colorado, the motto might be “If the house is rockin’, DO come knockin’!” Residents on Avery Way are in a tizzy about the Thunderstorm Play Palace, a 7,500-squarefoot home where, neighbors told KDVR-TV, the owner invites swinging couples and singles to gather for wild sex parties. Invitees must make a “donation” ($70 for couples and single men, $20 for single women), and the parties include drinks, snacks and potluck dishes. “One had four crockpots,” said a neighbor, “showing up like they’re going to a Bunko party or something.” On the invitation, guests were asked to bring their own condoms and show respect for the “new furniture.” The host is a married father of three who feels harassed by the neighborhood, but he counters that he’s taken steps to be discreet, including installing soundproofing and making sure “there are no open areas.” But neighbors claim they hear “disturbing sounds” coming from the house. “You can hear people doing what they’re doing,” one resident told reporters. Castle Rock Police say the man is not breaking the law because he’s only taking donations, and the activities are contained to his home. DO NOT CLIMB! Black Panther isn’t feeling the love in South Korea 52
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lately. The Walt Disney Co. sent two statues of the superhero to Busan to celebrate Marvel Studios’ filming along Korea’s southern coast. But on March 17, according to The Korea Herald, a 32-year-old drunk man was arrested after he vandalized the statue in the Gwangbok-ro shopping district, and on April 21, the statue near Gwangalli Beach was toppled and part of its head broken off. An official from the Korea Film Council thought someone had probably tried to climb the statue, despite numerous off-limits signs. OOPS! Police officers in the German town of Neustadt were called April 25 to an apartment building after reports of screaming led neighbors to suspect domestic violence, the Daily Mail reported. Instead, they found a couple receiving instruction in the Japanese art of Shibari erotic bondage from the apartment’s tenant. (“Shibari” translates as “the beauty of tight binding.”) In a statement titled “Fifty Shades of Neustadt,” police reported the couple were “well and in a good mood,” even asking the officers if they’d like to join in, but they had to decline. In the seaside village of Lytham St Annes, England, Douglas Cholmondley Travis, an 88-year-old member of the local Neighborhood Watch, was on patrol Oct. 10, 2017, when he and an 87-year-old watch colleague noticed a van turning into Lytham Park Cemetery. Regarding the vehicle as suspicious, they began taking pictures of it until Antony James, driver of
the van, there only to visit family graves, grew angry and stopped, according to Metro News. James got out of his van to confront Travis, causing a panic, according to defense attorney Robert Castle, that resulted in James being knocked down by the Neighborhood Watch vehicle and Travis charged for reckless driving and assault. “This is all terribly sad,” Castle told Blackpool Magistrates Court in late April, as his client is “one of the eyes and ears of the police.” Travis was fined 40 pounds plus court costs.
in Cleveland, where the scheduled departure time was 2:30 a.m., passengers told WEWS-TV, but the bus didn’t leave until 6 a.m. After crossing into Pennsylvania, the bus turned around, and the driver explained he was returning to Cleveland because of mechanical difficulties. However, the driver missed Cleveland and drove all the way to Toledo before realizing the mistake and heading back to Cleveland. “We were on this bus for seven hours just going in a circle,” said passenger Morgan Staley.
LOOK-ALIKES Dolores Leis, 64, of Nanton in Galicia, Spain, is a modest wife and potato farmer. But thanks to the internet, she has found fame as “Trump’s Galician sister.” The Associated Press reports that a journalist researching farming posted a photo of Leis at her farm on Instagram, and the striking resemblance between her and the U.S. president caught the attention of the web. “I say that it must be because of the color of the hair,” Leis told La Voz de Galicia on April 24. She added that she’s not overwhelmed by the sudden attention because, unlike her doppelganger, she doesn’t use a mobile phone and isn’t much interested in online chatter. “I look at everything that my daughters show me, but it never stung my curiosity to have (a phone),” she said.
BATHING NEWS Evelyn Washington, 29, broke then crawled through a window in a Monroe, Louisiana, home on April 17, then settled into a warm bath with a bag of Cheetos and a large plate of food within reach on the toilet lid. The Fort Worth StarTelegram reported that when the homeowner returned from work around 5 p.m., she called police, who removed Washington to the Ouachita Correctional Center, where she told them “an unknown male told her to break into the victims’ residence.”
MISGUIDED Greyhound Bus passengers were frustrated on April 19 after their trip to New York was delayed by mechanical trouble and navigational challenges. The ride started
On April 4, a homeowner in the Longton area of Stoke-on-Trent, England, returned home to discover a man bathing in his tub and enjoying a cup of Oxo (broth), according to the BBC. When police arrived, the 36-year-old naked man tried to flee but was caught and arrested. The homeowner complained: “He ate me crisps, had five rounds of corned beef and sauce, ate a jar of pickles, had two ice creams and a can of Coke.”
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