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contents Vol 8 IssUE 10
04.17
Hunter and his beloved 1971 Chevrolet Impala at his home on Owl Farm in Aspen.
h t y M , n Ma d n e g e L and
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On the COVER:
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.
p h o t o b y Ne a le H a y n e s
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contents
inside
4.2017
204 features
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High Holy Day Happenings From a how-to guide about 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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A Plant of Peace Cannabis churches are embracing unity and spirituality with the sacred herb.
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Holistic Health Professional athletes and fitness gurus continue to embrace the natural approach to living healthy with cannabis.
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Industry Insider Businessman and activist Andrew DeAngelo has made his mark on the cannabis industry.
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Mighty Medicine Young William Ross and his family have received approval from their Mormon Bishop to embrace medical cannabis as a treatment for William’s epilepsy.
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Life of an Artist RISK brings vibrancy and individuality to the contemporary street art scene.
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Divine Melodies Singer Angel Olsen is quickly rising up the musical ladder with her unique vocals and kismet marriage of musical styles.
departments news 38 News Nuggets 40 By the Numbers 50 Local News 54 Legal Corner 58 Healthy Living reviews 62 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 90 Company Highlight 94 Cool Stuff 100 Entertainment Reviews 102 Liner Notes in every issue 228 Shooting Galleries 232 Growing Culture 234 Destination Unknown 236 Profile in Courage 238 Recipes 244 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, Joe Jatcko 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 los angeles Jon Bookatz sales manager Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Beau Odom, Gloria Santiago, Garry Stalling, Chris Walker, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson intern Kiara Manns Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,500 locations throughout Southern California. 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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/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
/iReadCulture
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NEWS
nuggetS Los Angeles City Council Creates Cannabis Licensing Commission
Councilmembers of the city of Los Angeles unanimously approved the creation of the Cannabis Licensing Commission in a meeting on Wednesday, March 22. This decision now prompts the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that will offer more detail regarding the Cannabis Licensing Commission's specific responsibilities. However, the meeting agenda briefly acknowledged the commission’s main purpose. It will “Grant authority to the Commission to administer the cannabis license and public hearing process, including applications made available beginning September 1, 2017, renewal, and revocation, as well as coordinate inspections, audits, and other duties as necessary related to cannabis.” The initial proposal stated that five people will head the Commission—two appointed by the city council and three chosen by the mayor. The city of Los Angeles is wasting no time in establishing cannabis regulations in the city following the passage of the recently approved Measure M, which allows the city to choose how to regulate both medical and recreational cannabis businesses.
Ohio Increases Limit on Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Ohio’s State Pharmacy Board proposed a revision of the state’s current medical cannabis rules, which would increase the limit of dispensaries from the current 40-dispensary cap. The new rule would raise the number of allowed provisional licenses on medical cannabis dispensaries to 60 until September 8, 2018. Additionally, the board could 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.
Riverside County Board of Supervisors Considers Recreational Cannabis Regulation On March 21, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors held a meeting and invited special guests as well as the public to offer statements regarding establishing cannabis regulations. Following almost three hours of varied opposition and advocacy, Supervisors Kevin Jeffries and Chuck Washington responded to the public regarding possible approaches to loosening cannabis regulations in Riverside County. Jeffries stated that he personally does not support Proposition 64, but he recognized the choice that Riverside County voters have made. “I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I am the definition of ‘no fun,’” Jeffries began. “But the voters of California and the voters of Riverside County did speak, and they spoke overwhelmingly in support of Prop. 64, and we cannot pretend that they did not. We have an obligation to attempt to make the best of the situation.” Jeffries continued to explain that the board has an obligation to learn the best practices for regulating recreational cannabis by studying the issues other states have encountered. Supervisor John Tavaglione designated Jeffries and Washington as leaders of an ad hoc committee that will study how to best approach cannabis regulation in the county.
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. 38
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The percentage of points awarded to the state of California by Americans for Safe Access in its annual state medical cannabis report card: (Source: Americans for Safe Access)
87
The percentage of Los Angeles residents who voted to approve Measure M, which allows the city of Los Angeles to license cannabis businesses:
79.36
(Source: Daily News)
The number of votes, out of 5, that were presented by the Santa Monica City Council in favor of drafting an ordinance to allow medical cannabis dispensaries in the city of Santa Monica: (Source: Santa Monica Lookout)
The exact number of people who voted for Los Angeles’ Measure M:
192,054 (Source: Los Angeles Times)
The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that it will cost for the city of Upland to hold a special election to ban cannabis business operations within city limits: (Source: San Bernardino Sun)
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5
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. Expand your current knowledge of cannabis with a virtual learning experience at the online Cannabis Health Summit. Hosted by Green Flower, the live-stream event offers 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 leading professionals of the cannabis industry to educate enthusiasts like never before. The Cannabis Health Summit looks to spread awareness about the various 40
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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)
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NEWS
LOCAL
SoCal Cannabis Cup
Growing Appreciation
Laguna Hills City Council approved legislation on recreational cannabis by Benjamin M. Adams
L
aguna Hills city lawmakers have resolved to comply with state law and allow the limited personal cultivation of cannabis inside a person’s private residence. On March 14, the Laguna Hills City Council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance. Last November, California voters approved Proposition 64, which allows individuals to grow a limited amount of cannabis at home. Ultimately, the council approved Zoning Text Amendment No. 2-17-3793, which amends Title 9 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code to allow at-home cannabis cultivation. However, the city will wait to decide on the possibilities of requiring permits for at-home cultivation and restricting outdoor gardens. This is positive news for patients and recreational consumers living in the city. In 2013, the city formally banned medical cannabis dispensaries. The new ordinance would allow Laguna Hills city residents to grow no more than six plants per residence, so long as the plants are out of public view. It also requires plants that produce more than 28.5 grams to be stored within a locked space. One of the main issues at hand was the issue of requiring a permit for personal cultivation sites, but the council agreed to hold off on requiring permits at this time. The neighboring cities of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano all allow
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indoor personal cultivation, but have banned outdoor personal cultivation. Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and San Clemente also do not require any kind of permit for adults who would like to grow cannabis at home. The motion to regulate personal cannabis cultivation was supported by the Mayor Don Sedgwick. Mayor Sedgwick wasn’t sure, however, if permits should be required. “I think that it’s possible that it may be the right decision for us to issue permits for [personal cultivation], partly due to what was brought up as far as all the neighboring cities requiring what we don’t,” Mayor Sedgwick said at the council meeting. “I’d like to try to find out how to go forward as we do in other cities and with what their experience is and what that expense might be, because it may be worth budgeting to spend some money on regulating the recreational marijuana cultivation in our city.” Although the issue of growing cannabis outdoors was also discussed, in which Councilmembers Barbara Kogerman and Janine Heft expressed concerns on the issue, which were the possible smell outdoor cannabis gardens and the ambiguity of Prop. 64, no decision was made on the topic as of yet. The ordinance will obtain a final vote on April 11 when the Laguna Hills City Council revisits the issue for clarification. The ordinance will present no fiscal burden on the city, and it will make cannabis more accessible to adults who wish to grow at home. c
I’d like to try to find out how to go forward as we do in other cities and with what their experience is and what that expense might be because it may be worth budgeting to spend some money on regulating the recreational marijuana cultivation in our city.
The historical Cannabis Cup has made its return to Southern California for another battle of the best indica, sativa and hybrid cannabis products in the region. This year’s festivities will be extra special as the event not only celebrates 420, but in celebrates the recent legalization of recreational cannabis as well. Rapper A$AP Ferg will kick off the first day as the performing headliner, followed by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, The Game, Chief Keef and Busta Rhymes throughout the rest of the weekend. Special features will include an edibles village, a topical massage spa, a vape lounge and a host of other events to continue the 420 fun. Not only is the Cannabis Cup the hit spot to party, it will also host a conference with cultivation experts Danny Danko and Nico Escondido, who will present seminars and discussions about all there is to know on cultivating cannabis. Whether you’re looking for tasty treats, cool music, healing medicine or kitchen demos to improve your culinary skills, the Cannabis Cup offers it all. (Kiara Manns) WHAT: SoCal Cannabis Cup. WHEN/WHERE: Fri, April 21-Sun, April 23. National Orange Show Event Center, 689 South St. San Bernardino. INFO: Visit cannabiscup.com for details.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Federal Forecast AB-1578 would make California a "sanctuary state" for cannabis
by Michelle Mabugat, Esq. of Manzuri Law
O
n March 7, 2017, Los Angeles voters overwhelming approved Measure M to create regulations for recreational cannabis, thus setting up the city to be the largest recreational market in the U.S. With all eyes now on L.A., there would be no better place for a display of federal strength than America’s “cannabis capital.” Assembly Bill 1578, which was co-authored by Assemblyman Jim Wood, was recently introduced in Sacramento. It would prohibit state and local agencies from taking part in any federal crackdowns on cannabis. Thus, transforming California into a “sanctuary state” for cannabis. Specifically, AB-1578 would prevent state or local agencies from using their resources to help the federal government “investigate, detain, detect, report or arrest” anyone who is acting in compliance with the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) or
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the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA). The bill is largely a symbolic gesture meant to send a clear message to the federal government that California doesn’t want it messing with its cannabis. Recently, officials from The White House have been hinting at possible “greater enforcement” of federal laws against
AB-1578, a bill co-authored by Assemblyman Jim Wood, was recently introduced in Sacramento that would prohibit state and local agencies from taking part in any federal crackdowns on cannabis.
recreational cannabis, causing concern that L.A.’s plans for the recreational industry could be snuffed out by the federal government. Unfortunately, the reality is—if the federal government wanted to start raiding recreational cannabis shops in L.A., there’s nothing California could do to stop it, because cannabis is still federally illegal. What California can do, however, is refuse to offer it state or local help. Back in the mid-to-late 2000s, during the Bush administration when the federal government took a hard-line stance against medical cannabis, the DEA launched raids on dispensaries across California. Oftentimes, these busts were conducted by the DEA with the help and support of state and local law enforcement. AB-1578 would end those days of cooperation with the federal government. If the federal government crack down on recreational cannabis, they would have to do so without state or local help. Currently, medical cannabis in California is somewhat protected from federal intervention by the RohrabacherFarr Amendment. Passed in 2014, this amendment prohibits the DOJ from using federal funds to prosecute medical cannabis businesses that are “fully compliant” with state law. But while the amendment provides some comfort to those in the medical industry, the newlylegalized adult-use industry will enjoy no such protection because the amendment only applies to medical cannabis. Nonetheless, law enforcement leaders in L.A. seem to believe that the threat is real. In a March interview, Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said that he fully expects the Department of Justice (DOJ) to follow through on threats to crack down on recreational cannabis and that he wouldn’t be surprised if the DOJ specifically targeted California just “to set the tone.” If this is true, then L.A. would be a prime target. Does this mean that all the recreational shops in L.A. are going to get raided by the federal government? It is highly unlikely. From a practical standpoint, it wouldn’t be feasible. The DOJ simply doesn’t have enough resources to shut down every single shop in the city. A more likely scenario would be the DOJ going after bigger players in L.A.’s recreational industry in hopes that the threat of prosecution would deter others from operating. But if AB-1578 is passed, the DOJ would have to fight that war alone. c
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Success with cannabis looks differently for different patients; for some it’s less pain, for others it’s the ability to grow and develop normally.
Exhibiting the Evidence What medical cannabis success looks like by Bonni Goldstein, MD
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annabis is an amazing medicine. It alleviates chronic pain, reduces anxiety and depression, promotes sleep, stops nausea and vomiting, stimulates appetite, reduces seizure activity and kills cancer, all without harming other organs or causing irreversible side effects. After years of treating thousands of patients, as a doctor, I continue to be in awe of this plant. I have the honor of listening to patient after patient report success with cannabis. These are some of my most memorable patients and their stories of how cannabis changed their lives. (Some names have been changed to protect privacy.) Janet M., 62 years old, is a kindergarten teacher who has suffered with life-long anxiety and depression. When she came to visit me, she was on seven different medications, including two antidepressants, an anti-anxiety pill, a sleeping pill, two blood pressure medications and one diabetic pill. Within six months of starting low-dose cannabis, using CBD-rich oil during the day and THC-rich vapor at night, Janet had weaned off all the medications. She had lost weight, was sleeping well, had started exercising and had control of her symptoms. Her husband
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accompanied her to her follow-up visit and thanked me for “giving him back his wife.” Christopher G., four years old, is a cute little boy who began having seizures during his first year of life. Medications to stop the seizures did not help and he continued with frequent debilitating seizures. He stopped developing cognitively and was unable to reach important developmental milestones. After starting CBD-rich oil, his seizures stopped completely. His parents reported that he “woke up,” started talking and walking, and most importantly, began smiling, playing and enjoying life within the first few months of cannabis treatment. His parents are thrilled that their son is healing with natural medicine without experiencing any toxic side effects like he would have if he were taking prescription drugs. Justin J., 40 years old, is a computer technician who began having debilitating migraine headaches during his college years. After trying multiple medications without success, his doctor prescribed him a self-administered injection with an out-of-pocket cost of $900 per month. After years of struggling with expensive treatment, he researched cannabis medicine online, became a cannabis patient, and found complete resolution of his migraines with THC-rich oil. Now Justin shakes his head when recalling the years of
pain and suffering and the thousands of dollars spent on ineffective treatment. Tom A., 82 years old, is a retired real estate developer who spent most of his life active in sports. As he aged, he developed severe low back pain with pinched nerves. Prolonged sitting and standing was difficult, and he found himself miserable from the constant pain. He had been prescribed painkillers, but after experiencing adverse side effects, he stopped taking them, choosing to live with the pain. Tom came to see me after a relative from Colorado gave him cannabis ointment to try on his back. He told me he experienced five hours of complete pain relief from the topical application, and he needed to have access to this miraculous medicine. Tom continues to visit me every year to renew his cannabis recommendation, and he reported with a smile that he is no longer “a grumpy old man.” Monica L., 22 years old, is a college student who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She was struggling with the side effects of chemotherapy, which were mostly poor appetite, insomnia and fatigue, and she was determined to not let cancer get in the way of her upcoming graduation. Monica had heard that cannabis could help with cancer and the side effects of treatment but was nervous to talk to her parents and her doctor about using it. She shared an online video with her mom, who surprised her by being very supportive, and encouraged her to pursue any natural treatment that might help her get through such a difficult time. When Monica came to see me, she had done her homework, bringing a long list of questions to the appointment. We discussed everything from the plant compounds to the endocannabinoid system to the different ways to use cannabis. Monica recently emailed me that she is doing well, using both sublingual CBD and THC tinctures as needed for her symptoms, which have become quite manageable. She has not missed any classes this semester and is on track to graduate on time with her peers. Success with cannabis looks differently for different patients; for some it’s less pain, for others it’s the ability to grow and develop normally. One thing for sure is that my patients’ success stories are undeniable and are proof of the healing properties of cannabis. c
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REVIEWs
strain, edible & concentrate Kaneh Co. PB&J Blondie
Available at: Various dispensaries throughout California.
Created and made by a gourmet chef, the PB&J Blondie by Kaneh Co. strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with blondie batter that is swirled with peanut butter chips and raspberry jam. Topped with even more peanut butter chips and peanut butter frosting, the result is an edible that is tasty and has only a slight medicinal flavor. Available in both 100mg and 250mg options at dispensaries throughout California, Kaneh Co. products come in resealable packaging for ultimate freshness. The effects of the PB&J 250mg Blondie take 30-60 minutes to fully set in and can last several hours to overnight. Patients in search of sleep and/or pain relief will greatly benefit from this top-shelf product.
PR Gorilla Glue The Gorilla Glue strain has become synonymous with Southern California fairly recently. So much in fact that it's hard to find a dispensary that doesn't have those thick, bright green flowers on display front and center. So why does everyone swear by its potency and tendency to send consumers into a deep sleep? Much like the sample we received from Union Collective, Gorilla Glue was bred for its signature resin-coated buds and pungent odor. This hybrid delivered us with a heavy wave of euphoric bliss that afforded us with hours of pain-free relaxation.
Available at: Union Collective in Los Angeles.
Awesome CBD Oil Gel Capsules
Available wherever: Awesome CBD products are carried.
Utilizing a patented technology that allows for a higher absorption rate of CBD than other products available, Awesome CBD is breaking new ground on what we know about cannabinol (CBN) and all of its amazing abilities. The technology that Awesome CBD has developed allows for the pure extract to become water soluble, which in turn speeds up the rate of consumption that occurs in each consumer’s blood stream. Plus, it’s non-GMO and easy to swallow as well as transport without drawing any unnecessary attention. Containing 10mg of pure CBD, Awesome CBD is making it easier than ever to get the correct dosage for your individual needs. Visit awesomecbd.com to find a retailer near you.
Available at: Love Shack in Sherman Oaks.
Mind Blown OG Crumble If you've never had your "mind blown" from an extraordinarily potent strain, this is probably the time to try it. CULTURE has reviewed Mind Blown's perfect, trichome rich profile before, and we still have nothing but praise for this high-end product. The smell of gasoline and skunk is rarely used to describe something positively, but in this case we can't think of anything more pleasant than the wonderful scent permeating from the khaki colored honeycomb that's sure to fly off the shelves at Love Shack in Sherman Oaks. Become a member, and prepare to have your mind blown. 62
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REVIEWs
Available at: SFVDM in Van Nuys.
One Punch OG We've always wondered why movies depict fight scenes as five-minute occurrences containing a flurry of punches and jabs, when in all actuality after about 10 seconds the people involved look similar to our review staff after testing this strain’s knockout effects. Carefully tended and even more skillfully cured, this indica packs a wallop that earns its name and top spot amongst similar strains. After consumption, reviewers noted that couch-lock inevitably won in the epic battle against checking things off their to-do lists, so night is the best time for experiencing the effects of these bright green flowers.
Canna Elite Shatter Los Angeles has plenty of dispensaries to choose from depending on which side of the I-5 freeway you happen to be on. For those who are lucky enough to find themselves in East L.A., BMAC dispensary is open and ready to aid consumers with its newest strains. The amber hue this wax displays shows that the product wasn't over purged or treated with any harmful chemicals, which makes for a better tasting, long-lasting and safer cannabis consuming experience. When it comes to taste, this is by far one of the best tasting concentrates we've reviewed in a while. Pungent terpenoids add a slightly acidic taste as the complex, earthy foundation coats your throat upon inhalation. The almost immediate effects make gravity a memory. One dab of this "elite shatter" will surely send your body into the upper atmosphere for the next several hours.
Available at: BMAC in Los Angeles.
Sativa Pre-Rolls
Available wherever: Rockets products are carried.
Houston, we don’t have a problem. Lift off has gone great. This nifty little pack of pre-rolls by Rockets is a clutch little solution for on-the-go consuming. Featuring 10, 0.2 gram mini-joints in each pack, the Rockets PreRolls are designed for a quick, single use experience, ideal for personal use. An extra-long crutch is in place to ensure a safe, smooth and even draw of smoke. Exclusively made from 100 percent indoor flowers, there is no shake discretely hidden in these pre-rolls, just pure dank buds. Rockets offers an indica variety as well, and these packs can be found throughout California.
Kosher Tangie The Higher Path in Sherman Oaks always has stellar taste in the products it carries, and this sticky and sweet sativa is no different. People who are familiar with the effects associated with this particular strain will salivate at the sight of the terpene rich buds and its ability leave them feeling uplifted and giddy. The taste is pure citrus, falling somewhere between summer and the feeling we got the first time we saw Molly Ringwald finally get a date with the hottest guy in school. The effects are perfect for daytime consuming as the strain is more inclined to keep you active rather than crashing into a nearby pillow—it's perfect for anyone seeking pure sativa bliss.
Available at: The Loft in Woodland Hills.
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Available at: The Higher Path in Sherman Oaks.
Smoking Aces As fans of any movie that depicts Ryan Reynold’s beautiful face alongside a posse of murderous assassins, we couldn't wait to experience the cerebral effects from the barrel of this hybrid strain’s gun. Luckily it made us feel less like Jeremy Piven and more like we'd hit the jackpot in a hot hand of poker. Large, dense, resin-coated buds along with a slightly diesel-like smell greeted us as soon as the strain arrived in our offices. We'd recommend consuming with this in the evening or after finishing anything you needed to do that day, because the effects can last several hours. Chronic pain associated with arthritis or cancer are no match for this strain—just make sure there's a couch nearby.
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REVIEWs
Lime Sherbet Our mouths were already watering before we even opened the jar containing this indica-dominant hybrid. The familiar smell of cotton candy and citrus reminded us of childhood summers while the mellow effects eased us into our afternoon. Bred from the parent strains of Key Lime Pie and Sunset Sherbet, consumers looking to combat anxiety and body aches without the indica "knockout" will become fans of this sugary sweet strain. Grown and carefully cured by 3C Farms, Lime Sherbet is available at Cannabal City Collective.
Available at: Cannabal City Collective in Los Angeles.
Available at: Dispensaries throughout California.
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!
King Kush Cartridge 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. Our sample of 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 at: Strain Collective in Chatsworth.
TNT OG CULTURE magazine lit the fuse on this indica, and the resulting explosion didn't disappoint. Diesel fuel and ripe grapefruits singe your senses while the high-THC content sends your body into the cosmos. We bunkered down for several hours of full-body relaxation upon consumption, and the only fallout was the radiation from the microwave in the kitchen for our intense munchies. Thankfully you won't need a bomb squad to figure out which wire to cut when you enlist at Strain Collective in Chatsworth.
Empire OG Any strain with a THC content that clocks in at the upper 20s is likely to either scare or intrigue any consumer unfamiliar with its capabilities. Luckily this strain is all about keeping you happy as well as content. The perfectly cured hybrid dares you not to fall in love with it at first sight while the fresh pine scent usually found in forests becomes the siren song that lays you down and reassures you that everything is going to be just fine. Regardless of your method of consumption, consumers report a clean, flavorful smoking experience every time.
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Available wherever: Pure Vape products are carried.
Available at: Kush Collective in Van Nuys.
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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.
Kanha Candies Blueberry Belts Sunderstorm never goes wrong with any of its gummy Kanha Candies, and Blueberry Belts are proof of that. Offered in packs of eight belts, each piece of candy contains a whopping 50mg of THC, making these candies a pretty awesome choice for an easy-to-eat edible. These candies will definitely have consumers looking at candy like it is the best form of entertainment in town. The belts have a tremendous blueberry flavor that surprisingly isn’t overpowered by the taste of cannabis, since it contains such a high amount of the herb in such a small package. The CO2 extracted oil used to create these edibles is crafted from a blend of hybrid strains. A big bang in a small package, the Kanha Candies Blueberry Belts by Sunderstorm will have blue-tongued consumers everywhere coming back for more.
Available wherever: Sunderstorm products are carried.
Zen Noho #5 Available at: Zen Noho in North Hollywood.
We recently got a first look at Zen's house strain, and we've never seen our chakras more aligned. The expertly trimmed buds are strong enough to support all the resinous trichomes that make this "house strain" anything but standard. The taste is mildly floral and earthy with a smooth and robust exhale. Consumers looking to open their "third eye" will praise the strain's knack for calming digestive pain and providing fast relief of nausea and appetite loss. Grab a guide and head over to Zen Noho to find your spirit animal.
Nuclear Cali OG It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell you that Neutron Genetics has a firm grip on the concentrate market. Every month it seems that we see new product from this reputable company, and we have yet to come across something subpar. This Nuclear Cali OG syringe is no different, combining California’s favorite strain and the newest purging processes in order to deliver the safest and purest possible product for consumers all over this great state. This concentrate is ideal for dabbing, refilling cartridges, or as an ingredient in cooking. Check neutrongenetics.com for a retailer near you.
Available at: Love Shack in Sherman Oaks.
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Available wherever: Neutron Genetics products are carried.
Mind Blown OG Beware, this OG strain isn't just talk—it actually lives up to its name. Consumers are sure to love the smell permeating from the tightly wound, orange hairs that peek through the entire flower. They will only be more stunned when they begin to feel the tingly, floating sensation that starts at the top of your head and slowly creeps over your body until relaxation is the only thing going on for the next few hours. Before imbibing, we suggest making sure your schedule is wide open.
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Ringo's Gift Demonstrating a ceaseless commitment to designing a superior line of cannabis products, W Vapes has delivered a high-quality, full flower, strain-specific CBD CO2 Extracted Oil vape cartridge, compatible with W Vapes’ sleek Push Button Battery vaporizer pen design. Our sample of Ringos Gift was the perfect solution to combat our pesky ailments in a discreet and effective way. All of W Vapes’ products are lab-tested and certified as pesticide-free. Ringos’ 13:1 CBD/THC ratio has a high potency of 73 percent CBD with a soft accompaniment of 5.5 percent THC allowed us to alleviate pain, nausea and inflammation at work without distracting us with psychoactive effects. When we were ready to run errands after a long workday, the convenience of this CBD-rich cartridge served us on-the-go as well. Any existing nausea melted away as quickly as we were able to inhale the smooth vapor with the simple touch of a button. This vape cartridge would also work wonders for patients with epilepsy, as CBD has been found as powerful medication to stop seizures. Learn more about W Vapes extraction process and superior quality standards at wvapes.com.
Available at: Dispensaries throughout California.
Great Success
Available wherever: HappyDay Farms products are carried.
Buds the size of strawberries are plenty deserving of being named “Great Success!” This strain was a top-20 finisher at the 2016 Emerald Cup that tests at an incredible three-percent terpene level. Absolutely enormous flowers consistently yield four-plus gram nuggets! The calyxes are somewhat loosely bound but still demonstrate some of the densest structures possible. Basically, these buds are so dense that a game of catch could probably be played without a flower breaking. Warm apple cider and cinnamon flavors are found in Great Success, a cross of Ogre Berry and OG Strawberry, reminding consumers of the cool breezes and bountiful fragrances of harvest time. The colors are an even spattering of green and orange, producing an almost beige-like color when viewed from a distance. Almost too pretty to smoke, Great Success is a beautiful strain, but is very potent, so it is well worth the heartbreak of breaking apart a piece of art!
Gorilla Glue Stemming from the desire to create a better, more wholesome product for the cannabis community, Rezn Extracts knows that quality begins at the source. Each plant is processed using ice, water, heat and pressure to extract and package this concentrate for consumers throughout Southern California. Using only natural elements really provides consumers with the best tasting and guilt-free dabbing experience, while a color-coded system ensures consumers know exactly what they're getting. CULTURE recently received Gorilla Glue bubble as well as the gassed up live rosin, and we still can't decide which one we liked more. You can join the debate and decide for yourself by finding a retailer near you.
Available wherever: Rezn Extracts products are carried.
Tree Base WiFi OG Klear Kart
Available wherever: Tree Base products are carried.
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Look no further for an ultra clean smoke. The cannabis oil inside Tree Base Klear Kart vaporizer cartridges appears as clear as glacier water. The cartridge is lab-tested at 83.1 percent THC and with no additives, adulterants or solvents—expect to be heavily medicated with a relatively clear mind. The WiFi OG presents a pungent OG flavor that’s characteristic of OG varieties with notes of pine and a sharp and spicy citrus overlay. One solid draw will produce a calming effect that’s potent enough for heavy and long-lasting medicating. The cartridge is filled with 500mg of crystal clear cannabis oil made from WiFi OG. All that is left in the oil is THC and precious terpenes that preserve the flavor. As a hybrid selection, you will get the best of both worlds.
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Sea Salt Caramels
REVIEWs
Made from scratch consistently and precisely dosed, these confectionary treats are designed specifically to cater to those who like single serving edibles or who are first-time consumers wanting to find their proper dosage. The benefit of a single use edible compared to one that patients can nibble on is patients discern exactly how much is being consumed. The chocolate used in these caramels is sustainably sourced and fairly traded, so consumers have peace of mind knowing the chocolates are made with care. Stokes offers chocolates in six different flavors in 10mg or 20mg sizes. A pristine hybrid flower blend is used for these caramels with the desired effects of both indicas and sativas. Deliciously salty caramel cascades gently next to the milky smooth chocolate flavor with subtle earthy cannabis flavors on top, ultimately providing an impeccable taste.
Available wherever: Stokes Confections products are carried.
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. The company has three master varieties: Hybrid, Sativa and Indica, and over 20 incredible strains such as, Dream Weaver, Ripped Bubba OG and its signature strain, BASA Nova. The strains 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. The packaged tins are super durable and smell-proof, which makes them great for traveling. After receiving a sample of BASA’s top six strains, we were particularly wowed by the Ripped Bubba OG. As we popped the top of the can, we were instantly hit with a powerfully earthy and sweet smelling nose. Testing at 21.9 percent THCA and 0.7 percent THC, this was a heavy but not overpowering high. 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.
Punch Bar Cream
Available at: Dispensaries throughout Southern 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. However, 2013 was 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 their Punch Bar Cream line of chocolate bars. All based in white chocolate with a variety of mouthwatering 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 named their company 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.
Alchemy - Relax Gold Vape Cartridge Those who love aromatic vape cartridges will find that one of the best selections are produced and offered by Alchemy. For those who are familiar with Alchemy you may know that they had a lower potency option at 30 percent THC. We reviewed Alchemy’s new Relax GOLD Vape Cartridge, and it is still the same lovely combination of lavender, chamomile and indica made with a distillate oil extraction process. Lavender and chamomile work together very well with indica to calm the senses, slow down hyperactive nervous systems and eliminate anxiety. The cartridge contains a generous 750mg, and the oil at 70 percent THC is really a smooth hit. The battery offered by Alchemy is one of the most convenient and useful ones available to use with cartridges. It features a no-button system allowing the battery to be automatically activated when the consumer starts to inhale through the cartridge. The end of the battery also features a stylus tip so it’s seriously a multifunctional and high-tech battery. The beautiful amber oil inside the cartridge pairs nicely with the golden trim on the mouthpiece, not to mention the fact that each cartridge is labeled so we always know what we are getting. Those who like to be on the cutting-edge of technology, style and quality will seriously dig this new high-potency and relaxing set-up by Alchemy. 80
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Available at: Dispensaries throughout Southern California
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King Louis XIII Natural CBD We aren't sure what impressed us more—the fact that this company has yet to release a sub-par product or the wonderful, tropical smell this particular concentrate gives off once the seal has been opened. The bright iridescent glow from this indica is only shadowed by the almost tiki-like flavor that assaults your taste buds upon inhalation. The CBD cartridge is a perfect choice for anyone looking for the benefits of cannabis consumption without the distracting euphoric effects. King Louis XIII Natural CBD is lab-tested and ready to relieve anyone suffering from insomnia and chronic pain.
Available wherever: Green Kings products are carried.
Available at: Pure Vape products are carried.
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 user 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 consumers. 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.
DA True OG Airside Wellness in Van Nuys sure does know how to treat us. We arrived at work around 9 a.m. on a Tuesday, and this OG phenotype didn't make it to see lunchtime as our staffers gracefully offered their personal opinions as well as palates in order to best describe what can only be called a perfect OG. Originally known as "Ocean Grown," most strains bearing the name "OG" will find their lineage starting in Southern California where, through years of growth cycles, growers have developed hundreds of new strains. This particular strain is noted to have a sharp, almost bitter smell and is suitable for consumers of all tolerance levels.
Available at: Divine Wellness in Canoga Park.
Banana Comb
Church OG It would be blasphemous for us to keep the divine healing powers that this strain possesses all to ourselves so please open your books to chapter four, verse 20, where the Lord said unto thee that cannabis is good, but church is better. And then the Lord sent us this from the heavens above, and we experienced that it was great. Seriously though, with all jokes aside, this strain’s famously cerebral effects are ideal for combating migraines and sleeplessness, while some consumers report the plant’s natural hunger-inducing effects. Divine Wellness in Canoga Park is accepting new members to the congregation, which means church isn't just for Sundays anymore.
Extracted by Pacific Concentrate Co. Apothecary 420 really prides itself on customer satisfaction and creating a friendly, knowledgeable atmosphere for patients in the Sherman Oaks area. The dispensary’s latest offering to the masses is one that every consumer should keep in their arsenal. Honeycomb is one of the most consumer-friendly concentrates for dabbing and with the classic Banana OG strain as the source for this trichome rich wax, you’re sure to understand why. Ideal for social settings and during the day when couch-lock isn't an option, consumers can expect a mellow, creative buzz that leaves them slightly dazed, but certainly not confused. 84
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Available at: Airside Wellness in Van Nuys.
Available at: Apothecary 420 in Sherman Oaks.
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CBD Living Shatter While feeling the psychoactive effects of cannabis can be quite enjoyable to many, sometimes it’s necessary to get the healing properties of cannabis without the effects of THC. Having such a need led us to trying the highly recommended CBD Living Shatter. Unscrewing the container, our noses were instantly graced with a fresh lemon and lavender scent—a delightful effect of the shatter’s 10 percent terpenes. After portioning off a small chunk of the light honey-colored shatter one morning, we filled up our vape pen and slowly inhaled the refreshing vapor. Almost instantaneously, we began noticing the peaceful, pain-relieving feelings take over. Free from THC, this 90 percent CBD shatter won’t distract you with psychoactive effects, while still bringing the calming qualities consumers crave from high quality CBD products. The shatter was also helpful in the evening for combating the workrelated aches and pains, and our ever-present insomnia. We slept like a rock and felt extremely refreshed when our alarm clock started blaring. CBD Living Shatter is a great product to have on hand, as it has also been reported to help with anxiety, inflammation, seizures and side effects from undergoing cancer treatments.
Available wherever: CBD Living products are carried.
Procana
Available at: Dispensaries throughout Southern California.
Procana's Medicinal Softgels make it simple and easy to medicate while on-the-go. 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.
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 wherever: POP Naturals products are carried.
Available at: Westside Collective in Van Nuys.
Master Terp Sugar Harvest Moon Gardens worked hard to bring us this brilliantly scented incense and citrus sugar bomb, and we couldn't wait to try it out. Regardless of your stance in the shatter vs. wax debate, you may be hesitant to try this new version of concentrate, but don't write off sugar just yet. The product itself resembles wet sand, or a cross between honey and a bit of jelly, which allows consumers a little more ease when measuring out a "dab." The taste is what truly sets this apart from other similar strains; its sticky sweet vapor sends your taste buds watering while your body falls into full relaxation. Become a member at Westside Collective in Van Nuys, and tell them CULTURE said hello. 86
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company highlight
MediK8Mobile How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? We are a software company in the tech industry. We specialize in organization and efficiency. What do you offer consumers/clients that others don’t? We offer a web and mobile platform that helps drivers manage their day-to-day activities. You can say we are a mobile point of sale solution for [cannabis] delivery services. How and why did your company start up? We wanted to offer a solution to the delivery market. Some of us were
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5151 California Ave., Ste. 100, Irvine (949) 495-5870 www.medik8mobile.com
once delivery drivers ourselves. We had to find little tricks and gimmicks like Google Docs, Google Sheets and QuickBooks to enter in our information. Something as simple as GPS wasn’t perfected five years ago on mobile devices. You had to navigate using a Garmin GPS system. Now the simple solution is all in one mobile application. With the changing landscape of medical and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? The biggest challenge for us is state transparency. We hope that medical and recreational cannabis will become like the pizza
industry, where you can order your product with a single touch on your mobile device, and someone using our system can manage all their deliveries in one go.
lifestyle. “For the patients, by the patients.”
What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years?
We hope to automate the system and make it very clear and transparent that we are in this industry to help business owners and their employees.
We hope to be one of the top contenders to the cannabis technology, as that is where it is evolving to.
Any sneak peeks on new products or news you’d like to share?
What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? Spend most of your time understanding what this culture really needs, and its consumers, aficionados and
What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry?
We are currently looking into a B2B software solution for the cannabis marketplace strictly for distributors and retailers to connect. Stay tuned, and find out more information via our website and social media! c
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3. For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
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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
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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
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KandyPens Elite Vaporizer Only the elite and sophisticated will set their standards high by choosing the Elite by KandyPens. This beautiful rose gold and white vape pen was specifically designed for waxy oil vaping with an upgraded mouthpiece and a convenient air carb. With four temperature settings, a 510 thread and KandyPens’ leakproof technology, consumers who use this pen will be all smiles. Expect rich and sweet draws with a one-button temperature setting that ranges between 300 ° and 430°—the ideal temperature range for waxy oils. Vape slow with the ceramic atomizer, or vape unadulterated vapor using its quartz atomizer. PRICE: $139.95 MORE INFORMATION: kandypens.com
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HempCrete DIY Kit If you were ever curious about hemp’s concrete alternative and what to do with it, now you can make your own truly oneof-a-kind crafty creations using HempCrete! You’ll be able to create beautiful forms from an eco-friendly material that’s been exclusively used in construction until now. This non-toxic material is made from hemp hurds, lime, water and a few other components, so you can make planters, sculptures, containers and more with simple instructions and at an affordable price. PRICE: $30 MORE INFORMATION: www.etsy.com/ listing/231382241/hempcretediy-kit-eco-friendly-art-decor
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KushKards For every life event and special moment, there is a greeting card for it. Well, KushKards has sought to improve upon that even further. These stylish and fun greeting cards are not only the perfect sentiment, but can also hold any pre-filled joint perfectly—giving you or your card recipient an even better feeling when receiving this greeting. The writing is cute and fun, and the designs are gorgeous—these KushKards even have a match striker located on the bottom of each card that can be repeatedly used, so no lighter required! Just be sure to abide by state regulations about mailing cannabis, if you put it in the mail. PRICE: $6.99 MORE INFORMATION: kushkards.com
6. Small Taster by Marley Natural Who knew it was even possible for Marley Natural to outdo itself? Well, with its Small Taster, we are impressed yet again! This beautifully-crafted one-hitter style small pipe is ideal for daily smoking and compact enough to take with you anywhere. Made from hand-blown glass, the Small Taster is offset by a gorgeous walnut wood base and finished with natural carnauba wax. This is the only one-hitter you will want or need; easy-to-clean with a sleek design, the Small Taster is a great piece for any cannasseur. PRICE: $35 MORE INFORMATION: marleynaturalshop.com
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7. Magical Butter Making your own cannabutter is not always easy. The Magical Butter wants to help take the stress and mess out of infusing cannabis—and surprisingly, it’s the best device we’ve tried so far. This machine easily infuses the essence of healthy herbs like cannabis into butter, oil, grain alcohol, lotions and more. This thing grinds, heats, stirs and steeps your herbal extract, all at the correct time intervals and temperature, so you get the easiest and best tasting infused product possible—a musthave for any creative cannabis enthusiast. PRICE: $174.95 MORE INFORMATION: magicalbutter.com 8.
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Puffco Pro 2 With a sleek and sharp design, the second-generation vaporizer, Puffco Pro 2, takes another leap forward in the industry. Its simple appearance and heavy duty power set a new standard for the market. The engineers at Puffco have ensured optimized battery life and durable construction, all while making this their smallest vaporizer yet. Made with resilient stainless steel, this device will become every adventurous spirit’s new best friend. It contains a ceramic chamber, keeping flavors pure and intact, as well as a heating system with three temperature settings. The package comes complete with a USB charger, carrying case and loading tool. PRICE: $89.99 MORE INFORMATION: puffco.com
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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 Bening, 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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by Kevin Longrie
liner notes
A
t least four international bands were denied entry into the U.S. in early March on their way to SXSW. None were from countries targeted by President Trump’s second travel ban–SOVIET SOVIET is Italian, UNITED VIBRATIONS is English, MASSIVE SCAR ERA is Canadian/Egyptian, and ELOQ is Danish—but nevertheless people have been drawing that connection on social media, including the bands themselves. The artists have cited injustice and discrimination in U.S. border policy and have voiced their frustration on Facebook. Customs, however, released a memorandum about the specific kind of visa needed to play SXSW and other festivals like it. In years past, there have been similar issues but they did not draw the same attention because they didn’t seem to reflect the political climate. Pitchfork points out that “even ADELE had to cancel a 2009 SXSW appearance” because of a visa issue. Heightened political times reach musicians and celebrities in many ways. CHVRCHES, along with ST. VINCENT, Kristen Stewart, JOHN LEGEND and Zach Galifianakis are working on a musical collaboration to raise money for Planned Parenthood, which Trump said he wouldn’t federally defund if they promised to stop performing abortions. Planned Parenthood refused. Similar requests have been made before by republican lawmakers and have been similarly refused. The White House has also been worried about leaks, hacks and wiretaps. Kellyanne Conway even
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insinuated that people might spy on Trump through microwaves. It turns out that they should be worried about anything with a good backbeat instead. Researchers, including Kevin Fu from the University of Michigan, have found that phones, tablets and even cars can be hacked using sound waves. The hackers can get in through the device’s accelerometer using a sound file containing a virus. Fu told the New York Times that “It’s like the opera singer who hits the note to break a wine glass, only in our case, we can spell out words. You can think of it as a musical virus.” Now you have even more reason to leer at your whistling co-worker or the person on the subway playing music from their phone without earbuds. FEIST and THE SHINS are releasing new albums soon. It’s
the early 2000s again. Let’s grab Zach Braff and yell into an abyss. This is not sarcasm or snark. It might be fun. NICKI MINAJ and REMY MA continue to feud through music. Ma released “Shether” and “Another One.” Now Minaj is firing back with “No Frauds,” featuring LIL WAYNE and DRAKE. The lyrics of these songs do not need to be reprinted in these pages. Just believe me when I say that each is very critical of the other’s sexual desirability and the skill (or lack thereof) with which the other is able to successfully rap. DAVID BOWIE, who we should all refuse to stop talking about, is being commemorated in stamp form by the Royal Mail of England. That’s not the fun part, though. They launched a few sets of the stamps into space. One can only imagine the surreal quality of being
in the ground control crew of such a launch. Lastly, several artists have been discussing mental health issues in recent years, especially in relation to the demands of touring and the availability of drugs. PATRICK CARNEY, drummer for THE BLACK KEYS, recently said, tongue somewhat in his cheek, that he feels like he has PTSD after touring so constantly for years on end. CHANCE THE RAPPER used the same war lingo to describe how he’s felt after a few friends dying in recent years and how he’s tried to “self-medicate” with cannabis, among other things. Chance is concerned about taking new drugs, even prescribed ones, to deal with the anxiety of the music business and other aspects of his life. He tells Complex, though, that he puts his faith in God to get him through it. c
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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. 110
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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 116
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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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illustration by Ralph Steadman
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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 126
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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illustrations by Payden Cobern
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titration guide //
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By David Edmundson
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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 the consumer 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, golden 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 smoking or cannot smoke due to lung or throat issues, who find that consuming edibles allows them to get the desired effects without inhaling anything. 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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bucket list
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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. 138
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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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QUIZ
ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 244
CULTURE
Are You a Cannasseur?
420
Take this Fact or Fiction: 420 Edition Quiz and Find Out! Take this quiz to see how much you know about cannabis myths! Circle the appropriate FACT or FICTION answer for each statement below, and tally up your score using the answer key on page 244, to see if you qualify as a CANNASSEUR, a BUDDING ENTHUSIAST or a NOVICE.
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1.
Cannabis prohibition protects kids from drug abuse
a) FACT
b) FICTION
2.
Smoking cannabis causes cancer a) FACT
b) FICTION
3.
Cannabis is a gateway substance
a) FACT
b) FICTION
4.
Holding in cannabis smoke intensifies the effects a) FACT
b) FICTION
5.
Smoking from a water pipe produces more intense effects
a) FACT
b) FICTION
6.
Cannabis consumption causes hair loss a) FACT
b) FICTION
7.
Eating mango before smoking cannabis prolongs the effects a) FACT
b) FICTION
8.
Cannabis causes short-term memory loss a) FACT
b) FICTION
9.
Smoking cannabis reduces sex drive
a) FACT
b) FICTION
10.
You cannot die from cannabis a) FACT
b) FICTION
11.
You can overdose on cannabis a) FACT
b) FICTION
12.
Vaporizers are just as harmful as joints a) FACT
b) FICTION
13.
All cannabis is bad for children a) FACT
b) FICTION
14.
Cannabis cures illnesses a) FACT
b) FICTION
15.
Cannabis will flatten brain waves a) FACT
b) FICTION
16.
Cannabis lowers testosterone and sperm count a) FACT
b) FICTION
17.
The Constitution was written on hemp paper
b) FICTION
18.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is worse than driving while under the influence of cannabis
a) FACT
b) FICTION
19.
Cannabis does not make you more creative a) FACT
b) FICTION
20.
Cannabis is as harmful as cigarettes
b) FICTION
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a) FACT
a) FACT
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FILM //
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By Jasen T. Davis
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Cinematic Cannabis Moments
Cannabis culture has greatly evolved in film over the years Whether or not Hollywood is trying to be controversial or informative, people have consumed cannabis in the movies for decades. We have rated a few of these cannabis-consuming cameos according to realism, necessity to the plot and overall humor.
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Reefer Madness 3
Character Jimmy Lane played by Warren McCollum has violent rages, mindless grinning and misanthropic deeds that can be attributed to many other factors instead of cannabis. LSD, crystal meth and alcohol would affect our protagonist in a similar manner. This, however, won’t stop Reefer Madness from possibly one day becoming a Netflix series, just like everything else has.
Animal House (1978)
Necessity:
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10
10
Well, if he didn’t go mad from reefer, then we wouldn’t have a film.
Humor:
4
His leering, staring and drooling is certainly camp, but many years later all those histrionics are more worthy of chuckles than careful analysis. What did the actor really do to behave that way? Snort drain cleaner?
Donald Sutherland plays a professor that smokes out with the hard-partying protagonists of this ultimate college comedy, in order to expand their minds to the possibilities the universe might possess . . . or maybe just to hook up with a co-ed.
Actually, you almost believe they really did smoke-out. There aren’t any lava lamps or black light posters, no psychedelic music or cartoonish hallucinations. There is just . . . smoke and polite conversation.
then again, it is college, and the whole point of the film is to demonstrate how counterculture our iconoclastic gang of students is. They don’t even smoke cannabis at a party. They basically use cannabis in a library.
Necessity:
Humor:
Realism:
9
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One man’s plunge into cannabis “addiction” is so exaggerated and biased against a harmless plant that the story is now a successful Broadway comedy.
(1936)
Realism:
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While the blather is slightly compelling, Sutherland’s character certainly looks unimpressed.
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The Breakfast Club
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This is a touching story of several teenagers played by Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy and Anthony Michael Hall, who are confined to a high school library for Saturday detention without access to the internet. After the smoke out (they smoke cannabis in a library in a high school . . . could that even happen in this day and age?) the young adults open up to each other and realize they are all one with the universe. Sounds like high-quality cannabis, to me.
(1985)
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Yes, but no. The hacking, the coughing, the smiling—pretty real. The screaming, dancing and glass shattering? Probably not. Blaire’s blather certainly seems properly cannabisinduced. Emilio Estevez running around like he’s in Footloose until he screams so hard that glass shatters? Nope, not really real at all.
Necessity:
7
Well, something appropriately psychologically mind-altering, and paradigm-shifting, had to happen or these people would have probably never opened up to each other about their
Platoon (1986)
Realism:
7
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Before, during and after the nasty things that happened to these poor soldiers trying to stay alive in a military policeaction holocaust, it makes sense that they’d have a cannabis break to escape the PTSD. Of course, being that close 150
feelings. A bottle of Jack Daniel’s at 3 a.m. might have done the job, too, but that wasn’t feasible.
Humor:
3
It was kind of humorous, but the jokes are now stale. The scene where they hide the cannabis is funnier, but we all know that in a modern remake the principal would place the entire school on lockdown until a SWAT team arrived with drug-sniffing dogs. Everyone would be arrested once the cops watched the footage from the video cameras. Thanks for ruining a perfectly good ’80s film about growing up and loving each other, security state!
Charlie Sheen + Willem Dafoe + The Vietnam War = haunting, devastating depictions of the horrors of military conflict in a jungle surrounded by people trying to kill them. Thankfully, America has learned its lesson since then. When Sheen’s character smokes cannabis inside a bunker beyond the DMZ, you can understand why he needs the mental time off.
The distortion, the music, the choking, coughing fits and the giggling . . . you can definitely feel the cannabis presence turning. Even the party seems like it actually happened. Was that cannabis real during that scene? Why not? Could be.
Necessity:
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to Willem Dafoe for that long would make anyone selfmedicate. That guy is just a little creepy. Admit it.
Humor:
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More poignant than funny, none of what is happening inside the bunker makes you sober up when you think about what is waiting for the soldiers in the jungle warzone outside. It should be noted that the shotgun trick Dafoe pulls off was lifted from actual documentary footage featuring soldiers in Vietnam during the conflict using the same trick. Art imitates life, my friend.
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Friday
Realism:
8
Although the montage mirrors the minds of the two protagonists as they enjoy the best sativa derivative that Mother Nature has to offer, there are no LSD images or wild fantasies. Seeing Ice Cube burst out laughing for no reason makes you think that the cannabis on that set was real . . . for the purposes of art, of course.
(1995)
Ice Cube and Chris Tucker team up to survive their weekend, living in the inner city by partying. This involves cannabis, of course.
Necessity:
7
If it was just about two alcoholics it would be less adventurous and far more depressing. Not exactly a comedy. Forty-ounce bottles just aren’t as funny as oneeighth of a good OG.
Humor:
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The smoke-out scenes are funny, but the rest of the movie has better comedic moments. We’re just being real.
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Pineapple Express (2008)
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The red eyes, the easy laughter, the appearance of fun . . . looks like the real stuff to us. Maybe all of their action scenes are just intense mind trips, because of the fact they were watching violent films.
Necessity:
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The fact that these guys smoke cannabis makes 152
this comedy. Even the title is a reference to a type of strain. Of course, now L.A. Confidential (1997) seems like a completely different movie.
Humor:
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The rest of the film is better because James Franco and Seth Rogen are always funnier when they’re together.
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James Franco and Seth Rogen are back, and this time they are going to smoke out. Somehow, action scenes including fist fights and firearms happen. That cannabis better be worth all the violence.
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DIY //
By Nicole Potter
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Do-It-Yourself
Mix cannabis with crafting to make oneof-a-kind 420 party decorations and favors
There’s a sweet satisfaction that comes from making things with your own hands. While it is easy to go overboard by spending $100 on a craft that would cost only $20 for the same pre-made item (here’s looking at you, Pinterest), there is so much satisfaction to be gained when you choose to make something instead of buying it. 420 is all about celebrating the culture of cannabis, which means there are a few crafty projects you can work on to get excited and ready for the best day of the year. From construction paper to glitter, there’s no end to the cannabis-themed decorations and personal items that anyone can easily make.
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Instructions: 1. Measure the interior height of your chosen glass container. Cut the wick with 3-5 inches added to that length to ensure that the wick sits higher than the wax. 2. Add water to the bottom of the double boiler, about half way, and turn the heat to medium. Place the top portion of the boiler, or a glass bowl, on top of the boiling water. 3. Once hot, add your chosen wax to the empty glass bowl.
Hemp Candle Whether you’re making one large candle for yourself or multiple smaller candles as party favors, there’s always a place for these in your home—especially when you can add hemp oil or a cannabis scent.
Things you need:
5. While the wax is still melting, dip the end of the wick in a tiny bit of wax. Wrap the wick around a pen or pencil, allowing the base of the wick to gently touch the bottom of your candle jar. This will allow it to stay in place when you begin pouring the melted wax. 6. Once the wax has completely melted, take it off the heat and let it cool briefly.
Hemp or normal wick Glass jar or container (preferable one with a wide opening to make lighting easy) Preferred wax (can be natural, beeswax or soy wax)
7. Pour the wax into the candle jar, leaving a small amount of space at the top so as to not overfill the candle.
Wooden stick or similar disposable stirring utensil
8. Let the candle sit for at least a full day before use.
Essential oils for scent and hemp oil
9. Trim the wick and enjoy your hemp candle!
Double boiler
DIY Stash Box A stash box can be made out of anything. A hollowed-out book, a repurposed jewelry box, a gaming controller with all of the parts removed; if it keeps your cannabis secret and safe, then it’s a reliable box to stash your cannabis goods. Here’s an easy and fun way to create a stash box that shows off your flare for cannabis. 158
4. As the wax begins to melt, add in the hemp oil and essential oils for scent.
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Things you need: Medium-sized wooded box of any shape Assorted acrylic paint (or wood stain) Paint brushes Mod Podge or glue
Instructions: 1. Obtain a wooden box (this can be purchased from any craft store). 2. Choose your method of decoration (paint, stickers, photo collage, magazine clippings, wrapping paper or stain). 3. If using paint, apply your design. If staining, simply cover the entirety of the box. If making a collage, use glue or Mod Podge. 4. Wait ample time to dry and then stash away!
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Paper Cannabis Leaf Garland A party isn’t really a party at all without a few decorations. Embrace the iconic symbol of the cannabis leaf and turn it into a decorative wall, ceiling or mantle garland. This can also double as a wearable garland as well—because 420 is all about sporting cannabis culture!
Things you need:
Instructions:
Construction paper or tissue paper (green is preferred, but feel free to use other colors or patterns if desired) A cannabis leaf stencil cutout Scissors String or yarn A hole punch
1. Use your stencil to cut out desired shape of cannabis leaves. The number of leaves you cut out will depend on your choice of garland length (as well as string length). 2. Use a hole punch to either add a hole to the single tallest stem of each leaf, or two holes in the two other medium-length stems. 3. Thread the string through each hole, alternating cutouts between color and/or patterns. 4. Once finished, tie the ends of the string separately, hang up and voila! DIY cannabis garland.
Bling Lighter Don’t look like a square with a plain old lighter, give it some flair! There are numerous ways to quickly decorate your favorite lighter: Use nail polish to paint it, apply your artistic skills to draw things in with a sharpie or print out labels in fancy fonts. If you seek a 420 attention-getter, then we recommend these two eye-catching methods to spiffing up your lighter.
Method 1: Bejeweled
Method 2: Glitter-fied
Things you need:
Things you need:
Stickable gem tabs, spikes or studs Glue (unless the backing sticks automatically) Tweezers
Instructions: 1. Apply each gem tab or spike to the lighter in desired design (full coverage, specific design, etc.) 2. Use tweezers for precision to align each glitter tab with the corresponding row. 160
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Desired color of glitter Glue Disposable paint brushes Clear coat spray paint
Instructions: 1. Apply glue to all sides of the lighter casing. 2. Heavily sprinkle desired glitter color to lighter (CULTURE recommends green!) 3. Leave to dry, at least 20 minutes or until dry to the touch. Repeat steps 1-2 for a second coat. 4. Spray with clear coat to seal.
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MOVIE NIGHT //
CULTURE
By David Edmundson
420
Cinema Soiree
Tips to throw the ultimate cannabis-themed movie party to celebrate 420 Cannabis and movies have gone hand-in-hand for decades. The symphony of flashing lights mixed with the elegance of cannabis makes for a match made in heaven. This 420, instead of consuming cannabis by yourself and watching Friday for the millionth time (like you did last year)—spice things up and go all out. Here are some tips and advice on how to get the most out of your 420 movie party.
Picking the Film . . . Decisions, Decisions Choosing the film is probably the most important thing to decide for your movie night. You want something that is entertaining while enjoying your favorite strain of cannabis, and hopefully the company of someone special. Normally, we would recommend a classic like Cheech and Chong: Up in Smoke, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Friday or Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. But this year, maybe try something new. Put in a film that will tickle your visual perceptions like Inception, Fantasia, Doctor Strange or Manos: The Hands of Fate, and enjoy the crazy visuals that are sure to be enhanced by your euphoric state of mind.
It’s Not a Movie Night without Snacks Now let’s work on your snack game. Of course you’re going to want to eat popcorn during the film—you’re not a savage. This time though, 164
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substitute the normal butter for cannabutter to enhance the mood. You can find a cannabutter recipe on ireadculture.com, and it’s easy to make. If you prefer to munch on a savory treat, then whip up some fully-loaded, cannabis-infused nachos. Sprinkle chopped tomatoes and onions with cannabis oil and lots of cheese on top of your chips before heating them up in the oven. Be sure to top your nachos with fresh canna-guacamole and sour cream. These snacks are sure to enhance your 420 movie experience.
No One Wants to Sit on Your Folding Chairs An underappreciated aspect of any good movie night is comfort. If your butt’s on an uncomfortable chair or on the floor, your enjoyment will be hampered. Maximize couch space, and if you have to utilize the floor or other hard surfaces, put oversized pillows or thick blankets down. Maybe turn the floor in your living room into an impromptu hookah lounge
by offering unlimited options for comfortable seating like bean bag chairs and padded ottomans.
Phones Off Ever wonder why you have such a better experience at the movie theater? Because you are trapped, in a good way, for the duration of the film. When you’re home, you can pause the film to get a drink, go to the bathroom or check your phone. Instagram will wait, you can read all about the worst Tinder profiles when the movie is over. While the film is playing, enjoy it!
Dim the Lights Nothing sets the mood like dimming the lights. If you’re with someone special, it signals “come over here and get comfortable.” If you’re in a party setting in means, “shut up bro, we’re watching a movie!” The only lights you should see are the flashing ones on the screen and the glowing ones coming from the joints and vape pens.
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EVENTS
CULTURE
Active Engagement Advocate, dedicate and embrace the values of your local cannabis community’s 420 festivities Mecca’s 420 Wonderland, April 19-20
Step into Alice’s Wonderland with a slight spin, and bring the cannabis celebration to an entirely new world. The two-day experience will feature colorful 3D effects, Madhatter’s Edibles and a Dab Garden. Mecca Natural Medicine, Los Angeles meccanaturalmedicine.org
420
Cannabis Career Institute, April 22
The Cannabis Career Institute will transform students into budding experts at their intensive, oneday event. Whether you need instruction on cannabis law, cooking, medicine, marketing, business plans or cultivation, this is the class to tackle it all. Universal Hilton, Los Angeles cannabiscareerinstitute.com
and live music into one amazing dinner. The three-course meal will be guided by cannabis connoisseurs to show guests proper consumption and the specific qualities of each cannabis plate. Private Location, Los Angeles highstandardsagency.com/ lifted-gifted
The Business of Cannabis Seminar, April 27
Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, April 20
420 Cocktail and Dinner Party, April 20
Take your 420 holiday south of the border with a Mexicanthemed dining experience hosted by The High Society. Pair your preferred cannabis with tacos, CBD-infused margaritas and a nacho bar provided for the night’s festivities. Location to be Revealed Upon Ticket Purchase, Hollywood Hills thehighsociety.com
Lifted & Gifted 420 Edition, April 20
The High Standards Agency presents a dining experience that combines cannabis tasting 166
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Big time cannabis advocate and Grammy nominee, Snoop Dogg, will join rappers Wiz Khalifa and Cypress Hill at the Greek Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert will take off at 7:30 p.m. Greek Theatre, Los Angeles lagreektheatre.com
Lil Wayne, April 21
One of cannabis’ biggest fans, Lil Wayne, will be taking the stage Friday night at the Hollywood Palladium. Join this famous rapper for his “Kloser 2 U” tour this spring for a taste of his biggest hits, as well as a few newer songs. Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood hollywood.palladiumlosangeles. com
Lathrop & Gage LLP has organized a legal forum covering the ways in which California regulations are expected to change in regards to cannabis. Attend panels on new regulation analysis, federal prohibition, product liability and employment, with lunch and a cocktail reception included. Omni Los Angeles Hotel, Los Angeles lathropgage.com
April” by PopCultivate, April 29
“
PopCultivate brings guests a unique dining experience hosted in an unlikely place. Indulge in a seven-course meal that incorporates innovative, cannabisinfused dishes and appetizers. Location to be Revealed Upon Ticket Purchase, Los Angeles popcultivate.com
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strains
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420
Embrace your choices and celebrate with
popular strains Cannabis is an all-encompassing plant and its properties are often miraculous in nature. Centuries of cultivation and breeding have helped cannabis evolve into a powerhouse plant that has the ability to relax the body, help treat medical conditions, inspire creativity and so much more. Across the globe, cannabis is more widely accepted than ever and as a result, companies are finding new ways to integrate strains into game-changing food, drinks, concentrates and topicals. No matter how you plan to consume, one thing is for sure—cannabis is beneficial and useful in countless ways. In honor of 420, CULTURE offers a thorough and detailed list of 420 unique cannabis strains, which compiles some of the most popular indica, sativa and hybrid varieties to help you find the best matches for your cannabis consumption.
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As the best of both worlds, a hybrid strain is reserved for those who want effects that pull from both sides of the spectrum. Divided between indica and sativa effects with varying percentages of both, hybrid strains are versatile and offer balanced effects.
can provide euphoria, elevated mood and giggles accompanied by a heavy body effect. Aspen OG Embrace the sweet berry and candy flavors of this strain with effects that can help with moderate pain relief and appetite improvement. Atomical Haze This strain is powerful and uplifting fruity bud that helps a variety of ailments including depression, ocular pressure, stress and chronic pain.
strong, cerebral effect when consumed.
AK-47 7 Star Cookies This hybrid dazzles your taste buds with a grape-like, sour fuel flavor, a sweet aroma, and buds that are resinous and guaranteed to satisfy. 707 Headband This strain is well-known for being one of the strongest strains available, as well as for its cerebral effects that relieve anxiety and tension. A2 Cookies Embrace the minty taste of this dense Cookies strain that’s guaranteed to relax and relieve a variety of ailments. Ace of Spades A berry and citrus aroma accompanies the lively lemon flavor of this strain, which is known to generate a creative euphoria. Afghan Haze This ultra-dense bud produces an earthy-nut flavor with hints of floral, and it’s an effective strain for alleviating stress and anxiety. Afwreck This strain has a spicy and sweet flavor that offers a 170
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Agent Orange The surprising citrus aroma of this strain comes with a sweet and spicy orange flavor and is very effective against depression, anxiety and migraines. AK-47 This lime-green colored strain is highly sought after for its pain-relieving qualities. Akimbo’s Snow Grapes This strain produces an earthy, grape-like flavor that is perfect for consumers who want to stay active throughout the day. Alaskan Thunderfuck This sativa-dominant hybrid has the ability to cause severe munchies and offers great pain relief, thanks to its strong chocolate and citrus scent. Albert Walker This strain smells skunky, yet tastes lemony and is coated with sparkling trichomes. It’s effective for improving mood and helping consumers get restful sleep. Alien Dog This flower is known to produce surprisingly strong effects, which are uplifting and cerebral. Alien Dog is perfect for treating depression with its pungent and sour flavor.
Alien OG With this strain, you’ll get the familiar OG lemon-pine scent and flavor, accompanied with an intense sedative effect that brings on sleepiness and couch-lock. All-Star Jack Frost This trichome-coated strain can be used to treat many medical conditions including chronic pain, nausea, inflammation and appetite loss. All-Star Romulan With a nice, fruity aroma, this strain is strong enough to zap away spasms, help treat nerve damage, and it offers a variety of pain-relieving qualities. Alpha OG This hybrid tastes of berry and diesel, and it is known for helping to treat sleep apnea, appetite loss, weight loss, nausea and chronic pain. Amsterdam OG Although this hybrid has a hard-to-place aroma and flavor, it has a unique calming effect that will surely put a smile on your face.
Atomic Northern Lights This indica-dominant hybrid produces a strong earthy flavor with hints of pine that offers reliable treatment for stress, pain and depression. Banana Kush This strain is perfect for nighttime consumption. Banana Kush possesses a fruity taste and a mild banana-like aroma, but has a very strong sedative effect. Bandana Expect a banana aroma with earthy and fruity flavors that induce a euphoria, laughter, overall pain relief and mood enhancement. Bazooka Joe Enjoy the taste of saccharine and bubblegum in this strain, which is a good daytime choice that keeps consumers satisfied with its energizing cerebral effects. Beastmode OG Expect instant euphoria from this hybrid, which offers a powerful punch of potency, as well as mood elevation and stress reduction.
animal cookies
Animal Cookies This strain is good for treating insomnia and
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Berry OG This indica-dominant hybrid offers relaxation and euphoria as well as major relief against aches and pains. Betsy This throwback produces an old school skunk scent and effects that are heavily cerebral, and it leads to euphoria, couch-lock and the munchies. Big Wreck This indica-dominant hybrid strain tastes of berry and a citrus, and it offers relaxation with energizing effects that are great for pain-free, creative nights with friends. Bio Diesel This is a balanced hybrid that offers a motivated effect that moves mood elevation and full body relaxation into couchlock and restful sleep. Blackberry Boasting fruity and earthy flavors, the effects of this strain are dominated by its sativa traits such as a great cerebral effect that is great for accomplishing tasks and projects. Black Beauty This indica-dominant hybrid is unmatched with its pineapple sweetness and pleasant floral taste; it is also a favorite strain for people looking for higher THCV. Black Diamond This strain produces a euphoric cerebral effect with periodic boosts of energy, which makes it great for day or nighttime use. Black Jack This hybrid induces creativity and relaxation, but is ideal for
BLUE DREAM
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BUBBLE GUM
those who are seeking active yet relieving effects from their strain. Black Pearl This strain, which smells of spice with a sweet citrusy-pine taste, is helpful for those who suffer from glaucoma, chronic pain or migraines. Black Platinum These buds are earthy and musky, and they energize the consumer with immediate energy and euphoria that rolls into mellow body effects, mild couch-lock and strong munchies. Blackberry Kush This colorful strain produces a subtle berry taste, and its cerebral qualities are perfect for treating anxiety, depression and stress. Black Widow As one of the strongest strains of all time, Black Widow is not recommended for novices. This strain has a very potent sedative effect. Blockhead This hybrid has potent physical effects paired with intense psychoactive effects that are optimal for pain relief and sedative relaxation. Blue Diesel Aside from possible dry mouth, this is a potent indica-dominant strain that sports a blueberry aroma and is a great energy-booster for daytime use. Blue Dragon This strain produces a smooth, mixed floral and sweet taste with a diesel undertone that accompanies powerful cerebral effects and long-lasting mild body effects.
Blue Dream This classic hybrid tastes like a rich blueberry pie and offers both cerebral and physical relaxation, creativity and euphoria. Blue God These buds emanate a sweet berry aroma and flavor and offer strong body effects that are great for insomniacs and those seeking stellar pain relief.
Burmese Kush This hybrid smells woody and earthy with a subtle splash of berry, and the effects are known to be relaxing, euphoric and sedative.
Blue Haze The taste of this strain is rich and earthy with a blueberry aftertaste, and the balanced effects offer great full-bodied relief as well as cerebral energy.
BLACK JACK
Blueberry Haze Expect a happy, pain-free effect from Blueberry Haze. It is strong but won’t induce couch-lock. This strain has a fruity, sweet taste. Blueberry Skunk Energizing, relaxing and creative euphoria is what follows a session with Blueberry Skunk, which produces an equally sweet, earthy blueberry smell and taste. Bruce Banner This strain will make you think that you have the strength of The Hulk with the genius of Bruce Banner, and it offers an added sweet citrus aroma. Bubba Jones These buds are skunky, pungent and produce a potent, but balanced effect,
Bubble Gum This strain is appropriately named for the sweet bubblegum taste and a happy and relaxed effect that is ideal for treating stress, depression and pain. Buddha’s Sister These frosty buds are earthy with a mild cherry taste and are usually accompanied with very uplifting effects that offer pain relief and happiness.
Blue Hawaiian Blue Hawaiian tastes great with pineapple, pine and blueberry undertones, and it offers a well-balanced effect that is equal parts relaxing indica and uplifting sativa.
Blue Widow These dense buds taste fruity and luscious, and they’re known for being great for treating insomnia, nausea, stress, aches and pains.
offering consumers full body relaxation with an energized cerebral rush.
Cannatonic This nug tastes of citrus, smells of rich soils and performs well in crushing pain, muscles spasms, insomnia and soothing inflammation. Cali Gold This strain has a strong and fruity aroma that, when consumed, produces an uplifting effect that is great to enjoy in the daytime. Cali Gold OG This flower has a hashy flavor with strong and pleasant earthy tones that produces a relaxing effect that is also mildly energizing; it is a wellbalanced hybrid strain. Captain America OG This strain is sweet and almost candy-like and produces a strong sedative but focused and productive effect that lasts a long time.
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this strain produces strong euphoria that will quickly progress to complete full body relaxation and possible couch-lock.
cherry pie Carnival These frosty bright green buds smell fresh, floral and skunky. Carnival presents happy and energizing effects. Casper OG This strain is known for its citrus and diesel flavors, as well as its sedative effects that help treat trauma, depression, insomnia and chronic pain. Caveman Kush The taste of this strain is classic Kush, pine and lemon, and it offers effects that spread through the body with a blanket of sedative weights. Champagne Kush This hybrid tastes sweet, floral and earthy and produces a balanced physical and cerebral effect. Charlie Sheen This pungent, earthy and berry-flavored strain is extremely powerful for pain management but also great for energizing and detail-oriented tasks or projects. Cheese This strain has a creamy, woody and unique cheesy flavor and is known for the relaxing, blissful state that it offers consumers. Chemdawg This legendary strain produces a sleepy, relaxing effect that is accompanied by a powerfully spicy, diesel-like taste. Chernobyl This hybrid strain offers dreamy, long-lasting cerebral effects that promote a happy mood and relaxed mindset (thanks to the cherry, citrus and lime taste). Cherry Kush Smelling of cherry and skunk, 174
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Cherry OG The taste of Cherry OG is cherry-like with spicy hints of pine, and this strain is effective for treating anxiety and stress. Cherry Pie Along with a unique cherry and blueberry scents, Cherry Pie is strong enough to aid PTSD patients seeking cerebral relief as well as body-based relaxation. Cherry Smash This strain, which has a grape and berry flavor, offers consumers calming cerebral relief and an energizing and creative effect that also can knock out aches and pains.
Crystal Coma The hypnotic effects of this cheesy-flavored hybrid will extinguish an overactive mind. It is best reserved for nighttime use when you can comfortably unwind.
Donna OG This pine-flavored strain will ignite your hunger and launch exhilaration and energy into your mind and body with relaxing comfort alleviating sore and tired muscles.
Cynex Drift away in a deeply relaxed state while this skunkysmelling hybrid takes care of all the muscle tension in your body.
Double Diesel This double-duty hybrid gives you the boost needed to energize your day, keeping you focused and ready to soothe stress, pain and depression away.
Dead Head OG A smell like no other, this hybrid reeks of musky cheese and can easily work its way through your body, producing a certifiable couch-lock.
Dragon’s Breath With a pungent aroma, this strain will melt away any feelings of stress, melancholy and pain, swapping them out for more jubilant vibes.
chemdawg
ColOmbia Gold The gold tint of this strain’s hairs have inspired the naming of this lemon-flavored bud. Consumers have experienced an ease of pain and muscle tension. Cookies and Cream This strain often provides consumers with a clear mind—it’s perfect for anyone looking to experience a happy mood that will take their stress away. Cotton Candy The fluffy texture of these trichome-covered buds is light and airy with a definite relaxing effect upon inhalation that makes consumers feel calm, cool and collected. Cough A sativa-dominant hybrid strain, Cough has a lemon and earthy flavor that is best for animating your spirit and wiping out stress. Cripit The brown buds of this intensely potent strain will send consumers into a longlasting, full body relaxation. The buds taste of tropical fruit and chocolate.
Dutch Crunch This intensely potent hybrid has hints of both pine and fruit, is packed with trichomes and can be used to thwart exhaustion and stress. Dutch Threat This hybrid brings a light, sweet taste and offers an energizing and helpful focus on details; it is also great at treating symptoms of fatigue.
Diablo OG Kush Diablo OG Kush has hints of lemon, pine and a funky fuel scent. The effects are sedative and euphoric, but not overpowering.
Dutch Treat #7 This indica-heavy flower makes for an excellent painkiller and stress-reliever with a citrus fragrance that helps clear the mind.
Diamond OG This sparkling hybrid coats the entire body in blissful peace and sedation. Diamond OG will offer consumers full body euphoria, soothing the plagues of appetite loss and chronic pain.
Earth OG This flower will bring out the imaginative side within you, casting away pre-existing stress and anxiety with buds that taste of lemon and pine.
Diesel Although a hybrid, this strain has a strong pine and lemon scent that wafts through the room as you enjoy calm, cerebral body effects.
Earth Shaker Feel your body tingle into relief as this hybrid is sure to shake off headaches, pain, insomnia and nausea with an accompanied hash flavor.
diablo og kush
Do-Over OG Symptoms of depression will be a thing of the past when you opt to start your day with this upbeat and balanced hybrid.
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Electric Black Mamba Find a comfy place to relax when you try out this potent hybrid that induces relaxation and calm energy, while eliminating pain and stress. Electric Kool Aid A fusion of grape flavors and hints of aged wood, this strain will leave your body revitalized and refreshed; your fatigue will be long gone.
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Facewreck Haze The sativa-dominant flower delivers a power head change and can often provide treatment for anxiety and depression. Fire OG A perfect strain to lift the mood, this tangerine-scented bud will have you giggling with joy as it produces euphoria and offers optimal pain relief. Firewalker OG The zest and spice of this hybrid provides relief for those who suffer from headaches, pain and even mood disorders. Game Changer Fruity flavors will take over your senses once you expose yourself to this potent bud that eases inflammation and offers euphoria.
Electric Lemon OG Set your taste buds ablaze with the sharp lemon flavors found in this sativadominant hybrid that is best for treating depression and stress. Elephant Stomper The loud and crushing effects of this hybrid variety stompout pain and muscle spasms while offering a clear mind and an exhilarated mood as well. Emerald Jack The flower gives off earthy smells and strong citrus aromas, and it keeps your productivity up and happiness levels high. Escobar This hybrid strain has a strong scent and taste, with an effect that travels easily through your body and works to diminish aches and nausea.
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Gatekeeper OG Spark your appetite and take back your energy anytime with this fatigue-killing hybrid. The effects of this flower will leave you clear-headed, awake and relaxed. Ghost OG With this citrus-flavored hybrid, consumers will feel its presence in both mind and body as its calming serenity slowly takes over. Ghost OG Kush The physical effects of this citrus strain make it the perfect partner for a movie night on the couch. Girl Scout Cookies With hints of refreshing mint, this classic strain is hailed as a great aid against severe pain, depression and insomnia.
Ewok Ewok is praised for its stressrelieving qualities and the euphoric sensations that it offers, as well as its identifiable flavors of citrus and pine.
Godzilla The monstrous effects of this berry-flavored flower will send pain and anxiety running for their lives, leaving consumers to bathe in a peaceful bliss.
Exodus Cheese The distinct cheesy odor of this strain can be recognized in an instant, as well as its ability to quickly relieve depression and fatigue.
Goji OG This strain is paired with a classic sweet and sour berry aroma and taste, and its effects offer stress reduction and pain relief.
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Golden Coast Take a vacation from reality, and indulge in the uplifting effects of this hybrid, which offers a relaxing body effect that is not completely sedative. Gooey Wreck Consumers may find comfort from body-based ailments like chronic pain, inflammation, arthritis, headaches and Multiple Sclerosis. Grape God This earthy and grape-like strain will leave behind all the ailments of stress and depression on Earth, as you ascend into a euphoric and dreamy state. Grape Kush The strain has made a name for itself as both relaxing and a powerful sedative, making it perfect for anyone looking to relieve chronic pain. Green Apple OG This strain smells like freshly picked fruit and leans toward its indica characteristics, making it great for treating pain and insomnia. Green Ribbon Perfect for wiping out pain and fatigue, the light green leaves of Green Ribbon will unearth happier vibes and a pain-free experience. Gucci OG This hybrid will either have you ready to socialize or completely chilled out with its uniquely berry-tasting buds. Hardcore OG This indica-dominant strain can have intense effects on the body and destroy physical maladies such as headaches and pain.
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Harlequin This spicy and earthy-scented bud can keep consumers concentrated, providing a break from stress and fatigue. Hash Plant The piercing taste of spices in Hash Plant will have you forgetting the plagues of stress and insomnia in no time. Hashbar OG Medical consumers will find that Hashbar OG helps to decrease symptoms of depression, but can also offer pain relief and mood elevation. Hawaiian This balanced hybrid delivers a tropical, earthy taste that will ease muscle tension with a smooth and sweet hit. Haze Heaven Fans agree that one of the best qualities of this strong spicy hybrid is its ability to ignite happiness, relieve pain and increase appetite. Headband Named after the unique, cerebral sensation consumers experience, this potent strain gives off a diesel scent and is known for its lemony taste. Headbanger Consumers can depend on this skunky-smelling bud to treat a variety of mental disorders, from depression to mood swings. Heavy Duty Fruity The delicious hybrid effects of this berry and lemony-scented bud can trigger the creative side in consumers. Hell’s Angel OG The effects of this flower let consumers feel serene and at ease. This hybrid often smells sugary sweet and pine-like.
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Hellfire OG This strain will spark a flame in your heart with its citrus and diesel aroma as it helps soothe the common stresses of everyday life.
is revered for getting rid of pain and inflammation.
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HellRaiser OG Set flames to depression and severe pain with the help of this indica-dominant bud that smells of citrus and skunk and treats several medical conditions. Highway Man This delicious smelling bud has scents of chocolate and coffee that leave consumers chatty and alert while also remaining relaxed and pain-free.
Jack the Ripper This spicy, lemon-pine scented flower is sativa-dominant and is best for treating stress, pain, depression and headaches. Jack’s Haze This sativa-dominant hybrid is a great strain for daytime use and can provide strong psychoactive effects while helping you socialize and get rid of pain.
Hollywood OG This strain can keep consumers calm yet focused and aid in treating pain, insomnia, stress and depression.
Jah Kush This hybrid flower smells classic and mellow, and its effects are very well-balanced, offering a great euphoria with slight mood elevation and pain relief.
Ice Be ready to welcome the serene and joyful moods this hybrid is sure to induce, while it simultaneously tackles anxiety and depression.
Jazz This lemon-pepper scented strain offers euphoric effects that begin quickly and relax away any pain, stress, depression or fatigue.
Irene OG This light green and burnt orange bud helps to energize the mind, soothe the soul, and it has a talent in calming down the over-thinker.
Jesus OG This pungent and earthy scented sativa-dominant hybrid has great power to relax the body while leaving the mind relatively clear and active. Jillybean This fruity hybrid offers euphoria and cerebral activation ideal for treating stress, pain or depression.
lemon kush Jack Flash The lemon fresh taste of this hybrid cleans the mind from depression and empties the body of muscle tension caused by stress. Jack Frost This sweet and citrusy hybrid flower is great for treating depression, pain and stress, and it will leave any consumer feeling happy and euphoric. 178
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Joker’s Grin This strain offers consumers a long-lasting solution to chronic body pain with a sweet, almost fruity taste and cerebral qualities that help combat depression. Juicy Fruit A citrusy aroma emanates from this strain with effects that begin in the head and provide a euphoric happy glow with mid-level body relaxation. Juliet This sativa-dominant hybrid is sweet smelling, mentally uplifting and energizing. Juliet
Kandy Kush This indica-dominant hybrid tastes sweet like candy and offers potent pain-relieving effects are perfect for treating chronic pain, headaches, lack of appetite, insomnia and stress. Kaos Kush Great for insomnia and chronic pain, this strain relieves tension quickly and will most likely lock you into your seat within the first 30 minutes of consumption. Killawatt This citrus and skunk-scented indica-dominant hybrid has incredibly high CBD content, providing a strong and quick effect of pain relief all over the body. Killer Purple This sativa-dominant hybrid has long-lasting euphoria and is perfect for a lazy night in or when you need to recuperate after a long week. King Louis XIII This pungent and powerful scented indica-dominant strain is great for those suffering from stress or insomnia.
Larry OG Haze This earthy and pine scented wonder wipes away stress, nausea, headaches and pain while also leaving you happy and calm without that heavy couch-lock feeling. Leilani Chow This tropical tasting indicadominant hybrid will help anyone suffering from insomnia and any inflammatory or digestive-related ailments. Lemon Diesel Offering great relief for stress and anxiety, consumers note that this fruity and skunky strain offers uplifting effects with light pain relief. Lemon Drop Lemon Drop works its sweet citrusy magic quickly in the head, and then slowly relaxes all pains away over time. Lemon Kush This sweet and citrusy hybrid flower is uplifting and inspires creativity and euphoria. Lemon Skunk The skunky citrus flavor of this hybrid is satisfying with a happy and energetic lift that will remind you how to enjoy simply being alive.
Kryptonite This sweet and earthy strain is an indica-dominant hybrid that has the power to relieve all stressors, pains and aches.
Lemon Stomper Perfect for sparking artistic inspiration and energy, this sativa-dominant strain helps treat aches and pains, leaving you ready to conquer the world.
L.A. Cheese Reminiscent of actual cheese, with pepper notes and a fruity undertone, this strain helps keep the mind alert and happy while the body finds serenity.
Lemon Thai Kush This hybrid strain is energizing and cerebral, making it perfect for treating anxiety, depression, heavy headaches and chronic pains.
Lambo OG With classic indica traits, this potent hybrid is great for sleep and treating inflammation, as well as for those who have a high tolerance.
Little Dragon Great for creative thought and uplifting euphoria, this relaxing strain is a perfect staple strain for any time of day.
LAPD Perfect for pain, cramps, stress and fatigue, LAPD’s sweet grape and earthy pine scent help this beauty “protect and serve” just like the real PD.
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Madman OG Providing great rest and relaxation, Madman OG tastes like coffee and sour grass but has powerful relaxing properties that will aid in sleep and euphoria.
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Mammoth Great for pain and stress, this strain contains a light honey taste and is also great for alleviating inflammation and tension headaches. Mango Haze With the lovely mango scent and strong cerebral effects, Mango Haze is a fun sativadominant hybrid that inspires creativity and positivity. Mango OG Kush This sweet, mango-flavored flower is known for its euphoric and happy effects that are helpful in treating depression, anxiety and stress. Martian Candy This indica-dominant hybrid strain smells like fresh herbs and eucalyptus leaves and provides full-body relaxation that is great for anxiety, stress and PTSD. Mean Green With effects that are euphoric and pain-relieving, this strain has also been noted to be great in the bedroom, helping with arousal and relaxing sensual energy. Medicine Man This strain has a sweet and sour scent with a skunky flavor and provides treatment for conditions such as migraines and chronic pain management. Memphis Belle This hybrid wipes away pain
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and stress without putting you to sleep, and it enhances sensory input while keeping you alert and energized. Mendo Afgoo This well-balanced hybrid offers a unique grape-meets-citrus flavor and energizes the creative mind while relaxing the body. Mendocino Purps Consumers note tastes of caramel, coffee and pine in this strain, which is followed by relaxation, pain-relief and euphoria. Michael Phelps OG With earthy, sweet notes of pine and lemon, this hybrid strain will relieve any pain or aches, but has a wellbalanced effect overall. Midnight Kush This sativa-dominant hybrid strain is high in CBD, which makes it a favored strain for people seeking relief from nausea, inflammation and digestive issues. Monster OG Deep burnt spice undertones pair nicely with this earthy tasting strain, which is perfect for immediately relieving pain and stress while aiding in restful sleep. Nebula This hybrid has sweet yet earthy undertones that inspires creativity, assists with appetite and helps insomniacs get some muchneeded rest. New York Pineapple Diesel Well-known for smelling sweet with an obvious pungent diesel scent, this sticky hybrid strain is a popular choice for treating chronic pain.
Northern Blue The unique, sweet, blueberry scent of this hybrid is also complimented with an uplifting feeling that is great when used to treat cancer, HIV and Multiple Sclerosis. Northwest Blackberry Consumers are especially drawn to the berry flavor and strong properties of this indica-dominant hybrid, which can help treat many forms of chronic pain. NYC Diesel The sweet scent of this strong, citrus and diesel scent blends well with its energy-packed effects that help consumers deal with stress, pain and depression. OG 1 Kenobi Useful in treating conditions such as chronic pain, glaucoma and migraines, this earthy, clove-scented bud has long-lasting effects that put you into a relaxing trance. OG Kush This hybrid’s rustic, woodsy smells and strong effects can transform the grumpiest of faces into smiles and eliminates any traces of stress. Ogre Buds with the name of Ogre pack a powerful earthy and diesel-fueled punch that bring on a fast-acting relaxation in the body. Old School OG Many of the properties of this OG strain bring on strong pain relief and sleepiness to combat insomnia, stress or depression. Optimus Prime This heroic hybrid is a lifesaver with its citrus and berry flavors as well as its ability to relax the body, inspire creativity and keep the mind active and engaged. Orange Crush Just as citrus fruits awaken the senses, this strain will liven you up, add a little energy to your day, and it
can help treat stress and depression. Permafrost Consumers of this piney strain will become relaxed, as it can help calm conditions such as anxiety and pain caused by arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis. Phantom Cookies With its strong, berry-like and earthy flavors, this hybrid will lift anyone’s spirits and help to treat conditions like nausea, anxiety or depression. Phishhead Kush This strain presents an all-over body effect that induces relaxation but also increases happiness levels that excel in treating depression with a unique, pinelike scent. Pie Face OG This strain has a hint of cheese and provides the necessary focus to get through the day but also much-needed comfort to treat stress.
Pinnapple Express
Pineapple Cookies With fruity undertones and a hint of butter, this hybrid boosts happiness levels and helps treat many types of pain like nobody’s business. Pineapple Express Complete with the sweet pineapple-esque and tropical scents, the exciting smells that this strain offers help increase the effects, increasing productivity and focus. Pineapple Skunk This aptly named strain is best for those who have wind down from a long work week, or for those who suffer from insomnia.
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Pink Hawaiian Embrace the sweet, honeylike flavor of this strain and its uplifting attributes, which is the ideal treatment for the blues (and also stress or depression). Pink Kush Pink Kush, along with its sweet floral tones, is especially useful in fighting against chronic pain, migraines and lack of appetite. Platinum Girl Scout Cookies This strain is notorious for being one of the most popular go-to strains for hybrid lovers because of its ability to treat a variety of ailments. Platinum OG Relief for nausea, PMS and stress is easily obtained thanks to the powerful body effect from Platinum OG, which sports an earthy and slightly fruity aroma. Platinum OgRE Kush This strain is perfect for providing rest for consumers who aim to treat their arthritis, glaucoma, PMS and nausea, but is not ideal in social situations. Platinum Wreck With a sweet, fruity-like aroma, this strain provides euphoric effects that bring on happiness and creativity and can help eliminate anxiety and migraines. Power Train This hybrid provides not only the focus necessary to get consumers through their day but also follows up with a nice, relaxing after-effect. Purple Diesel This diesel-scented strain will help you embrace creativity while turning conditions like anxiety, insomnia and depression into a thing of the past. Purple Haze This sativa-dominant strain offers a direct solution to feelings of lethargy and a lack of creativity—all while offering a pleasant berry flavor and scent. 182
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with an earthy aftertaste. The euphoric effect hits you quickly, followed by moderate pain relief.
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Purple Princess Featuring a strong berry flavor, this strain leans on the indicadominant side of the spectrum, offering comfort from muscle pain, PMS and migraines. Purple Trainwreck This particular hybrid emits a strong grape-inspired scent to match its uplifting and energizing effect that helps treat pain and eliminate depression. Purple Voodoo This hybrid presents an equal representation of indica and sativa that is ideal for treating pain or medical conditions while staying awake and being productive. R1 Bubba Kush This strain is useful for those who are suffering from muscle injuries or PTSD, but still need to be productive during the day. R4 This strain has a minty licorice flavor that clings to the palate. It is uplifting but also provides treatment for chronic pain and stress. Raskal OG This strain has an unbelievable terpene profile that pierces through with a citrus skunk smell and provides ample treatment for stress and depression. RD-12 Strong blueberry and skunk notes are present, and this strain provides a strong rooted feeling, tethering you to whatever seat your butt has landed in. Red Diesel The flavor of this strain is reminiscent of sweet citrus
Red Dragon The skunky and pungent aroma of this strain invades your senses, and it helps to relax the body and treat depression and stress. Red Widow This strain tastes of tropical fruit with a smooth exhale that provides powerful, uplifting effects that result in more energy and a desire to be social. Romulan Grapefruit With a strong grapefruit flavor and aroma (but maybe mixed with apples and cheese), this strain provides consumers with a focused and calming effect. Romulan Kush This strain puts off a very pungent, but pleasant aroma and yields deep, sedating relaxation that is great for people treating muscle spasms and nerve damage. Rose Bud A sweet and skunky aroma and a woody flavor are indicators of Rose Bud, which is great for treating migraines, insomnia and stress. Royal OG These buds give off a heady aroma slightly reminiscent of rosemary, and the effects leave you utterly relaxed and lazy. Sage With an aroma of pine and sandalwood, you’ll be impressed with how much sweetness you get on the
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exhale, while this strain offers consumers quick relief from stress and pain. Santa Cruz OG Your senses will be swooning for this mélange of citrus and black pepper. These buds are big, round and dense, with gorgeous trichome patterns and a patchwork of greens, purples and rust colors. Saturn OG The pleasant, spicy pine odor blends well with a distinctly sharp and juicy fruit taste. Saturn OG launches your mind into another atmosphere while grounding your body into any surface it is touching. Scott’s OG Containing the fragrance of pungent Kush and pine, Scott’s OG’s taste is both piney and sour. It is great for fighting pain, anxiety and stress.
Platinum Girl Scout Cookies Silver Haze Crack open one of the dense buds, and a powerful fruity and earthy aroma awaits you. Silver Haze is ideal for treating conditions such as chronic stress or anxiety, pain or depression. Silver Surfer This strain boasts a pungent earthy taste with hints of sweet and citrus. Silver Surfer is a popular choice for people fighting chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines and arthritis. Skunk #1 Giving off a strong and sour scent, Skunk #1 aids against a loss of appetite, stress and depression.
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Skunkberry The scent of Skunkberry is like a freshly baked blueberry pie cooling on a windowsill. Effects include mood-boosting energy and a relaxed full body euphoria that is great for treating fatigue, stress and mood swings.
Soul Assassin OG This strain smells of diesel and citrus with a subtle sweetness. You’ll feel mellowed and at ease when the “let’s order in” mood of relaxation strikes you.
Space Queen Balanced by a sweet, almost tart raspberry undertone that is particularly pronounced when you vaporize it, Space Queen also has an amazing body effect that borders on weightlessness.
Sour Kush This strain has a dank diesel smell and a soft Kush flavor on inhalation. It delivers a very strong heady effect that’s clear and euphoric. Sour Mango This flower is the “Little Engine that Could”—it starts out slow, but has a surprising kick at the end. Sour Mango also has a pleasant taste and smell. Sour OG This strain has flavor that combines tart and acid right out of the gate but with a 184
smooth, earthy finish that quickly turns into a relaxed and peaceful productive effect. Space Bomb Sour-candy skunkiness in the nose, Space Bomb burns light, offering consumers a spacey sativa-dominant effect in the head.
Sour Dream Smelling of fuel and earth, the effects of Sour Dream are sativa-dominant and potent. This strain is great for treating stress, chronic pain, anxiety and appetite loss.
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Sugar Cookies The enticing, sweet, floral and earthy flavor of Sugar Cookies pairs well with its ability to relax consumers while still allowing for productivity.
Super Skunk These nugs have a strong earthy scent that is overpowered by a skunky aroma. Super Skunk is great for pain and stress relief.
Sugar Kush The effects of these dense buds are usually felt behind the eyes and in the temples first, before spreading throughout the body and causing couch-lock.
Super Sour OG Not only will Super Sour OG fill your mind and body with euphoria and a happy pain relief, its sour taste and smell will leave quite the impression.
Suicide Girl The rich sweet and floral aroma of Suicide Girl is a hybrid strain that helps consumers get creative, talkative and energized.
Super Venom This powerful strain is best when used at night, as it has been rumored to have strong couch-lock effects, and it’s great for treating insomnia, pain and anxiety.
SUPER GDP
Skywalker OG The aroma of Skywalker OG is earthy and musky, with a bright sour note. This indicadominant hybrid will relax you from head to toe, providing a deep, restful sleep.
Sour Cheese This sativa-dominant flower is accented by its strong aroma and earthy, cheesy taste. Sour Cheese offers a relaxed yet euphoric and uplifted effect that builds into a moderate couch-lock that’s slightly sedative.
leaves you in a relaxed state, both mind and body.
Super Lemon OG Packing a fragrant aroma and sweet taste, it’s no wonder why Super Lemon OG is a go-to strain for those looking to feel good and motivated while tackling mundane tasks.
skywalker OG Spicy Disco Spicy Disco sports an aroma that’s both musky and spicy, which lets you know it is strong and potent. Strawberry Cough A light and airy flower, Strawberry Cough is mellow and great for mid-level pain, but keeps you active and outgoing. Strawberry Diesel The irresistible fruit punch smell matches its gorgeous look, and consumers report Strawberry Diesel is very uplifting and euphoric, elevating moods and eliminating stress. Star Tonic The flavors of Star Tonic are described as both citrus and pine. Its effect isn’t as robust as other strains, but it
Sunset Haze The sweet aroma of watermelon coupled with an earthy musk is the hallmark of Sunset Haze. The strain’s effects will start small and eventually build to a relaxing full body effect. Super GDP Short for Super Granddaddy Purple, Super GDP is almost too beautiful to smoke. But if you don’t, you’ll miss out on the sweet, lavender flavor and one wild ride. Super Jack This strain has a herbal aroma. Its mellow effects are soothing as you get up and going, making it excellent for a morning pick-me-up. Super Lemon Haze An intense lemon smell of Super Lemon Haze is enhanced by the pine aroma. This sativadominant hybrid is energizing and uplifting and fights stress and depression.
Superman Diesel This strain is potent, tastes piney and peppery, and it’s great for treating migraines, chronic pain and muscle spasms. Sweet Berry Scents of sweet berries and lime overpower the Sweet Berry strain. Known as a mood enhancer and motivator, Sweet Berry is great for treating chronic fatigue, stress and depression. Sweet Kush The intense citrus notes and sour lemon scent of this strain are strong enough to make your mouth pucker. Sweet Kush is known for its relaxing, sedative and sleep-inducing qualities.
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Tahoe Alien Consumers who are social butterflies cannot get enough of Tahoe Alien, because it is known for its euphoric, painrelieving, giggle-inducing effects. The dense nugs vary in size, but its earthy and pine aftertaste remains consistent. Tahoe OG The effects of Tahoe OG are vast, as it has been reported as an effective treatment against insomnia, chronic pain, muscle spasms and anorexia. Strong and fast-acting, you may not want to use this strain when you’re planning to leave the house.
Voodoo Star Its ability to help stimulate appetites and alleviate nausea makes Voodoo Star a helpful strain for people undergoing chemotherapy and its smoke is reminiscent of red licorice.
THE WHITE OG A sweet vanilla taste melts on the inhale of The White OG. The body effect is happy and numbing, which is great for people dealing with depression or nerve pain.
Wally OG With a smooth, buttery taste, Wally OG is a favorite strain for many consumers. Its ability to induce creativity and relaxation means it is helpful when writing or doing art.
The Wow The smell of this hybrid is complex with both musky and fruity qualities. The Wow is great for elevating moods and fighting both depression and anxiety.
White Diamond The flowers have an earthy aroma, and White Diamond’s effects are strong enough to be the perfect nightcap at the end of the day.
Tokyo OG This stunning specimen sports various shades of green leaves with thick orange hairs. Tokyo OG has the aroma of a traditional OG—the earthy and piney scent is complimented by hints that are both sweet and sour.
Tangerine Haze Covered with dark orange hairs, Tangerine Haze gives off the scent equivalent to a bag of fresh tangerines. Consumers of this strain look forward to its balanced effects that range from a racy mental lift to a confident and calm euphoria.
Truth Serum This is a great strain for daytime consumption, as it has been reported to make consumers upbeat, talkative and energetic.
The Force These dense forest green buds are coated with clear trichomes and have a musky, yet fresh aroma. The effects from The Force can be mild and relaxing, APRIL 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
indica-dominant hybrid that has been reported as effective in treating depression and anxiety.
The Real Banana With elongated buds, The Real Banana also earns its name for its pale-yellow highlights and vivid hue. Not to be mistaken for weak, it has a mellow effect that is great for dealing with PTSD, anxiety and insomnia.
Tangerine Not only is this strain known for its tangerine tastes, other flavors like mango and lime make the flavor even more appetizing. Popular for its uplifting effects, Tangerine is a great strain to bring along to a late-night party.
THC Bomb This strain is popular due to its large, purple nugs that are covered in frosty, white trichomes. THC Bomb will leave you feeling free of stress and pain, thanks to its high THC content; but, fear not, it’s not reported to induce couchlock.
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offering consumers the feeling that they are a Jedi Master-intraining.
Ultra Violet OG These buds are popular for their citrus scent, purple hues and strong effects. Their strong potency are effective in battling stress and depression. Venom OG These compact and firm nugs deliver a smooth, clean and well-balanced aroma and taste. Upon consumption, this potent strain is effective in battling the woes of arthritis, colitis and PMS. Viper Cookies With dense and earthy flavors, Viper Cookies is an
White Lightning The fruity notes are subtle in White Lightning, but they contrast well with the strain’s earthy scent. The body effect is tremendous, leading to great mood elevation and pain relief. White Queen Prepare your senses for an overload of rare, mango-sweet flavors. White Queen is packed with tightly spaced resin that will work magic on stress migraines. White Russian The smoke of White Russian is smooth with a subtle sweet grass flavor, and its effects provide long-lasting pain relief and tackle inflammation. White Slipper The ripe pineapple and sweet citrus scent of this strain is balanced by a hint of
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earthiness, and it is known to provide light pain relief. White Widow As an infamous strain in the cannabis scene, White Widow has been packing a punch of pain-killing power for decades. Willy’s Wonder This strain has been reported to have a sweet and sour taste, and it’s effective against pain and headaches.
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Wonder Woman There is more to this strain than meets the eye, as Wonder Woman is a strain known for its serious potency. XJ-13 Delivering an instant euphoric and creative effect, XJ-13 is a strain you will not soon forget. This strain is known for its piney, sweet and citrus aroma. Yeti OG If you’re looking for relaxation and pain relief, then Yeti OG is a great strain to turn to. These buds pack in the flavor and are known to evoke feelings of euphoria. Zen Skywalker OG The bouquet of Zen Skywalker OG is a poetic mix of French perfume and exotic herbs, and it is a great remedy for treating nausea and vertigo. Zeus OG This strain is known for bringing euphoria and creativity to even the most uninspired consumers. Zeus OG is the perfect strain for dealing with anxiety, chronic pain and depression.
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weigh you down but it may numb all aches and pains. The strength and effectiveness of quality indica strains is known worldwide. An indica’s ability to completely relax the body, releasing all inhibitions about a stressful day at work or reducing severe pain from a recent or long-term injury or medical condition, makes it a top-shelf variety for many different consumers.
Bubba Kush As a popular strain, Bubba Kush has the power to ease muscles with a blissful heaviness as dreamy euphoria covers the mind, destroying stress while lifting the mood.
9 LB Hammer are pummeled by the strong effects from this heavy indica.
9 LB Hammer Expect a cerebral head effect that quickly slides into full couch-lock from 9 LB Hammer. A hard-to-place fruity taste also compliments its earthy aroma. Ace Killer OG This one retains the giveaway pungent diesel and earthy pine aroma. The heavy indica effects are exactly what make OG strains so popular. Afghan Goo This strain has nothing but indica characteristics, leaving the consumer drowsy and relaxed. The earthy pine flavor will leave you with dry mouth—you’ve been warned. Afghan Kush With an earthy pungent flavor, Afghan Kush offers consumers stress and pain relief along with heavy sedative effects. Afghan OG A wonderful lemon-lime and pine smell hits you as you 190
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Bubba’s Gift This is a strain that emanates a complex variety of smells when crushed or ground up. It will have you headed either for your bed or your refrigerator, probably both.
Afghan Skunk This pungent strain produces a skunky, woody pine smell and an equally pungent floral and woody flavor. Afghan Skunk offers great relief from nausea, stress, insomnia and depression. ALIEN KUSH This uplifting strain is good for making depression vanish. Alien Kush carries a sweet earthy aroma and an almond taste. Anonymous OG
Distinctly earthy and dieselscented, this particular strain is a strong indica that’s well-known for its ability to provide consumers with intensely relaxing effects that spread throughout the body. BAKERSTREET This strain carries a harsh aftertaste and is followed with a creative, energized effect followed by pain relief. Bart Simpson OG This top-shelf strain carries a hash-like taste with a delightful cedar aftertaste. Don’t plan on getting a lot done after smoking Bart Simpson OG, as it will definitely bring on a strong, relaxing effect.
Batman OG
Named after the famous DC comic book hero, this skunky-scented indica is well-known for its sedative properties that allow patients to treat their stress or insomnia. Berry White This beautiful indica is perfect for being social or intimate and offers moderate cerebral effects with great body relaxation. Berry White (also called White Berry) produces a sour and berry flavor. Big Bud Its buds produce a pungent aroma and a hint of grape in flavor, while the effects are deeply relaxing and full-bodied. Blue Cheese As you’d expect, Blue Cheese produces a mix of blueberry and cheese flavors and scents paired with euphoria, mood elevation and nearly psychedelic effects. Blueberry Many enjoy the powerful, introspective effects that Blueberry offers, as well as its long-lasting relaxing, painrelieving and euphoric effects.
Bullrider This strain hits you hard and fast. Bullrider is known for its pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing qualities that also offer consumers a light head effect. CACTUS Tasting sweet and spicy, this strain’s effects are good for fighting pain and sleep disorders. Cascadia Crush With tastes and smells like a sweet pine forest, Cascadia Crush’s effects are truly indica, offering supreme sedative relaxation and a blissful couch-lock that will last for hours. Chocolate Chunk These buds smell musky and earthy—almost like chocolate. It produces a strong body effect that is perfect for rainy days in bed but isn’t too sedative.
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Blueberry Kush Great for daytime cannasseurs, this indica won’t
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CoLORADO BUBBA This strain gives off a strong, floral aroma and has been known to treat insomnia and works as an appetite stimulant. Cordero Kush Platinum The herbal, earthy scent of Cordero Kush Platinum will make a great addition to the nighttime routine, as its soothing effects on the body will help provide some peace and quiet. Critical Mass This leaf y strain calms your body and slows down the mind as any classic indica would. Its sweet and earthy smell penetrates the senses.
Death Star OG Overbearing thoughts and restless bodies are no match against this bedtime-friendly strain, which causes any pain, stress or nausea to disintegrate.
G-13 This cannabis has been around so long there are urban legends about its origin, with no real certainty of truth in its creation. But one thing that’s for sure is it’s a cure for stress and depression.
Death Star OG
Dark star Known for its sweet and woodsy tang, Dark Star successfully dulls pain and nausea for consumers. Darkside OG Send your head for a spin by consuming Darkside OG, which will turn you into a fast-talking, pain-free, munchie-craving fiend. Darth Vader OG This sinister strain will overpower your body, sending it into an intense relaxation mode. Dawg This pure indica will hit consumers with a solid punch. Dawg provides a body-numbing sensation and a weighted calmness in the mind.
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Double OG The natural, robust scents intertwined with its calming properties guarantee this bud to be flawless in finding tranquility. Empire OG Both a smooth and intense full body relaxation, Empire OG is a natural remedy for severe forms of pain associated with cancer or migraines. Extreme OG Anyone looking for help winding down should find their way to this lemonscented bud. Small amounts of Extreme OG have been said to calm the body and ease the mind. Fucking Incredible Both skunky and sweet, these aromas fill the air while your body succumbs to an intensely tranquil state.
grape ape
ghost OG moonshine If consumers need serious R&R, this strain is the way to go. Ghost OG Moonshine is known for its ability to dissolve any pain, inflammation or insomnia. God’s Gift With symptoms of pain and stress out the door, this bud does seem like a present sent from above.
Crown OG This powerful strain will tackle your insomnia and pain head-on. With a pungent and cutting flavor, it will dismantle any stress or anxiety previously ailing the consumer.
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Death Star After you are lured by its sweet and fuel aromas, its powerful punch will serve as a weapon against symptoms of chronic pain, migraines nausea and PMS.
GrandDaddy Purple This fan favorite indica is known for treating muscle spasms, severe pain, appetite loss and more. Grape Ape Juicy, sweet aromas team up with the sedative effects of this indica, sending cannabis lovers to a paradise. GRAVITY Sweet flavors and floral aromas will invade your senses at the first moment you encounter this indica strain. It’s great for eliminating nausea, stress and pain. Green Dragon The forest green hues of this true indica give off hints of herbal scents as pure as the Earth itself, and it is effective at evoking complete bliss and relaxation. Grimace This strain aids in treating
god's gift
stress and insomnia, and may leave you smiling like the popular fast-food restaurant's purple buddy Grimace. Herijuana Covered in a potent, woody smell, the classic indica traits of this flower will fight the battle against insomnia, helping consumers to get a full night’s rest. Hindu Kush This strain is a genuine indica with a sweet, spicy and earthy smell reminiscent of luscious Indian markets. Hindu Kush is best for treating stress, pain and insomnia. Hindu Skunk With a rustic, lumber scent, Hindu Skunk provides an extremely laidback full-body relaxation, that sends stress and depression packing. HoLLAnd's hope This strain provides lasting relief to the harsh symptoms that accompany cancer, migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, colitis and PMS. Jedi Kush With a sour and tangy scent, this indica is potent and delicious. With strong euphoric effects, you’d expect to be couch-locked, but this indica won’t bog you down.
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King’s Kush With gradual effects, this indica is known for its potency as well as floral and sweet flavors. Kosher Kush This incredibly high THC indica strain is earthy and fruity and offers a potent full-body relief that completely knocks out pain and promotes restful relaxation. L.A. Confidential This indica is a popular strain because it offers a balanced effect of both mind and body.
Mango After only a few inhales, Mango will loosen tense muscles and slow time down to a crawl, while keeping you feeling upbeat and pain-free. Master Kush A great strain for full-body relaxation and sharpened sensory awareness, Master Kush is a vintage-scented indica that tastes earthy with a light citrus component. Mercury OG This traditional OG-scented strain is high in THC content and offers consumers heightened cerebral clarity and focus.
Neptune OG This indica is out-of-thisworld with its unique, ultrarelaxing properties. The traditionally strong piney scent is more than enough to help dull any pain.
Oregon Kid Blackberry Kush This is a strongly earth-scented strain with a hint of floral tones. This natural indica is a potent medicine for those who suffer from conditions such as insomnia.
Nexus OG The earthy, berry scents of Nexus OG are more than enough to bring on instant relaxation with a body effect that will help calm and improve the mood of anyone who consumes it. Northern Lights This reputable indica is popular for those who seek to trade their intense pain for a more relaxed euphoria. The uniquely piney and grassy scents will soothe and uplift any consumer. Orange romulan Feel ultimately relaxed and uplifted with this happinessinducing strain that can help combat stress, depression and varying levels of pain. ortega This is an uplifting strain that
Purple Urkle
Mr. Nice Lovers of indica strains will find relief in this 194
works well against a stressful lifestyle, muscles or problems sleeping.
Northern Lights
Lavender With a sweet floral taste, this indica will knock out inflammation, most pains and nausea; it will leave you happy and giggly too.
Mossimo OG This strongly scented, lemony indica will help any consumer relax and put them in a giggly, uplifting mood.
beauty, which is a sweet, earthy bud that incites feelings of both happiness, as well as sleepiness.
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L.A. Confidential
Paris xxx Like you might imagine Paris in the summertime, this strain provides a relaxing body effect that helps any consumer reduce pain and stress levels like a warm sunny day. Pez Embrace the pine and sweetness that brings on a strong, enjoyable state of mind as you drift into sleepiness. Platinum purple Kush With a pungent earthy and piney smell, consumers can expect cerebrally uplifting effects that will treat a variety of medical conditions. Plum This is the kind of indica consumers can use to experience an intense effect with ultra-relaxing side effects. Whether you seek a relaxing couch-lock or need a good night’s sleep from painful suffering, this indica is boasted to be a strong form of medicine. Pluto kush This unique indica offers a soothing black cherry aroma, and it is the perfect treatment for joint pain, relaxing muscles, as well as comforting anxiety. Pot of Gold Ideally used in the evening, this rich indica has a fine fruity and skunky scent. It can treat conditions such as muscle spasms, chronic pain, inflammation, nausea and stress.
PRE-98 Bubba Kush Smelling of a typical earthy bud, this indica has the power to help consumers unwind and obtain relief from many different forms of pain. Presidential Bubba Kush With a scent as strong as a diesel, followed with a pungent eucalyptus aftertaste, this strain is ideal for treating migraines and loss of appetite. Presidential OG This strain is earthy, piney and has hints of citrus that, when inhaled, can truly relax the body and mind. Pure Kush Saying anything is “pure” is hard to believe, but this indica is the real deal. Powered by that unmistakable Kush scent and the addition of earthy soil, consuming this strain will go straight to the head and provides instant relaxation and stress reduction. Purple Dragon The mixture of earth and flowers is both relaxing and invigorating, and its unique properties will help spread a mild relaxation of the body. Purple Urkle Minus the awkwardness that the name “Urkle” creates, this sweet grape-smelling indica is actually a potent medicine that treats muscle pain, stress and depression with ease.
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Whitewalker OG
Red Hair Mistress With a full bouquet and red hairs, this strain has a nice, earthy taste with subtle floral nuances. Red Hair Mistress is also very potent and delivers a pleasant aftertaste with a mellow effect.
Red Stem Afghani The outer crust of resin in Red Stem Afghani is unparalleled. It will invade your sense of smell with the cooling sensation of the menthol, mint and sage that lingers around each undisturbed piece. Each inhale of minty fresh cannabis off of this indica will make you numb, more relaxed and ready for bed; it is potent so consume with caution. Romulan Big notes of incense and spice give way to a slight citrus underneath that is much more pronounced in the smoke of Romulan, with a body effect that feels like there’s been extra gravity turned on. Salmon River OG This strain contains harsh flavors combined with strawberries and citrus. These buds deliver a rushing bodyrelaxing effect that takes many consumers by surprise. seattle blue Dank smelling and looking, these buds bring on intense tactile stimulation and an uplifting, euphoric state of mind. Scarface OG The effects of this strain come on mild and sweet but hit you in the face like an AK-47, offering powerful cerebral stimulation with strong feelings of relief and hunger. 196
Sensi Star This strain smells fresh, almost minty with a little bit of a funky OG Kush smell and a lumpy shape. It creates powerful body effects suitable for treating pain, insomnia, anxiety and the symptoms of depression. Shiva skunk With a scent that is best described as a sweet and skunky, this strain is great for reducing inflammation, managing pain and depression. Sour bubble Like you’d expect, this strain has a sweet flavor more akin to candy than anything else. A sour aroma and fruity undertones lend to a strain that is great for relieving stress. Pickle The effects of this indica are cerebral, which helps alleviate stress, strengthen concentration and help treat depression with its pickle-like flavors. sugar mama With a super pungent yet sweet essence, it literally tickles your mouth when inhaled. Subtle at first, there is a steady rise in pain relief and in the happiness quotient.
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Super kush Pinch a nug, and a sweet peppermint odor escapes. With Super Kush’s aid, consumers enjoy mental and physical relief, but remain energetic enough to engage and complete the day’s tasks. Superman OG A deep, dark foresty OG aroma is indicative of the famed Superman OG strain. Get ready for an effect that has been reported as energetic and uplifting. Sweet Tooth These large, sticky nugs have an earthy, flowery taste. Sweet Tooth is great for combating everything from a loss of appetite to relief from mild and chronic pains.
potency. White Dragon is great for consumers looking for a sleep aid and is not recommended for daytime consumption, unless taking a day-nap is an option. White Rhino Famous for its strong, sedative effects, White Rhino’s smell is a mix of earth, berries and hash. White Guava Sedative, pain-relieving qualities are one reason consumers turn to White Guava. This fine strain smells of hash, spice and incense in addition to a sweetness and perfume undertone.
Romulan
tangerine kush The aroma of this strain is an unmistakable mix of earth, citrus and fuel. Tangerine Kush’s heavy physical effects creep onto the body while simultaneously wrapping the mind in heady energy. vanilla kush Once you consume this strain, you will always remember its soft vanilla flavor with a bit of spice. This strain has been reported to alleviate anxiety and physical pain. Violator Kush If you’re looking for a strain to bring more creativity and energy to your life, along with pain relief and relaxation, Violator Kush it highly recommended. West OG The mellow effects of consuming West OG leaves consumers feeling relaxed and sleepy, which is great for those looking to combat insomnia or recuperate from a rough week. White Dragon This strain packs in the
Whitewalker OG This strain’s mood-lifting quality makes it a popular choice among many consumers. Woody OG This strain is packed with THC and results in clean hits that taste of rich pine with notes of sandalwood. Its sedative properties are recommended to battle a racing mind and chronic pain. XXX OG While the initial effects of XXX OG are often described as uplifting, this strain is still effective for those who are looking to relax into the evening. Yumboldt This strain has the traditional earthy, pine and rubber notes equated with OGs. Yumboldt is great for those who are looking to get relief from chronic pain or insomnia.
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gold king thai
Sativa strains are known for providing energy and inspiring introspective or detailed thought. The unique properties of this type of strain allow the average cannabis consumer to feel uplifted, productive and ready to tackle whatever comes their way. This variety will also have THCV, which combats "the munchies."
a similar citrus and lemon taste. Amnesia Haze evokes an uplifting, energetic effect that you won’t soon forget.
Cannalope Haze Acapulco Gold This strain has withstood the test of time since first becoming popular in the ‘60s, and its effects are balanced and powerful. African Queen Like the classic 1951 film that it was named after, this strain is a creeper that develops into a strong cerebral effect. Amnesia Haze This earthy, citrus-smelling strain carries its Jamaican characteristics and produces
Chocolate Thai
Black diesel This potent bud smells like Black Diesel and produces a pronounced head effect that you can feel behind your ears and eyes, which moves through euphoria and into a sedative effect. Blue bayou These buds produce a strong euphoric body effect. Blue Bayou smells and tastes pungent and fruity, with a slight blueberry aftertaste. Blue satellite A pungent sour odor that almost smells like fruit that’s beginning to ripen is indicative of Blue Satellite, which is paired with an uplifting cerebral effect and euphoria. Boston Larry These buds produce an energetic effect that is guaranteed to be a slamdunk for any level of consumer. Boston Larry produces a piney taste with a hint of menthol. Candyland This one has a strong and sweet, pungent aroma. Candyland is effective for treating ADHD and bipolar disorder.
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Cannalope Haze This daytime favorite strain is green with thick orange hairs. The aroma is fantastic and smells of cantaloupe and spice. It produces a strong, balanced uplifting effect. Charlotte’s Web Named after the little girl, Charlotte Figi, this strain has miraculous healing properties and is used as a treatment against epilepsy, because of its high CBD and low THC content. Chiesel The buds taste chemical, diesel-like and cheesy. It’s good for a variety of illnesses because of its high CBD content. Chocolate Thai This strain will hit you fast with scents of coffee and spice and is uplifting. It is great daytime medication for physical exercise or creative projects. Chocolate thunder With a name that’s true to its taste, this daytime-friendly cannabis is full of smooth, cocoa flavors and an earthy scent.
giggles and loss of breath under the influence of this mood-boosting sativa. Drizella This tropical scented bud will send you to a heavenly trance. Consumers rave about the stress and pain relief that accompanies the dreamy spell of this strain. Durban Poison Consuming this pure sativa will leave you with a clear mind. Providing a stimulating sensation, this strain is great for socializing or being active. Dutch Dragon Awaken your senses with the light and refreshing, citrus aromas found in this strain. This bud will kill headaches and fatigue. Flo limone Experiencing a stress-free mood and mellow mind, consumers will happily go with the “flo” anytime they encounter this bud. gold king thai Another popular strain, Gold King Thai is a potent sativa with roots dating back to 1979.
candyland
Cracked Out Jack Your body may be invaded by
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emotional issues, and it has great neuroprotective gifts, since it has extremely high cannabigerol (CBG).
super silver haze Grapefruit This tropical scented and fruity flavored sativa will free consumers from fatigue and stress, revitalizing their bodies while killing aches and pains. Great White Shark This citrus-flavored cannabis leaves consumers bubbly and uplifted, which is great for consumers looking to fight moderate or severe pain. Green Crack Fans of Green Crack’s fruity aroma swear by its ability to kick the effects of depression out the door.
Lemon Haze Consumers love this strain for its sweet citrus scent and ability to fight stress, depression and pain. Overall, it is a strain that burns clean and smooth. Maui Wowie With notes of pineapple candy and energetic euphoric effects, this sativa strain is perfect for people who need to get relief while also getting some work done. nina limone The boost of energy gained from this citrusy and earthy sativa might turn you into a chatty-Cathy, but also can keep you focused and busy.
power plant
Island Sweet Skunk This pure sativa flower boosts your morale and kicks up the energy with help from its sweet flavors and skunky scents. Jamaican Lion This high-CBD sativa strain is a great option for people looking to focus and hone-in on a task or job. The aroma is sugary sweet, and this flower eases pain and inflammation quickly. Kali Mist Prepare for a clear-headed, energetic and happy mind with this Kali Mist sativa. This strain is great for combating stress, and it won’t bog you down or give you couch-lock.
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shipwreck Like its name, Shipwreck is powerful and burns fast and hard. This creates a strong euphoria that hits you quickly and slowly recedes over time. Sour Diesel The aroma features a light hint of fuel with notes of pine, orange and pungent. Stress, pain and depression fade away in long-lasting relief. Sour Willie This strain fumes with a comforting floral finish that’s reminiscent of fresh laundry out of the dryer. Sour Willie is a great strain to aid in depression, pain, stress, nausea and appetite loss. Strawberry cough The fruit flavors and subtle mint undertones lead the charge towards the creative, euphoric bliss of Strawberry Cough. Strawberry Haze Strawberry Haze gives you a strong sense of relaxation and euphoria that kicks depression stress, insomnia and muscle spasms out of the park.
Pine OG With a scent as strong as a fresh pinewood tree, this sativa will immediately awaken any of your senses with ease. Pine OG is ideal for helping treat those who suffer from insomnia. Power Plant These smaller-than-average buds pack a powerful punch when it comes to providing
vortex
Lamb’s Bread This is a great strain for combating mental and
energy to combat depression, migraines and anxiety.
Sugar plum The effects of Sugar Plum are more energetic than chatty, and you can expect mild pain relief that takes a backseat to intense productivity and focus. Super Silver Haze Enjoy all the perks a sativa strain is known for while taking in the energizing and sweet aromas of this grassy green bud, and it’s a great treatment for depression.
Tangie The powerful citrus flavor of Tangie will make your mouth water, increase your heart rate and uplift your mood, making it great for daytime consumption.
tangie
Trinity The scent of this strain can be describes as a classic Kush with a light citrus background. Popular for bringing a strong body effect, Trinity is great for alleviating nausea and pain. Tron Tron’s effects have been noted as causing a lightness of body that is great for daytime consumption. ultimate Trainwreck The effect from Ultimate Trainwreck comes on quickly, which starts at the head and rapidly moves throughout the body. This legendary strain brings potent relief and pleasure. Vortex The effects of this popular sativa bring waves of euphoria, which means it is great for battling stress and depression. Vortex is easily identified by its signature lemon aroma with sweet notes.
ultimate trainwreck
Super Sour Diesel This strain is known for evoking euphoria and creativity, making it a great strain for fighting stress and depression.
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Exploratory Tales
CULTURE
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We asked our readers to submit stories about the hilarious, exciting and out-of-control experiences they had during their first time consuming cannabis. CULTURE narrowed it down to include some of our favorite reader-submitted tales that evoke nostalgia of those first-time belly laughs and enlightening encounters.
David Smith, 38
I was in Vegas and thought, “What the hell, I’m gonna try cannabis and have fun!” I was apprehensive about smoking, so I popped an edible while waiting for my tour of Wayne Newton’s house to start. I figured it would take 30 minutes to kick in, so when we reached the 75-minute mark, I figured it was a dud or that I hadn’t taken enough. Then we hit Wayne Newton’s “Red Room,” and I was instantly way too high. Having not used cannabis before, I was amazed at how in-tune I was with everything and how happy I was to just be alive. I didn’t feel paranoid or anything! I took my wife outlet shopping, and I can tell you as a man who hates shopping, I have never had a better time in my life. I even got a little something for myself.
Sarah Jackson, 48
My first time was during a lunch break, my senior year in high school; I felt like my throat was on fire and then it just felt numb. Back then, in 1986, we did not have the strains and knowledge that we do now. Marijuana was simply marijuana. There were not a lot of choices. Upon returning to school after lunch, my class was AP Biology. It was not my favorite, and I was not doing great. That class however, on that day, changed the course of my life. Of course I was paranoid that my teacher knew I was high. Typical feeling. But, everything he lectured on was so intriguing all of a sudden. It was as though the world of biology had opened up a part of my brain that was dormant for years. After repeating this for many more lunches, I became more and more fascinated with science. I quit cheerleading, which I had been doing since sixth grade, and focused on being successful in every class. That June, I graduated top of my class with a 4.3 GPA and was honored to give a speech to my graduating class. I was high, of course—it was the only time I felt truly alive and confident in my intelligence. I 202
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applied to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Not only was I accepted, I earned an academic scholarship. I graduated in 1992 with a degree in biology and went on to teach biology in high school. Twenty-seven years later, I have seen the many different ways that marijuana has changed my life for the better. I provided it to my dying father during his cancer treatment and helped my child when doctors suggested ADHD meds. If it was not for my choice to try something new, I could only imagine where my life would be now.
Jake Browne, 34
We were about to smoke out of an empty soda can in the back seat of my friends car, and I was given the frisbee to break everything up. Since I was the rookie, I had to do all the work and no one else wanted their hands to smell like weed. I didn’t know what stems were, only that I had to get rid of the seeds, and it was pretty dark, so the person I passed the can to didn’t know there was a lot of stems in there. When they took a hit, it was super harsh, so they blew back into the can, which sent embers flying into the driver’s hair. I panicked and the frisbee flipped off my lap, sending weed showering down on us as we swerved into a ditch. It took us about 15 minutes to get the car out of the ditch, and I was responsible for finding all of the weed I spilled and picking carpet fibers out of it. We still smoked the weed.
Kristen G, 26
My first time smoking cannabis was when I was in high school. My friends made a gravity bong using a twoliter soda bottle and an old bucket of water with the metal end on a pencil that typically holds an eraser as the bowl. I remember taking a couple hits with water splashing in my face and into my mouth, however I was not feeling any effects from the hits. Maybe five minutes after we
stashed the make-shift water pipe in the garage, my friend’s mom came home. Of course, it was at this same time that I started feeling pretty high, which was intense since it was my first experience with cannabis. Luckily my friend’s mom was making cheeseburgers. My group of friends sat there with red eyes, eating cheeseburger after cheeseburger in a fit of giggles. To this day, I’m pretty sure my friend’s mom knew what we had been up to before our massive eating session.
Lee Phillips, 57
In 1981, I was 21 years old on the beach in San Diego, a military town. I had a particularly nice fatty, which we called a burrito. It very likely had fall brook Spears, which were buds the size of your forearm sprinkled with probably blonde hash from Afghanistan. The next thing you know I’m surrounded by seven Marines. They were very humble and requested to share my burrito. Naturally, feeling patriotic and wanting to serve my country, I decided the best plan of action was to provide the seven servants of my country a little rest and recreation. We sang the seven soldiers some Bob Marley classics for the first time, and with a taste of a real California “burrito,” those Marines were loving it, and it made my first time even better.
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Holy Herb
Cannabis churches bring unity of faith separate from traditional, religious holidays
by Natasha Guimond
A
pril 20 is a huge holiday for cannabis lovers, and this year Easter happens just a few days before it. The average person might not consider these communities as related in any way, but in fact there are a number of cannabis churches that are beginning to sprout up around the world. While many churches of cannabis don’t celebrate Easter Sunday, they all share an understanding of what unites the people who are drawn to these organizations. With
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legalization becoming more prevalent, cannabis churches have become increasingly popular, but it’s not just the top-shelf joints that keep people coming back. In Colorado, where cannabis has been recreationally legal for a few years now, the GreenFaith Ministry, led by Reverend Brandon Baker, started in 2006. The church claims over 6,000 members, 1,000 who have obtained a certificate of faith, and some of the members have been practicing for over a decade. Reverend Baker performs marriages on 420 yearly and constantly spreads the church’s religious word, writings, heritage and
culture. “We pray daily, as much as possible and have at least one gathering of some kind each week,” he told CULTURE. Having experienced divine intervention and the power of the plant, Reverend Baker encourages truth and sincerity. “I love our faith—it just pours out of us with every exhale of cannabis smoke.” Now, cannabis still isn’t legal in Indiana, but the state is home to The First Church of Cannabis in Indianapolis. The “Grand Poohbah” himself, Bill Levin, said they’re currently suing Vice President Mike Pence for the right to consume cannabis during services. Founded March 2015, Levin’s biggest message
is, “Equality, compassion, good health, fellowship and love are the traits of a true Cannaterian,” as well as encouraging laughter, smiles and hugs. Believing that each day stands for something (live, love, laugh, learn, create, grow and teach), the church holds events on each day and live-streams the events through Facebook. Janet GoldenHogan, also known as Granny J, is instrumental in keeping the church organized. This particular church lives by “The Deity Dozen,” a set of guidelines to live by, such as “Don’t be an asshole. Treat everyone with love as an equal.” That is a teaching that everyone can get on board with. >>
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photo by GRANNY J
photo by CANNABISCAMERA.COM
Everyone who has reached a consciousness to become part of this Church realizes within their conscience that they should smoke ganja . . . We believe that heaven is on Earth when we dwell together in peace. 206
Michigan is home to the First Cannabis Church of Logic and Reason (FCCLR). Founder and Reverend Jeremy Hall said, “The more people I spoke to about religion, and the more people I found who had similar thoughts on the matter, a pattern emerged that involved cannabis use.” Conceptualized in May 2015 and became a nonprofit by January 2017, FCCLR meets on the last Sunday every month as an agnostic group that does not abide to an organized religion. “We instead choose to focus on the things that transcend organized religion, ‘Golden Rules’ if you will. ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ . . . We do not ask for any tithes or require any monetary donations for membership. Instead we ask that any money you would normally give go toward random acts of kindness.” The Ethiopian Zion Coptic Church of Jamaica (EZCC) started in 1976 and is rooted in Christianity. With the intention of representing what they believe to be the true meaning of the Bible, EZCC members do not recognize holidays like Easter. “Every day is the same with the Lord,” said Brother Jacob. To them, God isn‘t some spirit in the sky either. Brother Jacob explains, “The God the Bible directs us to, the God that all of the prophets direct us to is a living God inside of mankind.” Most importantly, they view cannabis as a natural blessing from God. “Everyone who has reached a consciousness to become part of this Church realizes within their conscience that they should smoke ganja . . . We believe that heaven is on Earth when we dwell together in peace.” Do you know who else dwells in peace? The Sisters of the Valley in Merced, California. They are not a members of a church, they‘re nuns. Sister Kate made it clear, “We wear the uniform not to mock the Catholic nuns, as they are going extinct, and that would be in poor taste. We wear the uniform to give honor to a plant that has been dishonored for 100 years. We wear the uniform as a meditative
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practice of being in touch with our ancient ancestral mothers. We wear it to announce to the people our profession, as a uniform, and to honor our people as Regalia.” Their tribe doesn’t just have Sisters, however. They have three Brothers and approximately a dozen others that consider themselves members. They consider themselves to be Beguine revivalists. Sister Kate puts it simply, “The Beguines pre-dated Christianity and though they lived together, dressed alike and prayed together, their mission was not to spread any kind of dogma. Their mission was to rescue women from poverty and give them independence and property (wealth). They were very good at it.” With all of these organizations, the one thing that truly unites them is their understanding and love for cannabis. Reverend Jeremy Hall said it best, “Our most important belief is in the healing power of cannabis. This plant has the ability to not only heal our minds and body, but can save the entire planet from the current destructive course that it‘s on . . . By becoming upstanding citizens who take care of our community, we can show the world just how beneficial cannabis can be, changing public perception one person at a time.” Whether becoming a member of a cannabis church interests you or not, the cannabis community as a whole can look forward to continuing to be a part of that change. c
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Personal Progression
e l i t e at h l e t e s and fitness celebrities advocating
for
cannabis
by Zoe Wilder
F
ootage of Arnold “The Governator” Schwarzenegger in his 1977 documentary Pumping Iron smoking cannabis (in all his bodybuilding glory) has been now memorialized worldwide on the internet. Schwarzenegger probably didn’t realize it at the time, but he was sending a big message: Athletes can enjoy cannabis and still be taken
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seriously. Fast forward to 2017, cannabis is experiencing a renaissance that’s marked by a new holistic user, one who embraces health and integrates this versatile plant into a comprehensive wellness program. While competing professional athletes still need to be wary of regulations, these five role models have become synonymous with cannabis and fitness. >>
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Clifford Drusinsky Florida fishing aficionado, elite multi-sport athlete, strength trainer and healthy lifestyle coach Cliff Drusinsky has won numerous trophies competing in major triathlons. He’s also an advocate of eating clean nutritious foods for fuel as well as a vocal proponent of the benefits of cannabis in sports training. In an interview with the fitness focused magazine Men’s Journal, Drusinsky explained, “Marijuana relaxes me and allows me to go into a controlled, meditational place.”
Like most athletes who use cannabis to enhance their gains, Drusinsky appreciates how cannabis helps him concentrate. “When I get high, I train smarter and focus on form,” he says. Drusinsky’s been known to utilize cannabis edibles, in particular, to help facilitate more focused workouts and training sessions. In addition to traditional marathons, Drusinsky is an avid Ironman competitor. The competitions combine a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle race with a 26.22 mile marathon, in that order, without a break.
Ronda Rousey MMA fighter Ronda Rousey is the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in Judo. She is the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, as well as the last Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion. In September 2015, voters in an online ESPN poll selected Rousey as the Best Female Athlete Ever, and we have to agree. In 2015, Rousey came out in support of her friend,
UFC welterweight Nick Diaz, who was suspended for five years after testing positive for cannabis. Rousey is vehemently opposed to testing for cannabis in MMA sports. “I’m against testing for weed at all,” she said. “It’s not a performance enhancing drug. And it has nothing to do with competition. It’s only tested for political reasons.” Keep fighting the good fight, Ms. Rousey; we’re with you.
Tanner Hall Known as “one of the greatest freestyle skiers of all time,” Tanner Hall has won four silver and seven gold X Games medals. In a deal with the Denver cannabis accessories company Black Rock Originals, Hall launched the SKI BOSS Collection, which offers essentials to winter mountain ski fans for on-thego adventure, including pocket-sized credit card-style grinders and rice rolling papers. In The New Yorker, Hall explained his positive relationship with cannabis. “I used it when I competed at the X Games,” he said. “It helps with the stress, with the anxiety. And then,
afterwards, as a relaxing agent and pain reliever . . . I wouldn’t think about not using when I ski . . . .I’ve used it on a daily basis for about half my life, since I was maybe 18 or 19.” Hall also used cannabis to recover from a debilitating crash at Stevens Pass in Washington where he broke both legs and blew out both ACLs. After prescription painkillers contributed to weight gain and difficulties getting back in shape, Hall switched back to cannabis. In a Grindtv.com interview, Hall explained, “I actually, like, got back to skiing, because I threw all [the pills] away, started going to the gym and smoking marijuana.” >>
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Frostee Rucker Frostee Rucker is a NFL American football defensive player for the Arizona Cardinals. Formerly, he played for the Cincinnati Bengals after being drafted from USC in the 2006 NFL Draft. Along with NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, Rucker became a financial backer to a pro-cannabis legalization group during his Ohio days. In 2015, the group successfully placed a cannabis legalization initiative on the ballot. While Rucker, Robertson and other notable Ohio celebs moved the initiative toward public vote, they also invested
in owning what would become several of 10 legal cannabis farms. Unfortunately, voters did not pass legalization in that election. While Rucker is still an active player in the NFL, certainly one of many who would like see the league approve the use of medical, the NFL has yet to clear the way. The NFL is currently reviewing its cannabis policy while players active and retired claim that a majority among them rely on cannabis to help with injuries and pain, especially as an alternative to opiates. Yet today, players testing positive for cannabis remain open to fines and suspension.
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Fast forward to 2017, cannabis is experiencing a renaissance that’s marked by a new holistic user, one who embraces health and integrates this versatile plant into a comprehensive wellness program. Jim McAlpine In San Francisco, California, businessman Jim McAlpine is the founder of the cannabis consumption friendly Power Plant Fitness gym, The 420 Games and cannabis industry conference New West Summit. Ex-NFL running back Ricky Williams is his Power Plant Fitness partner who’s been outspoken about using cannabis to treat injuries during his years playing for the Saints, Dolphins and Ravens. Called “one of the most exciting entrepreneurs in the marijuana industry” by The Cannabist, McAlpine is a lifetime amateur baseball player and
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self-proclaimed conqueror of the 1.4 mile swim from Alcatraz while on cannabis. His goal? To de-stigmatize the stereotype of the “lazy” cannabis consumer. According to an interview with Cashinbis.com, McAlpine focuses firmly on adult-use. “A very important part of The 420 Games is that we strive to teach youth to abstain from using cannabis until they are old enough mentally and physically to do so. Instead of preaching to them ‘JUST SAY NO,’” he said. “We use the fact that a developing athletes body and mind can be stunted by cannabis use, and it is best to wait till you are at least 18 to consider it.” c
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The Good Fight
Industry Insider
Andrew DeAngelo has worked tirelessly to bring medical cannabis out of the shadows
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by R. Scott Rappold
ndrew DeAngelo sold his first bag of cannabis when he was 16 years old. And he got the cannabis from his older brother Steve. That was back in the ‘90s, when the plant was still very much illegal and transactions occurred in shady parking lots and on sofas over water pipe hits. Much has changed, but the brothers are still selling cannabis. They just happen to sell it at the largest medical cannabis dispensary in California, Harborside Health Center, with dispensaries in Oakland and San Jose. Oh yeah, and they were proud enough about the enterprise to be featured on the reality show Weed Wars, which reached a national audience on The Discovery Channel. As both businessmen and activists, the DeAngelo brothers have become two of the most-recognized faces in the industry. But it all goes back to helping others enjoy the product they love. “The essence of what I do hasn’t changed in all these years. We’re still cannabis distributors, advocates and activists, and we believe in the plant, and we love the plant,” said Andrew, 49, of Oakland. “We’ve learned a lot from the plant, and we keep learning from it. We’ve really let of our love of the plant guide us for the last 35 years.” >>
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photo by Jamie Soja
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A lot of the folks that got attacked by the federal government did not fight back. They just packed up and moved somewhere else. We did not decide to do that. We were the first dispensary that got a forfeiture letter who said, ‘F*ck you, we’re going to fight back.’
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Black Market Busted
Andrew began consuming cannabis in high school to deal with pain that was the result of an injury. The cannabis, of course, came from Steve, who had left home at the age of 15 to devote his life to the plant. It was love at first toke, and Andrew began selling cannabis to pay his way through college, where he studied theater in hopes of becoming an actor. The idea of cannabis being legal someday wasn’t even on his radar. “I could see a much happier and more productive life in cannabis, despite the dangers involved, which are not insignificant now and certainly weren’t in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. I lived a dangerous lifestyle,” he said. The dangers of his lifestyle were illustrated when Steve was arrested for cannabis in 2001 in Maryland. The brothers decided it was time to head west. California voters had legalized medical cannabis, and the brothers saw an opportunity to turn their growing skills to a legitimate business. “We never liked being criminals. We never liked breaking the law. I hated hiding from the world. I hated hiding what I was doing, so as soon as we had the opportunity to come out of the shadows and into the light, we took advantage of that,” said Andrew.
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A New Kind of Dispensary
The brothers spent the 2004-2005 timeframe learning about the California medical cannabis scene, hanging around the new buyers’ clubs and getting to know other activists. This new industry offered a way to make a living off the plant, as well as an avenue for social change. The city of Oakland decided to grant a handful of dispensary licenses, and the DeAngelo brothers successfully applied for one. So, Harborside was born in the fall of 2006. The brothers envisioned a new kind of dispensary from what they had seen around the state. “We were growing and making hash and selling medicine to these dispensaries . . . and we were not happy with the experience. It was either bulletproof glass and a gangster kind of feeling or a kind of loosey-goosey activist vibe, where people were sitting around getting stoned, writing a lot of letters, doing a lot of activist work, and there wasn’t a lot of professionalism on the business side,” Andrew said. Most dispensaries lacked lab testing, child-proof
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packaging or any kind of point-of-sale tracking system. Receipts were often written out by hand. Strain selection was limited. Harborside would be the opposite—no bars on the windows or bulletproof glass. The dispensary would be welllit, with display cases offering a wide variety of strains. And their facility was massive by the standards of the time. Later, when a documentary film company proposed shooting a reality television show about them, they jumped at the chance. The project became Weed Wars, which aired in 2011. Coincidentally enough, a few months after it aired, the Justice Department filed a civil forfeiture case against Harborside, which would become one of California’s longest legal battles over a cannabis dispensary.
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Fighting Back with Courage
“A lot of the folks that got attacked by the federal government did not fight back,” said Andrew. “They just packed up and moved somewhere else. We did not decide to do that. We were the first dispensary that got a forfeiture letter who said, ‘F*ck you, we’re going to fight back.’” The Justice Department finally dropped the case in 2016, having succeeded only in catapulting the DeAngelo brothers to freedom fighter status in the eyes of the cannabis community. Even the city of Oakland was on their side. Despite the frustrations, Andrew has no regrets about doing the television show. In fact, he credits shows like Weed Wars with helping to bring medical cannabis to 28 states. “I loved it. It was really interesting to have that happen,” Andrew said. “For many years I tried to be on a TV show without a whole lot of success . . . The cannabis movement allowed that part of my passion and that part of my career to come full circle. It was great, and I hope we can do some more storytelling.” The brothers remain active in the movement and plan to figure prominently in the drawing up of regulations in California for the medical cannabis and the new recreational cannabis industries. While he knows there is a lot of work ahead, he’s optimistic about the future of this industry now emerging from decades in the shadows. “I love my life. I love our mission. I love our organization and what we do and I wake up every morning feeling very blessed,” Andrew said. c
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the Right TO Choose Cannabis affords young William Ross an improved quality of life by Addison Herron-Wheeler
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t is a story that is becoming increasingly common— parents who espouse traditional family values are turning to cannabis, not as recreational relief of familial stress, but as a way to treat serious medical conditions that their children face. The Ross family is Mormon, so when their young son William, who is now six years old, began to show serious signs of chronic seizures, treatment with cannabis was initially the furthest option from their minds. The first indication of William’s disorder happened when he began experiencing drop seizures, which caused him to fall to the ground suddenly in the middle of eating, walking or doing other normal daily activities. After taking William to the doctor, parents Doug and Sorya Ross learned that he had epilepsy, and from there his symptoms became worse. He started having seizures more and more frequently, and the intensity of his condition drastically affected his lifestyle and moods. “He stopped talking, walking and eating, and for a while there he would even refuse water, but the doctors warned us that he could go
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into liver failure, so we were force feeding him Gatorade,” Sorya told CULTURE. “My dad had previously told me about a special he saw on CNN about how marijuana helped with seizures, so that was always in the back of my head.” Sorya was able to completely dismiss the idea of medicating with cannabis at first, but as time wore on and things got worse, she began to reconsider. The doctors warned the Ross family that since the three pharmaceuticals they had tried for William were unsuccessful, surgery to correct one side of his brain might be the only way to get relief for him. However, the family was also warned that this surgery might not work, and that it could potentially paralyze their son. After one particularly hard night with William, Sorya reached her breaking point and went outside to pray. She was overcome with the feeling that everything was going to be OK. However, 20 minutes later, William had his first bad grand mal seizure, and he was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Feeling out of options, the Ross family finally decided to try cannabis. It was April 2014 when the family, who resides in California, first ventured into an Oakland dispensary to get CBD for their son. However,
they were so nervous about giving him cannabis that they did not administer the first dose until May. When they finally did give him the oil, Doug and Sorya immediately saw positive results. “We noticed within the first hour he was calm and asked for a glass of water, and he wanted to eat,” Sorya explained. “He hugged me for the first time in months, so we knew [cannabis treatment] was a positive thing. We were open to it at that point, but it wasn’t helping with the seizures and because it was a higher THC ratio, we were scared of him getting high.” The Ross family now knew they were on the right track, but still hadn’t quite discovered the perfect formula for helping with their son’s seizures. For guidance, they turned to Jason David, the man who created Jayden’s Juice for his own son named Jayden, this CBD product was specifically made to help patients like William. They began to give Jayden’s Juice to William and immediately noticed a reduction in seizures. William is still taking Jayden’s Juice today. “He is down to one seizure a month in his sleep; he doesn’t have them awake. He’s a normal little boy, with no aggression. This has been an answer to our prayers,” said Sorya. “We truly believe this is God’s plan.” The Mormon Church forbids a variety of substances, so the couple was anxious about disclosing their son’s new treatment to their Bishop and Doug’s family, who is also Mormon. To their pleasant surprise, their Bishop accepted the treatment after a brief interview where he asked questions about CBD and cannabis oil. William’s grandparents, who had witnessed the horror of his constant seizures, were also supportive of the treatment. Throughout this difficult journey, the Ross family had faith in their religion to guide them and give them hope when things got tough. Although discovering cannabis treatment may sound uncommon for a Mormon family, William and his parents are proof that having an open mind about medical cannabis and going to any lengths possible to help a child can yield miraculous results. c
. . . this has been an answer to our prayers. We truly believe this is God’s plan.
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No RISK, No Reward Graffiti artist RISK comes full circle 220
by Pamela Jayne
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napologetically authentic and highly prolific, RISK, born Kelly Graval, is as nonchalant about his Hollywood credentials as most people are about their grocery list. Even when pressed, name dropping just isn’t his thing—art is. Whether it’s a mural on a building for millions to see, on canvas in a gallery, on a late night bombing mission with Joe Perry of Aerosmith, painting a Rolls Royce for Sur le Mur or one of the many pieces he creates daily that no one will ever lay eyes upon, RISK
is the truest form of an artist. He knows his value and refuses to compromise his vision, and that is exactly why he has evolved from a teenage graffiti writer into a contemporary artist respected worldwide. RISK credits his understanding of color and contrast to his time at the USC School of Fine Arts. However, some things cannot be taught in a classroom—they can only be learned in real life, in real time. With a mix of classic rock, hip-hop and punk rock in his ears as he paints, RISK shuts out the world and creates his own. There is no doubt that the Los Angeles art scene would be vastly different, and far less colorful, were it not for RISK and the chances he has taken. >>
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You’re 30 years deep in the game now, how have you grown and evolved as an artist? I guess I’ve evolved because I do all different forms of art now, not just graffiti. I like to evoke emotion with color. I don’t think that I have to do letters all the time anymore, so maybe that’s another way I’ve evolved. I think it’s my appreciation for all different forms of art. Explain more about your use of color. Yeah, I was in London painting for the Olympics with Ron English, Shepard Fairey and a couple other artists, and they were asking me about my graffiti background. They said, “You wrote RISK a million times, so what do you have to say?” I started thinking about it, and then I was driving down the freeway one day after doing an illegal piece, and I realized that people couldn’t read it driving by at 70 miles an hour, it just evoked emotional color. So, I set out to see if I could evoke the same emotion without letters or characters. That’s how it all started. Will you explain the difference between a graffiti artist and a street artist? Many people believe them to be one in the same. They’re cousins, you know, they’re related. I look at graffiti artists as the craftsmen, the old school guys who do it the hard way. I look at
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street artists as the new guys that work smarter, not harder, and do wheat paste and create stuff in the studio and then go and put it up, you know. That’s my interpretation. Which one are you? I am a graffiti artist. But I think that the stuff I’m doing right now, I’m neither. I’m a muralist. How do you balance your formal schooling with your natural artistic instinct? Is one more important than the other? You know, I have a lot of these things that I use in my paintings, and I never really realized it until I looked at them one day and was like, “Wow, I do all this stuff and I learned all this stuff in school.” I never set out to apply it; it just happened. You were recently featured in the documentary Saving Banksy. How did that come about? They came to me probably four or five years ago. Someone from Banksy’s camp hit me and asked if I could blast this guy [who was profiting from Banksy’s work], because he’s an asshole. So we were posting stuff about it, and years later they hit me up about this documentary. So when the guy who was trying to save the [Banksy] piece hit me, I was quite familiar with whole situation. So they interviewed me, and I did my part in the movie. It was cool. >>
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It’s about time it became legal. It was silly that it was prosecuted to the extent that it was in the past, so I’m curious to see what happens. I think it’s cool, I’m 100 percent for it. There are people close to me who have tremendously benefited from it.
You have an impressively long list of Hollywood credits. What’s it like to work in that world that is so corporate? Does it stymie your creative vision? I was really lucky. All that stuff—Michael Jackson, Playboy, all that stuff—when I went in there, I would tell them that I was going to write RISK. It’s not gonna be cool if I just write Michael Jackson or Playboy. People want to see the real stuff. They were corporate jobs, but they let me do me. I was pretty lucky. Street art is becoming increasingly mainstream. Is that a positive thing, or does it have a negative impact on the genre and its roots? Obviously, when something goes mainstream, we lose some of the thrill and excitement. But also, the skill 224
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level is elevated to such an extent that it’s pretty cool because it’s survival of the fittest, and the competition is good because there’s so many people doing it. It’s a double edged sword. What advice do you have for those who are just getting into graffiti art? My advice is definitely don’t listen to anybody but yourself, and do what makes you happy. Do it full force, 100 percent. My whole family was against graffiti; they hated it. I had to run away to do it. I made up with my father on his death bed a couple years ago. But if I would have listened to them I would have never done it, you know. On my dad’s death bed, he finally said, “I guess you made something out of your life. You did good.” It was cool—but the point is, I
didn’t listen to anyone. I knew what I wanted to do, and I set out to do it. Is there one moment, or one certain piece that you’re most proud of? There are things that stick out, yeah. Winning the World Championship of Graffiti. Slick and I won it in ’89 and that was cool because we were from Los Angeles, and that was the first time someone other than from New York won. I was on Proud To Be An American with President Obama and Buzz Aldrin a couple years ago on the Fourth of July special, that was pretty cool that they picked a graffiti artist. What are your views on cannabis? It’s about time it became legal. It was silly that it was
prosecuted to the extent that it was in the past, so I’m curious to see what happens. I think it’s cool, I’m 100 percent for it. There are people close to me who have tremendously benefited from it. For those who still see graffiti art as vandalism, or just refuse to see its value, what is your message for them? There’s always going to be someone who hates it. There are good apples and bad apples. You know, let’s face it . . . some graffiti artists do vandalism and some do art. But that’s just like anything else, you take the good with the bad. It’s here to stay now, so they have to deal with it. c riskrock.com
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What’s it like to have Angel for a first name? I think that there is power in a name. And I don’t really think about it a lot of the time: I don’t wake up and think, “My name’s Angel! Isn’t that weird?!” It’s a funny thing, but I have to live up to this name that I have in some way. I don’t really romanticize it as much as some people do. But I do think it doesn’t hurt to have a good name, I will say that. What do you find most interesting about your own artistic evolution?
It slows you down and makes you calm and allows for healing. And I think that that is something you need [not just] as an artist, but as a human being, as well.
Evocative Emotional Angel The melancholy sultry sounds of Angel Olsen by Gregory Daurer
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ngel Olsen is all over the charts. That is, when her 2016 album My Woman was released, it cracked Billboard’s Alternative, Americana/ Folk, Independent, Tastemaker and Top 200 charts. Olsen adopts a wide variety of musical stylings, using her passionate vocals and lyricism to convey emotional breadth and power. She’s also been involved in the creation of a few of her own videos, confusing cultural commentators when she first donned a silver wig for two songs, “Intern” and the alternately vulnerable and vampish “Shut Up, Kiss Me” (which has been viewed over a couple million times on YouTube). The evocative videos “Sister” and “Pops” followed, featuring Olsen (sans glittery wig) basking or ruminating in natural settings. Although a popular artist who just completed a string of soldout club dates, Olsen envisions herself possibly contributing, one day, to others’ projects behind-the-scenes, acting as a “secret ingredient” in their work. 226
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For me, I never felt like I was affecting my voice very much, but if I listen back to my previous records, I think I sang in different styles. I can hear a lot of ‘30s jazz influence on Half Way Home and my previous record Strange Cacti. Can you see yourself as someone like David Bowie who constantly reinvents theirself musically and stylistically for each project? I think with every record I definitely want to make at least a slight change in what I’m doing; I don’t want to recreate the exact same thing. I think My Woman and Burn Your Fire For No Witness are very different, because I had written all of Burn Your Fire a year before it was recorded or came out and so there was this huge time gap. On My Woman, I think [my influences were] more Fleetwood Mac and, yeah, maybe some David Bowie, and maybe some R&B going on that had never entered what I’ve done before. So, I think a lot of that just comes with playing for a long time and developing different interests in music. And then it just finds its way into your brain. I think I had always been preoccupied with lyrics—and I still feel that’s the centerpiece to what I do. But I think you can say a lot by just playing and singing.
In addition to acting within your videos, you’ve directed and edited some of them. Can you see yourself ever venturing into independent filmmaking? If I did anything in film it would be directing and editing. I wouldn’t want to be in it. Nobody praises the editor in music or writing or films, but that is the person who decides the first and last statement it will make. The editor goes in there and they take parts out and they rearrange stuff, and that becomes the tone that’s set. And that’s the most important step. How do cannabis and music interweave for you? It is nice in certain states in the U.S.—instead of drinking, instead of putting that toxin in my body—to find a place to recreationally smoke weed. Because it takes a load off. And you’re really going, going, going, and it really does slow things down for me. But, at the same time, I have to honestly say that I’m not really someone who needs it or does it a lot. I think it can really help with anxiety. And I think it can help heal: It slows you down and makes you calm and allows for healing. And I think that that is something you need [not just] as an artist, but as a human being, as well. Where would you like to be in terms of your career? I feel like I am where I’d like to be. I always want to grow and play the big festival shows and such—and be able to reach smaller audiences, as well. In addition to enjoying what you’re doing, your music affects people emotionally. Well that’s the hope: to be someone who can take my own experiences and amplify them and make them songs and turn them into something that people can find refuge in. That’s the goal. c angelolsen.com
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SHOOTING GALLERY
Abracadabs Festival in Adelanto
photos by Kristopher Christensen
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SHOOTING GALLERY
Khanhabis and MJU present
High Dining in Long Beach
photos by Christel Robleto Photography
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culture growing
2017 WINTER GARDEN 3
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n early January, I purchased an adolescent Shark Shock 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 234
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.
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culture RECIPES
growing
Emma Chasen
hormones. It’s incredible how much my quality of life has improved.
Age: 24
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IN
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DESTINATION
UNKNOWN
Condition/Illness: Chronic lower back pain
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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 out of 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 pesticideridden 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.
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International 420 Party Cuisine
Pork Potstickers
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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
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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 Onion Pakoras Vegetable Crudité with Infused Hummus 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
Local eateries with similar dishes: Yojié 501 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste 102, Los Angeles (213) 988-8808 www.yojie.com
growing
Mao’s Kitchen 1512 Pacific Ave., Venice (310) 581-8305 www.maoskitchen.com
Chandni
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted cannabutter t
1/2 bag soft caramels, unwrapped
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 cannabutter t
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 scoops vanilla ice cream (optional)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
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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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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1909 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 828-7060 www.chandnivegrestaurant.com
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culture growing
Onion Pakoras Makes 20-24 Ingredients: 2 cups besan (also known as chickpea flour or gram flour) 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon turmeric
1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped 1 yellow onion, sliced into 1/8-inch half moons 1 cup luke-warm water
3/4 teaspoon salt
Sunflower oil (or safflower, canola, peanut oil) for deep frying
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cannabutter t
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions: Fill an 8-inch cast-iron skillet half-way up with oil. Heat the oil to 360-375°F. In a large bowl, mix together the besan, red chili flakes, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, baking powder, sliced chili pepper, 1/2 cup of the cilantro and all of the sliced onions. Slowly add in the water, while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands. Vigorously mix for a couple of seconds. The batter should be thick, and there should be air bubbles present. Once the frying oil is heated, carefully place in heaping tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Try not to overcrowd the oil because it will result in greasy pakoras. Fry until the pakoras are a pecan-brown (flip and fry both sides if needed—all sides should be pecan-brown). Repeat with the remainder of the batter. Drain on a cooling rack placed over a cookie sheet. When dry, toss the pakoras in 1 tablespoon of the cannabutter and the other 1/2 cup of cilantro. After completely covered, place on serving tray and enjoy!
Vegetable Crudité
with Infused Hummus 1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/4 cup tahini
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 large carrots, sliced
2 cloves fresh garlic
1 large cucumber, sliced
1/8 cup cannabis-infused olive oil t
IN
3 large stalks of celery, sliced
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Makes 1 cup
Ingredients:
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1 green chili pepper, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup snap peas
2-4 tablespoons water
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: In a blender or food processor, combine lemon juice and tahini. Blend for 30 seconds. Add chickpeas, garlic, oil, cumin and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Add more water as necessary until you reach desired creaminess. Pour hummus mixture into a dipping bowl and enjoy!
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CBD Swiss Cheese Fondue Makes 8 servings Ingredients: 1 garlic clove, halved
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1 pound Gruyère cheese, grated
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Bacon Popcorn Makes 10-12 servings Ingredients: 16 slices bacon
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup cannabutter
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 cannabutter. 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.
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Are You a Cannasseur? ANSWER KEY:
1-b; 2-b; 3-b; 4-b; 5-b; 6-a; 7-a; 8-a; 9-b; 10-b; 11-a; 12-b; 13-b; 14-b; 15-b; 16-b; 17-b; 18-a; 19-a; 20-b
SCORES: CANNASSEUR If you got 14-20 answers correct, then you are a true CANNASSEUR. You not only consume cannabis regularly, but you are inspired to know everything there is to know about this versatile plant. You are an advocate and activist at heart, and wish to change the way the world sees this plant. Your
endocannabinoid system is constantly active, and your mind is sharp. Your keen eye for detail and your obsession with knowing everything is a gift that will keep on giving your whole life. Your knowledge, is your power, Cannasseur. Share your knowledge and change the world.
BUDDING ENTHUSIAST If you got 7-13 answers correct, then you are a BUDDING ENTHUSIAST. You have recently fallen in love with the cannabis plant and the cannabis culture, but you are still somewhat new to this world, and the facts, details and truth about this plant are not your strength, yet. Your passion is your strongest quality, and through your dedication and love for this plant, you may be able to
NOVICE
If you only got 1-6 answers correct, you are a NOVICE. There is nothing to be ashamed of, Novice. You are only just getting started in this world. You are eager to learn the facts of this plant, and to educate others on the many beneficial aspects of this beautiful herb. The cannabis plant has an ancient history with
rise to the Cannasseur title very soon. It is important to understand the subtle details and nuances of the endocannabinoid system and the way cannabis affects your body and mind, while also paying attention to the surrounding cannabis culture, and having respect for all of those involved. Keep at it little bud, you’ll grow into a great Cannasseur soon enough.
humanity and the nuances of that history take time to learn. If you stay true to the course, and know how to decipher facts from alternative facts, you will be on your way to growing into a Budding Enthusiast very quickly, and perhaps a Cannasseur before you even know it! Stay true to the path Novice, you’ll get there.
For detailed explanations on each and every Fact or Fiction statement in the quiz, go to www.ireadculture.com/fact-or-fiction. 244
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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, full-grown 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.
“LESS COWBELL!” u Applicants for passports in Switzerland are evaluated in part by neighbors of the applicant, and animal-rights campaigner Nancy Holten, 42, was rejected in January because townspeople view her as obnoxious, with, said a Swiss People’s Party spokesperson, a “big mouth.” Among Holten’s “sins” was her constant criticism of the country’s hallowed fascination with cowbells—that make, according to Holten, “hundred decibel,” “pneumatic drill”type sounds (though a hit song, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” by the group Blue Oyster Cult, skillfully employed the cowbell—before it was satirized in an epic Saturday Night Live sketch starring Christopher Walken). UNDIGNIFIED DEATHS u What Goes Around, Comes Around: (1) In January, Jesse Denton, 24, driving a stolen truck, tried to flee police on Interstate 95 near Brunswick,
Georgia, but accidentally crashed head-on into another vehicle. Seconds later, Denton was then fatally hit by another motorist as he ran across the highway to escape the crash scene. (2) A 37-year-old Saanich, British Columbia, man did not die but nearly bled out before being heroically rescued following his parking-rage blunder. Angered that another driver had parked too close to his own car, he grabbed a knife and stabbed a tire on the other vehicle with such force that he wound up slashing the main artery in his leg. THE PASSING PARADE u (1) Thomas Pinson, 21, was arrested in St. Petersburg, Florida, in January and charged with domestic battery for roughing up his mother (even though, presumably lovingly, he had her full name tattooed on his chest). (2) Police arrested a 22-year-old knife-wielding man in a restroom on a train in Dusseldorf, Germany, in January. The man, naked,
appeared “quite annoyed” at being hassled, did not have a ticket to ride, and said he was using the knife to shave his genital area because he was not welcome at home.
bureaucrats are rarely motivated to do, especially since, as Citizens noted, there is no additional penalty for not auditing.
A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (MAY 2013) u The Washington Post reported in April (2013) that the federal government spends $890,000 a year on totally useless bank accounts. The amount is the total of fees for maintaining more than 13,000 short-term accounts the government owns but which have no money in them and never will again. However, merely closing the accounts is difficult, according to the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste, because they each previously housed separate government grants, and Congress has required that, before the accounts are “closed,” the grants must be formally audited—something
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN MOP u San Francisco’s best-paid janitor earned more than a quarter-million dollars cleaning stations for Bay Area Rapid Transit in 2015, according to a recent investigation by Oakland’s KTVU. Liang Zhao Zhang cleared almost $58,000 in base pay and $162,000 in overtime, and other benefits ran his total income to $271,243. He worked at San Francisco’s Powell Street station, a hangout for the homeless, who notoriously sullied the station 24/7 (urine, feces, and needles, especially), necessitating overtime hours that apparently only Zhang was interested in working. In one stretch during July 2015, he pulled 17-hour days for two and a half straight weeks.
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