Culture Magazine SoCal January 2018 by Culture Magazine

JANUARY 2018 CultureMagazine.com

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JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 CultureMagazine.com

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JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 CultureMagazine.com

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JANUARY 2018

contents

inside

1.2018

Strong and Resilient

Eben Britton, former offensive lineman, speaks out in support of cannabis consumption in the NFL, as his personal experiences have led him to activism and launching a CBD company.

O n the C O V E R :

J oh n G i l hoo l e y

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HIV and Cannabis The medical cannabis movement was ignited by those affected by HIV, and now the government is funding research to further its relationship with the community.

Connecting to the Cure Sophie’s mother used her family’s experience with medical cannabis to create CannaKids, which helps parents navigate the intimidating process of securing cannabis for sick children.

Industry Insider Jon Cooper, ebbu™ founder and CEO, believes that science and consistency are the business secrets that will propel the industry’s future.

Shattering Stereotypes As founder of The 420 Games, Jim McAlpine leads by example as a health-focused cannabis connoisseur.

Feeling the Fusion With a refreshed lineup, New Zealand-based Katchafire fuses classic reggae with jazz and R&B, bringing listeners tunes they can groove to.

departments

14 Letter from the Editor news 18 News Nuggets 22 By the Numbers 26 Local News 28 Legal Corner 30 Healthy Living reviews 34 Strain & Concentrate Reviews 38 Cool Stuff 42 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 66 Shooting Gallery 68 Growing Culture 70 Profile in Courage 72 Recipes 74 SoCal Now! 76 News of the Weird

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Online Exclusive! d Majority of West Virginian Doctors Support Cannabis d New Study Suggests CBD as Schizophrenia Treatment

Vol 9 IssUE 7

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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Keira Fae, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Madison Ortiz, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Alexa Steinberg, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Amy Witt, Laurie Wolf Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic Designer Payden Cobern sales director Joe Larson Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Lee Moran, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Shayne Williams, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy office manager Mikayla Aguilar digital media Hannah Lemley coordinator 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.

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LETTER

FROM

THE

EDITOR

Congratulations California!

o you remember when the country’s first recreational cannabis sales began in Colorado in January 2014? As a Californian, I remember feeling envious and a little frustrated. While a win for cannabis anywhere is a win for us all, deep down, there was a wave of disappointment that crept up inside of me. And although the feeling subsided almost as quickly as it came, it was hard to believe that California had yet to allow adult-use of cannabis. We set the precedent as the first state to legalize medical cannabis—where had we gone wrong? Now, four years later, our state has finally caught up with several others, as the licensing process for our state-approved recreational cannabis businesses has officially begun. It was a monumental milestone in November 2016, when voters decided to finally permit adult-use in the state. And since then, CULTURE has participated and reported on every step of the journey toward implementing this new legislation into reality. Although there is still time before we see dispensaries popping up in every city that has chosen to allow recreational cannabis sales, this month is still a very exciting time for our community. California is consistently ranked as one of the world’s largest economies. Not only are we responsible for growing much of the nation’s agricultural goods, but we also come with the very significant super power that is Silicon Valley. From there, add in that our notoriously liberal state is home to the oldest medical cannabis program in the nation, and we look forward to creating the nation’s largest legalized cannabis marketplace that the entire world will be watching. For many adults, legalized recreational cannabis was beyond their wildest dreams growing up. Now, they can now walk into a cannabis store and buy

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whatever their hearts desire. At CULTURE, we are excited to witness and partake in the recreational cannabis industry that is just beginning in our great state. We started this publication in California, and today we dedicate three separate editions of our magazine to markets here. We can’t express the gratitude we feel to be a part of this significant moment in our state’s history. While there is much to be celebrated with the start of recreational cannabis licensing, this issue of CULTURE pays homage to cannabis as not only a recreational substance, but as a wellness tool. After all, this great plant has a long history of promoting and providing a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle for those of us who choose to incorporate it into their daily lives. Congratulations to The Golden State for making it easier for adults to explore how much cannabis can add to a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle. Here’s to a year brimming with wellness and growth. January gives us hope of a new beginning; it marks our chance to wipe the slate clean and move forward. For those looking to improve their overall health and wellness this year, there is good news for you—cannabis can help. So, with all the miraculous benefits cannabis provides, we’ve decided to focus this issue of CULTURE to cannabis, health and wellness. c

Cheers!

Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief

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NEWS

nuggetS

CDFA Releases Cannabis Event Guidelines The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has released guidelines that regulate cannabis events at district agricultural associations. Organizers must provide notices of any prohibitions before events take place. Alcohol sales, samples and donations are prohibited at events where cannabis is

served. Cannabis smoking is not allowed where tobacco smoking is prohibited, and buffer zones from schools, daycare centers and other prohibited areas will apply. The guidelines also direct the 22nd District Agricultural Association (DAA) to adopt a formal policy. “The board, through the Agriculture Committee, will work with staff to draft a policy specific to the 22nd DAA but following the guidance of CDFA,” stated CDFA Director Stephen Shewmaker. “We will invite public comment before bringing it to the board for a full vote. I expect this will happen after the first of year.”

Baldwin Park Issues 10 Cannabis Business Permits Thirty-two businesses applied for permits to cultivate, manufacture and distribute recreational and medical cannabis in Baldwin Park, and on Dec. 13, a total of 10 permits were awarded. The city council voted to amend Chapter 127, Medical and Adult Use Commercial Cannabis, of Title XI, Business Regulations to the City of Baldwin Park Municipal Code. “I want to thank all the applicants that are out there,” Mayor Pro Tem Ricardo Pacheco said. “You guys put a lot of heart and soul into this,

Country of Georgia Decriminalizes Cannabis On Nov. 30, 2017, the Constitutional Court of Georgia announced its decision to decriminalize cannabis in the country. The move comes after citizen of the former Soviet Republic, Givi Shanidze, challenged Article 273 of the Criminal Court of Georgia, which prohibits cannabis possession without a medical prescription. Givi Shanidze vs. Georgian Parliament was backed by the political group Girchi. “According to the claimant, marijuana consumption may be 18

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a lot of investment and a lot of work.” In Baldwin Park, the sale of medical and recreational cannabis in retail stores is not permitted, but cultivation, manufacturing and distribution companies are allowed. On Dec. 18, Baldwin Park officials decided to issue Rukli, Inc. the city’s only distribution license, but some other applicants were unhappy because of the monopoly on transportation that the company would have.

used [medically and recreationally],” court documents read, translated from Georgian. “[It is] the right of a[ny] person to choose the appropriate form of relaxation, and the means to be protected by [that] right.” The Constitutional Court ultimately found Article 273 to be contrary to Article 16 of the Constitution. The court found that any person who lives in the country of Georgia has the right to the appropriate form of recreation, which includes cannabis, and that cannabis consumption does not create a public threat.

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The number of recreational cannabis businesses that will be allowed to operate in Santa Ana, under the city’s newly approved regulations: (Source: Voice of OC)

The number of temporary licenses that were the first batch to be awarded to businesses for the sale and transport of recreational cannabis in California: (Source: The Seattle Times)

The projected amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services plans to spend on education regarding driving under the influence of cannabis: (Source: Press-Telegram)

The amount of square footage contained in a new extraction facility set to open in Costa Mesa: (Source: Los Angeles Times)

7,315

239

The number of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Minnesota, which now includes people with autism and those who suffer from sleep apnea: (Source: San Francisco Chronicle)

The percentage of New Yorkers who support legalizing recreational cannabis: (Source: Emerson College Poll)

The estimated number of people who consumed some form of CBD during 2017 in the United Kingdom: (Source: Civilized)

250,000

INDULGE LA Chocolate Festival WHEN: Sat, Jan. 6 WHERE: Omni Hotel Los Angeles, 251 S Olive St., Los Angeles WEBSITE: www.indulgela.net Raising funds for children who are cancer patients at the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the INDULGE LA Chocolate Festival will showcase the best chocolate and pastry chefs that Los Angeles has to offer. Experience fine pastries presented in a manner like you’ve never seen before. This event will offer Champagne, wine and spirits for adults. Paring fine chocolate with drinks such as Stella Rosa is encouraged. Guest celebrity 22

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pastry chefs include Jeff DeLeon of Farmshop, Robert Teddy from the Food Network, Jimmy Choo and Matt Dhillon. Many more celebrity chefs will be present—and the event will be hosted by wrestling champ John Morrison, Jonathan Lipnicki and celebrity dating expert Brooke Lewis. The theme of this year’s event is to focus on raising funds for children who are battling cancer. (Richard Saunders)

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NEWS

LOCAL

IIFF 7th Annual Irvine Film Festival

Higher Standards Los Angeles County cannabis businesses to undergo inspections by the Department o f P u b l i c H e a lt h

By Benjamin M. Adams

rogress is in motion for cannabis businesses in certain cities in Los Angeles County, most notably with the implementation of health inspections, which will be conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The health inspections will resemble routine inspections that restaurants currently undergo. On Dec. 18, the Los Angeles County Office of Cannabis Management released a draft policy that would phase in 20 cannabis storefronts, 20 delivery-only services, 10 cultivators, 10 manufacturers, 10 distributors and 10 testing labs in unincorporated areas of the county which are in its jurisdiction. Unincorporated Los Angeles County includes some dense urban areas such as East L.A. and West Carson. At least 15 areas in unincorporated Los Angeles County plan on allowing recreational companies. On Dec. 19, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors authorized public health officials to conduct inspections of commercial cannabis businesses in cities in Los Angeles County, including Los Angeles. The move is in response to Los Angeles city officials’ request that the Department of Public Health take on health and safety inspections. Los Angeles County Code Title 8 and Title 11 were amended to delegate authority to health inspectors. Many types of businesses, including everything from tattoo parlors to restaurants, are subject to routine health inspections. These inspections, while tedious, maintain a higher 26

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standard of safety. Inspections will be performed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. A department representative told CULTURE that as of late December 2017, there are no cannabis businesses in Los Angeles County currently permitted by the department and undergoing routine health inspections. But the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has a detailed plan in place to cover the new legal cannabis industry, which is bound to become a cornerstone industry in Los Angeles. Cannabis businesses will need to conduct a number of preventative practices to stay compliant. “Similar to food manufacturing businesses and restaurants, Public Health will be conducting health inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations and local laws related to commercial cannabis businesses,” Bernard Tolliver from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Office of Communications & Public Affairs told CULTURE. “Such inspection activities will include general sanitation, product quality (free of contamination), proper packaging and labeling, vermin exclusion, proper temperature control, proper product handling and storage, and employee health.” Businesses must undergo health inspections to protect the public from outbreaks of disease and other threats. Education is key, considering it will be the first time many cannabis businesses will be subject to routine health inspections as in other industries. “Environmental Health plans to conduct an outreach to commercial cannabis business owners to educate and prepare them for the upcoming health inspections,” added Tolliver. To get a preview, retail food, housing, swimming pool and food truck facilities get a letter grade or a numerical score on health practices, and the rating information is posted publicly on the county of Los Angeles website. Restaurants, for instance, must abide by the California Retail Food Code. Retail cannabis shops with poor health practices won’t be able to get away with it for much longer. Countywide rules set forth by the county’s Office of Cannabis Management are expected received final approval by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors in early 2018. c

IIFF is a respected three-day film festival and competition, making it a great place to both exchange film ideas and discover new talent. Many seasoned actors, producers, screenwriters and directors will also be in attendance. For example, recently 11 of the festival’s Official Selections were shortlisted for Academy Awards, yielding nine Oscar nominations. The IIFF welcomes narrative features and shorts, documentaries, animated films, student films, American and international trailers, webisodes, music videos, featurelength and shortform screenplays. Finally, a huge $25,000 prize pool that will be awarded to winners in multiple categories. (Richard Saunders) WHEN: Thurs, Jan. 25-Sun, Jan. 31 WHERE: Starlight Triangle Square Cinemas, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa WEBSITE: irvinefilmfest. wixsite.com/ irvinefilmfestival

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NEWS

LEGAL CORNER

The Waiting Game C o m p r e h e n d i n g C a l i f o r n i a’ s c a n n a b i s permit timeline

By Alexa Steinberg, Esq. of Manzuri Law

p until now, California’s cannabis licensing system felt like a game of Chutes and Ladders—with every step forward, we seemed to slide a few steps back. Thankfully, however, in late November, the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), the Department of Food and Agriculture (DFA), and the California Department of Public Health (DPH) released over 300 pages of emergency regulations, which were approved and became effective on Dec. 8, 2017. Each of these agencies is tasked with setting forth regulations, procedures and overseeing the application process and licensing for each of their respective license types. Specifically, the BCC oversees licenses for retailers, distributors, testing labs and microbusinesses, the DFA oversees cultivation, and the DPH oversees manufacturing. It’s a new year, a new industry. Let’s take a look into what we can expect this year in 2018!

The Transition Period The BCC imposed a transition period from Jan. 1, 2018 to July 1, 2018, to 28

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allow businesses to have leeway and to ease into compliance. During this transition period, licensees may, (1) conduct business with other licensees irrespective of their A or M (adult-use or medical) designation, and (2) sell untested, improperlypackaged products and cannabis goods that do not meet proper THC limits so long as certain precautions are taken. But beware—licensing does have its consequences, as it will trigger a requirement that licensed businesses only conduct business with other licensed businesses. Depending on the licensing status of a business’ suppliers or customers, this requirement can duly act as an incentive or a deterrent to go through with licensing.

Everything is Temporary— But First, Local Approval Any applicant at the state level must have a permit or authorization from their local municipality to operate a cannabis business before a California license will be granted. Local authorization—check! Once armed with local approval, a business can apply with the appropriate agency for a temporary state license with a fairly simple and small list of requirements. Temporary license applications will require simple information—local approval, name, address, type of license desired, a premises diagram and a local authorization. Once approved, temporary licenses have an effective date of Jan. 1, 2018, and are valid for 120 days with the ability to be extended for periods of 90 days if so required. For a full-blown annual license, the state requires a more in-depth look at business operations with a fully detailed application complete with standard operating procedures, security plans and financials.

Los Angeles CITY Passes Cannabis Regulations and Process In November 2017, the city of Los Angeles released a new version of the draft regulations almost every week. Then, almost exactly in step with the state’s progress, on Dec. 5, 2017, Los Angeles City Council finally passed an ordinance creating a more detailed regulatory framework for commercial cannabis businesses. Thereunder, Los Angeles gives licensing priority to Proposition M applicants—qualified Pre-ICO, Proposition D-compliant businesses. In addition, Los Angeles’ new social equity program gives priority to non-retailers who qualify for three categorical tiers of “social equity” meaning they are of low income, have a prior California cannabis conviction, and reside in the eligible impoverished districts and incubators for social equity applicants. Amongst the application process set forth by the council, starting Jan. 1, it continues to be unlawful under local law to operate without a local license or limited immunity in Los Angeles. Along with those regulations, Prop. D is to stay in full force and effect until it is formally repealed on or around April 1, 2018. Thereafter, any person could be held liable for violating Prop. M and, amongst other expensive consequences, would be ineligible to apply for Los Angeles city licensing for a period of five years. According to the city, the complex regulations passed on Dec. 5, 2017 are considered a work in progress that will likely need refinement “O n ce a r m e d later, but for now, w i t h l oc a l they provide the a ppr ova l , a cannabis industry some clarity. bu si n e ss c a n withAlthough a pply wi t h t he it seems like a ppr op r i a t e the closer we a g e n cy f or get to clarity, muddier it a t e m p or a ry the becomes, we sta t e l ice n se must continue w i t h a fa i r ly to influence si m p l e a n d policymakers and encourage the sm a l l l i st of de-stigmatization r e qui r e m e n t s. ” of cannabis. c

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NEWS

HEALTHY LIVING

Cannabis Can Solve America’s Addiction Crisis By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC

ddiction is one of the biggest health problems in the United States. A study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported that “40 million Americans age 12 and over meet the clinical criteria for addiction involving nicotine, alcohol or other drugs.” Addiction affects more people than those with heart disease, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease combined. Although not meeting the criteria for addiction, there are an estimated additional 80 million people in this country categorized as “risky substance users,” who consume tobacco, alcohol, opioids and other drugs that threaten public health and safety. According to The State is Out of Date: We Can Do Better by Gregory Sams, the annual toll from the use of these addictive substances by Americans is staggering with 450,000 deaths from tobacco, 85,000 from alcohol and 20,000 from opioids. These addictive substances have plagued the country’s citizens for years, but finally a solution can be found in cannabis.

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“Wh at is so disheartening about this data is that an effec tive treatment with a far be tter probability of success for treating all of these addictions is literally right under our collective noses.”

Here’s the Situation With an estimated $200 billion in sales annually, America’s gargantuan consumption of alcohol is normalized, aided and abetted by the prolific advertising campaigns undertaken by the alcohol industry continually associating alcohol with celebration, socialization and sex. The end result is over 17 million Americans suffering from alcohol abuse and dependence. Although there is a genetic component to addictions, stress from problems associated with family, jobs, mental illness or trauma is especially susceptible to alcohol addiction as drinking alcohol results in the release of naturally occurring “feel-good” opioids known as endorphins. Alcohol makes you “feel better” even though the problems still exist, while also creating new and more serious problems such as cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, cancer and death. In 2013, over 200 million prescriptions for opioids (mostly used to treat pain) were dispensed to over 100 million Americans, resulting in billions of opioids being consumed. This shocking increase in prescription opioids is abetted by the aggressive promotion of prescription opioids by the pharmaceutical industry, resulting in two million Americans with a substance

abuse disorder involving prescription pain relievers. Most addictions to opioids begin with a legitimate need for a medical prescription to treat pain. Opioids interact with the brain’s opioid receptors relieving pain but also producing pleasurable effects. These pleasurable side effects lead many people to continue taking opioids even though the pain has subsided. Like alcohol, it is an escape mechanism and has serious, but different negative side effects including constipation, sedation, vomiting and respiratory depression. The only serious side effect that opioids share with alcohol is death. Unlike alcohol and opioid addictions, addiction to tobacco almost always begins in adolescence. The seductive ads run by the tobacco industry

featuring masculine men and glamorous women enjoying tobacco products assures a continuing stream of new smokers as they become addicted to the nicotine found in tobacco—a natural substance more addictive than heroin. Nicotine produces mildly pleasant feelings, which distracts the user from unpleasant feelings by flooding the brain’s reward circuits with a mood-affecting chemical called dopamine. This, coupled with the physiologically addictive properties of nicotine, make tobacco users want more. From minor problems like bad breath and yellow teeth to respiratory complications, deteriorating heart muscle and lung cancer, the dangers from tobacco are different and take longer to

develop than the problems caused by alcohol and opioids, but for many users they all share the same eventual outcome—death.

The Science of Cannabis What is so disheartening about this data is that an effective treatment with a far better probability of success for treating all of these addictions is literally right under our collective noses. A peer-reviewed, evidentiary based study, Cannabis Is A Potential Exit Drug To Problematic Substance Use published in the November 2009 journal Addiction Research and Theory by seven addiction treatment specialists who reported that cannabis can indeed be used as an “exit drug” to help treat addiction. “While some studies have found that a small percentage of the general population that uses cannabis may develop a dependence on this substance, a growing body of research on cannabisrelated substitution suggests that for many patients cannabis is not only an effective medicine, but also a potential exit drug to problematic substance use,” the study reads. Famed Harvard Medical School researcher Dr. Lester Grinspoon wrote

that “treating addiction to substances such as heroin, methadone, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs with a non-addictive, nontoxic alternative is an effective therapy for some recovering addicts.” The “nontoxic alternative” that Grinspoon was referring to is, of course, cannabis. Cannabis doesn’t solve the underlying problem causing the addiction, but provides symptomatic relief from the physical and mental manifestations of whatever is causing the addiction. This symptomatic relief allows the individual to lead a normal and productive life while pursuing treatment options for the problems that lead to the addiction in the first place. In many cases cannabis “calms the demons” to such an extent that even though the underlying problem is never resolved, the individual can live with it. Unlike pain medications and almost every prescription and over-the-counter medicine available, cannabis has practically zero severe negative side effects. It might cause inactive people to become even more laid back, but that is a small price to pay for its pain relieving, depression mitigating, sleep inducing, addiction resolving properties. There are no medicines that work for everyone and the same holds true for cannabis. Cannabis will not solve everyone’s addiction, but for a very significant number, perhaps even a majority as more than one research study has concluded, cannabis will resolve the problems caused by addiction restoring normalcy, productivity and life. c

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REVIEWs

strain & concentrate Available wherever: J Rollz products are carried.

J Rollz High Octane OG Too often, dispensaries hand out subpar pre-rolls that are filled with trim or other unsatisfactory fillings. But fear not—J Rollz’s award-winning handcrafted pre-rolls will not disappoint any cannasseur. When you need extra strength relief or relaxation, reach for a J Rollz pre-roll that contains flower, wax and kief. This triple threat contains the clone-only strain High Octane OG, otherwise known as Heirloom OG. The flowers are grown organically indoors, which protects the piercing fuel-like aroma. The tangy-sweet flavor is no doubt enhanced by the wax and kief. Consumers say that High Octane OG can cure even the toughest cases of insomnia, and CULTURE’s reviewers agree.

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Pillow Talk

Available wherever: Caliva products are carried.

Looking for a quick way to hit the hay after a long day? Check out the Pillow Talk vape cartridge by Caliva, a masterful indica offering that’s guaranteed to satisfy. A smooth flavor reminiscent of lavender is complemented by a rich herbal taste, yielding a delicious flavor blend. It’s definitely an extract more suitable for consumption at nighttime than during the day, as the Pillow Talk cartridge bears very potent sedative effects. Caliva has been known for its extremely effective cartridges, and at The Emerald Cup another one of its products took sixth place in the CO2 category. Additionally, the battery that accompanies the cartridge has a killer textured design, making for a super stylish product.

Available wherever: Gold Drop Co. products are carried.

Northern Lights PAX™ Era Pod As the recreational cannabis market in California has officially begun, many new products are going to enter the marketplace—and the PAX™ Era Pods are a prime example of this. Known worldwide for its e-cigarettes, PAX™ has collaborated with industry leader Gold Drop Co. to create a unique and discreet cannabis concentrate vapor cartridge. Ideal for consumption when out and about, the cartridge blends in with the battery appearing as any regular e-cigarette. The variety we sampled was the classic Northern Lights strain, and it sure lived up to its name. Fresh and robust flavors are prominent, as always, with any product from Gold Drop Co. Amazing for just kicking back and relaxing, this indica cartridge will sure help take the edge off.

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REVIEWs

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3. WRIXO Connected Medical

1. Higher Standards Blazer Big Shot Torch Feel like torchin’ something? There’s therapy available for that, but the Big Shot Torch by Higher Standards and Blazer will heat your cannabis tools to perfection. Our reviewers were impressed at the Big Shot’s ability to quickly incinerate. With up to 35 minutes of high grade 2500° F burn time, it’s more powerful than most torches you’ve encountered. It’s capable of getting hot enough to solder metal like industrial grade torches, but we recommend you keep it at the temperature best for dabbing concentrates. Get more power with the Big Shot Torch. Price: $90 More Information: higherstandards.com

4. TrainingMask 3.0® Performance

2. Crafty®

Crafty, clever and cunning is how we’d describe the developers at STORZ & BICKEL. Most consumers would agree that the Crafty® vaporizer is built to last. STORZ & BICKEL is so confident with the durability of the Crafty® vaporizer, that the company slapped a twoyear warranty on it. This durable vaporizer can be controlled with its free remote control app for Android or iOS and lets you change settings by your phone or smart watch without touching the vaporizer. Once you get the Crafty® vaporizer, chances are you will end up tossing out your old vapes instantly. Price: $279 More Information: www.storz-bickel.com 38

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ID Wristband This wristband just might save your life one day. It looks like a common medical ID wristband, but contains critical information embedded inside. There’s a wireless NFC chip built in as well as a QR code that can be scanned and immediately identify a patient’s identity as well as medical needs in the event of an emergency. Important information can be stored such as allergies or emergency medication. No batteries are necessary. Our reviewers at CULTURE quickly forgot that we were wearing it, because it was lightweight and comfortable. Price: $19 More Information: www.wrixo.com

Breathing Trainer Serious about your workout routine? Fatigue can take over during a strenuous workout due to breathing problems—but thankfully nowadays there are technologically advanced ways to upgrade your performance. Take your typical fitness routine to the next level with the TrainingMask 3.0® Performance Breathing Trainer, a face mask that designed to improve the condition of your lungs with adjustable breathing pattern settings. You’ll also look as fearsome as Bane from The Dark Knight Rises while you’re wearing it, with its hip, industrial-looking design. Price: $89.99 More Information: www.trainingmask.com

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REVIEWs

entertainment

BOOK

Breaking the Grass Ceiling: Women, Weed & Business

Release Date: january 26 Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC

Ashley Picillo and Lauren Devine Pub. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform With stirring imagery, 21 pioneering business women in the cannabis industry share their stories about the ups and downs of staying afloat in a highly competitive market. This collection highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and diversity within the cannabis industry. It offer unique angles for overcoming hurdles that women in particular face in the cannabis industry— covering many fields including cultivation, human resources, consulting, technology, law, policy, advocacy and activism. Breaking the Glass Ceiling encourages other women to strive for success. (Richard Saunders) 42

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GAME

Monster Hunter World Dev. and Pub. Capcom The premise of Monster Hunter World is simple— kill monsters, use their hides to make better weapons and armor, and kill more monsters. The methods of crafting and fighting in this series is a timeless classic, but the arrival Monster Hunter World is finally bringing true high definition to the game for the first time. This includes even larger maps with smooth transitions between zones, and established co-op and worldwide play for all players. Get ready for a total of 14 useable weapon types, a new “slinger” tool and plenty of quests and challenges to overcome. (Nicole Potter)

MOVIE

MUSIC

Dunkirk

The Visitor

Dir. Christopher Nolan Warner Bros. Pictures After a trilogy of critically acclaimed Batman movies and two of the most fantastical films ever envisioned, Inception and Interstellar, Director Christopher Nolan stepped out of the realm of fantasy and into the annals of history with his latest film, Dunkirk. The film does an exceptional job taking viewers to a small beach in Northern France where Allied forces from Belgium, Britain and France in the midst of intense combat were rescued by over 600 British ships made up of mostly small boats captained by civilians. Dunkirk captures the intensity and desperation of the situation, and proves that Nolan is capable of creating successful nonfiction. (Simon Weedn)

Neil Young + Promise of the Real Reprise With a career spanning well over half a century as well as dozens and dozens of records to his name, Neil Young has proven himself time and again to be one of the most relevant elder-statesmen of rock and roll, as well as one of its most tireless innovators. On his 39th studio release, The Visitor, Young treads deep into controversial territory (something he’s never been shy of doing) and delivers a powerful, focused and cutting response to election and presidential administration. Backed by Californian band Promise of the Real, Young’s music is just as soulful, timeless and thought provoking as it ever was. (Simon Weedn)

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A for Treatment Former NFL offensive tackle Eben Britton has found healing and entrepreneurship in cannabis By R. Scott Rappold

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J oh n G i l hoo l e y

“I came to the plant as a curious teenager, like most of us do, smoked weed a few times in high school, a little bit in college. but I was very much affected by the stigma, that if you’re going to be an athlete, you can’t be someone who smokes weed.”

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magine, if you will, what it’s like to be an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL). You line up in a state of catlike readiness, and the moment the quarterback snaps the ball, a wall of 300-pound behemoths comes plowing toward you. Your job—your only job—is to keep these monsters from getting past you for the crucial few seconds it takes the quarterback to throw or hand the ball off. Then do it 40 or 50 more times a game. Now imagine doing it stoned. It’s not exactly the mellow experience most cannabis consumers enjoy. For former NFL offensive tackle Eben Britton, however, using cannabis was a way to combat the pain of the sport without the fistfuls of pharmaceuticals football doctors hand out like Halloween candy. He even consumed it before games a few times. “I just had a much better experience. I felt much more in my body. The pills have a way of disconnecting you, making it really difficult to feel your feet on the ground,” recalled Britton, who played four years for the Jacksonville Jaguars and two for the Chicago Bears before retiring in 2014. “The connection of your nervous system and the brain-body connection as an offensive lineman is the most important thing. You have to be able to feel your feet on the ground when you’re blocking a defensive lineman, a 300-pound tank.” “I felt that I was much more lucid, able to feel myself and to execute play after play in the best possible way.” Most people think of professional football players like the Peyton Mannings and Brett Favres, superstars who might play for 15 years, bouncing back from injury to injury and winning Super Bowls. But the reality is the average NFL career is less than three years, as bodies break down and each new college draft class moves in. Since retiring, 30-year-old Britton has become one of the foremost advocates for changes in a sport that tolerates opioid addiction, but has a strict ban on cannabis use. He spoke with CULTURE about the pain of football, the realities of playing in the trenches and how cannabis got him through it.

As a young athlete, what was it about playing in the NFL that inspired you to work so hard? I think it was about the gladiatorship, the physicality of the game, the glory of the game. It was very much this idea of living out a hero’s journey. Football players are modern gladiators. Unless you’re going into the military, you can’t get much more violent in sports than football, and for whatever reason I was just drawn to that . . . The game called to me, something about it, putting on the pads and helmet, the amour, so to speak, and being involved in this team game. Had you smoked cannabis before becoming an athlete? I came to the plant as a curious teenager, like most of us do, smoked weed a few times in high school, a little bit in college. But I was very much affected by the stigma, that if you’re going to be an athlete, you can’t be someone who smokes weed. 46

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Was there a time when the harsh reality of the sport hit you? When I got into the NFL, I started experiencing injuries, and I started to see the injuries really started to shed light on the business of the game. I started to see that this wasn’t a team sport in a family atmosphere. This wasn’t the family I’d grown up loving, and I realized that the most important thing is obviously winning and from there having guys on the field who aren’t worried about getting hurt . . . One of the most real moments of my NFL career was right before my rookie year, with our offensive line coach we were doing a little rookie line meeting, and our offensive line coach said, “Guys, I don’t know how to put this to you any other way, but every single day we’re bringing guys off the street, and we’re working them out to take your jobs.” And I thought, “Damn, that’s how it is.” That’s the mindset they want you in, to understand that at any moment someone is coming in to take your job.

Can you walk us through some of your injuries as a player? I had a torn labrum, which is a dislocated shoulder. I had that repaired with a slap repair, which is a pretty typical shoulder surgery where they repair the labrum, and they have to pull back some muscles and tendons to tighten them up to hold the shoulder back in place. I herniated disc L side S1, had sciatica running down my leg, which was excruciating, causing numbness in my right foot . . . Eleven weeks after that surgery it turned out there was an infection in the disc. I was basically paralyzed from the waist down for about three months with an infection in that disc post-surgery. I had to have intravenous antibiotics for eight weeks. [I had] torn muscles and ligaments all over my body, rolled ankles, broken fingers, toes, a bad neck and a handful of concussions throughout my career. I realized every time I took these pills, they created this discomfort in my body and my emotions; rage and anger came billowing to the surface. It was very hard to control those things. I felt really insane and manic mentally. It made it difficult to sleep and heal, waking up at 3 a.m. with withdrawal symptoms, cold sweats, chills, pains your stomach, your body needing more pills to quiet this withdrawal. How did you discover cannabis as an alternative to the pills they were giving you? When I started really experiencing these injuries and taking the pills, it was very clear to me that these things had a negative effect on me. Comparing that to the experience when I consumed some cannabis, it was night and day. It was the difference between feeling worse and feeling better . . . I could smoke a joint and feel relief throughout my body. I’d feel soothed mentally, calmed, even peaceful. I was able to lie down and rest and heal, and I feel very

grateful that I had that intuitive response throughout my career. Cannabis is not allowed for players. How did you get around that? As much as [the NFL] likes to punish guys seemingly unnecessarily for getting busted for cannabis, it’s only tested for once a year. It’s on their “street drugs” list. You have a general idea you’re going to be tested sometime between May and August, and if you’re someone who is a cannabis consumer you stop your consumption 30 days before reporting back to the team. Why do you think the NFL is so anti-cannabis? I think they’re very traditionallyminded. There’s a lot of money from alcohol. God knows there’s probably a lot of money from “Big Pharma” going into the league. It’s easy for them to stand behind the argument, “As long as this is a Schedule I drug federally we don’t have to do anything.”

“I think this plant could have a tremendous impact on the league, having guys take it before and after practices, before and after games. I think it can mitigate a ton of that damage that is happening to players’ brains. It would lessen the amount of opiates the guys use.”

How much would cannabis help players deal with pain if it was allowed? Football players are four times as likely than the average American to abuse opiates. Guys are leaving the league in really terrible shape, and they don’t have the understanding about what’s happening to their bodies to be able to make decisions regarding their health, about how to better take care of themselves. Many guys who have spent their entire lives affected by the stigma that this is an illegal street drug don’t have any understanding that, first of all, this thing is a powerful neuro-protectant . . . I think this plant could have a tremendous impact on the league, having guys take it before and after practices, before and after games. I think it can mitigate a ton of that damage that is happening to players’ brains. It would lessen the amount of opiates the guys use. CultureMagazine.com

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Was it your decision to retire after Chicago? They didn’t re-sign me after the second year, but I had really hit a wall. It had become really clear to me that I was done. There was one point I was sitting in the meeting room watching film, and I said to myself, “What am I doing here at this point?” I had done everything I had to do in the game of football, and it was pretty clear to me I was ready to move on to something else. Tell us about Athletes for CARE. I got in touch with [former NFL player] Kyle Turley, and he had put together this Gridiron Cannabis Coalition, and they were speaking at cannabis conferences on panels. So I connected with him, and the next thing I knew I was speaking all over the country about my experiences with cannabis and dealing with injuries in my NFL career. I became very good friends with Nate Jackson, another former player who is also a cannabis advocate, and we wanted to keep building this message, making this our platform to spread this awareness. And what we came up with was Athletes for CARE, a nonprofit organization that’s really dedicated to helping athletes in their transition to real life from their sports careers. You also have a podcast with Jackson called “Mindful Warrior.” What was the inspiration for that? Nate and I, all these things we’ve been working on together, and the podcast is really the tool for us to allow other athletes to share their stories, to share how they’ve overcome adversity, what it took for them to make it to that highest level that they got to. What the transition out of that was like in reestablishing their own identity as people in the world. 48

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You helped found a CBD company, Be Trū Organics™. Can you tell me about that? I wanted to continue this positive messaging on the healing benefits of hemp and CBD. CBD is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid that is also really medicinal, and we wanted to combine this powerful hemp extract with other super-ingredients, like arnica, rosemary and lavender in our topical pain cream, and our oral spray has ginseng and Goji berry extract, so it’s very uplifting. It’s great for your mood an managing inflammation . . . It’s just another way I wanted to continue building on this message that cannabis has amazing healing properties. Do you still feel impacts and pain issues from your time playing in the NFL? My back is really a daily reminder of my football career. I can’t turn my neck, my head, in a full range of motion. If I don’t exercise and stretch on a daily basis, I’ll be [disabled]. The stiffness and immobility there takes daily attention. I still can’t feel my right toes on the ground. My feet, it takes 30 minutes to an hour in the morning to where I can take a step. I have creaking and aching in my knees, phantom muscle pains, but I keep a pretty upbeat attitude. I was able to leave all the pills behind me. For the most part my brain and body are intact, and I can be a functioning husband to my wife and father to my daughter. I can live a very high quality of life, thanks in part to my cannabis use during my football career. Any regrets about playing football? No, I don’t have any regrets. I wouldn’t be who I am if I hadn’t done it. I learned a lot through my NFL career about

human beings, about business, and obviously it took a toll on my physical and mental health that I’ll be battling for the rest of my life, but that was part of my journey. It’s led me to this greater calling of bringing awareness to natural healing remedies. c www.athletesforcare.org

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tate medical cannabis programs could not exist without the long list of AIDS activists who helped pioneer the first medical cannabis dispensaries in America. During the deadly AIDS crisis, patients consumed cannabis to battle wasting syndrome and the effects of the virus, but no one understood the mechanisms behind cannabis’ healing powers at the time. Today, research on cannabis and HIV is reaching an entirely new level, with federally-funded studies underway. The University of Florida recently received a $3.2 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to study the relationship between cannabis and HIV. I was diagnosed with HIV in 2011, and I’m forced to take a three-drug pill daily. Medical cannabis makes my daily regimen of medication bearable. The liver-damaging drug Atripla®, for instance, was the first mandatory pill I was prescribed and caused visual hallucinations about every three days. Currently, less toxic pills are available, but cannabis can be extremely effective as an adjunct therapy. Multiple studies on both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have suggested cannabis’ many benefits on HIV patients, including slowing the progression of the virus. 50

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Dr. Robert L. Cook M.D., M.P.H., Lead Investigator of new cannabis and HIV study

The Background Robert C. Randall was the first person in America to win the right to legally consume medical cannabis in 1976. He would later die from AIDS in 2001. Randall originally suffered from glaucoma and claimed that only cannabis kept him from going blind. A judge ruled in 1976 that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must provide Randall with cannabis. Thanks to Randall’s efforts, the federal government created the Compassionate Investigational New Drug program and allowed Randall and a handful other patients to have access to cannabis provided by the government. Without effective medicine, and sometimes with medicine that ironically accelerated the progression of AIDS (like AZT), patients resorted to holistic medicines. Soon “buyers clubs” sprouted in major cities offering herbal medicines. And the patients clearly didn’t have enough time to wait for FDA approvals—by then, they’d be dead. It didn’t take long until they were experimenting and offering medical cannabis.

“[C urrent ly ] the t reat ment guidelines don’t have any g uidance o n what kind of marijuana mig ht be t he most beneficial or what kind mig ht be t he most harm ful.”

“I wa s di agno sed w i t h HI V in 2011, a nd I’m f orced t o ta k e a t hree-drug pil l da ily. Medic a l ca nn a bis m a k e s m y da ily regimen of medicat ion be a r a bl e.” Dennis Peron, co-author of Proposition 215, America’s first statewide medical cannabis law, opened the Cannabis Buyers Club in San Francisco, years before any medical cannabis dispensary laws had been written. He was inspired to open up a cannabis club after police raided his home in 1990, taking away four ounces of cannabis and charging Peron with intent to distribute. The cannabis actually belonged to Peron’s boyfriend, Jonathan West, who was dying of AIDS. West died later that year. Peron took control of an underground dispensary at 194 Church Street in San Francisco after its founder Thomas O’Malley died of AIDS in 1992. By that time—over 23,000 AIDS deaths were confirmed and 30 people were dying—per week. A whole network of underground HIV buyers clubs were secretly helping AIDS patients. Proposition 215 co-author “Brownie Mary” Jane Rathbun made it her own personal mission to distribute brownies to AIDS and cancer victims. Peron specifically cited West’s death as the driving force behind his efforts to author Proposition 215, shortly after the groundbreaking bill passed in 1996.

The New Research Last August, the University of Florida received a $3.2 million grant from the NIDA. With around 400 HIV-positive and 100 HIV-negative participants, it will be the largest clinical study on medical cannabis and HIV ever conducted. On October 24, it was announced that the study was being launched and would span over five years. CULTURE spoke to the study’s lead investigator Dr. Robert L. Cook M.D., M.P.H. “One of the goals is to really provide better guidelines for treatment for people with HIV, including HIV itself and other comorbidities, Cook explained. “[Currently] the treatment guidelines don’t have any guidance on what kind of marijuana might be the most beneficial or what kind might be the most harmful.” Cook and his team hope to distinguish and compare the relative benefits of products with THC alone, CBD and THC combined, products that are consumed orally and products that are smoked or vaped.

Cook said the study will be focused on self-reported experiences. “Our study—we won’t really be able to control [medications and sources]. All we can do is ask people what they’ve experienced. So we hope to learn from people that have been using marijuana or about to start using marijuana and to teach us what they’ve learned in their own experiences, such as managing pain and what type of marijuana is most helpful.” Dr. Cook and his team are currently in the final stage of drafting the questionnaire. Cook said particularly CBD could show promise as an anti-inflammatory. “People living with HIV are living near-normal life spans, but they are still seeing cardiovascular diseases four or five years earlier [than HIV-negative people], and we are seeing neurocognitive deficits potentially earlier. A lot of people think this could be related to chronic inflammation—the stress it puts on the body in those who are constantly battling the virus. If marijuana, especially CBD, has some anti-inflammatory properties, that could help prevent the rapid aging that we see in people living with HIV, in theory.”

The Future of HIV and Cannabis Florida’s Amendment 2 was approved in January, 2017, allowing access to medical cannabis. But the University of Florida researchers still have limited conventional clinical studies, thanks to cannabis’ federal status. People living with HIV, and with access to medicine, are living near-normal life spans, however aging with HIV is another story. “Today, people are surviving,” Cook explained. “For example in Florida this year we’ve just hit it—50 percent of people living with HIV in Florida are over 50 years old. With HIV, a lot of these patients—one, have symptoms related to pain or maybe some nausea—but those are symptoms that are normal in people that are aging. Marijuana could have benefits on chronic inflammation.” People living with HIV now face new challenges including battling inflammation, chronic pain and digestive problems that increase with aging. Cannabis can help in so many ways. c CultureMagazine.com

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Saving Sophie and Beyond O n e l i t t l e g i r l’ s journey with c a n n a b i s i s s av i n g countless lives By Addison Herron-Wheeler

t’s not uncommon for mothers to become huge advocates and/or community educators after watching a sick child become healthy through the healing benefits in cannabis. In the case of Tracy Ryan, founder and CEO of CannaKids, witnessing her daughter's health improve was enough to inspire the creation of a successful medical cannabis company. Ryan’s daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at eight months old. While she was willing to do whatever was needed to find her daughter an effective treatment, Ryan initially dismissed the thought of medical cannabis’ ability to help Sophie heal. However, when Ricki Lake herself, one of Ryan’s heroes, offered to give Sophie her first dose of cannabis oil on camera, she finally came around to the idea that there may be merit in trying cannabis as a treatment. It also helped that Ryan was provided with scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of cannabis, as well as a nine-month supply of oil and advice on dosing. Finally, seeing the light at the end of tunnel, Sophie became a regular consumer of medical cannabis oil. “We have seen incredible things happen with the cannabis along with the chemotherapy,” Ryan explained to CULTURE. “These tumors are unique because there is a 90 percent survival rate, but 80 percent recurrence rate, and because they are slow growing, the chemo can’t gobble up the dividing cells, so shrinkage doesn’t occur.

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Photo by Yvette Davis StockPot Images

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Photo by Tokewell Magazine

data, knowledge and information gained about the patient. Then, the nurse will either recommend a product from the CannaKids line or explain how to get medical products in the caller’s home state. The site also provides information about how to obtain a medical card and which dispensaries in California carry CannaKids products. CannaKids is now a successful business, providing products and consultation to those who need it, and helping many kids and parents gain access to treatments and knowledge that they wouldn’t be able to get any other way. But Ryan and her team aren’t content with stopping there and just selling product. They are also helping advance clinical trials on medical cannabis, so that more can be learned about how to treat specific ailments.

Sophie was initially supposed to go blind because the tumor was wrapped around her optic nerves—best case scenario would be minimal vision in the right eye. But in that first few months her tumor shrank between 83 and 90 percent and preserved her vision.” Since then, Sophie has been incredibly healthy and productive for a child who is battling such a serious brain tumor, even though she continues to receive chemotherapy treatment. Seeing such dramatic improvement in her own child, Ryan realized that she had to spread the word and help other parents get medical access for their children. “When we started using oil, we got connected to all these people in social media who didn’t understand dosing or have strain knowledge, and we didn’t have medical professionals to guide us,” Ryan stated. “I saw that there was this real need for people, because back then it wasn’t as easy to find someone who was able to guide you through cannabis dosing.” After witnessing instances involving other parents who followed bad advice online, she decided to do something to help other parents who were seeking real answers. “I knew that there needed to be more education, more support, more guidance, with people talking to medical professionals,” Ryan said. From there, to organizations known as Saving Sophie and CannaKids were born. Saving Sophie is an informational platform where parents and interested parties can learn more about how cannabis can help save young lives. Additionally, CannaKids is an interactive website that can be used to book a phone call with a nurse who can provide advice about dosing based on 54

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level, so that medical legalization can clear its final hurdles. “Education is always the first answer,” she said. “Educating parents and caregivers on the fact that in 3,000 years, not one person has ever died from this medicine and that there have been over 1,700 scientific publications that are out there, many of which include safety studies. You’d be surprised at how many doctors around the country don’t know that cannabis is a medicine, so educating the doctors and nurses on the science behind cannabis is really important.” Ryan hopes that the combination of doing press outreach for her company, and being open about her daughter’s success with medical cannabis, will have an impact on others and help spread the word about what the plant can do. “It’s all about telling our story, not just for ourselves but other families we’ve worked with,” she said. “We are showing that we are just normal people, entrepreneurs by nature; we had a kid that was unfortunately diagnosed with a serious condition, and we are now communicating what worked with her to the masses by way of media. We also want people to understand our kid is nine, has been on the oil since she was five; she is happy, healthy. This isn’t a toxin; it’s helping protect her from toxins.” Those interested in supporting CannaKids can make a donation through SavingSophie.org to help fund clinical trials and future cannabis research. Parents who want more information about cannabis treatments can set up a consultation at CannaKids.org. c

“ We h a ve s ee n i n c r e d ib l e t hi n g s h a ppe n w i t h t he c a n n a bi s a l o n g w i t h t he che m o t he r a py. ” “We are already working on an autism trial and we are planning a huge study on autism,” Ryan explained. “We are also planning an end-of-life pain study for kids on opioids who have cancer, a trial for kids using cannabis as an adjunct to chemo for cancer pain, and then those will lead to bigger cancer trials. There is also a hospital in the Midwest where we will be doing optic trials, and that will also be fueled by the research we are doing in Israel with a company called CURE Pharmaceutical.” All of this is leading the industry even closer to understanding and acceptance for those who need cannabis as medicine. But in addition to these major medical trials, Ryan would like to see education on the ground

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Industry Insider

“We couldn’t just do a human study and try to figure out w h at ’ s t h e magical c o m b i n at i o n of compounds from the p l a n t t h at ’ s going to c r e at e these desirable r e s u lt s . We had to s ta r t at t h e cellular level.”

V i s i o n ary D is c ipl in e ebbu™ is focusing on research to clear hurdles for the industry

JANUARY 2018 CultureMagazine.com

By R. Scott Rappold

on Cooper sees the future. No, we’re not talking about a crystal ball or deck of tarot cards. But the 41-year-old founder of cannabis company ebbu™ believes that the work being done at his laboratory in Evergreen, Colorado, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, is paving the way for the future of the industry. The concept is the “Coors Light of cannabis,” cannabis products that will deliver the exact same effect every time, in vaporizer oil, dabs or water droplets, based on laborious research to develop a compound that induces a very specific type of effect. “The industry will turn to mainstream brands over the next five to 10 years,” said Cooper. “If you look at what’s fundamental to a brand, you have to deliver a consistent experience to that consumer every single time.” “The challenge for this marketplace is nobody is doing that.”

Photos by Cody Lampman Photography

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Better Living through Chemistry

Cooper never pictured himself involved in this industry, even after Colorado voters legalized recreational cannabis in 2012. He had grown up in the era of “Just Say No” and when he had said “yes,” the experiences were uneven. “I had some awesome experiences, and I had some terrible experiences, because the plant is inconsistent, and I didn’t know the difference between Blue Dream and Green Crack. I had a very low level of trust in the plants,” he said. But the industry’s post-legalization explosion in Colorado, and the many people he met whose lives had been improved by medical cannabis, softened his beliefs. As an entrepreneur for two decades, he began to ponder ways that science could create an even, predictable experience. Think of it as better living through chemistry. “Anywhere you go in the world, and you order a Coors Light, you get the exact same thing every time. What if we could create consistent, predictable products, with the same experience every time?” he said. “What I didn’t realize at the time was the breadth and depth from a scientific perspective that I would need to get into to solve these problems.”

Reinventing the Wheel

Cooper began interviewing scientists in 2014 and today, he has 10 on his staff. At first, the biggest problem was just finding scientists willing to study cannabis, given the questionable legal status. They started by sifting through more than 500 studies—most of which were only semi-scientific, given the longstanding federal hurdles to such research. They also challenged the “anecdotal knowledge” about cannabis, about half of which Cooper estimates is not true. “There was no road map. Very little scientific work had happened. We were doing a lot of best guesses, and we made a ridiculous number of mistakes, maybe even an embarrassingly high number,” he laughed. Another struggle was finding capital. Most investors at the time saw cannabis as a “get-rich-quick scheme” and were unwilling to get in on a venture that could take years to bear fruit. To date, Cooper estimates ebbu™ has spent $10 million on research. Much of that research has of course been on the plant, deconstructing it into its basic parts, but even more has focused on the human body’s reaction to “chemical chaos” of the plant, including compounds like THC-V that have been largely bred out of commercial cannabis. Researchers have also conducted dozens of double-blind studies on humans to gauge how they react to different extraction cocktails. “We couldn’t just do a human study and try to figure

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out what’s the magical combination of compounds from the plant that’s going to create these desirable results,” Cooper said. “We had to start at the cellular level. We needed to understand what happens when we take different combinations of these compounds and introduce them to these human receptor sites. By the way, stop me if I get too technical.”

Hot on the Shelves

In 2016, ebbu™ finally released GENESIS™ onto the market, a vaporizer oil that promised “a very clean high without the sensation of being stoned,” said Cooper. They followed up with dabs and microdose aqua drops. They’re available at 150 Colorado dispensaries— but Cooper says his company actually plans to get out of the production business and the ebbu™ brand will go away. That’s because he plans to license these chemical recipes to other manufacturers so ebbu™ can focus on research. You might still see the ebbu™ name on the container, but the brand will be somebody else’s. And Cooper has big plans for this research. He envisions a time in the near future when consumers will be able to make a cannabis extract purchase based on how they want to feel. For example, do they want a burst of energy or to chill out on the couch? Are they trying to cope with anxiety or spice things up in the bedroom with their significant other? And the feeling can be delivered via discreet water drops that will take effect in minutes and last about 75 minutes. And that’s not all he sees for the future of this industry. “In the next five to 10 years you’re going to be able to walk into bars and different places and not only order an alcoholic drink, but you’ll be able to order a cannabis drink. In 10 years you’re going to go to the doctor, and the doctor’s going to be able to prescribe you with real doseable medicine.” “And within 20 years you’re going to walk into a grocery store and things like shampoo, sports drinks, dog food, creams, they’re all going to contain cannabinoids, and it’s all really designed to improve the quality of our lives.” c

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Jim McAlpine (left) poses with Frank Shamrock (right)

By Devon Alexander Brown

ost mornings at 5 a.m., entrepreneur Jim McAlpine is in a pool honing his swimming technique. A tested triathlete, he often swims up to a mile in preparation for competitions. When he’s not training in a pool, McAlpine trains in open waters like Lake Tahoe or the stretch between Alcatraz and San Francisco. Because he has ADHD, he’s careful to always bring a pair of waterproof headphones to prevent boredom in the water. He also never skips on cannabis

before a training session. “I use cannabis before I jump in the water for swims, as a way to help my brain stay focused on what I’m doing,” McAlpine told CULTURE. “To engage in that eye of the tiger mode, if you will, and get really into that flow state.” Historically, the idea of consuming cannabis to become active and focused is counterintuitive, but McAlpine recognized its benefits decades ago while lifting weights in high school. Although he’s been active his entire life, he admits he was somewhat of a stereotypical "stoner" until college.

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“ Whe n I s ta r t e d The 4 2 0 G a m e s w h a t I w a n t e d t o d o w a s h a ve i t be t he p o l a r o pp o s i t e o f w h a t t he t ypic a l c a n n a bi s eve n t i s . Wh a t t h o s e eve n t s d o i s k i n d o f p r o p a g a t e t he s t o n e r i m a g e . Wh a t I w a n t e d t o d o i s k i l l t he s t o n e r i m a g e . ”

McAlpine is still a daily consumer, but he doesn’t allow habitual use to define him. Rather, he’s using athleticism to redefine the cannabis consumer. “I think so many people consider themselves a stoner or they think they’re a stoner, and they’re not,” McAlpine said. “I believe the vast majority of cannabis users are not stoners. I think that’s a very small sect of the cannabis users that really just want to sit on the couch.” So for the past three years, McAlpine has dedicated his business endeavors to building up the cannabis community and reshaping its narrative. In the summer of 2014, McAlpine founded The 420 Games, a series of multi-city athletic events developed to de-stigmatize responsible cannabis consumers. Hosting The 420 Games grants him and other cannabis consumers the opportunity to demonstrate that the cannabis community is much more than lazy smokers and couch lock. “When I started The 420 Games, what I wanted to do was have it be the polar opposite of what the typical cannabis event is,” McAlpine said. “What those events do is kind of propagate the stoner image. What I wanted to do is kill the stoner image. The answer to me was to put an athletic event together that shows all of us marijuana users don’t just do that.” The 420 Games’ mission is to change the way the public views cannabis consumption, so it is a family-friendly athletic event and consumption of cannabis is prohibited. The main event of The 420 Games is a 4.2-mile race—one mile longer than the 3.1-mile span of a typical 5K. In addition to the race there are over 100 active lifestyle companies with booths and samples, interacting with and educating participants. Two points that McAlpine stressed were that you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from cannabis, and not all athletes do perform better on cannabis. However, incorporating cannabis into walks, hikes, bike rides and

other physical activities can help make the experiences more immersive and inspire further activity. McAlpine doesn’t have a standard strain he swears by, but on average, sativa-dominant strains are associated with bursts of energy and uplifted thoughts. “I don’t really necessarily look at a strain,” McAlpine said. “I look at the THC content and the makeup of the plant because it’s usually analyzed. I think when you get really medicinal then strains make a difference, but when it’s just being smoked, THC is what I choose. I look for a high THC content.” No matter your tolerance, it’s best to start on the conservative side when incorporating cannabis into a workout or sport. And since cannabis interacts with everyone’s systems differently, it may take some experimenting with multiple strains to determine what works well with your body and biochemistry. Too much THC can induce anxiety and uneasiness resulting in an unpleasant experience. Too little may lead to disappointment. For peak physical performance, proper dosage is more important than strain, which varies grower to grower. Understanding exactly how much to consume is crucial to discovering true functionality on cannabis. In addition to The 420 Games, Jim McAlpine is also the founder of New West Summit, a cannabis industry conference focusing on developments in technology, investment and media. As a part of his all-embracing mission to change the perception of cannabis, he hopes to launch an app that inspires cannabis consumers to be athletic. The app would track physical activity like a Fitbit or Apple Watch, but with the prospect of earning points toward free and discounted cannabis products. “The more active you are, the better pricing and free products you’re going to get,” McAlpine said. “I think that’s just going to propagate more health in the long run.” c www.420games.org CultureMagazine.com

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Reggae Fusion Feeling irie with New Z e a l a n d ’ s K at c h a f i r e

By Simon Weedn

lthough New Zealand might not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of reggae music, the island nation is home to one of the most passionate, die-hard audiences of the genre in the entire

world. For two decades now, New Zealand’s Katchafire has been working hard to establish itself as the ambassador for that scene. With four albums under its belt and a fifth one on deck, the group has enamored fans all over the world with its iconic sunny and laid back brand of reggae, which fuses the classic reggae style with bits of smooth modern jazz and R&B.

“I feel lik e [ cannabi s] ope ns a pa th to creativeness f or me and hel p s me was h away str ess and an x iety. The re ar e a numbe r of u s e s. ” 62

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Recently, CULTURE was able to catch up with Logan Bell, Katchafire’s lead vocalist, guitarist, and one of its songwriters, to hear all about the band’s upcoming new record, New Zealand’s relationship with reggae, and of course, the band's love of cannabis.

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Can you tell me a bit about the new record? Did you have any specific goals or ambitions for it going into the writing and recording process? Well, it’s been six or seven years since our last album, and over the last three years, we’ve had three of our original members leave us. So, this is kind of the first album with the new band going forward and the new songwriters picking up the guard. Our one goal was to write good music like we always do; quality not quantity. A lot of the tunes were written and recorded on the road and in different countries, and we’ve been excited to work with a whole different bunch of people with new energies. A lot of people might not traditionally associate the island of New Zealand with reggae music, but it’s extremely popular there; there’s a history of New Zealand reggae artists spanning several decades. What about reggae music do you feel speaks to you and so many other New Zealanders so deeply? Well, New Zealand is a very conscious place, and the indigenous heartbeat there is resounding and loud. A lot of the indigenous there are proud of their heritage, who they are and where they’re from and will shout it from the mountaintops. So we are very conscious, and we hear these messages of struggle that these artists talk about, and I think we can identify with that. Your band has never been secretive about your support for cannabis. How do you feel about the possibility of New Zealand legalizing medical cannabis? Do you think it could happen? You know, I didn’t think it could happen. Our leaders

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have been very conservative in that area. However, the new Prime Minister is actually quite pro-legalization for medicinal use, but I still think there are a lot of people in the government who don’t want it. So, I don’t think it’s going to happen in the next five years, but maybe in the next 10 years. It’s such an effective medicine these days, and world leaders are seeing the benefits for sick people. Is cannabis something that’s helpful to you and people you know? Yeah! For sure! I feel like [cannabis] opens a path to creativeness for me and helps me wash away stress and anxiety. There are a number of uses. For my mum, we brought her back some CBD pills, and it’s helping with her diabetes. I’m sure there are all sorts of benefits that are unexplored, because there have been chains and taboos on it for too long. Besides the upcoming album, does Katchafire have any other big plans or ambitions for the 2018? You know, we feel like we’ve got a lot more to give and this next album is going to be the turning of a new guard; it’s going to be a sneak preview of what’s to come. I think 2018 will see us lengthening our stops around the world and the tours will just be getting bigger. We’re upping our game; we want to win a Grammy and tour places we’ve never been before. We’re still hungry. c

+ www.katchafire.co.nz

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SHOOTING GALLERY

Abra Ca Dabs Canna-Golf at Debell Golf Club in Burbank

Photos by Kristopher Christensen

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culture growing RECI P E S COUR A GE IN P RO F ILE 68

Building Wick Systems By Ed Rosenthal

The wick container system is an easy way to garden because it is self-watering. It also removes the uncertainty of when to water, requires far less care than hand watering, and it is simple, fast to assemble and inexpensive to set up. The wick system is based on capillary action. One example of this is a tissue drawing up water from a puddle. The system we are about to set up works on the same principal. Instead of tissue we use braided nylon rope.

Equipment Starting from the bottom we need a tray that is at least three-inches deep and wide enough to support the plant container. The wider the JANUARY 2018 CultureMagazine.com

container the deeper the tray should be. For instance, with a six-foot container I use a 10-inch deep tray, but with small containers the trays is only three to five inches deep. Next we need some blocks to hold the container a few inches above the tray. Some possibilities are 2x4 or 4x4 boards, Styrofoam blocks or an inverted plastic tray. The container is next. Select the same size container that you would normally use. I have used this system with four-inch containers and eightfoot wide soft containers. Next is the wick. Nylon braided rope draws up water very well and these wicks last for a long time. I have used some more than 10 years. Select the wick size. The larger the container the thicker the wick should be. A small container needs only a 1/4-inch wick, while a large container, which is deeper than the small can use wicks up to 3/4inch. Wider containers should have more wicks so water is drawn across the entire bottom of the container by the wicks. Next, the planting mix goes into the container. Almost all mixes work, so you can use your favorite. Once the water is drawn up the wick to the bottom of the soil level, the soil starts wicking it up. You probably have already seen this happen when you watered a plant and excess water dripped into the tray below. A while later, the water disappeared as it was pulled up into the planting mix. The wick system works in the same way.

Installation ·

Place the wood or plastic supports in the tray.

Measure and cut the wick. It should start at the bottom of the tray, go through the drain hole in the container and stretch across the container bottom to the drainage hole on the other side and down to the bottom of the tray. The rope tends to fray at the ends. To prevent this, before you cut, use two twist-ties, one for each end of the rope, to hold it in place.

If the container is wide, use two wicks, one in each set of two opposite holes. You may have to drill holes in wider containers, such as kiddie pools or wide trays. Figure that each wick drop covers about two square feet.

Fill the container with planting mix.

Plant the plant or seeds.

A complete system: Tray, blocks, container, wick, planting mix.

This system was automated using a reservoir and flush valve.

Maintenance ·

To start, add water to the container until it starts to drip into the tray.

Fill the tray with water.

Refill the tray as it loses water. You can also water the container from the top once in a while.

The planting mix absorbs water from the wick automatically as the plant uses it.

Holes were drilled in the tray for the wicks. Pallets were used to support tray above the water.

Options This system can be automated. By placing a reservoir above the container level and placing a flush valve in the tray, the water level can be maintained for a longer time. A number of trays can be connected to a reservoir so the whole garden is irrigated just by filling the reservoir. The advantage to this system is that each tray receives water only as it needs it. c

The wick system can support large plants.

This small valve regulates water level in the reservoir.

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

Donald R. Winn

Age: 32

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RECI P E S

growing

Condition/Illness: Traumatic Brain Injury

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Using medical cannabis since: 2011

Why did you start using cannabis? On Jan. 14, I slipped into a coma because of a very rare bacterial infection called streptococcus, which had caused me to stop breathing. So from there I was in a coma for about two-and-ahalf weeks, so that had screwed up my sleeping because my neurons are always misfiring. So, I’ve tried numerous sleeping pills and none seem to work for me until I was introduced medical marijuana. From there I had replaced over 25 pills daily to only four each day. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes, like I had said in the previous question, I had tried numerous sleeping pills and anti-anxiety pills, depression pills, pills

for muscle spasms—the list can keep going on and on. But let’s just say that medical marijuana had saved my life by letting me live without being heavily sedated off all the meds that the doctor had kept feeding me. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? I’d probably have to say the biggest problem we face about medical marijuana is that no one knows all the health benefits it has to it. And also how much it can help out with so much more. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Don’t judge a plant from the past. Judge it for all it can do for us. c

Are you an medical cannabis patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.

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Menu: Breakfast Açaí Bowl Hearty Granola Bars New Year’s Sweet Greens Juice

culture RECI P E S

growing

Get Fresh with Hemp

Almost 20 years into the millennium, it’s time to get serious about the resolutions we continue to make about improving our health, year after year. CULTURE is simplifying this daunting task by letting you in on one of nutrition’s best kept secrets—and that’s hemp! In honor of the new year, here are three ways to infuse your fresh and colorful recipes with a healthy dose of hemp. When it’s not being used for textiles, renewable energy and body care products, hemp is a super food that offers a significant amount of protein as well as all known amino acids, which our bodies cannot produce. Whether you need an extra boost of energy for your workout, or just to get you through a busy workday, here are three fresh and healthy recipes that utilize nature’s perfect plant.

Local eateries with similar dishes: The Punchbowl 4645 Melbourne Ave., Los Angeles (323) 666-1123 lapunchbowl.tumblr.com Tru Nature Juice Bar 2225 E Broadway, Long Beach (562) 433-4100 www.trunaturejuice.com

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The Hive 606 Broadway, Santa Monica (310) 899-6298 www.thehivesm.com

Breakfast Aç aí Bowl

Fruit is nature’s candy. Elevate it with nature’s gift of hemp, plus a couple other goodies, and your day will be off to a solid start.

Ingredients:

Toppings:

Instructions:

2 cups frozen strawberries (or your favorite berry) 2 frozen sliced bananas

Fresh fruit, sliced (bananas and strawberries)

4 tablespoons açaí powder

Granola

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk of choice)

Unsweetened coconut flakes

2 tablespoons nut or seed butter

Drizzle of honey

1 tablespoon honey, to taste

Hemp seeds

1. Add the frozen fruits, açaí powder, almond milk, nut or seed butter, and honey to a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth, adding extra almond milk as needed to get the blender running. Aim for a frozen yogurt consistency (it should be thicker than a smoothie). 2. Spoon the açaí mixture into bowls and top with hemp seeds, sliced fruit, a drizzle of honey and additional toppings.

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Instructions:

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (approximately 3 large)

2 cups rolled oats (not instant) 3/4 cup dried cherries, cranberries or blueberries

1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup pepita seeds 1/2 cup sliced almonds 1/4 cup hemp hearts 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

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Ingredients:

3. Stir in the vanilla extract. 4. Place the oats into a food processor (or blender set on the lowest speed) and pulse until the oats are coarsely chopped (but still have lots of texture). Stir the chopped oats into the banana mixture until fully incorporated. 5. Stir the dried fruit, walnuts, sunflower and pepita seeds, almonds, hemp hearts, cinnamon

This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to play around with the mix-ins. Chewy, soft-baked and hearty, these no-sugar-added granola bars are sure to fill you up and will keep your energy stable all day long.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a large rectangular baking dish (approximately 9 inch x 13 inch) and line with a piece of parchment paper (with overhang) so the bars are easier to remove. 2. In a large bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Make sure you have 1 1/2 cups (if you have extra mashed banana, you can freeze it for a smoothie).

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Hearty Granola Bars

and salt into the bananaoat mixture until thoroughly combined. The dough will be very heavy and a bit wet. 6. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish. With lightly wet hands, smooth out until even and uniform. Press down on the dough until compacted. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, until firm and lightly golden along the edges. 7. Place the dish on a cooling rack for 10 minutes, then carefully slide a knife to loosen the ends and gently lift out. Place the slab on a cooling rack until completely cool. 8. Once cool, slice into bars. We recommend using a pizza slicer, as it easily cuts through the dried fruit and nuts. Leftovers can be wrapped up and stored in the fridge for a week, or stored in the freezer for 4 to 6 weeks.

New Year’s Sweet Greens Juice Ingredients: 7 celery stalks 1 apple, cut to fit juicer

growing

1/2 cucumber, cut to fit juicer 40 parsley sprigs (leaves and stems) 1/4 cup (1 small handful) spinach leaves 5 large romaine leaves 1/4 to 1/2 lemon, cut to fit juicer 1/4 to 1/2 lime, cut to fit juicer 1 tablespoon hemp oil

Instructions: 1. In a fruit and vegetable juicer, juice all ingredients. Discard solids. 2. Strain juice through a fine mesh sieve before

serving in a glass. Add a few ice cubes to the glass if you prefer a colder beverage. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for one day.

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culture

Green juice is not only healthy, it can be tasty, too. If you prefer a sweeter juice, use half the amount of celery and add another apple (so 3-1/2 celery stalks and 2 apples). If you are not a huge fan of citrus, don’t run the lemon and lime through the juicing machine. Instead, stir a splash of fresh lemon and lime juice into the finished juice.

socal NOW! event listings

Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention, Jan. 7 Love comics? Enjoy reading science fiction novels? Then come and join the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention to see and witness some of Los Angelesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; greatest graphic novels and meet TV show stars Cooper Andrews and Khary Payton from The Walking Dead. This event includes cosplay, a Q&A and even a few networking opportunities. The Reef, Los Angeles www.comicbookscifi.com

TEASE, if you please! Jan. 13 Step back into time as TEASE, if you please! takes guests on a unique burlesque show experience. The show is set back into a historically-themed setting, and the performers will leave guests captivated with their dazzling performances. Come and experience the thrill of burlesque. Globe Theatre, Los Angeles www.teaseifyouplease.com Anime Impulse, Jan. 13-14 Anime Impulse invites anime enthusiasts and gaming aficionados to unite to meet fun like-minded people who promote good vibes within the anime fandom community. This event features special appearances from Instagram cosplay stars, special secret guests, panels, Q&A, artists 74

and a unique kawaii runway with models strutting in fashionable outfits. Fairplex, Pomona www.animeimpulse.com CALIBASH, Jan. 20 Tune into KXOL Mega 96.3, LAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party radio station to score some tickets to the 11th annual CALIBASH concert featuring hiphop, urban, R&B, pop and tropical performances including Jennifer Lopez, J Balvin, French Montana, Becky G, Ozuna, Natti Natasha and more. Staples Center, Los Angeles www.staplescenter.com

featured event

Pizza + Beer 2018 Festival Inland Empire, Jan. 13

What could be more satisfying than buying art and sampling fresh pizza and brews? Taste exquisite pizza, beer and cuisines from some of the top food trucks and finest restaurants available in SoCal, while enjoying entertainment that includes live DJs, fun, games and cigars. Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, Ontario www.pizzabeerfest.com

Piratenball, Jan. 20 The Anaheim Karnevalgesellschaft presents Piratenball, a German-styled Mardi Gras, with festive costumes, German food, beverages and fun. This event features pirate costume contests, German craft beers, rum specials, German music and more. The Phoenix Club, Anaheim www.thephoenixclub.com

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Art Los Angeles Contemporary, Jan. 25-28 The Los Angeles Contemporary art fair features well established as well as new, emerging artists. Attendees will experience a newfound view on contemporary arts, talk amongst artists and indulge in the creative atmosphere. The Barker Hangar, Santa Monica artlosangelesfair.com

Uncorked: Los Angeles Wine Festival 2018, Jan. 27 Returning for its third year, Uncorked appears once again to share and appreciate the love of wine at Union Station. The Wine Festival features food trucks and vendors, great music and over 50 wines from big name wineries such as Tropical Moscato, Kenwood Vineyards, New Age and more. Union Station, Los Angeles uncorkedwinefestivals.com

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News of the

Weird

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

LEAD STORY—FAMILY VALUES Members of the Spann family of Comanche County, Oklahoma, keep running afoul of that state’s incest law, with the latest dustup over the marriage of 26-year-old Misty Spann and her 43-year-old mother, Patricia, in March 2016. The two had been separated after Patricia lost custody of her young kids, but when they resumed contact a few years ago, Patricia told investigators, “they hit it off.” KFOR reported that Patricia also married one of her sons in 2008, but two years later that marriage was annulled. Another son reported to KSWO-TV that Patricia tried to start an inappropriate relationship with him, but he shut her down. In early November, Misty received a 10-year deferred sentence and will serve two years’ probation. Her mother/ex-wife (their union was annulled in October) will be sentenced in January. NERD ALERTS Since Twitter announced that it would allow 280-character messages rather than its original 140, a whole new world has opened up for the game-addicted among us. Gizmodo reports that tweeters are using the expanded tweetspace to play board games such as chess, Connect Four, Shogi and Go. Games are even being customized; 76

one tweet enthuses about “Marine biology twitterchess. With a new marine biology fact every time a piece is moved, and a scientifically accurate death scene when a piece is taken.” Uh, ok. SWEET! Becky Reilly of Omaha, Nebraska, was forced to call in a roofing company after discovering thousands of honeybees had invaded her home’s attic, producing so much honey that it was dripping down the side of the house. “We heard a loud and rhythmic buzzing, and it was somewhat terrifying because we knew what it meant,” Reilly told KETV. Jason Starkey of Takoda Green Roofing said he removed about 40 pounds of honey on Oct. 26 before moving the bees and tackling the damage, which he called “horrible.” Local beekeeper John Gebuhr moved the bees to his garage, but he is pessimistic about their survival through the winter. INAPPROPRIATE An Indonesian museum, De Mata Trick Eye Museum in Yogyakarta, has been forced to remove an exhibit that encouraged visitors to take a selfie with a waxwork of Adolf Hitler. The figure, which stood in front of a giant image of the entrance to Auschwitz concentration camp, had been on display since 2014, and the museum said it was one of the most popular displays. Metro News reported that the museum originally defended the exhibit as “fun,” but when the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Los Angeles demanded its removal, the museum complied, taking it down on Nov. 10.

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EWWWW! Sean A. Sykes Jr., 24, of Kansas City, Missouri, has discovered one way to avoid the justice system. Sykes was detained in a Sept. 1 traffic stop, but he denied any knowledge of the drugs and handguns found in the car, The Kansas City Star reported. As he was being questioned at the police station, the detective wrote in his report, Sykes was asked his address. In response, he “leaned to one side of his chair and released a loud fart before answering with the address. Mr. Sykes continued to be flatulent and I ended the interview,” the detective wrote. Charges were not filed at that time, but Sykes was pulled over again on Nov. 5 and was in possession of marijuana, crack cocaine and a stolen pistol. He was in custody awaiting a bond hearing. LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS A loss prevention officer at a Vero Beach, Florida, Walmart happened to catch 25-year-old Cheyenne Amber West and another woman as they carried out some complicated maneuvers in the electronics aisle on Nov. 6. The officer told the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office that West and her friend chose a computer, video game controllers and other items worth a total of almost $2,000, then covered the bar codes with stickers taken from less-expensive clearance items. They then moved to the selfcheckout lane, where their loot totaled just $3.70. “I am just trying to get gifts for my son that I cannot afford,” West told officers. “The computer is for my

husband. Since he just got me a Coach purse, I figured he deserved something nice as well.” Treasure Coast Newspapers reports that West was charged with felony grand theft and felony shoplifting and was released on $3,000 bail. The other woman was not charged. A NEW TWIST ON YARD WORK Council officers for the village of Blubberhouses in North Yorkshire, England, stumbled upon seven trash bags full of cannabis plants at the side of a road on Nov. 12, according to the BBC. They contacted the North Yorkshire Police, whereupon Constable Amanda Hanusch-Moore tweeted a photo of the bags and invited the owners to “come and speak to us at Harrogate Police Station, we’re more than happy to discuss!” NAKED AND WEIRD Joseph Vaglica, 40, of Edgewater, Florida, surprised a woman at her New Smyrna Beach home on Nov. 7 when, naked, he burst in through the garage door and ran through her kitchen “acting irrationally.” The homeowner dashed next door to her stepson’s house and called 911, reported the Daytona Beach NewsJournal. Meanwhile, Vaglica helped himself to some of the woman’s clothes, then ran outside and started banging on the windows at the stepson’s home. When New Smyrna Beach police officers arrived, Vaglica was rolling around in the grass. Police said he was intoxicated; he was later charged with burglary with assault.

Sullivan, Missouri, police department Lt. Patrick Johnson joined the town’s residents in witnessing a barrage of weird behavior on Nov. 3 and 4. Johnson thinks the people who were “barking like dogs or other farm animals, running up and down the street, entering people’s homes, breaking into a business” were high on flakka, a synthetic drug, mixed with methamphetamine, although the substances have not yet been tested. Some of the people broke into a nightclub, stripped down to their birthday suits and showered in fountain water or soda, according to the Sullivan Independent News. Two people were arrested, and others were treated at a hospital.

PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM US Chengdu, China, street barber Xiong Gaowu offers a most unusual service at his roadside location in Sichuan province. For $12, Xiong will scrap the inside of his customers’ eyelids using a straight razor, according to Reuters. Xiong suggests being “gentle, very, very gentle” when performing eyelid shaving, or “blade wash eyes,” as the technique is known in Mandarin. A Chengdu ophthalmologist, Qu Chao, says shaving may unblock moisturizing sebaceous glands along the rim of the eyelid, leading to a more comfortable and refreshed feeling. “If he can properly sterilize the tools that he uses, I can see there is still a space for this technique to survive,” Qu added.

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