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contents
inside
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Man, Myth and Legend
Fascinating and unique, Hunter S. Thompson astonished the world with his brilliantly written works and advocacy as he sought to represent the many different iterations of the “American Dream� through his work.
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High Holy Day Happenings From a how-to guide on titration to a Cannasseur Bucket List that will spark creative new endeavors in your future, this 420 is going to be the best holiday yet.
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departments news 8 News Nuggets 9 By the Numbers 12 Local News 16 Legal Corner reviews 20 Advocate Highlight 24 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 38 Cool Stuff 40 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 62 Growing Culture 64 Destination Unknown 65 Profile in Courage 66 Recipes 69 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Colombia Soon to Begin
Legally Producing Cannabis. d Recreational Cannabis Up for
Debate in Illinois.
Vol 8 IssUE 10
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett creative consultant Evan Senn Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Jefferson Van Billiard, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic DesignerS Payden Cobern, Tanya Delgadillo sales director Justin Olson Regional Manager Beau Odom Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Greg Borland, Alex Brizicky, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gloria Santiago, Garry Stalling, Chris Walker, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Intern Kiara Manns Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 500 locations throughout San Diego. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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NEWS
nuggetS Vista Debates Access for Medical Cannabis Collectives
During the Vista City Council meeting on March 14, the public shared opinions concerning the lack of safe access to medical cannabis, as collectives are currently banned from operating within the city limits. The Vistans For Better Safety & Services group had originally put forth a petition to gather signatures from those who supported the operation of cannabis collectives to try and change the city restrictions. However, the petition was declared invalid due to a technicality in its text. The city council decided to hear directly from the voters by holding this meeting, which resulted in approximately 35 patients and caretakers, including patient Beatriz Chavez, who showed up to make their voices heard. “Times have changed,” Chavez stated. “Marijuana is not what it was 30 years ago. There is no more war.” Matthew Menkee, whose son has cerebral palsy, also shared with the council that the ban has negatively affected his son. “He needs to be heard by you guys,” Menkee said. “He needs to be able to have safe access [to his medicine].” The public exchange lasted for two hours, after which the council advised city staffers to begin drafting a proposal to find the best methods of regulation. (Kiara Manns)
Ohio Increases Limit on Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Ohio’s State Pharmacy Board released a revision of the current medical cannabis rules, which would increase the limit of dispensaries from the current 40-dispensary cap. The new rule raises the number of allowed provisional licenses on medical cannabis dispensaries to 60 until September 8, 2018. Additionally, the board can use its discretion to permit additional provisional licenses after September 9, 2018 if the state’s population, patient population, and geographic location support it, according to the proposal text. Dispensaries would also be allowed to stay open for an additional two hours within the window of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Home delivery however will not be permitted. Although the board has received public comment about the rule proposal, regulations regarding patients, physicians and cannabis product processors are still being considered.
SDPD Debuts New Device to Detect Drivers Who Drive Under the Influence The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) has recently begun using a new device to aid in detecting those who drive while under the influence of cannabis and other substances. On March 16, Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman introduced a salivascreening device called Dräger 5000. Not only does this mobile tool test for traces of cannabis, it also tests for illicit drugs including cocaine, prescription narcotics and amphetamines. “We’re here to introduce a technology to be used by our SDPD to help detect drivers who make the ‘wrong’ decision to drive while under the influence . . . ” explained Zimmerman. “Public safety is a shared responsibility, and DUIs are a 100 percent preventable crime.” The Dräger 5000 was used for the first time in San Diego on St. Patrick’s Day weekened. As of now, there are only two existing Dräger 5000 devices in the possession of the SDPD, each valued at $6,000. Currently, there is no standard for testing how much cannabis a driver has in their system, but if this is a successful pilot program, it could benefit many California cities that are looking for accurate procedures for testing drivers under the influence. (Kiara Manns)
South African Agency Publishes Medical Cannabis Guidelines Draft The Medicines Control Council (MCC) published a draft of guidelines that cover medical cannabis cultivation and production in South Africa. “This guideline represents the Medicines Control Council’s current thinking on the measures required to be in place to ensure that quality products are cultivated and harvested and made available to patients when prescribed by an authorized prescriber/physician,” according to the MCC’s recently proposed guidelines. The guidelines provide extensive details about safety and security requirements, such as distinguishing hemp from medical cannabis and mandating that prospective medical cannabis cultivators obtain a license from the Department of Health. There is no cap on the number of licenses that the MCC can issue. However, the International Narcotics Control Board will control the total quantity of medical cannabis that is grown in South Africa. Currently, the MCC has only registered one product that contains synthetic CBD. 8
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The approximate amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that it would cost the city of Vista to hold a special election for a medical cannabis initiative before the next scheduled election: (Source: San Diego Union Tribune)
The number of verified voter signatures required for a petition to get a medical cannabis initiative before the Vista City Council:
350
The number of votes, out of 5, from the Encinitas City Council that were in favor of collecting more information on how to best regulate cannabis: (Source: San Diego Union Tribune)
5,607
(Source: San Diego Union Tribune)
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The number of cannabis joints that were passed out for free at the California Cannabis Business Expo in March: (Source: Times of San Diego)
The number of dispensaries that are expected to begin operating in the western portion of Lemon Grove as early as late summer 2017: (Source: East County Magazine)
10,000
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The number of Canadians who were registered to purchase medical cannabis from licensed caregivers as of December 2016: (Source:
The percentage of Americans who support federally legalizing cannabis for medical purposes if prescribed by a physician: (Source: Inc.)
129,876
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CTV News Kitchener) The number of farmers who were granted preliminary medical cannabis cultivation licenses in Israel in midMarch: (Source: The Jerusalem Post)
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The number of medical cannabis patients who were registered in New Jersey during 2016: (Source: NJ.gov)
4,735
Cannabis Health Summit WHAT: Cannabis Health Summit 2017. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, May 6-Sun, May 7. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Virtual access granted upon online registration. INFO: Visit www.learngreenflower.com for details. Introduce your current knowledge on cannabis to a virtual learning experience at the online Cannabis Health Summit. Hosted by Green Flower, the live-stream event gives its audience some of the best access and information in the cannabis industry with the option of participating from their own home or from any location in the world. Regarded by some as the “TED Talks of Cannabis,” the event has previously brought in more than 20 of the industry’s leading professionals of the cannabis industry to educate enthusiasts like never before. The Cannabis Health Summit looks to spread awareness
about the various ways the typically misunderstood cannabis plant offers advancements in the fields of medicine and science. Industry professionals such as Steve DeAngelo, Eugene Monroe and Gay Hendricks will share exactly how cannabis can be used as a method for treating a wide variety of health conditions. Presentations will include topics on cannabis dosing strategy, treating cancer with cannabis and an analysis on cannabinoids. Reap the benefits and learning opportunities from this free event without the traditional hassles of travel and hotel booking! (Kiara Manns) iReadCULTURE.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
Defiant Decree San Diego County Board of Supervisors Disregards Constituents, Institutes Ban
by Pamela Jayne
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an Diego County’s cannabis community was recently dealt an unexpected setback, but advocates will continue to fight for safe access to cannabis. In a 3-2 vote on March 15, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors banned all medical and recreational cannabis activities in unincorporated areas of San Diego County. This comes just four months after 57 percent of San Diego County voted in favor of Prop. 64, which is the statewide proposition that legalized recreational cannabis for adults. For the time being, cannabis collectives and other businesses in the county will be confined to opening doors only in approved zones within San Diego city limits. There are currently three medical cannabis collectives operating in unincorporated San Diego County, and two that have been granted licenses, but have yet to set up shop. Those five will be allowed to operate for five years, until April 2022, to recoup costs. San Diego County is home to over three million people, and the city is bordered by millions more who will be affected by the ban. Supervisors Ron Roberts and Greg Cox opposed the ban and showed support for the business owners and patients who will be affected. “We ought to grow it, and we ought to have facilities conveniently located throughout the county, including my
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neighborhood and your neighborhood and everybody else’s neighborhood . . . in a very controlled way, can provide for the sale [of cannabis]. ‘’ Roberts said. The ban is not being received in a popular manner by community cannabis organizations and businesses. It also was opposed by patients as well as agriculture organizations such as the San Diego County Farm Bureau. At this point, several outcomes could take place. One scenario that could play out is a countywide initiative that would overturn the ban. Roberts and others believe that the cannabis community is not going to sit aside and accept the ban. Advocate Terrie Best spoke to local news outlets stating that the ban is turning back a system that was already regulated. Best said the ban is “unwinding our medical cannabis ordinance and turning people back into criminals, putting people back behind the scenes and creating a lawless market, where there was law.” The silver lining for all who advocate for reasonable access to both medical and recreational cannabis is that this ban only applies to the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Others applauded the ban as a precautionary measure in an uncertain era with a new administration in power. The ban was supported by Board Chairwoman Dianne Jacob of the Second District, who called the Colorado’s recreational industry a “disaster.” Jacob led the effort to introduce and implement the ban proposal. Jacob was joined by Kristin Gaspar, the newest member of the Board of Supervisors and former Mayor of Encinitas. Gaspar justified her support for the ban by saying that elected officials commonly overturn voter-approved initiatives. Many other citizens and business owners expressed their discontent with the ban, pleading for them to respect the system of majority rule. The ban doesn’t impact municipal regulations in the incorporated areas of the city of San Diego. While the decision to pass the ban left patients and activists exasperated, it has not dampened their drive. There is a grassroots effort to have Kristin Gaspar recalled, and many have hopes that when Dianne Jacob terms out in 2020, she will be replaced by someone who will abide by the will of the people. c
Cannabis Career Institute
For those who are taking their first steps into a career in the cannabis industry, this fullday seminar will educate and prepare its students on the basics and more advanced aspects of the rapidly growing world of cannabis. The Cannabis Career Institute prides itself on offering the necessary training to an estimated 10,000 students for almost 10 years. The one-day session begins at ground level, covering the existing laws and requirements. Speakers even offer a discussion on how to be certain if the prospective career into the cannabis industry is a good fit for students. Those who attend can expect a look at the specific jobs that are available and what employers look for in a potential employee. Like any industry, this one has a multitude of different facets such as marketing, branding, law, growing, cooking and distribution— all of which will be covered in this intensive collection of classes. A VIP ticket purchase includes a consultation, entry into the class and a hard copy of the class textbook. (Kiara Manns) WHAT: Cannabis Career Institute. WHEN/WHERE: Sun, April 16. Hilton Garden Inn, 17240 Bernardo Center Dr., San Diego. INFO: Visit cannabiscareerinstitute. com for details.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
AUMA allows adults to cultivate up to six plants and possess the cannabis from these plants at their residence for personal use.
Stay Classy, San Diego
How to abide by the law when consuming cannabis this 420 by Kimberly R. Simms, Attorney-at-law
T
his April marks the first celebrations of 420 since the passage of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), and that means that this year’s celebrations will undoubtedly be the greenest ever. However, before you break out the party hats, there are a few important facts to remember in order to have a safe and fun holiday. Follow this guide and celebrate the festivities to the fullest. Possession and Purchasing AUMA makes it lawful under both state and local law for adults ages 21-and-over to possess, process, transport, obtain or give away cannabis to other adults no more than one ounce (28.5 grams) of cannabis. This means that this 420 you can pack your favorite strain, vape pen or edible and head out the door to a 420 party! However, since we don’t have licensed recreational retailers yet, the best way for adults to obtain cannabis under AUMA is for patients who lawfully obtain cannabis to share it with their friends who are of age. Such sharing
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is permissible and encouraged, especially on the “high holy day” of 420. Cultivation Another way non-patients can obtain cannabis is to grow their own plants. AUMA allows adults to cultivate up to six plants and possess the cannabis from these plants at their residence for personal use. However, it is important to note that the law only allows six per residence, not per adult in the household. An important distinction is that these limits don’t apply to medical users, who in theory, can grow amounts of cannabis that are related to their medical needs per Prop. 215. If your six plants and harvested cannabis amount to an excess of one ounce, it must be kept at your home, in a locked space and cannot be visible to the public. Violation of these rules could result in a maximum fine of $250. The ability to engage in outdoor cultivation depends upon local city and county ordinances. Be sure to check what is and isn’t allowed in your neck of the woods before tilling your personal backyard cannabis farm. AUMA requires outdoor grows to be hidden from public view. Additionally, high fencing or coverage is encouraged to prevent police investigation or potential theft.
Consumption, Smoking and Vaping Of equal importance is where you can consume cannabis. Smoking or ingesting cannabis is strictly prohibited in any public place. Violations can result in a $100 fine. This means that the only place to lawfully consume would be a private home or establishment or at licensed dispensaries when authorized by local governments. Unfortunately, San Diego does not have any such establishments yet. This rule also applies to vaping, even if no odor is emitted. Driving Another important aspect of AUMA is the use of cannabis in vehicles. The current laws prohibit driving while impaired are unchanged. Also, consumption or possession of an “open container” of cannabis or cannabis products is prohibited while driving or riding as a passenger. Violations are a $100 infraction. That being said, it is permissible to transport up to an ounce of cannabis in your vehicle. To avoid “open container” trouble, keep the cannabis in a closed container and in the trunk of the car in order to ensure compliance. Employment It is important to remember that employers still have the right to maintain a drug-free work place and can terminate employment if cannabis shows up in your system. Bear that in mind when you hit the road and party circuit this 420! c
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REVIEWs
advocate highlight Starlight Mundy Occupation: Founder and Creator at Rebel Mota; Owner and Rogue Leader at Rogue Mettle When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis? I’ve been a cannabis consumer for the majority of my adulthood. Advocacy became a priority of mine about five years ago when I started actively engaging in the industry. I have always believed that if adults want to have safe access to cannabis, they should have it. It wasn’t until I started getting to work in the industry that I realized how much more work was needed to get to that goal. So it became part of my company and consulting ethos. How has cannabis benefited your life? Cannabis has most benefited me socially and spiritually. I’ve always been grateful for quiet corners with like-minded people, sharing a joint and getting to know people. The community supported, communally-driven vibe that cannabis consumption involves has kept me surrounded by new friends wherever life may take me. There’s something wonderful about a plant that helps you make friends, no matter the circumstance. 20
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What’s your greatest achievement for the cannabis cause? I really hope my greatest achievement for the cannabis cause is ahead of me. I still have so much more that I plan to do. It’s hard for me to know how I have affected the cause without relying on the testimony of others. The part of advocacy that brings me the most delight is introducing new patients to the plant. I have often introduced a close friend to the wonders of cannabis and watched as they begin a new relationship with their body and natural plant medicine. The process involved in getting a new patient connected with the medicine they can benefit from is complex; there is much reward in navigating someone through it to success and health on the other side. Who do you look up to or admire? There are so many people I deeply admire for their tenacity during these tectonic changes within the cannabis industry (and the world at large). Bravery in the face of change, innovative spirit, courage in the face of the unknown, collaborative nature and a willingness to buck the trend of quick-andeasy for the greater good. c
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REVIEWs
strain, edible & concentrate
The Savage Kiwi Infused Pre-Roll This generously sized pre-roll is carefully rolled for the perfect even hit from beginning to end. It is fullflavored and long-lasting, making it great for sharing. It is infused with four large doses of wax, which really kicks the tropical, fruity, peppery flavor up a few notches! The effects of The Savage Kiwi Infused PreRoll from Healing Heart Collective are relaxing and uplifting—awarding a great balance of physical and cerebral relief. Muscle tension, stress and pain will melt away as you puff on this one.
Available at: Mankind Cooperative in San Diego.
Available at: The Healing Heart Collective in Escondido.
Rose of Hope The Rose of Hope, a high-CBD strain from Mankind Cooperative, is dark forest green in color, with deep burgundy pistils and bright trichomes. The aroma is very piney, earthy and slightly citrusy, with the flavor being nearly identical to the smell. It hits clean and smooth and is easy on the lungs, which is something many patients must take into consideration. At 12.61 percent cannabidiol and 7.15 percent THC, the benefits of the Rose of Hope are limitless. It calms seizure disorders, is anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, and it has been lauded as an effective treatment for PTSD. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis have also benefited from high-CBD strains like Rose of Hope. Even those accustomed to high-THC strains would benefit from the Rose of Hope.
Durban Poison A pure sativa from South Africa, Durban Poison has long been a highly sought after strain due to its incredibly uplifting effects. This sample has that obvious sativa structure, with extra-long orange pistils. Its leaves range in color from very light to very dark green with multiple shades in between. It also displays a beautiful dusting of shining trichomes. The intense terpenes smell of pure pine, like a newly opened bottle of lemon cleaner. Clean and crisp, the flavor is one-of-a-kind, tasting of freshly cut lemons with the feeling of walking through a forest of pine trees. The hit offers just the right amount of expansion. Being a sativa strain, the effect is heavily cerebral—focused, enlightening and creative. Patients can also expect a physically “floaty” yet energetic body effect. This classic strain is a favorite among patients and recreational smokers alike, and it is now available via M Delivers.
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Available through: M Delivers in San Diego.
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Available at: Torrey Holistics in San Diego.
REVIEWs
Caramel Cake Testing at 34 percent THC, the Caramel Cake from Torrey Holistics is a heavy indica that sports multiple shades of green, from lime to avocado, thick blood orange colored pistils and a nice dusting of glistening trichomes. Its unique aroma is sweet, and it actually does smell like caramel candy. The flavor is unique in a good way, being sweet, earthy and savory. The inhale packs a serious punch and is extremely expansive. Expect the effects to be instant and heavy, both physically and cerebrally. This strain is the perfect go-to for patients in need of heavy duty pain relief or as a treatment for insomnia. The Caramel Cake is an all-around top-shelf selection.
Available wherever: Pure Vape products are carried.
Pure Vape OG Wax With all the different types of concentrates available on the market today, it’s hard to pick one style that is the “best.” For us, it comes down to taste and consumer friendliness, which Pure Vape thankfully nails both with flying colors. Slightly acidic and piney, the indica effects of the OG Wax take over almost instantaneously and last upwards of two hours. The product itself is very easy to use and leaves very little mess, even for the most novice of users. Lab tested and clocking in at a whopping 82.8 percent THC, this OG Wax is a sure fire hit for dabbers everywhere. Proceed with caution, and visit purevapeofficial.com for a dispensary near you.
Available at: Point Loma Patients Consumer Cooperative in San Diego.
Nameless Genetics’ Mega Wellness OG Mega Wellness OG by Nameless Genetics has impressive nug structure with dark olive and emerald hued leaves and orange pistils that complement the generous draping of sticky, shiny trichomes. The terpenes are enticing, with a true OG aroma and notes of sweet citrus. Packed with amazing, vibrant OG flavor, the hit is clean and smooth with excellent lung expansion that leads to quick relief and relaxation. With this strain all tension melts away, as do the worries of the day. Having won over 30 awards, the Mega Wellness OG is a great strain for all patients and is sought after by celebrities and action sports athletes.
Prophet Brand new to the market this month is a killer product offered by Bay Area Safe Alternatives Collective called Prophet. Prophet offers multiple different varieties of cannabis strains but they all have one thing in common: A revolutionary NO2 sealed container for superior preservation. Using pressurized Nitrous Dioxide as a preservation method prevents the buds from oxidizing or becoming stale, allowing for the terpenoids to never decompose or become harsh for up to 18 months! All plants are organically sun-grown in Northern California and always hand-trimmed. Care, quality and conscious farming are all prominent traits found in Prophet.
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REVIEWs
Pure Vape King Kush Cartridge
Available at: Dispensaries throughout Southern California.
Pure Vape’s easily storable, medicated vape cartridge arrived at the CULTURE offices earlier this week, and it hasn’t left our side once. It was tested for purity and potency by S.C. Labs, which is just one of the long list of reasons why this should be a staple in everyone’s cannabis caché. The King Kush cartridge provides consumers with a clear, solvent-free experience without sacrificing taste. The company treats its products and customers with the highest care. Pure Vape’s commitment to quality means that everyone gets a better, more potent and longer lasting effect . . . which is the whole point, right? Check out purevapeofficial.com to find a retailer near you.
Available wherever: Pure Vape products are carried.
Dosidos Flower Rosin Available at Left Coast Collective in San Diego. Left Coast Collective does it again, bringing the people of San Diego the best products available. Quality over Quantity is not just a name or a brand, it is what the company stands for with its products. The Dosidos Flower Rosin is heat and pressure extracted rosin, resulting in a completely solvent-less product. As soon as you open the jar, the aroma is evident. The taste is pure and clean and the terps are strong, the expansion is immediate in the lungs and you will feel and instant head change. The quality of the product is undeniable. The Dosidos Flower Rosin would be a great for consumers who are looking to combat chronic pain or insomnia.
Procana Medicinal Softgels Procana’s Medicinal Softgels make it simple and easy to medicate while on-thego. Each package conveniently contains two easily digestible soft caplets sealed in a blister pack for patients’ safety and range from six mg to 100mg THC. They also have a line of CBD-infused capsules as well that are perfect for relief anytime. Consumers medicating with Procana caps can expect to feel the effects about an hour after consumption and should avoid over-consuming until they’re familiar with their own level of tolerance. Procana CBD Balance 14:1 caps are ideal for people seeking relief from aches, pains and nausea, but still need to get things done. The combination of CBD and THC has been proven to be more effective than singular cannabinoid therapies; but, if you have a job or need to do things while seeking relief, the minimal THC content in Procana CBD Balance is ideal.
Available at: Dispensaries throughout Southern California.
Available at: Dispensaries throughout Southern California.
Vanilla Caramel Cannabis Coffee All of the Therapy Tonics & Provisions beverages are made with the finest non-GMO ingredients and are expertly crafted with a solvent-free extraction process. The Vanilla Caramel Cannabis Coffee is packed with 80mg of THC and is gluten-free. The taste is extraordinary—rich and full-bodied coffee flavors with an undertone of creamy caramel and just a touch of vanilla make it a difficult task to not drink the whole bottle. For consumers with a lower tolerance, there is an easy guide on each bottle, which labels each increment of 10mg, making it easy to break up the dosage as per your individual needs. Consuming just a few doses gave this reviewer a clean, cerebral and creative effect and removed any hint of body pain that was once present. This is a deliciously discreet way to get relief on-the-go.
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REVIEWs
Available at: Alternative Patient Care in San Diego.
Canndescent Connect 401 Specifically cultivated with the purpose of connecting—be it in a social or intimate setting, the Canndescent Connect 401 from Alternative Patient Care really does deliver as promised. In appearance, it is attractive and dense with lime green and golden coloring covering a few very dark emerald green leaves. This bud also has excellent structure, tons of trichomes and long bright red pistils. The aroma is an ideal balance of sweetness and pine essence, and the flavor is clean as well as earthy. The inhale is pleasing to the palate, full-flavored and extremely clean due to the 20-day flush cycle. It offers a substantial cerebral effect that stimulates creativity and conversation while relieving stress and muscle tension.
Punch Bar Cream
Available at: Dispensaries throughout Southern California.
SUPER CBD™ No butane. No alcohol. No glycol. No glycerin. No fillers. Just pure, unaltered, premium CO2 oil inside this SUPER CBD™ 500mg vape cartridge developed by POP Naturals, a trusted leader in high CBD extracts. Ringo’s Gift sure is plentiful, as there are 67 percent total cannabinoids and 53 percent of CBD alone! This vape cartridge is perfect for eliminating any stress or anxiety and providing instant pain relief without causing the consumer to feel any cerebral effects due to the terrific CBD and THC concentration. In addition, a total of 2.45 percent terpenes are preserved to help facilitate an optimal flavor composition. Clean and convenient packaging will encourage consumers to bring their vape cartridge with them wherever, whenever. POP Naturals maintains the highest level of transparency with its products so, in addition to lab test results on every package, any curious consumers will always be able to find details of a full cannabinoid analysis on popnaturals.com.
Available at: Dispensaries throughout California.
The year 2013 was a simpler time. Barack Obama was still President of the United States, Harambe was still alive and nobody knew anything about the “cash me ousside” girl. The year 2013 was also a great year for cannabis. It was the founding year for a few great cannabis companies such as Punch Edibles, which has revolutionized the way cannabis confections are produced. Their latest innovation in powerful edibles is the Punch Bar Cream line of chocolate bars. All based in white chocolate with a variety of mouth-watering flavors including White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Cookies N’ Cream and Peaches N’ Cream, these little beauties are potent and definitely let you know why the company decided on the name Punch Edibles. These are not edibles for the faint of heart, at 225mg per bar, and sections that specifically suggest you take a maximum of 25mg at a time, we suggest maybe only one-fourth of a 25mg square at a time. With an emphasis on small sized, deliciously flavored, highly potent and lab tested products, the Punch Bar Cream line is the perfect sweet treat for any seasoned consumer.
Available wherever: POP Naturals products are carried.
Waffle ‘n Caramel Cookies Edipure doesn’t only produce gummies! This famed edible company also crafts Waffle ‘n Caramel Cookies, which pack a whopping 100mg per pack. Each pack contains four individually infused 25mg cookies for easy dose breakdown. These crisp little waffle wafers are the perfect accompaniment to the delicious caramel inside them. As one would expect from a company like Edipure, these cookies are of superb quality, which makes them a fine treat for any consumer looking for pain relief and satisfying their sweet tooth. Be sure to start small and ease your way in, as these little guys pack a punch!
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REVIEWs
3. For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
1.
DabVac The original DabVac made cannasseurs rejoice as dabbing was made exponentially easier with this little invention, but now, the DabVac creators have taken this gadget to the next level. This 3D printed version has evolved the DabVac to meet consumers’ interest and demand—this new version boasts an interchangeable borosilicate dish, silicone lid, multi adapter and a super thick quartz wand. The 3D printed model can withstand high heat and is even available in a variety of colors, so you can personalize your dabbing rig even more. PRICE: $42 MORE INFORMATION: www.dabvac.com
2. Firefly 2 In the realm of vaporizers, the Firefly 2 is a leading herbal king. With a great app that pairs with your Firefly, you can select different temperature presets for your perfect cannabis consumption, and customize your touch sensor activation. The Firefly 2 only heats your material as you inhale, so you enjoy the flavors, aromas and experience of all the active ingredients the very moment they are released. With a glass vapor path and a particulate filter in the mouthpiece, your inhales are smooth, consistent and individualized. PRICE: $329.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.thefirefly.com 38
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
The Great Green Gold Rush Kathleen Tracy and Michael Caldwell Creative Classic Publications Inc.
Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and various computer platforms Release Date: April 11
GAME
Yooka-Laylee Dev. Playtonic Games
MOVIE
20th Century Women
The Navigator
Dir. Mike Mills
ATO Records
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This successful Kickstarter-funded platformer is the spiritual successor to the charming 1998 hit, Banjo-Kazooie, and a throwback to the traditional style of 3D games from that era. Created by Playtonic Games, which includes former employees of the game company known as Rare (Perfect Dark, Conker’s Bad Fur Day), Yooka-Laylee brings the nostalgic appeal back from the past. The game features Yooka, a chameleon, and Laylee, a bat, who set out to prevent the game’s villains from obtaining “Pagies,” which the antagonists intend to collect in order to “convert them into pure profit.” (Nicole Potter)
Hurray For The Riff Raff
A24
Pub. Team17 The Great Green Gold Rush provides an in-depth journey into the stories of 15 entrepreneurs who have used their expertise and influence to push the cannabis and hemp industry forward. These featured professionals have embarked on pivotal professional and personal journeys, and this book demonstrates how their work has positively influenced the public’s perception of cannabis. While the economic potential in cannabis is an important topic of this book, readers are informed about cannabis’ emotional, medical and social benefits as well. (Jacob Cannon)
MUSIC
In a time when women and their rights to equality seem very vulnerable, it’s nice to see and up-andcoming director making a concerted effort to tell wonderful, human stories about women and how they affect our lives. With an all-star cast featuring Annette Benning, Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup and young newcomer Lucas Jade Zumannn, 20th Century Women marvelously tells the story of freedom and challenges in late1970s Santa Barbara, California and all of the learning experiences it can bring. (Simon Weedn)
In its first studio recordings in three years, and sixth album overall, Hurray For The Riff Raff delivers its most stylistically diverse record to date, The Navigator. With noticeably more polished production and more fleshed out arrangements, Hurray For The Riff Raff lifts itself beyond the country/Americana sound that it has laid its foundation on, and moves into more straight forward American rock and roll/indie rock territories. Those with affection for artists like Neko Case who manage to somehow blend country and indie rock may applaud this evolution a great deal. (Simon Weedn)
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photo by Michael Ochs
The life and legacy of Hunter S. Thompson, his
o z n o g journalism and the “American Dream” by R. Scott Rappold "We were somewhere around Barstow around the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.” So begins one of the most remarkable works of journalism of the 20th century, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. This “savage journey to the heart of the American dream” follows the course of fictional journalist Raoul Duke and his attorney as they plow through Vegas in a drug-addled frenzy. It’s 1971 and as a former participant in the orgy of cannabis, LSD and free love of the 1960s, he is looking for what it all meant. He finds only madness and hypocrisy. Its success catapulted author Hunter S. Thompson, then a relatively unknown journalist, to stardom. His writing style became known as “gonzo journalism.” He would write many other books and articles, cutting and often hilarious takes on everything from the Kentucky Derby to the presidential campaign, with himself, the booze-swilling, pill-popping, cannabis-smoking, cocaine-snorting character at the heart of it, looking for truth, for what it’s all really about. Some was fiction, but some was not, and when he took his own life at his home in Aspen,
Colorado, in 2005, the 67-year-old was in constant pain and suffering the ill effects of a lifetime of alcoholism. Thompson would play many roles— candidate for Aspen sheriff, political activist, beloved local curmudgeon. He would be played in major films by two popular actors, Bill Murray in Where the Buffalo Roam and Johnny Depp in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and The Rum Diary. Even comic strip “Doonesbury” had a character based on Thompson. But in the 12 years since his death, it’s his writing that has stood the course of time, and it is this legacy that those who loved him are trying to preserve. His son, Juan Thompson, of Denver, last year wrote the memoir Stories I Tell Myself: Growing Up with Hunter S. Thompson. His widow, Anita Thompson, has written several books and is in the process of turning the home she shared with him in Aspen into a private museum. She is also in the early stages of launching a cannabis line based on Hunter’s favorite staple strains. Both spoke with CULTURE recently about the man, the myth of Thompson and the legacy he left behind. >>
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Hunter and Anita Thompson in a fun and spontaneous embrace; smoke in hand. photo by Johnny Depp
Hunter and Anita Thompson at home, after Anita woke him up early for a special Gonzo birthday cake.
What did you fall in love with about Hunter? Anita Thompson: Hunter liked to say he was a teenage girl trapped in the body of an elderly dope fiend. His sense of curiosity, sense of humor and his energy level were so much higher than anybody I’d ever met, particularly at his age. And it was fascinating to me. He had a temper that didn’t discriminate against any race or gender that would come out once in a while but it was short-lived, like a teenage girl, with a curiosity and level of energy almost identical. And he was not cynical—he had faith in humanity that
How much did his public image match the person you knew? Juan: Being known as a wild man, a crazy man—that was not the most important thing to him. Did he have fun with that? Sure. Did he like messing with people, pushing their buttons to see how they’d react? Absolutely. He liked to see how close he could get to the limits of his own self-control and come back in one piece . . . I think the Raoul Duke character was another persona he was kind of playing with, and that’s the one that stuck in the public imagination. I don’t think he was planning to spend his life from 30
]as s i b a n n a c used [
a “He , tool, to el evat e his se nses nal to elevat e his observatio skil l s—not to dul l t hem .” often diminishes as people see as much as he did. I miss that to this day. What made you decide to write the memoir? Juan Thompson: I wanted people to know there was a lot more to Hunter than that persona. I wanted them to know he was a very complex person. He was first and foremost a writer. He wasn’t a political activist. He was not a party animal. He was a writer, and he took that very seriously. He was very much an idealist in his politics, which is what made his political writing so powerful. 44
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to 67 as that persona, but that’s what he became, and that’s what people responded to. And I think that’s what people wanted. When he went on speaking tours, they didn’t want some quiet sober guy talking about the details of the federal election process. They wanted some entertainment, and he gave it to him. There wasn’t a whole lot of correspondence between that persona and who he really was, though he used it to his advantage when it served him—to be a celebrity, to get a suite or fly first class, then he’d use it. Anita: Taking a road, paving a new path and doing the least expected thing at any
given moment—that was Hunter. He was full of surprises and was constantly looking for what was underlying in any given situation or conversation he was having . . . He was always searching for the deeper truth, for more. His personality was like that. In terms of his lifestyle, he definitely had a rich lifestyle, a lot of great food, a lot of substances. So much of his work is about the “American Dream.” Why do you think he was so focused on that theme? Juan: I think it was extremely important to him to know the truth. He was brilliant and extremely observant and perceptive. He was really concerned about the gap between the “American Dream,” the idea of it, and what it meant about our country. The “American Dream” isn’t like a personal goal; it’s an essential part of what this country used to be about. That gap between the ideal and the reality of what it actually meant, how it actually manifested itself, was something that he thought was really important. It was this vast hypocrisy that he thought needed to be called out, that this dream is bullshit. Anita: It was a constant thought of his and he studied it for his entire career; just what is this “American Dream?” He often wrote about it being dead. There’s truth to that in his mind, but he never gave up bringing it back, ever. And he had confidence in the younger generation, as much as he complained about them . . . He thought they were smarter and more competent; that they could stand up and get involved and take back some of the “American Dream” that was destroyed by the corruption and corporatization of America. >>
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photo by Chris Felver
What do you think his lasting contributions are to the worlds of journalism and literature? Juan: There’s nothing like his voice. No one else can write like that. You’ve seen many people try, and it just never goes well. It was so powerful and direct and raw and funny and cutting, just powerful . . . Somewhere in his letters he talks about that; basically fiction gets closer to the truth than nonfiction, because you can exaggerate and use images and all that to really make a point much more clearly. If you just said, “Nixon is dishonest,” well, okay, yes he is. But call him a “werewolf with bleeding string-warts running across the White House lawn,” or say “Richard Nixon is so crooked he has to screw his pants on in the morning,” that’s powerful. Anita: Empowerment, for sure. The selfconfidence that comes when you read his work, I think it’s an antidote to fear. We’re surrounded by fear inside and out, and there are some writers like Hunter and Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway 46
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“His phil osophy was ‘t he government has no busine ss my telling me what I ca n do in t own home, as l ong as I’m no hu rt ing othe r pe opl e . . .’” that awake our innate self confidence. Whenever you need it just open one of his books. Most journalists can’t take sides. He could say what he felt. Anita: He didn’t think it was really possible to not take sides if you’re writing a story. I do a presentation at schools on the difference between Associated Press and Gonzo. It’s the inverted pyramid. The natural “who, what, where, when, why
and hows” always come at the end and it starts with “the story.” It’s more fun to read and it’s more fun to write. And it was important for him to have fun, because he found writing to be difficult, all his life. It wasn’t fun for him. It was work . . . When he saw the corruption of Nixon or any politician and later of the Bush era, it was heartbreak. The best cure or treatment—to stay confident and active in politics, to get these people out of office—is humor. >>
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The labyrinth where Hunter's Gonzo memorial stood 12 years ago now holds a meditation labyrinth built by Anita. It is also the spot where Hunter's ashes are scattered.
Anita Thompson's peacock Jesse inside the Aspen home on the owl farm.
What was Hunter’s relationship to cannabis? What would he think of it being legal in so many places? Juan: He was an early supporter of NORML back in the ‘70s. I think he’d say, “Thank God. Finally.” In many ways, he had a Libertarian streak. His philosophy was “the government has no business telling me what I can do in my own home, as long as I’m not hurting other
people” . . . When he’d get stoned, he’d get relaxed, happier, and he’d start telling these rambling stories. He was a great storyteller, and the stories tended to not actually start and end, but they were entertaining, to follow them on that wandering path. Anita: He used it as a tool, to elevate his senses, to elevate his observational skills—not to dull them. There were some strains of hash
that would make it difficult for him to write but made him more balanced, in his body chemistry and brain chemistry. And there were some strains that improved his ability to write. Hunter went out on his own terms. Was that a shock to the family or was there an inkling? Juan: When it happened, I was completely taken by surprise; but, the fact it
happened was not a surprise. What would have been a surprise is if he had gone to the hospital and lingered on a ventilator for a month. That would have been a surprise because that was not his style. If he was done, if his writing days were done, if he was deeply unhappy and his body was starting to disintegrate after all that time and all that booze, by God, he was not going to go into a nursing home. >>
Hunter and Anita Thompson enjoying each other’s company.
The view from Hunter’s Aspen home on a winter’s day.
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“When he’d get ston ed, he’d get re l ax ed, happier, and he’d star t tel l ing these ra mb l ing stories. He was a great storyt eller, and the stories tended to not actu al l y st art and end, but they were ente rt aining, to follow t he m on that wande rin g path.” Anita: I forgave him, of course, but not right away. He was in so much pain; I have to accept his decision, but it’s something I still deal with personally . . . I was heartbroken like the rest of the people who loved him, and in a way I’ll never be able to shake that, but I’m so grateful he left his work. Imagine in a twisted universe if he somehow took his work with him and all the pages were left blank in his absence. That would really be a tragedy. It was a tragedy losing him, and there was a lot of chaos and darkness at the time, but his work is what brings people together and makes me realize he is still here in many ways. I can always look around me, here, feel his spirit where his ashes are scattered on the land that he loved, here at the owl farm, and open up one of his books . . . My last question is how do you think he’d feel 50
about President Trump? Juan: He’d be enraged. He’d be depressed. I was talking to a reporter yesterday about the parallels between Nixon and Trump, and he’d certainly pick up on those. He’d be enraged and appalled. He thought Nixon was bad. Well, Nixon’s got nothing on this guy. Anita: I don’t think he would be surprised at all, and I wish like everyone else to hear what he had to say and what we should do. His most common thread in all of his work is “we” is the most important word in politics. As long as we stand together, Trump has nothing. Even though it’s extreme and seems insurmountable, with all the damage he could do, as long as we keep fighting, we have checks and balances for this reason. Hunter would be the first to remind us of the checks and balances in the experiment of democracy. c
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The journey of
Fear a nd Loathing from book to film
Most people who haven’t read any of Hunter S. Thompson’s books may know him best for Johnny Depp’s character in the 1998 film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. British screenwriter Tony Grisoni worked with director Terry Gilliam and Thompson on the film, which debuted to mixed critical reviews and small audiences but has since become a cult classic. Grisoni had the opportunity to ask the author what he thought of it at the premiere. “He said, ‘long, isn’t it?’ Which could have meant that he thought it was too long or too short. I don’t know what he meant. But he seemed quite happy,” recalled Grisoni. He spoke with CULTURE about making a film out of such a chaotic book, a film that many in Hollywood considered unmakeable. How did you approach writing a movie from the book? At the time Terry looked at some material from people who had been trying to make movies based on Hunter’s writing, and he said, “Nobody could do Hunter like Hunter.” So our starting point was not to try to write anything. We were just going to use what Hunter had written and collage it. Was it a daunting task given how chaotic that was? I don’t remember feeling that way at all. I remember thinking it was just full of stuff, full of wonderful, funny things. Another thing about Hunter’s writing, he was a very sensitive man. He was a very politically articulate man. Fear and Loathing didn’t come out of nowhere. The whole idea of gonzo journalism was “here is the only response to the world that I feel is adequate” . . . the paranoid response was the correct response to a crazy world.
Did you get a chance to meet Hunter during the writing or filming? Yes. I remember saying, “Hunter, thank you for letting us fit it to your book.” And he said, “The way I look at it, if you make a good (movie) of it—hey, I wrote the novel. If you fuck it up—hey, I wrote the novel.” That’s music to the ears of a screenwriter from a novelist. Why do you think the book remains so cherished among people, with new generations discovering it? It has a political heart. It tells you to distrust all authority. How does the film stand up in Hunter’s legacy? Do more people know him for Johnny Depp or for the book? If you look at Johnny Depp being Hunter, that’s a very close thing. That was Hunter up there on-screen. I think that’s the brilliance that Johnny brought to that part. That is Hunter. I don’t think of an actor. I look at that think, “That is Hunter S. Thompson.” c
www.thegonzofoundation.org
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bucket list
1 of 2
CULTURE
420
follow the green dream
A list of cannabis-related things to do, see and accomplish for every aficionado Between visiting iconic locations to participating in epic sessions, cannabis consumers will love crossing every item off CULTURE’s Cannasseur Bucket List at some point in their lives. 52
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2 of 2
Sincere hopes and ambitious dreams belong to even the most seasoned cannabis consumer. Make a pact to become more adventurous, and start checking these places to go and things to do off your cannasseur bucket list! You will surely make some great memories while living the dream.
Join the 420 “Mile High Club.”
Tour a large-scale cannabis cultivation facility.
Smoke a joint with Cheech and Chong.
Build a house out of hemp.
Visit Amsterdam’s first cannabis coffee shop, The Bulldog No. 90.
Consume some cannabis before a whale watching tour.
Go to the Louvre after eating an edible and gaze at the Mona Lisa.
Smoke cannabis with your boss.
Attend a cannabis rally on April 20.
Successfully argue why cannabis is not a “gateway drug” to a skeptic.
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Germinate and plant all those seeds you’ve been saving for years.
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Try out ganjayoga.
Read The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy by Jack Herer.
Shotgun a hit with your true love.
Exercise at a cannabis gym like Power Plant Fitness, in San Francisco.
Write to a senator and demand medical or recreational cannabis rights in your state.
Smoke cannabis as a passenger in a hot air balloon.
Visit Nimbin, Australia to enjoy the legal cannabis scene.
Come out to your family about your personal cannabis consumption.
Smoke the Northern Lights strain under the Northern Lights.
Attend a cannabisthemed wedding.
Smoke the Durban Poison strain in Durban, South Africa.
Smoke cannabis in beautiful Negril, Jamaica
Hotbox a tent while camping.
Smoke cannabis with a priest or a rabbi.
Consume some cannabis at a live concert.
Learn to bake the best cannabis brownies.
Smoke or eat cannabis in every legal state in the country.
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titration guide //
1 of 2
By David Edmundson
CULTURE
420
Know Your Limits
“You can always take more to increase the sensation, but you can’t un-smoke that entire joint.”
A titration guide for the first-time cannabis consumer
E
ven the most seasoned of cannabis aficionados had to start somewhere. With cannabis becoming even more popular in the wake of the mass legalizations across the country, more and more people are trying cannabis for the first time. But how much should you take? Titration is the fundamental understanding of proper cannabis dosing. The biggest mistake a first-time cannabis consumer can commit is to overmedicate. This can lead to an unpleasant experience that might dissuade them from future cannabis use or for medical consumers, not treating the ailment appropriately. So how do you know how much is enough? The best advice is to start out small and grow to your
desired effect, or consult a medical professional for exact recommended doses. You can always take more to increase the sensation, but you can’t un-smoke that entire joint. The only ways to feel less effects are to either wait it out or try to counteract the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with some cannabidiol (CBD) or rescue tonic. When starting out, there are a lot of factors to consider, and it would be a good idea to consult an expert; either a reputable dispensary, doctor or a friend who is a seasoned cannabis consumer. Other factors to consider are what strain you are consuming, your body make-up and how you will consume cannabis. It’s the last part that we will be focusing on, because how you consume cannabis will greatly change how you monitor your cannabis intake.
Inhalation
S
moking cannabis has been the timetested, gold standard for consuming cannabis for centuries. Whether you roll it into a joint or put it into a water pipe, smoking cannabis is far and away the most popular method of consumption. To start, light your joint, the cannabis in your bubbler or inhale on your vape pen; inhale as much as is comfortable. At first, you will only be able to inhale a small amount, but don’t try to overdo it your fist time. If you really want to hammer down your dosage, try to be consistent in your pulls. Aim for between five and
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10 seconds per hit. Vape pens make the process even easier, by removing fire from the equation. It’s less about the risk of flame, as it is trying to find a lighter when you need it. Vape pens work by heating cannabis oil that you then inhale. There is a bit of a learning curve
the first time you use a pen, some have a button and others are activated simply by inhaling. Often times they come in two pieces; the battery and the oil cartridge. As far as dosing is concerned, you can follow the instructions used when consuming flower cannabis, with the caveat that most vape pens use concentrated oil that will
affect you differently than flower. In essence, you hit it the same, but the amount of hits may differ. After your inhale, wait 10-15 minutes to see how it affects you, and repeat the process until you reach the desired effect. Keep track of how your mind and body react to each inhale. Remember that everyone is different, and you don’t need to “keep up” with anyone.
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Edibles
E
dibles are classified as any form of cannabis intended to be consumed through eating or drinking. There are many people who do not like the act of smoking or cannot smoke due to lung or throat issues, who find that consuming edibles allows them to get the desired effects without inhaling smoke. The downside to edibles is that they are a lot slower acting than
smoking cannabis. The good news is that most edibles you purchase from a dispensary will
have the dose, usually in milligrams, on the package. For the purpose of this article, let’s say you have a 10mg brownie. Start by eating a quarter of the brownie (which should contain 2.5mg of THC), wait 45 minutes to an hour, and if you want to continue, try eating another quarter. Repeat the process until you find your sweet spot. The first time it will take
a little time to discover how much THC you want to consume, but on future consumptions you can be a little more aggressive since you will have a better understanding of how much THC you want in your body. For reference, many doctors suggest a 5mg dose for first-timers, but Colorado has previously limited single doses of THC to increments of 10mg.
“. . . how you consume cannabis will greatly change how you monitor your cannabis intake.”
Sublingual S
ublingual means to be absorbed under the tissue of the tongue. For this, patients will typically use cannabis tinctures and essential oils. The benefit of a sublingual is that it is a very swift and effective method of delivery. This
is often the preferred method for parents to administer cannabis to children who suffer from epilepsy and take CBD to treat their seizures. It is also the hardest method to get the proper dose with. It only takes a couple
drops to reach the desired effect, so you should proceed extremely slowly or in conjunction with a health care provider. It can also be very expensive since you are dealing with highly concentrated products.
Topicals C
annabis creams, lotions and oils are very popular for managing aching joints, pains and muscles. Most topicals are for pain, and many are CBDbased; those are not psychoactive. Topical THC and CBD are absorbed into the targeted area of where you apply the product. Which means,
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whether its just CBD or THC and CBD, your topical medicine will
only effect the area it is applied to, and it will not be absorbed into other parts of the body or even the mind. This is great for athletes or individuals using it for their arthritis, who simply need to alleviate one or more areas of aggravation or irritation in the body. Regardless of your preferred method
of consumption, it is important to pay attention to your body. Like with anything you put in your body, you will develop a tolerance over time so you may find yourself increasing the amount you consume eventually. However, by repeating the steps outlined above, you should be on your way to continued enjoyment of cannabis.
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culture growing
2017 WINTER GARDEN 3
I
n early January, I purchased an adolescent SharkShock from a local Oakland dispensary. The plant had several main stems and quite a few small stems. Over a period of several weeks I trained the plant so that the stems were stretched horizontally. Some were tied down to the container, others were tied to a stake, and some were bent over by softening the stem tissue, shaping them and then holding them in place using crutches. The plant was growing in a greenhouse that received little direct sunlight in January, so I supplemented the natural light with a 600 watt HPS lamp on timer set to provide 12 hours of light. It turned on at 6 a.m., an hour before dawn, and shut off at 6 p.m., about an hour after dusk. I kept the plant growing vegetatively by interrupting the dark cycle every two hours using a warm white fluorescent on a repeating timer. This kept the plant from reaching a critical dark period that would trigger flowering. After two weeks, I turned off the cycling light and in about five days the plants started to flower. A week later I trimmed
TIP OF THE MONTH Start seeds or clones now to get a jump on the season. If you start now, by the time you are ready to transplant outdoors in May the plants will already be three to five feet tall. They will grow considerably bigger than if you had planted them outdoors as seedlings or small clones. Plants can suffer light regimen shock and start flowering when placed outdoors. When they are grown under constant light and then placed outdoors, where they have a nine to 10 hour dark cycle (depending on latitude), they grow under 18 hours of light daily rather than continuous light.
PROFILE
IN
COURAGE
DESTINATION
UNKNOWN
RECIPES
by Ed Rosenthal
the plant of understory vegetation—small branches and leaves that were shaded and would be lackluster producers. This vegetation costs the plant energy because it doesn’t get light. Once the flowers appeared, I fed it a set of six fertilizers and supplements for blooming. I fed the plant a total of three times because the plant showed signs of over-fertilization the first time, and I waited several weeks to feed it again. The plant flowers were tight and small but I harvested a few days early because I wanted to free up the space. I hung the whole plant in an empty grow tent inside a room that stays at 50 to 60 percent humidity and a temperature below 70 degrees. I am planning to let the plant dry and then cure for about a month before manicuring. Now I am planning some spring gardens. Here’s my plan for a two-plant garden that stays low. I have two plants that I have been growing in an improvised tent under four T-5 fluorescents that are on all the time. They stand about 40 inches tall plus the container. Beginning the first week of March, it has been sunny and warm so I give them sun time during the day. Now I’m going to turn the plants’ lives sideways. First, the old top will be capped using a plastic plate. Then openings six to eight inches wide will be sawed out of two opposite sides of the containers. Each container will be placed on top of a larger container so the roots can grow from one to the other. The vertical stem is now sideways and the branches will start to grow vertically becoming “stems.” Each of these will become a vertical stem growing branches. The plants will stay low but should be very productive. c
The plant was purchased at a local dispensary.
The plant was trained to spread out and was pruned of understory foliage.
Day 50, shortly before harvest.
A bud. The plant was leafy, so much of it is hidden.
Close-up of the bud.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE 64
Time to Go: April Weather: High 50s with mild rain Budget: $$$$$
Lively Living
if you go:
iN Leipzig
Ready for Berlin and Leipzig in spring? by Sheryll Alexander With Germany’s new medical cannabis law in effect, what can travelers—especially those attending April’s International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in Berlin—expect and what about considering a day or side trip to nearby lively Leipzig? Germany’s Georg Wurth is basically the top cannabis influencer in Germany, who says visitors to ICBC’s conference in Berlin from April 10-12 will learn all about cannabis business and medical breakthroughs from a decidedly global perspective. While Berlin is exciting and endlessly fascinating, most visitors to Germany never explore former East German towns. One of these cities is less than two hours by train just south of Berlin— Leipzig. This former East German city is certainly smaller than Berlin (around a half million residents), but it is steeped in history and is having a bit of an art, music and building Renaissance. But don’t expect darling German cottages. Leipzig is a former industrial town whose
once crumbling factories such as those in the western Plagwitz quarter have been transformed into eclectic living and art exhibition spaces. Beyond its factory-inspired art galleries and street art, Leipzig is known across Germany as the epicenter of the circa 1980s “peaceful” revolution against the Soviets. Today—although repatriation between east and west has been tedious—Leipzig is not only opening up to global visitors, but locals are enjoying a “hyperzig” or creative surge in art, architecture, gardening and food in the hip “new” eastern district. In fact, Leipzig is the best city in Germany to be vegetarian, vegan or part of the slow food movement. Nightlife in Leipzig is renowned for its techno music, especially at legendary club The Distillery. In the gritty eastern district, clubs and other hybrid chillmeets-DJ spaces pop-up and die rather quickly. Liepzig’s pub scene also rocks live bands and warm German beers into the wee hours. c
Fun-Filled Facts Don’t miss a tour of Leipzig’s Saint Nicholas Church. The epicenter of East Germany’s Peaceful Revolution in the 1980s, this Baroque church’s interior is an impressive and soaring neoclassical wonder. 1
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Leipzig’s Riverside Forest runs right through the city, so Leipzigers tend to use bike transport. Visitors can rent a Nextbike for the one-hour ride to the Cospudener See (or Lake Cospuden) where there’s miles of sandy “beaches” and a popular public sauna. 2
The best thing to do when it comes to cannabis in Germany is to make friends with some cannabis-loving locals, so you can be assured of having cannabis on your travels. Still, cannabis is easy to get just about anywhere, as it is a not-so-legal way for jobless refugees and immigrants to make cash. Plus, German authorities are quite lax about toking in public as long as you are smart and avoid lighting up near cops, kids, schools, government buildings and designer shops. However, with Germany’s new medical cannabis law in effect as of March 3, there’s potentially one other way. “There’s no experience yet with tourists searching for a prescription,” says Germany’s trusted cannabis expert Georg Wurth, “but if you can convince [a doctor], you could get a prescription and go to the pharmacy.” Interestingly, the German government is importing its premium cannabis from approved grow operations in the Netherlands and Canada and is distributed by pharmacists just like any other drug within the German national health system.
culture RECIPES
growing
Emma Chasen
hormones. It’s incredible how much my quality of life has improved.
Age: 24
PROFILE
IN
COURAGE
DESTINATION
UNKNOWN
Condition/Illness: Chronic lower back pain
When did you start using medical cannabis? During my freshman year of college at 18 years old. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I did. My lower back pain becomes unbearable when I have my period. My gynecologist wrote me a prescription for high dose painkillers but they really didn’t help enough to justify taking them. They only slightly dulled the pain. I tried to go on birth control. Due to a gene mutation I was at risk for blood clotting and immediately had to get off the pill. It got to the point where for eight days every 20 days I would be in agonizing pain, unable to function. When I tried cannabis, it really revolutionized my life. Now, I blend cannabis with medicinal herb smoking blends from Prismatic Paradigm to maximize my pain relief and balance my
What is the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Access. There are dying people in this country with serious disorders that could benefit from this plant. Many people are risking their freedom and their lives to buy pesticide ridden cannabis on the black market. They are, then, extracting the plant material (a risky process) and concentrating the pesticides to dangerously high levels. Sick people and sick children are consuming this black market medicine because they have no choice! It is unacceptable. Legalization allows sick people to have access to clean, safe medicine. That is so important. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Go online and watch the videos of people with serious life threatening disorders use cannabis. Within minutes, you will see people with debilitating illnesses find relief for the first time in their lives. Their stories are powerful and they are very real. When you are presented with clear evidence, it is hard to deny that this plant has powerful medicinal properties. c
Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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culture
This 420, we want to party hard—and we deserve it. It’s been a rough year so far, but one of the best things about our society is the amazing diversity and melting pot of people and cultures all around us. International canna-cuisine is rising in popularity, as is the high-end culinary delights and dinners all over the country. The “stoner” treats of the past are dying out, and we couldn’t be happier about the culinary possibilities in front of us. This year, we want to celebrate 420 with great party foods that are inspired by the amazing culinary traditions of the Mediterranean, India, France and China. Celebrate the “high holy day” this year with these delightful dishes and wow your guests! Just don’t forget to celebrate responsibly.
DESTINATION
UNKNOWN
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growing
International 420 Party Cuisine
Pork Potstickers
COURAGE
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus 1/8 teaspoon for seasoning
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1/3 pound ground pork (not too lean)
1/2 egg, lightly beaten
PROFILE
Ingredients:
IN
Makes 40 potstickers
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1/4 small head Napa cabbage, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons) 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 small carrot, coarsely shredded (about 2 tablespoons)
30 gyoza/pot sticker/wonton wrappers, from 1 (14-ounce) package
2 scallions, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup cannabis-infused vegetable oil t
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Menu: Pork Potstickers Samoa Brownie Towers Bacon Popcorn CBD Swiss Cheese Fondue
Instructions: In large bowl, toss together cabbage and 3/4 teaspoon salt and set aside. After about 30 minutes, transfer to clean dish towel or cheesecloth, gather ends together, and twist to squeeze out as much water as possible. Wipe the bowl clean, then return cabbage to it. Add ground pork, ginger, carrots, scallions and garlic, and stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil and egg, then stir into cabbage-pork mixture. Stir in pepper and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. On dry surface, lay out 1 gyoza wrapper, keeping remaining wrappers covered with dampened cloth or paper towel. Spoon 1 1/2 teaspoons filling into center, then moisten halfway around edge with wet finger. Fold moisture-free half of wrapper over moistened half to form an open half-moon shape. To seal, using your thumb and forefinger of one hand, form tiny pleats along the dry edge of wrapper, pressing pleats against moistened border to enclose filling. Moistened border will stay smooth and will automatically curve in semicircle. Stand dumpling, seam-side up, on baking sheet and gently press to flatten bottom. Cover loosely with dampened cloth or paper towel. Form remaining dumplings in same manner. In a non-stick (10-inch, lidded) skillet over moderately high heat, heat cannabis-infused oil just until hot (but not smoking), then remove from heat and arrange pot stickers in tight circular pattern standing up in oil (they can touch one another). Cook, uncovered, until bottoms are pale golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, tilting skillet to distribute, then cover tightly with lid and cook until liquid has evaporated and bottoms of dumplings are crisp and golden, 7 to 10 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons more water if skillet looks dry before bottoms are browned. Remove lid and cook, shaking skillet to loosen pot stickers, until steam dissipates, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove potstickers gently from skillet and place on serving plate with your choice of dipping sauces (our favorite is a mixture of sambal, vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil). Potstickers should be served warm. t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
culture growing 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted cannabutter t
1/2 bag soft caramels,
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4 eggs
2 tablespoons canna butter t
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 scoops vanilla ice cream (optional)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
unwrapped
To make the chocolate drizzle: Combine the chocolate chips and cannabutter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. With assembled brownie towers ready, top each tower with one small scoop of ice cream, and lightly drizzle the chocolate sauce and leftover caramel coconut sauce on top of brownie towers. Serve immediately and devour!
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DESTINATION
UNKNOWN
RECIPES 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
COURAGE
Makes 8 servings Ingredients:
IN
Samoa Brownie Towers
To make the caramel-coconut topping: Pour the caramels into a saucepan and heat on medium-low heat, stirring until melted. Fold in the coconut. Pour on top of the cooled cut brownies, spreading in a thin and even layer. Set aside rest of caramel sauce, and let brownies cool. Once cooled, you may begin assembling your tower structures. Towers should be three brownies on top of one another.
PROFILE
Instructions: To make the brownies: Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Melt the 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of unsalted cannabutter over low heat in a medium saucepan. As soon as it’s melted, remove from heat, and let cool for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cocoa powder and sugar until combined. Gradually mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, until the batter is glossy. Combine the flour and salt, then slowly add them to the brownie batter, stirring just enough to combine. Pour the brownie batter into the 9-inch by 9-inch pan. Bake for 26-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with just a few crumbs (no gooey batter). Let cool and cut brownies before starting the caramel topping.
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CBD Swiss Cheese Fondue Makes 8 servings Ingredients: 1 garlic clove, halved
PROFILE
IN
COURAGE
DESTINATION
UNKNOWN
RECIPES
growing
1 pound Gruyère cheese, grated
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Bacon Popcorn Makes 10-12 servings Ingredients: 16 slices bacon 1 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup canna butter t
1/2 canola oil
Instructions: Place bacon on a rack in a baking pan, top with brown sugar and bake at 400° until crisp, about 12 minutes; then chop. Add a few unpopped popcorn kernels to a giant lidded pot with hot canola oil; when the test kernels begin to pop, add the rest of the popcorn kernels and cover with lid. As the popcorn starts to pop, shake the pan back and forth constantly to keep the unpopped kernels on the bottom where they can pop. When the popping slows down, remove the pan from the heat, and let it finish popping. Toss the fresh popcorn with the smoked paprika, salt and pepper, and then add the bacon and canna butter. Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 pound Emmentaler cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons kirsch
or other Swiss cheese, grated
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup dry white wine
Freshly grated nutmeg
10mg or 1 1/2 droppers CBD tincture t (make sure to check measurement of your specific CBD tincture)
A fondue pot
Instructions: Rub the inside of a cheese fondue pot or medium enameled castiron casserole with the garlic clove; discard the garlic. Combine the grated Gruyère and Emmentaler with the wine and tincture, cornstarch and lemon juice in the fondue pot and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses begin to melt, about 5 minutes. Add the kirsch and a generous pinch each of pepper and nutmeg and cook, stirring gently, until creamy and smooth, about 10 minutes; don’t overcook the fondue or it will get stringy. Serve immediately in fondue pot (with small heat source under it) with your choice of fresh bread cubes, cooked meats and your favorite vegetables you want covered in hot cheese.
Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—EWWWW! u On Jan. 31, doctors at Stanley Medical College and Hospital in Chennai, India, removed a live, fullgrown cockroach from the nasal cavity of a 42-year-old woman whose nose had been “itchy” earlier in the day. Two hospitals were unable to help her, but at Stanley, Dr. M N Shankar, chief of ear-nose-throat, used an endoscope, forceps, and, for 45 minutes, a suction device—because, he said, the roach “didn’t seem to want to come out.” Another doctor on the team noted that they’ve removed beads and similar items from the nasal cavity (demonstrating the splayed-out trespasser in full wingspan), “but not a cockroach, especially not one this large.”
CAN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE u Zachary Bennett and Karen Nourse have found Manhattan quite affordable, reported the New York Post in January—by simply not paying, for six years now, the $4,750 monthly rent on their loft-style apartment in the Chelsea neighborhood, citing New York state’s “loft law,” which they say technically forbids the landlord from collecting. Since the other eight units of their building are “commercial,” the landlord believes it doesn’t need a “residential certificate of occupancy,” but Bennett and Nourse believe the law only exempts buildings with at least two residences, and for some reason, the landlord has obstinately declined to initiate eviction or, until recently, to sue (for back rent, fees and electricity).
UPDATE FROM “BIG PORN” u The colossus PornHub dot com, in its annual January rundown, reported its several sites had 23 billion “visits” in 2016 (about one-fourth from females), during which time its videos were viewed 91 billion times. In all, earthlings spent 4.6 billion hours watching PornHub’s inventory (that is 5.2 centuries’ time doing whatever people do when viewing porn). USA took home the gold for the most “page views” per capita, just nipping Iceland. Online visitors from the Philippines, for the third straight year, remained (per capita) on the sites the longest per visit. The top search term on PornHub from U.S. computers was “step mom.” UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT u Late last year, Oxford University professor Joshua Silver accused Britain’s Home Secretary of a “hate” crime merely because the Secretary had made a speech urging that unemployed Britons be given preference for jobs over people recruited from overseas. Silver denounced this “discrimination” against “foreigners” and made a formal complaint to West Midlands police, which, after evaluation, absolved Secretary Amber Rudd but acknowledged that, under the law, the police were required to record the Secretary’s unemployment speech as a “non-crime hate incident.” u The British Medical Association issued a formal caution to its staff in January not to use the term “expectant mothers” when referring to pregnancy— because it might offend transgender people. Instead, the Association’s memo (reported by the Daily Telegraph) suggested using “pregnant people.” The BMA acknowledged that a “large majority” of such people are, in fact, “mothers,” but wrote that there may be “intersex” and “trans men” who also could get pregnant. iReadCULTURE.com
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