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contents Vol 9 IssUE 2
08.17
20 Cannabis CowboY
Driven by his newest cannabisthemed song, country singer and musician Toby Keith discusses how songwriting and patriotism have played important roles in his career. On the COVER:
andrew southam
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14 features
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Industry Insider Matt and Leslie Bodenchuk, inventors of cannabis enthusiasts' favorite tool, the Toker Poker, found success in necessity.
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Time to Chill It’s hot out there—here’s how you can keep cool with cannabis while poolside this summer!
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Perfected Percussion Mike Hall, former percussionist from the hit theatrical show, STOMP, relies on medical cannabis to keep himself focused and on beat.
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Spreading Awareness Greece has become one of the latest countries to legalize medical cannabis.
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departments
news 10 News Nuggets 11 By the Numbers reviews 14 Strain & Concentrate Reviews 16 Cool Stuff 18 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 32 Growing Culture
08 Letter from the Editor
Online Exclusive! d Cannabis Stigma Harmful to Patient-Doctor Relationships
12 Local News
34 Destination Unknown 35 Profile in Courage 36 Recipes 39 News of the Weird
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d Medical Cannabis Bill Introduced in Texan Legislature
Vol 9 IssUE 2
CULTURE M
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Jefferson Van Billiard, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic DesignerS Nathan Hernandez sales director Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy digital content David Edmundson manager Intern Sophia Rybicki Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 500 locations throughout Oregon. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Phone / Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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LETTER
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T HE
EDITOR
U n i t e d We P r ev a i l
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hen thinking back to our time of youth, everyone can hear and recognize the soundtrack of their lives. From the rebellious punk rock music to the heart-wrenching ballads of R&B, each genre marks an era of personal growth and realizations about life. For me, country music held an important role as the anthem of my childhood, but in recent years, songs by Shania Twain and Garth Brooks are kept buried in nostalgia alongside tunes by Guns N’ Roses and Ace of Base. Even though I have embraced different approaches to music and found new favorites since then, country music has recently re-appeared in my life, as legendary country music singer Toby Keith just released a new music video about cannabis that features a jointsmoking Willie Nelson. I’ll be the first to say that in the past, not everyone saw a strong connection between cannabis and country music. But in an industry in which I am extremely involved in and passionate about—cannabis is now being promoted and whole-heartedly embraced by the country music world. It was then that I was reminded that much like music, cannabis transcends all people, regardless of what they believe. Known for his patriotism and support for the military, Keith has produced many conservative songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and “American Solider.” Keith’s newfound success with this cannabis anthem reminds me of how much the cannabis industry has evolved. Now, conservative and liberal politicians are working together to reform cannabis legislation at the state and federal levels. Although cannabis is notorious for the role it plays in the Rastafarian way of life, cannabis has a way of influencing many
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other cultures and religions around the globe. In the United States, we’ve seen everything from cannabis cultivating nuns to modern cannabis churches that are non-denominational out of respect for all religions. There will always be beliefs and ideologies that continue to separate us. Instead of focusing on those differences, let’s rally all fans of rock, rap and country, as well as every known religious affiliation, and we will continue to work together to reverse the negative stigmas associated with cannabis. Our relentless advocacy and dedication to professionalism and freedom will help us prove how cannabis has the ability to improve the planet and all the people who live on it. c
Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Deschutes County to Allow Anonymous Cannabis-Related Complaints Deschutes County will take an unorthodox approach to make it easier for concerned neighbors to report illegal cannabis operations without revealing their identity. The Deschutes County Commission decided to allow residents the ability to submit anonymous complaints on July 24. “The purpose of this work session is to discuss the county’s approach to code and law enforcement related to marijuana grow/production
complaints and violations,” the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners stated, adding that the county’s approach to cannabis complaints will “change from complaintdriven process to pro-active process.” The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has received about 30 to 40 written complaints from residents, but they believe they will receive more if complaints could be filed anonymously. In addition, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has struggled to determine on its own which small operations are in compliance and which are not. Operations that are considered a nuisance are generally the same operations that are in blatant violation of regulations.
Oregon Youth Cannabis Prevention Campaign Expands Statewide The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is continuing its measures to prevent cannabis consumption by teens. The Stay True to You campaign focuses on the prevention of cannabis consumption by Oregonian youth ages 12 to 20 years old. The program pilot, which was run in select areas of the state, ended in June 2017, and the new program will expand statewide. “Research shows that our audience was receptive to the Stay True to You campaign,” Kati Moseley, a policy specialist at OHA’s Public Health Division, stated. “With
New Hampshire Decriminalizes Cannabis In mid-July, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed House Bill 640, which officially decriminalized cannabis in the state. The bill reduces the penalties for possession of threequarters or less of cannabis or five or less grams of hash, and it also minimizes the fines. The Marijuana Policy Project’s Political Director, Matt Simon, released a statement about the signing’s approval. “The governor deserves credit for his steadfast support of this commonsense 10
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this expansion, youth and young adults statewide will hear the message that marijuana use should be delayed until adulthood or avoided entirely.” The Stay True to You campaign uses facts from OHA’s Retail Marijuana Scientific Advisory Committee reviews. The campaign will utilize a variety of media outlets, many of which will be digital platforms.
reform,” he stated. “Unlike his predecessors, who opposed similar proposals, Gov. Sununu appears to understand that ‘Live Free or Die’ is more than just a motto on a license plate.” HB-640 also implements a new misdemeanor charge for adults who do not properly store their cannabis edibles in child-proof packaging. New Hampshire is the 22nd state that has implemented cannabis decriminalization efforts. Although the bill was signed, it won’t become law until 60 days have passed since the initial signing.
The projected number of exhibitors who will appear at the Indo Expo Trade Show in Portland this month: (Source: indoexpo.com/portland)
300
The percentage that rent has increased for industrial cannabis facilities in Portland between the first quarter of 2014 and May 2017: (Source: The
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Oregonian)
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that represents the recreational cannabis tax revenue portion of the $8.2 billion dollar state education budget: (Source: Wallowa County Chieftain)
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The number of cannabis operating licenses that have been granted in the city of Eugene as of late June: (Source: The RegisterGuard)
The number of Eugene City Council votes, out of 7, that were in favor of revisiting distance buffers for local retail cannabis dispensaries in Eugene: (Source: The Register-Guard)
50
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The percentage of voters who believe that states in the U.S. should be allowed to enact their own medical cannabis programs: (Source: Survey USA)
76 The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that will be taken from New York State funds to boost industrial hemp research and development in the state: (Source: WBFO 88.7)
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The number of new medical cannabis dispensary licenses that were awarded in Pennsylvania:
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(Source: Philadelphia Magazine)
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Louisiana State University will receive over the course of five years as part of a medical cannabis production contract: (Source:
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San Francisco Chronicle)
Indo Expo Trade Show WHEN: Sat, Aug. 5-Sun, Aug. 6 WHERE: Portland Expo Center, 2060 N Marine Dr., Portland WEBSITE: indoexpo.com/portland The people of Oregon wanted a better cannabis B2B show, and the Indo Expo delivered. Build valuable relationships with other cannabis professionals at this event that features over 3,000 exhibitors and caters to around 4,000 attendees. The Industrial Hemp Pavilion will house businesses and entrepreneurs who are involved with industrial hemp and all the products that are made from it. Exhibitors will show off their
best hemp seeds, hemp CBD products, hemp coffee, HempCrete and more. Attendees will also find the best innovations in hydroponics, glassware, hardware, apparel, jewelry and souvenirs. Come see for yourself what is innovative and emerging in the industry, as hundreds of companies will be represented, including ancillary businesses such as legal services, packaging, HVAC, lighting, greenhouses, security and real estate. iReadCULTURE.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
Wel come Changes New bill aims to improve Oregon’s struggling medical cannabis program By Heather Johnson
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ver since recreational cannabis was legalized in Oregon with the passing of Measure 91, the state’s medical cannabis program has been struggling to stay afloat. House Bill 2198, the Cannabis Commission Bill, was created in response to the failing medical cannabis program in Oregon, and it could be a last hope for many employees working in the medical industry. Since legalization, many medical cultivators have continued to sell cannabis on the black market or even send the crop to other states for sale. HB-2198 would allow some medical cannabis cultivators to sell up to 20 pounds of usable cannabis to dispensaries for sale to recreational consumers. The new provisions would provide cannabis cultivators with a way to operate a profitable business while still operating legally. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP), which is currently run by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), is in dire need of modernization in the face of changing laws. One of the biggest changes that could arise from the passage of HB-2198 is the formation of a new cannabis commission to oversee the OHA in the implementation of cannabis rulings. Oregon’s medical cannabis market, which has flourished in the past, now pales in comparison to the new recreational market. It’s a necessity for this bill to pass to save the medical program, and without it, the program could disappear altogether. This could be very bad news for patients who need cannabis for treatment but
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cannot afford to pay recreational taxes. HB-2198 would be a step in the right direction, but for many in the medical industry, it may be too little, too late. Tim Anderson is a Portland native who has been growing medical cannabis in Oregon for nearly 10 years. With the medical industry fading into the shadows of legalized cannabis, it has become more and more difficult to provide for his registered patients. “The new bill provides the bare minimum to keep the medical growers on life support,” Anderson told CULTURE. “In my opinion they must make some provisions for the medical industry in order to save face. This is the bare minimum they can do in order to say they are trying to make room for the medical side of the cannabis industry. Recreational marijuana is much more lucrative for the government than medical marijuana, and that’s all they care about.” Anderson’s sentiment is similar to many who have been working with Oregon’s medical cannabis market, as well as patients trying to medicate. More and more medical cannabis cardholders are choosing not to renew their cards in Oregon. More than 10,000 patients in the past two years have decided that paying the yearly fee isn’t worth the savings that come from avoiding the recreational sales tax. Almost 80 percent of dispensaries that once sold medical cannabis are switching to exclusively recreational sales. With very few medical dispensaries left, patients are left paying extra for their OMMP cards with little benefit. Stores are seeing medical sales drop dramatically as recreational sales continue to increase. Lawmakers in Oregon are concerned that the medical cannabis program is going to eventually flounder, and this new bill has been introduced to help medical growers earn more money, while still providing for their cardholders. This extra income would help pay for the cost of grow sites and medical cannabis processing. Under the new bill, patients who grow their own cannabis would be able to share a grow site address with another patient. Six mature plants per address were previously allowed, but these new provisions would allow up to 12 with two patients at one address. HB-2198 passed through the House on July 5 and in the Senate on July 18. The Cannabis Commission Bill could bring necessary changes to Oregon’s medical cannabis program, and medical patients and growers can only hope that they are just the first of many more to come. c
Farwest Portland 2017 Attend the largest green industry trade show in the West on a fiveacre exhibition floor. Cultivators, landscapers, arborists, researchers and horticulturists are all invited to meet, greet and pick up on the latest cultivation practices. Improve your gardening skills and learn more about the latest gardening technology. Last year, over 6,000 attendees walked the show floor. This year, over 400 exhibitors will inspire and educate attendees. Find popular plant varieties among the vendors and attend a variety of classes and seminars covering pesticides, horticulture and more. The Retailer’s Choice Award ceremony takes place at 3 p.m. on Thursday. The event is sponsored by the Oregon Association of Nurses and top industry professionals. WHEN: Wed, Aug. 23-Fri, Aug. 25 WHERE: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Blvd., Portland WEBSITE: farwestshow.com
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrate Available at: Cannabis Corner in Portland.
Available wherever: Korova products are carried. Available wherever: Mary’s Medicinals products are carried.
Elite Sunset Sherbert Nothing says "summertime" more than lounging in a hammock while on vacation or watching an orange and red sunset on the horizon. If you’re looking for a strain that evokes this same sense of relaxation and calmness, look no further than Elite Sunset Sherbert. This rich and smooth hybrid was the product of combining Girl Scout Cookies and Pink Panties. An indicadominant flower that was produced by Northwest Greeneries, Elite Sunset Sherbert boasts 28.07 percent THC. These forest green buds are caked in a thick layer of white frosty trichomes with dark orange hairs poking through. After easily breaking these nugs apart by hand and rolling them into a joint, this strain evoked a mellow uplifting effect that left reviewers feeling warm and at ease. Elite Sunset Sherbert provides a well-balanced and pain-free mind and body effect, awarding total relaxation. It had a delicious aroma that consisted of sweet honey with a taste of fruity yogurt. We also noted a sweet earthy aftertaste that intensified as we exhaled.
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CBD:THC 3:1 Vape Pen by Mary’s Medicinals We knew we would be pleased when we saw the crystal clear, yellow-tinged liquid inside the 3:1 vape cartridge by Mary’s Medicinals. As soon as we took a draw, our senses were enveloped by a rich fruity flavor with a fresh lemon and herbal scent after the exhale. Its 3:1 CBD:THC ratio is perfect for an instantly relaxing effect with clarity for functional, daytime consumption, with 18 percent THC and 55 percent CBD. The refillable 500mg pyrex glass cartridges are filled with additive-free distillate that contains a subtle blend of re-introduced terpenes. The CBD oil comes from Elite Botanicals hemp farm in Colorado, and will easily become a favorite of those looking for relief from anxiety, spasms, pain and serious diseases such as cancer. By finding the perfect balance of CBD and THC, this pen cartridge provided us at CULTURE with a pleasant effect that quickly followed before we could put the pen down. Keep your consumption discreet and mess-free with the slick, clean benefits of a quality vape pen that is sure to become your new favorite go-to product.
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
3 1. My Rolling Tray My Rolling Tray is a well-built tray that is built to last. The handmade customprinted rolling trays are made in California out of solid wood and quality materials. Each tray is capable of surviving a heat test, which consists of running a flame up and down the tray, as well as a scratch test—and its makers are happy to prove it on YouTube. There are no gaps around the edges in order to prevent herb from getting stuck and wasted during the rolling process. The tray area is also very slick and durable, which is perfect for sticky buds. Designs in the tray area can be customizable—from album covers to your own art. For every sale they make, My Rolling Tray donates 10 percent of your order to various charities. Price: $10-80 MORE INFORMATION: myrollingtray.com 2. JaK D’Rippa This strange contraption looks like the sorcery of H.H. Holmes or Jack the Ripper. The device allows you to “annihilate” your concentrates without leaving the slightest shred of evidence. The JaK D’Rippa is designed for those who are tired of wasting valuable concentrates after moving them from the container to the piece. No blowtorch means no burns and no mess. The Rip-Tip is best for dabbing out of glass or metal containers. The Rip-Receiver is designed for when the substance goes directly the heating surface, which minimizes transfer losses. Feel free to adjust the heating surface to your heart’s desire with an easy-to-use temperature dial. Just plug this baby in using its power adapter, and you will be awarded unlimited inhalations. Price: $140-170 MORE INFORMATION: magic-flight.com 16
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3. ResÖlution Gel It’s time to tackle your toughest glass and metal cleaning projects with ResÖlution’s ResGel. Just tear off the top of the re-sealable bag, and soak resinated stems, elbows, nails, stoppers and pipes, or whatever else needs to be cleaned. The gel automatically coats the pieces, making it more effective than runny cleaning compounds. ResÖlution’s clay-based cleansing formula is nontoxic and free of volatile compounds. Out of all the cleaning compounds that CULTURE has tried, this one impressed, as our pieces were free of any unwanted aftertaste following a rigorous cleaning session. The eco-friendly packaging is made out recycled plastic. The top of the bag also includes a nozzle tap for draining. Price: $11.99 MORE INFORMATION: resolutioncolo.com
4. Knife Hits by Diamond Glass Get the glass pipe that truly “makes the cut.” Diamond Glass redefines what a “knife hit” means with its knife-shaped glass pipe that is guaranteed to impress your friends and scare your enemies. Complete with a convenient carb on the left side, the pipe is 100 percent functional. This whopper of a pipe is about 10.6 inches long including the blade length with a decent-sized bowl at the base of the hilt. The serrated glass blade is transparent and features the Diamond Glass logo and four embossed circle designs. For the handle, the glass is blown in a way that resembles a wood grain, adding to its realism. The handle also features finger depressions for a better grip. This showpiece is great for gifts and special occasions, or to hang over your fireplace mantle to proudly display to your guests. Price: $79.99 MORE INFORMATION: smokingoutlet.net
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
Marijuana Harvest: Maximizing Quality & Yield in Your Cannabis Garden Pub. Quick American Publishing Ed Rosenthal and David Downs Expert cultivator and CULTURE columnist Ed Rosenthal has joined forces with the acclaimed cannabis editor David Downs to bring cannabis cultivating tips and techniques to aspiring cultivators of all skill levels. Readers will learn how to work smarter, not harder, with detailed chapters of best practices for each step of cannabis cultivation, processing, drying, curing and even storing. This handy book will provide thorough guidelines and information to ensure your cannabis garden flourishes while saving you a little time in the process. (Jacob Cannon) 18
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Available on: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Release Date: August 25
GAME
Madden NFL 18 Dev. EA Tiburon Pub. EA Sports The Madden NFL series arrives like clockwork every August, bringing new players, challenges and modes to the classic game. However this year marks the first where EA Sports implemented a story mode that allows players to cinematically follow the success of the game’s fictional character. Madden NFL 18 also uses the new Frostbite engine, which improves the graphic excellence of of its in-game players. Fans of the series will be excited to see the return of online play, allowing fans to assemble their dream-team with “Mut Squads.” (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
The Fate of the Furious Dir. F. Gary Gray Universal Pictures As nice as it is to watch a poignant, thought-provoking drama or a heartwarming comedy, sometimes we all need some mindless action in our lives to make us “ooh” and “ah” over car chases and explosions. Enter The Fate Of The Furious, the eighth installment of the franchise, to draw you in and keep you hooked with all of the gorgeous, fast cars, incredible pyrotechnics and awesome stunt driving that comes expected from the series. Though series’ longtime star Paul Walker is tragically absent, Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson still make an awesome ensemble cast. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Need to Feel Your Love Sheer Mag Wilsuns Recording Company Ever since Sheer Mag’s first EP was released three years ago, fans all across the world have been clamoring for the Philadelphia quintet to make a full-length album. Finally, the wait is over, and Sheer Mag has arrived with its debut, Need To Feel Your Love. Pulling no punches and wasting no time, the band swings for the fences on its opening song “Meet Me In The Streets” and never lets up on the ensuing 12 tracks. Blending classic hard rock with ’70s power pop and R&B, Sheer Mag dazzles, delights and kicks the listener in the gut when they need it. (Simon Weedn)
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Authen Pa t r i o t
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Photo by Andrew Southam
tic ism Personally, I’ve always wondered if when they legalized [cannabis] whether crime will go down as a result. So, I’m anxious to hear how much the crime might be going down in the states that have made it legal.
Famous for his role as America’s good ol’ country singer, Toby Keith embraces cannabis By Simon Weedn Country music superstar Toby Keith probably isn’t the first person that comes to mind when thinking about cannabis and music. However, with the recent release of his song “Wacky Tobaccy,” Keith may start standing out alongside his friend Willie Nelson. Though this isn’t Keith’s first cannabisrelated song (he released his song “Weed with Willie” in 2003), it is his first to be released as a single and so heavily promoted. While cannabis and country music isn’t a recent fellowship, the shift in opinion about the plant amongst some of the genre’s most conservative fans could not be more clearly exemplified than by the runaway success “Wacky Tobaccy” is having right now. Country music was ready for a cannabis anthem, and Toby Keith was up to the job. Keith recently returned home to the United States after a historic performance in Saudi Arabia during the President’s diplomatic visit to Middle East. Keith’s new album The Bus Songs will be released September 8 and features seven new tunes on the 12-track collection. Recently, Keith took a few minutes away from his Interstates & Tailgates Tour to chat with CULTURE all about his latest album, the challenges of trying to occupy the middle of an increasingly polarized country, his upcoming reception of the Poet’s Award honor from the Academy Of Country Music Awards, as well as some crucial advice for beginner songwriters.
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Do you have any particular feelings about legalization now? It’s funny [. . .] In the legal world they treat it like it’s the devil’s grass, but in the real world I know people who smoke weed that you’d never assume even drink a beer much less smoke. Most people I know who smoke will come home at night, smoke about half of something, and then go lay down and go to bed. It’s just always been funny to me how much weight it carries in the world and how little it actually affects anybody. When I was really young, I had some friends in high school who ended up going to prison over [cannabis], and it was like, “Really?!” They were pretty serious convictions over something that grows out of the ground. Personally, I’ve always wondered if when they legalized [cannabis] whether crime will go down as a result. So, I’m anxious to hear how much the crime might be going down in the states that have made it legal. We watched the video for “Wacky Tobaccy” the other day and absolutely loved it. It seems like the type of song there’s probably a good story behind. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired it? Well, I was at the race track a bit ago, because I own some race horses in Oklahoma City. This older cat I know who’s about as country as cornbread was talking with me about all of this legalization of medicinal weed everywhere and about how it’s kind of coming over the hump. He’s old fashioned and he said to me, “Do you reckon they’re ever gonna legalize that wacky tobaccy in Oklahoma?” I started laughing, and he said I should write a song about it. And I said, “For you, I’ll go write you one!” It sounds like the song came together really organically. It was an easy write, because just the name alone was funny and catchy, and from there I just had to start piecing it together. So, I know in one verse I’m gonna tell you how many different ways you can burn it. In another verse I’m gonna tell you every kind of name for it, you know some folks say, “This is Mexican, this is Jamaican, this is Red Hair Sensimilla, this is Okeechobee Purple, and this is Humboldt County.” Everybody’s got their favorite little things they call it, so I know for one verse I’m going to put that all in there, piece it together, and make it rhyme. Then I said to myself, I need an opening verse to set all of this up. So, I thought I’d start soft so nobody would see it coming and talk about a woman in the office going out at lunch 22
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and then coming back in late and so stoned everybody knows it. It sounds like you had a really good time writing it. It was a fun one to write, and I had a lot of fun doing it. I’ve tried my whole life to love it, but I’m a whiskey guy so it’s just not my high. You could put all [the cannabis] I’ve smoked in my life in a coffee cup, but any time in the last 15 or 20 years I’ve been around Willie Nelson, I just can’t help it because, hey, you’re with Willie Nelson. Now, he’ll drink a little whiskey with me too, but when he fires one up, he just hands it to you, and you’re just not going to tell him no.
“When I was really young, I had some friends in high school that ended up going to prison over [cannabis], and it was like, ‘Really?!’ They were pretty serious convictions over something that grows out of the ground.”
Do you feel like releasing a song like “Wacky Tobaccy,” especially with all of the success that it’s having, will help to take away some of the negative associations that some people, who have probably never consumed the plant themselves, have with cannabis and people who consume it? Maybe. We live in a headline world, and you can’t fix that. I don’t even try. I just do my deal, and I just don’t even really care. I can’t talk to 300 million people around a campfire, share a beer with them, and let them all know who I am because in the end they’re gonna get their data, intel and information from wherever they get it from. If you get up every day and read The Drudge and Fox, you’re gonna get that. And if you get up and watch CNN and read Huffington Post, you’re gonna get that. So, I can’t talk them into one thing or the other; there’s just no way. You just have to let people find it on their own or just live in the dark. But, it’s always made me laugh when someone comes up to me with a real strong slant from one side or the other. Believe me, I get hit just as hard from the right as I do from the left because they don’t like that fact that I’m sitting here going, “So, my whole show is about drinking in a bar, hanging out with women, smoking weed with Willie and drinking from red solo cups.” The left doesn’t see it because all they see is my support for the military; they just see “American Soldier” and “Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue.” While the other side is saying, “What happened to our boy?! He’s smoking weed with Willie! What’s going on here?!”
To talk about something a bit different, rumor has it that the Academy of Country Music Awards will be presenting you with the Poet’s Award, and that you’ll be honored alongside Willie Nelson and the late Shel Silverstein. How does it feel to have your songwriting recognized like that, especially to be in the company of two other legendary writers? To be on the stage with two of the biggest, Shel Silverstein and Willie Nelson, is magnificent. I’m a huge fan of both of those guys and know everything Willie’s done and most everything Shel ever did—I’m just in awe of them. To even be mentioned on the same ticket with them, I guess it means we’ve done pretty well in the last 24 years. To have a career that’s gone from working in the oil fields to playing honky-tonks in Oklahoma to busking in Nashville to performing in some of the biggest venues around the world and having such tremendous success, is it ever surreal for you looking back on it all? Yeah! You know, I got my record deal when I was in my 20s, and it’s kind of like everything that was before that is viewed in my mind as my childhood. Once my first single hit and was huge, it was like what they call “an overnight sensation.” But really, I’d been playing the clubs for four or five years before that, cutting my teeth, getting my chops, getting to where I could handle audiences and know how to be professional up there and get through the show no matter what. You know, if you can play for three people on a Wednesday night in Podunk, Texas and still stand up there and deliver, then it’s real easy to play for 100,000.
For those interested in getting started writing songs like you do, what kind of advice would you give for a beginning songwriter? Well, the simplest thing is to start with your idea and look at your idea as a wagon wheel; you’ve got the hub, you’ve got the spokes going out, and you’ve got the wheel on the outside. Well, the wheel is your turnaround, let’s just say that’s your chorus, the hub is your idea, you want your hub to be your center of attention, and those little spokes are the color, that’s what you’re trying to do in your verses; you’re trying
“You could put all [the cannabis] I’ve smoked in my life in a coffee cup, but any time in the last 15 or 20 years I’ve been around Willie Nelson, I just can’t help it because, hey, you’re with Willie Nelson. Now, he’ll drink a little whiskey with me too, but when he fires one up, he just hands it to you, and you’re just not going to tell him no.”
to go out away from the hub, get out to the turn around, get back to another spoke, and then head back to the center again. You know, if you go try to write four verses and then use your idea at the end, people will be tired of listening to your song before you get to your idea. That’s the simplest first grade advice I can give on making your songs better. To wrap things up, are there any other things coming up in 2017 that your fans should be excited for? Through the years I’ve written these things called The Bus Songs and they’re not really what a label would
look for to put out. They’re incorrect, some of them are stupid, some of them are funny, some of them we would never play. Basically, they’re not for everybody. But, we’ve always had these laying around and somebody would say something and they’ll just take off. So for the people that like those kind of songs, they’re all gonna be on one little pile so we can throw that out. Then I’ve got another album in the can, just real songwriter stuff, that’s sittin’ on go. As soon as “Wacky” is done, we’re gonna release a single off of that, put it out and go back into the mainstream again. c
+ www.tobykeith.com iReadCULTURE.com
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Industry Insider
Matt and Leslie Bodenchuk’s Toker Poker has served as a game changer for the industry By R. Scott Rappold
“Necessity is the mother of invention.” - Plato
T
he idea for the Toker Poker—like many great ideas in the history of the world—originated in a room thick with cannabis smoke. Why, asked Matt Bodenchuk, then a college senior, was there never a poker around to clear the bowl? “My wife, to be honest with you, was probably sick of me and all my friends using her bobby pins and having resin-covered toothpicks floating around the apartment,” recalled Bodenchuk, 32, of Grand Junction, Colorado. And so, the Toker Poker was born. Some 350,000 sales later, the simple device has become musthave gear for many cannabis consumers—a lighter cover with a built-in poker, tamper and hemp wick to burn like a candle. But if the name rings a familiar bell, it could be for a much darker reason: Earlier this summer, authorities in Colorado announced 74 indictments in the largest cannabis bust in the state since legalization. Some 2,600 plants and 4,000 pounds of cannabis were seized. The name of the investigation: “Operation Toker Poker.”
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H.
Humble Beginnings
Matt Bodenchuk and his wife (at the time his girlfriend) Leslie played sports in college and used cannabis to relax and help recover from the physical pain of competition. After the “a-ha” moment of inspiration that launched the Toker Poker, the couple sat around the kitchen one night and played with ways to use acrylic paint molds to create a lighter case with a poker attached. “We thought to ourselves, ‘This is simple. Why is there nothing like this out there? How come nobody has put a poker and a little tamper on a lighter?’” he said. “Because everyone needs one. It was that moment of truth, that we may have stumbled on something that could be a big game-changer in the industry.” Matt and Leslie made some for friends and themselves, and they soon realized how essential having a handy poker and tamper had become. If you didn’t have the Toker Poker on you, said Bodenchuk, you missed it. Production on a large scale began in 2013, and they were selling the Toker Poker in stores the following year. Then, in May 2014, though his wife was due to give birth any day, Bodenchuk quit his day job to focus on the Toker Poker. In poker parlance, he was “all-in” now.
“How come nobody has put a poker and a little tamper on a lighter? Because everyone needs one.”
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Bad Publicity
“We took a complete leap of faith with really no other income than the Toker Poker and struggled, got by and dumped everything else into the business,” said Bodenchuk. By this year, they’d sold so many units that Bodenchuk finally felt financially secure enough to consider launching new products. Then, on what had been a normal June Wednesday, a buddy texted him about a story that was making news in Denver. “I’m not sure it’s good, but your name is out there,” the friend said. His mother called. Business partners called. Was he involved with this?
The situation at hand was the aforementioned police bust that had nothing to do with Bodenchuk or his business. Authorities regularly look for clever names to generate headlines with big operations, and someone chose “Toker Poker,” allegedly due to some of the suspects knowing one another from poker games. That was little comfort to Bodenchuk when suddenly his website was blown way down on Google, and sales began to dip. “I was definitely angry when the news first broke, Bodenchuk said. “It’s like, ‘Really, Denver PD? Come on. Why did you choose this name? What’s going on?’” By mid-July, sales had recovered, and his website was again the top Google hit. But he doesn’t buy the adage that there’s no such thing as bad publicity. “When you wake up and realize 74 indictments, one of the largest pot busts in the history of the state, thousands of pounds of cannabis being illegally sold all around the country . . . when you find out all of that is summed up and tied with your company, I don’t think there’s anything positive to come with that.” He holds the trademark to Toker Poker and could seek legal action, but doubts it will come to that. He’s just counting on it to blow over. In the meantime, the husband-wife team (they have a few other employees and outsource production to Asia) is busy at work on the next innovations for the company. As of this interview he wasn’t at liberty to divulge what’s next, but promised new products would be coming out soon. “We’re just really enjoying the ride right now. It’s really fun to see this product taking off and people recognizing it.” c iReadCULTURE.com
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Staying Cool BY the Pool How to infuse your summer party with hemp and cannabis
D.I.Y. Popsicles As more states legalize cannabis, more and more chefs, bakers and culinary minds open up to the endless possibilities of cannabisinfused edibles. One way to kick things up a notch and cool down your partygoers is with cannabis-infused D.I.Y. popsicles. You can keep things simple by making single flavors like strawberry or grape, or get fancy and mix up a tropical fruit juice popsicle using mangos and pineapples. 26
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By Alex Distefano We’re in the midst of the summer season, and temperatures are soaring high—and even above 100 degrees in many regions. If you are lucky enough to have a pool at home or nearby, the water can definitely offer you some relief from the scorching heat. While you’re at it, if you’re a responsible and legal adult, why not also consume your favorite herb while poolside? It can be a great way to keep your pool party full of laughter, fun and euphoric memories. Here are several ways to have your own wet and wild cannabis pool party this summer.
Ice Cream Social Your cannabis-themed pool party can also become a D.I.Y. cannabis ice cream social too. There is an entire world of cannabis ice cream to be tasted! Now, you can become a true pro and make your own cannabis-infused ice cream at home. However, if you want to choose the easiest route, you can find pre-made adult-only infused ice cream products at your local dispensaries or retail locations in certain states if they sell frozen items.
Cool Hits Since it is hot outside, you may want to enjoy the smoke of cannabis, but without the harsh heat and burning of the hot smoke from a pipe. Thanks to innovative glass water pipes, adding ice to these pieces can significantly cool down your hit. There are many water pipes with ice chambers found online and at local retail shops.
Float in Style Pools seem naked without some type of pool float. So, if you’re already going to the deep end and want to really see the smoke on the water, invest in a novelty Pot Leaf Pool Float, found online and in retail stores. People will smile, get a laugh and maybe even take a selfie. www.zumiez.com
Hemp to Protect It’s almost a guarantee that if you are going to be in the pool on a hot sunny day without sunscreen, you’re in for some after-party sunburn. Normally, any old sunscreen might be fine and dandy, but since this is a green pool party, try using hemp-infused sunblock. This product contains little to no THC, but it does have natural compounds, skin protective essential oils and amino acids found in the hemp plant. www.healthyhempoil.com
Barbecue Basics We all know that consuming cannabis can all too often lead to scarfing down snacks via the munchies, so why not get creative and use cannabis as a sidenote to some of your main dishes. Serve ribs or other grilled meats with a cannabisinfused smoky barbecue sauce. Or, why not bring out some cannabutter, add in garlic, herbs, and perhaps parmesan cheese, and use it to top grilled corn or other veggies. The possibilities are endless. Use your mind, and be creative.
Safety First To ensure the safety of everyone, only adults ages 21 and over should be invited to cannabis-infused pool parties. Always keep in mind, less is more, and there is no need to infuse cannabis into every food dish. Be extremely cautious when consuming cannabis around water, make sure there is at least one sober person who is acting as a lifeguard, and be sure people know how to swim, or at least have them stay in the shallow end. Lastly, be extra careful when handling or using glass pieces, especially fragile bongs or water pipes. The last thing anyone wants is broken glass on the floor or in the pool. All in all, if the right precautions are taken and your guests consume in a responsible manner, adding cannabis to your next pool shindig will enhance the experience. Have fun, but consume responsibly out there. c
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Make Some Noise Mike Hall, former STOMP percussionist, opens up about his love for energizing beats and cannabis By Madison Ortiz
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f you haven’t seen a STOMP show live, it’s likely you know someone who has, and even if it happened just once— that performance surely left an incredibly positive impact on your creative spirit. Much more than a display of percussion-based talents, the cast of STOMP rhythmically engages with everyday objects within their staged environment such as brooms and trash cans. Every show has structure paired with natural flow. The same numbers are repeated, but equally so, the cast has freedom, following directional
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queues from their leader—no two shows are ever the same. Mike Hall is a traditionally trained percussionist who moved to Los Angeles in the summer of 2015 to pursue a career in the cannabis industry, after a four-year international tour with STOMP (August 2011 to July 2015). CULTURE caught up with Hall to learn about his experience stomping and how he’s become professionally integrated into cannaculture working for the L.A. delivery service and dispensary, The Herb Connection, powered by a team of growers called the Hydronauts. When he was 11 years old, Hall officially began to play percussion in
Photos by Alex Wilkerson - AW Media
school and was exposed to STOMP by his brother on a band-class fieldtrip. “I remember sitting in audience watching the show thinking, ‘Hey, I could do that,’ but never in my life did I think I would actually end up doing that.” At 14, Hall began playing the marching snare and continued on throughout high school. He enjoyed competing with his high school’s winter percussion indoor group and was rightfully proud to note they were one of the best in the state, having won state finals several times. After high school, Hall continued on to march indoor drum line competitively with different (nonschool associated) groups, such as “North Coast Academy” based out of Saginaw, Michigan. A week after world finals, Hall’s older brother encouraged him to travel to New York City for STOMP auditions, with a convincing deal that took little consideration. Hall arrived an hour early for sign-ups and saw a line of people wrapped around a New York City block. Little did he know, he would make it through the emotionally grueling week of auditions and call back, to be one of the few people who were selected.
Going into this STOMP experience, Hall says he was the only person who didn’t know how to dance. “It was all really just like monkey see, monkey do kind of stuff. They would show us what to do with our feet, they would show us when to clap our hands. Thankfully being rhythmically inclined from marching and drumming for so many years, it kind of came second nature to me.” Beyond the physically demanding nature of performing musical acts with your whole body on a regular basis, Hall recalls the hardest part about traveling and performing with STOMP while on the road, being the constantly changing time zones. “Your body just never really gets on a set schedule of: This is when I’m supposed to be asleep.” Hall began using cannabis medicinally when he was 21 years old to aid in anxiety, depression and a severe lack of appetite. While touring with STOMP, he began medicating with heavy indicas to aid in sleep. Pre-dreadlocks, Hall was 50 pounds heavier with a “huge beard.” Lacking the locked element of his current reflection, Hall was grateful
he was still able to find accessible medicine while traveling. He regularly found kind gestures within the medicine trade from people who had watched his performances and later run into him at a pub. Tinctures, edibles and “one hitters” were the most convenient, go-to consumption methods. Between leaving STOMP, Hall began as a patient and customer who placed an order through The Herb Connection. Owner, Ryan Walker, happened to deliver Hall’s order. As finalizing their transaction,
“Your body just never really gets on a set schedule of: This is when I’m supposed to be asleep.”
Hall asked to purchase an extra edible and as Walker was digging around through his backpack, Hall asked Walker about a job. Walker slyly said, “Yeah, I know the boss. I’m pretty sure we can get you a job.” Ecstatic, Hall came back from a fishing trip two weeks later to a job working for Walker via The Herb Connection which is powered by Hydronauts. Even though Hall no longer performs in the athletically demanding STOMP shows, he’s still able to embrace the herb that helped him live through it. Now he assists other cannabis patients by directing The Herb Connection’s drivers to the correct addresses, and communicates directly with patients. c
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Grecian Inspiration Greece moves forward with medical cannabis legalization By Nicole Potter
O
ver the course of history, the Grecian people have been hugely influential members of society whose contributions helped shape the course of today’s culture, philosophy, architecture and science. Now, modern-day Greece is opening up its arms to medical cannabis as well, making it the sixth European Union country to do so (joining the Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain, Finland and the Netherlands). The decision was made well over 100 years after the country first banned cannabis sales, consumption and importation in the late-19th century. On June 30, 2017, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced in a press conference that a medical cannabis legalization effort has been officially signed. Tsipras’ statement, which was translated from his native language, exhibits the hopeful progress to
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support sick patients everywhere. “From now on, the country is turning its page, as Greece is now included in countries where the delivery of medical cannabis to patients in need is legal,” he said. This decision has been over a year in the making. In 2016, Greek Health Minister Andreas Xanthos issued a Common Ministerial Decision, which set up a special committee to study and discuss the possibility of medical cannabis in the country. According to the Greek Reporter, individuals in a variety of professional categories, such as academics, psychiatrists, scientists and legal advisors were invited to participate in the discussion with the goal of proposing regulations. The group’s proposition was submitted to the Xanthos on October 30, 2016. This time around, the Ministries of Health and Justice were the driving force behind the official legalization in June, who also decided to reschedule cannabis from a “Table A” substance to a “Table B” substance. The “Table A” classification is similar to the Unites States’ Schedule I, as it deems substances to have no medical value. Now, Greece has opened the doors to patient access to medical cannabis by moving
“From now on, the country is turning its page, as Greece is now included in countries where the delivery of medical cannabis to patients in need is legal.” cannabis into a category that also acknowledges some medical value, along with other substances such as methadone, cocaine and opium. According to Neos Kosmos, a Greek newspaper published in Melbourne, Australia, there has yet to be an official announcement issued regarding how the country will obtain its cannabis. However, many believe that Greece will be allowed to provide licenses for cultivation. Other sources predict that Greece will rely heavily on importation from outside the country. So far, only patients who suffer from conditions such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, cachexia and anorexia are allowed to consume medical cannabis. Patients will be required to obtain a doctor’s recommendation in order to gain access to their medicine. Greece has experienced some financial difficulties in the past. The country has encountered numerous bankruptcies, but things could be looking up for Greece if it’s able to successfully launch its legal medical cannabis industry. c
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE 32
Summer Experiments 2 By Ed Rosenthal
Group One It’s July 13, in the heart of summer, with direct intense light lighting the plants. The fog burns off by 10:30 a.m., and the rest of the day is usually sunny. However, now the trajectory of the sun has changed with more shading than last month. Still, the plants are healthy and right on schedule. The first section is the 2’ x 4’, 9-inch deep tray that holds five Blue Dream plants. They are 3-3.5’ feet tall and have stopped growing in favor of flower production. Their regimen was changed to flowering a month ago. Each evening I pull the cart into its own dark chamber after dusk, which occurs at about 8:50 p.m. The plant stays there until 9 a.m., a dark period of 12-plus hours of darkness each evening. The plants are in the middle of flowering now. In about a month the colas will be ready to harvest. The plants were also pruned yesterday to eliminate bottom leaves and tiny flowers that steal the plants’ energy.
Group Two The second group consisted of four plants from clones including
The plants on wheels in full sun before deleafing. The cart is moved around as the sun and shadows trade places in the yard throughout the day.
Plants on wheels after manicuring. Removing the unnecessary vegetation forces the plants to concentrate more on bud production.
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two Ed Rosenthal SuperBud and two varieties Chocolate Tonic and Blackberry Fire. The first SuperBud reached maturity last week and was cut, but we are trying to regenerate it by giving it near continuous light. The Chocolate Tonic and the second SuperBud were cut today, leaving only the Blackberry Fire, which will be ripe in a few days. After picking them, I hung the branches leaving all their leaves on. The climate here is cool and the RH hovers at about 50 percent. After about five weeks they are both dried and cured, and ready to be stored and packaged.
Group 3 The third group turned out to be 11 female indicas that must be the progeny of a late pollen producing female times itself or another variety. The reason I say that, is that all the indicas were females. One plant is a sativa, and it has not indicated sex. The other plants started flowering with only 9.5 hours of darkness. They are in full flower now and should be ripe in another month. The indicas whose tops were clipped are squatter than the unclipped single-top plants, with more side branching and multiple tops.
A bud from one of the wheel plants. They have been flowering for 31 days.
Plants in 8” containers. They smell orangey so I am calling them Purple Citrus. Tops of half of them were clipped on June 19. All but one are sister indicas with the same parents. They have thick stems and wide leaves with purple flowers.
They are about two feet tall and have filled out as they have flowered. Soon after they started flowering I took cuttings from them and hope to root and regenerate them so I can use them for breeding. I never got to set up the CO2 experiment. The plants started flowering too soon for my schedule to catch up. c
TIP OF THE MONTH By this time, most of the outdoor plants have started to flower. However, there is still time to get in a crop of small plants. For best results, start with rooted clones. If you start with seeds the plants will be a little smaller and may take a little longer to ripen. Place them outdoors in 8” containers. As soon as they are placed outdoors they will begin to flower because of the longer late summer/ fall dark period, and they will ripen in seven to nine weeks. The containers are small enough to be moved easily to follow the sun or indoors for protection during threatening weather or cold nights.
The four plants induced to flower early are ripe. The varieties represented are two Ed Rosenthal SuperBud, one Chocolate Tonic and Blackberry Fire.
Close-up of the bud of Chocolate Tonic that is ready to cut.
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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culture
if you go:
QuébEc City Captivates By Sheryll Alexander
For cannabis enthusiasts who love the look and feel of Europe, but don’t want to go all the way there, cannabis-friendly Québec City, Canada, is absolutely captivating especially during August’s vibrant events and outdoor festivals. Plus, the relaxed attitude towards cannabis in Québec City is as refreshing as this walled fortress town’s stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River. In summer, Québec City is best known for its outdoor festivals, its bodacious gastronomy and its plentiful recreational activities (such as cycling, sailing, canoeing, hiking, whitewater rafting and even soaking at hot mineral day spas). Called a Canadian “signature experience,” Québec City’s New France Festival (Les Fêtes de la NouvelleFrance) is definitely extraordinary. The New France Festival makes visitors feel like they have gone back in time as the city’s cobblestoned Old or Lower Town comes to life as if during the colonial era. Locals (and paid actors) dress in period fashions for a colonial-themed food market, games, music and a daily costume parade.
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Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec calls it “six soirées flamboyantes.” That’s roughly translated to six flamingly flamboyant evenings (August 2, 9, 12, 16, 19, 25) of competitive international pyrotechnics. Each night has a different theme (disco, country, classic, hip-hop, Latin), and there’s literally a long list of ways to enjoy summer’s most beautiful “festival” from standing on just the right romantic street corner to sitting at an observatory with a panoramic view. At the end of the month, from August 31 to September 3, the city revs up again and then relaxes for The Bordeaux Wine Festival (Bordeaux Fête Le Vin à Québec). QC’s Bordeaux Wine Festival attracts wine connoisseurs to participate in tastings of Québec’s regional delicacies and wines along with attending workshops and other food-and-wine activities. Ready for some of the best scenery, nature, food, wine, cannabis and club scenes in North America? Québec City marries the best of the past with the best of today when it comes to cannabisfriendly travel. c
Fun-Filled Facts
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Time to Go: August Weather: Highs 70s, lows 50s Budget: $$$$$
In Canada— including in the province of Québec—cannabis is only legal for medical cannabis patients who have visited their healthcare doctor and obtained a referral to a “licensed commercial producer.” In Québec, medical cannabis is only available via delivery. As for Americans, Québecois medical cannabis delivery services confirm they do accept valid “licenses” from medical cannabis states for purchasing flowers, oil and edibles. And while it seems the Québecois are quite cool when it comes to smoking cannabis, be safe and do not light up around the cops, government buildings, designer shops and family parks. If you don’t want to go the delivery route, then consider making some new cannabisloving friends (who can now legally grow their own) at a hipster club in the trendy Saint-Roch district.
Combine hospitality with history by staying at Auberge Saint-Antoine. This strikingly beautiful boutique hotel was built atop a treasure trove of colonial artifacts, and each of its comfortably chic rooms houses at least one ancient relic. 1
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Want to experience a little bit of Paris while in Québec City? Head to Café du Monde. This waterfront eatery has been serving Parisian-style bistro fare (think steak frites à la Béarnaise and a brunch dish of poached eggs swimming in hollandaise) to cruise passengers for decades. 2
Summer’s sunshine and warmth make Québec City’s historic Terrasse Dufferin the perfect place to take a stroll, jog, cycle or do yoga at sunrise. 3
culture
Mark M. Ward
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raised. I found this wasn’t treatment, but a numbing of all life’s feeling and emotion. It was apathy in a bottle, and it wasn’t for me.
Age: 32
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PTSD, agoraphobia, general anxiety disorder, manic depression, cluster migraines, GERD, Diverticulosis When did you start using medical cannabis? I’ve used cannabis for well over a decade, but it wasn’t until 2014 when I joined NORML chapters that I really began to understand medical usage. I used cannabis recreationally without regard of different possible effects by different [strain] and potency. When I truly understood the different potentials, I was able to properly use cannabis as medicine. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I’ve been on a barrage of different benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers and pain pills. I used pharmaceuticals as advised and still became very addicted. Eventually, each medication became less and less effective, so the dosage was
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Big business and big government are the biggest problems. CEOs that have no history with medical cannabis have no business playing “healer” with their dispensaries. Sub-par products are being sold to sick people with no concern of quality. Mislabeled cannabinoid content, mold ridden product, and product saturated with nonorganic and even poisonous chemicals is not medicine. Also, the stamping out of recreation and medical patient growing by medical lobbyists is not medicine, but an attempt to monopolize a market. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? It’s OK to be cautious of what you consume. And cannabis isn’t for everyone, but it’s never been directly harmful to anyone. And that cannot be said for any pharmaceutical prescription ever written. There’s a reason why so many patients fight for it . . . it works. Who’s making fight for “Big Pharma” that doesn’t have stock? c
Are you an medical cannabis 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 RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE 36
Bento Bites Photos and recipes by Monica Lo from Sous Weed
Menu: Spam Musubi with Infused Sweet Soy
Miso Cannabutter Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)
Infused Sweet Soy Glaze
Salmon Onigiri with Infused Sweet Soy
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August is here, and it’s the time of year where most people become sick of summer. We’re over the hot weather and overdone barbecue— it’s time for something new. The world is full of wonderfully unique flavors, and often enough, many of those tastes are specific to certain regions of the world. Enter the Japanese-inspired onigiri, which is also known as a Japanese rice ball. This perfectly portioned ball of rice can be decorated, flavored and infused with a variety of savory fillings. Although there are countless ways to make onigiri, the talented chef of Sous Weed, Monica Lo, has prepared three ways to both elevate and medicate. Learn how to whip up your very own infused sweet soy glaze to top off your fresh salmon onigiri and spam musubi—but realistically, you can use it on anything from chicken wings to grilled salmon!
culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN
Spam Musubi with Infused Sweet Soy Makes 2 servings
1 1/2 cups cooked rice, short grain 1 tablespoons infused sweet soy glaze 1/2 sheet nori Toasted sesame seeds to garnish (optional)
2. Lightly glaze each piece of SPAM with medicated sweet soy glaze. 3. Wet your hands and firmly mold rice into the
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1. In a greased skillet, cook SPAM until brown and crisp on each side.
4. Using scissors, cut a piece of nori with a width of 2” to wrap around the SPAM and rice, like a belt. 5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Infused Sweet Soy Glaze Makes approximately 1/2 cup Ingredients:
Instructions:
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1. In a small saucepan, mix both sugars, soy sauce, water, and rice vinegar, and bring to a boil.
1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup water 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 gram kief
2. Reduce heat to low, and stir in kief.
3. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, until the consistency is syrupy. 4. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until use.
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2 slices SPAM, 3/8” thick
shape of the SPAM slice. You can also use a musubi press.
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culture
Miso Cannabutter Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball) Makes 2 servings Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups cooked rice, short grain 1 tablespoon cannabutter, room temperature
Vegetable oil for frying 1/2 sheet nori cut in half (optional)
1/2 tablespoon white miso paste
Instructions: 1. In a small bowl thoroughly mix softened cannabutter, miso paste and sugar until uniform.
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1 teaspoon sugar
Salmon Onigiri with Infused Sweet Soy Makes 2 servings
2. Wet your hands, and firmly mold half the rice into a ball or the classic triangle shape. Keep moistening hands while forming so that the rice doesn’t stick. Repeat with remaining rice. Set aside.
3. In a non-stick pan or cast iron, heat on medium-high with some vegetable oil. Brush each side of the rice balls with medicated miso butter, and grill until lightly brown and crisp. 4. Wrap a strip of nori around the middle of the rice ball, and serve immediately.
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Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, short grain
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
3 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced
Pinch of salt
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1/2 sheet of nori, cut in half
1 tablespoon infused sweet soy glaze
1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. 2. Cook the smoked salmon slices for about 15 seconds on each side, then remove from heat. 3. Flake the salmon with a fork, and mix salmon into the rice with infused sweet soy glaze, sesame seeds and salt.
4. Wet your hands and firmly mold half the salmon sushi rice into a ball or the classic triangle shape. Keep moistening hands while forming so that the rice doesn‘t stick. Repeat with remaining rice. 5. Wrap a strip of nori around the middle of the rice ball. 6. Serve immediately or wrap with plastic wrap to enjoy later.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
decided to challenge the law, and Putnam, who recently announced his candidacy for governor, said he would try to resolve the issue soon.
LEAD STORY—THE NEW POWER NAP If high-schoolers seem stressed by active lifestyles and competitive pressures, and consequently fail to sleep the recommended nine to 10 hours a day, it must be a good idea for the federal government to give grants (including to Las Cruces High School in New Mexico) to purchase comfy, $14,000 “nap pods” that drive out the racket with soft music, for 20 minutes a shot during those frenzied classroom days. A May NPR report based on Las Cruces’ experience quoted favorable reviews by students, backed by a doctor and a nurse practitioner who pointed to research showing that adequate sleep “can” boost memory and attention and thus “can” improve school performance (and therefore must be a great use of federal education dollars).
INEXPLICABLE (1) It recently became necessary for Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski to acquire a bigger home in the Los Angeles area because their 33,000 “bunny”-related items (stuffed bunnies, antique bunnies, bunny paintings, bunny dinnerware, etc.) needed more space. (2) The world’s only museum devoted to the “house cat” allows self-guided tours in Sylva, North Carolina, where curator Harold Sims displays 10,000 artifacts including a genuine petrified cat (with whiskers!) pulled from a 16th-century English chimney. (3) Brantford, Ontario, real estate agent Kyle Jansink, speaking for unidentified sellers, said he accepted the challenge of selling the meticulously maintained home “as is”—still packed with the sellers’ clown-related items (dolls, miniatures, porcelain statues, paintings).
UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam argues that his “hands are tied” by “federal food laws” and that fresh, “all-natural” milk with the cream skimmed off the top cannot be sold in Florida as “milk” (or “skim milk”) but must be labeled “imitation milk”—unless the “all-natural” milk adds (artificial) vitamin A to the product. A family farm in the state’s panhandle (Ocheesee Creamery)
COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS They’re “therapists,” not “strippers,” argued New York City’s Penthouse Executive Club, creatively characterizing its dancers to avoid $3 million in back taxes, but the state’s appeals board ruled against it in April. Penthouse had insisted that its performers were more akin to counselors for lonely men, and that the club’s “door charge” was an untaxable fee for therapeutic health services.
James Pelletier, 46, was arrested in Hollis, Maine, in May after he fired a BB gun point-blank at his two sons, ages 9 and 11—but only, he said, as a “rite of passage” into maturity (perhaps thinking the experience would help them become as mature as their father). He said if the kids knew how it felt to get shot, perhaps they would not be so quick to fire their own guns. THE CONTINUING CRISIS You Mean Jethro and Abby, Too? In contrast to the exciting work of the TV series (near the top of broadcast ratings for the last decade), real agents in the Naval Criminal Investigative Service have labored over computer screens eight to 10 hours a day for two months now employing their facialrecognition software— just to scour websites to identify victims of nudephoto postings of military personnel that came to light earlier this year. “(Y) ou get pretty burned out,” said the NCIS director. A simple word search of “uniformed military nude” got nearly 80 million hits, according to a May Associated Press dispatch from the Quantico Marine base, where the 20 investigators labor sideby-side. MILITARY ALLIES IN ODD PLACES (1) In April, three days after ISIS fighters reportedly executed 25 villagers about 50 miles south of Kirkuk, Iraq, the three murderers were themselves killed (and eight more wounded) when a pack of wild
boars overran their position and gnawed them into martyrdom. (2) In April, a Russian naval reconnaissance ship sank in the Black Sea off of Turkey (likely op: Syriarelated) when it collided with a livestock barge flying the flag of Togo. All aboard the Russian ship were rescued; the muchheavier Togolese vessel suffered barely a scratch. PERSPECTIVE Rights in Conflict: An elderly German man, unnamed in news reports, was fined the equivalent of $110 in May for “terrorizing” neighbors in the town of Hennef by violating a 2015 agreement to lower the sound of his pornographic videos. He demanded sympathy because of his hearing disability, arguing that if he wore headphones, he could not hear the doorbell, or burglars, and therefore would feel unsafe. (At his May hearing, he objected to the characterization that the “sex sounds” were from videos; on the day in question, he said, he had a prostitute in the room. “It was not porn,” he insisted, confusingly. “It was live!”) OOPS! In May, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley apparently mindlessly signed the proclamation designating a special day for the late Tre Hummons (submitted by his grieving father, to honor the son’s “sacrifice”). Tre Hummons was killed in 2015 by a police officer—but only after Tre had just shot and killed another Cincinnati police officer.
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