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contents
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Motion Picture Maven
Kathy Bates is famous for many roles in television and film, but she spoke exclusively with CULTURE about her leading role on Netflix’s Disjointed, as well as her own experiences with cannabis.
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O n the C O V E R :
K E I T H M U N YA N
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Niche Nuptials High-end wedding vendors are offering their services to cannabis-loving couples.
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Industry Insider Get intimate with Ashley Manta, a sex expert who is high on life, love and cannabis.
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Getting Heated Treat yourself with toys of pleasure to pair with your cannabis consumption.
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Sultry Show Cannabis entertainment goes far beyond film with this cannabis-themed burlesque show.
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Talkin’ Dirty Get the truth from “T&A Talk Sex” Co-Host Christina Myers Hepburn who loves cannabis and keeps it real with discussions about sex.
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Boisterous Ballads Pop star Lisa Prank is inspired by the sounds of her Seattle peers.
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departments news
08 News Nuggets 09 Local News 12 Letter from the Editor 14 By the Numbers 16 Legal Corner reviews 18 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 22 Store Highlight 24 Cool Stuff 26 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 48 à la Carte 50 Growing Culture 51 Profile in Courage 52 News of the Weird 6
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Online Exclusive! Candidate for New York Governor Plans to Legalize Cannabis d
d Industrial Hemp License Applications Available in
Maine
Vol 9 IssUE 8
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NEWS
nuggetS
Oregon to Issue Hemp Cultivation Licenses The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) said on Jan. 5 that the approval process for hemp products under the OLCC’s licensed cannabis program has been finalized. The rules took effect on Dec. 28, 2017, and a new hemp section on the OLCC’s website was created. The new set of rules, established by
Portland City Council Urges Oregon U.S. Attorney to Stand Up to Jeff Sessions Portland, arguably one of the most progressive cities in America, is urging the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon to resist the recent actions of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. On Jan. 4, Sessions rescinded the Cole Memo, ending America’s non-interference policy with state cannabis programs. On Jan. 9, the Portland City Council sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Billy Williams, demanding that he protect Oregon’s legal cannabis market. In the letter, the city council
“strongly” opposed any action from the Department of Justice, which would continue the failed “War on Drugs,” adding that “It has especially failed communities of color disproportionately targeted and prosecuted for lowlevel drug offenses.” Williams said he’d continue his focus only on cannabis that’s headed illegally out of the state and criminal organizations. It’s currently unclear how the rescission of the Cole Memo will affect state cannabis programs.
Vermont Senate Passes Recreational Bill On Jan. 10, the Vermont Senate passed H.511, shortly after it cleared the House on Jan. 4. The House voted hours after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions ended federal protections on state cannabis laws, but Vermont sounded its voice loud and clear. Members from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws were ecstatic. “For the second time in two years, Vermont lawmakers have rejected
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Senate Bill 1015, “provides that industrial hemp grower may transfer industrial hemp, and that industrial hemp handler may transfer industrial hemp concentrates and extracts, to marijuana processor licensed by Oregon Liquor Control Commission under certain circumstances.” Hemp producers and processors, which fall under the Oregon Department of Agriculture, will need to obtain an Industrial Hemp Certificate. OLCC-licensed cannabis processors, on the other hand, will need to obtain an Industrial Hemp Endorsement. All forms can be found in the new hemp section on the OLCC’s website.
the failed Flat Earth policies of marijuana prohibition. The majority of Vermonters, like the majority of the American public, desire to live in a community where responsible adults who choose to consume cannabis are no longer criminalized or stigmatized. Gov. Scott would be wise to provide Vermonters with this path forward, rather than cling to the failed policies of the past.” The bill was delivered to Gov. Scott’s desk for signature, and he signed into law on Jan. 22.
NEWS
LOCAL
Compliance Fail S t i n g o p e r at i o n r e v e a l s f a u lt s i n dispensary compliance By Heather Johnson
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uring the last few weeks of December, while most Oregonians were busy shopping or celebrating the holidays, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) was performing sting operations using decoy minors at dispensaries throughout Oregon. The goal—to find out the rate of compliance for licensed cannabis dispensaries in Oregon, which are required to prohibit sales to minors. Persons under 21 years of age are obviously not allowed to buy cannabis through Oregon’s recreational market. However, the OLCC found that many dispensaries failed to consistently prohibit minors from purchasing cannabis. Between Dec. 20 and Dec. 29, 2017, over 60 dispensaries were visited by a decoy in all areas of Oregon. With each visit, dispensaries were given the opportunity to prohibit the sale to a minor, yet four out of seven dispensaries in the Portland area failed. This data allowed the OLCC to compare compliance rates. Central Oregon’s compliance rate, based on visits to five different dispensaries, was the outlier of the group, with 100 percent compliance. That means that no transactions were made to the minor sent by the OLCC. However, the Portland area had the lowest compliance rate at four percent. Seven dispensaries were visited by a minor OLCC volunteer, and four of the dispensaries failed to prohibit the sale. They sold cannabis to a minor, whether they realized it or not. Because of these low compliance rates in Portland and other areas in Oregon, the OLCC will have to devise ways to impose stricter regulations for Oregon licensees.
“These overall results are unacceptable,” said Steve Marks, executive director of the OLCC. “One of the basic tenets of Measure 91 is the protection of children by discouraging their use of marijuana. Oregonians who voted for legalizing recreational marijuana implicitly told the cannabis industry to abide by public safety laws. Clearly they’re not, and we need to continue this type of enforcement activity.” Almost any Oregonian would agree that cannabis should not be available for sale to minors, and the OLCC is responsible for making sure that businesses are complying with state laws by preventing these sales. Decoy operations like the ones recently performed by the OLCC ensure that dispensaries are doing their job and keeping in line with regulations. A 67 percent failure rate for the Portland area does not look good and will prompt a change in the system so that the failure rate decreases. Any one of the dispensaries that did not prevent a sale to a minor could be liable for a major fine or a license suspension. For the first offense, a dispensary owner could be fined as much as $1,650 or face a 10- to 30-day suspension. Thirty days of lost business would be a major blow to any cannabis business, not to mention all of its employees. Even just failing to check an ID before a cannabis transaction, regardless of age, could result in a seven-day license suspension or a fine of over $1,000. The system the OLCC uses for ensuring dispensary compliance is modeled after the system they use to regulate liquor licenses. The consequences for a dispensary failing to prohibit sales to minors are very similar to those that the holder of a liquor license would face if they were caught selling liquor to minors. A big factor in deciding the level of punishment is based on whether or not the OLCC believes that the sale was intentional. So, if the sale to a minor happened on accident, the penalty could be somewhat less harsh than if the sale was intentional. Either way, the OLCC is doing its job by exposing these discrepancies. Oregon voters approved Measure 91 in 2014 under the assumption that sales would only be made to consumers over 21 years of age, and Portland dispensaries clearly need to take some steps to make sure that prohibiting sales to minors is a top priority. c
6th Annual Prohibition Party If we can learn anything at all from the past, it’s that prohibition doesn’t work. Alcohol prohibition failed and gave birth to criminals like Al Capone, while cannabis prohibition gave birth to criminals like El Chapo. This Art Deco-inspired event is straight out of the 1920s, complete with Prohibition erainspired drinks and food specials. It’s like walking into a speakeasy with drink specials like a Mint Julep or a Gin Rickey. Live jazz music will be provided by Basso à Deux. Dress in your “Gatsby best,” with traditional attire such as suspenders, fedoras, flapper dresses, furs and pearls. Dress in your finest, and you might be awarded the prize for Best Costume. Proceeds will benefit the Sunnyside Elementary SMART Program, which helps children learn to read. WHEN: Sat, Feb. 18 WHERE: Circa 33, 3345 SE Belmont St., Portland WEBSITE: circa33. com
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Denise Pollicella, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Keira Fae, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Madison Ortiz, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Alexa Steinberg, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Amy Witt, Laurie Wolf 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 Designer, Payden Cobern John Venegas sales director Joe Larson Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Lee Moran, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Shayne Williams, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy office manager Mikayla Aguilar digital media Hannah Lemley coordinator Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout Washington. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 815 1st Ave | #220 Seattle | Washington | 98104 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
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LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Life s t y l e of
“I
t’s a lifestyle” has been a CULTURE catchphrase since 2009. We don’t just consume cannabis; it’s an important part of our everyday lives. Cannabis allows us to live healthier. It enhances music. Cannabis inspires our creativity, encourages us to work out—it’s even in some of our favorite food and drinks. And finally—physical sensations like orgasms are more intense and pleasurable when cannabis is involved. February is notoriously one of CULTURE’s most intimate times of year, as we unveil our annual Sex Issue. The stories within this steamy issue embrace the themes of love, relationships and sex—and the many roles in which cannabis plays. When it comes to love and relationships in particular, it’s clear that couples who imbibe together, chill together. This is in part due to cannabis’ role in contributing to healthier relationships, which is not a new phenomenon. There are a number of studies that have presented evidence of a positive relationship between sex and cannabis. Back in September 2014, a study published in the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors proved there were fewer instances of violence between partners who both regularly consume cannabis. Additionally, cannabis appears to lead to more sex, according to a groundbreaking study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, which was conducted by researchers at Stanford University in October 2017. The study found that those who consistently consume cannabis have sex 20 percent more often than those who do not. It’s no secret to consumers the ways in which cannabis can enhance the intensity of sexual pleasure and orgasms. Now with increasing research around sex and cannabis, we’re finding that when we masturbate to completion, our endocannabinoid systems are creating endocannabinoids. When we introduce cannabinoids derived from cannabis into our bodies, our endocannabinoid systems release
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more endocannabinoids, which help balance most of our bodies’ functions. A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in November 2017 found evidence that endocannabinoids play a role in the sexual response cycle. While there is a clear physical reaction our bodies experience when we consume cannabis, which may affect the intensity of our pleasure and orgasms, it’s possible that cannabis also has a way of strengthening the nonverbal and spiritual connections between people. This deepened sense of togetherness leads to better sex overall. There have been countless testimonials by individuals who find that cannabinoids like CBD have the ability to make them feel more comfortable and less anxious. Ultimately, cannabis helps allow many people to embrace intimacy—which can clearly be a benefit both inside and outside of the bedroom. Both catering to adults, cannabis and sex make a poetic partnership. With further research by scientists and cannabis companies providing consumers with titillating, exciting sex products, it’s sure the correlation between these two pleasures will only continue to strengthen. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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The number of Washington State cannabis transactions that have been tracked by a data website called Headset, since its (Source: Headset) launch in 2015:
1,889,000,000
The approximate amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency has spent on cannabis through air samples, legal expenses, managing complaints and more: (Source: KREM2)
299
The number of officers who currently regulate all of Washington State’s licensed processors and cannabis license applicants: (Source: Nisqually Valley News)
The number of software integrators that are currently set up to assist Washington’s tracking (Source: Washington State system, out of 15: Liquor and Cannabis Board)
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The length, in feet, that made up a single joint that was created by cannabis advocates in Massachusetts in December 2017: (Source: Los Angeles CBS)
The projected number of cannabis jobs in the United States that would be created immediately if federal cannabis legalization were to occur: (Source: New Frontier Data)
782,000
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The amount of acres that Pennsylvanian farmers will be allowed for cultivating hemp, under revised 2018 state Department of Agriculture guidelines: (Source: PennLive.com)
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Sex and Cannabis for Lovers with Velvet Swing™ WHEN: Fri, Feb. 9 WHERE: Babeland Seattle, 707 E Pike St., Seattle WEBSITE: velvetswing.com
The adult and cannabis industries naturally intersect with each other. Learn tips on increasing sexual excitement through cannabis-based lubes with cannabis expert Chelsea Cebara and Sexual Icon Mistress Matisse, creators of Velvet Swing™ lube. Mistress Matisse has been a professional dominatrix for 20 years, and she will discuss the basics on BDSM, polyamory and sex. As Velvet Swing™ 14
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claims, THC dilates small capillaries, which can increase blood flow and orgasm intensity, while terpenes aid in vascular efficiency. In addition, CBD can relax blood vessels and muscle tension. Attendees will also get a chance to win a Babeland Massage Candle. The series of free workshops will go over ways to effectively experiment with sex and cannabis.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Federal Approach
W h at a c h a n g e i n f e d e r a l enforcement priority means for the Washington cannabis industry By Alison Malsbury
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018 kicked off with United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions single-handedly dismantling the federal government’s former cannabis enforcement framework, and since then, the media has been buzzing about what this means for states like Washington that have legalized both adult-use and medical cannabis. Whether this signals an imminent organized crackdown on the cannabis industry, or whether business will carry on as usual remains to be seen. Sessions’ new memo didn’t provide a lot of specifics in terms of what the federal government would or wouldn’t do in terms of enforcement, nor did it contain a directive to U.S. Attorneys ordering them to go after cannabis businesses. Rather, it withdrew the August 2013 Cole Memo that has formed the basis of federal cannabis policy for the last few years, the February 2014 Cole Memo that extended low enforcement priority status to banking, and the 2014 Wilkinson Memo that addressed cannabis on tribal lands. What this means is that U.S. Attorneys are free to treat cannabis sales like any other federal crime, and each U.S. Attorney has full discretion to determine to what extent they can and should enforce federal law with respect to cannabis in states that have legalized it. The consistency in federal enforcement under the Cole Memo is gone, and we now face the potential of 93 different enforcement policies—one for each attorney
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“Wha t t his me a ns is t ha t U.S. At t o r neys a r e t o t r ea t ca nna bis s a l es l ik e a ny o t her feder a l cr ime, a nd ea ch U.S. At t o r ney ha s ful l dis cr et io n t o de t er mine t o wha t ex t ent t hen ca n a nd s ho ul d enfo r ce feder a l l a w wit h r es pe ct t o ca nna bis in s ta t es t ha t have l ega l ized. ”
general. Washington State has two attorneys general, meaning that enforcement policies could differ between eastern and western Washington. Annette Hayes, Attorney General for the Western District of Washington, released a statement that insinuated that enforcement policies in western Washington would remain the same, ensuring that “enforcement efforts with our federal, state, local and tribal partners focus on those who pose the greatest safety risk to the people and communities we serve.” On the other hand Joseph Harrington, Attorney General for the Eastern District of Washington did not issue any specific statement in response to the Sessions memo, and referred media requests to the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. It remains to be seen what stance Harrington will take on cannabis enforcement. What this shift means for cannabis business owners in Washington is still unclear, although there will most certainly be a ripple effect in terms how business is carried out. The future of banking, which is already problematic in the
cannabis industry, remains the most unclear. Multiple state-chartered credit unions in Washington stepped up to provide banking services to licensed cannabis companies, but those banking services could be curtailed following the shift in federal policy. FinCEN’s 2014 guidance for banks relied heavily on the Cole Memo, which is no longer in play. If FinCEN withdraws its guidance, this could have a major effect on licensed cannabis companies’ ability to bank, even in Washington State. Sen. Patty Murray was one of the original sponsors of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act, which would prohibit a federal banking regulator from penalizing a banking institution that provides services to cannabis companies. This piece of legislation could at least provide clarity to Washington cannabis businesses regarding banking services in a time where federal enforcement policies are still uncertain in half the state. But only time will tell how this shift will impact Washington cannabis businesses and consumers. Until then, it appears to be business as usual. c
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REVIEWs
strain, edible & concentrate
AM Relief 300 Sativa Avocado Oil Tincture by Fairwinds
Available wherever: Fairwinds products are carried.
Fairwinds does a wonderful job of creating an edible product that’s both attractive and adult-friendly. The package’s minimal design is elegant, while still providing all the information on the product you could possibly need. This AM Relief 300 Sativa Avocado Oil Tincture packs a ton of healthy benefits into one small and appealing little package. Each pretty blue bottle contains 270mg of CBD, 20mg of THCA and 10mg of THC, and each dropper full of goodness contains 10mg CBD, 0.75mg THCA and 0.37mg THC. The tincture is meant to provide relief and energy without clouding your mind, and it does just that. Upon ingesting a dropper full of this delicious tincture under the tongue, and waiting for 10-15 seconds, the CULTURE team noted the absolutely delightful flavor of this product. The terpene profile on this tasty liquid gold is 30 percent pinene, 20 percent limonene, 30 percent caryophyllene and 20 percent proprietary blend, which includes a mix of delicious herbs. This carefully selected flavor profile makes for an absolutely delicious tincture that will satisfy any palate.
Available wherever: GaGa products are carried.
Day Tripper by GaGa Unlike The Beatles’ song that is this strain’s namesake, Day Tripper by GaGa won’t just take you halfway there. It will take you all the way there, and then some. Named for its sativa-dominant effects, this flower has so many positive attributes, there are almost too many to list. The first thing most will notice, aside from GaGa’s emblematically well-designed packaging, is the out-ofthis-world scent of this flower. If you were to blend up a delicious fruit salad, concentrate it, and take a whiff, that’s what the fragrance of this perfect flower is like. Hints of berry, cherry and pineapple hit your nose like a ton of bricks and leave you eager to sample this gorgeous flower. As far as appearance and texture goes, this flower has medium-sized and incredibly dense buds. The sugar leaves are crystalline, and the hairs are generously distributed. Using a water pipe to maximize flavor, the CULTURE team was excited to learn that this flower tasted exactly as good as it smelled. In addition to the cherry/berry flavor, there was also a wonderful tropical pineapple finish. True to its name, this hybrid flower, which surprisingly comes from an indica-dominant lineage, has quite a sativa-like effect. Perfect for daytime use, this flower provides a calming, peaceful feeling with a perky edge that will help you ease into your day without bogging down your mind.
Rainbow Sherbet by House of Cultivar Why get your sweetheart flowers and candy this Valentine’s Day when you can get them both in one beautiful package? This Rainbow Sherbet from House of Cultivar delivers a fragrant, gorgeous flower that will satisfy even the sweetest-leaning palate. Notes of sweet berry goodness waft out of the pretty silver package as soon as you pop it open. The flower itself is a sight to behold. Compact, dense buds are so completely covered in crystals; it’s difficult to discern the color of the sugar leaf, though green is the main color coming through the piles of crystal. The CULTURE team used a water pipe and vaporizer to sample this lovely flower. The flavor was similar to the scent, but had a subtle peppermint finish helping to round out the sweetness and made for an utterly kissable mouth. This strain is an evenly balanced hybrid. The effect reflects this balance, with a blissful quality that provides an energizing buzz, in addition to some powerful relaxation. Testing at 24.1 percent THC, this flower would be the perfect way to start or end a romantic date, help relieve pain/anxiety, but still be able to function, or give you the motivation you need to finish up a creative project. 18
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Available at: Green Collar Cannabis in Tacoma.
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REVIEWs
Girl Scout Cookies by HempKings Who doesn’t love Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)? Whether you’re talking about the famed cookies or the famed cannabis strain, pretty much anyone can get down with the GSC. Of course, GSC from HempKings is even better! This flower had dense, large buds, twisting calyxes and was jam-packed with crystals and fuzzy with bright orange hairs. The fragrance was intoxicating on its own. As you unseal the signature black and gold package, the pungent sweet smells of some truly powerful flower will stimulate and intrigue your senses. Unlike some sweet strains, GSC has a balanced flavor profile with a little bit of savory to balance out sweet notes. The CULTURE team sampled this flower using a water pipe and a vaporizer. Flavors noted included the sweet, pungent savory blend noted in the fragrance, as well as a nice earthy finish. This flower provides a powerful effect, true to its hybrid nature. Euphoric, joyful and totally blissed out, this GSC will take the edge off without rendering you unable to go about your day. Perfect for a social gathering, an outdoor adventure, or a night in with your honey, there’s nothing this flower can’t do, except disappoint. Even the toughest critics will enjoy this tasty treat.
Available wherever: Mammoth Labs products are carried.
Super Fruity by Mammoth Labs Mammoth Labs and Grow Bros have once again teamed up to create what is arguably the perfect extract. Exquisite flavor, terrific potency and a perfect texture, this extract has everything you want, and nothing you don’t. The texture is crumbly, malleable and easy to work with, without leaving any of that sad, hard-to-get-at residue in the container that some stickier extract products leave behind. The efficiency of the texture, combined with the potency, really does give you a lot of bang for your buck. Testing at a whopping 63.5 percent THC, this wax is not for the weak-hearted. The CULTURE team sampled this extract using a water vaporizer, and once we started, we didn’t want to stop. The flavor of this product will knock your socks off. The robust terpene profile of this extract has a little of everything. The terpenes which were most present in the flavor were limonene (18.47mg), myrcene (11.17mg), and caryophyllene (15.82mg). Though to most of us, all we’ll notice is the powerful fruit flavor that lives up to its name. While the flavor and consistency might leave you wanting more, the effect certainly won’t. This extract is suitable for help with sleep, relaxation and pain relief.
Gypsy Daydream by Downtown Cannabis Company During February here in Washington, we might get a few warm-ish sunny days and even a glimpse of what might soon look like spring—and there is no better way to celebrate the longer days and warmer weather than with this sunny flower. Gypsy Daydream from Downtown Cannabis Company will make you feel warm and fuzzy even on the rainiest and grey days. The fragrance is absolutely delightful, like a bouquet of spring flowers next to sweet, freshly baked pie. The flower’s appearance is fluffy and airy, with long buds and a sticky texture, thanks to the thick layer of crystals, with lengthy orange hairs springing out from the leaves throughout. After using a water pipe to sample this flower, the CULTURE team noted that the flowery, sweet scent carried over into the flavor as well, though a bit more subtle and with a gas-flavored finish. Fast-acting and powerful, this flower brings the best of both worlds when it comes to the effects. This indica-dominant strain tested at 26.6 percent THC. Euphoric, yet possessing powerful de-stressing qualities, this bud is the perfect companion for a long walk on the beach or a cozy night at home. 20
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Available wherever: HempKings products are carried.
Available at: Urban Bud Marijuana in Tacoma.
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REVIEWs
store highlight
To p-Sellin g Str ain Sensimilla’s Skywalker OG To p-Sellin g Co ncentr ate Sticky Budz Honeycomb Wax To p-Sellin g Edible Land of Lizards Sugar Cubes
Green Collar North 21412 Hwy 99 Ste. A, Edmonds | (206) 487-8262 menu.cannabisstation.com
How and when did your store start up? Green Collar Cannabis started in September 2016! We revamped the shop as Green Collar North in July of 2017. What does your store offer customers that they can’t find anywhere else? [We have] undeniable customer service, medical marijuana consultants, fresh rotating products from the highest quality vendors. [We also have] a discount program is available, with discounts for our patients, military and many more! 22
How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? I’ve noticed more quality control from producers, but I would like to see even more transparency on specific details on the products being sold in the stores and classes for budtenders to meet and [gain] knowledge. Stores would be nothing without the knowledge of the crew selling the products and vendors willing to spend time with the store explaining their products.
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What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a store? . . . Biggest joys? The stigma against cannabis [is the biggest challenge]— changing the public thought process, thinking cannabis use as a taboo thing to speak about. The best part is making someone return with a smile on their face, telling us how happy the last purchase made them, because we helped them find exactly what they’re looking for. Our customers are the best! What is the one thing you want patients/customers to know about your store? We want to hear from you! Reviews are awesome! We want to let everyone know we take our time with all the
questions you have on all of our products in store. We want you to make us part of your routine! If someone wanted to open a store and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Knowledge of genetics and the benefits of cannabis! Customer service, having the ability to connect with the customer immediately, and keep them coming back! What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? To watch our company blossom and to create a happy, fun and safe environment for all types of people to enjoy cannabis together. c
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To CultureMagazine.com
3. Easy Grinder
There is no easier way to grind cannabis. Traditional grinders are poorly designed, with no simple way of filling pre-rolls or bowls with finely ground cannabis without making a mess. The Easy Grinder, however, is here to end that struggle. It works electronically or manually, complete with LED lights, a magnetic seal and a manual crank. Just fill up to 2.5mg and dispense how much ground up cannabis you desire. The longer you press the button, the finer your herbs become. Large bulky grinders have become a thing of the past. Price: $99.99 More Information: www.easygrinder.com
1 1. Penis Hand Glass Pipe
Relax the jaw, tilt the head back, open the airway and show off your skills. The highly detailed Penis Hand Glass Pipe makes a great conversation-starter. Made by Empire Glassworks, the Penis Hand Glass Pipe is thick, heavy and is unlikely to shatter the first time you drop it. It’s a modest four inches long and comes in pink, purple or black. The carb is far enough away from the bowl, so you won’t burn your fingers when you take a hit like you would with cheaply designed pipes. Price: $50 More Information: www.empireglassworks.com 2. Fiera® Personal Care Device
Most people aren’t aware that the 1966 hit “Mellow Yellow” by Donovan was—by his own admission—about an electric banana-shaped vibrator. Sex toy technology has come a long, long way since the ’60s. The Fiera® Personal Care Device is a whole new concept developed by OB/ GYNs that applies gentle suction for stimulation. It is ideal for women who struggle with arousal or that want to increase intensity. If the conventional insertable vibrators of the past have left you unsatisfied, then Fiera® is the way to go. Whether it’s for yourself or a Valentine’s gift for your loved one, you can’t go wrong. Price: $199–249 More Information: shop.fiera.com
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4. Puffco+
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Dabbers rejoice! They call it the “first-ever pocket nail,” because the Puffco+ is a pen that literally comes with a ceramic nail that does just about everything a full-sized rig can do. There are no fragile coils that come with most other pens. Push the glowing cloud button five times, and take off into the stratosphere. Your hits will taste more like dabs than the metallic taste that is common in pens. This is not a pen that will fall apart within months, due to the quality of its design. Price: $99.99 More Information: www.puffco.com
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HERE
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REVIEWs
entertainment
Release Date: FEBRUARY 13 Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
BOOK
GAME
Sinfully Sweet Cannabis Recipes
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Jenny and Rick Butler Pub. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Dev. Warhorse Studios Pub. Deep Silver
Ready to enhance your Valentine’s Day celebration with a little bit of romance and a whole lot of cannabis? Sinfully Sweet Cannabis Recipes is written by a husbandand-wife duo who know how to kick it up a notch when it comes to desserts. By infusing delicious desserts with the sweet gift of cannabis, one of these 75 recipes is sure to tickle your taste buds. You will find all the information you need to know about cooking with cannabis, from how to decarb cannabis to calculating proper THC dosing. A sinfully sweet future most certainly lies ahead. (Jacob Cannon)
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The fundamentals of role playing games are pretty standard (with elements like a hero who is labeled as “the chosen one” or the presence of an evil villain), but in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you’re just a medieval soldier. The game takes a unique historical approach at medieval combat and life, allowing players to see through the eyes of an averagejoe soldier living in the 13th century Holy Roman Empire. Players get to wield classic weapons, wear a variety of armor sets, go on quests, ride horses, explore over 16 square kilometers of land and even listen to some period-relevant music on their journey. (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
IT Dir. Andy Muschietti Warner Bros. Pictures No novelist has had his or her work adapted to film as often as American horror writer Stephen King. Yet, in all of those dozens of movie adaptations very few have managed to make compelling cinema or, even at the very least, the original books justice. However, Director Andy Muschietti’s recent take on King’s clown monster classic, It, manages to not only build well upon its original material, but takes the terror to a whole new level. Featuring a cast of relative new comer child actors and a break-out performance by Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the clown, It is a must see for anyone in need of a good scare. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
To Infinity Special Explosion Topshelf Records After seven years as a band, with two EPs and a 7” single, Seattle’s own Special Explosion has finally unveiled its debut LP, To Infinity, and it was worth the wait. Brimming with beautifully recorded, textural and enveloping indie rock, the band delivers 10 songs of pure bliss and shows off an incredibly polished, well-honed sound. Following in the footsteps of other Northwest greats like Modest Mouse and Built to Spill, Special Explosion takes hold of and captivate listeners with tunes that can be equal parts sharp and cutting as well as rich and dreamy. (Simon Weedn)
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FEBRUARY 2018 CultureMagazine.com By Robert Voets / Netflix
U n a b at e d A r t i s t r y
Kathy Bates is a versatile actress who shares all about her career, surviving breast cancer and how cannabis has brought her life full circle
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By Benjamin M. Adams
ou probably recognize her enduring performances from Misery, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Blind Side or one of the highest-grossing films of all time—Titanic. In television, her unparalleled career includes
American Horror Story, Six Feet Under, Two and a Half Men, The Stand, The Office and many more.
Kathy Bates’ incredible career in theater, film and television spans decades, recently earning her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—and fulfilling a childhood dream. The Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress, director and activist is currently starring as the lead character of Netflix’s Disjointed, a sitcom set inside a dispensary. Only now has Bates opened up about her own odyssey with medical cannabis to CULTURE—a journey that would lead her to portray Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, a seasoned cannabis activist who runs the fictional dispensary Ruth’s Alternative Caring. It was truly an honor for CULTURE to discuss cannabis, film and PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Bates.
What made you want to work on Disjointed? You know, it’s amazing how when our next 10 episodes dropped on Jan. 12, the timing couldn’t have been more prescient. We knew that things were coming, that [Prop. 64] had passed, and we were all really excited about it. Our show was just starting to begin shooting. We were thrilled. But now considering the fact that we’re getting pushed back, from the Attorney General specifically, it’s going to be a really fascinating journey between state and federal [laws]. What’s going on is the growers who have been there doing it for 60 years don’t want to suddenly be legislated. That’s what I’ve heard. You know, I think we’ll be okay, but I just don’t know if the government is going to start really playing dirty tricks, like muscling in on landlords. So it concerns me—and if there’s a fight, I’ll be right there on the frontline, because the more I’ve experimented, the more
I learn about it, even through the show, it has been a blast. I just really got interested in it as a two-time cancer survivor. I’ve used it to help with nausea and pain, so for me, it’s a real relief. I look at it like Prohibition from the ’20s, which didn’t work. I’m hoping that people will leave it alone. The other thing that bothers me is that they want to reinstate these draconian sentences for people in possession of a small amount of marijuana and send them away. It’s the close-mindedness, the lack of intelligence about marijuana. [Attorney General Jeff] Sessions was quoted as saying that they were, “OK, until I found out they smoked pot,”—but he was talking about the Ku Klux Klan for God’s sake! And that was the only reason he turned away from the Ku Klux Klan is because he learned they were smoking dope! I don’t fuckin’ get it. The bottom line? As you can see, I’ve grown a lot more passionate about the issue.
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In episode 3 of Disjointed, it’s revealed how the dispensary security guard, Carter, suffers from PTSD. The episode resonated with fans, especially those in the cannabis industry. Why do you think PTSD is such a hot issue? I think with the increased awareness of abuse in the last decade, which is now culminated with the pushback against sexual harassment—that those of us who were emotionally abused or were violated in any way—suffer from PTSD. And I think people have not been aware of it until the last few years. Or it hasn’t been out in the open. And I also think it has to do with what we learned about the soldiers coming back from Vietnam and now coming back from the Middle East. I would imagine the immigrants who are trying to find a new place to land and build a home are suffering from PTSD. It’s all over the world. One of the things that makes our show unique is that it’s not just all about laughter and jokes; it’s that storyline. It took a departure, and yet came from the scene of that dispensary and ultimately helped him with viewing with his PTSD, at least on a level to where he could function better during the day. And I think that it’s great to have something that makes you can laugh and cry at the same time. Almost anyone can relate with Ruth, because we all know someone like her who dresses like her and who decorates her living space with drapery, crystals and dream catchers. How did you prepare for the role of a dispensary owner? [Laughing] Well, I guess I went through a period of life like [that]. I’m sure back then I had a couple of dream catchers lying around. You could say it’s just been a natural preparation, for me, coming from a very straight-laced Southern lady wearing hose and gloves in the early ’60s and late ’50s to going into the Summer of Love and going to college and trying things for the first time. I mean, Jesus. I went from being very conservative—the whole nine yards, what we’d consider yuppie—and I became a full-fledged hippie. We were all screwing around all the time with different costumes we wanted to wear in public. And it was great fun. I miss those days. 32
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By Robert Voets / Netflix
to find our footing in the first season. I’m hoping that the people who are now rushing out to buy marijuana and try it will get wind of our show, no pun intended. We’re living in dark times. So we could get heavy talking about the political side of it ad nauseam, but we need a break. I need a half an hour or five hours. I find myself binging on shows, just so that I can escape to another place. Have you ever felt like you were being judged for consuming cannabis? No, because until now, and doing press for our show, I really haven’t talked about it. So it will be interesting to see if anybody gives a shit whether I smoke or not. We’ll see what happens. You’ll visit me in jail, right? By Patrick Wymore / Netflix
I think that for Ruth, as an adolescent, to start hearing this call to her about this plant and its healing properties, I think that’s why she pushed herself to go to law school. But she never lost any of that, because her whole approach to marijuana is as a healing [aid]. She refers to her clients as patients. I’ve heard that Dr. Dina, who is our consultant, refers to her clients as patients. We’re used to going into a hotel room and putting drapes up and putting our things out. I remember working with an actress by the name of Elizabeth Ashley, early on in my career. She said, “Take everything with you, your pillows, your dogs, your pots and pans, to make it like home, because the road is really rough.” Recently, you’ve been very open about your battle with breast cancer, and it was not your first time facing cancer. Did you use medical cannabis to treat cancer and cancer medication side effects specifically? I used it for pain and nausea, instead of taking a painkiller like oxycodone or an opioid to ease the pain—I really couldn’t tolerate those things well. The thing that I like about marijuana is that you can regulate how stoned you want to get. You’re in control of that. And I think one of the things is, we’re not only going to have the feds fighting. “Big Pharma” is going to be
“I think with the increased awareness of abuse in the last decade, which is now culminated with the pushback against sexual harassment—that those of us who were emotionally abused or were violated in any way— suffer from PTSD.”
pouring millions of dollars through the lobbyists, because it’s a direct threat to the opioid market. Do you feel Disjointed is contributing to the perception of cannabis consumers and the cannabis industry? Well, you know, I hope we will. Right now, our audience is building, and I’m really excited about the next 10 episodes that [just came out]. I thought that it took us a few episodes
What is your favorite way to consume cannabis? I have two favorite ways. There’s an inhaler where you can buy cartridges. It’s PAX Pro. It’s real easy to use—you just slip in a cartridge and carry it with you and you can control the heat, you can control it from the phone app. And then I use a different vape. It’s Puffco. You put the wax in this little oven, you can control the heat. And you can put in shatter or whatever, but mainly wax. I find it’s really easy. The main thing I like about the vape delivery is that you can control it, because I don’t want to be blasted. I want to be able to just ease the pain. I suffer from hip pain and lower back pain. It really helps me. Of course, you know, I never get in my car having had dope. I think that’s incredibly irresponsible. I hope I don’t see people doing that, if they already aren’t. How do we put the amotivational theory to rest? Well, I think they ought to talk to some of the players in the NFL who are fighting the early onset of Alzheimer’s, CTE and other types of injuries and chronic pain. A lot of them now are switching to marijuana and getting off the opioids. It’s like anything else—it’s about awareness. I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who think it’s from the devil and who have closed minds about it. I say live and let live. CultureMagazine.com
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“. . . If there’s a fight, I’ll be right there on the frontline, because the more I’ve experimented, the more I learn about it, even through the show—it has been a blast. I just really got interested in it as a two-time cancer survivor. I’ve used it to help with nausea and pain, so for me, it’s a real relief.” [Maclaine] flew all the way down here from Canada to be with me. I just worked with Billy Bob [Thornton]. He’s so sweet. And all of my family and friends.
By Robert Voets / Netflix
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce finally awarded you with a well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016. How did that feel? Well, it was especially cool because I had a picture of myself with my Aunt Lee that was taken there around 1960. In was in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. We had gone on a little tour out here. She and my grandmother lived out here, so we drove out here and spent some time with them. It’s a black and white photo of my Aunt Lee and me standing in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre back then. I put it on the cards to invite people to the event because my star is about 30 feet to the right of where we were standing. It was a bittersweet moment. I’m a breast cancer survivor. She died of breast cancer. It was long before they could really help her. I wish that she could have been there with me. It was a very special day for all of us. I was so grateful that Shirley
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As a young pre-fame actress, did you always know deep down that one day you would become a star and that everyone would know your name? No. I was always very dramatic as a child. And then when I got seriously involved in training it was all about theater. I worked in regional theater companies. In the ’70s, we all were very snobby about doing television. I was very focused on the craft. I didn’t think about being a movie star. I just wanted to keep working and doing the best work I could do. So, it was a big surprise to get an Oscar. I didn’t plan to win an Oscar, even though it crosses every kid’s mind. What new projects are you currently working on? As a result of my breast cancer, I developed lymphedema. It’s swelling of glands that’s caused when you remove lymph glands that can move liquid through your body to be expelled. So as a result, the lymphs swelled. My doctor introduced me to someone who runs the Lymphatic Education & Research Network. For the last three years, I’ve been trying to raise awareness. Ten million people suffer from some sort of lymphatic disease. You can get it from an injury or it’s congenital. I just finished a film called On the Basis of Sex. It’s directed by Mimi Leder and stars Felicity Jones and Armie Hammer. It’s about the early days of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I’m very excited. c netflix.com/disjointed
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“ T h e b e s t w ay t o ensure a flawless event of any sort is to hire reliable vendors who will go above and beyond e x p e c tat i o n s . ”
,
High-class vendors offer elegant services to couples who dream of cannabis weddings By Addison Herron-Wheeler
Lavish M at r i m o n y
Photography by Jewels
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E
veryone has a vision for their special day. For some, it’s to be the blushing bride in white, the adoring betrothed standing amid a bouquet of fragrant flowers. For others, the pomp and circumstance doesn’t matter as much as the meaningful tradition of exchanging vows with their perfect partner. And for those of us who consider cannabis to be a meaningful, healing part of our lives, that special day can now involve that beloved herb. In states with legal cannabis, enthusiasts are living out their dreams with weddings curated around their tastes and styles— and including cannabis. In addition to premium cannabis products and the opportunity to imbibe them in style, these weddings also offer the same amenities as any classic wedding—lovely scenery and setting, pristine decorations and an overall gorgeous, high-end aesthetic. CULTURE spoke with a few of the vendors who make these types of weddings possible, in order to find out what it takes to have a beautiful cannabis-friendly wedding, and how they make it a reality for engaged couples across the nation.
A ly s s a U f e r , K aya E v e n t D e s i g n s “It is important to hire vendors who are familiar with cannabis regulations. Having a knowledgeable event team to guide you along the way is imperative to having a safe and compliant event.”
“I love highlighting the natural beauty of the plant. Both leaves and flower can be added to the floral, table settings, favors and more! There are so many ways to get creative and have fun incorporating cannabis in weddings. Many people are intrigued by, but weary of, cannabis. Weddings offer a safe and comfortable environment for them to experiment.”
J e w e l s G r ay, Photography by Jewels “I love the way the buds and leaves photograph. They’re so interesting, and I love lots of texture in bouquets!”
“Cannabis weddings are a blast to photograph, and I love how the guests respond to the unique ways it is incorporated. We are so lucky to be able to share this with people who aren’t exposed to it on a daily basis, and it’s fun watching their reactions”
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N ata s h a W i l l i a m s , C l o c k T o w e r E v e n t s “Our unique venue offers cannabis enthusiasts the opportunity to be able to experience the amazing mountain views and the city skyline from the top of the historic Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower. Clock Tower Events is a five-floor venue with two amazing balconies that wrap around the building; guests immediately gravitate to them to take it all in. Our space allows guests to legally consume cannabis responsibly in a private venue not accessible by the public. The sky’s the limit as far as creativity goes for events here.”
Ashley Schriener, Fluorescence “The best way to ensure a flawless event of any sort is to hire reliable vendors who will go above and beyond expectations. For a cannabis wedding, staying compliant and legal is key!”
“As a florist, it’s fun to incorporate cannabis flowers in unique ways. It’s not a plant we get to play with often and adds a beauty, texture and fragrance unlike anything else.”
Andrew Mieure, Top Shelf Budtending “There are a few very important words of advice to those who are trying to book a cannabis-friendly wedding venue. First off, they are actually pretty darn rare. Cannabis-friendly wedding venues change their mind about their policy on cannabis nearly every month. My suggestion to someone looking for venues would be to discover all cannabis-friendly wedding planners and ancillary service providers in the cannabis space.” 38
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Ge t t i n g I n T o u c h A s h l e y M a n ta u s e s c a n n a b i s t o g u i d e h e r c l i e n t s t o m o r e s at i s f y i n g a n d m e a n i n g f u l s e x u a l e x p e r i e n c e s By R. Scott Rappold
C
annabis and sex—they’re two great things that go great together. But in an industry becoming more nuanced by the day, cannabis can have many uses in the bedroom beyond simply smoking a joint and turning out the lights. Just ask Ashley Manta, the 31-year-old founder of CannaSexual, who is on a mission to show the world how cannabis can help conquer sexual difficulties and lead to a more satisfying sex life. “In terms of the totality of the potential, I don’t think people give [cannabis] enough thought. We generally operate in a very narrow construct of what sex and sexuality look like, largely based on what we see in porn,” said Manta, a self-described “bubbly buxom blonde” who isn’t shy about sharing her own sexual experiences with the world.
B.
Based on Experience
Manta has been working as a sex counselor for a decade, though she was a late-comer to cannabis, first consuming it “on purpose” when she was 23. She discovered the cannabis stereotype was just that; she’d met people with PhDs who consumed it regularly. In 2013, Manta moved to California and visited a dispensary for the first time. Around this time, she also had her first pleasurable intercourse in a decade. This is because she was facing trauma from being raped a decade before. Cannabis played an important role in relaxing her for the experience and allowing her to feel pleasure instead of pain from penetration. She began to shift the focus of her counseling from sexual violence to enhancing pleasure, with a short stint as a phone sex operator on the way. And she found her niche by offering what few other counselors would—showing individual people and couples how cannabis could enhance their sex lives. Cannabis can awaken, rather than dull, the senses. So around 2015 Manta set out to discover how the plant could enhance sexuality in ways other substances could not.
A.
Awareness, Mindfulness, Communication and Cannabis
If you take one of Manta’s classes or book a private session, the first thing you’ll learn about is communication by staring into your partner’s eyes wordlessly for two minutes. Most people, she says, don’t know how to do it when it comes to sex. “People don’t know how to ask for what they need. They don’t know how to negotiate in the bedroom. People have shame about the bodies, about things they are into, about enjoying pleasure,” she said. “I really kind of help figure out what it is they’re missing or what’s holding them back, using a combination of
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awareness, mindfulness, communication and cannabis to start to adjust these things.” And cannabis can help in many ways. Say someone gets nervous about sexual performance? She might suggest a strain high in CBD to help calm them. Maybe a woman experiences pain with penetration? She suggests cannabis oils combined with toys and gentle touching. Or maybe it’s stress from work, life or a past traumatic sexual experience? “Stress is such an arousal killer and being able to take enough stress away that you can have a pleasurable experience, by yourself or with a partner, is one of the main benefits of cannabis, to get you out of your head and into your body.” She does most of her counseling in Southern California, as well as in Denver, Colorado, but is willing to travel wherever (provided the clients provide travel expenses). Manta also writes for several publications, makes media appearances and is never shy about sharing her own sexual exploits to her thousands of Twitter and Instagram followers, so they know the things she suggests have already been tried—by her. Manta is also in the process of developing her own line of sex toys and products. “I want to be an educational resource and a lifestyle brand,” she said. The one wild card, of course, is that cannabis affects every person differently, so it’s often a journey of discovery with clients, sometimes trial and error. “What works for me and my body may not work well for you and your body,” she said. “My approach is, if this is a thing you are curious about, I can help you do that better. If it’s not your thing, you can still have amazing sex.” c
+ www.ashleymanta.com/cannasexual
Ge t t i n g He at ed T r e at y o u r s e l f w i t h t o y s of pleasure to pair with your cannabis consumption By Ashley Manta
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t may be cold outside, but there are plenty of ways to keep things sizzling this February—whether you’re single or partnered. For each one, I’m pairing a creative way to incorporate cannabis with sex toys to enhance the sensations even more! Pleasure starts with you, so the first tip for a fun and sexy Valentine’s Day is to make a date with yourself. Take some solo time and treat yourself to something that really nourishes
Fun Factory Stronic G: It’s not a vibrator—it’s a pulsator. Imagine a Shake Weight®, but for your bits. The tip is hooked perfectly to hit all of the right spots (hence the name) and this iteration is much more streamlined than its predecessors—this is ideal for solo play because if you position a pillow or leg just right, you can use it entirely hands-free, leaving your hands available to stimulate other parts of you! I recently paired this with an infused sex oil and a few hits of GG#4 and had an explosive evening. I suspect the relaxed body with the mellow head helped me feel more present and less stressed, allowing users to focus on the pleasurable sensations.
NÖje W3 Mini Wand by B l u s h N o v e lt i e s : This little wand packs quite a punch, which is impressive both for its size and its price point. At $35 this wand is quite affordable, and it’s an excellent starter toy for those who are curious to dip their toe in the pleasure products pond. You could easily pair this with a highCBD strain to help you get out of your head and into your body, especially if you’re new to toys.
you. Perhaps a spa trip, spending time in nature, eating your favorite food or taking a hot shower, and follow by packing your favorite bong with a nice body-relaxing strain. If you want to upgrade your usual smoke session, add a drop of food grade peppermint essential oil to the bong water. It cools down the smoke and makes it taste minty fresh! But since it’s Valentine’s Day, there’s no time like the present to mix things up a bit and feel adventurous and introduce sex toys into the bedroom. Some are intimidated by using sex toys, worrying that they “replacing” partners, cause numbing or creating a situation where the user can no longer experience pleasure without toys. I’m happy to reassure you that all of these notions are blatantly false. Toys, like cannabis, are an enhancement to pleasure and intimacy—when used mindfully and with intention. Here are four toys that were featured at the 2018 Adult Novelty Manufacturer’s Expo (think fashion week for sex toys) that would make a great addition to your nightstand, both for February and beyond:
V e s p e r b y C r av e :
Gala by We-Vibe:
This gorgeous vibe is both a necklace and a sex toy! It is attached to a chain that you can wear around your neck, and it’s completely stealthy—it just looks like a modern necklace! This is excellent as a gift for a partner or a gift for yourself! I’d pair this with a social strain that would help you stand out in the crowd. Dance, connect, laugh and remember that no one knows that you’re wearing a vibrator.
This silicone bunny-ear vibe features the deep, rumbly vibrations that We-Vibe is known for, a rechargeable battery and Bluetooth app compatibility so you can actually control it through your phone, or give control to your partner from the same room or from thousands of miles away! Go exploring! Pick a strain or product that heightens tactile sensations.
So this Valentine’s Day, whether you are partnered or single, find some time to indulge in the things that bring you joy and pleasure and if including cannabis is part of that for you, remember the golden rules: For everyone, use the least amount of cannabis you need to get the results you’re looking for. There’s no reason to go hardcore on dosage. You can always add more, you can’t subtract. For those with partners: Negotiate before you medicate because consent comes first, always. Enjoy! c
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Bawdy and Burlesque C l a s s y m e e t s c o m e d y w i t h t h e e d u c at i o n a l b u r l e s q u e s h o w, M a r i j u a n a M a d n e s s By Simon Weedn
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hen most people think of burlesque, they’re probably likely to think more of sexy stripteases, ornate outfits, costume jewelry and comedy than about an educational experience. Marijuana Madness, an event created by veteran burlesque performer Miss Marquez, aims to change that. With a focus on the classiness, humor and the theater of classic burlesque, Marquez has developed a captivating show that traces the origins of cannabis prohibition and includes some of the best burlesque entertainers in California and a stunning live jazz quartet,
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Photo by Gustavo Turner
The Mad Reeefers, delivering the fiery jazz of the era. Additionally, Marquez has partnered with local cannabiscentric fine dining and event planners, Grassfed. Together they create a completely separate “Viper Room” inside of The Three Clubs venue, where attendees can get fully immersed in the experience and enjoy a chic vape bar, health conscious edibles and see a live rosin press. Recently, CULTURE had the opportunity to catch up with Miss Marquez and hear all about her exciting Marijuana Madness show and her own personal experiences with the wonders of cannabis.
“ T h e r e a s o n w h y I f e e l t h at b u r l e s q u e i s s u c h a g r e at p a i r i n g w i t h c a n n a b i s p r o h i b i t i o n i s t h at a l l o f t h o s e a n t i - m a r i j u a n a p r o p a g a n d a c a m p a i g n s i n t h e l at e t h i r t i e s a n d f o r t i e s a l w ay s ta l k e d a b o u t h o w m a r i j u a n a w o u l d affect your moral inhibitions.”
How long have you had the idea to do Marijuana Madness? Was there any key turning point that made you decide it was something worth developing? I’ve been sitting on this concept of doing Marijuana Madness for a long time, but I couldn’t find the right venue to do it, and the timing just seemed off. But, once we voted to make recreational cannabis legal in California, I was like, “Time to light a fire under my ass to do this now, because if I don’t do it someone else will!” That’s why I decided to debut it during the first month of recreational legalization. For those who have never attended a burlesque show before, can you tell us a bit about what folks who are attending can expect? How is your show unique from other burlesque events? As far as Marijuana Madness goes, it’s a mix of burlesque performances, live music and narrative theatre. When you see a burlesque performance, especially of the style that I and the performers I hired do, it’s a really interactive experience so that the audience feels one with the performance. The reason why I feel that burlesque is such a great pairing with cannabis prohibition is that all of those anti-marijuana propaganda campaigns in the late ’30s and ’40s always talked
about how marijuana would affect your moral inhibitions. If you smoked cannabis, there’s going to be wild orgies and parties; I mean we’ve all seen Reefer Madness. When you look up burlesque in the dictionary, one of the chief words used to describe it is “comedy,” and I think comedy and parody are really important to the classic form of burlesque. So, that’s why I chose to use burlesque as a platform in this show—to parody the ludicrous claims that marijuana is going to instantly make you this crazy dope fiend that needs to go to wild orgy parties and all of that crazy stuff. A lot of the show revolves around the history of cannabis prohibition and how socially unethical it is. Is this an issue that resonates with you personally? I am first generation Mexican-American on my mother’s side, and so especially once I started understanding the stigma of the term “marihuana” with an “h” and why people were trying to prohibit it, of course it resonated with me. Additionally, whether you’re Mexican or not, cannabis users have had to deal with the typical stigma of being a stoner for so long, and it’s just ridiculous. I think it’s really important to show people that not all cannabis users look the same or act the same, and that’s another reason I wanted to pair it with burlesque and class it up.
her morphine, and that didn’t work. So, she ended up going home still not feeling good, and I got on the phone with her, told her to go into her kitchen cabinet where I’d left her an edible cookie and to eat it. Thirty minutes later, that migraine that lasted a week was gone. So many people suffer from autoimmune diseases or other health issues where marijuana is really medicine for them. That experience has made me more passionate to get the word out about marijuana’s medicinal purposes. To get back to your show, what kind of experience do you hope attendees will have with Marijuana Madness? What do you hope they’ll walk away from it with? I hope that when people walk away that they feel entertained and that they had a fantastic time, but that they also learned something about the history. By learning the history, you really see the parallels between then and where we are right now. c
+ www.themissmarquez.com
Is cannabis something that’s been beneficial in your life or in the lives of people you know? Absolutely! My mother actually gets bad migraines and has lupus, and only in the last six months have I gotten her comfortable with using it to help her. A couple of months ago there was a week where she had a migraine that was so bad that she went to urgent care, and then the emergency room. They gave
Photo by Christopher Kristensen
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L e t ’s Ta l k S e x
From cuddles to cannabis, podcast Co-host C h r i s t i n a H e p b u r n i s c o u r a g e o u s ly c a n d i d By Carl Kozlowski
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hristina Hepburn is one woman who knows what she wants out of life and isn’t afraid to pursue it, especially when it comes to the arena of sexuality. As the co-creator and co-host of the popular podcast “T&A Talk Sex,” she’s known on-air as “T” because of her amply gifted bosom, and she dispenses a wide range of information on sex and relationships from an
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Photos by Jonathan Saunders
informed yet often hilarious perspective. That’s because Hepburn is also one of the Los Angeles comedy scene’s most vibrant rising stars, having starred, co-written and directed dozens of shorts for the “AutocorrectFU” web series, which based comic scenarios around actual screwed-up text conversations and was selected by Funny Or Die as the new show of the month to discover last April. She’s also a frequent presence at The Comedy Store and other notable stages across the city.
“‘T&A’ is a show that talks about taboo topics with humor and good information. For me, the show was about using my voice as a woman to talk freely about sexuality in our culture,” Hepburn told CULTURE. “To discuss taboo topics without judgment or shame, to act as a symbol to other women who don’t feel entitled to have a healthy sexuality, and to influence our current culture’s perspective on sex in our lives.” “We had a slogan that says ‘Because sex isn’t ever just about sex,’ and we say that because sex acts as the fastest access point to your emotional health,
physical health and your relationships to others. We use sex as a lens to selfimprovement.” Among the taboos that Hepburn has discussed on the program are BDSM clubs, anal sex, sex work, polyamory and open relationships, and how she and her co-host came to love giving blow jobs. She is determined to break societal repression that renders female orgasms controversial, and her surprising hope is that “more people have slower, longer sex.” Hepburn is also a certified professional cuddlist, a gig in which she has learned to give
and receive the value of nonerotic touch to heal the human mind and spirit. While many initially scoffed at the field, she likens it to the simple act of making others feel better by smiling at them. “When people talk about impact with another person on the street, you smile and they smile, and it’s a pay it forward effect,” says Hepburn. “You have the power to bring healing with non-sexual touch.” “Even with sex, for example, one has the power to make a man or woman have physical spasms of arousal and pleasure past the moment of touching them. That shows the impact of sex on another person—it’s deep, profound, and it’s lasting.” “Personally, with sex, I like to be played like a musical instrument,” she adds. “We are inherently musical as humans. There’s rhythm and pacing, speeding up and slowing down, there’s arousal, and it’s musical—it’s like a music score.” A New Orleans native who broke into working in radio during college in New York City, Hepburn has also found that cannabis can be a key component in heightening sexual pleasure. And she’s not just talking about the obvious joy of smoking a joint and then having a romp, either. “I’ve had that experience, and it does create a euphoric buzz; it’s really fun,” she said. “I’ve been turned onto marijuana lubricant lately, because a wonderful woman named Ashley Manta first talked about it in the first year on our podcast, and it was always on my mind,” added Hepburn. “Finally someone gifted me a tube of it, I used it, and it’s absolutely magical and fun. You don’t get high from it all over your body, but feel an intensity in your genitals. In the vulva area, it’s like a throbbing in a good way, a throbbing intensity of pleasure. It will break a latex condom, so be warned, but other than that, it’s a great treat to experiment and play with.” c
“I’ve been turned onto marijuana lubricant l at e ly, because a wonderful woman named A s h l e y M a n ta f i r s t ta l k e d about it in the first year on our p o d c a s t, and it was a l w ay s o n m y mind.”
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“If you’re alone thIS V a l e n t i n e ’ s D ay, p u t o n L i s a P r a n k s ’ l at e s t a l b u m A d u lt Teen, roll up a doobie of your favorite strain, and l e t t h e f e e l- g o o d s o u n d s about being single and in love wash over you.”
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P o e t i c a l ly Pop Lisa Prank makes heartbreak sound sweet By Emily Manke
W
Can we get a brief history of your musical path? My first band was called LustCats of the Gutters. It was just me and my best friend, and we started it when I was 18 or 19. I’ve been in a few bands since then. I started Lisa Prank as a solo project, and that’s my main thing. I usually describe it as three or four chord songs about feelings. I’m also in another band called Who is She? that is actually a supergroup; it’s with Bree McKenna from Tacocat and Julia Shapiro from Chastity Belt, and we just put out a record last year. That’s kind of a silly friendship band.
hat if your favorite character from a Lisa Frank folder were to come to life, rip her jeans, put on some Converse shoes,
Where are you from originally, and where do you live now? I’m from Colorado originally, and now I live in Seattle.
pick up a guitar and learn to program a drum machine? It
may be hard to imagine that happening, but if it did, then that new musician would sound something like Lisa Prank. Pop-punk solo artist Lisa Prank, real name Robin Edwards, has a sound and sentimentality that will thaw even the coldest of hearts.
Who are some of your musical influences? They Might Be Giants, I love Liz Phair a lot, Dolly Parton and all my friends’ bands are really inspiring to me too. I’m probably most influenced by my friends’ bands, like Chastity Belt, Tacocat, Dog Breath and Hoop.
Edwards is a rare solo artist that is able to perform and record totally solo, without the need for a backing band, or countless studio musicians filling in. Just Lisa Prank, her guitar, and her drum machine, which she affectionately named “Roland” can fill a room with enough energy and joy to make any room into a dance floor. This sense of intimacy permeates her sound, and it adds a personal touch that is lacking from so much of today’s music. If you’re alone this Valentine’s Day, put on Lisa Pranks’ latest album Adult Teen, roll up a doobie of your favorite strain, and let the feel-good sounds about being single and in love wash over you. CULTURE chatted with Edwards about her music, her influences, as well as which album is her favorite to listen to when she is consuming cannabis.
Do you think the pervasive cannabis culture in Colorado and Washington has made the audience more open to alternative and indie music? Have you noticed cannabis’ impact on the music scene? Not that I’ve noticed. But I’m glad it’s legal, and I welcome it! You mentioned earlier that you’re not much of a cannabis user yourself, but have experimented. Is there any album, song or artist you loved listening to when you’re high? I definitely have listened to Exile in Guyville by Liz Phair, and listened to the album the whole way through, and read all of the lyrics and had it really resonate. c CultureMagazine.com
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culture
Romantic and Rousing
g r ow i n g
Chef J’s experience as a professional chef has led him to c r e at i n g u n i q u e h i g h dining experiences By Amy C. Witt
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PROFILE
“ I t ’ s a b o u t c r e at i n g a m o o d . Y o u r f e e l i n g s w i l l e l e vat e w h at m o o d y o u c h o o s e t o c r e at e . ”
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ove, food and cannabis are inexorably linked—a diverse variety of complex hormonal reactions that affect our emotional feelings and attachments. Just like Sour Dream or Green Crack, which are euphoric and calming while taking you on sexual adventures, other herbs, foods and ingredients like cacao and magnesium have the same effect. In-kind, Jason Harley, also known as Chef J, and his company OG KITCHEN are combining cannabis and haute cuisine to produce an unforgettably luxurious and cerebral experience. With over 20 years as a private chef, successful restaurateur and entrepreneur, Chef J is taking infused cannabis cuisine to the next level. For many years of his career, he has been hosting glamorous haute cuisine parties and dinners for A-list celebrities, royal families and high profile businesspeople all over the world. With the legalization of cannabis in California this year, Chef J was inspired to marry his love for cannabis and signature healthy cooking style and established his business, OG KITCHEN. “It’s about creating a mood. Your feelings will elevate what mood you choose to create,” Chef J smiled as he explained that he guarantees he will satisfy your taste buds while simultaneously letting your body adventure to a comfortable and exciting new heights.
Based out of Los Angeles, California, OG KITCHEN is an edible cannabis and commercial event company on a mission to provide only the healthiest and most delicious alternative forms of medication and entertainment. All foods and ingredients, including cannabis are compliant, organic, pesticide-free and sourced from local farmers and growers. “OG KITCHEN keeps tabs on the process as the flowers make their way through the closed-loop ecosystem from the farm to table,” Chef J told CULTURE. This Valentine’s Day, OG KITCHEN is hosting an elaborate lover’s affair as Chef J showcases his spin on elevated revamped cuisine. A soldout, private invite-only event, cannasseurs will enjoy a curated menu tailored around pairing only the best and tastiest sativas and indicas with a variety of earthy, citrus and herbal notes around a dazzling luxurious table in an undisclosed mansion in Beverly Hills. While indulging in the different tastes, smells and textures of the dishes, each person gets an average of 70mg of THC and CBD spread throughout the meal, with each course at 10mg. For starters, guests will enjoy a CBD isolated beverage for relaxation, followed by a hors d’ oeuvres paired with a sativa smoke. The first course, something like light lobster bisque with sherry and canna cream drizzle will create a savory amount of pleasure smoked with a hybrid strain joint. A dab to clear the palate, and you will be ready to enjoy the second course. The third course will feature a combination of vegetables and meat, along with an indica strain to chill and prepare to satiate the sweet tooth for the fourth course, dessert.
To heighten the bright party, dessert by OG KITCHEN’S will conclude the meal. At this Valentine’s Day event, Chef J will be serving his newest “Truffles D’ Cannabis” specialty gourmet chocolates. Dosed for pleasure with the world’s most potent natural stimulants, three truffles contain a boost of aphrodisiac herbs and 10mg of THC from the cleanest cannabis and made from the highest-grade FDA-approved herbs that are wild harvested or organically grown in the countries of their origin. Not only will guests enjoy a decadent dinner, they will not leave emptyhanded. Goodie bags are always a welcomed surprise, and cannaseurss will leave with a JRollz pre-roll. Chef J has created an in-house mixed recipe for his premium handcrafted award-winning pre-roll line, JRollz. Known for #holdthetrim, JRollz, a seed-to-sale brand, takes pride in growing top-shelf cannabis while only grinding and rolling bud to create their flower, wax and kief joints. Winning third at the Blazers Cup 2017, JRollz’s High Octane OG pre-roll is filled with an indica, cloneonly strain High Octane OG, also known as Heirloom OG, which provides an extra dose of relaxation while leaving a smooth pungent flavor on the palate. Other pre-rolls like Girl Scout Cookies, Candy Jack and XXX OG are also available. “We strive to create amazing experiences through our edible line, cannabis dinner, events and ever changing smokable products,” he said. The intimacy and ambiance that Chef J creates is born from good intentions, a permanent love and connection with the cannabis community and freed inhibitions over a heartfelt meal. c
G e t a ta s t e o f Chef J’s special Va l e n t i n e ’ s D ay cookies Sexy Ginseng Chocolate Cookies 2.5 dozen servings Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups cannabutter, room temperature 2 cups sugar 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon Indian ginseng 1/2 teaspoon salt Powdered sugar, for garnish
Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar and cream together with a handmixer. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until combined. 2. In a medium bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, ginseng and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients and continue mixing until incorporated. 3. Roll the dough into 2 logs that are about 2-inches high and 1 foot long. Wrap them in waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours. 4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 5. Once thoroughly chilled, slice the cookies into 1/2-inch thick rounds and cover with sanding sugar. 6. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. 7. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
Chef J’s Cooking Tips • Don’t heat butters or oils too high. You will cook off the THC before you can even use the product. Make sure to use proper thermometers and know your temperatures. • It’s very important you weigh properly to use the right dosage. Not using the correct dosage will affect the food, consumer and experience.
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culture g r ow i n g carte la à C O URA G E IN PROFILE 50
Lessons from a Hawaiian Garden Pa r t 1 By Ed Rosenthal Hawaii is fabled for its fine cannabis. I attended the Hawaii Cannabis Expo in February 2017 in Oahu. I expected to sample some fine entries, and I was not disappointed. The intense sun at latitude 21° (for reference, Key West, Florida is latitude 24°) and the mild island weather create great cultivation environments. I wasn’t a judge when I attended last year, but I did try many of the varieties of cannabis. The samples included several fine sativa and indica-sativa hybrids, which do especially well under the intense sun and are genetically inclined to resist flowering under short days. However, there was better to be had. I was innocently hanging outside the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu where the conference was held, and I was invited to join a small circle of newfound friends. A fellow named Dustin pulled out an extra-wide pre-roll. I understood immediately that he was a successful grower who was confident of his product’s quality. The mildness of the draw, combined with the fine terpenes and high levels of THC and I suspect, THCV, was a recipe for pleasure-creation and key to mind opening awareness and creativity. It was proof that cannabis liberates the wandering mind opening it to emotion, love and beauty. This was certainly excellent weed. Until Hawaii legalized cultivation of medical cannabis,
outdoor growing was policed heavily by law enforcement. Happily, following legalization, the gardens have moved to backyards and other domesticated spaces. Hawaii has a climate similar to some low latitude areas of the U.S. such as Florida, portions of the gulf coast and southern California. It stays warm enough and gets enough light to support plant growth throughout the year. The problem is dealing with day length. The closer a place is to the equator, the smaller the difference between summer and winter light and dark hours. On June 21, the longest day of the year, there is 13 hours and 25 minutes of light. On Dec. 21, the shortest day, there is 10 hours and 51 minutes of light. Cannabis is a short-day plant that chemically measures the number of hours of uninterrupted darkness to determine when to begin to flower. Most varieties require 11 hours or less of darkness to flower. When a plant is placed outdoors under natural light regimen any time in Hawaii, they begin to flower no matter the season. I saw just two gardens while I was there. The plants were in vegetative growth, filling out a bit before they were allowed to flower. This was accomplished simply by using strategically placed fluorescent lights around the garden that were kept on all night. Once the plants grow to desired size the lights are turned off and the plants initiate flowering. Next month, harvest! c
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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Jared, a breeder from Pakalo Seed Company, in the trial garden.
Some of the plants were placed in large containers, while others were in the ground and irrigated using drippers off of irrigation hose.
Some of the plants that were not close to the lights began to flower after they grew past taller than the lights’ reflection.
The fluorescent lights were kept on all night to prevent flowering so plants could get to a larger size.
A view of the garden. Jared selects plants for breeding from several gardens. Each patient is allowed 10 plants. Varieties include Molokai G13, 13 Gorillas and Auntie’s Pie, Molokai Killahs and Crackseed.
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Age: 35 Condition/Illness: Bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorder Consuming medical cannabis since: 2012
Why did you start consuming cannabis? I started using cannabis in social situations and quickly realized that it helped me with my anxiety in those same social situations. When I’m depressed it lifts me up. When I’m manic it helps slow my brain down. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes I’ve tried all kinds of pharmaceuticals, but nothing works like pot.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Discrimination. I think it will be a long time before a medical marijuana prescription will be looked at the same way as traditional pharmacology. If you don’t think so, go to [a behavioral health agency] and participate in their treatment program with an Oregon Medical Marijuana Program card, and see what they say. What do you say to those who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? They are entitled to their opinions, but don’t knock it till you try it. 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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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY— AWWWWWWWW When five-year-old TyLon Pittman of Byram, Mississippi, saw the Grinch stealing Christmas on Dec. 16 on TV, he did what any civic-minded citizen would do. He called 911. TyLon told Byram police officer Lauren Develle, who answered the call, that he did not want the Grinch to come steal his Christmas, reported the Clarion Ledger. Develle made TyLon an honorary junior officer and had him come down to the station on Dec. 18 to help her lock away the Grinch, who hung his head as TyLon asked him, “Why are you stealing Christmas?” Although the green fiend apologized, TyLon wouldn’t release him from the holding cell. Police chief Luke Thompson told TyLon to come back when he’s 21, “and I’m going to give you a job application, OK?” WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME In Gilgandra, New South Wales, Australia, on Nov. 29, sheep shearer Casey Barnes was tramping down wool, and her father and boyfriend were working nearby, when her long, curly hair became caught in a belt-driven motor. Horrifically, the motor ripped her scalp off from the back of her head to above her eyes and ears. Barnes was flown to Sydney, where doctors performed an emergency 52
20-hour surgery to save her scalp, but were ultimately unsuccessful. Barnes will have artificial skin attached to her head instead, reports The Sun. A GoFundMe page has been established to help with her medical bills. AN ENGAGED CITIZENRY Pam Bisanti, a 31-year resident of Mount Dora, Florida, has approached the city council more than once about the speeding traffic along Clayton Street, where she lives. On Nov. 27, Bisanti made good on her threat to take matters into her own hands if the council didn’t by wielding a handmade sign reading “SLOW DOWN” as she stood next to the roadway during rush hour wearing her pajamas and robe. “The mothers up the street who send their kids down to the bus stop should have every expectation that those kids will be able to cross Clayton without being killed,” Bisanti told the Daily Commercial, saying she plans to continue her protest until the city takes action. “I am frustrated, angry and fed up. There needs to be a solution sooner than later. Remember that vision of me in my pajamas,” she added. UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Melissa Allen, 32, was arrested on Dec. 19 after attempting to shoplift more than $1,000 in merchandise from a Framingham, Massachusetts, Target store, reported The Boston Globe. On hand to help in the arrest were more than 50 police officers who were at the store to participate in the annual “Shop With a Cop” holiday charity event.
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UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES Stephen Allen of Tukwila, Washington, moved in with his grandmother years ago to help care for her. When she died last year, he invited his brother, a convicted drug dealer, to move in, but along with him came drug activity, squatters, stolen property and debris. Allen eventually asked police to raid the home, but when they did on Dec. 15, they evicted Allen as well, leaving him homeless. “It’s all legal, but it’s wrong,” Allen told KIRO7 News. “I can’t do anything about it.” THE CALL OF NATURE Tracy Hollingsworth Stephens, 50, of Alachua, Florida, answered nature’s call on Nov. 25 by stopping her car in the middle of County Road 232 and stepping outside. An officer of the Florida Highway Patrol soon took notice as he had been searching for Stephens following her involvement in a two-car collision in the parking lot of a nearby T.J. Maxx store earlier that day. Stephens subsequently underperformed on a field sobriety test, according to The Independent Florida Alligator, and was arrested for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. THE SUNSHINE STATE Workers at Captain Hiram’s Sandbar in Sebastian, Florida, resorted to calling police on Nov. 17 when customer William Antonio Olivieri, 63, refused to leave the bar after a night of drinking. Olivieri told Sebastian police he had arrived by boat, but when a quick
walk down a nearby dock failed to uncover the boat, he said perhaps he had driven himself to the bar in a black Hyundai. Throughout the interview with police, reported the Sebastian Daily, Olivieri also maintained that he was in downtown Melbourne, Florida, where he lives. Finally, he was arrested on a charge of disorderly intoxication and taken to the Indian River County Jail. Sumter County, Florida, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to The Villages on Nov. 19 where resident Lori Jo Matthews, 60, reportedly barked at her neighbor’s dogs, then entered her neighbor’s yard, yelling at the neighbor and finally slapping the neighbor after being told to leave. Deputies caught up with Matthews as she attempted to enter her own home, where she was handcuffed and arrested on charges of battery and resisting arrest. Alcohol, reported Villages-News. com, may have been involved. ALARMING ANIMAL North Fort Myers, Florida, homeowner Joanie Mathews was terrorized for hours on Nov. 14 by a large pig that wandered into her yard overnight and spent the day destroying the lawn and biting Mathews three times before trapping her in the cab of her truck. “She would circle the truck ... and I would jump in the back seat and I was like ‘Go away, pig!” Mathews told NBC-2 TV. Mathews finally called law enforcement, and it took three Lee County sheriff’s officers to wrangle the testy porker. “It was just hilarious because the pig
fought them every which way,” Mathews said. No one, at press time, had stepped forward to claim the pig. LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS Teller County (Colorado) Sheriff Jason Mikesell listed his SUV for sale on Craigslist in November, and he was a little perplexed when he received a response from Shawn Langley, 39, of Vail, offering to trade the SUV for four pounds of cannabis. Langley even provided photos of his black market booty and boasted about its quality, reported The Colorado Springs Gazette. “I saw that text, and I started giggling,” Mikesell said. Detectives set up a meeting and arrested both Langley and Jane Cravens, 41, after finding the promised
four pounds of cannabis in their car. Sheriff Mikesell has removed his SUV from Craigslist. HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT On Nov. 27, 27-year-old Corey Hughes, who was due to be released from prison in February after serving most of a weapons charge, walked away from a San Joaquin County sheriff’s work crew in Stockton, California, according to the Fresno Bee. It took police almost a month to track him to a home in Stockton, where they surrounded the dwelling and apprehended him without incident—which might not be so remarkable were it not for the distinctive, wholeface tattoo Hughes sports, which makes his face look like a human skull. He was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail.
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