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contents Vol 9 IssUE 2
08.17
60 Cannabis CowboY
Driven by his newest cannabisthemed song, country singer and musician Toby Keith discusses how songwriting and patriotism have played important roles in his career. On the COVER:
andrew southam
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inside
contents 8.2017
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features 66
Short Supply Cultivators are jumping at the opportunity to fix Nevada’s cannabis supply problem.
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Mind and Soul Researchers are working to prove how effective cannabis is at treating mental health conditions.
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Hilarious Medicine Making people laugh comes naturally to Ryan Davis, comedian and cannabis fan.
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Industry Insider Matt and Leslie Bodenchuk, inventors of cannabis enthusiasts' favorite tool, the Toker Poker, found success in necessity.
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Spreading Awareness Greece has become one of the most recent countries to legalize medical cannabis.
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Perfected Percussion Mike Hall, former percussionist from the hit theatrical show, STOMP, relies on medical cannabis to keep himself focused and on beat.
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Time to Chill It’s hot out there—here’s how you can keep cool with cannabis while poolside this summer!
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Pro Advice Learn what some of the most successful business people do to maintain a positive and effective impact on the cannabis industry.
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Folk Music Revival Big Bad Rooster is putting bluegrass music back on the map with its latest tunes.
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departments 18 Letter from the Editor news 22 News Nuggets 26 By the Numbers 32 Local News 36 Legal Corner 40 Healthy Living reviews 44 Dispensary Highlight 46 Company Highlight 48 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 54 Cool Stuff 58 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 92 Shooting Gallery 94 Growing Culture 96 Destination Unknown 98 Profile in Courage 100 Recipes 106 SoCal Now! 107 News of the Weird 14
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Online Exclusive! d Cannabis Stigma Harmful to Patient-Doctor Relationships d Medical Cannabis Bill Introduced in Texan Legislature
Vol 9 IssUE 2
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CULTURE M
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic DesignerS Nathan Hernandez sales director Justin Olson los angeles Jon Bookatz sales manager
Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy digital content David Edmundson manager Intern Sophia Rybicki Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 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
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LETTER
FROM
T HE
EDITOR
U n i t e d We P r ev a i l
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hen thinking back to our time of youth, everyone can hear and recognize the soundtrack of their lives. From the rebellious punk rock music to the heart-wrenching ballads of R&B, each genre marks an era of personal growth and realizations about life. For me, country music held an important role as the anthem of my childhood, but in recent years, songs by Shania Twain and Garth Brooks are kept buried in nostalgia alongside tunes by Guns N’ Roses and Ace of Base. Even though I have embraced different approaches to music and found new favorites since then, country music has recently re-appeared in my life, as legendary country music singer Toby Keith just released a new music video about cannabis that features a jointsmoking Willie Nelson. I’ll be the first to say that in the past, not everyone saw a strong connection between cannabis and country music. But in an industry in which I am extremely involved in and passionate about—cannabis is now being promoted and whole-heartedly embraced by the country music world. It was then that I was reminded that much like music, cannabis transcends all people, regardless of what they believe. Known for his patriotism and support for the military, Keith has produced many conservative songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and “American Solider.” Keith’s newfound success with this cannabis anthem reminds me of how much the cannabis industry has evolved. Now, conservative and liberal politicians are working together to reform cannabis legislation at the state and federal levels. Although cannabis is notorious for the role it plays in the Rastafarian way of life, cannabis has a way of influencing many
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other cultures and religions around the globe. In the United States, we’ve seen everything from cannabis cultivating nuns to modern cannabis churches that are non-denominational out of respect for all religions. There will always be beliefs and ideologies that continue to separate us. Instead of focusing on those differences, let’s rally all fans of rock, rap and country, as well as every known religious affiliation, and we will continue to work together to reverse the negative stigmas associated with cannabis. Our relentless advocacy and dedication to professionalism and freedom will help us prove how cannabis has the ability to improve the planet and all the people who live on it. c
Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Pomona Takes Steps to Regulate Personal Indoor Cannabis Cultivation On July 17, Pomona City Councilmembers gave preliminary approval to a proposed ordinance to issue permits for indoor cultivation of cannabis for personal use, and it also creates a regulatory scheme. The ordinance adds Article X to Chapter 34 of the Pomona City Code. “The idea is to have a regulator’s scheme in place,” Assistant City Attorney Andrew Jared said at the city council meeting. Since 2008, Pomona has banned medical cannabis dispensaries. Under the proposal, adults 21 and over can cultivate a maximum of six plants
for personal use, but they must receive a permit to do so. The proposed ordinance also bans smoking cannabis in certain areas, which was prompted by complaints about a cannabis smell at a recent event. Cannabis consumption would be banned from communal courtyard areas in apartment complexes and inside areas that are visible from outside, as well.
SoCal Study Indicates Cannabis Dispensary Closures Lead to Increased Crime Rates A new study led by University of California, Irvine and University of Southern California researchers indicates that dispensary closures have led to an increased rate of crime, rather than the other way around. “Going to Pot? The Impact of Dispensary Closures on Crime” was released in the July issue of The Journal of Urban Economics and analyzed the correlation between the prevalence of dispensaries and crime in Los Angeles County. “Jurisdictions that sanction medical or, more recently, recreational marijuana use often
New Hampshire Decriminalizes Cannabis In mid-July, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed House Bill 640, which officially decriminalized cannabis in the state. The bill reduces the penalties for possession of threequarters or less of cannabis or five or less grams of hash, and it also minimizes the fines. The Marijuana Policy Project’s Political Director, Matt Simon, released a statement about the signing’s approval. “The governor deserves credit for his steadfast support of this commonsense 22
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allow retail sales at dispensaries. Dispensaries are controversial as many believe they contribute to local crime. To assess this claim, we analyze the short-term mass closing of hundreds of medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles. Contrary to popular wisdom, we find an immediate increase in crime around dispensaries ordered to close relative to those allowed to remain open,” the study abstract states. The study found that when dispensaries closed, crime increased in the former location’s immediate proximity.
reform,” he stated. “Unlike his predecessors, who opposed similar proposals, Gov. Sununu appears to understand that ‘Live Free or Die’ is more than just a motto on a license plate.” HB-640 also implements a new misdemeanor charge for adults who do not properly store their cannabis edibles in child-proof packaging. New Hampshire is the 22nd state that has implemented cannabis decriminalization efforts. Although the bill was signed, it won’t become law until 60 days have passed since the initial signing.
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The estimated amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that cannabis cultivators and retailers have donated to Gavin Newsom’s campaign to become the next Californian governor: (Source: Los Angeles Times)
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The number of applicants who received a preliminary approval to obtain a license to cultivate and manufacture recreational cannabis products in Los Angeles County: (Source: CBS Los Angeles)
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The estimated number of stakeholders who attended a Los Angeles Planning Department hearing to provide feedback on proposed cannabis regulations: (Source: Cannabis Business Executive)
400
The number of dispensaries in Los Angeles that were examined in a University of California, Irvine and University of Southern California study, which determined that crime has risen in correlation with the number of dispensaries closing: (Source: Los Angeles Times)
The number of days that the Los Angeles City Council’s proposed cannabis rules will be open for public comment, beginning in June and ending in August: (Source: Los Angeles Weekly)
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The percentage of voters who believe that states in the U.S. should be allowed to enact their own medical cannabis programs: (Source: Survey USA)
76 The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that will be taken from New York State funds to boost industrial hemp research and development in the state: (Source: WBFO 88.7)
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The number of new medical cannabis dispensary licenses that were awarded in Pennsylvania:
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(Source: Philadelphia Magazine)
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Louisiana State University will receive over the course of five years as part of a medical cannabis production contract: (Source:
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San Francisco Chronicle)
Mega Sesh WHEN: Sat, Aug. 19-Sun, Aug. 20 WHERE: NOS Events Center, 930 Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino WEBSITE: megasesh.com Are you ready for the world’s largest cannabis community carnival with over 15,000 projected guests in attendance? The Mega Sesh is truly a carnival experience, complete with a ferris wheel, games and funnel cakes. But in a true celebration of cannabis, companies will be battling for titles of Best Flower, Best Concentrate and more in the MEGA competition. The event also offers an interactive skate park and skate competition that will entertain guests (free water 26
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and sunscreen will be provided). Host Angela Mazzanti will offer giveaways and special prizes. Glass artists will show off their skills at live demos, and each year, special local guest bands and artists perform. So far, DJ Skol One has been confirmed as a performer. This is one of the bigger events to happen this year in Southern California. Adults who are 18 years and older are invited, and the event website notes that you do not need a doctor’s recommendation to attend.
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NEWS
LOCAL
The Emerald Exchange
Priscill a, Queen of the Deser t Cali Premium Produce is gearing up for the Los Angeles cannabis market By Benjamin M. Adams
C
ali Premium Produce CEO Priscilla “Queen of the Desert” Vilchis has been awarded a preliminary approval for expansion in Lynwood, California, making her company Cali Premium Produce one of the first licensed cultivation companies to be awarded preliminary approval for a license in Los Angeles County. Vilchis has already made a name for herself in Las Vegas with her dual-licensed Premium Produce cannabis production and manufacturing facility. Her sights are now set on the Los Angeles recreational market, which is in its earliest stages and full of opportunity. Vilchis’ company won preliminary approval for one of 13 licenses to operate in Lynwood on July 18. The news created a media storm around Vilchis, attracting reporters from Telemundo, Forbes and Bloomberg, who were interested in covering the promising career of a young, Latina entrepreneur. The Lynwood city staff received and reviewed over 40 applications—seven distribution and transportation applications, 17 manufacturing applications and two lab testing applications. According to the Lynwood meeting agenda,
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applicants were selected based on experience, location, operation plans and viability. The next and final step is negotiations with the Lynwood City Council. Many factors were considered for the applicants. City officials wanted to know how much capital each company possesses, what their experience was and if they’ve been licensed in any other state. Private background checks were also conducted. Vilchis believes her 11,000-square-foot facility for Cali Premium Produce is capable of generating up to $25 million per year. Premium Produce won licenses in one of the most difficult and competitive states, which was the state of Nevada. “I think that gave them reassurance because we’ve already gone through such a rigorous process,” Vilchis told CULTURE. “It was a very difficult but desirable state. The fact that I was able to win a cultivation and production license, I think, spoke for itself.” Vilchis earned the moniker after her Nevada brand Queen of the Desert, sharing the name of the 1994 dramedy smash-hit film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and the Tony award-winning musical of the same name. Launching a successful cannabis production and manufacturing stint in Nevada made her “Queen.” After finding success in Nevada, establishing a business in Los Angeles is the next logical step for Vilchis. Being a young, Latina woman helped fuel her desire to succeed. “[Our success] stems from the whole group,” Vilchis explained. “Take me for instance. You don’t see this in an average day, but I am a woman, I’m young, I’m Hispanic, but I managed to be able to do this, and I did this because of my experience in the health care industry. I started off in the health care industry and transitioned all of my knowledge and experience, as far as being in such a highly regulated space, I was able to smoothly transition into the marijuana business. Our cultivators have to be very good at what they do.” Vilchis is indeed good at what she does, which is why she’s expanding business beyond the state of Nevada. Vilchis is aware of both the opportunity and the competition that awaits her in Southern California. “We so eager to bring our Queen of the Desert brand from Nevada to California,” Vilchis said. “We think we’re going to be able to trailblaze the cannabis industry very aggressively.” c
It’s every cannabis consumer’s goal to attend some of the largest trade expos and conferences in the state. The Emerald Exchange is said to be one of the best cannabis gatherings around. Attendees are encouraged to embrace a variety of workshops covering healing, food, music, art and mindfulness in the cannabis industry and beyond. Educators, cannabis cultivators, medicine makers, growers, businesses and patients are all invited to meet, greet and gather to discuss the latest knowledge and information surrounding cannabis. Depending on how you want to interact with other attendees, there are two dinners and a brunch (for an additional fee) that will feature cuisine made by The Herbal Chef, who will present a multi-course cannabisinfused dinner. There is no better place to connect with local cannabis business owners and consumers, and it’s an event that no cannabis enthusiast wants to miss. (Sophia Rybicki) WHEN: Sat, Aug. 12Sun, Aug. 13 WHERE: Address to be revealed following ticket purchase. Malibu Canyon, Malibu WEBSITE: emeraldex changeca.com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
One S tep Forward How cannabis businesses are coping with legal limbo and licensing By Alexa Steinberg, Esq. of Manzuri Law
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hen Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act and Proposition 64 passed, they created medical and recreational licensing for California, but they also created a legal limbo. With licensing unavailable until January 1, 2018, business owners have been in a hurry-up-and-wait holding pattern. Looking for their next move, the spotlight turns to city permitting. Yet again, in cities across our great state, permitting may or may not be available before state licensing on January 1, 2018. Los Angeles seems to be at the center of a heated permit debate—with Proposition M passing earlier in March, L.A. cannabis businesses are eager to get to work, but it’s not panning out to be so simple. Los Angeles’ Proposition D Wasn’t Going to Cut It When Californians approved recreational use and commercial licensing for cannabis, it didn’t change the fact that cannabis businesses in L.A. would remain illegal under city law due to the outdated ordinance known as Proposition D. Then, on March 7, the problems facing L.A. businesses started to appear manageable, because L.A. voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition M to legalize and regulate cannabis in L.A. for the first time ever. Under Prop. M, the City Council gained the authority to revise Prop. D and create permits.
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“Prep and strategy for licensing should already be your business’ top priority despite that the city and state are still trying to get their act together.”
What’s the Status of L.A. Now? What we’ve gotten so far is not necessarily what we bargained for. On June 8, the Los Angeles City Council released its proposed cannabis regulations. Unfortunately, the council’s proposal provided for “Certificates of Compliance” rather than affirmative permitting. This then caused an uproar from L.A. based cannabis businesses who expected permits within their city in the near future. Notably, this is the most controversial issue of L.A.’s draft regulations. Additionally, Los Angeles’ proposed regulation would prohibit volatile manufacturing and outdoor cultivation (commercial and personal). Further, Los Angeles will allow businesses to apply for four (4) different registration groups, Pre-ICO priority, Non-Retail Registry (cultivation and manufacturing), Social Equity and General Public. All L.A. cannabis businesses that are not Pre-ICO or incorporated/in-operation prior to January 1, 2016, will likely fall into the General Public registration. Although the initial draft still needs a lot of work, it’s a big move in the right direction, and we only have until August 7 to file public comments. Los Angeles Needs Feedback Keep in mind that none of this is actual law as of yet. The proposed regulations are still subject to revision. After the regulations release on June 8, a 60day public comment period was triggered in which the industry representatives gets it chance to voice their comments, concerns and feedback on the proposed regulations. Then it’s back to the drawing board for the City Council. It is rumored that Pre-ICO and Non-Retail Registries will begin accepting applications September 30, 2017. Anxious business owners await to see if L.A. will stick with their deadline. What Are Businesses Doing in the Meantime? Prep and strategy for licensing should already be your business’ top priority despite that the city and state are still trying to get their act together. Unlike your tax deadline, application dates, whether California or Los Angeles will not come and go without consequence. There is so much work to be done and so little time. What are you waiting for? c
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
“Significantly, it would seem that cannabis’ ability to enhance forgetfulness allows for more than just intelligent decision making.”
ThoughtProvoking
The importance of understanding how cannabis affects short-term memory By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
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annabis’ impact on shortterm memory is one of its most notable and often criticized attributes. Never mind that it can reduce dependence on opioids, anti-psychotics, insomnia medications and decrease alcohol consumption— forgetting where you left your keys is deemed a greater danger. As it turns out, not only is forgetting where you left your keys no big deal, it may even be beneficial. New research by Paul Frankland and Blake Richards of the University of Toronto and published in Neuron, a peer reviewed journal for the neuroscience community, concluded that forgetting actually makes us smarter. In an interview on health.com, study researcher Richards explained his view on the subject. “It’s important that the brain forgets irrelevant details and instead focuses on the stuff that’s going to help make decisions in the real world.” Rather than just retaining information, the supposition is that memory functions to enhance intelligent decision-making by retaining what’s important and removing what’s not. Those who criticize cannabis for its purported short-term memory loss retain the view that memory is all about remembering. The new research places forgetting on par with remembering. The authors conclude in their research paper that it is the interaction between remembering and
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forgetting “that allows for intelligent decision-making in dynamic, noisy environments.” Significantly, it would seem that cannabis’ ability to enhance forgetfulness allows for more than just intelligent decision making. By blocking or erasing traumatic memories from memory regions of the brain, cannabis provides more comfort and aid to sufferers of PTSD than any prescription pharmaceutical. A previous study by author Paul Frankland found the connections made by new brain cells being created in the hippocampus overwrite old memories. The hippocampus is intimately involved in memory retention as it plays an important role in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Since cannabis has been shown to facilitate the creation of new brain cells in the hippocampus, it is a reasonable hypothesis that the very creation of these new neurons is responsible for some of the purported short-term memory loss attributed to cannabis use. Rather than being detrimental, Richards asserts the elimination of old memories caused by the creation of new neurons can be beneficial. According to Richards, “If you’re trying to navigate the world and your brain is constantly bringing up conflicting memories, that makes it harder for you to make an informed decision.” Cannabis might cause you to
forget where you left your car keys when it would be convenient to know where they are. Of greater significance is that cannabis can help you forget where you left your car keys when you no longer need to know you left them on the dining room table, because you put them in your pocket several hours ago. “You don’t want to forget everything, and if you’re forgetting a lot more than normal that might be cause for concern,” Richards’ cautioned, “but if you’re someone who forgets the occasional detail, that’s probably a sign that your memory system is perfectly healthy and doing exactly what it should be doing.” Expanding on Frankland’s research that the creation of new neurons can cause some memories to be lost, Richards emphasizes the importance of forgetting these old and insignificant memories through the creation of new neurons by touting the benefits of exercise. “We know that exercise increases the number of neurons in the hippocampus, but they’re exactly those details from your life that don’t actually matter, and that may be keeping you from making good decisions.” Not that cannabis should replace exercise, but if the loss of memories from exercise is beneficial, why freakout over the loss of memories from cannabis when it, just like exercise, can help reduce pain, mitigate psychotic symptoms and facilitate a good night’s sleep. c
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REVIEWs
dispensary highlight of the dispensaries in Southern California had any of those things back in 2007, but in 2017 I would put that percentage up to 60 to 65 percent. I would love for this trend to continue. What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a dispensary? Dispensaries face multiple challenges in this industry such as regulation, security and illegal dispensaries, but I would say the biggest challenge today is getting your patients to understand and evolve with regulation.
Herbal Pain Relief Center 10736 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills www.HerbalReliefCenter.com How and when did your dispensary start up? Herbal Pain Relief Center (HPRC) began as a small, two-person collective back in 2005 in Canoga Park. Our main goal was to provide patients with alternative, herbal medication. The founders of our dispensary had battled and won against cancer; marijuana was a huge part of their fight, and they believe in it whole-heartedly. What’s the story behind the name of your dispensary? The story behind our dispensary name is simple—our founders wanted their establishment to be a center of herbal pain relief. What does your dispensary offer customers that they can’t find anywhere else? Well, this is a tough question because there are amazing dispensaries 44
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out there, but I’d like to think no other dispensary has the inventory offerings we have. We pride ourselves on more than a few attributes, but one of the main things is we want to be a one-stop dispensary for all our patients, and we want them to have unlimited options. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? The industry is a lot more organized now, and it has evolved to systematic business standards. In 2007, you’d be hard pressed to find a dispensary with Standard Operating Procedure, Security Plans or even Emergency Protocols. I would say one percent
Top-Sellin g Str ain: HPRC Private Reserve OG Top-Sellin g Co ncentr ate: Traveling High Shatter by Pearl Pharma Top-Sellin g Edible: Kushy Punch and Pure Nirvana
What is the one thing you want patients to know about your dispensary? This might sound cliché, but the one thing I would like patients to know about our dispensary is that at HPRC they come first. The management staff and myself are constantly meeting and discussing alternative ways to provide better care and improved service for all our patients. We strive to make sure our patients are offered friendly, compassionate care during every single visit. If someone wanted to open a dispensary and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? I would encourage all individuals to jump in and get their feet wet if they are passionate about the industry and understand what they’re getting into. A lot of individuals underestimate the amount of hard work and dedication that is needed to be successful. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the cannabis community? I would like to be known as one of the premier dispensary operators in the nation. I want to continue to do right by my patients, vendors and industry peers. I want to continue to pass my knowledge and experience down to my staff to set the correct ethics in this industry. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight as partners we began to scale up management services by developing onsite teams for dispensing, manufacturing and cultivation operations. In 2016, BCG evolved into SIVA Enterprises.
SIVA Enterprises
Interviewed: Jerry Tut, COO of SIVA Enterprises 700 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 880, Glendale (818) 562-3362 www.sivallc.com How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? SIVA Enterprises is a multilayered cannabis business development firm. We provide licensing and consulting to entrepreneurs across the United States. We also offer turnkey management services, venture opportunities and brand acquisitions. I am the COO of SIVA Enterprises, and I am involved in all facets of the company; however, my main responsibility is Siva Management. What do you offer consumers/ clients that others don’t? I think the thing that makes SIVA Enterprises different from other companies is our ability to offer 46
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multiple services. Many companies offer either licensing/application support or management services; we are able to offer both. A potential client can simply hire us to create a business plan, or they can hire us to create a complex financial forecasting report. How and why did your company start up? Our company began when our Founder and CEO Avis Bulbulyan was contacted and hired by Medical Marijuana of Massachusetts, a company led by former United States Congressman William Delahunt, in 2012. Since 2008, both Avis and I were consulting and assisting multiple collectives across Southern California, but this was different. Avis continued to have success nationwide, and he founded Bulbulyan Consulting Group in 2014. I officially joined forces with Mr. Bulbulyan in early 2015, and
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? I think the biggest challenge that we face is getting some of these veteran operators to buy into regulation and compliance. Most of them believe that regulation is horrifying, and a majority of them refuse to change their habits and the behaviors in which they operate their business. Luckily, the advantage we have is our company’s combined experience. What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? Make sure you understand this is not as easy as it looks! This industry is not for the faint of heart; it is filled with risks and fraught with uncertainty, and not everybody has the resolve. What are the goals and vision moving forward for your company? Our company goal and vision moving forward is to continue to lead the charge in compliance and regulation nationwide, but more importantly in our own backyard, the beautiful city of Los Angeles. We feel Los Angeles is going to be the capital of the cannabis world, for both medical and recreational marijuana, and we’re excited and prepared to be the forerunners. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? We hope to have set the correct standards. We hope that 100 years from now the public will look back at this period in the cannabis industry and say, “They did it the right way! They set the right standards!” c
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strain, edible & concentrate
Diamond OG Conventional gender stereotypes would have you believe that every woman wants a diamond, but they were a couple of letters off. All women . . . and men want Diamond OG. The trichome-covered nugs of this strain shimmer with the sheer brilliance of a diamond. A skunky, kushy smell permeated through the air the moment we popped open the canister of Diamond OG. The scent is a dead giveaway—so store it in an odor-proof container when traveling. Some consider Diamond OG a true indica, although its lineage is not widely agreed upon. Diamond OG is known for its long-lasting effects that put you in a state of lazy bliss. Consumers will feel the effects of this strain from head to toe, and it’s best consumed on a rainy Sunday or a lazy day off. Consumers have noted that Diamond OG provides relief for those who are diagnosed with autism. Diamond OG is also is effective for treating muscle spasms with its subtle muscle-relaxing qualities. The best part is that you won’t break to bank to enjoy this exquisite diamond.
Available at: HPRC in Mission Hills.
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Blueberry OG Available at: Airside Wellness in Van Nuys.
“Violet, you’re turning violet!” Famed chocolatier Willy Wonka never could perfect the blueberries in his three-course dinner gum that caused poor Violet to blow up like a blueberry. Luckily this equally-balanced hybrid is a mix of the famed DJ Short Blueberry and OG Kush, which retains an old-school Santa Cruz Blueberry taste that has become legendary, all without the need to be juiced by Oompa Loompas. This blend offers a pleasant sandalwood and blueberry flavor that tickles your tongue. It is what we’d call “a creeper,” with effects that deceptively roll in slowly—so wait a few minutes before consuming more. Some of the Blueberry attributes, like its unique flavor, linger in this hybrid, but with a twist. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects offer relief when pharmaceutical drugs just can’t do the trick. Blueberry OG and other Blueberry hybrids are useful for treating mood disorders or just for improving anyone’s sense of well-being. Erase tension, stress, pain or insomnia with the benefits that Blueberry OG has to offer. The next time you’re out and about, stop by Airside Wellness in Van Nuys, and they will hook you up with some Blueberry OG. Try this and, sing it with us, “You will live in happiness too, like the Oompa Loompa doompety do!" Available wherever: Korova products are carried.
Mint Dip Cookie Korova may have taken a piece from the great novel A Clockwork Orange when creating its infamously potent line of edibles. Korova is actually a Russian word meaning cow (as the super psychedelic logo implies) and in Anthony Burgesses’ novel, the Korova is actually milk served at a bar chockfull of different mind-altering substances . . . Now that the daily history lesson is complete, let’s take a look at what makes this edible one of the best around. Flaunting a hefty 250mg of THC per cookie, this is obviously a cookie that can pack a punch. Created with all natural ingredients, the rich and decadent chocolate flavors paired with mint, overpowering the inherent cannabis flavors. Since only half of the cookie is dipped in delicious mint frosting, not only do patients get to experience two different flavors in one cookie, it also allows for a more accurate dosage if a patient does not want to consume the entire treat. Look no further than Korova for some of the best edibles in California. 48
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REVIEWs
CBD Crystalline The good people at Ganja Gold are no strangers to absolutely killer extracts, and their CBD crystalline isolate is without a doubt one of the best. Fluffy and airy, while glimmering underneath every ray of light, the heaping amount of the CBD Crystalline might remind patients of a fresh powdery day of snow. Now this unique texture comes from the fact that it is no ordinary extract, it is actually what is called an “isolate.” The main difference between CBD oil and CBD isolate is that all of the additional plant matter is removed in an isolate, leaving a tasteless, odorless, extremely potent (99 percent CBD) crystalline powder behind. Patients looking for strictly medical effects from cannabis without any unwanted neurological effects or those entirely new to medical cannabis will find the CBD Crystalline to be their best option, as it is a great remedy for anxiety, insomnia and depression.
Available wherever: Ganja Gold products are carried.
Tangie CBD Living Vape Cartridge CBD Living Vape Cartridges contain 500mg of C02-extracted oil with 250mg CBD and come in three exquisite flavors. In our sample of the Tangie, the notoriously sweet taste lingered after a few draws. The organic 100 percent natural full spectrum CBD oil is triple lab-tested for consistent potency and quality. The full terpene profile blew us away before the healing effects of CBD set in. After a few quick inhales, the anti-inflammatory effect quickly sets in, awarding us with pain-free relaxation. Each disposable cartridge comes with a mouthpiece, and CBD Living Vape Cartridges are free of harmful pesticides and metals and contain no potentially unwanted additives such as propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, the odorless liquids that are common in vape products. The CBD Living Vape Battery + Charger kit companion piece comes with a 350mAH battery and a USB charger. Be sure to check CBD Living Vape Catridges in Sour Diesel and Bubble Gum as well.
Available wherever: CBD Living Products are carried.
CBD:THC 3:1 Vape Pen by Mary’s Medicinals
Available wherever: Mary’s Medicinals products are carried.
We knew we would be pleased when we saw the crystal clear, yellow-tinged liquid inside the 3:1 vape cartridge by Mary’s Medicinals. As soon as we took a draw, our senses were enveloped by a rich fruity flavor with a fresh lemon and herbal scent after the exhale. Its 3:1 CBD:THC ratio is perfect for an instantly relaxing effect with clarity for functional, daytime consumption, with 18 percent THC and 55 percent CBD. The refillable 500mg pyrex glass cartridges are filled with additive-free distillate that contains a subtle blend of re-introduced terpenes. The CBD oil comes from Elite Botanicals hemp farm in Colorado, and will easily become a favorite of those looking for relief from anxiety, spasms, pain and serious diseases such as cancer. By finding the perfect balance of CBD and THC, this pen cartridge provided us at CULTURE with a pleasant effect that quickly followed before we could put the pen down. Keep your consumption discreet and mess-free with the slick, clean benefits of a quality vape pen that is sure to become your new favorite go-to product.
Available at: SFVDM in Van Nuys.
One Punch OG Like taking a direct hit to the temple from Floyd Mayweather, only one draw of One Punch OG had us tapping out for a 10-minute break before the second round. This award-winning strain is popular in the Los Angeles area, and it is considered to be one of the most powerful strains around, as its name indicates. The whitishgreen nugs absolutely shimmer with an impressive amount of crystal formations. Its pungently sweet and skunky aroma gives an indication to the strong effects that quickly unfold after taking a hit of this strain. Leaving reviewers in a cloudy daze, One Punch OG provided a powerful effect that’s felt both in the body and mind. Seasoned consumers will love its pronounced effects, which are helpful for treating anxiety and chronic pain. One Punch OG is not always easy to find, so drop by SFVDM in Van Nuys to take advantage before it’s too late. 50
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
3 1. My Rolling Tray My Rolling Tray is a well-built tray that is built to last. The handmade customprinted rolling trays are made in California out of solid wood and quality materials. Each tray is capable of surviving a heat test, which consists of running a flame up and down the tray, as well as a scratch test—and its makers are happy to prove it on YouTube. There are no gaps around the edges in order to prevent herb from getting stuck and wasted during the rolling process. The tray area is also very slick and durable, which is perfect for sticky buds. Designs in the tray area can be customizable—from album covers to your own art. For every sale they make, My Rolling Tray donates 10 percent of your order to various charities. Price: $10-80 MORE INFORMATION: myrollingtray.com 2. JaK D’Rippa This strange contraption looks like the sorcery of H.H. Holmes or Jack the Ripper. The device allows you to “annihilate” your concentrates without leaving the slightest shred of evidence. The JaK D’Rippa is designed for those who are tired of wasting valuable concentrates after moving them from the container to the piece. No blowtorch means no burns and no mess. The Rip-Tip is best for dabbing out of glass or metal containers. The Rip-Receiver is designed for when the substance goes directly the heating surface, which minimizes transfer losses. Feel free to adjust the heating surface to your heart’s desire with an easy-to-use temperature dial. Just plug this baby in using its power adapter, and you will be awarded unlimited inhalations. Price: $140-170 MORE INFORMATION: magic-flight.com 54
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3. ResÖlution Gel It’s time to tackle your toughest glass and metal cleaning projects with ResÖlution’s ResGel. Just tear off the top of the re-sealable bag, and soak resinated stems, elbows, nails, stoppers and pipes, or whatever else needs to be cleaned. The gel automatically coats the pieces, making it more effective than runny cleaning compounds. ResÖlution’s clay-based cleansing formula is nontoxic and free of volatile compounds. Out of all the cleaning compounds that CULTURE has tried, this one impressed, as our pieces were free of any unwanted aftertaste following a rigorous cleaning session. The eco-friendly packaging is made out recycled plastic. The top of the bag also includes a nozzle tap for draining. Price: $11.99 MORE INFORMATION: resolutioncolo.com
4. Knife Hits by Diamond Glass Get the glass pipe that truly “makes the cut.” Diamond Glass redefines what a “knife hit” means with its knife-shaped glass pipe that is guaranteed to impress your friends and scare your enemies. Complete with a convenient carb on the left side, the pipe is 100 percent functional. This whopper of a pipe is about 10.6 inches long including the blade length with a decent-sized bowl at the base of the hilt. The serrated glass blade is transparent and features the Diamond Glass logo and four embossed circle designs. For the handle, the glass is blown in a way that resembles a wood grain, adding to its realism. The handle also features finger depressions for a better grip. This showpiece is great for gifts and special occasions, or to hang over your fireplace mantle to proudly display to your guests. Price: $79.99 MORE INFORMATION: smokingoutlet.net
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entertainment
BOOK
Marijuana Harvest: Maximizing Quality & Yield in Your Cannabis Garden Pub. Quick American Publishing Ed Rosenthal and David Downs Expert cultivator and CULTURE columnist Ed Rosenthal has joined forces with the acclaimed cannabis editor David Downs to bring cannabis cultivating tips and techniques to aspiring cultivators of all skill levels. Readers will learn how to work smarter, not harder, with detailed chapters of best practices for each step of cannabis cultivation, processing, drying, curing and even storing. This handy book will provide thorough guidelines and information to ensure your cannabis garden flourishes while saving you a little time in the process. (Jacob Cannon) 58
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Available on: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Release Date: August 25
GAME
Madden NFL 18 Dev. EA Tiburon Pub. EA Sports The Madden NFL series arrives like clockwork every August, bringing new players, challenges and modes to the classic game. However this year marks the first where EA Sports implemented a story mode that allows players to cinematically follow the success of the game’s fictional character. Madden NFL 18 also uses the new Frostbite engine, which improves the graphic excellence of of its in-game players. Fans of the series will be excited to see the return of online play, allowing fans to assemble their dream-team with “Mut Squads.” (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
The Fate of the Furious Dir. F. Gary Gray Universal Pictures As nice as it is to watch a poignant, thought-provoking drama or a heartwarming comedy, sometimes we all need some mindless action in our lives to make us “ooh” and “ah” over car chases and explosions. Enter The Fate Of The Furious, the eighth installment of the franchise, to draw you in and keep you hooked with all of the gorgeous, fast cars, incredible pyrotechnics and awesome stunt driving that comes expected from the series. Though series’ longtime star Paul Walker is tragically absent, Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson still make an awesome ensemble cast. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Need to Feel Your Love Sheer Mag Wilsuns Recording Company Ever since Sheer Mag’s first EP was released three years ago, fans all across the world have been clamoring for the Philadelphia quintet to make a full-length album. Finally, the wait is over, and Sheer Mag has arrived with its debut, Need To Feel Your Love. Pulling no punches and wasting no time, the band swings for the fences on its opening song “Meet Me In The Streets” and never lets up on the ensuing 12 tracks. Blending classic hard rock with ’70s power pop and R&B, Sheer Mag dazzles, delights and kicks the listener in the gut when they need it. (Simon Weedn)
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Authen Pa t r i o t
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Photo by Andrew Southam
tic ism Personally, I’ve always wondered if when they legalized [cannabis] whether crime will go down as a result. So, I’m anxious to hear how much the crime might be going down in the states that have made it legal.
Famous for his role as America’s good ol’ country singer, Toby Keith embraces cannabis By Simon Weedn Country music superstar Toby Keith probably isn’t the first person that comes to mind when thinking about cannabis and music. However, with the recent release of his song “Wacky Tobaccy,” Keith may start standing out alongside his friend Willie Nelson. Though this isn’t Keith’s first cannabisrelated song (he released his song “Weed with Willie” in 2003), it is his first to be released as a single and so heavily promoted. While cannabis and country music isn’t a recent fellowship, the shift in opinion about the plant amongst some of the genre’s most conservative fans could not be more clearly exemplified than by the runaway success “Wacky Tobaccy” is having right now. Country music was ready for a cannabis anthem, and Toby Keith was up to the job. Keith recently returned home to the United States after a historic performance in Saudi Arabia during the President’s diplomatic visit to Middle East. Keith’s new album The Bus Songs will be released September 8 and features seven new tunes on the 12-track collection. Recently, Keith took a few minutes away from his Interstates & Tailgates Tour to chat with CULTURE all about his latest album, the challenges of trying to occupy the middle of an increasingly polarized country, his upcoming reception of the Poet’s Award honor from the Academy Of Country Music Awards, as well as some crucial advice for beginner songwriters.
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Do you have any particular feelings about legalization now? It’s funny [. . .] In the legal world they treat it like it’s the devil’s grass, but in the real world I know people who smoke weed that you’d never assume even drink a beer much less smoke. Most people I know who smoke will come home at night, smoke about half of something, and then go lay down and go to bed. It’s just always been funny to me how much weight it carries in the world and how little it actually affects anybody. When I was really young, I had some friends in high school who ended up going to prison over [cannabis], and it was like, “Really?!” They were pretty serious convictions over something that grows out of the ground. Personally, I’ve always wondered if when they legalized [cannabis] whether crime will go down as a result. So, I’m anxious to hear how much the crime might be going down in the states that have made it legal. We watched the video for “Wacky Tobaccy” the other day and absolutely loved it. It seems like the type of song there’s probably a good story behind. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired it? Well, I was at the race track a bit ago, because I own some race horses in Oklahoma City. This older cat I know who’s about as country as cornbread was talking with me about all of this legalization of medicinal weed everywhere and about how it’s kind of coming over the hump. He’s old fashioned and he said to me, “Do you reckon they’re ever gonna legalize that wacky tobaccy in Oklahoma?” I started laughing, and he said I should write a song about it. And I said, “For you, I’ll go write you one!” It sounds like the song came together really organically. It was an easy write, because just the name alone was funny and catchy, and from there I just had to start piecing it together. So, I know in one verse I’m gonna tell you how many different ways you can burn it. In another verse I’m gonna tell you every kind of name for it, you know some folks say, “This is Mexican, this is Jamaican, this is Red Hair Sensimilla, this is Okeechobee Purple, and this is Humboldt County.” Everybody’s got their favorite little things they call it, so I know for one verse I’m going to put that all in there, piece it together, and make it rhyme. Then I said to myself, I need an opening verse to set all of this up. So, I thought I’d start soft so nobody would see it coming and talk about a woman in the office going out at lunch 62
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and then coming back in late and so stoned everybody knows it. It sounds like you had a really good time writing it. It was a fun one to write, and I had a lot of fun doing it. I’ve tried my whole life to love it, but I’m a whiskey guy so it’s just not my high. You could put all [the cannabis] I’ve smoked in my life in a coffee cup, but any time in the last 15 or 20 years I’ve been around Willie Nelson, I just can’t help it because, hey, you’re with Willie Nelson. Now, he’ll drink a little whiskey with me too, but when he fires one up, he just hands it to you, and you’re just not going to tell him no.
“When I was really young, I had some friends in high school that ended up going to prison over [cannabis], and it was like, ‘Really?!’ They were pretty serious convictions over something that grows out of the ground.”
Do you feel like releasing a song like “Wacky Tobaccy,” especially with all of the success that it’s having, will help to take away some of the negative associations that some people, who have probably never consumed the plant themselves, have with cannabis and people who consume it? Maybe. We live in a headline world, and you can’t fix that. I don’t even try. I just do my deal, and I just don’t even really care. I can’t talk to 300 million people around a campfire, share a beer with them, and let them all know who I am because in the end they’re gonna get their data, intel and information from wherever they get it from. If you get up every day and read The Drudge and Fox, you’re gonna get that. And if you get up and watch CNN and read Huffington Post, you’re gonna get that. So, I can’t talk them into one thing or the other; there’s just no way. You just have to let people find it on their own or just live in the dark. But, it’s always made me laugh when someone comes up to me with a real strong slant from one side or the other. Believe me, I get hit just as hard from the right as I do from the left because they don’t like that fact that I’m sitting here going, “So, my whole show is about drinking in a bar, hanging out with women, smoking weed with Willie and drinking from red solo cups.” The left doesn’t see it because all they see is my support for the military; they just see “American Soldier” and “Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue.” While the other side is saying, “What happened to our boy?! He’s smoking weed with Willie! What’s going on here?!”
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To talk about something a bit different, rumor has it that the Academy of Country Music Awards will be presenting you with the Poet’s Award, and that you’ll be honored alongside Willie Nelson and the late Shel Silverstein. How does it feel to have your songwriting recognized like that, especially to be in the company of two other legendary writers? To be on the stage with two of the biggest, Shel Silverstein and Willie Nelson, is magnificent. I’m a huge fan of both of those guys and know everything Willie’s done and most everything Shel ever did—I’m just in awe of them. To even be mentioned on the same ticket with them, I guess it means we’ve done pretty well in the last 24 years. To have a career that’s gone from working in the oil fields to playing honky-tonks in Oklahoma to busking in Nashville to performing in some of the biggest venues around the world and having such tremendous success, is it ever surreal for you looking back on it all? Yeah! You know, I got my record deal when I was in my 20s, and it’s kind of like everything that was before that is viewed in my mind as my childhood. Once my first single hit and was huge, it was like what they call “an overnight sensation.” But really, I’d been playing the clubs for four or five years before that, cutting my teeth, getting my chops, getting to where I could handle audiences and know how to be professional up there and get through the show no matter what. You know, if you can play for three people on a Wednesday night in Podunk, Texas and still stand up there and deliver, then it’s real easy to play for 100,000.
For those interested in getting started writing songs like you do, what kind of advice would you give for a beginning songwriter? Well, the simplest thing is to start with your idea and look at your idea as a wagon wheel; you’ve got the hub, you’ve got the spokes going out, and you’ve got the wheel on the outside. Well, the wheel is your turnaround, let’s just say that’s your chorus, the hub is your idea, you want your hub to be your center of attention, and those little spokes are the color, that’s what you’re trying
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“You could put all [the cannabis] I’ve smoked in my life in a coffee cup, but any time in the last 15 or 20 years I’ve been around Willie Nelson, I just can’t help it because, hey, you’re with Willie Nelson. Now, he’ll drink a little whiskey with me too, but when he fires one up, he just hands it to you, and you’re just not going to tell him no.”
to do in your verses; you’re trying to go out away from the hub, get out to the turn around, get back to another spoke, and then head back to the center again. You know, if you go try to write four verses and then use your idea at the end, people will be tired of listening to your song before you get to your idea. That’s the simplest first grade advice I can give on making your songs better. To wrap things up, are there any other things coming up in 2017 that your fans should be excited for? Through the years I’ve written these things called The Bus Songs
and they’re not really what a label would look for to put out. They’re incorrect, some of them are stupid, some of them are funny, some of them we would never play. Basically, they’re not for everybody. But, we’ve always had these laying around and somebody would say something and they’ll just take off. So for the people that like those kind of songs, they’re all gonna be on one little pile so we can throw that out. Then I’ve got another album in the can, just real songwriter stuff, that’s sittin’ on go. As soon as “Wacky” is done, we’re gonna release a single off of that, put it out and go back into the mainstream again. c
+ www.tobykeith.com
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Short Supply
Cultivators jump at the opportunity to fix Nevada’s cannabis supply problem By Jasen T. Davis
T
he state of Nevada legalized recreational cannabis, allowing adults over the age of 21 to possess up to an ounce of cannabis. A 10 percent state sales tax was added to all purchases, and after Nevada’s Department of Taxation drafted the paperwork all was well—until cannabis began to run out because of massive unexpected demand during the first weekend of sales, which started July 1, 2017. Cannabis is still illegal in The United States of America, according to the federal government. This means that Nevada can’t call California on the phone, explain that there’s a shortage and request enough to maintain supply. If that happened, the Drug Enforcement Agency would step in to stop it from happening, since federal law still says selling cannabis and/or transporting it across state lines is illegal. One positive side effect of the shortage is that the state’s Tax Commission unanimously voted to permit the Department of Taxation to 66
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allow more people to have licenses to sell cannabis across the state, although alcohol distributors still want exclusive rights to cannabis sales in Nevada. Some people intend to challenge the decision, so we’ll see what happens next. While the state has taken emergency measures to handle the shortage and prevent future supply issues, business entities have stepped in to offer other solutions. Since the ratio of permitted cannabis cultivators to dispensaries is much lower in Nevada than it is in states with successful recreational cannabis programs like Colorado, allowing more cultivators
“Dispensaries are currently running on fumes and are having issues keeping their buyers happy while the state figures out how to get their buddies paid.”
appears to be the perfect solution. mCig, Inc., is one such company that will come to Nevada’s recreational industry’s rescue, and the company has big plans to help supply the demand in Nevada by building a massive grow facility in the desert with the help of Scalable Solutions, Inc. (a subsidiary of mCig, Inc.) in partnership with another construction corporation called Solaris. Robert Kressa, CEO of Grow Contractors (another mCig subsidiary) is positive about the future. The new facility is going to be big. “We’re looking at starting production of cannabis and extracts this coming October.” Kressa said. “Once we are fully operational in our planned 330,000 square-foot facility, I don’t think other manufacturers will stand a chance. The only niche that can survive against such a powerhouse would be indoor grown, boutique, artisan, hand-crafted products.” The benefit to consumers is that this new facility will drive down costs on cannabis and cannabis products, which face local and state taxes that are up to 38 percent. The new facility “ . . . will drop the price of greenhouse products by 30-40 percent, and these price-drops will be passed onto the consumer, so they can expect to see cheaper product on dispensary shelves,” Kressa noted. It should be finished by midOctober, with the first crop out by January. “The cannabis community is not happy about this. Many other legal states are managing to handle delivery of product without so much bureaucracy. Nevada is definitely not shipping in legal medical cannabis from other states,” Kressa said. “Accepting product from an outside state would be a huge legal issue, which would hurt the overall movement. The feds would jump all over it.” To Kressa, the state prioritized making money instead of helping people, and that was a mistake. “They need cannabis experts to operate the front-end of the business, while the liquor guys simply take a cut for having a liquor license. Dispensaries are currently running on fumes and are having issues keeping their buyers happy while the state figures out how to get their buddies paid.” c
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Mindful Medicine
Cannabis could be the treatment that mental health patients have been seeking By Emily Manke
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annabis can treat a myriad of physical ailments. From chronic pain and seizures, to nausea and lack of appetite, cannabis has successfully brought relief to patients who suffer from various symptoms. In some states, cannabis can also be prescribed for mental health disorders, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. While consuming cannabis 68
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to treat physical ailments has gained significant traction in the medical community and the court of public opinion, consuming cannabis to treat a wide range of mental health disorders has been slower to gain acceptance. That may soon begin to change thanks to innovative, researchers all over the world. A study was published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs entitled “PTSD Symptom Reports of Patients Evaluated for the New
Mexico Medical Cannabis Program� will hopefully open the door for more research. New Mexico was the first state to legalize medical cannabis for PTSD treatment, and as such had the largest body of data to work with. Participants in the study had their Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) score measured, and then compared the results of those being treated with cannabis, and those who were not.
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These types of studies and their subsequent results are just the kind of progress that Zach Walsh, a professor and researcher at University of British Columbia’s (UBC), hopes to continue. Walsh is conducting a study at the Kelowna campus of UBC on “The Therapeutic, Recreational and Problematic Substance Use Lab.” The lab “focuses on the use of cannabis for therapeutic and recreational purposes, and on the associations between cannabis use, mental health and addictions.” In an interview with CULTURE, Walsh discussed the use of cannabis in treating mental health disorders. “We have a long history of cannabis being used in the medical literature before prohibition,” Walsh said. “There are a lot of anecdotes about cannabis being used to treat mental health conditions, particularly depression. We also see that using cannabis to reduce anxiety, or increase well-being, are widely endorsed as reasons why people use cannabis.” Cannabis has long since been removed from the ingredients labels of pre-prohibition medicine, but its acceptance today as a medicine that can effectively treat both physical ailments, as well mental health, isn’t new. Walsh noted that it shouldn’t be a surprise at all, given that cannabis was heavily experimented with in the past. Put plainly, it used to help people before, and it is still as effective as ever. Studies such as the one that Walsh is currently conducting are trying to provide evidence that could eventually lead to mental health patients gaining better access to cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceutical medicines. “There are a lot of people who use Valium, antidepressants or a number of different medications to treat mental health conditions, so cannabis should be evaluated the same way those are evaluated,” Walsh explained. The next necessary step is increasing the number of clinical trials
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that are being conducted on people with mental health conditions, which is exactly what Walsh and his team are working toward. “I expect that in the years to come, not too many years, over the next decade I would hope, that we’ll see cannabis used in some trials for other mental health conditions,” he added. “Anxiety, depression, perhaps these might be the targets. Then we’ll be able to really compare [cannabis] to other medicines out there. I expect that we’ll see that cannabis is for some people, acceptably effective, with a very acceptable risk profile. But that remains to be seen. The most important thing now is to do the research,” Walsh concluded. People all over the world use cannabis to ease symptoms caused by mental health disorders, diagnosed or not, every single day. Those who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, even anorexia, have all been said to experience relief from their symptoms after consuming cannabis. With medical cannabis now legalized in states all over the country, hopefully more courageous professors and universities will be allowed to continue the research, so patients can get the most out of one of nature’s most powerful medicines. c
“We also see that using cannabis to reduce anxiety, or increase well-being, are widely endorsed as reasons why people use cannabis.”
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Verifiably Viral Internet sensation and standup comic Ryan Davis inspires millions
“People die every day from alcohol-related accidents, people overdose on things, nobody ever overdosed on marijuana. I’ve never had an issue with people using marijuana, and I’ve never understood why other people do.”
By Heather Johnson
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ou might recognize Ryan Davis from his viral videos, but this vlogger was performing
stand-up comedy before his online success even started. He has opened for stand-up comics like Tom Green and Jay Pharaoh, and he is now selling out his own shows across the country. His videos can be opinionated, shocking or even informative, but they are always hilarious. Everything he puts online gets millions of views leading to a solid fan base across the country. But who is Ryan Davis? CULTURE sat
down for a chat with the comedian about his rapidly growing career, his roots, his authentic style of comedy— and his love of edibles.
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Photos by Jason Clark
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really enjoyed it. Then I broke my camera in 2012. I was like a broke college student and so—career over. I wasn’t buying another camera. But after I started studying comedy in 2013, and I learned how to write a joke properly, I wanted to go back to doing videos. So I went back to doing them for fun, and before I knew it they were going viral. It was definitely unexpected, but the reason it’s so easy for me to keep putting out content is just because I love doing it. Do you ever experience any backlash for your strong opinions?
How did your comedy career get started? My career got started when I went to a movie theater and saw Kevin Hart’s Let Me Explain twice in a row. I had wanted to do comedy forever, but watching him cry at the end of the movie, because he’s happy, because he sold out Madison Square Garden, I said to myself, “You know what, I should actually try. I might actually be successful at this.” Two days later, I got onstage for the first 74
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time. There was no real preparation, but I knew if I didn’t make myself do it then, then I would never do it. I got onstage that first night, and it actually went really well. I was addicted at that point. Why did you start making online videos? I actually started doing that in 2011. When I first started I would just post videos through YouTube. At first it was just more of a thing that I did when I was bored. I was always really opinionated, so I just
Oh, of course. People are going to criticize no matter what you do. There was one thing that made me realize that I just can’t pay attention to the negative comments. There was a lady that went viral because of a Chewbacca mask she bought at a store. She put it on, and whenever she opened her mouth it made a Chewbacca noise. And she laughed hysterically for like eight minutes straight. And she had the most negative comments in the comment section. I could not figure out for the life of me why someone who was enjoying life and laughing at something as silly as a Chewbacca mask was bothering people. That’s when I came to the conclusion that people are just going to be upset no matter what. You just can’t worry about that. You just have to be yourself, and put yourself out there, and sometimes negative stuff is going to be said
Do you have any opinions on legalized recreational cannabis? It’s about time. I’ve never understood what the drawbacks are. When I was younger it was always, “It’s bad; don’t do it because it’s illegal.” Well if the only thing you can think of is because it’s illegal, it’s illegal because we said so. When you become an adult you start asking questions like, “Why?” People die every day from alcoholrelated accidents, people overdose on things, nobody ever overdosed on marijuana. I’ve never had an issue with people using marijuana, and I’ve never understood why other people do. Are you a cannabis consumer? I am the worst when it comes to smoking because I tend to say the first thing that comes to my mind. I don’t have a filter for some reason whenever I smoke. I consider myself to be a person who is somewhat intelligent, and marijuana tells everyone that I’m not. [ . . . ] I’m not like that with edibles though. Edibles are cool, I can’t smoke it, but edibles I can do. I did a 420 show in San Francisco this year. Before the show, the sponsors gave us a gift box with these awesome gummies. I dissected the box and showed everybody in the crowd what was in it, and I put the weed out there for my fans, because they knew I didn’t smoke. c
+ www.whoisryandavis.com
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Industry Insider
Matt and Leslie Bodenchuk’s Toker Poker has served as a game changer for the industry By R. Scott Rappold
“Necessity is the mother of invention.” - Plato
T
he idea for the Toker Poker—like many great ideas in the history of the world—originated in a room thick with cannabis smoke. Why, asked Matt Bodenchuk, then a college senior, was there never a poker around to stir the bowl? “My wife, to be honest with you, was probably sick of me and all my friends using her bobby pins and having resin-covered toothpicks floating around the apartment,” recalled Bodenchuk, 32, of Grand Junction, Colorado. And so, the Toker Poker was born. Some 350,000 sales later, the simple device has become musthave gear for many cannabis consumers—a lighter cover with a built-in poker, tamper and hemp wick to burn like a candle. But if the name rings a familiar bell, it could be for a much darker reason: Earlier this summer, authorities in Colorado announced 74 indictments in the largest cannabis bust in the state since legalization. Some 2,600 plants and 4,000 pounds of cannabis were seized. The name of the investigation: “Operation Toker Poker.”
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H.
Humble Beginnings
Matt Bodenchuk and his wife (at the time his girlfriend) Leslie played sports in college and used cannabis to relax and help recover from the physical pain of competition. After the “a-ha” moment of inspiration that launched the Toker Poker, the couple sat around the kitchen one night and played with ways to use acrylic paint molds to create a lighter case with a poker attached. “We thought to ourselves, ‘This is simple. Why is there nothing like this out there? How come nobody has put a poker and a little tamper on a lighter?’” he said. “Because everyone needs one. It was that moment of truth, that we may have stumbled on something that could be a big game-changer in the industry.” Matt and Leslie made some for friends and themselves, and they soon realized how essential having a handy poker and tamper had become. If you didn’t have the Toker Poker on you, said Bodenchuk, you missed it. Production on a large scale began in 2013, and they were selling the Toker Poker in stores the following year. Then, in May 2014, though his wife was due to give birth any day, Bodenchuk quit his day job to focus on the Toker Poker. In poker parlance, he was “all-in” now.
“How come nobody has put a poker and a little tamper on a lighter? Because everyone needs one.”
B.
Bad Publicity
“We took a complete leap of faith with really no other income than the Toker Poker and struggled, got by and dumped everything else into the business,” said Bodenchuk. By this year, they’d sold so many units that Bodenchuk finally felt financially secure enough to consider launching new products. Then, on what had been a normal June Wednesday, a buddy texted him about a story that was making news in Denver. “I’m not sure it’s good, but your name is out there,” the friend said. His mother called. Business partners called. Was he involved with this?
The situation at hand was the aforementioned police bust that had nothing to do with Bodenchuk or his business. Authorities regularly look for clever names to generate headlines with big operations, and someone chose “Toker Poker,” allegedly due to some of the suspects knowing one another from poker games. That was little comfort to Bodenchuk when suddenly his website was blown way down on Google, and sales began to dip. “I was definitely angry when the news first broke, Bodenchuk said. “It’s like, ‘Really, Denver PD? Come on. Why did you choose this name? What’s going on?’” By mid-July, sales had recovered, and his website was again the top Google hit. But he doesn’t buy the adage that there’s no such thing as bad publicity. “When you wake up and realize 74 indictments, one of the largest pot busts in the history of the state, thousands of pounds of cannabis being illegally sold all around the country . . . when you find out all of that is summed up and tied with your company, I don’t think there’s anything positive to come with that.” He holds the trademark to Toker Poker and could seek legal action, but doubts it will come to that. He’s just counting on it to blow over. In the meantime, the husband-wife team (they have a few other employees and outsource production to Asia) is busy at work on the next innovations for the company. As of this interview he wasn’t at liberty to divulge what’s next, but promised new products would be coming out soon. “We’re just really enjoying the ride right now. It’s really fun to see this product taking off and people recognizing it.” c iReadCULTURE.com
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Grecian Inspiration Greece moves forward with medical cannabis legalization By Nicole Potter
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ver the course of history, the Grecian people have been hugely influential members of society whose contributions helped shape the course of today’s culture, philosophy, architecture and science. Now, modern-day Greece is opening up its arms to medical cannabis as well, making it the sixth European Union country to do so (joining the Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain, Finland and the Netherlands). The decision was made well over 100 years after the country first banned cannabis sales, consumption and importation in the late-19th century. On June 30, 2017, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced in a press conference that a medical cannabis legalization effort has been officially signed. Tsipras’ statement, which was translated from his native language, exhibits the hopeful progress to
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support sick patients everywhere. “From now on, the country is turning its page, as Greece is now included in countries where the delivery of medical cannabis to patients in need is legal,” he said. This decision has been over a year in the making. In 2016, Greek Health Minister Andreas Xanthos issued a Common Ministerial Decision, which set up a special committee to study and discuss the possibility of medical cannabis in the country. According to the Greek Reporter, individuals in a variety of professional categories, such as academics, psychiatrists, scientists and legal advisors were invited to participate in the discussion with the goal of proposing regulations. The group’s proposition was submitted to the Xanthos on October 30, 2016. This time around, the Ministries of Health and Justice were the driving force behind the official legalization in June, who also decided to reschedule cannabis from a “Table A” substance to a “Table B” substance. The “Table A” classification is similar to the Unites States’ Schedule I, as it deems substances to have no medical value. Now, Greece has opened the doors to patient access to medical cannabis by moving
“From now on, the country is turning its page, as Greece is now included in countries where the delivery of medical cannabis to patients in need is legal.” cannabis into a category that also acknowledges some medical value, along with other substances such as methadone, cocaine and opium. According to Neos Kosmos, a Greek newspaper published in Melbourne, Australia, there has yet to be an official announcement issued regarding how the country will obtain its cannabis. However, many believe that Greece will be allowed to provide licenses for cultivation. Other sources predict that Greece will rely heavily on importation from outside the country. So far, only patients who suffer from conditions such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, cachexia and anorexia are allowed to consume medical cannabis. Patients will be required to obtain a doctor’s recommendation in order to gain access to their medicine. Greece has experienced some financial difficulties in the past. The country has encountered numerous bankruptcies, but things could be looking up for Greece if it’s able to successfully launch its legal medical cannabis industry. c
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Make Some Noise Mike Hall, former STOMP percussionist, opens up about his love for energizing beats and cannabis By Madison Ortiz
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f you haven’t seen a STOMP show live, it’s likely you know someone who has, and even if it happened just once— that performance surely left an incredibly positive impact on your creative spirit. Much more than a display of percussion-based talents, the cast of STOMP rhythmically engages with everyday objects within their staged environment such as brooms and trash cans. Every show has structure paired with natural flow. The same numbers are repeated, but equally so, the cast has freedom, following directional
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queues from their leader—no two shows are ever the same. Mike Hall is a traditionally trained percussionist who moved to Los Angeles in the summer of 2015 to pursue a career in the cannabis industry, after a four year international tour with STOMP (August 2011 to July 2015). CULTURE caught up with Hall to learn about his experience stomping and how he’s become professionally integrated into cannaculture working for the L.A. delivery service and dispensary, The Herb Connection, powered by a team of growers called the Hydronauts. When he was 11 years old, Hall officially began to play percussion in
Photos by Alex Wilkerson - AW Media
school and was exposed to STOMP by his brother on a band-class fieldtrip. “I remember sitting in audience watching the show thinking, ‘Hey, I could do that,’ but never in my life did I think I would actually end up doing that.” At 14, Hall began playing the marching snare and continued on throughout high school. He enjoyed competing with his high school’s winter percussion indoor group and was rightfully proud to note they were one of the best in the state, having won state finals several times. After high school, Hall continued on to march indoor drum line competitively with different (nonschool associated) groups, such as “North Coast Academy” based out of Saginaw, Michigan. A week after world finals, Hall’s older brother encouraged him to travel to New York City for STOMP auditions, with a convincing deal that took little consideration. Hall arrived an hour early for sign-ups and saw a line of people wrapped around a New York City block. Little did he know, he would make it through the emotionally grueling week of auditions and call back, to be one of the few people who were selected.
Going into this STOMP experience, Hall says he was the only person who didn’t know how to dance. “It was all really just like monkey see, monkey do kind of stuff. They would show us what to do with our feet, they would show us when to clap our hands. Thankfully being rhythmically inclined from marching and drumming for so many years, it kind of came second nature to me.” Beyond the physically demanding nature of performing musical acts with your whole body on a regular basis, Hall recalls the hardest part about traveling and performing with STOMP while on the road, being the constantly changing time zones. “Your body just never really gets on a set schedule of: This is when I’m supposed to be asleep.” Hall began using cannabis medicinally when he was 21 to aid in anxiety, depression and a severe lack of appetite. While touring with STOMP, he began medicating with heavy indicas to aid in sleep. Pre-dreadlocks, Hall was 50 pounds heavier with a “huge beard.” Lacking the locked element of his current reflection, Hall was grateful
he was still able to find accessible medicine while traveling. He regularly found kind gestures within the medicine trade from people who had watched his performances and later run into him at a pub. Tinctures, edibles and “one hitters” were the most convenient, go-to consumption methods. Between leaving STOMP, Hall began as a patient and customer who placed an order through The Herb Connection. Owner, Ryan Walker, happened to deliver Hall’s order. As finalizing their transaction,
“Your body just never really gets on a set schedule of: This is when I’m supposed to be asleep.”
Hall asked to purchase an extra edible and as Walker was digging around through his backpack, Hall asked Walker about a job. Walker slyly said, “Yeah, I know the boss. I’m pretty sure we can get you a job.” Ecstatic, Hall came back from a fishing trip two weeks later to a job working for Walker via The Herb Connection which is powered by Hydronauts. Even though Hall no longer performs in the athletically demanding STOMP shows, he’s still able to embrace the herb that helped him live through it. Now he assists other cannabis patients by directing The Herb Connection’s drivers to the correct addresses, and communicates directly with patients. c
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Staying Cool BY the Pool How to infuse your summer party with hemp and cannabis
D.I.Y. Popsicles As more states legalize cannabis, more and more chefs, bakers and culinary minds open up to the endless possibilities of cannabis-infused edibles. One way to kick things up a notch and cool your party goers is with cannabis-infused D.I.Y. popsicles. You can keep things simple by making single flavors like strawberry or grape, or get fancy, and mix up a tropical fruit juice popsicle using mangos and pineapples. 82
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By Alex Distefano We’re in the midst of the summer season, and temperatures are soaring high—and even above 100 degrees in many regions. If you are lucky enough to have a pool at home or nearby, the water can definitely offer you some relief from the scorching heat. While you’re at it, if you’re a responsible and legal adult, why not also consume your favorite herb while poolside? It can be a great way to keep your pool party full of laughter, fun and euphoric memories. Here are several ways to have your own wet and wild cannabis pool party this summer.
Ice Cream Social Your cannabis-themed pool party can also become a D.I.Y. cannabis ice cream social. There is an entire world of cannabis ice cream to be tasted! Now, you can become a true pro and make your own cannabis-infused ice cream at home. However, if you want to choose the easiest route, you can find pre-made adult-only infused ice cream products at your local dispensaries or retail locations in certain states as well.
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Cool Hits Since it is hot outside, you may want to enjoy the smoke of cannabis, but without the harsh heat and burning of the hot smoke from a pipe. Thanks to innovations in glass water pipes, adding ice to these pieces can significantly cool down your hit. There are many water pipes with ice chambers found online and at local retail shops.
Float in Style Pools seem naked without some type of pool float. So, if you’re already going deep and want to really see the smoke on the water, invest in a novelty Pot Leaf Pool Float, found online and in retail stores. People will smile, get a laugh and maybe even take a selfie. www.zumiez.com
Hemp to Protect It’s almost a guarantee that if you are going to be in the pool on a hot sunny day without sunscreen, you’re in for some after-party sunburn. Normally, any old sunscreen might be fine and dandy, but since this is a green pool party, try hemp-infused sunblock. This product contains little to no THC, but it does have natural compounds, skin protective essential oils and amino acids found in the hemp plant. www.healthyhempoil.com 84
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Barbecue Basics We all know that consuming cannabis all too often leads to scarfing down snacks and munchies, so why not get creative and use cannabis as a side note to some of your main dishes. Serve ribs or other grilled meats with a cannabisinfused smoky barbecue sauce. Or, why not bring out some cannabutter, add in garlic, herbs, and perhaps parmesan cheese, and use it to top grilled corn or other veggies. The possibilities are endless. Use your mind, and be creative.
Safety First To ensure the safety of everyone, only adults ages 21 and over should be invited to cannabis-infused pool parties. Always keep in mind, less is more, there is no need to infuse cannabis into every food dish. Be extremely cautious when consuming cannabis around water, make sure there is at least one sober person acting as a lifeguard, and be sure people know how to swim, or at least they should stay in the shallow end. Lastly, be extra careful when handling or using glass pieces especially fragile bongs or water pipes. The last thing anyone wants is broken glass on the floor or in the pool. All in all, if the right precautions are taken and your guests consume in a responsible manner, adding cannabis to your next pool shindig will enhance the experience. Have fun, but consume responsibly out there. c
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Principles in Productivity
Industry professionals share their habits for success By R. Scott Rappold
I
n an industry like cannabis, with its many distractions and colorful characters, it takes effective daily habits to survive and thrive in business. CULTURE reached out to successful professionals in the cannabis industry
200 days each year, Heidl still makes time every day to maintain some normalcy by connecting with his wife and children in the morning. “Not having a routine is my daily practice. This industry changes constantly and so the people who run it need to as well,” Heidl told
“Not having a routine is my daily practice. This industry changes constantly and so the people whorun it need to as well.” and asked them to talk about their daily routines. From daily habits to coffee and exercise, highly productive business professionals in the cannabis industry tell all. While having a strict schedule may work for some entrepreneurs, Jeremy Heidl, co-founder of O.penVAPE, finds comfort in avoiding the same schedule day in and day out. As he travels around 86
CULTURE. “Instead of doing the same things every day, I try to just practice some simple life skills that make me a better leader, father, husband and friend.” While daily habits fluctuated between each industry professional we interviewed, exercise stood out as an important habit to many. Todd Winter, cannabis industry attorney at Winter LLP, shared how exercise is paramount to
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Todd Winter Cannabis industry attorney at Winter LLP
Photo by Eric Stoner
his energy and success. “Prior to the last two years, I worked out an average five days per week at CrossFit Vibe in Orange County, [California] where I’m a part-owner. Since the passage of the MCRSA, however, it has been very difficult to find
any time to exercise,” Winter said. “Now that local and state laws are getting more defined and coming online, I’m finding more opportunity to exercise again. The change in my productivity, for the positive, has been dramatic.”
Kristi Knoblich, Chief Operations Officer of Kiva Confections, also finds exercise to be one of her secrets to productivity. “I have to exercise regularly or people will see me slowly turn into a monster. As of late, I’m trying to think of it as daily stress management instead of exercise and that seems to motivate me to do more of it,” Knoblich said. “With the long days of summer, it’s the most rejuvenating experience to get up early with the sun and take in some nature. Exercise is as important as sleep for me, helping me reset, focus and feel like myself.” Additionally, Martin Lee, Director of Project CBD also attributes his productivity to regular exercise. “Exercise almost daily is very key,” Lee said. “I usually exercise in the late afternoon or early evening when I’m not traveling.” Matt Bodenchuk, co-founder of Toker Poker, starts his days with “Coffee, coffee and more coffee.” After he wakes up, Bodenchuk takes time to have coffee with his wife and kids before heading out to the office. “My mornings are my chance to briefly spend some time with my family, which generally puts a smile on my face,” Bodenchuk said. “Once I arrive at the office, my mornings are my only chance to dictate my workday, so I generally jump right on my emails.” Heidl of O.penVAPE also attributes much of his productivity to remaining grateful and positive. “What’s the point of living if we aren’t as happy as humanly possible?” Heidl asked. Toker Poker’s Bodenchuk also finds the value in optimism in the workplace. “Walking into your workplace with a positive attitude, ready to tackle the day helps me,” Bodenchuk said. “There are a lot of bumps in the road when running your own business, and being able to embrace problems or difficult tasks with an optimistic perspective is one of the primary reasons why we have had success.” While exercise, coffee and positivity are all important attributes, it’s interesting to see how cannabis plays different roles in each of these cannabis business professionals’ lives. Most shared that they consume cannabis solely in the evening, while others shared that they consume cannabis all throughout the day and into the night. Regardless of daily habits, it’s clear that there is no single way to find success. c
Kristi Knoblich Chief Operations Officer of Kiva Confections
Photo by Tonya Perma Photography
Jeremy Heidl Co-founder of O.penVAPE
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A Taste of Americana Big Bad Rooster revives traditional American folk music genres through a modern lens By Simon Weedn
W
hile Los Angeles County may be more well-known for its rock and roll and hip-hop exports, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the area also has healthy country music and bluegrass communities as well. Lately, Long Beach’s own Big Bad Rooster has been garnering praise and recognition all across California for its own distinct style of bluegrass, which blends the classic musical qualities of the genre with more modern lyrical topics and ideas. In June, the band released its self-titled debut fulllength album, along with a music video for the record’s first single, “Whiskey Bottom Blues.” Recently, CULTURE was able to talk with lead singer and guitar player Michael Solan and fiddle player Camilo Barahona all about how the band came together, the making of their new album and their feelings about cannabis. 88
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Photos by Eric Stoner
First and foremost, can you tell me a bit about how Big Bad Rooster came together? Michael Solan: Yeah! Let’s see, Camilo and I met each other at Cal State Long Beach and we started just by jamming on some songs I wrote. One day, we were playing out somewhere on the campus, and we looked up from what we were doing, and we had accumulated a crowd; we finished a song and realized we had maybe 10 or 15 people around us clapping, and I think they may have thrown us a dollar. So, we thought that was a good sign and kind of just went from there.
Your sound blends classic bluegrass sound with more modern topical elements in your lyrics really well. Can you tell me a bit about where your lyrics come from and how they fit into your music? Camilo Barahona: I think all the things that lots of older Americana and bluegrass artists talk about, like the coal mines or the railroads, are circumstantial details. These people are talking about their lives. We strive for our music to come from an honest place, so it would be dishonest of us to be singing about hopping trains or doing things we didn’t entirely do.
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Solan: I’ve always got a journal around so I’m writing down my thoughts, feelings, or one or two lines of a song that I’m working on. So, that’s where my songs are coming from. Just a sort-of stream of consciousness about my thoughts and feelings. So, all my songs are pretty personal to me and are about personal relationships, experiences or people who I know. The new record sounds incredible, can you tell me a bit about how you all made it? Solan: We were working with our buddies Paul Rhoda and Jesse Pridmore on our demos, which we were recording at The Bomb Shelter in Garden Grove and it was just a little too boxed in. At the time, I was living in this crazy party house in Long Beach and the acoustics in there were great. So, we decided we’d just record the whole album at my house, and Jesse and Paul brought their mobile recording rig to do it. The hope was that we would capture the vibe and the acoustics of the old house. The whole thing was essentially self-produced over 90
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“I think we all agree it should be legalized. We’re not children, and I think when the government tells us what we can and can’t consume, it’s ridiculous.” there in that house. Barahona: We wanted the whole thing to be soaked in the feel of Long Beach as much as we could. We recorded with the windows wide open, and if you listen closely you can hear all types of sounds like kids playing. Does the band have any feelings about the current struggle to legalize cannabis in this country?
Barahona: I think we all agree it should be legalized. We’re not children, and I think when the government tells us what we can and can’t consume, it’s ridiculous. Solan: I’ve actually been 100 percent sober from all drugs and alcohol for seven months now. However, I used to be a huge pot head. My dad was a musician who was on the forefront of playing fundraisers for NORML, and we have plenty of friends who make their livings in the cannabis industry, so I think legalization is a great thing. I’ve even picked up my grandma some CBD when she was feeling sick. I know we’re all proponents and advocates for cannabis, even though I don’t use it anymore. Besides the release of your new record, what plans does Big Bad Rooster have for 2017? Barahona: We’ve got a few things in the works. We’ve got a string of shows lined up over the summer locally, and we’re making a couple of runs up to the Northern California area as well. All in all, a lot of good stuff. c
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SHOOTING GALLERY
Abracadabs 710 Fest
@ Elk's Lodge in San Bernardino
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE 94
Summer Experiments 2 By Ed Rosenthal
Group One It’s July 13, in the heart of summer, with direct intense light lighting the plants. The fog burns off by 10:30 a.m., and the rest of the day is usually sunny. However, now the trajectory of the sun has changed with more shading than last month. Still, the plants are healthy and right on schedule. The first section is the 2’ x 4’, 9-inch deep tray that holds five Blue Dream plants. They are 3-3.5’ feet tall and have stopped growing in favor of flower production. Their regimen was changed to flowering a month ago. Each evening I pull the cart into its own dark chamber after dusk, which occurs at about 8:50 p.m. The plant stays there until 9 a.m., a dark period of 12-plus hours of darkness each evening. The plants are in the middle of flowering now. In about a month the colas will be ready to harvest. The plants were also pruned yesterday to eliminate bottom leaves and tiny flowers that steal the plants’ energy.
Group Two The second group consisted of four plants from clones including
The plants on wheels in full sun before deleafing. The cart is moved around as the sun and shadows trade places in the yard throughout the day.
Plants on wheels after manicuring. Removing the unnecessary vegetation forces the plants to concentrate more on bud production.
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two Ed Rosenthal SuperBud and two varieties Chocolate Tonic and Blackberry Fire. The first SuperBud reached maturity last week and was cut, but we are trying to regenerate it by giving it near continuous light. The Chocolate Tonic and the second SuperBud were cut today, leaving only the Blackberry Fire, which will be ripe in a few days. After picking them, I hung the branches leaving all their leaves on. The climate here is cool and the RH hovers at about 50 percent. After about five weeks they are both dried and cured, and ready to be stored and packaged.
Group 3 The third group turned out to be 11 female indicas that must be the progeny of a late pollen producing female times itself or another variety. The reason I say that, is that all the indicas were females. One plant is a sativa, and it has not indicated sex. The other plants started flowering with only 9.5 hours of darkness. They are in full flower now and should be ripe in another month. The indicas whose tops were clipped are squatter than the unclipped single-top plants, with more side branching and multiple tops.
A bud from one of the wheel plants. They have been flowering for 31 days.
Plants in 8” containers. They smell orangey so I am calling them Purple Citrus. Tops of half of them were clipped on June 19. All but one are sister indicas with the same parents. They have thick stems and wide leaves with purple flowers.
They are about two feet tall and have filled out as they have flowered. Soon after they started flowering I took cuttings from them and hope to root and regenerate them so I can use them for breeding. I never got to set up the CO2 experiment. The plants started flowering too soon for my schedule to catch up. c
TIP OF THE MONTH By this time, most of the outdoor plants have started to flower. However, there is still time to get in a crop of small plants. For best results, start with rooted clones. If you start with seeds the plants will be a little smaller and may take a little longer to ripen. Place them outdoors in 8” containers. As soon as they are placed outdoors they will begin to flower because of the longer late summer/ fall dark period, and they will ripen in seven to nine weeks. The containers are small enough to be moved easily to follow the sun or indoors for protection during threatening weather or cold nights.
The four plants induced to flower early are ripe. The varieties represented are two Ed Rosenthal SuperBud, one Chocolate Tonic and Blackberry Fire.
Close-up of the bud of Chocolate Tonic that is ready to cut.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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culture
if you go:
QuébEc City Captivates By Sheryll Alexander
For cannabis enthusiasts who love the look and feel of Europe, but don’t want to go all the way there, cannabis-friendly Québec City, Canada, is absolutely captivating especially during August’s vibrant events and outdoor festivals. Plus, the relaxed attitude towards cannabis in Québec City is as refreshing as this walled fortress town’s stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River. In summer, Québec City is best known for its outdoor festivals, its bodacious gastronomy and its plentiful recreational activities (such as cycling, sailing, canoeing, hiking, whitewater rafting and even soaking at hot mineral day spas). Called a Canadian “signature experience,” Québec City’s New France Festival (Les Fêtes de la NouvelleFrance) is definitely extraordinary. The New France Festival makes visitors feel like they have gone back in time as the city’s cobblestoned Old or Lower Town comes to life as if during the colonial era. Locals (and paid actors) dress in period fashions for a colonial-themed food market, games, music and a daily costume parade.
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Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec calls it “six soirées flamboyantes.” That’s roughly translated to six flamingly flamboyant evenings (August 2, 9, 12, 16, 19, 25) of competitive international pyrotechnics. Each night has a different theme (disco, country, classic, hip-hop, Latin), and there’s literally a long list of ways to enjoy summer’s most beautiful “festival” from standing on just the right romantic street corner to sitting at an observatory with a panoramic view. At the end of the month, from August 31 to September 3, the city revs up again and then relaxes for The Bordeaux Wine Festival (Bordeaux Fête Le Vin à Québec). QC’s Bordeaux Wine Festival attracts wine connoisseurs to participate in tastings of Québec’s regional delicacies and wines along with attending workshops and other food-and-wine activities. Ready for some of the best scenery, nature, food, wine, cannabis and club scenes in North America? Québec City marries the best of the past with the best of today when it comes to cannabisfriendly travel. c
Fun-Filled Facts
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Time to Go: August Weather: Highs 70s, lows 50s Budget: $$$$$
In Canada— including in the province of Québec—cannabis is only legal for medical cannabis patients who have visited their healthcare doctor and obtained a referral to a “licensed commercial producer.” In Québec, medical cannabis is only available via delivery. As for Americans, Québecois medical cannabis delivery services confirm they do accept valid “licenses” from medical cannabis states for purchasing flowers, oil and edibles. And while it seems the Québecois are quite cool when it comes to smoking cannabis, be safe and do not light up around the cops, government buildings, designer shops and family parks. If you don’t want to go the delivery route, then consider making some new cannabisloving friends (who can now legally grow their own) at a hipster club in the trendy Saint-Roch district.
Combine hospitality with history by staying at Auberge Saint-Antoine. This strikingly beautiful boutique hotel was built atop a treasure trove of colonial artifacts, and each of its comfortably chic rooms houses at least one ancient relic. 1
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Want to experience a little bit of Paris while in Québec City? Head to Café du Monde. This waterfront eatery has been serving Parisian-style bistro fare (think steak frites à la Béarnaise and a brunch dish of poached eggs swimming in hollandaise) to cruise passengers for decades. 2
Summer’s sunshine and warmth make Québec City’s historic Terrasse Dufferin the perfect place to take a stroll, jog, cycle or do yoga at sunrise. 3
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Mark M. Ward
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raised. I found this wasn’t treatment, but a numbing of all life’s feeling and emotion. It was apathy in a bottle, and it wasn’t for me.
When did you start using medical cannabis? I’ve used cannabis for well over a decade, but it wasn’t until 2014 when I joined NORML chapters that I really began to understand medical usage. I used cannabis recreationally without regard of different possible effects by different [strain] and potency. When I truly understood the different potentials, I was able to properly use cannabis as medicine.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Big business and big government are the biggest problems. CEOs that have no history with medical cannabis have no business playing “healer” with their dispensaries. Sub-par products are being sold to sick people with no concern of quality. Mislabeled cannabinoid content, mold ridden product, and product saturated with nonorganic and even poisonous chemicals is not medicine. Also, the stamping out of recreation and medical patient growing by medical lobbyists is not medicine, but an attempt to monopolize a market.
Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I’ve been on a barrage of different benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers and pain pills. I used pharmaceuticals as advised and still became very addicted. Eventually, each medication became less and less effective, so the dosage was
What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? It’s OK to be cautious of what you consume. And cannabis isn’t for everyone, but it’s never been directly harmful to anyone. And that cannot be said for any pharmaceutical prescription ever written. There’s a reason why so many patients fight for it . . . it works. c
Age: 32
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PTSD, agoraphobia, general anxiety disorder, manic depression, cluster migraines, GERD, Diverticulosis
Are you an medical cannabis patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE
Bento Bites Photos and recipes by Monica Lo from Sous Weed
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Menu: Spam Musubi with Infused Sweet Soy
Miso Cannabutter Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)
Infused Sweet Soy Glaze
Salmon Onigiri with Infused Sweet Soy
August is here, and it’s the time of year where most people become sick of summer. We’re over the hot weather and overdone barbecue— it’s time for something new. The world is full of wonderfully unique flavors, and often enough, many of those tastes are specific to certain regions of the world. Enter the Japanese-inspired onigiri, which is also known as a Japanese rice ball. This perfectly portioned ball of rice can be decorated, flavored and infused with a variety of savory fillings. Although there are countless ways to make onigiri, the talented chef of Sous Weed, Monica Lo, has prepared three ways to both elevate and medicate. Learn how to whip up your very own infused sweet soy glaze to top off your fresh salmon onigiri and spam musubi—but realistically, you can use it on anything from chicken wings to grilled salmon!
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Local eateries with similar dishes: KazuNori 421 S Main St., Los Angeles (213) 493-6956 www.kazunorisushi.com
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Sola Japanese Izakaya Dining 15928 Ventura Blvd. #120, Encino (818) 784-7652 www.restaurant-sola.com
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Musha Restaurant 424 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 576-6330 musha.us
Spam Musubi with Infused Sweet Soy Makes 2 servings Ingredients:
Instructions:
2 slices SPAM, 3/8” thick
1. In a greased skillet, cook SPAM until brown and crisp on each side.
1 1/2 cups cooked rice, short grain 1 tablespoons infused sweet soy glaze 1/2 sheet nori
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Toasted sesame seeds to garnish (optional)
2. Lightly glaze each piece of SPAM with medicated sweet soy glaze. 3. Wet your hands and firmly mold rice into the
4. Using scissors, cut a piece of nori with a width of 2” to wrap around the SPAM and rice, like a belt. 5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Infused Sweet Soy Glaze
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Makes approximately 1/2 cup Ingredients:
Instructions:
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1. In a small saucepan, mix both sugars, soy sauce, water, and rice vinegar, and bring to a boil.
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1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup water 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 gram kief
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shape of the SPAM slice. You can also use a musubi press.
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2. Reduce heat to low, and stir in kief.
3. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, until the consistency is syrupy. 4. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until use.
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Miso Cannabutter Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball) Makes 2 servings Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups cooked rice, short grain 1 tablespoon cannabutter, room temperature
Vegetable oil for frying 1/2 sheet nori cut in half (optional)
1/2 tablespoon white miso paste
Instructions: 1. In a small bowl thoroughly mix softened cannabutter, miso paste and sugar until uniform.
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1 teaspoon sugar
Salmon Onigiri with Infused Sweet Soy Makes 2 servings
2. Wet your hands, and firmly mold half the rice into a ball or the classic triangle shape. Keep moistening hands while forming so that the rice doesn’t stick. Repeat with remaining rice. Set aside.
3. In a non-stick pan or cast iron, heat on medium-high with some vegetable oil. Brush each side of the rice balls with medicated miso butter, and grill until lightly brown and crisp. 4. Wrap a strip of nori around the middle of the rice ball, and serve immediately.
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Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, short grain
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
3 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced
Pinch of salt
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1/2 sheet of nori, cut in half
1 tablespoon infused sweet soy glaze
1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. 2. Cook the smoked salmon slices for about 15 seconds on each side, then remove from heat. 3. Flake the salmon with a fork, and mix salmon into the rice with infused sweet soy glaze, sesame seeds and salt.
4. Wet your hands and firmly mold half the salmon sushi rice into a ball or the classic triangle shape. Keep moistening hands while forming so that the rice doesn‘t stick. Repeat with remaining rice. 5. Wrap a strip of nori around the middle of the rice ball. 6. Serve immediately or wrap with plastic wrap to enjoy later.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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socal NOW! event listings
Roots & Yam Jerk Food Fest, Aug. 6
In a celebration of soul food, Jerk Food Fest brings guests authentic cultural flavors and entertainment. While enjoying the many tastes of this event, attendees can also listen to a variety of live musicians and bands, such as Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Soca and many more. Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, Ontario www.adamarifest.com
following movie screenings. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles sundance.org/festivals/ nextfest
featured event
OC Cannabis Job Fair, Aug. 10 Take a trip to Orange County by attending Cannabis Job Fair, which connects talented employees with the careers of their dreams. Some various careers will be offered in the fields of cultivation, web design, marketing and much more. Those interested in attending must register in advance. Bud and Bloom, Santa Ana budandbloomoc.com
Sundance NEXT FEST 2017, Aug. 10-13 Come experience captivating indie films like Lemon and Gente-fied at the Sundance Next Fest. Guests can expect an extended weekend full of eccentric music, films and thrills, as the festival also features conversations with film directors like Antonioi Santini and Dan Sickles
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Reptile Super Show, Aug. 12-13 USARK invites everyone to the world’s largest reptile show, where they can mingle with other lovers of reptiles, amphibians and turtles in an interactive and educational environment that spans over 100,000 square feet. Come down to learn more about safety and reptiles, purchase the coolest products available, and you might even win prizes. Pomona Fairplex, Pomona reptilesupershow.com
Chocolate and Art Show Los Angeles, Aug. 18-19 Indulge yourself in delicious chocolate while perusing intriguing works by talented artists with over 3,000 other attendees. Guests can find art of all mediums from body painting, photography, face painting to music and chocolate. Join the art
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L.A. Taco Festival, Aug. 26 Los Angeles is the probably one of the best places in the country to find authentic, delicious tacos. So it’s no surprise that the city will welcome local taco masters to bring their creative A-game whip up some unique tacos (not to mention that there’s going to be live music too, so that’s also a plus!).
Grand Park, Los Angeles www.latacofestival.com
community in coming together for the charity Artist for Trauma at this altruistic event. The Vortex, Los Angeles
Address to be Revealed Upon Booking, Los Angeles HappyHippy.Co
chocolateandartshow.com
Comfort LA Music Festival, Aug. 27
Cannabis Cooking Experience, Aug. 25
Los Angeles is a wonderland of cultural diversity, and it shows through our local music. It’s very apparent at events such as Comfort LA Music Festival, which is hosting local musicians and artists to create an unforgettable night of talent and empowerment. Comfort LA, Los Angeles comfortlamusicfestival.com
Whether you a first-timer in the kitchen or an expert, this is the best place to hone in your skills as a cannabis chef. Learn the different methods of how to your infuse your food, with trained cannabis chefs who will share their knowledge, tips and tricks.
Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—THE NEW POWER NAP If high-schoolers seem stressed by active lifestyles and competitive pressures, and consequently fail to sleep the recommended nine to 10 hours a day, it must be a good idea for the federal government to give grants (including to Las Cruces High School in New Mexico) to purchase comfy, $14,000 “nap pods” that drive out the racket with soft music, for 20 minutes a shot during those frenzied classroom days. A May NPR report based on Las Cruces’ experience quoted favorable reviews by students, backed by a doctor and a nurse practitioner who pointed to research showing that adequate sleep “can” boost memory and attention and thus “can” improve school performance (and therefore must be a great use of federal education dollars). UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam argues that his “hands are tied” by “federal food laws” and that fresh, “all-natural” milk with the cream skimmed off the top cannot be sold in Florida as “milk” (or “skim milk”) but must be labeled “imitation milk”—unless the “allnatural” milk adds (artificial) vitamin A to the product. A family farm in the state’s panhandle (Ocheesee Creamery) decided to
challenge the law, and Putnam, who recently announced his candidacy for governor, said he would try to resolve the issue soon. INEXPLICABLE (1) It recently became necessary for Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski to acquire a bigger home in the Los Angeles area because their 33,000 “bunny”-related items (stuffed bunnies, antique bunnies, bunny paintings, bunny dinnerware, etc.) needed more space. (2) The world’s only museum devoted to the “house cat” allows self-guided tours in Sylva, North Carolina, where curator Harold Sims displays 10,000 artifacts including a genuine petrified cat (with whiskers!) pulled from a 16th-century English chimney. (3) Brantford, Ontario, real estate agent Kyle Jansink, speaking for unidentified sellers, said he accepted the challenge of selling the meticulously maintained home “as is”—still packed with the sellers’ clown-related items (dolls, miniatures, porcelain statues, paintings). COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS They’re “therapists,” not “strippers,” argued New York City’s Penthouse Executive Club, creatively characterizing its dancers to avoid $3 million in back taxes, but the state’s appeals board ruled against it in April. Penthouse had insisted that its performers were more akin to counselors for lonely men, and that the club’s “door charge” was an untaxable fee for therapeutic health services. James Pelletier, 46, was arrested in Hollis, Maine,
in May after he fired a BB gun point-blank at his two sons, ages 9 and 11—but only, he said, as a “rite of passage” into maturity (perhaps thinking the experience would help them become as mature as their father). He said if the kids knew how it felt to get shot, perhaps they would not be so quick to fire their own guns. THE CONTINUING CRISIS You Mean Jethro and Abby, Too? In contrast to the exciting work of the TV series (near the top of broadcast ratings for the last decade), real agents in the Naval Criminal Investigative Service have labored over computer screens eight to 10 hours a day for two months now employing their facialrecognition software— just to scour websites to identify victims of nudephoto postings of military personnel that came to light earlier this year. “(Y) ou get pretty burned out,” said the NCIS director. A simple word search of “uniformed military nude” got nearly 80 million hits, according to a May Associated Press dispatch from the Quantico Marine base, where the 20 investigators labor sideby-side. MILITARY ALLIES IN ODD PLACES (1) In April, three days after ISIS fighters reportedly executed 25 villagers about 50 miles south of Kirkuk, Iraq, the three murderers were themselves killed (and eight more wounded) when a pack of wild boars overran their position and gnawed them into martyrdom. (2)
In April, a Russian naval reconnaissance ship sank in the Black Sea off of Turkey (likely op: Syriarelated) when it collided with a livestock barge flying the flag of Togo. All aboard the Russian ship were rescued; the muchheavier Togolese vessel suffered barely a scratch. PERSPECTIVE Rights in Conflict: An elderly German man, unnamed in news reports, was fined the equivalent of $110 in May for “terrorizing” neighbors in the town of Hennef by violating a 2015 agreement to lower the sound of his pornographic videos. He demanded sympathy because of his hearing disability, arguing that if he wore headphones, he could not hear the doorbell, or burglars, and therefore would feel unsafe. (At his May hearing, he objected to the characterization that the “sex sounds” were from videos; on the day in question, he said, he had a prostitute in the room. “It was not porn,” he insisted, confusingly. “It was live!”) OOPS! In May, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley apparently mindlessly signed the proclamation designating a special day for the late Tre Hummons (submitted by his grieving father, to honor the son’s “sacrifice”). Tre Hummons was killed in 2015 by a police officer—but only after Tre had just shot and killed another Cincinnati police officer. Winneshiek County (Iowa) Engineer Lee Bjerke said he had no idea how the driver
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of the loaded 18-wheeler had missed the “Load Limit 3 Tons” sign at the entrance of the small, rickety bridge near Cresco in May, but in seconds, the span was wiped out, and the tractortrailer had become part of the Turkey River. The loaded grain truck weighed more than 30 tons. ARMED AND CLUMSY (ALL-NEW!) Still more incidents in which people (make that, “men”) accidentally shoot themselves: a National Rifle Association staff member, 46, training on a firing range (Fairfax County, Virginia, April); a fleeing robber, run over by his victim, with the collision causing the robber’s gun to fire into his own mouth (Hawthorne, California, March); two boys, 17 and 19, “practicing” loading and unloading a
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handgun, managing to hit each other (Houston, March); a homeless man, 45, in a now-classic waistbandholster-crotch malfunction (Lake Panasoffee, Florida, Oct.); U.S. Park Police officer, shot his foot in a confrontation with a raccoon (Washington, D.C., Nov.); man, 48, shot himself, then, apparently angry at how it happened, shot his bed (Oceana County, Michigan, July).[Burke Patch, 4-7-2017] A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (DECEMBER 2013) Just another October (2013) day in Kelso, Washington: At the courthouse, a woman carrying a cake was approached by Robert Fredrickson, a stranger who was also in the building on business. Without warning,
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Fredrickson attacked—not the woman, the cake— grabbing it with both hands and stuffing his face. As he washed up a minute later at a drinking fountain, a deputy who witnessed the scene attempted to bring Fredrickson to justice, yelling, “(S)tand right there. Don’t move.” As soon as the officer looked away, however, Fredrickson returned to the cake and clawed at it again. Finally, several deputies subdued him and charged him with theft and resisting arrest. ADVERTISERS ARE COMING FOR YOU The New York Times reported in May that the “sophistication” of Google’s and Facebook’s ability to identify potential customers of advertisements is “capable of targeting ads ... so narrow that they can pinpoint, say,
Idaho residents in longdistance relationships who are contemplating buying a minivan.” Facebook’s ad manager told the Times that such a description matches 3,100 people (out of Idaho’s 1.655 million). GOVERNMENT IN ACTION! Harry Kraemer, 76, owner of Sparkles Cleaning Service in London, Ontario, was alone in his SUV recently and decided to light up a cigarette based on his 60-year habit, but was spotted by Smoke-Free Ontario officers and cited for three violations. Since his vehicle was registered to his business, and the windows were up, the cab constituted an “enclosed workspace.” It took a long legal fight, but in May, the Provincial Offences Court cut Kraemer a break and dismissed the tickets.
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