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contents Vol 9 IssUE 1
07.17
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Master of the Court
Former NBA athlete and television host John Salley shares his passion for health, wellness and cannabis advocacy. On the COVER:
John Gilhooley
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inside
contents 7.2017
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112 features
124 108
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Differing Opinions Concentrate laws differ from state to state—here is insight into each state’s rules and regulations.
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Go for Gold Get “in the know” with this breakdown into the many forms of cannabis concentrates.
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The Power of Oil The properties of cannabis oil have significantly improved the life of young Maddie Holt.
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Topical Innovation Cannabis-based transdermal products are taking the cannabis industry by storm.
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A Career to Consider Becoming a concentrate processor requires plenty of training and practice.
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Industry Insider Kristi Knoblich is a pioneer of cannabis edibles who continues to set the precedent with Kiva Confections.
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Hoop Dreams Professional basketball coaches join players in advocating for cannabis as medicine.
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Heavy Hitters Suicide Silence guitarist Mark Heylmun opens up to CULTURE about his passion for music and cannabis cultivation.
departments 18 Letter from the Editor
news
Online Exclusive! 22 News Nuggets 26 By the Numbers
32 Local News 36 Legal Corner 40 Healthy Living 50 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews
in every issue
reviews
44 Company Highlights
74 Cool Stuff 82 Entertainment Reviews
132 Shooting Galleries 136 Growing Culture 138 Destination Unknown
140 Profile in Courage 142 Recipes 146 SoCal Now! 148 News of the Weird
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d Senate Approves PTSD As Qualifying Condition in New York
Poland Legalizes Medical Cannabis
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CULTURE M
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett creative consultant Jeremy Zachary Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Dan Mitchell, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Jefferson Van Billiard, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic DesignerS Payden Corden, Nathan Hernandez, Michelle Aguirre sales director Justin Olson los angeles Jon Bookatz sales manager Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson intern Kiara Manns Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,500 locations throughout Southern California. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
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L ETTE R
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Passion and Purpose
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ollowing the long-awaited kick-off of summer, the cannabis community is looking forward to our second-most notorious holiday—710. July 10 is a day to embrace the ever-evolving offerings of cannabis concentrates, all of which you can explore—page by page— within CULTURE’s annual 710 issue. While I join you in celebrating 710 by casually vaping on some Sour D, I think back to the reason why I first fell in love with this industry. It is not solely sativa that sparks my motivation and drives me forward. Last month, I had the pleasure of listening to former Mexican President Vicente Fox’s speech at the NCIA’s Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California. President Fox invited attendees to take a moment of silence to consider their intention for being a part of the burgeoning cannabis industry. “Make sure you have your purpose, and purpose as high and heroic [as] it can be, the more we are going to grow, the more the industry is going to grow, the more we’re going to be saving lives, the more we are going to be doing good to our communities,” he told a crowd of over 1,000 people. The speech was inspiring. His focus on purpose was reminiscent of the advice my father gave me growing up—having a clear intention is the driving force to the actions you take. As I considered my current purpose as the Editor-in-Chief of CULTURE, I recognized that my reason for identifying as a cannabis advocate has matured greatly over the years. My initial pursuit into cannabis-centric journalism stemmed from my personal, and somewhat naïve, appreciation of cannabis. But as I became exposed to cannabis as medicine and the impact it has had on families across the world, my purpose became clear. Back in 2011, I recall the first time I read about Jason David and his young son Jayden. I was astonished to read about
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Jason’s bravery as he administered medical cannabis oil to his four-year-old son. These treatments were able to successfully stop Jayden’s seizures after countless pharmaceutical medications failed. Jayden’s life was forever changed— and from that moment, my intention for being a cannabis advocate was no longer motivated by my habitual reasons for consuming cannabis. I was working up my ranks with CULTURE at the time, however Jayden’s story made a massive impression—it revealed to me the tremendous healing potential of cannabis in the truest form. A passion for cannabis reform was ignited. Stories like Jayden’s needed to be heard, and I was motivated to make sure that happened. My dedication continues to strengthen with every story, every journey and even the personal experiences I’ve witnessed within my own family and cannabis as medicine. We will continue to bring you these remarkable stories, like the one you will read in this issue about how cannabis has improved the quality of young Maddie Holt’s life. But as you know, there is much more to CULTURE than just patient stories. CULTURE will also continue to spark endless amounts of creativity and excitement in our everyday lives as cannasseurs. With an unwavering commitment to relentless advocacy, passion and purpose, I look forward to continuing this journey with you. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Pomona City Council Considers Allowing Recreational Cannabis Businesses Recently the Pomona City Council heard from several cannabis experts to weigh the pros and cons of allowing licensed recreational cannabis businesses. Real estate agents, attorneys and other
Vermont Adds PTSD and Other Illnesses to List of Qualifying Conditions Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill that expands Vermont’s list of qualifying conditions to add Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the list. The expansion bill, entitled S.16, was signed by the governor on June 8. News of the medical cannabis expansion comes just weeks after
speakers were invited to plead their cases to the council with the hopes of learning more about how locals perceive cannabis. “City staff is seeking direction from City Council on key questions related to marijuana-related commercial activities, both medical and non-medical (i.e., recreational), as well as regulation on personal cultivation, and the smoking of marijuana in public places,” the city council meeting agenda stated. Councilmembers suggested scheduling a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to develop some sort of plan for cannabis businesses. The city could either let the statewide regulations take effect, ban all businesses or adopt its own taxes and land use regulations. Pomona and other California cities are working to come up with a solution for recreational cannabis sales before January 1, 2018.
the governor vetoed S. 22, a bill that would have legalized recreational cannabis and made Vermont the first state to do so through legislation instead of a vote. Although Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the bill, he then remained open to considering future versions of a recreational bill. “I’ll be providing the Legislature with recommended changes,” Gov. Phil Scott stated. “And to be clear, if they are willing to work with me to address my concerns in a new bill passed during the
France to Drop Prison Sentences for Cannabis Offenses France’s recently elected President Emmanuel Macron has promised to end the nation’s highly unpopular prison terms for cannabis consumers. Currently those who consume cannabis in France can be sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of up to €3,750, or about $4,200 Macron proposed dropping prison sentences and replacing them with small, reasonable fines. Government Spokesman Christophe Castaner said that police and magistrates waste up to six hours of time 22
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veto session this summer, there is a path forward on this issue.” Although recreational cannabis is not yet permitted in the state of Vermont, Gov. Scott’s signature on the new cannabis expansion bill has demonstrated his dedication to continuing progress in how Vermont regulates cannabis. Patients with Parkinson’s, Crohn’s disease or PTSD are now eligible to obtain medical cannabis at one of the state’s four licensed dispensaries as of July 1.
California State Senate Approves Drugged Driving Task Force On June 15, the California State Senate approved a handful of measures to better regulate drivers who drive under the influence of drugs. Led by Assemblymember Tom Lackey, who worked as a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer for almost 30 years, this bill will allow both state and local agencies to agree on the best ways to test drivers for the presence of cannabis, as well as illegal drugs and prescription drugs that may impair their driving. “As someone who spent 28 years with the CHP, I know how dangerous an impaired driver can be,” Lackey stated. “To deal with a problem as complex as drugged driving, we need a coordinated response based on strong science and best practices. This CHP-led taskforce will make sure that happens.” The bill was one of many that were passed, totaling $183 billion in spending. This particular bill alone was approved for $3 billion, which will help fund educational driving programs for both citizens and law enforcement.
on average for each cannabis offense. “Is the system effective?” Castaner asked. “No. What is important today is to be efficient and above all to free up time for our police so they can focus more on essential matters.” According to President Macron’s proposals, those caught with cannabis would be issued fines of up to € 100 and would not face incarceration. The only French presidential candidate that rejected any kind of cannabis reform was runner-up Marine Le Pen, who lost to Macron in the election earlier this year.
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The amount of medical cannabis tax revenue, in millions of dollars, that was collected in Los Angeles County in 2016: (Source: Bloomberg)
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The maximum number of cannabis plants that are allowed for athome cultivation, which was recently approved by the Los Angeles City Council: (Source: FOX LA)
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The number of pages that detail the proposal to regulate medical and recreational cannabis in Los Angeles: (Source: City of Los Angeles Draft Proposal)
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The projected amount of cannabis tax revenue, in millions of dollars, that Los Angeles is expected to collect from recreational cannabis sales during 2018: (Source: Daily News)
The number of medical cannabis dispensaries that the city of Riverside has shut down since 2007:
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(Source: The Press-Enterprise)
The projected amount of land, in acres, that Hemp, Inc. will use to cultivate CBD-rich hemp plants in North Carolina and Colorado: (Source: Power Engineering)
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The percentage of Canadians who said that they support the pardoning of individuals who have been convicted of cannabis possession: (Source: The Globe and Mail)
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The approximate number of patients in Georgia who received permission to consume medical cannabis during the month of May: (Source: U.S. News)
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The percentage of children who experienced zero convulsive seizures while using GW Pharmaceuticals’ CBD product, Epidiolex, during a recent study: (Source: The Gazette)
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Chalice California Festival WHAT: Chalice California Festival. WHEN/WHERE: Fri, July 7-Sun, July 9. SBC Fairgrounds, 14800 7th St., Victorville. INFO: Check out chalicecalifornia.com for details. Enjoy an event where music and cannabis combine to form an experience unlike any other. The Chalice California Festival puts the spotlight on hash oil extraction artist who spread awareness, knowledge and constantly look for safer procedures to curate high-quality products. Those who have an appreciation for glass art, cannabis advocacy and love to create memories through experiencing the world with others will find a welcoming atmosphere at Chalice California. 26
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Because Chalice is known for its love of pipe making, a host of glass artists and their creations will be available for viewing. Witness the electrifying process of glass blowing in demonstrations that will go on during all three days! The festival will also feature visual artists who will populate the festival with their distinct styles. To cherrytop it all, live performances will be given by Ice Cube, Cypress Hill, Big Boi, The Floozies and many others. (Kiara Manns)
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NEWS
LOCAL
Res t oring Order The Los Angeles City Council releases commercial cannabis draft rules By Benjamin M. Adams
L
os Angeles’ draft rules for commercial cannabis dispensaries were unveiled by the City Council on June 8. “Proposed Requirements for Commercial Cannabis Activity in the City of Los Angeles” was released by City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr. as well as Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield, Paul Koretz and Nury Martinez. The draft rules would dictate which sites would be suitable for commercial cannabis businesses. Officials also released a draft ordinance on operating rules and application requirements. The City Council is relying on public dialogue to form some sort of compromise between the voices of community members living in Los Angeles. The goal is to clear up the murky confusion surrounding rules and regulations in Los Angeles that has dragged on for several years. The additional draft ordinance, Article 5.2.1 was added to Chapter IV of the Los Angeles Municipal Code. “Today marks another important day and step forward in that process, the release of the first draft of the ‘Proposed Requirements for Commercial Cannabis Activity in the City of Los Angeles’ and the beginning of a 60-day public comment period prior to any further action from the City Council,” reads the draft regulations. “Furthermore, the Department of City Planning is releasing a draft ordinance
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which proposes the land use and sensitive use requirements for Commercial Cannabis Activity in the City of Los Angeles as well. That draft ordinance will also be available for a minimum 60-day public comment period prior to any action by the Citywide Planning Commission and the City Council.” The document was signed by Wesson, Jr., as well as Councilmembers Blumenfield, Koretz and Martinez. The draft rules would limit recreational dispensaries to most of the city’s commercial and industrial areas. Indoor cultivation facilities would be limited to industrial areas as well. An 800-foot cushion would be imposed between dispensaries, as well as an 800-foot buffer between schools, public libraries, parks and drug and alcohol treatment facilities. The zoning rules are designed to keep clusters of dispensaries from forming. An informative color-coded map is available from Los Angeles City Planning that indicates which areas cannabis businesses would be restricted to under the draft rules. Pink indicates commercial zones that are eligible for businesses and blue indicates industrial zones that are eligible for businesses. Grey circles indicate 800-foot radius buffer zones where dispensaries are prohibited, which black out the majority of areas in the city. The city council is currently engaging in a 60-day public comment period to gather input about the proposed regulations from all perspectives. Los Angeles is home to over four million people and is expected to become the largest cannabis market in the United States. Councilmember Blumenfield called the city’s proposed rules a “blueprint” for the rest of the nation. The Southern California Coalition applauded the draft rules, calling them a “positive step.” With the implementation of Measure M moving along and the release of the draft rules, dispensaries in Los Angeles can finally find some level of respite from the constant nagging worry of raids due to compliance issues. Measure M passed with a historic 80.5 percent approval rate on March 7. Measure M is meant to address the many problems associated with Proposition D, which only gave 135 of medical cannabis dispensaries immunity from prosecution. c
Indigo Sesh: Art and Cannabis Festival While Indigo Sesh focuses on cannabis education, the three-day festival incorporates various art forms to highlight the many creative souls that live in the Los Angeles area. Developed by the founder of the Indigo Lounge, the Indigo Sesh festival brings you dancers, tattoo artists, poets, comedians, fashion designers, DJs and so many other talented individuals into one creative space. Those interested in being featured during the event may also submit samples of their work through the event’s email. This year’s festivities feature a virtual reality experience crafted to inform and educate guests further on cannabis. The educational portion of the festival will detail the benefits cannabis has, whether consumed recreationally or as medicine. The festival is open to those who are 21 years and older. Tickets may be purchased for individual dates or for the entire weekend. (Kiara Manns) WHAT: Indigo Sesh: Art and Cannabis Festival. WHEN/WHERE: Thurs, July 20-Sat, July 22. Avery Rare Shop, 1612 Staunton Ave., Los Angeles. INFO: Check out averyrareshop. com for more.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Pro tec tion and Purp ose Legislation aims to create sanctuary for California’s cannabis industry By Alexa Steinberg, Esq. of Manzuri Law
O
n June 1, 2017, California moved one step closer to becoming a cannabis “sanctuary state” with the State Assembly’s passage of Assembly Bill 1578. Essentially, the bill would prevent local and state authorities from assisting in federal raids against California business owners who are otherwise abiding by state cannabis laws. Considering the White House’s recent “War on Drugs” rhetoric, the passage of this bill could provide the safeguard that California’s burgeoning cannabis industry desperately needs. California Barred From Aiding in Federal Enforcement Efforts AB-1578 seeks to protect our state’s cannabis industry by barring local and state authorities, absent court order, from using resources to help federal drug agents arrest people who are complying with California’s cannabis laws. The bill guts all funding for such action and prohibits local and state authorities from handing anyone over to federal agents for cannabis-related prosecution. The bill mirrors existing immigration policies adopted by some local authorities, which already independently decided not to participate in federal deportations. AB-1578 Passes California Assembly On Its Way to the Senate AB-1578 cleared its first hurdle! With a slim 41-32 vote, Republican lawmakers met the bill with strong opposition. Backed by members of law enforcement, the Republicans argued that the bill could hamper the working relationship
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between state and federal officers. However the bill’s author, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), argued that the legislation is necessary because President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions “threatened to resume enforcement of federal law,” which, of course, considers cannabis an illegal Schedule I drug. The bill achieved the bare majority vote required to pass the Assembly. Now, it heads to be heard by the Senate Public Safety Committee before Gov. Jerry Brown can sign it into law. Why California Needs AB-1578 In a memo to staff in May, Sessions ordered federal prosecutors to “charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense” for drug crimes, a complete U-turn on the Obama administration’s lenient policies on low-level drug crimes. Since 2014, the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment has prevented the Department of Justice (DOJ) from using federal funds to prosecute cannabis crimes in cannabisfriendly states, including California. In 2017, Trump temporarily renewed the amendment until September when it is up for reassessment once more. Despite Congress’s decision to halt the DOJ enforcement efforts, Sessions recently tried to galvanize his “war on drugs” by sending a personal letter to Congress requesting permission to prosecute medical cannabis providers. The threat at federal level is clearly becoming a real prospect for California’s cannabis industry. However, should AB-1578 pass, the DOJ wont be able to rely on state or local resources to help further their agenda. Although Federal resources are far greater than state, without help from state authorities it is infeasible for the DOJ to attempt widespread federal prosecution throughout the state. Los Angeles Blooms Under AB-1578 In June, L.A. city officials released proposed rules for licensed cannabis shops in the city. According to the draft rules, the city will be legalizing and fully licensing almost all aspects of the commercial cannabis industry, thus creating an opportunity for the city to cash-in on an estimated $50 million tax revenue in 2018 alone. With L.A. finally being on the verge of permitting, the passage of AB-1578 is more important than ever. The city’s regulations will be impossible to implement if the feds decide to raid and arrest individuals operating state and locally compliant businesses. Should AB-1578 pass, L.A.’s regulatory framework is far more likely to succeed. While the bill in no way provides absolute protection from the feds, the protection that it does afford is enough to provide hope for the growth of the industry. AB-1578 will ease the fears of citizens, cannabis business owners and local governments, alike, and allow the cannabis industry to continue to bloom in California. c
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Personal Prevention Cannabis aids in lowering alcohol consumption By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
P
eople love to alter their consciousness. We have been doing it for so long that humans have evolved a genetic propensity to seek out consciousness altering substances. For most of recorded human history, the chosen substance has been alcohol—a choice that has been a disaster of gargantuan proportions. As a RN providing care in hospitals, I hardly had a single shift in which I was not providing care to at least one patient in a hospital bed due to their use of alcohol—more than one was par for the course. Cirrhosis of the liver, deteriorating heart muscle, pancreatitis, cancer and dementia are just the tip of iceberg of over 60 diseases related to alcohol consumption. In addition to killing 88,000 people a year, the cost to society for health care, loss of productivity and motor vehicle accidents due to alcohol consumption in the U.S. is $249 billion a year, which amounts to about $2.05 per drink. Worldwide, the costs easily exceed a trillion dollars annually. Prohibition, prayer, meditation and the exhortation of healthcare and
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pre-legalization average mean for 18 to 25-yearold males. Anderson and Rees concluded the increase was directly correlated with a 5.3 percent decrease in beer consumption. The authors found “that traffic fatalities fall by nearly nine percent after the legalization of medical marijuana” and concluded that “The negative relationship between legalization of medical marijuana and traffic fatalities involving alcohol is consistent with the hypothesis that marijuana and alcohol are substitutes.” Confirming their conclusion that increasing cannabis use leads to decreasing alcohol use was reported in December 2016 by Cowen and Company, a firm specializing in research for industry. The report found that as a result of the cannabis legalization laws in Colorado, Oregon and Washington, beer consumption had decreased by up to 6.4 percent. Further substantiating these findings, a survey of over 1,500 medical cannabis dispensary members published in the May 2017 Journal of Psychopharmacology reported a 42 percent reduction in the use of alcohol due to their use of cannabis. Like the tobacco executives who knew that cigarette smoking was deadly but hid the horrendous number of annual deaths, alcohol company executives are well aware that cannabis consumption leads to a decrease in alcohol sales. This accounts for their profligate funding of government anti-cannabis programs and their substantial contributions to campaigns opposing cannabis legalization initiatives. It is long past time for healthcare professionals to tackle the disastrous consequences of alcohol consumption with a program to re-orient people to consuming cannabis when they seek the pleasurable, socializing, mind numbing, stress reliving and inhibition relaxing effects of alcohol. With none of the debilitating effects of alcohol and many health positive attributes, doctors should recommend cannabis as a substitute. People listen to their doctors. c
“All patients reported benefit, indicating that for at least a subset of alcoholics, cannabis use is associated with reduced drinking.” religious officials has failed to curb humanity’s appetite for this debilitating substance. Although cannabis consumption by humans dates back before recorded history, its use as a substitute for alcohol is absent from historical writings. In Muslim countries, where alcohol is forbidden, the rapid spread of hashish throughout 12th century Persia (now Iran) and North Africa could be attributed to its qualities as an alcohol substitute, but nowhere is that written. There were numerous references in 19th century medical literature for using cannabis to treat opioid addiction. Dr. Ethan Russo noted that the 1902 treatise by Thomas Crothers, Morphinism and Narcomanias “described all of the addictive substances, from cocaine to caffeine, morphine to nicotine. The only context in which cannabis was mentioned was as a treatment for addiction to other drugs.” The first mention of cannabis specifically as a substitute for alcohol was in 2003 when medical cannabis pioneer Dr. Todd Mikiyuria reported in a study published in the medical cannabis journal O’Shaughnessy’s that 92 Northern Californians had successfully used cannabis to treat their alcoholism. Dr. Mikiyuria stated that “All patients reported benefit, indicating that for at least a subset of alcoholics, cannabis use is associated with reduced drinking.” In November 2011 Mark Anderson from Montana State University and Daniel Rees from University of Colorado Denver published research documenting that following the enactment of Montana’s medical cannabis laws there was an increase in cannabis use of 19 percent from the
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REVIEWs
company highlight both medical and recreational use. Since we are limited to production within each state and adhere to the rules set forth by each state, doing business in all states that have legal cannabis laws can become cumbersome.
Mary’s Medicinals www.marysmedicinals.com (855) 420-6334 How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? Grounded in cutting-edge science and rooted in century-old medicinal knowledge, Mary’s products bring together the best of modern technology with natural components to offer safe and effective pain relief and proactive support. Simply put, we are transforming how people view and utilize cannabis by developing products that maximize the benefits of natural plant nutrients. Our specialty is bringing products to the market that adhere to four key pillars: Accurately dosed, discreet use, cleanly delivered, all while maintaining a patient-first mentality. Mary’s products are not alternative medicine but, rather, an alternative to medicine. What do you offer consumers/ clients that others don’t? We offer consistent, reliable, all natural products with the highest standards of testing and quality control, providing quality products to patients in over eight states. Since 2013, thousands of people from around the world have turned to 44
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Mary’s as a trusted pain management and wellness alternate. With benefits ranging from seizure reduction to migraine relief to overall better health, our pioneering products have earned us the highest respect as one of the most innovative and recognized brands in the cannabis industry. How and why did your company start up? In 2013, when Mary’s was started, there were no cannabis companies in the industry offering a viable option for consumption other than gummies or a joint. Mary’s was launched with the notion that we could solve that problem. From the beginning, we wanted to be the “adult in the industry” and put out a product offering that would attract a wider population by offering reliable products that are accurately-dosed and cleanly delivered. With the changing landscape of medical and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? From a growth perspective, our biggest challenge is getting medicine into all states that allow for
What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? Don’t. Just kidding! In all seriousness, my advice is to stay on your toes. This industry is constantly changing and nothing is simple, even in states like Colorado and Washington, where we’ve been at this for a while now. This industry is continually evolving. Being prepared for the nuances inherent to working in an industry where the product is federally illegal is paramount to success. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? We’re not just part of the cannabis industry, we are creating it. As the developer and exclusive distributor of the award-winning Transdermal Patch, Mary’s pioneering products set the standard for proven alternatives for chronic pain management and overall wellness. Our goals include expansion into all states that allow for cannabis consumption. We are also furthering our goal to bring highquality CBD products to all 50 states and beyond through our nutritionals line which offers our hemp-derived products for order online through www.marysnutritionals.com. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? We want to accomplish one thing: To be a trusted resource and wellness partner for those who are in need of the highest quality medicine in the industry. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight
Apeks Supercritical www.apekssupercritical.com (740) 809-1160 How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? Apeks Supercritical is a veteranowned and operated company located in Johnstown, Ohio. It was founded in 2001 by Andy Joseph, and he developed a system to extract oil from botanicals. The company manufactures botanical oil extraction systems utilizing subcritical and supercritical C02, which is a safer, cleaner, purer way to extract plant oils. What do you offer consumers/ clients that others don’t? Experience. The company has been around since 2001 and offers 16 years of knowledge that start-ups lack. We’ve learned what not to do and what to do! 46
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How and why did your company start up? Andy founded Apeks Supercritical in 2001 while serving as the Director of Welding and Testing Labs for Edison Welding Institute (EWI), developers of manufacturing technologies. He first learned about mechanical operations and principles during his six years in the Navy operating nuclear submarine reactors. With the changing landscape of medical and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? The biggest challenge is the lack of regulations surrounding the industry. This means that companies with no credentials can make claims that aren’t true, without any repercussions. For customers, it’s even more difficult because they don’t know what to believe.
What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? Do your research. Start small and build your way up. You may have big dreams of processing 3,000 pounds of plant material a day, but work your way there, and learn the systems before you go all in. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? As one of the license applicants in Ohio, we’d like to see the company move into the cultivation and dispensary areas. By diversifying into the cultivation and processing of medical cannabis we will have a unique ability to provide direct feedback on the performance of our equipment as well as quickly implement new innovations discovered into our manufacturing process. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? Apeks would like to help educate customers, suppliers and the public in the industry and help them understand the benefits to cannabis, removing some of the stigma attached to it. c
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strain, edible & concentrate
The DABARATUS If ever there was a cannabis product yearning for an infomercial, it’s the DABARATUS. You can almost picture Ron Popeil trying to sell it in the middle of the night wedged in between the Slap Chop and ShamWow. The DABARATUS is a one-gram CO2 extracted, terpene-rich distillatedispensing tool. This syringe dabs out a dose of distillate each time you push down to dispense. But wait, there’s more! The DABARATUS is completed with a heat resistant metal tip so you can dab directly onto your rig! As rich in body buzz as it is in flavor and simplicity, this tool is a must-have for those who worship at the throne of the dab. Call now, operators are standing by. Fun fact—the DABARATUS is named after a dinosaur that famously discovered cannabis during the Jurassic period and was renowned for throwing the sickest parties in all of Pangea. The DABARATUS is available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon.
Available wherever: CBD Living Products are carried.
Available wherever: CDB Living Vape products are carried.
Available wherever: Bakked products are carried.
Sour Diesel CBD Living Vape Cartridge CBD Living Vape Cartridges contain 500mg of C02-extracted oil with 250mg CBD and come in three exquisite flavors. Our sample of the pungent diesel-like aroma of Sour Diesel was a pleasant surprise. The organic 100 percent natural full spectrum CBD oil is triple lab-tested for consistent potency and quality. The full terpene profile blew us away before the healing effects of CBD set in. After a few quick inhales, the anti-inflammatory effect quickly sets in, awarding us with pain-free relaxation. Each disposable cartridge comes with a mouthpiece, and CBD Living Vape Cartridges are free of harmful pesticides and metals and contain no potentially unwanted additives such as propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, the odorless liquids that are common in vape products. The CBD Living Vape Battery + Charger kit companion piece comes with a 350mAH battery and a USB charger. Be sure to check CBD Living Vape Catridges in Tangie and Bubble gum as well.
Golden State Legends Fatty’s Indica Crumble Stix Tightly rolled buds infused with CO2 extracted honeycomb crumble is a match made in heaven. Each Crumble Stix is chockfull of 100 percent pure organic buds, and thanks to both the indica strain type and the immense helping of crumble, these pre-rolls are like dynamite and pack a mighty punch in a small package. Unlike most one-gram joints, these should be shared with a friend or split over a few sessions, for they have serious sedative properties. The honeycomb crumble has a distinct juicy flavor to it, and alongside the tasty organic buds, it can be difficult to set down once its magnificent flavors start to be enjoyed. A slow burn is always the hardest thing to get right with an extract filled pre-roll, but the Fatty’s Crumble Stix smokes for an eternity.
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Available wherever: Golden State Legends products are carried.
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REVIEWs Available wherever: Flow Kana products are carried.
Fruit Loops Sometimes a strain doesn’t have a name that really describes the scent or flavor of the flower. However, that was definitely not the case with the Fruit Loops distributed by Flow Kana. There was almost no noticeable difference in the scent of this flower and the iconic, fruity breakfast cereal. Exactly how growers managed to pull of this stunning accomplishment in strain engineering is a mystery and marvel to consumers everywhere. Hearty buds were trimmed precisely to showcase the rainbow of colors found within this strain. The organic nature of this flower was evident upon breaking down a nugget, and the buds were all structured in a fashion that was indicative of a lack of unwanted growth hormones. Those who are looking to get an extra pep in their step will love the energetic properties of this strain. It was overall a great daytime nug that we will continue to keep on deck this year.
Available wherever: ReUp products are carried.
ReUp Sleepy Head When THC alone is not enough to get some extra zzz’s in, ReUp Sleepy Head has got you covered. Packed with 10mg CBD, 5mg THC, and 3mg Melatonin, Sleepy Head is guaranteed to do the trick. (For those who might not know, melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone that regulates sleep cycles enabling regular, quality sleep.) The contents inside the discreet two-ounce bottle were fastacting and delivered results almost immediately. It tastes sweet and with a strong grape flavor and a hint of an herbal taste that tickles your mouth afterwards. When CULTURE sampled the ReUp Sleepy Head, we felt refreshed and ready to tackle the day after it awarded us one of the best slumbers we’ve had in years. ReUp Sleepy Head is perfect as a better, more natural replacement for sleep aid prescription drugs that won’t be as kind to your body. 52
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Green Hornet™ Green Apple Gummy
Available wherever: Cheeba Chews™ products are carried.
They say that good things come in small packages, and anyone who is familiar with the Cheeba Chews™ brand is aware of the powerful effects you’ll experience every time you bite into one of these small, unimposing treats. The newest product from Cheeba Chews™, the Green Hornet™ Green Apple Gummy, is a strong cannabis edible that contains a whopping 100mg of THC, all of which is squeezed into a gummy that weighs only 12 grams. This expertly crafted hybrid is made using only the best high grade cannabis oil. When our reviewers first opened the packaging, we were overwhelmed by the sweet, tangy and tart aromas, reminiscent of a Jolly Rancher, which was followed by a hint of herbal aroma. The gummy was surprisingly firm and slightly tacky, making it easy to cut out desired doses. Once we gave this beauty a try, we found that as a hybrid, this gummy packed a balanced punch of alertness, relaxation and most importantly, was perfect for pain relief. Consumers will find that not only is this gummy is strong and potent, but its small size allows for discreet consumption as well.
Available wherever: THC Design products are carried.
THC Design Critical Kush If anyone was ever wondering what cannabis would look like if it was packaged by Apple, the THC Design Critical Kush would be a great bet. Nestled inside the most aesthetically pleasing and sleek box possible is a NO2 sealed jar bearing an one-eighth of an ounce of the Critical Kush Strain, a hemp wick, a flipbook detailing strain specifics and terpene profiles, along with a complementary THC Design sticker. The Critical Kush strain is a heavy indica with notable sedative effects evidenced by its robust cannabinoid content. Bringing to the table a hefty 25.7 percent THC content, the Critical Kush also has a terpene count of 1.73 percent comprised of primarily Myrcene and Limonene. This is a super ideal terpene combo and yields a pleasant tart yet woody flavor that lingers.
CBD Dabs As more and more individuals find healing through consuming cannabinoids, the demand for quality and consistent cannabidiol (CBD) products only continues to increase. Luckily for us—Botex Pharma is pulling through with these premium CBD Dabs. This 99.9 percent pure isolate could be easily mistaken for white salt crystals. Each individual container holds 500mg of CBD. Once you unscrew the cap, get ready for Christmas in July. Infused with terpenes, this isolate will fill the room with a refreshing perfume of pine tree and lemonade. Even those who consume THC-rich concentrate in honor of 710 can benefit from CBD, as it is known as effective treatement against anxiousness and paranoia. That’s right—with just one calming dab using a portable vape pen, our earlier decision to over-celebrate 710 was quickly resolved, as a relaxed and centering reality quickly kicked in. Pure CBD isolate as this is recognized as an effective treatment against seizure disorders, anxiety, nausea and chronic pain.
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Available wherever: Botex Pharma products are carried. Available wherever: Botex Pharma products are carried.
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Dutch Treat Vapor Cartridge For those who are interested in a cartridge that doesn’t have any unwanted or exotic flavors besides that of cannabis, the Dutch Treat Vapor Cartridge will satisfy those desires. The vapor is neither too thick or thin, with just the right balance of body and texture. Lush and crisp tastes of fresh cannabis are the main attraction here, but the super powerful sedative and sleepy effects are not easily missed. Patients who need assistance falling asleep at night or those who would like some help just taking a nap will find that a couple puffs on these vape carts will do just the trick. A clear choice for a late night vape session, the Dutch Treat Vapor Cartridge will work wonders for those who need some good shut-eye.
Available wherever: RvR products are carried.
Gelato Cartridge Available wherever: Brass Knuckles products are carried.
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Despite your feelings about The Beatles, the three words you will say after taking just one smooth draw of your Gelato Cartridge by Brass Knuckles will be “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Complemented by a stylish wooden battery that is adorned in gold, we were quickly exhaling the densest clouds of candy-coated, sweet vapor we have ever seen. In regards to scent and taste, Gelato Cartridge was nothing short of identical to a mouth-full of strawberry shortcake topped extra whipped cream and dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Free from any herbal taste, this cartridge is ideal for on-thego, discreet consumption. Beware, however—as discreet as it may be by scent, this heavy-hitting Gelato Cartridge makes up for its discretion in potency. Just three small inhales of this indica-dominant Gelato oil brought on snoozy feelings of relaxation and sleepy euphoria—it was the perfect solution to decompressing after a long day at work. Proving ideal for combating pain, insomnia and anxiety, this Gelato Cartridge is certainly the sweetest berry of the bunch.
12 Gauge OG by Alternative Oil We could hardly wait to tear open the beautifullydesigned envelope encasing the Alternative Oil trademark symbol. Great for insomnia and pain relief, 12 Gauge OG left us at CULTURE a little more than slightly disoriented with a potent buzz that lingered for hours. The indica-dominant hybrid that was used in this concentrate will glue you to the couch, and its indica characteristics linger in the final product. We felt a powerful surge that went directly to our heads, and the tingle traveled to our toes and fingertips. Deep relaxation is followed with a tingly but happy effect that lasted several hours with a ferocious case of the munchies. This rare OG is hard to find, in flower or concentrate form, but once you do, you won’t be disappointed.
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Available wherever: Alternative Oil products are carried.
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Hardcore by Aims Horticulture Dive into a hefty dosage of medicine with some of the stickiest flower we’ve handled in quite some time. A soft shade of forest green with dark orange hairs and a covering of trichomes reminiscent of glitter, this batch of Hardcore glued itself to our fingers as we broke each dense nug down into a water pipe. With a scent of sour pine cleaner sticking to our fingers as we packed the first bowl, upon inhalation the taste was surprisingly, yet not overwhelmingly, earthy. Instantly, a spark of mental focus was followed a cerebral effect that quickly, but casually, set into our limbs. An almost numbing effect was to follow, one that could effectively aid those battling migraines, arthritis or chronic pain. It is safe to say that Hardcore was delivering the one-two punch we didn’t know we needed . . . until now. Secure some for yourself at HHC in Van Nuys before it is too late.
Available wherever: CannaSutra in Studio City.
Available at: HHC in Van Nuys.
Blueberry Live Resin by Lorax When CULTURE opened up the package containing Lorax’s Blueberry Live Resin, all we could smell was Jolly Ranchers, and that’s no exaggeration. The appearance was deceptively different than the aroma and taste—it appeared like peanut butter, an opaque, beige color with an interesting texture. The flavor was absolutely incredible, tasting somewhere between a blueberry pie and a basket of assorted fruit. Blueberry Live Resin retains the characteristics of Blueberry (Purple Thai x Thai x Afghani) that have made the award-winner last so long. The concentrate is similar, except the flavors were amplified using the live resin extraction technique. The benefits of live resin are many, but hinge on the fact that no solvents are used, making a terpene-rich product that will dazzle your senses.
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Skywalker Vape Cartridge by Varavo From the beautiful sunrises and sunsets of Bespin to the sunny grasslands outside of Naboo’s capital city, Theed—Star Wars provides the ideal places to take a relaxing, fictional vacation. Now, it’s your turn to sit back and relax with the Skywalker Vape Cartridge by Varavo. There are plenty of mottos we like to throw around the CULTURE office, one of which is, “it’s always good to have options.” With that in mind, the Skywalker Vape Cartridge by Varavo, as well as its disposable on-the-go vape pen, have every consumer in mind. The cartridge is filled with light yellow Skywalker oil and easily connected to the blue and white Varavo battery that is sleek like a modern light saber, while still being comfortable and compact. Just one draw, and our reviewers felt like they were transported into a flower shop. Although the hit was hard, the bouquet of flowers were not harsh. On the other hand, the disposable Skywalker pen had such a powerful smell and taste, you’ll wonder if a bouquet of roses just showed up at your door. The fresh cut rose smell is what initially hits you, while the exhale is a sweet cannabis smell.
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Available wherever: Varavo products are carried.
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REVIEWs Available at: Westside Collective in Van Nuys.
WonderBrett Sauce Experience the wonder of WonderBrett’s famed concentrates, the same breeder who developed Orange Dynamite Stick, Sublime with Rome’s signature strain. The collaboration would eventually become legendary in cannabis and 710 circles in Southern California. The fairly clear sauce-like substance felt soft and smelled fruity. The intoxicating terpene-rich flavors of WonderBrett Sauce are unbeatable—it tasted of pine, but that was quickly overwhelmed by a sweet, lemon flavor with tropical notes. In our own sample, we tasted a hard-to-place fruity bouquet of heavenly tropical flavors. WonderBrett uses live resin cannabis in their concentrates to amplify the flavors buried within the leaves of fine cannabis. You can find WonderBrett Sauce in other exotic flavors that range from Clementine to Chocolate Pineapple. About two dabs of this will leave you more or less comatose, making this concentrate ideal for treating insomnia and chronic pain.
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Banana Champagne x Champagne Shatter
Available wherever: Tin Man Oil products are carried
Crown OG The blue-green shimmering fluffy nuggets of this sample of Crown OG resembled a Christmas tree after a hammering from a mid-winter blizzard. It absolutely sparkled with twinkling trichomes. A powerful extra-sweet pine cleaner aroma enveloped the room the moment you pop open the canister. It tasted of lemon-lime and pine needles, and produced a slightly heavy, but not overbearing effect. Despite being indica-dominant, a sativa rush was also felt as CULTURE sampled this delightful strain. With OG genetics, Crown OG is strong enough for the severely ill. Perfect for combating severe pain relief and insomnia, the high THC content will not leave you unsatisfied. The award-winning strain is sold on dispensary shelves throughout Southern California.
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Unless it’s Sunday morning or New Year’s Eve—champagne isn’t something we usually want on deck 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or at least that was the case until we got our hands on some Banana Champagne x Champagne Shatter by Tin Man Oil. A sample that helped write the textbook on how to identify a shatter, this ultra-sticky concentrate was translucent like a piece of bright yellow glass. Using a water rig, once this Champagne Shatter hit the nail, its vapor filled our mouths with a hashy, nutty aftertaste. Suddenly, reviewers were completing chores and tasks they were previously avoiding with a much better attitude. However, while it started off and continued as a productive inspiration to get tasks done, the sleepy, sedative properties of this concentrate started rendering us ready for some well-deserved chill time.
Available at: Various dispensaries throughout Southern California.
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Mamba OG Live Resin Sugar You won’t find these honey-colored, glittering gemstones of sparkly goodness in your grade school rock collection. Pacific Concentrate crumble’s pop rock-like appearance doesn’t just look cool, it also means chunks of this concentrate are easily thrown into a dab rig or vape pen for hands-free dabs if needed. This sample of crumble was a welcomed assault on the senses—a bold, diesel, petrol scent was sharp and powerful. Upon inhalation, the taste was much smoother than expected, with a long-lasting earthy aftertaste. As its effects immediately onset behind our eyes, a calmness started at the top of our head, down throughout the rest of our body. Be sure to secure yourself some Mamba OG Live Resin Sugar—you might even become inspired to start a much more adult concentrate rock collection.
Available wherever: Pacific Concentrate Co. products are carried.
SFV OG Indica Rosin by Punch Extracts Available wherever: Punch Extracts products are carried.
How can you go wrong with an SFV OG? Taking this famed flower and pressing it into a half-gram of premium indoor Rosin—the folks over at Punch Extracts knew they were creating a real winner with this fine Rosin. Beyond the attractive and functional packaging, this strain looked similar to peanut butter, with a slightly green tinge. Bearing a heavy aroma and a diesel, well-balanced yet earthy smell, we couldn’t wait to see if the taste would match. The taste followed through with a similar profile that was rustic and smoky and would have paired well with a fine whisky. After just one dab, we quickly felt a very well-balanced and happy effect creep over us. Although we felt the need to curl up in our pajamas and get comfortable on the couch, we also felt the need to keep our uplifted minds focused on a creative task like writing in our journal.
Jack Herer by Honey Vape Jack Herer is one of our all-time favorite strains here at CULTURE. So we were pretty excited when we got our hands on the Jack Herer concentrate by Honey Vape, because the flavor and potency of the strain that we love is enhanced in a huge way. Jack Herer turned the cannabis industry upside-down with his crowning achievement novel, The Emperor Wears No Clothes, and the strain that he developed is just as revolutionary, especially in concentrated form. At 80.3 percent THC, 1.12 percent CBD and 1.73 percent CBN, you're bound to have an intoxicating experience. Jack Herer is rich with the unique terpene Terpineol, which tastes of cloves and pine and is a natural antioxidant. The glass applicator is filled with a half-gram of pure concentrate and makes dabbing easy. The sativa-dominant hybrid is blissfully clear-headed and great for creative endeavors. Its spicy, pinescented selection is also very fruity, and it will top almost any other sativa-dominant concentrate around.
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Available wherever: Honey Vape products are carried.
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ZASP Strawberry Lemonade Drink with caution—because you can’t underestimate the power of ZASP’s infused beverages. A whopping 240mg of THC is more than enough to produce a considerable effect, making it ideal for those with severe illnesses such as cancer or advanced HIV. CULTURE's sample was Strawberry Lemonade, and it tasted accordingly with a strong herbal aftertaste. This particular flavor is ideal for those who like sweet drinks, with a fruity twist not unlike wine coolers. However, ZASP’s infused beverages are a much classier and more powerful choice. It's discreet enough to consume during the day, such as in a park or during a hike—but we wouldn't suggest drinking the whole bottle in one sitting. Calculated titration is crucial with this selection. A shot-sized serving would be more appropriate.
Available wherever: ZASP products are carried.
Available at: RDC in Reseda.
Black Mamba OG Live Resin by Gold Nugget Extracts
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As the sinister name suggests, Black Mamba OG Live Resin is not for the novice. It’s difficult to articulate all of the flavors that are present in Gold Nugget Extract’s Black Mamba OG Live Resin—but we were blown away. The concentrate was absolutely beautiful in appearance. It had the same consistency as an opaque chunky yellow applesauce. We could taste candied apples, pineapple and banana with floral tones. The powerful effect was instantaneous, like a stinging snakebite. This delicacy is definitely something you would reserve for a festive formal gathering, like fine china. Gold Nugget Extracts has done it again, so stop by RDC the next time you’re in the Reseda area.
OMG OG by Cali Honey Extracts The OMG OG extract CULTURE received was clear as glass. With a soft pull-and-snap texture, we dabbed a small piece. Don't be fooled by the beguiling subtle peppery, fruity aroma— because the light aroma produces no indication of the strength that will shortly follow when you vape or dab this beast. It tasted sweet, exotic and mysterious, which is how CULTURE imagined that opium smokers experienced in 18th century Europe. And the effect? Oh. My. God. Describing the effects is hard to do— but melting into our chair comes to mind. Several hours later we came back to our senses and put the pieces together. Our strain review notes became increasingly incoherent as we had the privilege of sampling this game-changer.
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Available at: So Cal Co-Op in Woodland Hills.
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3. LEVO Oil Infuser The future is now. Infusing cannabis oil and butter is as easy as brewing a morning cup of coffee. Purchasing a LEVO Oil Infuser is like having an extraction lab on your kitchen counter—something that is guaranteed to impress your friends. The Time & Temperature Calculator allows you to set the infusion duration and temperature for different herb and oil pairings. Magnetic laboratory stirring is perfect for efficient infusion without pesky bubbles from aeration. An updated capacitive touchscreen makes controlling the device easy. Its unique small batch system can produce five to 16 ounces per infusion. Aside from cannabis, you can extract oil from basil, cloves, roots seeds, coconut or virtually any other kind of herb with this machine. Price: $199.99 MORE INFORMATION: levooil.com
REVIEWs
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1. Magic-Flight Muad-Dib Concentrate Box The fictional character Paul Atreides from the 1967 novel Dune became “Muad’Dib” (pronounced muah-deeb) after he rose to manhood (before consuming the narcotic spice). The Muad-Dib Concentrate Box is as mystifying as the novel it was named after, considering its unearthly design. No torch is required. The vaporizer especially stands out because of the steampunk-inspired old world-looking gold monocle cover. It comes with a convenient storage tin that fits in a pocket and a 1.5 foot draw whip tube for vaping. Just engage the battery button to vape pure, tasty draws. It comes with a concentrate dab tool, a water filtration device and a power source as well. The Muad-Dib can be used with the Magic-Flight Orbiter for a water-cooled experience. Price: $35-65 MORE INFORMATION: magic-flight.com 2. SOURCE Orb 4 Premium Kit Tired of flimsy vape pens that don’t deliver what is promised? SOURCEvapes’ latest Orb design won’t disappoint. The SOURCE Orb Premium Kit comes with all the tools and accessories that are needed to celebrate your 710 in style. Those who consider customization a high priority will adore this pen, with many removable parts to choose from. Everything has been upgraded with the fourth incarnation. The pen is capable of producing larger, more impressive clouds of vapor than similar products. As usual, the SOURCE Orb comes with eight temperature settings, allowing concentrate aficionados everywhere to vaporizer an array of different concentrates. This set is complete with a stainless steel 303 build and six types of atomizers. Price: $99.95 MORE INFORMATION: sourcevapes.com
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4. Camo Eyce Rig Are you looking to avoid the risk of shattering fragile glass pipes and rigs? Have no fear, because silicone, being highly durable and flexible, was ingeniously incorporated into Eyce’s dab rigs. With a silicone body and stem, and a high-quality titanium nail, the Camo Eyce Rig can be protected with a lifetime warranty—which is something that you’d never hear from a glass company. Eyce’s cleverly designed rig resembles sewer pipes from Super Mario Bros. The industrial look is accentuated with the finned hot nail. It comes with a built-in silicone oil container to store concentrates that conveniently pops out of the bottom. It also comes with four tool slots at the base for added ease and a stainless steel dab tool. Price: $49.99 MORE INFORMATION: eycemolds.com
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5. The Phoenician Concentration Station The Phoenician Concentration Station is the most durable, most cleverly designed tray station around. The tray is machined out of a single solid block of aluminum. There is no conceivable way to destroy or damage the product. The tray is handpolished and finished with a glorious anodized finish. The station includes two food grade silicone mats and multiple sized silicone storage jars for your goods. There’s an ISO alcohol pocket and recessed spaces for cotton swabs, multiple tool holders and three multi-tiered pockets that holds containers, glass or torches of different sizes. Phoenician Engineering also offers custom luxury trays that are plated in 24 karat gold—now that’s fancy! Price: $149.99 MORE INFORMATION: phoenicianengineering.com 6. A3 Glass Vape Cartridge If you have ever gone to a cannabis trade show, then you know that there are countless options when it comes to vape pens and accessories. However, this rose gold A3 Glass Vape Cartridge stands uniquely above the rest in terms of not only huge distribution throughout the country, but it also has features that make it both user-friendly and stylish. As the original innovator behind the dualcoil vape cartridge, it is likely this product by Transpring is already in your cannabis cache. Oil companies and dispensaries often purchase this top-of-the-line product, have it branded and filled with their cannabis extracts. The best way a consumer can guarantee they are getting this quality catridge when visiting their favorite dispensary is to simply ask! This cartridge is also available in the colors silver and gold. MORE INFORMATION: www.transpring.com
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7. Preheating Battery L0 Preheating Battery L0 is another classic product from Transpring. Based on the fact that some extractions would become thick or even solidified in extreme, cold weather, this product works to preheat the concentrate. The battery life of the Preheating Battery L0 is noticeably longer than what we have been accustomed to. Furthermore, the narrow size of its thread connection matches up with the most popular, slim cartridge size. Other preheating batteries by Transpring include a manual-automatic function as well as a bottom knob adjustment function. As always, Transpring creates products while insisting on innovation and manufacturing in the extract vaping device field. MORE INFORMATION: www.transpring.com
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8. Crown Matrix Perc Rig As terpenes continue to gain popularity within the emerging field of cannabis concentrates, consumers are looking for ways to dab without losing the flavor profile of their shatters, budders, waxes and oils. As a solution to this demand, the Crown Matrix Perc Rig allows for non-stop 710 parties with smooth, expansive dabs. Since glass does not retain as much heat as titanium and quartz nails, it allows for concentrates consumption without over-heating the concentrate, a problem that is all-too-common with other nails. Get ready to enjoy the full profile of your next dab to really come through, which is to be appreciated by cannasseurs everywhere. Price: $59.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.instagram.com/ candcsmokeshop
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entertainment Available on: Nintendo Switch Release Date: July 21
MOVIE
Life Dir. Daniel Espinosa Columbia Pictures
BOOK
Ganja Yoga Pub. HarperCollins Dee Dussault Get ready to discover why cannabis and yoga have gone hand-in-hand for thousands of years. This practical guide to conscious relaxation through yoga will lead readers down a path of finding natural pain relief and self discovery. Written by a certified yoga instructor, Ganja Yoga provides expert guidance into choosing the best yoga poses, methods of consumption, breathing techniques, strains and more— all ensuring that through movement and meditation, yoga lovers will live a more stress-free, healthy and peaceful life. (Jacob Cannon)
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GAME
Splatoon 2 Dev. Nintendo EPD Pub. Nintendo In Splatoon 2, you’re a kid, you’re a squid— and you’re having the time of your life with this sequel to the game that brought fun, competitive play to the Wii U back in 2015. Now with a more diverse selection of inkspewing weapons, players will continue to dominate a variety of new modes such as Salmon Run coop mode and the single-player Hero Mode. Splatoon 2 is vibrant, easy to jump into and well worth adding to your Switch gaming collection— not to mention that it’s an even better experience while consuming cannabis, too. (Nicole Potter)
Some have posited that trends in horror movies are tied directly to the dominant subconscious fears of society as a whole. Though zombies have been popular for the last several years, suggesting a societal fear of mindless mobs endlessly consuming those still able to think for themselves, the extraterrestrial horror movie is currently making a comeback, and Life is leading the charge. Set on the International Space Station, Life tells the story of a crew discovering definitive proof of alien life on Mars only to have that life form quickly begin attacking and ravaging the crew. In a quest for survival in tight spaces, Life packs in a ton of suspense and terror and walks proudly in the footsteps of alien horror classics like The Thing and The Blob. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
So You Wannabe An Outlaw Steve Earle & The Dukes Warner Bros. In a time of so many phony outlaws and much fraudulence attempting to pass itself as authenticity in the world of country music, Steve Earle & The Dukes’ newest release, So You Wannabe An Outlaw, arrives like a refreshing breeze to blow away the imposters. Though Earle has now aged into the old guard of country music, he remains one of the genre’s most relevant artists and most talented songwriters. On the new record the songs are just as honest and gripping as they have ever been, and Earle & The Dukes sound just as sharp and brilliant as fans have come to expect. (Simon Weedn)
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The Steady State of Salley Four-time NBA champion John Salley has mastered the court, health and wellness— and now he’s out to master cannabusiness By Paul Rogers
A
n uncompromising product of 1970s New York street basketball, John Salley rose to become one of the NBA’s most decorated stars, before transitioning into successful careers in media and, more recently, cannabusiness. From Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boy” to budding businessman, Salley explores life from a deeply philosophical perspective not commonly associated with professional athletes. Brooklyn-born Salley’s career stats require a paragraph unto themselves. The former Georgia Tech standout was the first NBA player to feature in three different
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Photos by John Gilhooley
championship-winning franchises (the Pistons, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers) and the first to win championships in three different decades as well. Dominating as both a power forward and center, the sixfoot 11-inch shot-blocker also played for the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors and in Greece. Yet the long-limbed Salley, nicknamed “The Spider,” will forever be synonymous with the back-to-back championshipwinning “Bad Boys” Pistons of the late 1980s and early ‘90s—a famously physical, defenseoriented team, which also featured the likes of Dennis Rodman, Adrian Dantley and Isiah Thomas. With a dogged willingness to win at all costs, the Bad Boys “practically led the revolution in unsportsmanlike play in the NBA,” according to FiveThirtyEight. At the turn of the new millennium, the now Los Angelesbased Salley seamlessly segued into media, including nine years hosting Fox Sport Net’s The Best Damn Sports Show Period and acting roles in both TV and film (appropriately including Bad Boys and Bad Boys II). An outspoken vegan and animal rights advocate, Salley was also among the first former proathletes to openly embrace the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Having first tried cannabis with an NBA teammate after a game in Sacramento, shortly before retiring (“all I remember is stretches in front of the Governor’s Mansion and doing yoga”), he later used the plant as an alternative to opioid painkillers and now makes it the cornerstone of a wellness-centered lifestyle. Salley has since been involved in various cannabusiness enterprises, including a planned private cannabis club in downtown L.A., and his own company, Deuces, in partnership with his daughter. CULTURE chatted with the affably impassioned Salley as he enjoyed a cannabis-balm massage.
How important are records and statistics to you compared with the pride you take in the style in which you played the game? I really don’t worry about personal accolades. Being a professional athlete was what I wanted to be. And the crazy part about even sayin’ that is it’s a team sport, so when somebody breaks down individuals’ stats, it’s amazing that they can do that, because obviously four other guys had to sacrifice for that to happen. Tell me about the role of your Detroit Pistons teammate Adrian Dantley in your early career. Does any of what you learned from him still impact your life today? A.D. was, literally, my teacher . . . I called him Teacher and we still call him Teacher. The way I eat—I became a vegan after the thought process that Adrian taught me . . . I’m completely into yoga; I completely moved into that thought process. [It] all started with Teacher. The Pistons had an amazing run at the turn of the ’90s, when the team boasted some truly largerthan-life players like Dennis Rodman. What are your abiding memories of that era?
I remember how people treated us. I remember how people adored us. How the city [of Detroit], was . . . y’know, crack was huge in the city around that time, in 1996 on up. No jobs; there was despair. But us winning changed the whole attitude of everybody in the city. So it wasn’t just a sporting thing? This was also a cultural and societal impact that you brought to that city. Yes. The whole city changed. We changed it. Even when we lost in 1988, we had a parade! If that same “Bad Boys” team was playing today, how different might game officials’ reaction be to your very physical, defense-oriented style of play? Part of the reason most of the rules are intact is because of us. So the breakaway foul—when a guy’s going to the basket, you can’t foul him from behind. You used to be able to foul him from behind. Handchecking—they got rid of that. Because you remember our defense was so big, [opponents] weren’t scoring a lot . . . so our style of hardgrit-playing bodybasketball is no longer allowed.
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You’ve played alongside three of basketball’s all-time greats: Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Who was the greatest? Isaiah Thomas! Because he was sixone and did all the things like guys of six-six and above. But I think Michael Jordan is by far the best player of his era; of our era.
You were a longtime host of The Best Damn Sports Show Period. How did that experience change the opinion you held of TV sports pundits while you were on the other end of that equation, as a player? It changed my thought process when, for nine years, I saw the same problems over and over and over with different names on ‘em. The negative and how they enhanced it—and the positive was done in a package that we might show on Sunday. But the negative was being played night-in and night-out . . . And I realized that they were doing just what the news did—perpetuating the negative and making news out of it.
You briefly played professional basketball overseas, with Greek club Panathinaikos. How different was the game over there? I loved it . . . Some of the places in Greece that we would go into were— the gyms were, y’know, not on par of a lot of places, but I loved the grit. I’ve played on the streets of New York, so seeing that in Greece wasn’t so bad.
What’s more nerve-wracking: Appearing on TV as a host or on court as a pro-basketball player? Going on court as a pro player. I control the microphone, and I know what the camera is doing. I’ve rehearsed it, and it’s going to be very close to rehearsal. And, you know, everything [in TV] is timed—in a NBA game it feels like time never ends!
So you guys didn’t just win championships; you changed the game forever. We changed the way everything was looked at. And not only did we do it once, we did it back-to-back—and they still didn’t have our jerseys [for sale] all around the country.
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“Look at most of the problems that happen in the NFL, with DUIs . . . When you smoke weed, it doesn’t give you the courage to jump up and say ‘I wanna go drivin’ fast!’ You smoke weed and chill-out.”
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You’re an outspoken vegan and opposed to factory farming. Why are these causes so important to you? They’re important to me personally because the body does not work well on animal fat, [and] because I think it really makes no sense that something has to die in order for me to live. And, y’know, what’s the difference: People say they love animals, but they eat ‘em. That’s not the way of being. When you’re talking about factory farming, you’re talking about plantations . . . In this case, the way they treat their beast is very similar, in a negative way, as the way they were treating their slave. And at one time they used to consider us farm animals. Can you imagine? People used to literally say we were subhuman? If you believe in God, the most important thing is life. He said “thou shalt not kill.” And I can prove to you that we don’t need to live on animal products . . . If an ox only eats grass but everybody wants to be as strong as an ox, eat what the ox eats! 92
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“If I understood cannabis when I was play ing, I’d probably have played into my late 40s.”
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What do you feel veganism has done for your health and fitness? I am 252 pounds. When I played, I was 253 pounds. I’m now 53 years old. I can still fit clothes that I wore in the ‘80s. I think eating is a sign of selfrespect. What you put in your body shows respect for yourself. You were one of the first athletes to extol the virtues of cannabis, and you’ve spoken about the medical benefits of cannabis since your retirement. Tell me about that. If I understood cannabis when I was playing, I’d probably have played into my late 40s. Right now, no arthritis . . . My liver and kidney are doing well. The pains that I do have—I’ve got two torn meniscus, and my shoulder ligaments are torn—but I’m letting ‘em heal by using certain herbs that I take along with making sure enough oxygen and CBDs get to that area to help me heal. When did you start using cannabis medicinally, and why? I had my feet operated on in 2002, and they put me on opioid [painkillers]. And I’m trying to do The Best Damn Sports Show, [in] 2003, and I can’t do it. I can’t do it because I literally am, like, two minutes late on answering. And this doctor said “I can give you medical marijuana” . . . and I never looked back. At present, how do you prefer to medicate? It seems like you’ve tried cannabis in many forms. I smoke out of a water bong, personally. I have a product coming out called Deuces. I started it with my daughter, Tyla, and was like, “this is the business of our family now, so you might as well learn it as I’m learning it.” What is Deuces going to make? What is the nature of the business? We’re a brand . . . There’s a lot of CBD products, and there’s a lot of THC products. The CBD products are, like, spray-relief—spray it on your knee, [it] helps with your arthritis; helps with your pain, moving lactic acid out of your body. 96
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“I would like [cannabis] to be legal, and I would like it to not be a Schedule I drug. I would like it to be removed as a drug, period, and be put on as a supplement or just a plant.”
Are there any other cannabisrelated business ventures that you’re involved in? Besides developing on my own, I go to different growers that grow different strains for me and make my own product . . . In Michigan, I have growers that I’m associated with and manufacturers of my product in Colorado, Oregon, Nevada and here in California. As well as an advocate for medical cannabis use, you’ve also
encouraged reform to cannabis legislation. How would you like to see cannabis laws changed in this country? One, I would like [cannabis] to be legal, and I would like it to not be a Schedule I drug. I would like it to be removed as a drug, period, and be put on as a supplement or just a plant. A large amount of black men that are in jail are [there] because of some relation with some drug— or considered drug, marijuana . . . One of my friends is in jail for allegedly, not proven, allegedly transferring marijuana. But when he gets out, he won’t be allowed to be in this business. So a lot of these black people who pioneered the business won’t be allowed to benefit from it. Do you feel that this administration will be good or bad for cannabusiness? The lobbyists are strong in the business of pharmaceuticals. But if we can get to Donald Trump and you start talking about [cannabis] business and how much comes back in taxes and how much people are making—once he hears that story, he can change the larger perception and help this business grow. Is the risk of addiction to prescription painkillers a major issue in your cannabis advocacy? Yeah. I mean, I was popping six to nine Advil a day: When I woke up, just so I can get to practice; before practice; and then after my nap. So, yeah, that was an addiction. What is your stance on cannabis use in professional sports? The crazy thing is, I love [National Football League] Commissioner Goodell, but he stated complete falsehoods and old data. He has said, “it’s addictive”—it’s not addictive” . . . Look at most of the problems that happen in the NFL, with DUIs, driving under the influence. When you smoke weed, it doesn’t give you the courage to jump up and say “I wanna go drivin’ fast!” You smoke weed and chill-out. c www.johnsalley.com
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0 punishable with up to three years and nine months imprisonment. The manufacturing of hash or concentrates is considered a Class 3 felony and punishable to up to 12 years and nine months. Arizona also considers possession of paraphernalia a felony.
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State-by-State Breakdown of Concentrate Laws By Benjamin M. Adams
The rules and regulations surrounding cannabis concentrates differ drastically depending on what state you call home. Nevada and Oregon, for instance, are exceptionally tolerant of concentrates and have no penalty or fine for personal amounts, while a crumb’s worth of hash or wax could lead to time in prison in other states. Every state has different approaches to regulating cannabis concentrates. Whether you live in a liberated state where concentrates are not highly punishable, or if your state has a long way to go in terms of concentrate reform, here’s a list of every state’s stance on concentrate laws.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley signed SB-174, or Carly’s Law, on April 1, 2014, which allows CBD oil for those suffering from epilepsy. Possession of hash or concentrates, however, is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Even possession of tiny amounts of hash is a Class C felony, and small 98
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amounts carry no lesser penalty. Penalties rise if minors or the intent to manufacture are involved.
Alask a Ballot Measure 2 was approved by voters in November 2014 to regulate recreational cannabis, however, possession of small amounts of concentrates
is a misdemeanor and possession of over three grams is a felony and punishable up to two years. Delivery of hash or concentrates is also a felony and punishable up to three years.
Arizona Possession of concentrates is a Class 4 felony and
Penalties for concentrates in Arkansas are exactly the same as cannabis, meaning possessing small amounts of hash, up to four ounces, is considered a misdemeanor punishable by a $2,500 fine and a maximum of one year in jail.
California Californians ages 21 and over can legally possess up to eight grams of hash or concentrates without any penalty. Possession of more than eight grams is a misdemeanor and punishable to a maximum fine of $500. The unlicensed chemical manufacturing of concentrates, however, can result in three to seven years imprisonment.
Color ado You’re free and in the clear to possess concentrates in Colorado, as long as you have less than an ounce. Possession of personal amounts carries no penalty. Up to three ounces is a misdemeanor punishable up to six to 18 months imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
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Connecticut Less than one-half ounce of cannabis or hash is considered merely a civil penalty. More than that is considered a misdemeanor and punishable with a $2,000 fine.
Delaware Possession of an ounce or less of cannabis or concentrates is not considered a crime and results in a civil penalty. Gov. Jack Markell signed SB-90, or Rylie’s Law on June 23, 2015, which sets up a registry for cannabis oil for qualifying patients with epilepsy.
Florida Possession of 20 grams or less of flower is a misdemeanor, but possession of any amount of hash or concentrate is a felony and punishable with up to five years of incarceration. Gov. Rick Scott signed SB-1030, which allows cannabis oil with under 0.8 percent THC and more than 10 percent CBD for patients with a variety of illnesses.
Georgia Possession of any amount of concentrate with 15 percent or more THC is a felony. On April 16, 2015, Gov. Nathan Deal signed HB-1, or Haleigh’s Hope Act, which allows cannabis oil with no more than five percent THC for patients with epilepsy, sickle cell anemia, cancer, Crohn’s disease, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and mitochondrial disease.
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Hawaii Hawaii considers less than one-eighth of an ounce of hash to be a misdemeanor and punishable with a $2,000 fine and up to one year in prison. More than one-eighth is considered a felony.
Idaho Hash and concentrates are not defined and therefore, the punishment is the same as cannabis. Three ounces or less is considered a misdemeanor and punishable with up to one year and a maximum $1,000 fine.
Illinois Possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis or concentrates is a civil violation with a maximum $200 fine. Penalties slowly rise for larger amounts.
Indiana Less than two grams of concentrate is a Class A misdemeanor and over five grams is a level 6 felony punishable with six months to two-and-a-half years in prison.
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed SF-2360 into law on May 30, 2014, which allows for the possession of CBD concentrates with less than three percent THC. The bill received heavy support from families who advocated for medical cannabis laws.
k ansas Possession of any amount of concentrate under 450 grams is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
Kentuck y Penalties for cannabis and hash are equally lenient. Less than eight ounces of either is considered a misdemeanor. On April 10, 2014, Gov. Steve Beshear signed SB-124 into law, and it excludes cannabidiol from the state’s definition of cannabis.
Louisiana Possession of 14 grams or less of concentrate is not classified as a crime and carries a maximum fine of $300 and 15 days in jail. Possessing over 14 grams of cannabis can lead to a fine up to $500 and six months in jail.
Maine Possession of five grams or less carries no penalty. Over five grams can lead to up to a year in prison and a $2,000 fine. Trafficking concentrates is punishable from five to 10 years in prison.
Maryland Possession of 10 grams is considered a civil offense with no risk of jail time and a maximum $100 fine. Punishments are the same for possession of cannabis.
Massachusetts Possession of up to five grams of concentrates carries no penalty and no fine. Possession of more than that, and up to an ounce is only a civil offense with a maximum $100 fine.
Michigan Qualifying patients may possess 16 ounces of solid concentrate or up to 36 fluid ounces for each ounce of dried leaves or flowers. Non-patients are subject to a maximum $2,000 fine and up to a year incarceration.
Minnesota Possession of 45.2 grams or less is considered a misdemeanor with a maximum of fine of $200. More than that is considered a felony and punishments increase with higher amounts.
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Mississippi Possessing 0.1 grams of hash is a misdemeanor or felony with a maximum fine of $1,000; 0.1-2 grams is a felony and punishable up to three years. For higher amounts, there is a risk of the accused spending eight years or more in prison. Gov. Phil Bryant signed HB-1231 on April 17, 2014, which allows for concentrates containing over 15 percent CBD and less than 0.5 percent THC. CBD oil must be obtained from the University of Mississippi and dispensed by the Department of Pharmacy Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Missouri Possession of 10 grams or less is considered a misdemeanor and can carry a maximum fine of $500. On July 14, 2014, Gov. Jay Nixon signed HB2238 into law. HB-2238 allows consumption of cannabis oil that is at least five percent CBD and less than 0.3 percent THC for intractable epilepsy.
Montana Possession of one gram 104
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or less of concentrate can lead to a misdemeanor punishable with up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of $500. Over one gram of concentrate is considered a felony punishable up to three years.
Nebr ask a Although possession of personal amounts of cannabis is only an infraction, possession of concentrates is a Class IV felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Nevada Possession of up to oneeighth ounce (3.5 grams) of hash or concentrates is not a crime, and there is no penalty.
New Hampshire Possession of five grams or less of hash or concentrates is considered a misdemeanor and punishable by up to a year in prison and a $2,000 fine.
New Jersey Five grams or less of hash is not a crime but the offender will be issued a Disorderly Person offense
with up to six months in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. Larger amounts incur harsher punishments.
New Me xico No limits apply, but any amount of hash is punishable to $500$1,000 and a maximum one-year sentence.
New York Possession of less than one-quarter ounce of concentrate is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a maximum $1,000 fine. Over one-quarter ounce is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
North C arolina Possession of 1.4 grams or less is a Class 3 misdemeanor and gets you a $200 fine. Up to 4.25 grams is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a 1-45 day sentence. Gov. Pat McCrory signed HB-1220, which allows universities to conduct clinical trials of CBD oil. The CBD oil must contain less than 0.3 percent THC and at least 10 percent CBD. CBD oil can only be used for the treatment of intractable epilepsy.
North Dakota Ingesting concentrates is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $3,000 fine. Possession, however, is a felony and punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Manufacturing concentrates can lead to a felony with 10 years in prison and a maximum $20,000 fine.
Ohio Possession of five grams solid or one gram liquid concentrate is a misdemeanor with no incarceration and a $150 fine. Penalties rise based on the amount and possession becomes a felony with a maximum one year in prison and a $2,500 fine at 10 grams for a solid and two grams for a liquid concentrate.
Oklahoma Possession of any amount of cannabis or concentrates is a misdemeanor, however processing cannabis into hash is a felony and punishable with up to two years in jail. Gov. Mary Fallin signed HB-2154, which allows consumption of cannabis oil containing less than 0.3 percent THC for the treatment of severe epilepsy.
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Oregon There are no penalties for the possession of 16 ounces or less of solid concentrates at home, 72 ounces or less of infused liquids at home or one ounce or less of extract at home. However, unlicensed concentrates bought through the black market can lead to a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the amount.
Pennsylvania Medical patients may possess a 30-day supply of concentrates. Eight grams or less of hash or concentrate is a misdemeanor with a $500 fine and maximum 30 days in prison.
Rhode Island An ounce or less of concentrate or flowers is only a civil violation with no incarceration and a maximum $150 fine.
South Carolina On June 2, 2014, Gov. Nikki Haley signed S-1035, or Julian’s Law, which allows patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome and other
severe forms of epilepsy to obtain CBD oil.
South Dakota Possession of any amount of concentrate is a felony punishable up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The punishment is identical for manufacturing concentrates. Paraphernalia can also lead to a misdemeanor with a maximum $2,000 fine and one year imprisonment.
Tennessee Possession is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year imprisonment and a $2,500 fine. Manufacturing concentrates is not tolerated and the punishment can lead a sentence of up to 60 years in prison.
Te x as Possession of even less than one gram of concentrate is a felony with a $10,000 fine and up to two years in prison. It can rise up to life in prison for large amounts. Texas even punishes consumers with up to 180 days in jail for falsifying a drug test.
Utah Possession of less than an ounce of concentrate or flower results in six months in jail plus a $1,000 fine, and any cannabis conviction results in suspension of a driver’s license for six months.
Vermont Possession of five grams or less of cannabis concentrates is only a civil violation with a $200 fine and no jail time.
Virginia Cannabis extract with over 15 percent CBD but under five percent THC is eligible for affirmative defense of prosecution. Possessing any amount of cannabis oil with THC is a felony and punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Washington Possession of seven grams or less of concentrate carries no penalty or fine. Over 40 grams, however, results in a felony with up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
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West Virginia Any amount of concentrate or cannabis is a misdemeanor with 90 days to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The sale of any kind of cannabis is considered a felony with a one-year mandatory sentence that can rise to five years.
Wisconsin Possession of any amount of concentrate is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison and $1,000 fine. It becomes a felony for subsequent offenses which are punishable by up to three-and-a-half years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
W yoming Possession of 0.3 grams or less of liquid concentrate is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a $1,000 fine. Over 0.3 grams is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. c
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Nine Types of Cannabis Concentrates By Benjamin M. Adams Indulge yourself with some of the strongest forms of cannabis. Concentrates cannot be judged by purity alone—the presence of terpenes and the choice of the extraction process can produce a cornucopia of results. Some of the wax, shatter, crumble, errl and honeycomb that consumers purchase began as Butane Hash Oil (BHO) and are formed using different techniques. Many concentrates are made by blasting (or washing) the cannabis plant with pressurized butane (which is removed
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afterward). C02-based extracts, on the other hand, are made by pressurizing C02 until it becomes a “supercritical fluid,” which is able to strip the cannabis clean of essential oils. Other trending techniques include Rosin, which can be made using household products, or Live Resin, which involves dry ice in the preparation process. Since the cannabis community is celebrating the unofficial 710 concentrate holiday, here are nine common types of concentrates that new and returning consumers should be familiar with.
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Use discretion and titrate carefully when consuming cannabis concentrates that are high in THC content, as they can produce powerful or unwanted effects.
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Oil or sap is the smoothest and thinnest form of concentrate. It is also affectionately referred to as “errl,” which is common slang for oil. Nowadays, the inevitable messiness of oils can be abated with the use of plastic syringes. It is also commonly found in vape cartridges.
Tincture
Unlike cannabisbased oils, tinctures are alcohol-based. The often darkgreen liquid is stored in droppers. Tinctures are typically consumed medicinally and are administered sublingually. The good thing about tinctures is that they can last many years as long as the bottles are stored in a cool and dark location. Tinctures are also easy to selftitrate.
Crumble
Shatter
Shatter is a stable form of concentrate that is identifiable by its translucency and glass-like properties. It is one of the most refined versions of BHO. It resembles the same consistency that maple syrup has when it is completely crystalized. Unlike wax or budder, shatter is not malleable. At up to 90 percent THC, shatter is considered one of the purest forms of concentrate available. “Pull and Snap” shatter is a taffy-like shatter that is firm but slightly stretchy.
Crumble is a dry form of concentrate that resembles crunchy brown sugar in appearance and consistency. It is made by purging cannabis for a longer time, but at a lower heat, which preserves terpenes. It is dry enough to touch with your fingers and break up into smaller bits. Crumble can also be sprinkled on top of cannabis in a pre-roll.
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Budder
Budder is known for its thick, sticky consistency, similar to that of peanut butter. Halfway between wax and crumble, budder is made by whipping sap or shatter until it is broken down into budder. It’s packed with terpenes and therefore is one of the tastiest forms of concentrate. Budder also comes in “honeycomb” form that resembles Swiss cheese. Shatter eventually naturally breaks down to a budder-like substance over time.
One of the most popular forms of concentrates is also the stickiest. Most dabbers begin with wax and work their way up to shatter and more expensive forms of concentrate. It feels like earwax to the touch. If wax comes into contact with anything other than metal or a silicone tool, it will get everywhere but inside your rig or bowl. An oilslick pad or parchment paper is often used to store this form of concentrate. Some say wax was first considered a “failed” form of budder—until dabbing came along.
Oil
Kief
Kief is the Arabic word for “pleasure” or “intoxication.” It is also known in the west as dry sift or “pollen.” Kief is what accumulates at the bottom of your grinder after a series of seshes. This type of concentrate is collected by letting the resinous trichomes fall through a sieve or mesh screen. It can be pressed into blond hash or into discs. Purists will say that kief contains too much plant matter—but at approximately 20 to 60 percent THC, it’s certainly strong enough for most consumers.
An isolate is a stabilized pure crystalline that looks clear or is an off-white powder or crystals. For cannabis, THC, CBD, THCv, etc. can be isolated using a complex process. A true isolate is 100 percent THC or CBD, and is obviously the purest form, but many retailers sell “isolates” that are close to 100 percent purity. A distillate comes close, but is typically 85 to 95 percent THC or CBD. c
Hash Hash is made by applying varying amounts of pressure and sometimes heat to kief or sifted trichomes. Currently, hash is much more popular in Europe than in North America. Breaking off pieces of hash usually requires some applied heat before it’s soft enough to break up.
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Staying Strong Cannabis oil has drastically improved young Maddie Holt’s life in every way imaginable By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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or Maddie Holt, trying cannabis as medicine was a matter of life or death. When Madeline, or Maddie as she is known to loved ones, was first diagnosed with Zellweger syndrome, her mother Meagan Holt was distraught. However, Meagan was also determined to fight to improve her daughter’s quality of life. 112
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When the rare congenital disorder started giving Maddie frequent seizures, she had to be medicated all of the time. “She was on 26 pharmaceuticals and would barely wake up, was high out of her mind, didn’t communicate with us, stopped using sign language,” explained Meagan. “So for me, when I found cannabis, it was complete desperation. I remember Googling ‘intractable epilepsy,’ because I “So for Maddie we just felt there had to be something.” In April 2015, after countless have seen every single medications and trips to the hospital, symptom improved. Meagan was told that she should take Maddie home and spend as much time It wasn’t until we as possible with her, as Maddie’s young incorporated more life would be ending soon. She had THC that we saw created an end-of-life plan with the hospital and was instructed that the best her sign language thing she could do was to ensure Maddie come back.” was as comfortable as possible.
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Refusing to accept that her only option was to wait for her daughter to pass on, Meagan continued her research on what could be done to help. She didn’t have any biases against trying cannabis as a treatment, and since the option kept coming up again and again in her research, she decided it was definitely worth a try. “I found these stories about kids who were using it for seizures,” she explained. “I am really resourceful so I looked things up; I learned about CBD resources; I actually got connected with Green Extracts, which donated wholeplant cannabis oil to Maddie, CBD and THC.” After she was given cannabis oil, Maddie went eight days seizure-free, which was a record for her during the lowest point of her disorder. Since she was only expected to live for one day after leaving the hospital and had been constantly seizing, so living out the extra days in a much healthier state was a huge milestone for Maddie. Once this discovery was made, nothing could stop Meagan from doing what she knew was necessary to keep her daughter alive. She began soliciting donations for Maddie and making sure she had the medicine her daughter needed to keep improving and stay alive and, for the most part, seizure-free and out of the hospital. Maddie now uses a mix of THC and CBD oil to prevent seizures and as a “rescue” when she does seize, and she also uses cannabis products to alleviate side-effects like the chapped lips and dry skin that come from being bedridden. Once beginning all these treatments, the Holt family began to see a major improvement in Maddie. “So for Maddie we have seen every single symptom improved,” Meagan explained. “It wasn’t until we incorporated more THC that we saw her sign language come back. You can watch her get a dose, and it’s like switching on a light bulb; she comes to life.” While Maddie’s condition still 114
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renders her dependent on roundthe clock medical care, not only has she outlived what was initially projected, she is now going to school and communicating with the world around her as much as possible. “She is deaf, blind, completely dependent on a feeding tube, she has kidney stones, bleeding troubles, anemia, and cannabis is helping all of that,” Meagan told CULTURE. Maddie is now being homeschooled two days a week, and she continues to progress forward in so many ways. Although the journey ahead still holds obstacles, Meagan shared how her family’s
experience with cannabis oil has changed their life for good. “I have learned to never give up hope and to always remember to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, because you can never understand what someone is going through until you look at it from their perspective,” she said. c
“You can watch her get a dose and it’s like switching on a light bulb; she comes to life.”
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Scientific Remedies
Now is the time for cannabis transdermal medicine By Sheryll Alexander
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The science of cannabis has evolved over the years, now affording us beauty and medical products that are absorbed into your body through your skin. Through patches and salves, also referred to transdermals or topicals, we can easily apply medicine that will be absorbed slowly into the body with specific attention to a targeted area. With this method, cannabinoid-rich hemp and cannabis patches, creams, lotions, gels, oils and even bath salts are changing what’s inside American medicine cabinets, bedside tables and even tubs, spas, hotels and stores.
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“Simply put, cannabis transdermals or topical applications are being scientifically crafted for a long list of skin, musculoskeletal, joint and even rare genetic conditions�
Diverse Range of Relief
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The Science Behind Transdermals There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing how you will apply cannabis or hemp-based medicine to be absorbed slowly through your skin. The benefit of transdermal products is that the slow absorption of a topical gel, lotion or other compound can provide up to six hours of pain relief, while patches have been reported to provide up to 12 hours of discreet relief. Cannabinoid-rich transdermal medicine is regularly used to treat pain, muscle soreness and inflammation, but transdermals offer relief from many other conditions as well. 118 118
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here are an estimated 90-plus cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, which have been thoroughly researched and determined to have the following all-natural healing effects, including anti-microbial (kills bacteria and other microbes), anti-inflammation (reduces redness and puffiness), anti-cancer (kills cancer cells and stops capillary growth), antipuritis (reduces itching), anti-ischemic (lowers artery blockage and increases blood flow) and analgesic (pain relieving). Cannabinoids also have been proven to lower blood sugar, suppress muscle spasms, stop seizures and promote bone growth. Simply put, cannabis transdermals or topical applications are being scientifically crafted for a long list of skin, musculoskeletal, joint and even rare genetic conditions. Truly, now is the time to start thinking that cannabis topicals deliver localized relief from just about any inflammation, muscle aches, strains, muscle tension and chronic pain. While there are estimated to be more than 90 or more cannabiniods in the cannabis plant, only a handful of cannabinoids have been making their way into transdermal products, but still allows patients seeking relief from common issues to treat their ailments topically with great efficiency.
There are many reputable companies that are creating diverse lines of transdermal products that include a variety of cannabinoids. While cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are extremely popular in the current climate of cannabis products, there are plenty of cannabinoids that are increasingly being used in cannabis products like transdermals and topicals. In addition to CBD and THC, cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) are becoming more frequently utilized as well. With so many options available, how do you know which cannabinoid or combination of cannabinoids will be best for treating your ailment? THCV is unique in that it gives psychoactive effects, only when consumed in high amounts. Research into this cannabinoid has proven its effectiveness against anxiety. It also helps stimulate bone growth and serves as an antiinflammatory. Many other cannabinoids work as anti-inflammatories, and many of them work better when used together. CBD, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, THC and THCA have all been proven effective for treating inflammation. c
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Career of the Future
The ins and outs of becoming a concentrate processor By Heather Johnson
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he cannabis industry is expanding, as legal cannabis gains traction across the globe. Consumers are bombarded with many different options for consumption, with a rising demand for concentrated cannabis products. Concentrates are much more potent than traditional flower, and with greater potency comes the ability to treat more intense medical issues, while recreational consumers experience a much stronger effect.
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The increased demand for concentrated cannabis products has led to a higher demand for qualified candidates to fill jobs. Concentrate processing is a relatively new career field available to people interested in working in the recreational or medical cannabis industries. With products like CO2 oil and shatter increasing in popularity, there is greater potential for a steady, rewarding career in the extraction field as a concentrate processor. Here are some points to consider when taking a glimpse into the career in the industry as a concentrate processor.
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irst, because the extraction process is becoming increasingly more scientific, those interested in this career field will likely benefit from a background in chemistry to safely get started in the field of processing concentrates. Some employers will ask applicants if they have previous experience working in a lab or experience working with botanical extractions. Others will ask for an HVAC certification that can usually be completed within a year at a technical school. Safety is a huge concern for extraction artists, as well as for the retailers who sell their products. To produce a safe and effective concentrate, the proper training is essential. For the novice, it would be wise to get involved in some sort of internship or apprenticeship with someone who already works in extraction. Keep in mind that due to the heat and exposure to chemicals, concentrate processing can be dangerous work.
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rocessors use various solvents to extract cannabinoids and other potent ingredients from the cannabis plant. There are many different solvents used for extraction, although they are mainly chemically-based solvents. Once all the cannabinoids and other active materials are extracted from the plant, the solvents need to be strained out. It is not safe to ingest these chemicals in large amounts, so it is important that processors only sell products containing plant material to retailers. Processors tend to hone in their skills of extraction by focusing on specialized extraction methods. Once an extraction method is chosen, processors often make adjustments in temperature, moisture and agitation to create different variations and textures. Each type of concentrate and its characteristics are dependent on the type of plant material and solvents used for extraction from raw plant material. Solvents like butane and ethanol strip compounds from the cannabis plant, leaving an oily substance packed with cannabinoids. Different types of concentrates can contain extremely high levels of cannabinoids like THC. There are also many non-psychoactive compounds that contain high amounts of CBD, which are effective in treating various conditions from chronic pain to seizures.
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ther labs use non-solvent extraction methods and are seeking Distillation Technicians. These types of extraction artists winterize and filter products using vacuum distillation. Although lab work is at the heart of the job for a concentrate processor, creativity also plays a huge role when creating concentrates. A large portion of a processor’s time is spent planning and blending different strains to create unique 122
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flavors and effects. The art of extraction is a relatively new one, and new methods and techniques are still being developed. Concentrate processors are entering a new frontier when it comes to perfecting the process and creating the best concentrates for different tastes and purposes. Alex “Toast” Troester from Beehive Extracts in Portland, Oregon told CULTURE about the excitement in creating new substances. “My favorite part of every morning at the lab is when we open the vacuum ovens and the smells of specific strains radiate through my nose,” Troester said. “It reminds me that processors are exposed to a wide variety of cultivars, which allows for rapid learning of the subtle nuances of terpene profiles and the growing methods used to produce them.”
Concentrates are here to stay, and with the technical nature of processing, there are more and more opportunities opening up for those with experience in extraction. Thousands of new industry jobs are created in each state with legalized cannabis, and those numbers will continue to grow. With so many opportunities for growth, and so much potential to earn money, the career of processing concentrates is one that we will likely see gain a lot of popularity in the near future for those who are best suited for the job. c
“Concentrates are here to stay, and with the technical nature of processing, there are more and more opportunities opening up for those with experience in extraction.”
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Industry Insider “Without testing we really would not exist, because that is the core of the Kiva product.”
Kristi Knoblich recalls the steps toward the sweet success of Kiva Confections’ edible chocolates By R. Scott Rappold
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risti Knoblich remembers the sort of cannabisinfused edibles that once lined shelves of medical cannabis dispensaries in California. It was 2010—packaging and labeling on edibles were amateurish and potency was a roll of the dice. “There weren’t any edible products we would purchase ourselves or that we felt confident in buying,” recalled Knoblich. Back then, there was nothing, for example, she would buy and give to her mother-in-law. So, Kiva Confections was born. Seven years later, it is one of the most popular edibles brands on the market, available in 1,000 dispensaries, with a dozen products to tickle your sweet tooth and deliver a consistent, accurate dose of THC. For Knoblich, 31, Kiva’s cofounder, it’s about catering to the responsible, not experimental, cannabis consumer. “The Kiva products are targeted at people who have responsibilities and jobs, maybe kids, because they need that reliability,” she said. “There’s a time and place for experimentation, but not when you have a job and you’re trying to keep it together and live an adult life.”
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“’Responsible’ is such a boring word, but when it comes to cannabis it is extremely important for people to understand the products they’re about to consume, especially with edibles.”
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Cultivation to Chocolate
Knoblich and her husband, Scott Palmer, were trying to make careers out of photography when the economy went south in 2008. People suddenly didn’t want to spend money on professional photos, so the couple began growing cannabis to make ends meet. In visiting dispensaries and seeing the edibles that were available, they decided there was a need for more professional-looking products with consistent potency, something you could eat without worrying about getting zonked off your gourd. In 2010, they began making chocolate products in their home, with roommates working as volunteers. While Knoblich focused on cultivation, Palmer spent 10 months tinkering with formulas and recipes, finding extracts that would blend well with chocolate. They also worked with an Oakland laboratory to ensure the products had a “certified potency” they could put on the label. “Without testing we really would not exist, because that is the core of the Kiva product,” Knoblich said. Sales took off quickly, and within a few months, one of the roommates was on the payroll. Then they moved out of the home kitchen and into a commercial space in Oakland and hired a few more employees. And so on.
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Expansion and Growth
Today, Kiva Confections has 85 employees. Chocolate bar flavors include ginger dark, vanilla chai, blackberry dark, espresso dark, mint Irish cream, tangerine dark, along with traditional milk
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chocolate and dark chocolate. Kiva also makes mini chocolate squares and low-dose coated coffee beans and mints. Knoblich credits Kiva’s success to not compromising on taste while still providing a reliable THC delivery method with potency that matches what is listed on the label. While chocolate bars are still the mainstay, it is the coffee beans and mints that exemplify Kiva’s approach to infused edibles. The beans are 5mg of THC and the mints 2.5mg, a low dose for a regular consumer but perfect for the cannabis lover on-the-go. “It gets you the minimum amount without overdoing it, without feeling any of those negative effects of overconsumption,” Knoblich said. “It doesn’t interfere with what you’re trying to get done in your life.” And while there are many uncertainties ahead for California’s cannabis industry, Knoblich feels Kiva is well-placed to meet what is sure to be stringent testing regulations for edibles. “The one thing we have here in California I feel like is a very passionate patient base. If those people come out and stand up for cannabis and its responsible use, I think that will be a very powerful way to get the attention of the legislature and that will influence our regulations going forward,” she said. “’Responsible’ is such a boring word, but when it comes to cannabis it is extremely important for people to understand the products they’re about to consume, especially with edibles,” Knoblich said. “You can always eat more. You can’t eat less.” c
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Compassionate Coaching High-profile players in the NBA are not alone in their cannabis advocacy By David Edmundson
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olden State Warrior head coach Steve Kerr recently won his second National Basketball Association (NBA) championship as a coach this past June. Kerr also won five championships as a player, but recently he added another line to his impressive résumé—cannabis consumer. In December 2016, Kerr was featured on The Warriors Insider Podcast when he first came out in support of cannabis. “I guess maybe I can even get in some trouble for this, but I’ve actually tried it twice during the last year and a half, when I’ve been going through this chronic pain that I’ve been dealing with,” Kerr said. With that declaration, the highest profile coach in the NBA admitted that cannabis was a viable option for medical purposes. Kerr used cannabis to treat his back, despite knowing that he could be drug tested at any time. He later clarified that he had stopped consuming cannabis, but felt that it was a better solution than harmful painkillers. His interview helped shine a light on professional sports and medicine, where trainers prescribe harmful drugs like Vicodin, with proven negative sideeffects, like aspirin for everything from broken bones to concussions. Cannabis has been banned in the NBA since 1983, when the league adopted an anti-drug policy that featured 160 substances. Though in
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recent years, the league appears to be softening its stance on cannabis, Commissioner Adam Silver has repeatedly downplayed cannabis as a banned substance, preferring instead to combat the growing epidemic of performance enhancing substances, such as human growth hormone. Phil Jackson, considered to be one of the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA, admitted to consuming cannabis when he was a player. Before he was an 11-time NBA champion coach, Jackson played for the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets. After a back surgery sidelined him during the 19691970 season, he turned to cannabis as a distraction to help him get over his pain. “[When I was recovering from back surgery], I was smoking marijuana during that period of time,” Jackson said. “I think it was a distraction for me as much as a pain reliever. But I never thought of it as ultimately a pain medication for that type of situation . . . We have tried to stop [cannabis consumption] in the NBA. I don’t think we have been able to stop it. I think it still goes on and is still a part of the culture in the NBA. It is something that we either have to accommodate or figure out another way to deal with it.” In addition, numerous former players have come out of the shadows to discuss cannabis after their playing days are through, without fear of punishment from the league. All-Stars, such as Cliff
Robinson and Chauncey Billups, have made repeated statements about their cannabis use, with Billups claiming that some of his teammates played better after consuming cannabis, as it calmed their nerves. Silver has stated that the NBA will look into re-evaluating the league’s drug policy. Currently the NBA performs four random drug tests on every player each season, with two additional tests during the off-season. If you fail a drug test, you must complete a substance abuse program. Test positive a second time and you face a $25,000 fine; it is not until your third failed test that you are suspended for five games. When compared to the other three major North American Sports, the NBA is most in line with the National Football League (NFL). Both feature similar fines and suspensions, although in the NFL, it is a much bigger deal to miss a couple games, as their season is only 16 games, as opposed to the NBA’s 82. Neither the National Hockey League (NHL) nor Major League Baseball (MLB) tests for cannabis, preferring to focus on performing enhancing substances and harder “street dugs” like cocaine, methamphetamines and heroin. MLB will administer a test for cannabis if there is overwhelming evidence of cannabis use, but it is rarely evoked and typically amounts to a fine. The NHL does not discipline players for testing positive for cannabis. c
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Deafening Doom Suicide Silence continues to crush the metal scene By Alex Distefano
Since 2002, Suicide Silence has held a spot at the top of the metal world, having recreated metalcore with a heavier, death metal approach, coining the sub-genre known as deathcore. The band has always had an emotionally driven sound with elements of hardcore, bits of grind and death metal weaved throughout powerful breakdowns and chugging, spastic riffs. Tragedy struck in 2012 when vocalist Mitch Lucker was killed in a motorcycle accident. But less than a year later the band regrouped and brought on close friend Eddie Hermida, a former vocalist of Northern California deathcore band All Shall Perish. Ever since then, Suicide Silence has continued Lucker’s legacy, by releasing two full-length albums and touring across the world, with no plans of stopping anytime soon. CULTURE caught up with guitarist Mark Heylmun to talk about how cannabis positively affects his life. 130
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How growing and horticulture help you deal with the grieving process of losing Mitch? Yeah, when the shit went down with Mitch, I shifted my energy towards horticulture and growing. I was not sure what I was going to be doing; it was, as you can imagine, a very tough, painful and emotional time. But, tons of my friends grow, and so I got into it really heavy. I used that time to divert my attention and do something productive, and it helped me out a lot; I basically became obsessed and genuinely felt like another hobby like playing guitar. I loved it and can honestly attest to the fact that it helped me through those tough times. Tell us about the awardwinning edible you were involved in making. Oh yeah, it was at the Caviar Gold Expo Show thing a few years back. A buddy and I made some edibles called Sinful Bites, which were gluten-free cinnamon rolls; it was a one-time thing only, but yeah we won it. It was awesome each little mini-roll had 25mg of THC and people loved it. I liked baking and
being involved but honestly, it got to the point where I couldn’t really hang. Now, don’t get me wrong I love the growing and horticulture side of the scene but not the business side; I am not trying to dive too hard into that aspect. I am more interested in the flower, and I would like to develop strains but I am not a businessman and am not looking for any glory in that regards. I just play music and love the plant. What is your favorite way to indulge in cannabis? I always smoke a bong load. I love one or two good bong rips; it’s always the best. Some strains I love are Blue Dream, Sour Tangie, OG Kush, there are just too many to name. When it comes to strains of herb, it’s neverending. [There are] so many amazing strains, just like music it’s limitless. Where is the best herb you’ve ever smoked on the planet? I would have to say hands down, the best weed ever is in Prague in the Czech Republic. We were there years ago. It’s very tolerated there, but there is weed all over Prague. What is some advice you would give to novice growers or those aspiring to work in horticulture? Well, number one is to be humble, go to all the expos and conventions know the basics before anything, meet people. If you have a green thumb just go for it, which is the same advice as I give to those in a band. Horticulture and music aren’t a team sport; do it on your own with people you love and trust. c www.suicidesilence.net
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SHOOTING GALLERY
OC NORML High Society
Photos by Steve Baker 132
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SHOOTING GALLERY
NCIA in Oakland
Photos courtesy of NCIA 134
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN
By Ed Rosenthal
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t the time of this writing, the Summer Solstice is just around the corner—it’s the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. This is also when the sun’s rays shine most directly on the Earth, so the light is most intense during this time of year. The bright light has been great for the plants in the three sections of my garden. All of them have had a growth spurt and are extremely healthy. The first section is a 2’ x 4’, nine-inch deep tray that holds five plants. Three of them were orphan plants, abandoned and uncared for, and were under a foot tall when they were placed in a row across the middle width of the tray. The other two, which were about four feet tall including the container, were placed horizontally, with the bottom of the container against the side of the tray, buried halfway so the plant stems stretched across the tray two inches above the earth. A month later, the five plants are 2’ feet tall and have been growing more than an inch a day. Just yesterday their regimen changed from vegetative to flowering. Each evening I placed the cart into its own little growth
chamber with about 200 watts of fluorescent light so the plant was kept lit continuously. Now I wheel the cart into the unlit chamber after dusk, which occurs at about 9 p.m., but before dawn. The plant stays there until 9 a.m. for a total dark period of 12 hours each evening. The plants have a few flowers now, but in about two months the colas will be ready to harvest. Group 2, consisting of four plants from clones including a Shark Shock and a ER Superbud and two dwarfed plants offered as Purple Dream, but are perhaps another variety. These plants have been flowering for a while now, but I was afraid that they would switch back to vegetative growth. So, I am also sheltering them in darkness each evening using the same regimen as for the first group. By this time next month, they will be harvested and drying. Group 3 started out as volunteers in my compost pile. Luckily for them a member of the plant rescue society saw them and placed them in four-inch pots. They soon outgrew them and were placed in 6” containers. They were re-planted again two weeks ago into 8” containers. The plants are all indicas and all seem
TIP OF THE MONTH Take and root cuttings of all the outdoor plants now before they start to flower, and keep them growing slowly. This is done by keeping them under moderate light, nutrients and keeping them at a steady 650 temperature. After harvesting, you will be able to test the plants both objectively and subjectively, look at the numbers and decide which to propagate next season. If you grow the clones out, starting in January they will be ready to place in the ground by late spring.
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to be closely related. They have broad leaves, short internodes and are beginning to get purple. It looks like a fine strain. The plants are now 10”14” tall and growing quickly under natural daylight and light regimen. I am planning two experiments on this group. First, I’m going to cut the top growing tips of half the plants to observe the difference in growth, form and yield between the two groups. Secondly I’m going to supply half of these plants with CO2 as they grow outdoors. The other half will serve as a control group. We shall see if CO2 administered outdoors increases yield. c
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The plants on wheels basking in the sun. The stem was placed horizontally so the branches are growing vertically.
Early flowering of the plants on wheels. The plants have been in flowering regimen for four days.
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Plants in 8” containers. Tops of half of them were clipped. All are indicas from the same group. They have thick stems and wide leaves with purple tones.
Plants induced to flower early are halfway through flowering. Four varieties are represented.
Close-up of the bud; it should be ready in four or five weeks.
Close-up of pollinated Purple Citrus.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/ copyright holder.
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culture growing RECIPES
Time to Go: July Weather: High 60s, low 70s with some rainfall Budget: $$$$$
if you go:
Adventure in The Azores For cannabis enthusiasts who cherish the tranquility of raw nature above all else, The Azores can make for a peaceful, inspirational and truly relaxing respite in summer. Located smack in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, The Azores is today a collection of nine islands and six small towns that were uninhabited until 1433 when a hearty group of Portuguese sailors decided to settle near what is now Santa Maria, which is about 850 miles west of Lisbon and 2,500 miles east of New York City. This remote island archipelago that makes up The Azores is meant for the adventurous traveler, as these mostly active volcanic mountains are packed with breathtakingly beautiful scenery. In one day (and with a rental car), visitors can experience everything from windswept sandy beaches to pristine inland crater-made lakes to wonderful waterfalls spilling into swimmable ponds.
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Perhaps that’s because “going to The Azores” is really an escape from ordinary life. These tiny island towns in the middle of the great big blue ocean are not into the Euro party scene like the Spanish, French, Portuguese or even African coasts. This is a place where farming and fishing are king. Although the weather here is mostly mild, there can be days upon days of fog and soaking rain even in the summer months. This back-to-nature quality is probably what makes Azoreans hearty folk who prefer family-friendly activities such as long hikes, boat rides, slow cooking, even slower eating (at hours-long meals paired with local wines) and just enjoying life naturally. This slowing down effect—plus Portugal’s cannabis decriminalization laws—makes The Azores a super chill place to truly get away from it all while medicating. c
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By Sheryll Alexander
The Azores is an “autonomous region” of Portugal, which decriminalized all drugs (only if you are carrying less than a 10-day supply) including reducing cannabis to a misdemeanor. So, smoking cannabis anywhere in Portugal and its outlying colonies such as The Azores is quite common and does not alarm locals. The best thing to do on any trip to a European country is to find and vet a cannabis-loving local before you leave. If you did not prepare ahead, then politely ask a 20- or 30-something Azorean where you can find cannabis (they will know what you mean but it is locally known as erva). Just remember to smoke discreetly although European joints (called spliffs) are usually packed with tobacco as well as cannabis flowers.
The Azores is the only region in Europe where tea is still cultivated, so don’t miss visiting the island’s several “tea estates” dating from the 1800s. Locals welcome visitors to tour their farm and cultivation facilities of famous Azorean organic black, green and orange pekoe teas. 1
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Because The Azores are located atop the “triple junction” of three tectonic plates (North American, Eurasian and African) and are still actively volcanic, the islands are known for their steaming geothermal geysers and mineral-filled hot spring waters. 2
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Age: 25 Condition/Illness: IBS, anxiety and depression. Using Medical Cannabis Since: I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2017. The disease has prevented me from doing the things I love to do and daily chores. I’ve been using medical cannabis since I was 19.
Why did you start using cannabis? I started using medical cannabis because it helped with my depression, anxiety and insomnia. I use it for pain from a car accident in 2011 where I was ran into. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I’ve had major depression and anxiety since I was a little, and I
was put on all different kinds of antidepressants. All of them had different bad side effects. Later in life I was introduced to cannabis by my boyfriend, and this is the only thing that seems to help my pain without having the bad side effects. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The major issue or problem medical patients are facing is federal government acceptance so there can be safe access for patients throughout the whole country. If you have a chronic disease like I do, then it becomes a big issue. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? When I talk to people who are skeptical about the use of medical cannabis I tell them it’s medicine, it doesn’t have horrible side effects like almost every pharmaceutical medication you take on a daily basis. Cannabis can ease the pain for a while and give you some relief without all those horrible side effects. 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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culture growing
Summer Lovin’ By Laurie Wolf Photos by Bruce Wolf
Heat up your outdoor barbecue with easy-to-make cannabis-infused skewers Menu: Skewered Shrimp and Asparagus Grilled and Skewered Fruit Grilled Eggplant and Plum Tomatoes
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Chicken Breast Satay
The warmth of summer goes beyond feeling the golden rays of sunshine beating down against your skin like a warm blanket—hot and savory meals delivered straight off the grill are also indicative of summertime and Fourth of July gettogethers. Impress your guests for an evening barbecue by serving this menu, which allows you to prepare the four types of tasty skewers a day ahead. Once your friends arrive, just fire up the grill, and throw on the skewers. Less can be more in the realm of edibles, so there is no need to infuse all the recipes if you prefer. A word about skewers—if you are a fan of the multi-sized wooden skewers, soak them in water for an hour before grilling. Be sure to let the grill heat up before cooking, which will provide a smaller chance of food sticking, and don’t you hate that?
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2. In a food processor, combine the peanuts, coconut milk, 2 tablespoons lime juice, soy sauce and a pinch of cinnamon. Add the scallions and set aside.
Chicken Breast Satay
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the remaining oil with the lime juice, salt and pepper.
1 tablespoon coconut milk
6 tablespoons lime juice, portioned in 2 tablespoon increments
Pinch of cinnamon
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1 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon soy sauce
6 cups lettuce
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound chicken boneless and skinless breasts, cut into strips or chunks
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Ingredients:
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4 tablespoons roasted peanuts JULY 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chopped scallion
Salt and pepper
Instructions: 1. Combine the chicken, 2 tablespoons lime juice, canna-canola oil, soy sauce and ginger in a medium bowl. Marinate for two hours. Preheat the grill, and then remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Place the chicken on the skewers.
4. When the grill is ready, cook the chicken on the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side. 5. Divide the lettuce onto 4 plates and drizzle with the canna-canola oil and lime juice mixture. Place the cooked skewers on top and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Serve with the peanut sauce for dipping.
t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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culture growing
Skewered Shrimp and Asparagus
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Ingredients: 10 asparagus, sliced in 1-2 inch pieces 20 large shrimp (about 1 pound), peeled and cleaned
Grilled and Skewered Fruit
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1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
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Instructions:
2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted
1. Preheat the grill. Arrange the shrimp, asparagus and the scallions on the skewers as desired. Brush the skewers with the canna olive oil and drizzle with
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2 tablespoons fresh mint, shredded
1 tablespoon canola oil
Instructions: 1. Preheat the grill. Place the banana, pineapple and mango on the skewers and brush with the canola oil and sprinkle with the cinnamon. 2. Grill skewers on the prepared grill until golden brown and tender.
SERVES
4
3. Sprinkle the skewers with the coconut and drizzle with the infused sweetener of your choice.
1 cup salsa, mild to hot
the lemon juice. Season with the salt and pepper. 2. Grill skewers on the prepared grill until the shrimp are cooked and the asparagus are just tender, 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with the salsa for dipping.
SERVES
4
Note: If you don’t have access to an infused sweetener, just use 4 teaspoons of infused canola oil instead of the tablespoon of oil when brushing the fruit.
Grilled Eggplant and Plum Tomatoes Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant, cut into chunks
IN
COURAGE
DESTINATION
UNKNOWN
1 mango, peeled and cut into chunks
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon canna olive oil, plus one additional teaspoon t
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 teaspoons infused honey or simple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 scallions, cut in pieces
Ingredients: 1 large banana, sliced, brushed with lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon oregano
6 roma tomatoes, halved
Salt
4 teaspoons cannaolive oil t
8 basil leaves, shredded
Instructions: 1. Preheat the grill, and thread the eggplant and tomatoes on skewers. 2. Brush with the oils, and then season with the oregano and the salt. 3. Grill skewers on the prepared grill, and cook until the eggplant is tender and the tomatoes are soft and browning. Top with the shredded basil leaves.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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socal NOW! event listings
Anime Expo, July 1-4 Join fellow anime fans as they flock to the muchanticipated Anime Expo decked out in their best cosplay designs. Hear from the best-known names in the industry, collect an autograph and attend one of the many panels and booths on display. Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles anime-expo.org
The Book of Mormon, July 1-9 The comedic Broadway performance is back to take Hollywood by storm during the first week in July. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or coming back for a second round of fun, The Book of Mormon will make you laugh at its often offensive and controversial scenes. Pantages Theatre, Hollywood hollywoodpantages.com Fourth of July Block Party, July 4 Spend your Independence Day at the free and open event in Grand Park where picnics and pets are more than encouraged. Loaded with food trucks and music, this block party will end with the traditional and spectacular display of fireworks in the night sky. Grand Park, Los Angeles grandparkla.org 146
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Harry Potter in Concert, July 6 "The Boy Who Lived" and all the magic of J.K. Rowling’s hit series continues on with Harry Potter in Concert. The musical event that brings the film score to life with screenings of the second and third films to provide visual and audio entertainment. Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood hollywoodbowl.com AT&T Shape Technology Expo, July 14-15 Filled with interactive demos, presentations by professionals from all fields and filmmaker competitions, this tech expo is perfect for those wanting a sneak peek at the innovations to come. Experience the latest in virtual reality or witness the future of storytelling with DC Entertainment, there’s a little something for everyone! Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank shape.att.com
featured event
Metallica, July 29-30
Rock out to the classics and throwback with Metallica during its tour stop at the Rose Bowl Stadium. With over two decades of music to pull from, this concert will be nothing short of an all-night jam session. Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena rosebowlstadium.com
The OC Fair, July 14-August 13 Summertime means nothing without the traditional
deep-fried delicacies, petting zoos and thrill rides. The OC Fair has returned once again with all the family-friendly entertainment and summer concerts all month long. The Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa ocfair.com Third Eye Blind, July 20 The ’90s alternative rock
band is back for more this summer, bringing fans its new album along them. Hear classics like “Jumper” and get acquainted with some of their new tracks at the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park. Greek Theatre, Griffith Park greektheatrela.com
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird Remembering Michael “Mickey” Martin, California Edible Warrior By Benjamin M. Adams
M
ichael “Mickey” Martin recently passed away, but not before leaving behind a rich legacy of cannabis activism and entrepreneurship. Nearly a decade before Cheeba Chews, Bhang, Kiva Confections and Kush Cake Pops came around, Martin pioneered the edible industry as founder of Tainted Edibles. With popular products like KeefKat, Buddafinger, Rasta Reeses and Muchy Ways, Martin was subsequently sued by Hershey’s for trademark infringement and raided by the DEA. But his impression on the cannabis industry had already been set. From 2007-2010, the United States v. Mickey Martin case attracted unparalleled attention from the media. The case would eventually spawn a large public protest on January 4, 2010. His infamous yet visually-attractive edible packaging designs helped steer the industry towards better branding practices. The often splintered cannabis community was divided on its support or lack of support for Martin. Not everyone always agreed with Martin’s blunt opinions, but he was never one
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to shy away from controversy surrounding the cannabis plant. Martin took up political issues into his own hands and led WeedActivist.com, where he harangued listeners about truth and justice. Martin promoted self-regulation within the industry. Given his history, cannabis reform was always at the top of the list. Martin didn’t stop there. He founded Compassion Edibles, and co-authored Medical Marijuana 101 alongside Ed Rosenthal and Dr. Gregory Carter. Mickey Martin Consulting, a legal firm, has helped countless clients navigate the application process and secure medical cannabis permits. He would go on to found Parents 4 Pot, where he served as treasurer. In 2014, he opened Northeastern Institute of Cannabis (NIC) in Natick, Massachusetts. In 2015, Martin left his position as Chief Executive at Compassion Edibles to pursue larger political projects. His activism and business acumen grew exponentially since he first began making edibles in 2001. Mickey is survived by wife Elinor and their two sons.
LEAD STORY— PEDESTRIAN CALMING Officials in charge of a Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal heritage site recently installed “speed bumps,” similar to those familiar to Americans driving residential streets—but on a pedestrian walkway, with row upon row of risers to resemble a washboard. A Western travel writer, along with editors of People’s Daily, China, suggested that officials were irked that “disorderly” tourists had been walking past the ancient grounds too rapidly to appreciate its beauty or context.
THE JOB OF THE RESEARCHER “Marine mammologist” Dara Orbach’s specialty is figuring out how bottlenose dolphins actually fit their sex organs together to copulate. When dolphins die of natural causes, Orbach, a post-doctoral Fellow at Nova Scotia’s Dalhousie University, is sent their genitals (and also those of whales, porpoises and sea lions) and fills each one with silicone to work from molds in understanding the sex act’s mechanics. Dolphins’ vaginas are “surprising” in their “complexity,” she told Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News in April, for example, with the ability to twist inner folds to divert the progress of any sperm deposited by undesirable mates. BRIGHT IDEAS Compared to busy
coastal metropolises, Indiana may evoke repose, and entrepreneur Tom Battista is suggesting the state’s largest city capitalize on the sentiment by reserving a destination site on a low-lying hill overlooking the chaotic merge lanes of two interstate highways— affording visitors leisurely moments watching the frantic motorists scrambling below. He plans three rows of seats and a sunshade for the relaxed gawkers to take in the “ocean”-like roar and imagine overwrought drivers’ rising blood pressure (while their own remains soothingly calm). WEIRD SCIENCE Medical researchers have been frustrated for years at failures in getting certain cancer-fighting drugs to reach targeted areas in women’s reproductive tracts, but doctors in Germany announced in April a bold technique that appeared to work: Sending the drugs via sperm cells, which seem to roam without obstruction as they search for an egg. The process involves coating active sperm cells with an iron adhesive and magnetically steering them to their internal targets. NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE Sean Clemens, now awaiting trial in Liberty, Ohio, in the death of an 84-year-old woman, allegedly confessed his guilt to a co-worker after telling the man that something was bothering him that he needed to tell someone about—but only if the coworker would “pinkie-swear” not to tell anyone else. (The co-worker broke the code.)
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