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inside
contents 8.2018
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Simply Sublime
Keeping the punk and reggae genres alive, Sublime with Rome talks to CULTURE about inspirations for its new album and how frontman Rome Ramirez incorporates cannabis into his daily life. O n the C O V E R :
P h o t o by A n t h o n y d u t y
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features
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Rolling out the Red Carpet Every day more mainstream celebrities are finding lucrative new business opportunities in the cannabis industry.
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Pack Your Bags Refer to these cannabis-friendly travel agencies to plan your late-summer getaway.
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Bub the Superhero Famous feline Lil BUB and her owner advocate for hemp-derived CBD medicine for pets everywhere.
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Industry Insider Flavored and infused CBD water by Cannaki won the hearts of customers instantly, thanks to thoughtful planning by CEO Dirk Lindley.
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Charming Comic Although he started performing much later in his life than most other comedians, Martin Moreno is the hilarious entertainer you’ve been looking for.
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departments 13 Letter from the Editor news 14 News Nuggets 15 By the Numbers 16 Local News 20 Legal Corner 22 Healthy Living reviews 24 Strain & Concentrate Reviews 26 Cool Stuff in every issue 50 À La Carte 52 Growing Culture 54 SoCal Now!
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Online Exclusive! d Oklahoma AG Supports Amending Medical Cannabis Rules d Israeli Medical Cannabis Researchers Move to CA
Vol 10 IssUE 2
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Caroline Hayes, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic Designer John Venegas Associate Publisher & Bob Waters Advertising Director Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Molly Clark, Kim Cook, Eric Bulls, Rocki Davidson, Matt Knuth, Casey Roel, Rick Schwartz, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla INTERN Cole Graves Publisher David Comden Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout the 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.
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LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Prevailing Process
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ugust is a bittersweet month. As heat waves continue to scorch certain regions of the country, this rain-free time of year also means that arms are bare and good hair days are aplenty. August also reminds us that we’re well past the mid-year mark. Reflecting on the highlights of 2018 so far, the amount of progress made by our cannabis community deserves recognition. Legislation in favor of medical and recreational cannabis continues to sweep the world. Some of the biggest headlines from the past year include the federal legalization of cannabis becoming official in Canada, with the date for the law to go into effect recently announced to be set for Oct. 17, 2018. Provinces will have control over the details of how cannabis is locally regulated. On the other hand, progress continues to happen across the United States, with Oklahoma becoming the most recent state, as of late June, to approve medical cannabis so far this year. Overall, cannabis continues to become more widely accepted, both through legislation and everyday conversation. Those who personally imbibe in cannabis are no longer the only ones who are part of the cannabis conversation. Within and beyond the United States, humankind at large is starting to recognize the medicinal potential of cannabis. For instance, just about everyone is talking about cannabidiol (CBD). People who don’t personally consume cannabis are even turning to CBD for treating their pets, while people of all ages are considering how cannabis might improve their daily lives. Local coffee shops are
infusing their drinks with CBD for patrons, while on a much larger level, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the first medically extracted cannabis-based drug, Epidiolex. It’s without a doubt that one of the hottest healthcare topics right now is the single cannabinoid, CBD, which is just one of the 100+ cannabinoids that exist within our favorite plant. As CBD in particular gains in popularity, in terms of legality, the cannabinoid is still in a state of limbo in the United States. As it can be derived both from the hemp plant and cannabis plant, the legal grey area surrounding CBD continues to be an important topic of discussion and frustration, particularly among cannabis business professionals. Like cannabis, individual states in the U.S. continue to pass legislation surrounding hemp cultivation and extraction. Michigan regulators made headlines when clarifying CBD laws in the state back in May, and most recently the California Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch issued a memo in early July to clarify the use of hemp-derived CBD in edible products. The setbacks and challenges of existing within this changing industry don’t define us. Let’s continue to do what we can to bring cannabis and its many cannabinoids into the mainstream. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
California’s Permanent Cannabis Rules Released On July 13, three state agencies, the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Department of Public Health, Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch and Department of Food and Agriculture, CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing released proposed permanent rules on cannabis businesses under the Medicinal and AdultUse Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. The rules
will eventually govern how cannabis is regulated in California. “The emergency rulemaking process provided an opportunity to evaluate how the rules were working for businesses throughout the supply chain,” Bureau of Cannabis Control Chief Lori Ajax said in a statement. “The regulations we now propose include changes that make it easier for businesses to operate and strengthen public health and safety policies.” Officials also reminded cannabis business owners that no additional temporary licenses will be available after Dec. 31, and no additional 90-day extensions will be granted after Jan. 1, 2019.
New Jersey Doubles Number of Dispensaries According to a July 16 announcement, officials from the New Jersey Department of Health will begin accepting applications for six more dispensaries. The state has recently dealt with cannabis shortages due to the cap on businesses. “We look forward to the opening of six new dispensaries so we can ensure that all qualifying patients who want access to medicinal marijuana can have it,” Gov. Phil
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Chalice California Sues Bureau of Cannabis Control Filed on June 19, the Chalice California is suing Chief Lori Ajax and the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC). The lawsuit alleges the BCC unlawfully denied a permit for a three-day festival originally scheduled for July 13-15 in Victorville. “We must take a stand that cannabis culture and business brings value to cities,” Chalice California’s complaint read. “We are a huge stimulus in the economy. We bring over [$30] million to the areas [that] we throw events [in]. As a culture we should not grace anticannabis areas with the positive impact that our events bring. We have
Murphy stated. “Due to the steps that Commissioner Elnahal and I have taken since January, we have seen the addition of 10,000 new patients. Accordingly, we have to expand the number of businesses who are growing product and serving patients.” It’s the first step towards addressing the shortage problems seen in New Jersey. No provisions for equity applicants will be added, however. Winning business applications are scheduled to be announced on Nov. 1.
a history of creating and maintaining a safe atmosphere and we will continue to provide this culture with a safe place to be who you are without fear of arrest or discrimination for being a cannabis consumer.” Chalice California claims that the BCC could have granted them a permit even though Victorville officials voted on July 3 to deny the event a local permit, because the fairgrounds are under sovereign rights regardless of what the city of Victorville decided.
The number of square feet contained in a seven-story Downtown Los Angeles building that was designated to strictly serve cannabis businesses: (Source: Bisnow)
67,000
The estimated percentage of decreased cannabis arrests in California during 2017 versus cannabis arrests in 2016: (Source: California NORML)
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The number of members in the Cannabis Control Appeals Panel that were appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in July: (Source: Los Angeles Times)
The estimated number of people who joined a cannabis and social equity discussion at the Leimert Park Vision Theater in mid-July: (Source: LA Weekly)
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The number of commercial cannabis permits that have been approved in Pittsburg, California: (Source: ABC 7)
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The amount of cannabis, in kilos, that Canadian company Tilray sold during the first quarter of 2018 in Canada and Europe: (Source: MarketWatch) The projected amount of money, in billions of dollars, that the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. will collect in sales by 2030: (Source: PR Newswire)
1,299
The number of pages in a New York State Department of Health report describing how there are more pros than cons in legalizing cannabis for recreational consumption: (Source: Vox)
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Los Angeles County Fair WHEN: Fri, Aug. 31-Sun, Sept. 23 WHERE: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona WEBSITE: lacountyfair.com
The Los Angeles County Fair, running since 1922, is back again for another celebration of local culture. Attractions will carry on for multiple weeks and will include eSports Gaming World, Haunted 66 which features a Halloweenthemed maze, Auto Alley, Esmeralda’s Steampunk Circus, plenty of farm-grown vegetables and the End of Summer Concert Series. The concert series will include top acts on
various stages and dates including The Commodores, KC & the Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, Grand Funk Railroad, Blue Öyster Cult, former CULTURE cover Gabriel Iglesias, Ramon Ayala, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick, The Beach Boys and Bad Company. It’s a tradition to bring family and friends to the state fair to enjoy the music, have a great time and grub on the local delicacies. CultureMagazine.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
Benefits for Burbank Burbank considers a c a n n a b i s s a l e s ta x t o p ay b a c k i t s d e b t s By Benjamin M. Adams
B
urbank may soon take advantage of the lucrative benefits that cannabis can bring, and it’s been a long time coming. The city council recently proposed placing a general-purpose sales tax on several types of businesses, including cannabis businesses, as a way of paying back Burbank’s growing debt. The city hasn’t warmed up to cannabis much in the past. In January 2017, shortly after California residents voted to legalize recreational cannabis, the Burbank City Council shot down a proposal to place a cannabis sales tax on the November ballot. At that meeting, City Councilmember Jess Talamantes said that he believes the city is “rushing” into decisions and that it needs more time to fully analyze the situation. This happened, despite around 60 percent of Burbank citizens voting in favor of Proposition 64. Burbank prides itself on avoiding some of the criminal activity that is seen in other areas of the greater Los Angeles area, and its leadership wants to keep it that way. This is part of the reason it has avoided regulating cannabis, for the most part. This year, the future looks brighter for potential cannabis businesses that wish to open up in Burbank. On June 26, the Burbank City Council voted to direct city staff to develop and draft ordinances to impose a sales tax on cannabis businesses. The council also voted to set up a civilian committee to monitor the revenue
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generated from cannabis businesses, should the tax be approved by voters. “Many California communities have implemented a cannabis business tax,” City Attorney Amy Albano said at the meeting. “There are various structures that can be pursued, depending on the types of allowed cannabis businesses, whether it be a grower, a medical cannabis provider or retail provider. Accurate estimates at this point are difficult, because it would depend on the quantity and popularity of the businesses that exist within our city limits of which there is currently none. Further, little information is available on what the impacts have been on California cities since their legalization.” Cindy Giraldo, the city’s financial services director, told council members that city staff members believe that a general-purpose sales tax would be the most effective way to combat Burbank’s ongoing deficit, which is expected to reach $9.5 million during the 2022-2023 fiscal year, reported the Los Angeles Times. Should a sales tax be approved, Giraldo believes that it could help generate up to $20 million per year, supplementing the city’s 9.5 percent sales tax. Burbank’s existing sales tax on businesses in general generates about $33 million per year. The cost of placing a cannabis sales tax measure on the ballot would be around $65,000, which would easily be replaced with cannabis sales tax revenue within a year or less. But the city is still waiting on more information. By the end of the discussion, Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy and Councilmember Talamantes asked staff to bring back more information on a tax proposal. Cindy Giraldo, Burbank’s financial services director, said that in order for a sales tax on cannabis businesses, the city would have to change its current policy in place that bans cannabis businesses. The movement in Burbank continues to roll at a slow pace, but it’s moving in the right direction. A glimmer of hope has now been ignited. c
“There are various structures that can be pursued, depending on the types of allowed cannabis businesses, whether it be a grower, a medical cannabis provider or retail provider.”
Echo Park Rising Named best music festival in 2016 by LA Weekly, Echo Park Rising is not an event to miss, for any local music fan. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this event is free to attend. Featuring the local talent of the Echo Park area, several stages will be set up on Sunset Boulevard, Glendale Boulevard, Alvarado Avenue, Echo Park Avenue and elsewhere. The lineup includes TT featuring Theresa from Warpaint, Shannon Shaw of Shannon and the Clams, Current Joys, Harriet Brown and Grateful Shred. Many consider Alvarado Avenue to be a cultural center of activity in central Los Angeles, full of street vendors from all over the world. This event will take place in the same area. WHEN: Thurs, Aug. 16-Sun, Aug. 19 WHERE: Multiple areas across the street from Echo Park, Los Angeles WEBSITE: epr.la
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Unlocking Potential Los Angeles County issues p r o p o s e d r e g u l at i o n s
By Hilary Bricken
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he rollout of the California’s Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) has been no picnic. The emergency rules released by the State of California last November (and recently re-adopted) still contain gaps and grey areas and the “transition period” ended on July 1. In addition, the majority of California’s 482 cities and 58 counties have rejected cannabis legalization by banning commercial cannabis activity or by enacting rolling moratoria to give themselves time to see how other cities and counties handle things. Just like any other state that has navigated adult-use and medical cannabis commercial activity, California is going to need more time before its
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cannabis market stabilizes, and it’s going to take a while before its cities and counties routinely sign on to local regulations. There is some good news though, as Los Angeles County finally seems ready to open its doors to local cannabis regulations. Under MAUCRSA, before you can secure even a temporary license to operate, you must first obtain “local approval.” Local approval is basically affirmative authorization from the city or county in which you plan to operate that it approves your commercial cannabis activity and location. Local approval can take the form of a city or county license, permit or some other form of authorization. Having the nation’s most populous county on board to regulate and allow for cannabis businesses is a huge step forward for MAUCRSA.
“Los Angeles County cities have banned cannabis or, like the city of Los Angeles, been slow to write cannabis regulations.”
Los Angeles County has long banned commercial cannabis activity of any kind. However, back in February 2017, the county decided it would consider cannabis regulations. The interim director of the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs then released the following options for regulation (or continued prohibition) of cannabis: Allow and regulate all medical and adult-use commercial cannabis activity in unincorporated areas. Allow and regulate commercial cannabis but limit the types of businesses that can locate in unincorporated areas (e.g., allow commercial medical cannabis activities only and limit business types to retail only). Continue to prohibit commercial cannabis in unincorporated areas.
For County Option 1, the county came up with eight components that would make up a comprehensive regulatory framework for all license types “that promotes health equity, ensures the health and safety of consumers and people living and working nearby, prevents cannabis businesses from causing blight or becoming nuisances in their communities, takes residents’ concerns into account and does not promote commercial cannabis activities at the expense of other considerations.” Those eight components aim to: Establish a cannabis commission to oversee the licensing and regulatory enforcement program in conjunction with the existing Office of Cannabis Management. Complete a health impact assessment on the health equity impacts of permitting cannabis businesses in unincorporated areas. Create permits to allow cannabis stores, delivery services, indoor cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and testing laboratories in unincorporated areas. Outdoor cultivation would be a no-go.
Institute permit caps. Institute zoning limitations and buffers. Come up with a social equity program to reduce barriers to entry for those who were disproportionately impacted by the “War on Drugs.” Create a 15-member stakeholder advisory board to assist the cannabis commission and the board of supervisors. Create a business license category for commercial cannabis businesses (in addition to the required permits). The county is also discussing tax proposals for commercial cannabis activity if it opts to institute comprehensive regulation. Permit caps in a county that boasts over 10 million residents are not likely to go over well with those looking for meaningful access to cannabis, especially since most Los Angeles County cities have banned cannabis or, like the city of Los Angeles, been slow to write cannabis regulations. Proposed County Option 2 would limit the types of businesses that could engage in a cannabis business in the county. It might do this by, for example, allowing only medical cannabis but no adult-use cannabis, or just by allowing retail and delivery in an effort to curb the grey and black market shops that continue popping up. County Option 3 would continue the ban on commercial cannabis activity in all portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. This is unlikely to happen given the time and money the county has already spent analyzing its options and given how many tax dollars it will lose by not going forward. Los Angeles County needs only look at its inability to shut down illegal operators to know that its implementing comprehensive (or even limited) regulation will likely help with identifying good versus bad actors. If Los Angeles County wants to succeed with its cannabis regulations it will go with Option 1. c CultureMagazine.com
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Preventing Cancer with Cannabis By Lanny Swerdlow
A
lthough a mountain of anecdotal evidence has been generated pointing to cannabis as having the ability to “cure” cancer, there is not yet any evidentiary-based peerreviewed studies to validate that statement. However, this is not true for the use of cannabis for cancer prevention, because there is a long list of published studies to suggest that cannabis consumption can prevent the development of cancer. In 1974, one of the earliest studies to document the cancer prevention properties of cannabis was conducted by the Medical College of Virginia. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the study was undertaken to find whether cannabis damages the immune system. As reported by The Washington Post, rather than finding any immune system damage, the researchers documented that the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in cannabis “slowed the growth of lung cancers, breast cancers and virus-induced leukemia in laboratory mice, and prolonged their lives by as much as 36 percent.” Unfortunately despite this evidence, the National Institutes of Health eventually suspended the Virginia study and all further research into the cancer prevention properties of cannabis. Stifled but not ended,
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research continued with or without government support. Over the last three decades, multiple studies have found time and time again that the use of cannabis can prevent cancer. In 2008, a collaborative study by five medical researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health was published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. The study found that cannabis halted the spread of a wide range of cancers, including brain cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer and lymphoma. In a 2009 study on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the sixth most common malignancy by incidence worldwide, seven medical researchers reported in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, that “10 to 20 years of marijuana use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of head and neck squamous cell cancer.” Note the use of the word “significantly” by the authors. A reduction of 10 percent to 20 percent would be considered significant, but this study found a reduction of over 50 percent, which would qualify cannabis as super-significant. It should be noted that the study also found that for people who use alcohol and tobacco, the most likely causes for developing HNSCC,
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“A t t h e v e r y l e a s t, t h o s e who have a f a m i ly h i s t o r y of cancer should consider beginning the use of cannabis for cancer prevention.”
those who used cannabis had a lower incidence of HNSCC compared to those who did not. This graphically demonstrates that the cannabinoids found in cannabis are such powerful anti-cancer agents that they can reduce the formation and spread of cancers in the presence of cancer causing agents such as alcohol and tobacco. In 2015, the California Men’s Health Study funded by the National Cancer Institute, found “using tobacco only was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer whereas cannabis use only was associated with a 45 percent reduction in bladder cancer incidence.” The common, and usually ignored, thread of most of these studies was that the cancer prevention properties of cannabis came from the long-term consumption of cannabis requiring a decade or more of frequent use. It is appalling that in order to appease government agencies as well as secure continued funding for their research, scientists shamefully hedged their findings by cautioning that more research needs to be conducted before people can be told that they can lessen their incidence of developing cancer by ingesting cannabis long-term. Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the United States. Since research clearly demonstrates that ingesting cannabis can prevent the development of cancer, then the appropriate ingestion of cannabis is desirable in the same way that health care professionals advise the appropriate ingestion of calcium to prevent or at least delay the onset of osteoporosis. c
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrate
Available wherever: Gold Drop Co. products are carried.
Island Girl The wait is over! One of the most popular extract producers in California is finally offering customers the flowers that make its amazing concentrates, and the Island Girl sativa made one hell of a first impression. This cross of Sweet Island Skunk and Platinum Girl Scout Cookies is truly a beauty straight out of paradise. The mango-esque aromas pair well with its light skunky odors and alongside the gorgeous shades of green and orange—this strain’s tropical charm is unmistakable. The effects are extremely uplifting, and consumers may feel quite the burst of energy when consuming Island Girl. Additionally, the THC content is right around 17 percent, making this a suitable choice for both cannabis novices and veterans alike. It’s pretty epic that Gold Drop Co. is offering flowers now, and Island Girl is a can’t-miss sativa for anyone who enjoys cannabis.
Available wherever: Caliva products are carried.
G Pen GIO Day Dream Hybrid Vape Cartridge Feeling burnt out from the daily grind in the middle of summer? Lost in thought waiting for 5 p.m. to roll around? Well, Caliva has given us another thing to daydream about, and that is the G Pen GIO Day Dream Hybrid Vape Cartridge. This delicious hybrid cartridge works tremendously well, as it is part of the GIO family of cartridges by G Pen, which are some of the best vape pens on the market right now. On top of that, this hybrid concentrate works especially well for getting focused and finding inspiration, making it a top choice for anyone who wants a reliable extract for everyday use. At just over 72 percent THC and chock-full of terpenes, this cartridge certainly packs a punch—and a flavorful one at that! Smooth and subtle lemon flavors are complemented by robust earthy flavors, and with a blend like this, it sure is hard to take only one puff! 24
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REVIEWs
GET YOUR CLICKS
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1. Rosin Stamp Rosin Stamp by The Press Club is the perfect hassle-free way to remove concentrates from parchment paper—just press and lift. Rosin Stamp rises above the competition, with a satisfaction guarantee and a 365-day return policy to back it up. Three different sizes are available, and it won’t rip your parchment paper like a dab tool, so precious concentrates won’t be wasted in the process. If you’re serious about concentrates, or just enjoy an occasional dab, you may want to consider investing in a Rosin Stamp for your collection needs. Price: $19.95 More Information: thepressclub. co/products/rosin-collection
2. OTTO™ by Banana Bros. Let’s face it—every time you try to roll a pre-roll, your friends laugh at you and your end result looks more like a miniature bowling pin than a joint. Do you want pre-rolls that are uniform in size and shape? What you need is the OTTO™ from Banana Bros.—it does everything, from grinding your cannabis to filling pre-rolls. CULTURE tried it out at a house party, and we were impressed that it does what Banana Bros. says it does. OTTO™ Grinder is able to roll up to 30 perfect pre-rolls per charge and is odor and spill-proof. Price: $139.99 More Information: bananabros.com
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3. Fresh Cannabis Santal A fragrance is so much more than an aroma—it boosts confidence, self-esteem and general appeal. With a sensual woody masculine scent that blends rich fruits like kumquat and dark plum with patchouli, magnolia, chocolate, vetiver and vanilla, this is a winner. Made by Fresh®, this essence produces a diverse bouquet of fragrances. Rich earthy notes will leave a lasting impression. The scents are not too overpowering, making it possible to use as a unisex fragrance. Its retro artisan bottle will also make an impression in your bathroom quarters. Price: $50-$90 More Information: www.fresh.com
4. GenKit So you’ve planted a few seeds and they’re in the early stages of vegetation, but you want to ensure you’re dedicating your time to only the flowerproducing females. Look no further, Steep Hill Labs has come out with the GenKit, a genetic testing kit that identifies the sex of your seedlings, as well as other important factors from a leaf sample sent to the lab by you. Often, sex is determined too late and one male plant can pollinate and ruin an entire cultivation operation, turning buds into seeds. GenKit also documents your plant’s genetic makeup, which will identify your plant’s strain or if it is genetically unique. Price: $99 More Information: store.steephill.com
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Sound of Summer Sublime with Rome is back with a new full length album on the way
By Benjamin M. Adams
Sublime with Rome, in all of its iterations, has become one of the most important and popular reggae/rock acts in recent memory, selling over 17 million albums as either Sublime or Sublime with Rome. Many bands over the years would attempt to duplicate the sound of Sublime with Rome—fusing punk, reggae, ska and hip-hop. The reigns of lead vocalist were handed to Rome Ramirez in 2009, which led to a slight name change, creating a new synergy. The trio now consists of Ramirez, original bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Carlos Verdugo. Over the last decade, Ramirez has taken Sublime with Rome back into the charts as one of the top reggae acts in America—including a top 10 album on the Billboard 200 and a charting a top 10 single on U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs. Rome Ramirez also hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs and U.S. Billboard Rock Songs providing vocals for his duet “Lay me Down” with The Dirty Heads in 2010. Ramirez then went on to record extensively with Enrique Iglesias on tracks including a song co-written by Pitbull. On July 27, Sublime with Rome debuted its new single, “Wicked Heart” from its forthcoming new studio album, and fans love it. CULTURE caught up Ramirez to discuss the new album, the creative process and of course, cannabis. CULTURE: Good morning, how are you? [Bubbler noise as Rome takes a dab] How’s it going, bro? I’m just getting ready to take off to Canada. We’ve got a cool show happening there. What are you currently working on in the studio? Right now we’re just finishing up our new record. Eric is actually cutting some bass tracks today up in North Hollywood near Burbank. We’re finishing up the last touches for our third studio album. It’s fuckin’ nuts. We’ve been working on it for a minute, so it’s really been nice to arrive at this 10-year stretch. 30
What is it like working with producer Rob Cavallo—a legend himself—with so many albums under his belt? It’s just been amazing. It’s been a real life blessing, being able to work with a bunch of legends. I mean, all these guys really know what the fuck they’re doing. It’s constantly a learning experience. I’m like a sponge by nature—so I probably ask too many questions, and I just observe how everyone does things, because I myself am a producer as well. I’m really lucky. From an educational standpoint, it’s like the fuckin’ ultimate crash course.
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Are there any details about when readers can expect your upcoming album? [We dropped] a single [Wicked Heart on July 27]. And then, I can imagine that the album will be released [in] not too long—probably early next year. The album title is kind of under wraps.
we’ve always done it. When I started working with the guys, that was how we were able to shake [things up]. I think it’s really cool. Eric has a really good system. It’s not like we just play a song and then that’s all there is to it. We have to rough it up, then chop it up in a very unique way.
Sublime has always been a genre-jumping force in the world of music. Beyond reggae, were you shaped by punk rock and hip-hop? For me personally, I just kind of see the evolution of what punk has become, and also edgier hip-hop music. But it’s kind of morphed into a pseudo-genre, it feels like. I feel like, as far as what we do, and how we encompass those kinds of genres on an album, we just find a way to go there sonically. And then, we make it cohesive, and we work backwards from there. We’ll start out with a super rough cut of a song and then we’ll be like, “Let’s take it back,” so we can fit it into Sublime’s world a little bit more. That’s how
After you took the reigns as lead vocalist of the band, how much did your life change? My life changed completely. It completely changed. I went from sleeping in a van to owning a house. Now, I’m traveling around the world, and I’m able to buy myself a car, get married and have a baby. I’d say every little aspect of my life changed 100 percent.
“I feel that if you only do one kind of music, you’re limited geographically as to where you can travel. With reggae music, there’s a huge pocket for it everywhere around the world.”
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Do you remember which song you sang that impressed Sublime and made them decide to have you join the band? I never really auditioned for it. I would just go over to Eric’s house and get high and jam. This one day, he asked me to play a set at his house at a party, and the two of us played five Sublime songs. After that, everyone wanted me to be in the band. I think we played “Johnny Butt.” We played “Ebin” a lot. We also played “Pool Shark” and a bunch of covers. Is there a different vibe surrounding your live shows when you travel to remote areas like Japan? As far as the vibe of the people, they are some of the best people I’ve ever met in my entire life. Japanese culture is incredible. Every place has different laws,
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“I smoke all day. That’s my thing. I don’t even know what a day without smoking cannabis is like—to put it that way. I smoke herb when I do the dishes. I smoke herb in the studio. I smoke herb to work out. I just smoke herb all the time, basically.” Photos by Andreas Ramirez
so the weed thing changes depending on where we go. For the most part, Sublime has a certain type of fan. In our band, everybody is on the same page, and we’re the same kind of people, on and off the stage. We really get along well with them. Everyone is always super respectful. Obviously, cannabis is important in your daily lives. But do fans hook you up with bud? A lot. When we’re somewhere that we’ve never been, or somewhere where we don’t have a lot of friends, that shit comes in handy. As soon as we get into town, we’re like “Who’s got the fuckin’ herb?” It’s always the same. Fans always get us hooked up first. Before the promoter can or before a stage hand can. Fans always provide it first.
Sublime with Rome is notorious for working alongside cannabis companies to create exclusive products. What is an Orange Dynamite Stick, and how did the name originate? We have the song “Dynamite” on the first album. We really wanted to infuse some citrus flavors and at the time, we were doing a chocolate bar with Dixie Brands. It was going really, really well. It was orange chocolate with 100mg of THC. We sold a fuckin’ butt-ton of those. We were like, “Yo. Let’s work with our boy Brett to release a really badass citrus strain.” He was already doing Orange Cookies. We hit up him, and I was like, “I’d really like to do some sort of Orange Cookies cross with a really nice hybrid.” So we used Orange Wreck and crossed it with Bubblegum, which was a Cannabis Cup winner back in the ’90s. So, we
came up with Orange Dynamite. That was a really big seller for us as well. We’re in the process of coming up with some new stuff as well. We distinctly remember reviewing WonderBrett’s Orange Dynamite Stick Sauce, and the concentrate was honestly incredible— both sweet and potent. Do you have any more cannabis-related endorsements? Dude—it’s fuckin’ crazy. Nobody makes sauce like Brett does. Harvest Moon Gardens is really bomb, too. It’s just a small handful of guys who really know what they’re doing when it comes to sauce. There are a lot of people who can really kill the shatter game, but sauce can be a really particular thing, and you gotta know what you’re looking for, as far as terpene profiles, etc.
Photos by Andreas Ramirez
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Do you use cannabis to enhance creativity in the studio, or do you incorporate more like a work hard, play hard later mantra? I’ve already done two dabs since we’ve been talking. I smoke all day. That’s my thing. I don’t even know what a day without smoking cannabis is like—to put it that way. I smoke herb when I do the dishes. I smoke herb in the studio. I smoke herb to work out. I just smoke herb all the time, basically. Dabs, weed, whatever. I don’t like edibles too much. I know this sounds real salesey, but I really do like our line of bars, which are currently out of stock. About eight years ago, we had Dirty Heads on the cover of CULTURE. Can we expect any more collabs with Dirty Heads in the future? Yes. Those are my brothers. I’m on some of their older albums. I do [cut] beats with Jared [Watson], whenever
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he’s in the mood to do music outside of Dirty Heads. I worked with Duddy [Dustin Bushnell] on his solo work. They’re literally like my brothers, in the sense that sometimes they annoy me, and sometimes I annoy the fuck out of them. A lot of the time we get together and play music together. I’ll work with them forever. As far as I know, we’ll probably skip them on this album, but you know, we’ll work with them on the next. Who knows. Reggae is a language that everyone seems to understand. Do you thrive on diversity in the crowds at your shows? Yes. That’s a really big thing for us. Like you said, it’s a really versatile type of music, and we have a versatile fan base. So we fuckin’ eat that shit up. What’s become of that is that we’re able to go to a lot of other countries. I feel that if you only do one kind of music, you’re limited
Photos by Andreas Ramirez
geographically as to where you can travel. With reggae music, there’s a huge pocket for it everywhere around the world. Specifically, what Sublime did and what [it] did for the genre in the ’90s and moving forward, it allows us to exist in different genres and still be able to travel. Are there any noteworthy shows coming up in the following months that readers should plan for? We have the new album that’s coming next year, at the top of the year. We have a lot of shows planned for the end of summer. One of the biggest is going to be Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, [Nevada]. We’re really excited about that. That’s always a really big show for us. We touring now in preparation for the new album, and after it drops, we’ll be doing a formal tour. c www.sublimewithrome.com
Eric Wilson Dropping a Bassline with
Eric Wilson has been playing for Sublime or Sublime spinoff bands since 1988. In the early days, Wilson, along with Floyd “Bud” Gaugh VI and Bradley, played music at locations as small as house parties with the then-unknown starlet Gwen Stefani and her band, No Doubt. Stefani later recorded the duet “Saw Red” with Sublime. Through the mid1990s, the sound of California included third wave ska, a blend of punk and ska that dominated the airwaves. Sublime mirrored bands like Save Ferris, No Doubt, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish and The Offspring, as well as Bay Area punk bands emerging from Gilman St. in Oakland, California, such as Green Day, Rancid, Operation Ivy and more. But Sublime incorporated both third wave ska and the G funk sound of Long Beach along the lines of Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg and Warren G. Rolling Stone ranked Sublime’s selftitled album as number 25 on its list of the 100 Best Albums of the ’90s. The album documented the 1992 riots perfectly with “April 29, 1992” and songs like “Santeria” still get radio play. While Sublime purists still mourn the loss of the band’s original front man Nowell, who left us over 20 years ago, fortunately
the band forged on and embarked on a new era. After the death of Nowell, Wilson and Gaugh formed Long Beach Dub Allstars. Following that, Wilson went on to form Long Beach Shortbus while Gaugh formed Eyes Adrift and Volcano. The two would reunite in 2009 to reform Sublime—but this time with Rome Ramirez. A lawsuit forced them to slightly change the name. The rest is history. Drummers Bud Gaugh and Josh Freese would eventually be replaced by Carlos Verdugo. Cannabis constantly plays an important role. While Rome is clearly a dabber, Wilson prefers the tried-and-true classic delivery method. When CULTURE asked him if he prefers dabs or flower, “Flowers,” Wilson quickly said. Sublime with Rome’s last full-length studio album Sirens incorporated a level of experimentation including some psychedelic elements. Wilson tried to explain the direction of the new album. “Oh I definitely don’t know how to describe it,” Wilson said. “[We’re] getting away from the psychedelic thing.” As an original member of Sublime since 1988, Eric represents a connection to the past while Rome brings a whole new creative direction to the band. c Photos by Andreas Ramirez
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Show Me the Money A recent flood of celebrities have entered the cannabis arena By David Edmundson Celebrities pride themselves on being on top of hot trends. And right now, nothing is hotter than the cannabis industry. (Unless you count fanny packs, because nothing is hotter than those—right?) Celebrity cannabis endorsements go back decades, hitting their stride in the ’70s when cannabis became the focal point for Cheech Marin’s and Tommy Chong’s Cheech & Chong films. It was relegated to part of the counterculture of that time, but as Cheech & Chong made way for teen stoner comedies of the ’80s, the mindset started to change. No longer was it only a back room remedy for outcasts and musicians, the late ’70s and ’80s comedies brought cannabis to college in movies like Animal House and Revenge of the Nerds. The ’90s catapulted it further with films like Friday and Kevin Smith’s View Askewniverse series of films that culminated in the hysterical Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. This brings us to the current century, where cannabis is not only a rich avenue to mine for laughs, but it has become a huge business. And where there is money to be made, there is an agent looking to diversify the portfolio of a celebrity—and take his 15 percent commission, of course. But unlike boring investments like mutual funds and certificate of deposits, cannabis is not only highly lucrative, it can make a celebrity seem cool, and better yet, help heal the world. Throughout the years, there have been staunch supporters and investors in the cannabis industry. These people include the aforementioned Cheech & Chong, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg and many others, but recently a new crop of celebrities has entered the fray. Here is a rundown of the most recent entrants into the cannabis business world.
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Gene Simmons The iconic member of the rock band KISS has never consumed cannabis, but if there is one thing the musician knows, it’s how to make a buck. Short of Star Wars, no brand is as well-managed, and eclectic, as KISS merchandise. This is a brand that features a KISS-branded coffin and KISS strings for your air guitar (let that sink in). Simmons was notorious for his anti-drug stance, once saying that cannabis was akin to heroin. He attributed his change of heart on the matter to simply researching cannabis, something he urges everyone to do. “The Demon” recently invested $10 million in Canadian cannabis producer Invictus MD. Simmons will be the company’s Chief Evangelist Officer and will provide counsel, serve as a spokesperson for the company and make public appearances for the brand.
Gwyneth Paltrow The Academy Award-winning actress’ lifestyle brand Goop will be partnering with cannabis dispensary chain MedMen™ to release a line of cannabis products. The line is currently focused solely on the purported medical applications of cannabis, which includes vape pens, cannabisinfused teas, edibles, bath bombs and transdermal patches.
Jim Belushi The funnyman, who grows cannabis on his Oregon farm, recently announced that he has rolled out his own line of cannabis products, Belushi’s Vault. One of the products is to be named after The Blues Brothers, the comedy classic starring his late brother John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Belushi also recently hosted a dinner where he invited several cannabis companies to pitch their products to a group of investors, including Kevin O’Leary of television’s Shark Tank.
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Amber Rose
Kevin Smith
American model, celebrity icon and podcast co-host of Loveline with Amber Rose, Amber Rose is an outspoken sex-positive feminist who has gained many fans over the years as the organizer of The Amber Rose SlutWalk. In the past, Rose has launched a clothing line, eyewear line and emoji app. She is also a published author and had her own talk show on VH1 entitled The Amber Rose Show. In July, Rose finally branched into the cannabis industry, launching a limited edition vaporizer by KandyPens.
The acclaimed director is no stranger to cannabis. He even appeared on the cover of CULTURE once upon a time. His new project is a scripted cannabis comedy that centers around a Los Angeles dispensary, and he needs your help. Smith is currently attempting to crowdfund the first season of Hollyweed, and you can watch the first episode now on Rivit TV. The pilot was shot in 2006 and has been on a shelf while he awaited on traditional investors. After his recent health scare and seeing firsthand how cannabis aided in his recovery, he has decided to skip the “money men� of Hollywood and instead go directly to his audience. Fans can check out the pilot, and if you would like to help fund additional episodes, the crowdfunding goes through Aug. 25.
Mike Tyson The legendary boxer and ear connoisseur purchased a 40-acre lot of land 110 miles away from Los Angeles, California, with the intention of transforming it into Tyson Ranch. The compound would produce top-shelf cannabis products, but also take advantage of new technologies to research the medicinal value of cannabis. In June, the former boxing champion launched Tyson Holistic Holdings for medicinal cannabis and Tyson Ranch, his recreational cannabis line.
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End of S U MM E R G e taway
Pack your bags and book a c a n n a b i s v a c at i o n t h at b e s t f i t s y o u r d e s t i n at i o n d e s i r e s
By Kiara Manns
The summer season often brings an influx of vacationers to almost every part of the world, and cannabis consumers are no exception when giving into the temptation of summertime travel. Oftentimes it can be difficult to come across the perfect, cannabis-friendly destination. Given the increasing boom of the cannabis industry, the market has opened doors for various companies to tailor specific services to those who love imbibing cannabis while getting away. Get to know a few travel agencies that cater specifically to those looking for the perfect cannabis-friendly getaway.
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Bud and Breakfast Take the convenience of Airbnb and combine it with cannabis to create a stress-free getaway! With Bud and Breakfast, guests have “instant access to safe and legal cannabisfriendly accommodations worldwide.” This company allows potential guests to have an array of lodging choices, while also giving property owners exposure to travelers eagerly in search of the perfect getaway home away from home. This service is great for anyone hoping to enjoy their travels in a comfortable and welcoming environment, rather than the impersonal atmosphere that is often found with hotels. However, properties can range from private homes to charming villas to fit the preferences of every kind of wanderer. Bud and Breakfast promises “an accessible network of accommodations that meet high standards for quality, reliability, and satisfaction for travelers who also enjoy the benefits of the wonderful healing plant, marijuana.” Offering the ability to venture out as far as Uruguay or Canada, this service is helpful to even the most adventurous of travelers.
Kush Tourism For those looking for an online resource to expose them to a variety of travel options within the United States, Kush Tourism might be the way to go. Kush Tourism connects potential travelers with lodging, dispensaries and cannabis tours in several states. “We partner with travel agencies, cannabis tour companies, pot friendly lodging establishments, farmers, processors and retailers,” the company explains. Kush Tourism provides valuable information about travel opportunities, and operates its very own cannabis culture tour in Seattle, Washington. For those curious about cannabis destinations outside of Washington, Kush Tourism also maintains a forum for consumers to discuss and ask questions based on locations they’d like to vacation to.
travelTHC Cannabis-friendly rental properties are just a click away at travelTHC. Cannabis consumers can be at peace knowing their green lifestyle is welcomed at any of the properties listed with travelTHC. What began as a small startup
in Colorado has now expanded to include locations such as Washington, Oregon and Alaska. International visitors looking for the right ambiance have taken travelTHC into their own hands in assisting them in booking their ideal vacation home. Bungalows, cabins, suites and more can all be found through this website. Whether vacationers are in need of a metropolitan city or a hideout in the mountains, travelTHC will match them to the location to best fit their preferences.
RastaVacations Planning out every detail of a vacation can be exhausting, especially when attempting to navigate cannabis-friendly activities and sites. RastaVacations sets customers with preplanned itineraries and travel packages to allow vacationers all the fun experiences without all the hassle of planning and booking during their trip. RastaVacations proudly shares, “We are a ‘green,’ pro-personal choice, pro-legal marijuana, travel resource and company. Our guests are both individuals and groups who prefer a more tolerant vacation experience—and those who appreciate great, unique adventures and destinations.” With each package, every day is organized with events, cultural excursions and sightseeing. Embark on the Amsterdam trip that includes museum visits, countryside trips and a coffee shop crawl in what is recognized as one the cannabis Capital of Europe. Other international packages include Jamaica, Uruguay, Colombia, Canada and the Dominican Republic.
HotBox Jamaica Sizzling temperatures of summer cause many to flock to the tropical islands of the Caribbean, and without a doubt, Jamaica will be on the brain for anyone hoping to kick back on the beach with green by their side. HotBox Jamaica offers specialty lodging, tours of cannabis farms and popular sites on the island overall. Ocean views, balconies and private beach access are just some of the few perks HotBox Jamaica provides its guests. The company is operated by the owners of Canada’s original cannabis lounge, HotBox, and it promises to offer “the most relaxing Jamaican Ganja vacation.” Located in the heart of Runaway Bay, a town on the northern coast of Jamaica, accommodations are in close proximity to nightlife, restaurants and transportation services. c CultureMagazine.com
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Famed Feline Lil BUB is the internet’s most adorable advocate for CBD oil and homeless pets
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By John McClain
L
ooking at Lil BUB can feel like an out-of-this-world experience. Lil BUB’s walleyed eyes, protruding tongue and exceptionally cute appearance helped this one-of-a-kind cat gain international fandom and help advocate for special needs and homeless pets with positivity and acceptance. She also discovered a new purpose recently after her owner shared her experience using hemp-derived CBD oil, making her become a public face for medical cannabis and CBD hemp oil use for pets. Lil BUB was discovered as the runt of a feral litter and was recognized immediately as a cat with special needs. Mike Bridavsky took her in to
live in his apartment with him after several friends shared pictures of the singularly unique kitten. Bridavsky already owned four other adopted cats that live at his Russian Recording studio in Bloomington, Indiana. The now four-pound, seven-year-old cat has several conditions that make her healthcare a unique challenge. Her conditions include dwarfism, an underdeveloped lower jaw, no teeth, one extra toe on each paw and osteopetrosis, which causes her bones to gradually grow denser as she ages. Bridavsky has used a variety of treatments to help Lil BUB live her life to the fullest, including Reiki, energy healing and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with an Assisi Loop. Bridavsky said he prefers more alternative treatments since traditional ones left her listless. “She doesn’t respond very well to those,” he said. Her internet fame started as a YouTube video of Lil BUB as a playful kitten pouncing on camera and now includes several social media channels, including over three million likes on Facebook. Her playful nature, unique chirping sounds and precociously protruding tongue make her a unique addition to the viral age of feline internet sensations. She is a published “author,” has her own merchandise line including plushies in her likeness, and starred in an awardwinning VICE Media documentary about internet cats called Lil BUB & Friendz. Lil BUB and her “dude,” Bridavsky, have also created Lil BUB’s Big FUND for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which provides grants to shelters to assist with special needs care.
For the last year, Lil BUB has been taking hemp-derived CBD oil daily to manage her discomfort from her debilitating conditions. “Her mood and spirit seemed to be lifted,” said Bridavsky, who said after reviewing one of her older videos, he noticed a marked change in level over the years. The challenge with a cat like Lil BUB, who has several medical conditions, is being able to track how the oil is benefitting her. “Everything with BUB seemed to be a question mark,” he said, noting a cat with one condition, like seizures, would be easier to track the response from the treatment. His followers have surprised him with the amount of support showered on Lil BUB’s recent pet CBD hemp oil campaign with cbdMD, which has been featured in recent social media posts. “Overall, extremely positive,” he said, noting some 95 percent of comments were in support of the treatment option. Videos and images depict her happily playing with cat toys and scampering around, something that was a challenge more recently as her osteopetrosis condition grows worse, making it hard for her to move around. “She’s been spryer and more with it than ever before,” he said. Many commenters mentioned their own administering of CBD oil to their pets for treatment of various ailments and, sometimes, their own use. Comments also thanked Bridavsky for discussing the treatment option openly. “I always recommend to talk to your vet before giving anything to your own pets,” said Bridavsky, who said he had met with Lil BUB’s vet and received their approval before giving her any CBD oil. He echoes that advice in the comments section of posts, including to the few skeptics who comment adversely about the CBD oil treatment, citing the lack of data about it. Considering her small size, Bridavsky slowly worked Lil BUB up to a current two 300mg
dropperfuls of CBD oil, which she happily takes. He acknowledges that is a high dose for a four-pound cat. He also administers CBD oil to one of his recording studio cats, Special Agent Dale Cooper, to help with his arthritis.
“She’s been spryer and more with it than ever before.”
Bridavsky said it was a great idea that the California legislature is currently considering Assembly Bill 2215 that would regulate cannabis for pets just like how it is for adults in California and empowering more veterinarians to recommend this type of treatment. Similarly in New York, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin recently introduced an amendment, Bill No A10104, which would allow pets to have access to medical cannabis. In addition, the potential of CBD on epileptic dogs is currently being tested at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Cannabis-derived CBD contains a lot more cannabinoids,” he said, noting that a cannabis-based fullspectrum oil could have medical properties beyond hemp-derived CBD oil. “I think it would be great to legally give it to your pet if they would benefit.” c
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Industry Insider
Silvia and Dirk Lindley
Wellness through Water
How the road to wellness led to Cannaki’s i n t e r n at i o n a l s u c c e s s By R. Scott Rappold “Maybe you should reach out and try some cannabis.” When those words came from the mouth of a doctor, it changed Dirk Lindley’s life. It was 2009 and his wife’s sister was terminally ill with breast cancer, given just days to live, and here was a doctor suggesting she try cannabis, something Lindley had never tried himself. “That was like a culture shock for us,” recalled Lindley. It didn’t save her life, but since his wife had already lost three
M.
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other family members to breast cancer, he began researching the cancer-fighting potential of the plant and specifically cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component with great medical potential. “I made it my life’s mission to learn everything I could about cannabis.” The fruits of that mission are now for sale across the U.S. and in nine other countries. Cannaki Beverage Company launched its line of CBD waters earlier this year and Lindley, CEO, expects sales to soon reach three-million bottles a month.
“There’s no such thing as overnight success. It looks like it but there was a lot of hard work and p r e p a r at i o n going in, knowing t h i s d ay w a s coming.”
W.
“We were lied to”
Lindley, 59, had always believed the propaganda, the government-issued negativity about cannabis and all drugs. So, he never smoked it or tried any other drugs. “When I found we were lied to early on it opened my eyes to everything, that we’ve been lied to by everyone, everywhere,” he said. “Now I have smoked it, and I enjoy it like everybody else.” A lifelong entrepreneur with experience in the beverage industry, he decided to put his newfound liberating knowledge to work for himself and his family. The concept was a CBD-infused water that tasted great—which was not as easy as you might think. “The challenge is when you really put a good volume of CBD in any product, it has a taste to it. Developing the flavor without any flavoring, just developing the right combination to have it taste pleasant as you drink it, that’s really important,” he said. The years between his 2009 epiphany and the 2018 product release were spent on research and development, though he also launched the luxury CBD skin-care brand Cannamour in the meantime. Lindley knew early on that the beverage couldn’t be marketed as medicine, despite the potential of CBD to fight inflammation, pain, seizures, anxiety, depression and even cancer. People are conditioned to think of medicine as tasting bad, and Lindley worried the product would fall flat. He also knew that the hemp plant would have to be the core of the operation, so Lindley developed an operation that controls everything “from seed to bottle.” His grow operations would have to focus on strains with less than 0.03 percent THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, and he would own the laboratories to test them to be sure. “Any time it’s over 0.03 you’ve got to burn down your crop,” he said. “By all definitions, we’re not even from the cannabis plant. We’re from the hemp plant.” He takes pride in rigorous testing so people who aren’t looking to get high can have confidence in what they’re consuming, plus the fact it would be illegal to sell Cannaki beverages across state lines and online with THC. (That said, the Aliso Viejo, California-based company is poised
to launch a THC-infused beverage line “when the environment changes.”)
O.
Overnight Growth
Cannaki sold 500,000 bottles in the first month of the launch earlier this year, as consumers clearly took to flavors like Coconut Mojito, Berry Blast, Lemon Lime and Tropical Punch. It’s already on store shelves across the country and can legally be shipped anywhere in the U.S., as one flavor or mixed packs. Lindley says he is also poised to announce a distribution deal with “two large retail chains,” though as of press time the deal had not been finalized. There’s even CBD water for pets. “One of the major pet store chains asked if we would make pet water. I said, ‘I did. It’s called Cannaki.’ Okay, so I switched the label, changed the name, and now you have pet water. It’s taking off really really well, but it’s the same water.” He attributes the seemingly instant success to sound, steady planning over years, so when the product launched the company wouldn’t have to scramble to meet the demand. And there’s also the great-tasting flavors and the reliability of a rigidly-tested product, coming on the market at a time when interest in CBD is at an all-time high. But he won’t use the term “overnight success.” There were plenty of lean times, of instant macaroni and cheese dinners while laying the foundations to be able to eventually produce 24 million bottles a month, the expected output in the foreseeable future. “There’s no such thing as overnight success. It looks like it but there was a lot of hard work and preparation going in, knowing this day was coming. From the day we created the company, when we put this all together, I knew we would be selling this much in a very short time, and I had to make sure everything was in place before I opened up those floodgates.” And as a true believer in the health benefits of CBD, he’s just happy people are partaking, including him and his family, who drink it constantly. “People ask us all the time, what’s the best application to take CBD, I say, ‘All of the above,’” he said. “We’re by no means trying to say it’s the only way or the best way. It’s just one way.” c CultureMagazine.com
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Hilarity and Charm Stand-up comedian and podcast host Martin Moreno is unapologetically authentic 46
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Photos by Rafael Cardena
By Simon Weedn
F
or almost two decades now, Martin Moreno has been a nonstop source of gut-busting laughter and hilarity. First, he became known locally around Southern California’s various comedy clubs and then later as a staple of his longtime friend and comedian Gabriel Iglesias’ massive international tours and Comedy Central TV shows. In recent years, Moreno has continued to perform prolifically across the state of California and tour extensively while also developing and co-hosting the popular Yo Yo Yo Podcast w/ Martin & Hooter. Recently, CULTURE got a chance to chat with Moreno and hear about his podcast, the challenges of touring in today’s political climate, and, of course, his feelings on legalizing cannabis.
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You host the Yo Yo Yo Podcast w/ Martin & Hooter. Can you tell us a bit about how it got started? Well, I bought podcast equipment a little over five years ago. At the time, people were kind of shitting on podcasts and saying things like, “Dude, they’ve had their day. It’s a dead horse.” So I kind of adopted that mentality until I was at the Irvine Improv and the dude who works the door asked me, “Why don’t you have a podcast? Every time we talk it’s always an interesting conversation.” I told him I thought they were done, and he told me I was completely wrong. He goes, “Podcasts haven’t even begun. I’m a communications major in school, and I think podcasts are in their infancy, and they’re revolutionizing communication as we know it.” So I listened to him, went home, grabbed an ironing board, set up the equipment on it, and put it out there. Now we’re coming up on our 100th episode; I co-host it with my son, Hooter Moreno, who’s also a comic, and on it we talk about family, religion, current events, politics and just about everything else. Not to sound conceited, but it’s pretty entertaining, and a lot of our listeners listen to episodes multiple times. Is it challenging collaborating with your son? Are there ever times you feel like you’ve got to hold back on saying something because your son is in the room? Never. I started doing 48
“ . . . I broke both of my hands almost b a c k -t o - b a c k a few years ago, and I s ta r t e d u s i n g C BD o i n t m e n t on them, and it helped me t r e m e n d o u s ly. ” comedy when Hooter was about nine or 10 years old, and I would take him to the shows with me; and I had a bit about using my Mom’s veladoras with Jesus glowing on them as sex candles back then. I’ve never sheltered him, and I’ve always had the type of relationship with him where I’m an open book. On your podcast you’ve interviewed folks and touched on the benefits of things like cannabidiol (CBD) for personal health. How long have you been interested in cannabis as medicine? Marijuana as medicine didn’t really happen until later on in life for me. I’ve smoked my entire life and enjoyed it, but I didn’t start looking into the medicinal properties until my mom developed Alzheimer’s disease, and I started wondering whether there was anything weed could do for her. Then, I broke both of my hands almost backto-back a few years ago,
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and I started using CBD ointment on them, and it helped me tremendously. You also just announced some tour dates for Texas coming up soon. You’ve toured all over the world, is it ever challenging or intimidating to leave home base and take your material out to new and different audiences? It is. I was fortunate enough to travel with Gabriel Iglesias all over the world, and his audience is a very family-friendly one; and it’s what’s gotten him the success he has. My comedy is a lot more raw and kind of in-yourface. I’m not preachy,
but I am pointing out a lot of absurdities and challenging the norms of religion. So, when you hit places like the “Bible Belt,” you start wondering, “Am I going to piss these people off? Are they going to feel offended over this?” But, at the end of the day, if you’re feeling offended by something a comedian is saying in this point in time where in our country we have a commander-in-chief who’s quoted as saying, “Grab them by the pussy.” If you’re going to hold me to a higher standard than that, then eat a dick, dude.
+ martinmoreno.com
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1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced bananas and lemon juice. Toss well. Remove from the bowl and place in a plastic bag and freeze.
Bodacious Banana Bowl
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 medium bananas, peeled and sliced
Replace your ice cream using this sweet and infused recipe
1 tablespoon lemon juice
By Laurie Wolf
1 tablespoon cannacoconut oil
I
t’s hot out. In the cannabis-friendly days of summer, there is nothing like ice cream to get you a frosty summer buzz. This banana “ice cream” is smooth, creamy and wonderfully refreshing. And it’s vegan! Next time your bananas are overripening, throw them into the freezer, and you’ll be able to make this infused treat at a moment’s notice. This Bodacious Banana Bowl recipe is straightforward, and the cocoa sauce takes just a couple of minutes to prepare. Overall, this is an easy-peasy dosed summer sensation. If you are a high dose cannabis person, you can infuse both the ice cream and the sauce. Just remember that moderation is key, and if you do it right, you will have an enjoyable experience every time. 50
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Photo by Bruce Wolf
2-3 teaspoons agave nectar
COCOA Sauce: 2 tablespoons coconut oil* 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 2 teaspoons agave nectar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 4 tablespoons walnuts, toasted and chopped
2. Place the frozen bananas in the bowl of a food processor. Add the agave and the tablespoon of canna-oil. Purée until smooth. Immediately scoop into serving bowls or place in the freezer in a freezer safe bowl. 3. In a small pan, warm the coconut oil*. Stir in the cocoa and agave and mix until smooth. Remove from the heat. Add the vanilla and set aside. 4. To serve place a scoop of ice cream in serving bowls, drizzle with the chocolate sauce and sprinkle with the chopped walnuts. *If you are interested in infusing the sauce, use a tablespoon of infused coconut oil in addition to a tablespoon of regular oil, and add the cocoa to that.
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GROWING CULTURE
Ketama, Morocco’s Cannabis Paradise By Ed Rosenthal
C
lose your eyes and imagine a land where almost every bit of arable space is planted with high THC cannabis. If you opened them in the province of Ketama, in northern Morocco, that would be reality. My partner Jane and I took a three-and-a-half hour flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands to Marrakesh, Morocco, hung out there for a few days, then hired a car and driver for the five-hour ride to cross the countryside to the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen, which flourishes on both domestic and international tourism. We saw no sign of cannabis in the two cities, no paraphernalia in shops, no one consuming it and certainly none in the fields. However, that scene changed as soon as we crossed the border into the province of Ketama. It is located in the Rif Mountains, which have a pattern of steep hills, protected valleys and broad slopes. Its inhabitants are Berbers, indigenous people who have lived in North Africa for thousands of years, and they have their own culture, distinct from the rest of Morocco. And one of the only sources of income is cannabis. 52
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Before we set out, we met a grower who lived 15 minutes from the town center. The house is built around an inner courtyard. Our host showed us three bags of kief made from last year’s crop—each a different variety. Hashmaking has improved tremendously over the 30 years, since I first toured Morocco. His product was very satisfying. We took a tour of our host’s farm, which consisted of fields ranging from fairly flat to moderately steep slopes. Cannabis was planted everywhere. Of course it did better on flat land, because the soil has more nutrients than on sloped land. Our host gave us full rein to explore on his property and the surrounding farms. But before he drove us back to town, he took us up the mountain. At the very top, the land was leveled flat, and his cousin was building a large house there. The geography was plainly visible. These young mountains pushed up steep and jagged with a valley separating the peaks. We could see that every section of land that could support a crop was planted with cannabis. It reminded me of Van Gogh’s paintings of farms and fields. Differing techniques and the varieties being planted resulted in a patchwork of green and tan shades delineating each farmer’s holdings. Farmers here were still growing using the traditional technique
of planting plants close together to produce a single bud. Done properly and supported by nutrients, this can be an efficient technique for commercial production, because it would save the time and energy spent keeping plants in vegetative state. Most of the farmers do not understand that a pollinated female plant will not produce a resinous bud. It would be better if they pulled the male plants so that the female plants’ energy went into producing bud, rather than seed. There weren’t many tourists in town, probably because it wasn’t hash buying season. In fact, there were so few guests at our hotel that we were assured of a “superior room.” The hotel was located in a valley. The land was flat and the plants were well cultivated and very healthy. I was looking at 25 acres right outside the hotel window. It was hilly on the back of the hotel, but parts of the slope had been terraced to make space for more cultivation. We left Ketama shortly after we took photos and then we travelled to Fez, Morocco by car. It is a long journey because of the road winding its way through the mountains. The entire area, everywhere we could see, was planted with weed. It only stopped at the border of the district. At the official border the landscape abruptly changed into olive tree orchards, wheat, alfalfa and other crops, but no cannabis was visible. c
View of the area from the top of the mountain. The land is flat towards the town center and then the slope increases into steep mountains. Every arable space is used. More was created using terracing.
The Shotwa Hotel. Ketama’s grandest. Our room cost about $20 a night. Hot water is available only on the first floor. The glory has faded but the bed was comfortable. No TV or AC.
Workers removing males. It’s an impossible task because the fields are so vast. Even if they were all removed, pollen from other fields would still pollinate the females.
A bag of premium kief that will be pressed into hash. Years ago the hash was very weak. Interbreeding with modern varieties has increased its potency to acceptable levels.
To deal with the steep slope, individual planting areas were constructed to make level planting areas.
The town is surrounded by fields. Not a tomato plant in sight.
Male flowers. It’s the first week of July and all the male plants are flowering. Even in midsummer the plants receive more than 10 hours of darkness, inducing them to flower.
The author standing by a field with the city in the background.
After the males are picked they are bundled up and carried out of the field. They are fed to livestock.
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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SOCAL NOW! event listings
BrunchCon LA, Aug. 5 Loved by slackers, alarmsnoozers and people who can’t decide between breakfast or lunch everywhere, a celebration of this wonderful weekend mealtime is coming to Los Angeles. If you need another reason to hit up the open bar for endless mimosas before noon, you’ll be glad to know BrunchCon LA will have giant Jenga, Corn Hole and mimosa-pong available (you know, to help pass the time before dinner). The Reef, Los Angeles brunchcon.com
www.monsterjam.com/enUS/events/los-angeles-ca
The Comedy Get Down, Aug. 17 Featuring Cedric “The Entertainer,” Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley and George Lopez, four of the top acts in comedy are guaranteed to make your laugh to the point of tears. These four comedians have embarked on a world tour, providing multiple locations with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles boardners.com
4th California Hot Sauce Expo, Aug. 18-19 Sample hot sauces from around the world and experience the Spicy Bagel of Doom Challenge, an Infused Cocktail Competition and a Guinness Book of Records Carolina Reaper Pepper-Eating Contest. For those who are sweeter than heat, there will be a Chihuahua beauty pageant and specialty cocktails, as well as craft beers. The Grove, Anaheim Cahotsauceexpo.com
Monster Jam, Aug. 17-19 Monster trucks, derby cars and ATVs will battle in freestyle battles, races and stunts competing for points and the opportunity to go to the Monster Jam World Finals. Grab a corndog and cheer on Grave Digger or other fan favorites! Staples Center, Los Angeles 54
Taste Of Brews, Aug. 18 Long Beach’s Taste of Brews celebrates the eighth anniversary of its craft beer festival. Over 50 breweries, dozens of microbreweries and hard ciders will be available, plus attendees will enjoy perpetually beautiful ocean views and food trucks from the best local restaurants. Lighthouse Park, Long Beach www.tasteofbrews.com/ lbtob.html
Grape Stomp, Aug. 19 Absolutely despise grapes? Maybe you’re enticed by drinking the wine that was between your toes. Either way, attendees will also be served dinner as well as enjoy live music and dancing in celebration of Ponte Winery’s 15 year anniversary.
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featured event
L.A. Taco Festival, Aug. 18
With a variety different taco styles and vendors, even the saltiest taco enthusiast will be satisfied. There will be live music and games with refreshments from the American Beverage Association and supported by La Barca Grill & Cantina, Kogi BBQ, Epic Tacos and many more. Jovenes, Inc., a nonprofit organization, is donating the revenue from this event to help homeless youth in Los Angeles succeed. Grand Park, Los Angeles www.latacofestival.com Ponte Winery, Temecula www.pontewinery.com/ visit/winery-events Future of Cannabis Pitch Competition, Aug. 22 Ten cannabis entrepreneurs or start-ups will hear a discussion from industry professionals and then pitch their ideas. The judges of the event are Matthew Nordgren, CEO of Arcadian Fund, Cynthia Salarizadeh, CEO of AxisWire and Derek Riedle. Expert DOJO, Santa Monica expertdojo.com DTLA Proud Festival, Aug. 24-26 Feeling a little overwhelmed from the enormity of LA Pride! and the crowds?
Don’t worry, because the DTLA Proud Festival has you covered with a more manageable event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Perishing Square Park, Los Angeles www.dtlaproud.org Summerween™, Aug. 25-26 It’s never too early to start celebrating Halloween! Scare LA™ presents Summerween™, which will feature 200,000 square-feet of “Halloween mayhem” including 250+ exhibitors, makeup, costumes, animatronics and screenings of 75 original horror films. Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles scarela.com
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