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contents Vol 8 IssUE 9
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ILLUMINATED RESEARCH Dr. Raphael Mechoulam talks about his experiences studying cannabis in Israel and what he thinks about being called the “father of THC.”
On the COVER photo by
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contents
inside
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Changes Abroad The German parliament has voted to embrace and legalize medical cannabis, and we have all the info you need to know.
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International Success Israel is stepping up as a leading nation in the cannabis industry, as the country has officially decriminalized cannabis.
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Industry Insider Brendan Kennedy of Privateer Holdings believes that cannabis business is another form of activism.
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Hemp Passion Micah Nelson is all about experimental music and advocating for the hemp industry.
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A Fresh Start Essential tips on how to clean your favorite glass pipes, grinders and vaporizers this spring.
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Revolutionary Advocacy American Civil Liberties Union demonstrates relentless support of cannabis reform.
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Vargas Veritas The classical realist-turned-neo-surrealist creates evocative and compelling works of art that rock the boat of normality.
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Get Funky With It Dumpstaphunk’s funky tunes are designed to bring everyone together.
departments news
20 News Nuggets 26 By the Numbers 30 Local News 36 Legal Corner
40 Healthy Living
reviews
in every
102 Shooting Galleries 106 Growing Culture 108 Destination Unknown
109 Profile in Courage 110 Recipes 114 SoCal Now! 116 News of the Weird
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d Study Shows Cannabis Can
Help You Kick Tobacco
44 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 52 Company
Highlight 56 Cool Stuff 58 Entertainment Reviews 62 Liner Notes
issue
Online Exclusive!
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d The DEA Quietly Removes
Cannabis Health Risks from Website
Vol 8 IssUE 9
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett managing editor Jamie Solis Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Jefferson Van Billiard, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designer Tanya Delgadillo sales director Justin Olson los angeles Jon Bookatz sales manager Account Executives Greg Borland, Alex Brizicky, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Beau Odom, Gloria Santiago, Garry Stalling, Chris Walker, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie intern Kiara Manns Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,500 locations throughout Southern California. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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NEWS
nuggetS Costa Mesa City Council Extends Temporary Ban on Recreational Cannabis
The Costa Mesa City Council briefly discussed and approved an urgency ordinance in a meeting on February 7 to extend its ban on recreational cannabis. Originally, the city council approved a temporary 45-day cannabis ban on January 3 that would have expired on February 17, however, under close investigation councilmembers decided to extend the ban for another 10 1/2 months in order to have more time to mull over regulations. “If the City Council extends this urgency ordinance, only limited marijuana cultivation, as allowed under state law, and marijuana-related businesses allowed under Measure X, will be permitted,” the meeting agenda stated in its conclusion. “These temporary restrictions will provide time for the city to study these issues and for the city council to enact long-term policies and regulations.” Costa Mesa voters approved Measure X in the most recent election, which dedicates a certain area north of the 405 freeway specifically to medical cannabis businesses. Hopefully, when the end of the year arrives, the city of Costa Mesa will be ready to finalize regulations for recreational cannabis as well.
Recreational Cannabis is Officially Legal in Maine After a long, grueling battle between cannabis advocates and the opposition, Question 1 has gone into effect in the state of Maine. Passed by a narrow margin of voters in Maine back in November 2016, adults can now legally possess cannabis in the state. “The portion of the law that allows persons over 21 years to grow six mature plants and possess 2.5 ounces became effective on January 30, 2017,” the Maine State Legislature website reports. “A 17-member special legislative committee, co-chaired by Sen. Roger Katz and Rep. Teresa Pierce, has been formed to address the complex issues surrounding full implementation of the law.” Obtaining recreational cannabis in Maine has been quite a battle for advocates. In addition to Maine Gov. Paul LePage openly opposing Question 1 from its inception, opponents fought for a recount once the voting margin was reported to be 50.26 percent of people voting “yes” versus 49.74 percent voting against the bill. Ultimately, the recount effort was defeated. While Question 1 does allow for social cannabis clubs, the state will consult its special committee to develop rules and regulations for potential businesses before that becomes a reality.
L.A. County Expands Cannabis Ban in Unincorporated Areas The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently voted to extend the temporary ban placed upon the sales, distribution, manufacturing and distribution of medical and recreational cannabis. This ban only applies to the unincorporated areas of the county. More than 65 percent of Los Angeles County, or 2,653.5 square miles, consists of unincorporated regions. The ban will remain in place until a structured system is decided upon. Members of the board acknowledged the inevitable, rapid changes that the state has been met with after the approval of Proposition 64. While the unanimously approved ban could have been set as permanent, the board instead looks to establish a proper framework first in order for the industry to thrive and operate properly. “Normalizing it and regulating it is in more in our interest,” Supervisor Sheila Kuehl confirmed. The extension will go on for one more year while the state of California prepares its own regulations for the recreational sale of cannabis. As board supervisor Kathryn Barger, stated, “We cannot ban it, the voters have decided.” (Kiara Manns)
Swedish Agency Approves Medical Cannabis for Two Patients The Läkemedelsverket or Medical Product Agency (MPA) of Sweden has made a notable decision in approving its first two patients for medical cannabis. Both patients suffer from severe back injuries and are the first with such a condition to be allowed to medicate with cannabis in the country. Currently, cannabis is regarded as an illegal substance by the Swedish government, with medical cannabis only allowed on a rare, case-by-case basis. “Every single license application, whether it's about cannabis preparations or not, go through a special assessment process, i.e. every case is assessed individually and there is no general view of license applications for cannabis plant parts,” according to the MPA. This decision marks an important step forward in the progression of accepting cannabis as a legitimate means of medical treatment in Sweden. The cannabis given to the patients will be supplied by the same Dutch company that the Swedish government uses to perform research. (Kiara Manns) 20
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Governor Jerry Brown has recommended to be spent on cannabis regulation in his recent budget proposal: (Source: Kron4)
The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that will fund a new Los Angeles-based law enforcement program to help prevent impaired driving in light of California cannabis legalization: (Source: Long Beach Post)
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The number of votes, out of five, presented by the Fontana City Council in favor of allowing residents to cultivate cannabis (Source: Fontana at home: Herald News)
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The projected monetary value, in billions of dollars, of California's recreational cannabis industry: (Source: The Gazette)
The projected amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the city of Los Angeles could collect from cannabis taxes within the first few years of statewide legalization with Measure M: (Source: Los Angeles Independent News)
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The approximate amount of money, in billions of dollars, that was spent on legal cannabis in North America in 2016: (Source: Entrepreneur)
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The number of medical cannabis studies that have been recently approved for federal funding by a new measure in Israel: (Source: Globes)
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The number of patients that have enrolled in the medical cannabis program in New Jersey: (Source: NJ.com)
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The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that Minnesota’s Office of Medical Cannabis is requesting to fund the state’s patient registry and inspection of the state’s medical cannabis manufacturers: (Source: CBS Minnesota)
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The 420 Games Los Angeles WHAT: The 420 Games Los Angeles. WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, April 1. Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. INFO: Check out 420games.org/events/los-angeles-2017 for details.
The 420 Games is an athletic event that advocates for healthy living and fights against the stigma that exists around cannabis. The 420 Games has been held in various cities across the country. On April 1, it will be heading to Southern California’s Santa Monica Pier for its second year. This is a great event for all who want to exercise, listen to some good beats and participate in advocating for one of the fastest
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growing industries in the world. You can walk, jog, skate, ride or even paddleboard the 4.20 mile course that’s been laid out, which takes attendees past iconic landmarks along the Ocean Front Walk, like the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. There will also be two hours of beer tasting sponsored by Lagunitas from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in addition to educational speeches, stand-up comedy and industry sponsors and exhibitors.
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NEWS
LOCAL
The Time Has Come
Los Angeles’ cannabis dispensary regulatory scheme solution has arrived
by Benjamin M. Adams
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uniform and comprehensive regulatory scheme for cannabis dispensaries in Los Angeles is long overdue. Medical cannabis dispensaries in Los Angeles have swelled in numbers and have diminished just as quickly, but have never enjoyed the benefits of complete licensing. On March 7, Los Angeles voters will decide on Proposition M, which would give the city council authority to oversee the recreational and medical cannabis industry. Herb Wesson and the city council drafted the bill in hopes of finally securing the “Wild West” era of cannabis dispensaries in the “City of Angels.” Proposition M would give city council authority to regulate, tax and enforce both recreational and medical cannabis. It would replace Los Angeles’ Proposition D, which limited the number of shops to 135. The city council would have power over how many dispensaries can open. It would also prioritize the 135 original compliant shops to receive licenses first. The best part about Measure M is that the proposition is flexible for future changes, which will inevitably happen. Measure M also gained the official endorsement from the Los Angeles Times. David Barakett is Chief Executive Officer of ShowGrow, an established cannabis dispensary chain with three locations in Southern California including one in downtown Los Angeles. ShowGrow is licensed by both state and local regulations, and it veers toward the sophisticated side of the medical cannabis industry. “Right now, the current regulatory reality under Proposition D needs to change to normalize the business of medical marijuana and provide a stable business environment,” Barakett told CULTURE. “We at ShowGrow welcome the opportunity for change and are optimistic that the city council will take into account the constituent majority and implement fair regulations. Current legislation is impeding patients’ access to their medicine,
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and with improved regulation, their access will be enhanced—which at the end of the day is our main goal for operating within this industry.” Proposition M would impose a five percent tax on local gross receipts for medical cannabis sales and a 10 percent tax on recreational cannabis sales. It would also impose a one to two percent tax for transportation, research and cultivation companies. If companies violate the terms, penalties would incur such as having the Department of Water and Power shut off utilities. If the measure is approved, it could set a standard for other cities that have cold feet about regulating cannabis dispensaries. The proposal is supported by Los Angeles Cannabis Task Force, the UCBA Trade Association, the Southern California Coalition, other neighborhood councils and Weedmaps. A competing bill, Proposition N, was of course filed, and will also be on the March ballot. Proposition N was fueled as a citizen-sponsored measure. The measure, in contrast to Proposition M, would monopolize the local cannabis trade by giving power to the original 135 Proposition D dispensaries. Proposition N was originally backed by a number of local trade groups, such as the UCBA Trade Association, but has since lost steam. Proposition N isn’t expected to pass, but it was too late to pull it off the ballot. In the event that both propositions receive a majority approval, the bill with the most "yes" votes supersedes the other. One of the goals behind the Southern California Coalition was to ensure that minorities had equal opportunities within the cannabis sector. The coalition was designed to represent all facets of the cannabis industry. Many men and women with good intentions in the industry have been denied licenses because they are haunted by past convictions. Proposition M would ensure that minorities have a fair shot at getting started in the cannabis industry, despite past convictions. The bill would give Los Angeles residents a voice and have a say in the amendments to the bill. The bill is endorsed by Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Chief of Police, and Minnie Hadley-Hempstead, the President of NAACP’s chapter in Los Angeles. The police support the bill, because they’d rather spend time on real crimes instead of hounding confused business owners for the proper paperwork. c
Abra Ca Dabs Festival
Join hundreds in praising the advancements made with cannabis in the medical and legal fields by attending the Abra Ca Dabs Festival for its fifth annual weekend in Adelanto, California. Vendors will showcase the latest products of 2017, with guest speakers and live music performances taking up a portion of the weekend as well. The festival will also host an art exhibit that will present live glassblowing. During the event, be sure to check on the competition for the Abra Ca Dabs Cup, awarded on varying categories such as best topical, infused food, tincture, flower and wax. Businesses looking to compete may register online and receive a threeday pass in return. Tickets can be purchased on the official website where an apparel collection is also available. (Kiara Manns) WHAT: Abra Ca Dabs Festival. WHEN/WHERE: Fri, March 24-Sun, March 26. Heritage Field, 12000 Stadium Wy., Adelanto. INFO: Visit abracadabsfestival. com for details.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Each Transaction over $10,000 Requires a Form
California, Cannabis and Cash
Rules about banking that can help your budding cannabis business by Alexa Steinberg, Esq, Manzuri Law
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alifornia’s legalization has opened the floodgates of cannabis cash with nowhere for it to go. In the cannabis industry, where federal law makes banking almost impossible for cannabis businesses, it’s interesting to note that in states where recreational markets thrive, i.e. Colorado, there is greater access to banking. Hello California banking, Prop. 64 says it’s okay to come out now! How Recreational Markets Create Banking Options As we have seen in states like Colorado, to comply with federal standards, recreational markets require vigorous compliance and enforcement measures to avoid being targeted. As a result, banks (usually credit unions or community banks) can feel confident that their clients are operating legally. Translation—compliant banking is more prevalent in recreational markets than in those limited to medical cannabis. $10,000 Deposits and Banking So you operate a cannabis business and need to deposit cash? Here’s what you need to know. Anytime a
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deposit of $10,000 or more is made, federal law requires banks to report the transaction to the IRS or National Security Agencies. Local banks and credit unions will offer their services, but the give and take of it means a new level of reporting and transparency for cannabis businesses. Banks are fully visible to the federal government and thus demand transparency from their banking clients. Banks file hundreds of thousands of reports for deposits over $10,000. Ultimately, these reports end up in a pile with millions of other reports that may or may not get reviewed and investigated. Not only do banks report this, but the individuals receiving more than $10,000 are also required to do reporting of their own. Enter Form 8300, stage right.
What about simply receiving more than $10,000 in a cash transaction? Transactions that, accumulatively, are more than $10,000 within a period of one year require that a Form 8300 is filed to report the cash transactions. Be careful, this isn’t a one-time filing. For any money that you get from the same person that continue to build on that $10,000, an amended Form 8300 should be filed. Forget being a Californian cannabis business for a second. Anyone receiving more than $10,000—landlords, suppliers, attorneys, vendors— within a year from the same individual needs to file an 8300 or face penalties of up to $1,500,000. Strategic Deposits under $10,000 and the Penalties for Structuring Trying to avoid reporting by making multiple smaller deposits just under the $10,000 reporting threshold is a crime referred to as structuring. Structuring multiple deposits under $10,000 has little chance to avoid detection and can land you in hot water. The Bank Secretary Act (BSA) requires banks to report this activity, and banks have detection and compliance systems in place to catch it. This reporting system is very similar to that of the reporting system for deposits made over $10,000 except, every single one of these reports is read and potentially investigated by the IRS. As banks take on the risk to serve the cannabis industry, they trust that cannabis businesses will operate in line with banking requirements and regulations. As of mid-2016, only three percent of the 7,600 banks in the U.S. were offering some form of financial services to businesses in the cannabis industry. California is a large state, with Los Angeles at the heart of state’s cannabis industry, and there are big plans in motion right now, with teams developing essential rules in preparation for California’s 2018 starting point. In order for the industry to have a strong beginning, all cannabis business owners need safe and reliable banking solutions. While this won’t happen overnight, little by little as legalization sweeps the state and the nation, local banks will slowly trickle behind. c
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
The Role of Alcohol and Cannabis in the Lives of Baby Boomers by Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
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eems like baby boomers are returning to their golden years as harbingers of change as two studies report significant increases in cannabis consumption and a smaller uptick in binge drinking. Considering the problems associated with aging— physical deterioration, onset of agerelated ailments like arthritis, cancer and movement disorders as well as increased mental challenges such as depression, Alzheimer’s, failing cognition and more—this may not be so surprising, as cannabis and alcohol can provide therapeutic relief and an escape from unpleasant realities. A December 2016 study, “Demographic trends among older cannabis users in the United States,” found that over the last 10 years cannabis use among 50 to 64-yearold baby boomers increased by 57.8 percent, while those aged 65 and older increased by a phenomenal 250 percent. Although these are astounding increases, they still represent only a small percentage of baby boomers. In the early 2000s only about 4.5 percent of those aged 50 to 64 consumed cannabis and an almost negligible 0.4 percent of seniors 65 and older consumed cannabis. In 2013, the numbers had increased to 7.1 percent and 1.4 percent respectively, still just a sliver of the overall 50-and-over population, but a possible harbinger of trends to come considering the increasing legality and ease of access to cannabis. Hopefully it does portend a significant increase in consumption as cannabis is tailor made for the ailments of advancing years. Whether it is used to treat the pain of arthritis or aching backs, depression from loneliness or anxiety, insomnia due to illnesses or financial stress or ameliorate problems associated with movement disorders like Parkinson’s and essential tremors, cannabis is effective and safe with far fewer of the negative side effects found in standard
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prescription pharmaceuticals. Since cannabis consumption was rampant when baby boomers were in their teens and 20s back in the go-go ’60s and ’70s, most know first-hand of its benefits and benign negative reactions. With the ’60s mantra of “Make Love, Not War” they are also very aware of cannabis’ legendary properties for rekindling passion and sexual arousal, which can wane precipitously in the elderly. Although the study finding an increase of cannabis consumption in aging baby boomers is a cause for celebration, another study, “Demographic trends of binge alcohol use and alcohol use disorders among older adults in the United States,” is cause for concern. The study found “binge drinking and alcohol use disorders are increasing among older adults” and that “older women reported large increases in binge drinking and alcohol use disorders.” As would be expected alcohol consumption vastly outpaces cannabis consumption with 63 percent of adults over 50 reporting alcohol use in the previous year compared to less than eight percent having used cannabis. When compared to the soaring increase in cannabis consumption, binge drinking rose only a moderate two percent from 12.9 percent in 2005-2006 to 14.9 percent in 2013-2014. Considering that far more baby boomers engage in binge drinking than cannabis inhaling, the overall negative health consequences border on disastrous. The small uptick in binge drinking most likely aligns with some of the same reasons for the more significant uptick in cannabis consumption. Unlike cannabis, which truly does provide therapeutic benefits for age-related ailments, alcohol has no benefits for almost all of the ailments associated with advancing years be it for pain, movement disorders or cancer. Although alcohol can temporarily mitigate depression, it can
easily lead to severe and debilitating physical and mental problems. With more states implementing cannabis legalization, it is not unreasonable to expect that cannabis consumption will become more acceptable. Maybe some of the baby boomer friends of binge drinkers will encourage them to use cannabis instead of alcohol. They may very well find the social camaraderie of passing the joint, pipe or water pipe with their cannabis consuming friends provides far better relief from the stress and strains of daily life than alcohol. Cannabis played a major role in the lives and attitudes of the baby boomers and was in part responsible for the world-shattering paradigm shift they brought about. Once again cannabis is playing a major role in their lives, but this time it is more personal as it makes their lives more comfortable and content as its millennium old health properties are rediscovered for the ailments of advancing years. c
A December 2016 study, ‘Demographic trends among older cannabis users in the United States,’ found that over the last 10 years cannabis use among 50 to 64-year-old baby boomers increased by 57.8 percent, while those aged 65 and older increased by a phenomenal 250 percent.
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REVIEWs
strain, edible & concentrate Available wherever: Liquid Dreams products are carried.
Liquid Dreams CBD 20:1 Ratio Oil Capsules Any consumer looking for a premium CO2 CBD oil capsule needs to look no further than the Liquid Dreams CBD 20:1 Oil Capsule. Containing 75 percent CBD and only 3.5 percent THC, this is the perfect CBD solution for consumers looking to avoid intense psychoactive effects from cannabis. The desired effects are noticeable almost instantly as a sense of clarity rushes over one’s self, which is paired with a sense of pain relief throughout the entire body. Superb for focus, CBD is great for use in the morning to help get the day started on the right foot, while also ensuring you’re in the right state of mind. Crafted with only coconut and cannabis oil, this product is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly as well! The capsules are offered in both 25mg and 50mg options and are available in packs of either two, four, eight or 10.
iReadCulture.com GET YOUR CLICKS
HERE Available at: The Higher Path in Sherman Oaks.
AC/DC Bred for the specific purpose of providing relief thoroughly without the mentally jarring psychoactive effects that are associated with other sativa strains, AC/DC is truly a unique strain. It was tested at 14:1 CBD:THC, meaning that it carries all of the painrelieving, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties without the heady effects of traditional flowers heavy in THC. Ideal for use at any time of day, make sure you don't get the AC/DC mixed up with other flowers, as it's quite hard to tell the difference on smell and appearance alone.
W Vapes Sour Tangie Premium Cartridges Combining state-of-the-art extraction technology with a commitment to creating the cleanest, purest, single origin, strain-specific oil extracted Clean Green Certified cannabis flowers, W Vapes sets the standard for highquality medicating on the move. We managed to get our hands on their new Sour Tangie Premium Cartridge, which is known for its uplifting and vibrant side effects as well as its sweet, citrus aftertaste. Upon inhalation, we noticed how smoothly the hit traveled into our lungs, bringing immediate feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Testing at 76.53 percent total THC, 0.3 percent CBD, and 0.25 percent CBN, with no additives, the native terpenes from the stain-specific, small-batch run preserves the authenticity of the Sour Tangie flower. This lab-tested, pesticide-free, 100% pure cannabis oil extract comes in a stainless steel and glass cartridge, making medicating safe, easy, and affordable without the distraction of unnecessary gimmicks. Check out WVapes.com to find a retailer near you with the strain specific product tailored to your needs. 44
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Available wherever: W Vapes Products are carried.
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REVIEWs
Megasutra Another stellar strain from our friends in Studio City, Megasutra's frost-covered flowers won us over at first sight, but the real champion is the effect felt from the piney indica. The delicious smelling flower is leafy and gorgeous. Don't expect to feel like life's moving slowly after medicating with this "house strain." In fact, reviewers described the effects as more energetic and uplifting while also lasting more than a few hours. Luckily for us, we don't have to go all the way to India for this sutra . . . it's here in Southern California for all of us to enjoy.
Available at: Cannasutra in Studio City.
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HERE
Sauce Vape Endocaps Available wherever: Sauce Vape products are carried.
The Sauce company has been adding to the somewhat flooded market of medicating while on-the-go with its patented Vape Juice. Now it seems the company has decided to conquer a whole other avenue by introducing its medicated Endocaps available in THC capsules, CBD capsules and a daily mix of 80/20 THC:CBD ratio. The extremely unassuming packaging makes for easy travel without any unwanted attention, and there are no traces of the trademark skunk smell that is found in most edibles, vapes and caps on the market. For patients that prefer not to smoke, these caps are ideal. We felt no throat or lung irritation with these powerful little morsels. Check with your local dispensary to see if they carry Sauce Vape Endocaps—and if they don’t, they should.
Available at: Airside Wellness in Van Nuys.
High Octane by Boss Genetics Airside Wellness in Van Nuys has some energizing fuel for anyone needing to add a little pep in their step. Prepare for an all-out assault on your senses, as this strain is known for its pungent, gasolinelike scent, not to mention, the sure fire jolt of pure energy users experience while medicating with this "moonshine" phenotype. Boss Genetics has always taken great pride in its lab-tested products, and this is no different—don't let the indica tag fool you, this strain will transport you to the future.
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REVIEWs
company highlight
Sunderstorm LLC sunderstorm.com |
(866) 988-7405
How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? Sunderstorm is a lifestyle company catering to the consumer who seeks clean, healthy products and wants to integrate cannabis into their daily lives. We have a strong conviction about purity, organic and consistent products made with the highest quality CO2 oils. Our team is very proud of what we make, and we all are happy to consume our products daily. We have dozens of products all formulated by scientists and consciously made. What do you offer consumers/clients that others don’t? Well, we are most proud of our nano-molecular sublinguals. These are completely unique in that they are engineered with a liposomal technology, providing rapid and effective delivery into the bloodstream. We actually put patients into a hospital to test the bioavailability of our products and found 52
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that 80 to 90 percent of the molecules end up in the bloodstream compared with a maximum of 30 percent for edibles and 50 percent for smokable products. In addition, we make the strongest, best-tasting gummies in the industry and offer incomparable customer service. For example, we offer 100 percent money back guarantee on all of our products. That’s unusual. How and why did your company start up? Two or three years ago, we saw how the industry was
developing, and we saw a real need to upgrade the quality and consistency of the products, as well as improve customer service and product design. We decided to step in to upgrade the level of sophistication in the product offering. We recruited a team of scientists and engineers to help us develop next generation products, and we have successfully done so. 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 facing us is the plethora of competition from a variety of manufacturers stepping into the space. We see significant volatility as the regulatory frameworks get implemented. The competition will be fierce—only good companies will survive the turmoil. We are keen to see recreational consumers join the market because we believe that this demographic will seek out higher quality products, packaged professionally and scientifically made to deliver cannabis in consistent dosing. We are well poised to deliver these products to this new kind of consumer. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? Our vision is simple and clear. We intend to be a bestof-breed brand offering a broad mix of clean, healthy products to consumers and patients who seek out this level of quality. We will be a well-known brand in multiple
states. Every day we get numerous compliments on all of our products. We know we are on track. What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? Competition is already fierce. New players are entering every day. Those of us already in the game are working 100-hour weeks to build our companies because this industry doesn’t rest. Moreover, proper capitalization is a requirement. Simply put, it's capital intensive. Beware of that. Be prepared for a marathon not a sprint; the days of a quick buck are definitely over. Lastly, the industry is moving at light speed. It’s the most dynamic industry I’ve ever seen. Markets change overnight. You have to be nimble. Any sneak peeks on new products or news you’d like to share? We are just about to launch Tranquility, our CBN nanomolecular sublingual product. Millions of people across the country have trouble sleeping. This product is a fantastic, natural alternative to sleep meds which will help patients to gain a good night’s sleep within minutes of consumption. We know that it will be a big hit. We believe CBN will be almost as big as CBD. c
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REVIEWs
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REVIEWs
entertainment
Available on: Nintendo Switch and Wii U Release Date: March 3
BOOK
This Bud’s for You Ed Rosenthal Quick American Publishing
MUSIC
GAME
MOVIE
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Moonlight
Live in Paris
Dir. Barry Jenkins
Sleater-Kinney
A24
Sub Pop Records
Dev. and Pub. Nintendo This Bud’s for You is cannabis cultivator extraordinaire Ed Rosenthal’s latest take on cutting edge cannabis trends, science and industry growth. This beautiful book is for people who enjoy consuming and growing cannabis and want to be more immersed in this plant and in this evergrowing industry. It is also filled with tips and tricks from expert insiders like technical advice from breeders, ways to judge and compare strains and how to make the best cannabis selections. (Alex Bradley)
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Debuting as the most anticipated Nintendo Switch game during the new system’s launch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the first fullfledged game of the series to release since 2011. The landscape of Hyrule is vast, and you play the ever-silent hero, Link. Players will explore the vast, open world that is packed with places to explore, weapons to collect and puzzles to solve. This ambitious project by Nintendo brings all of the nostalgic nuances of traditional Legend of Zelda games, but also offers a ton of other new features to entertain new and returning players. (Nicole Potter)
It’s rare that a film these days has the opportunity to show audiences a nearly wholly unique coming of age story and perspective. It is for this reason, as well as an array of others, which is what makes writer/director Barry Jenkin’s second feature-length film, Moonlight, both incredibly important and wonderfully beautiful. The film follows a young black man, Chiron, growing up in inner city Miami as he struggles with personal and sexual identity in an environment that is increasingly hostile and volatile. (Simon Weedn)
After nearly a quartercentury as a band and eight studio records under its belt, one of the greatest rock acts of all time, Sleater-Kinney, has finally delivered an official live album. The simply named Live In Paris showcases what many have known for a long time; that the band is even more electric in a live setting. Encompassing 13 songs from a 2015 concert, the trio absolutely roars through mostly recent material but sprinkles in some old favorites for good measure. Live In Paris finally gives SleaterKinney a powerful live experience to add to its already stellar catalog. (Simon Weedn)
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REVIEWs
by Kevin Longrie
liner notes
H
ikers in Griffith Park got a surprise last month when they came across a disco ball chained to a bench. But this wasn’t any ordinary disco ball chained to a bench. This one, like dozens more around the globe, was placed there by KATY PERRY’s street team and gave fans a chance to get a first listen to Perry’s new song “Chained to the Rhythm.” As word spread, more people found the disco balls around the world and made pilgrimages to them. Soon afterwards, Perry performed the song at the Grammy awards with an armband reading “Persist,” a reference most likely to the silencing of Senator Elizabeth Warren. The song, written with SIA and MAX MARTIN, later premiered online. The Grammys also featured big wins by great artists. ADELE took home best Pop Vocal Album and Song of the Year. CHANCE THE RAPPER won Best Rap Album, marking the first time a digital-only album has won that accolade. JONI MITCHELL, making her first public appearance in months, also told the press that she was “moved” by Chance’s pre-show performance. BEYONCÉ, who won Best Urban Contemporary Album, gave a performance that was all the internet could talk about for a week. And of course, the night honored the late great DAVID BOWIE with both awards and tributes. Some music fans, however, were distracted from watching the Grammys because there was something beautiful happening online: Streaming services finally
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got ahold of PRINCE’s discography. Music curators all over have started adding him to their playlists, including Pitchfork’s fantastic “Prince / Club Mix 78 – 84” on Apple Music. He’s also being added to Spotify playlists left and right. Spotify, by the way, has recently teamed up with AccuWeather to provide Climatune, a service that recommends music based on listening habits and, of course, weather. Certain wind, rain or sun patterns mirror themselves in our musical tastes, they claim. I’m not sure that they’ll catch on, though, as they’ve apparently recommended AVRIL LAVIGNE’s “Sk8r Boi” to Detroiters on a rainy day. Another fitting tribute to Prince’s legacy is the vocal powerhouse that is ARETHA FRANKLIN covering “Purple Rain,” which is worth your
time to watch on YouTube. Sadly, though, Franklin recently announced that this will be her last year of public performances. “I feel very, very enriched and satisfied with respect to where my career came from, and where it is now,” she said in an interview with Detroit’s WDIV Local 4. “I’ll be pretty much satisfied, but I’m not going to go anywhere and just sit down and do nothing. That wouldn’t be good either.” Franklin said she would release a final album as well after retiring this year, produced by STEVIE WONDER. She said the album will feature all original songs. Last year, HARRY SHEARER—one member of the fictional band “Spinal Tap”—filed a suit against the French media company Vivendi SA to terminate the conglomerate’s copyright over all things Spinal Tap
in France. He, along with filmmaker Rob Reiner (who directed the film This is Spinal Tap!) and other bandmates CHRISTOPHER GUEST and MICHAEL MCKEAN joined the $400 million dollar lawsuit, citing a breach of contract as well as several instances of fraud and accounting misappropriation. “Fair reward for artistic endeavor has long been raised by those on the wrong end of the equation,” reads a statement from Reiner. “Such anti-competitive practices need to be exposed. Adding a bit in for the fans, he continued “I am hoping this lawsuit goes to 11.” McKean claimed that Vivendi SA had not paid the artists for their work adequately and within the terms of their contract, which entitled them to 40 percent of the gross earnings. This is “a time for reckoning,” he said. c
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“We are trying to improve and know exactly what kind of marijuana should be given for a specific condition. One does not get the same marijuana for epilepsy and for cancer and pain.”
ReigninG Researcher The father of THC, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, talks about his groundbreaking research in studying cannabis in Israel
I
by R. Scott Rappold
n the early 1960s, though cannabis had been used for centuries and demonized for decades by governments around the globe, the science world knew surprisingly little about the plant itself. Scientists had long since learned how to synthesize morphine from the opium poppy and cocaine from coca leaves, but what about cannabis? Few in the U.S. or the rest of the Western world cared to learn about cannabis— not that they could study it anyway, given harsh restrictions cannabis research in the U.S. So it should come as no surprise that some of the major breakthroughs 64
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in understanding cannabis came from across the ocean. In the tiny nation of Israel, one man, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, is responsible for much of what we know about cannabis today. He was the one who isolated and identified cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. He later identified the receptors in the human body that interact with cannabis and the cannabinoids that bond with those receptors. While the world is just waking up to the medical potential of cannabis, from treating epilepsy to cancer to chronic pain, Dr. Mechoulam has known about it for decades. At 86, he has earned the distinction of being
the “father of marijuana research” and the “father of THC.” Dr. Mechoulam may be one of the world’s foremost experts on cannabis, but he is no advocate scientist in the vein of Timothy Leary or Terrence McKenna. He approached cannabis with the curiosity of an organic chemist studying something new, not as a true believer. In fact, except for in the laboratory, he’s never even touched cannabis. CULTURE recently caught up with Dr. Mechoulam in Israel, where he still holds several academic posts, including Professor at Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, and advisor to the government on Israel’s medical cannabis program. >> photos by
Y i t z W ool f
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How did you get involved in cannabis research? I’m a chemist. I work with natural products, and I was looking for something important in natural products in plants, and I was surprised to find out that while morphine had been isolated from opium nearly 150 years previously and so was cocaine, from coca leaves, the chemistry of cannabis was not well-known, and I thought it was a good topic to do research on. Did you have any personal experience with cannabis, or was it non-existent in Israel at the time? No, no, no. Very few people were interested in marijuana at that time. As a natural scientist I asked for a grant from the (U.S.) National Institute of Health (NIH), and more or less what they told me was they were not interested, that marijuana was not an interesting topic for them. Few people used it in the States. It was mostly used in Mexico, so if I found something that was more relevant to the U.S. so they would look at it. It was in the early ’60s. Well it turned out all of a sudden it became relevant (with the rise in use in the later 1960s), and pharmacologists 68
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from the National Institute of Mental Health and the NIH flew over and at that time we had isolated the main component of cannabis, THC, in a pure form . . . and [one pharmacologist] took that material, and quite a bit of the early work of the NIH with cannabis was done with the THC we gave him. He may have smuggled it into the U.S., I don’t know. You had to get smuggled cannabis for your first experiments, correct? I didn’t get marijuana; I got hashish from the police. And how did that happen? Not that complicated at all. I went to the administrative head of my institute and asked him whether he had a contact with the police and he said, ‘Sure, no problem.’ He called the number two person at the police at that time. They had been in the army together or something of that sort. From the other side I could hear him saying, “Is he reliable?” And the head of the institute said, “Of course he’s reliable.” So he invited me over to the police, and I took five kilos of hashish. It broke the laws. It turned out I was not allowed to have it, and he was not
allowed to give it to me. It was the Ministry of Health that should have permitted it, but in a small country, I went to the Ministry of Health, and I apologized, and any time I needed more hashish I went to the Ministry of Health and had no problems. What were you really hoping to learn about this substance when you started to study it? I’m a chemist. A natural products chemist usually works on identification of compounds, active compounds, and thus opening the field for further research . . . I’ll try to explain. In order to do biochemistry or pharmacology or clinical work, the chemistry has to be well-known . . . The chemistry has to be well-established before anything can be done with the compound or the plant. In this case the chemistry was not well-known so we knew at that time, in the early ‘60s, very little about the pharmacology and the chemical effects and so on, in modern terms. Science has to be quantitative. If you work with a plant, you never know what you’re doing, what you’re getting. So the chemistry had to be established before anything scientific could be worked on. >>
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How long did it take you to establish the chemistry and start to look at the human effects of this plant? For several years we worked on the isolation of compounds, several different types of compounds. With biologists we evaluated the effects on monkeys and later, after quite some time, we worked on the metabolism. Later we worked on other topics. So we advanced, step-by-step. What do you feel were your major breakthroughs and discoveries about this plant? First, elucidation of the chemistry, particularly isolation and synthesis of the active compounds. It turned out there was only one active compound related to psychoactivity, THC. There is a second that had a lot of therapeutic effects called cannabidiol, and we elucidated its structure as well. So this was the first phase of the cannabis research we did. Later on, many years later, we looked at the compounds that our bodies make, and these compounds bind with the same receptor that the plant cannabinoids bind to . . . The receptors don’t exist because there is a plant out there. The receptors exist because we produce compounds which bind to these receptors, activate them and cause activities. We went ahead looking at the compounds that we make. Then in the ’90s we discovered that the two main compounds that bind to these receptors, anandamide and 2-AG, and there has been a huge, huge amount of work on these endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoids that we make . . . These compounds seem to be very important in our biology. One of these compounds has to do with bones and osteoporosis, loss of bones, and another has to do with blood vessels
“There is a lot of interest, and I believe this is the third phase of cannabis research. But most people in the States are interested in the first stage, in the THC, in the CBD, in selling it for outrageous prices and trying to make a lot of money out of it.”
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during head trauma and so on. A third one has to do with addiction. And so on and so forth. There is a lot of interest, and I believe this is the third phase of cannabis research. But most people in the States are interested in the first stage, in the THC, in the CBD, in selling it for outrageous prices and trying to make a lot of money out of it.
Do you feel that by focusing on selling expensive flower, that the United States is missing out on some important things about this plant? The plant contains THC and a lot of other compounds that do not cause the high. There is a compound called CBD, which is just as important. It does not cause the high but it has a lot of therapeutic effects, and it is of extreme importance, and people are trying now to have plants that don’t have THC but CBD and are using that for therapeutic effects. >>
When you started studying this, were your colleagues skeptical, or did you have a lot of support in the scientific community? We went along scientific lines. There was no objection at my university. As a matter of fact people thought it was as a good kind of research, interesting research. And even my colleagues, in the late 1970s or early 1980s, elected me Rector of the university. If they had any objections to my work they wouldn’t have voted for me. I was elected to the Israeli Academy of Sciences. If there was any objection I wouldn’t have been elected. Are you still studying cannabis? Now I am officially retired, but my university is a very liberal one, and I have all the faculties to go on working . . . We’re not studying cannabis, the plant. We haven’t studied the plant in many years. That was the first stage. Did you play a role in Israel allowing medical cannabis? I’m a Consultant for the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Health has approved medical marijuana under strict regulation. There are about 27,000 patients who get medical marijuana. We are trying to improve and know exactly what kind of marijuana should be given for a
specific condition. One does not get the same marijuana for epilepsy and for cancer and pain. How do you feel about being called the “father of marijuana research?” Is that something you’re proud of? Well I’m delighted that I’m called that. We have apparently done something good in the field. Is this the type of research that could only have occurred in a small country like Israel? I have no idea. As an academic I decided to do it, and I did it. Here it was maybe easier to get the material, but I had no problems doing the science. Possibly in the U.S. it would have been more difficult because of administrative problems, but we had no problem getting the materials. Is there more to learn about the cannabis plant and how it affects humans? Because of administrative freezes [on research], there have been very, very few clinical studies. Although thousands of people use cannabis to fight cancer, there hasn’t been any clinical study, or a well-done, modern clinical study on cancer published. That’s a shame because if people use it, the data should be there. We should have modern clinical data. We
did some clinical work on epilepsy 35 years ago and unfortunately nobody took great interest in that. And only five or six years ago all of a sudden people found that yes, our research is very relevant to what’s going on and many children today are being treated today with CBD, which we showed to be very active against epilepsy. There are very few drugs that help children with epilepsy. This should have been repeated on a larger scale in the U.S. We did a little work on PTSD and post-trauma. It should have been done on a large scale . . . All these things should have been done in the U.S. There is a major clinical trial on epilepsy. It should have been done 30 years ago after we published our small clinical paper. So that’s what’s missing. And I’m sorry about the situation. My last question is do you use it yourself? No. I have never used it. First of all, I am still interested but as I did research and we had official supply of cannabis, obviously if we had used it for non-scientific reasons if people had come to know about it that would have stopped our work. Basically, neither I nor my students were interested. c medicine.ekmd.huji.ac.il
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Progressive Decree T German Parliament votes to legalize medical cannabis
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by Marguerite Arnold
he Bundestag, which is the lower house of the German parliament, voted unanimously to legalize medical cannabis on January 19. The development was not unexpected, as it followed one year of promises from the federal Health Ministry to legalize medical consumption, and over 15 years of intense lobbying by activists and diverse political parties to liberalize drug laws. The upper house of parliament will “read” the legislation this month, and the bill will then become law. Chronically ill patients including those
who suffer from cancer, chronic pain and nausea can obtain prescriptions from regular doctors and will be able to fill them in regular pharmacies (or apothekes). They will, however, not be able to continue to grow their own supply, which has been the stopgap measure approved by German courts for the last several years. Instead, patients will be reimbursed under health insurance. Until domestic (state-supervised) cultivation is initiated after the creation of a state cannabis agency (expected by 2018), the country will continue to import dried cannabis flower and extracts primarily from Canada. One German company—MedCann GmbH, which obtained licenses for the same last year— has been importing dried flower for about five months. They were bought out by their supplier Canopy Canada, one of the largest commercial grow operations in the country, right before Christmas 2016. Canopy and Tilray, owned by Privateer Investments, are currently the only companies who have been granted import licenses. >>
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It is not Colorado (yet) The German approach to medical cannabis is still relatively cautious with a focus on patient care rather than legitimizing full scale, recreational use. While patients will no longer have to endure a complicated registration process, not to mention grow their own supply, their anonymized information will be passed to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (or BfArM) for further study. As a result, cannabis research, until this point largely conducted in Israel, will enter an entirely different phase—and on a federal level. This in and of itself is likely to change the entire discussion about medical use internationally. What this decision ultimately means in the short term is that Germany has joined the ranks of countries in which cannabis is no longer a demonized drug, and further it has been deemed to have medical purpose.
Recreational Reform is Also in the Works In addition to the federal decision to legalize the drug for medicinal use, the pressure is also on to change laws in Germany about recreational cannabis. Berlin, as the country’s only “city-state” is also on track to legitimize the country’s first controlled recreational experiment after fighting to obtain the right for years from BfArM. Cannabis will soon be available for sale in some capacity in the city, although don’t look for Dutch-style “coffee houses” just yet. Both developments, while momentous, are happening because the Germans have always maintained a very different attitude about cannabis, especially considering that attitudes about cannabis are in flux internationally. Germany’s recent development also means that the Berlin “experiment” is likely to spread to other German cities fairly quickly. Every stadt or city here has some form of illicit drug market. The
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city of Bremen is likely to continue to pressure the federal government to expand the modest gains made on this front last year. Residents are able to grow up to five cannabis plants in private. Dusseldorf and Frankfurt are reportedly also examining the possibility of setting up small drugsale zones where local residents can buy limited legal qualities of cannabis. The reason for this change in the weather is happening now because of the international movement to legalize cannabis and because of political pressure to respond to a public mood at a time when much stronger political winds herald profound changes for Europe. Most Germans feel that chronically ill patients should have access to medicinal supplies and that it is better to legally sell cannabis via a regulated, taxed industry than spend tax dollars to pay for police to repeatedly bust low level street dealers. As a result, facing much larger pressures, including the fate of the EU, German politicians obviously felt it was time to give the people safe access to cannabis. c
What this decision ultimately means in the short term is that Germany has joined the ranks of countries in which cannabis is no longer a demonized drug, and further it has been deemed to have medical purpose.
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Israel has always been a leader in the cannabis industry, so it’s not surprising that they were among the first countries to decriminalize marijuana.
The Israeli Green Rush What Israel’s decriminalization of cannabis means by Marguerite Arnold
O
n the heels of the January 19 unanimous decision by
even Canada by the end of the year, but it does mean is
the lower house of German Parliament to integrate
that recreational use will instead be fined or punished by
medical use into the national health system, Israel
administrative sanctions. In other words, Israel just fully
continues to push the legalization conversation
legalized medical use.
forward. Israel’s Ministry of Justice recommended that cannabis use be decriminalized. This does
expected to come as smoothly as the German vote of the upper
not mean that Israel will become Uruguay or
house of Parliament and will probably occur in the same time frame.
Not An Unexpected Move The Israeli cannabis space has been ready to break into the international scene for quite some time now. “Israel has always been a leader in the cannabis industry, so it’s not surprising that they were among the first countries to decriminalize marijuana,” according to Frank Lane, the President of CannabisFN, a leading cannabis business news website. “The timing of the decision is certainly interesting given Germany’s recent parliament decision to legalize medical marijuana, which combined represent an ongoing move towards more liberal cannabis policies throughout the West.” Dr. Pierre Debs, the CEO of MedCann
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The policy still requires the cabinet’s approval, but that is
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GmbH, the first German company licensed to import dried flower from Canada concurs that the timing “is more of an expected coincidence,” no matter how momentous. Domestically, there have been signs over the last year that the market here was broadening in a real way. Doctors and patients have been removed from onerous prescription routines and procedures. A national pharmacy chain is entertaining discussions with the government about wholesale, mainstream medical distribution. There are signs that the Israeli government intends to export not only cannabis technology, but potentially cannabis itself. What this means in an immediate
and real sense, is that cannabis entrepreneurialism in both Germany and Israel directly, as well as, in a knock on effect, Australia and Canada, has just been given a huge and direct boost. According to Leslie Bokscor, Founder of Electrum Partners, a leading advisory firm in the cannabis space, “As we see, with Israel’s now contemplating exporting cannabis, this could not be more significant. The decriminalization is likely a significant step towards regulation and full legalization, if only at first of medical use, and likely being followed by adult use . . . other nations will be quick to follow suit.” >>
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That said, such overseas developments do not necessarily have a direct impact on driving further reform in the U.S. While America is not out of the game right now, particularly given the impact of California’s cannabis and technology markets, what it does mean is that the cannabis industry has gone far beyond U.S. borders. Further, in key places, the U.S. will lag behind because of the federal scheduling status of cannabis. According to Andy Williams, the CEO of Medicine Man, “The United States market could be eclipsed in innovation as other countries are changing laws. So long as the federal barrier is in place, research, jobs, economic development, and new opportunities will go overseas instead of here at home. In my view, this will build up tremendous pressure to change laws in our country.” That said, this perspective is not uniform in the global industry. Debs, for one, disagrees. “I do not see Israeli cannabis policy having any effect on the U.S. and the DEA,” he said. Bokscor concurs. “The likely affect that Israel will have on the U.S. from a regulatory perspective is minimal,” he said. “Where we may see the greatest effect is on the international basis at places like the United Nations, as contemplated changes to the Single Convention Treaty on Narcotic Drugs begin to take hold.”
Expected Trends The impact of four westernized countries now moving significantly to create and integrate medical protocols, legal regulations and support companies to facilitate the process is a bonus for entrepreneurs in this space, particularly in the science and technology space. This means grow-tech, insure-tech and other tech that begins to create the tools and communities necessary for a vibrant and regulated market to flourish not to mention to support scientific R&D—as Americans know well. Given the current legal environment in California alone, let alone at the federal level, what this also ultimately means is that national legislatures outside the U.S. supporting such industry create a far more solid investment opportunity right now. And this ultimately is what the market has really needed. Can this in turn strengthen the resolve of cannabis entrepreneurs in the United States to get federal issues resolved soon? It certainly can’t hurt, of course. But what this also means is that there is high likelihood of the U.S. discussion
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The timing of the decision is certainly interesting given Germany’s recent parliament decision to legalize medical marijuana, which combined represent an ongoing move towards more liberal cannabis policies throughout the West. being deliberately stalled now on the side of pharmatizing the drug officially before allowing full legalization in the U.S. The discussion of whether it will be covered under health care is also a hugely polarizing discussion particularly in the U.S. This is so much the case that it may push the entire debate back until there is more clarity about what is going to happen in D.C. with regards to not only decision-making, but day-to-day implementation of current policies at the Justice Department, let alone other impacted federal agencies. That includes both HHS as well as the VA.
Green Allies As it has for some time, cannabis politics continues to divide the world into an intriguing new map. That includes fascinating developments politically that
are beginning to look oddly syncopated— regardless of whether that is signalling driven by design or mere coincidence—in international scientific, business and political initiatives. Israel and Germany in particular, have been moving together in deliberative and similar fashion politically on this issue, and both tied to the developments in key cannabis states in the United States since at least 2014. This includes the release of a German government poll on cannabis use the month that Colorado started recreational sales in January 2014, and Israel’s decision to widen access to epileptic children in February that year (although that was also prompted domestically by The 15 Family threat to “immigrate” to Colorado). It seems to be continuing in strange ways. The day before Trump’s inauguration, German politicians unanimously voted to legalize medical use, and Israel has followed suit with a similar legal decision of its own, within a week. Such moves also come against the backdrop of the success of the November state votes on cannabis in the U.S., the Australian government announcement to grow its own domestic medical crops in December 2016 and the signalling of the Canadian government the same month to pass rec reform by the end of this year. If the allies this makes can keep their eyes on the legalization issue, it may provide a stability in global business if not politics far beyond cannabis. In a world where uncertainty and new orders if not borders are becoming the norm, perhaps this is in fact an “alternative truth” to believe in if not focus on. c
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Industry Insider
Business is just another form of political activism and the right mainstream brand can help more and more Americans realize that this is a mainstream product. This is a normal product. It’s not a scary product that should be vilified.
Brendan Kennedy of Privateer Holdings by R. Scott Rappold
A
t the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver in October, beloved cannabis consumer and activist Tommy Chong stole the show. But Brendan Kennedy may have had the most attentive audience of the event. As Co-Founder and CEO of Privateer Holdings, he has done what many once thought impossible for an industry just emerging from seven decades on the black market: He’s brought in Wall Street money, some $122 million to date. Kennedy has channeled the windfall into one of the world’s largest cannabis
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conglomerates, with 300 employees spread among the website Leafly.com, medical cannabis brand Tilray and Marley Natural, a line of accessories and cannabis strains done in partnership with the family of late singer Bob Marley. With a nice suit, a strong business background and an MBA from Yale, he’s brought an air of respectability to an industry with an image problem. Sure, it’s partially about making money, but he sees it as a form of activism as well, with the same end goal as everyone else in the industry: Full legalization. “I think it’s important that professional, sophisticated companies
emerge in this industry to help transition it from a state of prohibition into a state of legalization,” said Kennedy, 44, in a recent phone interview. “Professionallyoperated companies, and there are plenty that are emerging in the industry, are really important to continue to erode and tip over the Berlin Wall of cannabis prohibition.” “Business is just another form of political activism and the right mainstream brand can help more and more Americans realize that this is a mainstream product. This is a normal product. It’s not a scary product that should be vilified.” >>
S.
Skeptical at first
R.
Rising tide lifts all ships
Kennedy was acquainted with cannabis—as a student at UC Berkeley, how could you not be? But after a dozen or so tries he decided it wasn’t for him. He went on to launch several companies and in 2009 was working for a large California bank, evaluating investment opportunities. Kennedy had a healthy skepticism about the medical cannabis boom then exploding in California and a handful of other Western states, but decided to do some homework, a full year’s worth, traveling the country and the world. “I had certainly been indoctrinated into the 'war on drugs,' thinking, ‘This is your brain on drugs,’ so I went in skeptically,” he said. “At the end of the year, after talking to so many people and so many patients and so many people closely associated with this product my perspective changed 180 degrees.” He and two partners founded Privateer Holdings in 2010, initially envisioning it as a venture capital firm, making investments in cannabis businesses but not running them. But the rising tide of legalization convinced Kennedy otherwise, that cannabis would be legal someday and establishing solid brands could help make it happen. So in 2011 the company purchased the website Leafly.com, a clearinghouse of information on dispensaries and strains.
investors have been primarily involved to make money, many are still involved for the altruistic goal of legalization. And though Kennedy may be making money, he sees his success as helping all those in the cannabis industry, where a rising tide lifts all ships. “We’ve achieved a lot of milestones for this industry, whether it’s raising our first round of $7 million—and people congratulated us because it helped others raise capital,” he said. “When we closed the second round at $75 million, people within the industry were thrilled because it made it easier for them to raise capital. When we became the first (cannabis) company to raise over $100 million, people within the industry thanked us.” Leafly.com has become one of the internet’s main cannabis information resources, visited by 10 million people in December 2016 alone. Tilray is a global leader in medical cannabis, with 20,000 patients, and is conducting groundbreaking research in the treatment of epilepsy and other conditions. And Marley Natural has accessories in 100 stores around the country and has begun selling some of Bob Marley’s favorite strains in California and Oregon, with the added benefit of helping impoverished farmers and workers in Jamaica. Still, he frequently encounters concern in the industry about such corporate control. Will the mom-and-pop operations be squeezed out and will cannabis become dominated by a few huge players, like the tobacco industry? “On one hand people within the industry are thrilled and congratulate us on what we’re doing. On the other hand, there’s some trepidation among small business owners, small operators, that large corporate companies are going to come in and gobble up the industry,” he said. “I don’t see that as a long-term threat. I think this industry ends up looking more like the craft beer or wine industries, where you have local, regional, national and international players. I think it looks much more like that than something like Big Tobacco.” c
Kennedy flew 305,000 miles last year. That’s 12 times around the planet. He doesn’t just meet with potential investors, but with lawmakers, government officials, scientific researchers and university professors. The day before our interview, he met with a group of 240 Wall Street investors worth a potential $1 trillion in investment money. Then it was off to Miami for more meetings before returning home to Seattle, where Privateer is based. The first $7 million he raised came from folks who were more interested in the social justice goal of legalization than making a profit, he said. While some subsequent
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Micah Nelson is an activist and advocate for experimental music and the cannabis plant
by Natasha Guimond
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mongst many things, Micah Nelson is a passionate advocate for the hemp industry and member of the band Insects vs. Robots (IvR). Last year, he was appointed to the National Hemp Association (NHA) Board of Directors. Since then, he’s been making some [sound] waves in both hemp and music industries. Our chat was as short and sweet as Elijah Wood's
portrayal of Frodo Baggins, but carried a depth of character that consumed any doubts about how the coming years will pan out. We didn’t talk about politics, and we didn’t whine about unfair choices. We bonded over our love of music and our favorite magical plants. >>
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Along with your quest to legalize industrial hemp, what are you doing for the legalization of cannabis? I’m smoking a lot of it. I’m not dead yet, I’m pretty healthy. I generally think I have a positive outlook, for the most part. I’m a decent person. I’m not gonna really do anything other than advocating for it. If people ask me what I think about it, I’m gonna tell them how I feel and think about it and what I know. You know, the facts are out there now more than ever. The more people learn about marijuana, ideally the more facts they’ll learn about marijuana’s husband, hemp. You played a hemp guitar at Farm Aid, right?
What inspired you to get involved with the NHA? I’ve always been a fan of hemp, the plant and all its various uses. I’ve always spoken out about it, the injustice that’s been done to it, how it can help bring back the family farmer and save the American economy. I like the NHA because of a number of reasons. They, like myself, see that hemp is an agricultural crop, not a drug, that holds a lot of promise for our farmers and rural communities and, you know, you can make food out of it. You can make feed for your livestock. You can make fiber and clothes.
The more people learn about marijuana, ideally the more facts they’ll learn about marijuana’s husband, hemp.
What do you hope to accomplish with the NHA in the next three years? I’d like to end the federal prohibition of hemp through the Industrial Hemp Farming Act (IHFA). I have a petition on change.org right now with my face on it. It’s encouraging congress to pass the IHFA which would [federally] make it legal for farmers to grow it in the states. There’s been a prohibition on the plant, and I think that’s criminal. The IHFA would educate consumers about the value of the product and distinguish between marijuana and hemp. You know,
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there’s a myth that hemp is the same thing as marijuana when marijuana’s the female plant (that’s the psychoactive THC plant), and hemp is the male plant. It’s not only a great medicine, like marijuana, but it can do a bajillion other things that marijuana can’t do, that are industrial, and I think it’s honestly a bigger industry than cannabis sativa marijuana has already shown it can be. The change.org petition has over 100,000 signatures, but needs 150,000.
Yeah, that was really cool. Michael Bowman of the NHA brought over this guitar. I’m expecting this novelty guitar that sounds like shit, but it’s made out of hemp, so it’s automatically cool or something, but no. It sounded great. It’s got these Seymour Duncan pickups, it’s really beautifully made . . . this brand called Canadian Hemp Guitars. I hope people start buying their guitars more because they look, and they feel, and they sound great. And you’re supporting the backbone of America by purchasing and playing these guitars, and you’re living by example. Once prohibition ends, what do you think you’ll do? I’d like to grow some hemp. I’d like to get my hands dirty. I love Los Angeles; it’s a great place to work, but I never really saw myself living there full-time. Right now it’s really good, but I’ve always envisioned that one day I would have a farm that I could escape to, maybe somewhere in the northwest . . . Who knows what will happen in the unforeseen future, but that’s my ideal little vision. Eventually having my own little plot, maybe with a hobbit hole made out of Hempcrete, which is naturally insulated, naturally mold resistant and pest resistant . . . Growing my crop, hopefully sustaining the land from selling my crop, making music in the meantime and regenerating soil. It’s one thing to be an artist and a musician, and that’s great, but maybe you’re more useful being a hemp farmer or a senator or a governor or something, you know? Everyone is part of that fight, and it’s like a big team. c
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SAY WHAT? “This whole ‘war on drugs’ has been an absolute failure across the board.” -Bill Walton, NBA Hall of Famer
Solutions and Tools There are plenty of household items that can be used to give your cannabis gear a fresh start. Here are a few things that can be used: Epsom salt or other types of coarse salt Rubbing alcohol
Spring Clean
Toothbrushes or other paint brushes
Cotton swabs
How to deep clean your favorite cannabis gear by Nicole Potter March is the perfect time for spring cleaning. There’s only one problem though—few people look forward to cleaning their homes. So maybe you don’t need to deep clean your blinds, or scrape the dust off of your ceiling fans, but for cannabis consumers it’s the perfect time of year to put those procrastinating habits aside, and give your rigs some much-needed attention. There’s no need for expensive cleaning solutions and products—just gather up a few of these basic ingredients, alongside a few of CULTURE’s tips, and you’ll be ready to start fresh.
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Before You Start
Always check the manual or provided instruction guide for your product first to see if the company that makes your gear recommends a certain method of cleaning. Be aware of the working parts of your equipment, and know the properties of the cleaning solutions that you use. >>
Glassware High-quality glassware is an investment, and as such it would be ideal to clean it regularly. One of the most common and foolproof methods of cleaning glass is using coarse salt and alcohol. To begin, empty out any excess water or debris from the pipe. Once free of debris, add in a small amount of alcohol and salt. If you plan to let the solution for a while, add in slightly more alcohol than salt. If there are any openings, be sure to plug them up
with items such as cotton balls, cotton swabs, paper towels or cloth towels. After letting the solution soak for a while, grab your pipe, and shake it up. Once you have finished thoroughly shaking, empty out the salt and alcohol mixture and rinse with water. Add in fresh water and voila! You are set to enjoy your favorite cannabis strains and concentrates once again. Not only is this procedure easy, but it gives you a satisfying feeling of smoking a bowl with a clean start.
Vaporizers Cleaning a vape pen is a little tricky, as pens differ so much in style, design and mechanical components. However one thing is certain, keeping your pen clean is essential to its longevity. For oil or concentrate vaporizers, the heating coil is a delicate part of all pens, so it’s important to avoid poking or prodding this area with sharp metal objects. Instead, use a cotton swab to clean any clogged areas of the chamber (avoid using rubbing alcohol to clean the inside).
The mouthpiece is the most obvious place that should be cleaned often. Not only does it ensure that your pen is sanitary, but it allows for a smooth, continual vaporization. You can either gently clean the mouthpiece with a cotton swab, or soak it in rubbing alcohol and rinse with hot water. Herb or dry vaporizers are fairly easy-to-clean. Simply open up the heating chamber and tap out any excess herb. Use a gentle brush to remove any lingering particles.
Grinders After constant use, a grinder can get overly sticky, and resin will begin to build up inside. Eventually, if not taken care of correctly, a grinder can often lose its effectiveness—so give it some love. There are two different ways you can clean your grinder: with cold temperature or heat. One way to get started is to by utilizing the freezer. Separate all of the working parts of your grinder, and place them in the freezer, ideally in a container that can withstand the cold temperatures. Leave the various pieces in the freezer for an hour or so, and the low temperature will help loosen up the sticky particles, allowing
for easier removal. Use a toothbrush or rough paint brush (dip it in rubbing alcohol if you wish to deep clean it), and scrub off any extra debris that is still sticking to the inside. Finally, rinse with warm water, and let it dry. You can also use boiling water to the same effect. Take apart your grinder, and put the pieces into a pan of water. Bring water to boil, turn the heat off and let it cool for 10 minutes. Remove the grinder components from the pan with a pair of tongs, and set aside to dry. Once you are able to pick up the items with your hands, scrub with a toothbrush to remove any lingering cannabis resin. c
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Revolutionary Advocacy ACLU demonstrates relentless support of cannabis reform The important task in front of us is implementing the will of the voters and creating safe, legal access to marijuana by adults. 90
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by Jasen T. Davis
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or almost a decade the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been dedicated to protecting the rights of American citizens, regardless of race, religion, party, gender or sexual orientation. Since it was founded in 1920, the ACLU has used lawsuits, media and volunteer experts to defend voting rights, fight discrimination, protect the right to free speech and fight for cannabis reform at both state and federal levels. For many years cannabis consumers have had a very rocky relationship with politicians in the U.S., largely because the federal government still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, regardless of clinical and anecdotal evidence of its medicinal uses and alternative
photo by Radoslaw Lecyk
treatment options over chemical-based pharmaceuticals. In many instances, despite state laws, many patients and recreational consumers have been tried as felons for possessing cannabis. Growers and suppliers of cannabis have also been arrested and placed in federal penitentiaries next to illegal heroin dealers and cocaine smugglers. There has been some positive news for patients facing incarceration, civil rights violations and discrimination over their choice of medication. In 2009, the American Medical Association defended cannabis and urged that the federal government re-evaluate their position on the subject, once further medical studies could be done. In 2013, the U.S. Justice Department formally announced that it would no longer challenge state laws in regards to medical cannabis. However, despite these successes there have still been problems. >>
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In 2014, Christine Callaghan, a then-recent design school grad, accepted a paid internship position for class credit towards her master’s degree in Textile Design at Darlington Fabrics in Rhode Island. When Callaghan revealed that she had a state-approved medical cannabis card to deal with her crippling migraines the paid internship was cancelled by the company. Carly Iafrate, a volunteer attorney for the ACLU, filed a lawsuit against Darlington Fabrics, under the grounds that the company had violated laws regarding disability discrimination. In a written statement on behalf of the ACLU to the press, attorney Iafrate stated, “All companies doing business in Rhode Island need to realize that people with disabilities simply cannot be denied equal employment opportunities on the basis of the type of medication required to treat their particular condition.” Iafrate went on to emphasize that if employers are allowed to discriminate against patients utilizing state-approved medical cannabis, then the good work done by those that helped to enact the law will be completely undone. “We cannot let this law become an empty promise,” Iafrate proclaimed. California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom teamed up with the ACLU in 2013 to create a Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy made up of experts from across the nation, both academic and in law enforcement, to research a reformed system of taxation and regulation for medical cannabis. In a statement to the press, Margaret Dooley-Sammuli, a director with the ACLU of California, underlined the importance of why the ACLU is involved in the controversial subject of cannabis reform: “The disastrous war on marijuana in California continues to ensnare thousands of people—particularly young people of color—in the criminal justice system every year. It is time to move from prohibition to regulation.” This meeting of the ACLU and politicians for the purposes of defending the rights of cannabis patients on a federal level across the nation is further proof that cannabis reform is not only constitutional, but possible. The ACLU has remained active across the board in supporting state’s rights to regulate cannabis like alcohol over the years. Most recently, the organization endorsed California’s Proposition 64 this past November, which was a historic month for cannabis legalization. When Massachusetts voters approved a ballot initiative to legalize, tax and regulate cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol, Whitney Taylor, another ACLU Director, issued a statement on
photo by Diego G Diaz
behalf of her organization that indicated they would defend the decision. “The important task in front of us is implementing the will of the voters and creating safe, legal access to marijuana by adults,” she said. “We must ensure that elected officials who opposed Question 4 do not use their influence to dismantle, hinder, or reject what the voters demanded on Election Day.” Taylor also underlined that the “war on drugs” was not only pointless and costly, but was also a violation of the civil rights of people too poor to defend themselves from multiple felonies for cannabis use in a court of law. The organization not only endorsed campaigns to legalize cannabis during the election process, they also showed support for cannabis reform after states voted to legalize cannabis in November 2016. Following Nevada’s Question 2 to legalize cannabis for adult use, ACLU of Nevada’s Legal Director Amy Rose commented on the decision in a press release. “Unprecedented numbers of voters exercised their right to vote this year in Nevada, and we were pleased to ensure the rights of every Nevadan making their voice heard.” The ACLU has worked hard to secure human rights in various ways, and the organization’s dedication to cannabis reform will continue to support the hard work of cannabis advocates across the country, regardless of the federal administration. c
. . . the ‘war on drugs’ was not only pointless and costly, but was also a violation of the civil rights of people too poor to defend themselves from multiple felonies for cannabis use in a court of law.
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Vargas Veritas The classical realist-turned-neosurrealist creates evocative and compelling works of art that rock the boat of normality 94
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by Evan Senn
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ompelling light, visual rapture and an expressive and insightful look at an intimate moment, any one of Ray Vargas’ paintings are inspiring and hypnotic—each telling a story with subtle cues and fascinating details—and it is up to the viewer to figure out that story. Vargas infuses snapshots of everyday life with dark humor and surrealist fantasies—a compelling slant on how his subjects
live their lives. His skill in representation is masterful, but he goes far beyond the mundane reality of our world and brings details and vantage points that mimic the heart’s desires and the mind’s quiet thoughts. His playful subversions can be ironic, humorous, witty, attractive and emotive. He grew up infatuated with comic book artwork, popular culture, movies and media and his bustling hometown of Boyle Heights in Los Angeles as his main education, until he attended college at Laguna College Art & Design where he honed his skillset to mastery. CULTURE has been enamored with Vargas’ work for years, and was finally able to catch up with him to dive deep into his subconscious, his practice, his inspiration and how antiquated America’s views on cannabis are as a whole. >>
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Tell me about your art. How would you describe it? I like to think my art tells a story. Other than that it’s very influenced by the aforementioned comics and films, as well as the culture I grew up in; my family, Los Angeles, etc. How do feel about cannabis legalization—medical or recreational? I’m all for it! There’s so much for society to gain from cannabis in so many ways, if we could just get over our antiquated and ill-informed views. It’s long overdue. Now if only we could do something about all those people who have been incarcerated over the unfair criminalization of recreational drugs. How did you come to the current style you are in? How did that evolve? Thanks to learning how to draw from comic books, I think my artwork started out being inherently dynamic, dramatic, sort of in your face. And as it’s evolved over time, I’ve tried to develop a more understated approach; subtler, more nuanced and hopefully communicating more layers that sneak up on you gradually, beyond that initial punch. I hope.
There’s so much for society to gain from cannabis in so many ways, if we could just get over our antiquated and ill-informed views. It’s long overdue.
What inspires you? Definitely watching other artists at work, and just great work in general. I get my ideas from everywhere, so sometimes very random events or interactions will start a concept in my head, and a piece will grow from there. What’s the typical setting in which you create a piece? When I’m thinking through a concept, it usually involves a lot of research in a quiet setting. Once I have the idea and image almost nailed down, I like to paint in my studio, usually at night, with a movie or some music playing in the background. It’s almost always a movie that I’m already familiar with, so I can just listen to the dialogue and “watch” the footage in my head from memory. Tell us about your current projects or anything else you’d like to promote.
I’m all set to start on a new body of work, heavily into the research phase right now.
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It’s more ambitious than anything I’ve done before, and that feels intimidating in the best way possible. I love a challenge. If you want to see some past work, I have a few pieces on view at Guisados Tacos in Boyle Heights; right down the street from where I grew up. It’s a great place to see my paintings in the very environment that inspires me. Are there some current themes you’ve been working with in your recent work? This is a hard question to answer, because things tend to change during the research phase. Overall, I’m trying to challenge my views on various subjects, and trying to remain open to other people’s experiences. I know that sounds very vague, but I’m interested to see where a subject will lead me if I do my best to remain open minded and resist my very real urge to nail things down all the time. It’s definitely going to be my most personal work yet. c
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MUSICAL LEGACY H Dumpstaphunk is helping bring people together through New Orleans-style tunes
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by Pamela Jayne
ailing from the Big Easy, Dumpstaphunk brings the distinctive, funky, jazz-infused vibe of New Orleans to stages across the globe. The funk runs deep in this band, as do the famous familial ties to American music. Ivan and Ian Neville, of Neville family fame, are proving that the second generation of their iconic name is every bit as talented and hard-working as the one before. The band is completed with dual bass players, Tony Hall and Nick Daniels and drummer Alvin Ford Jr. CULTURE recently spoke with Ian Neville about his family’s musical legacy, the band’s sound and mission, as well as his personal views of cannabis. >>
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IN CONCERT March 24 @ The Yard at Topgolf, Las Vegas March 26 @ The Mint, Los Angeles March 28 @ Hopmonk Tavern, Sebastopol
I find that a bowl before practice, or depending where we are, a little pre-show blaze-up is a good idea. So, there’s definitely a creativity factor, and there’s the travel fatigue factor, it helps in all kinds of facets. Dumpstaphunk’s new single, “Justice,” promotes an important message. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Tell us about the Dumpstaphunk sound, especially the uniqueness of utilizing two bass players.
The name speaks volumes about what we’re going for. It’s about everybody getting their equal shot, say and chance. It’s what we’re all trying to accomplish, trying to live on this planet with each other. Music can bring [people] together, it can instigate, and it can say the messages that are hard to say. Hopefully, shedding some light on what everyone is experiencing will help us all.
I usually explain that by saying, don’t try this at home! Nick and Tony are two of the baddest bass players you’ll ever see. What makes them work is their styles are so . . . it’s like a wave form, when waves are peaking at the opposite time. That’s how they naturally play around each other. A lot of other bass players would have to choreograph it, but they just naturally do it.
Your family name, the Neville name, is synonymous not only with music, but with city of New Orleans. How is the vibe of your hometown reflected in your music? We can’t help that. Aside from me and Ivan’s family relation to the culture of New Orleans' music, it’s part of growing up and being from New Orleans. The city infuses itself, and it comes out in art, music and so many other ways. It’s impossible to not bring some of the New Orleans vibe in our music, whether it’s recording, live shows, whatever. It’s inevitable.
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Dumpstaphunk plays tons of festivals, and is known not only as a funk band, but as a jam band. What is your approach to playing live? We have fun playing our music and other people’s music. We throw in covers with the new stuff. That translates to the crowd. We draw on our common influences and bring in our separate influences and meld that together. That leads to some funky shit going down onstage.
near that in Louisiana yet, but time will push it forward. I can’t walk into the store down here and go shopping for marijuana like some places, but I do have fun with that every time I’m in Colorado! I find that a bowl before practice, or depending where we are, a little pre-show blaze-up is a good idea. So, there’s definitely a creativity factor, and there’s the travel fatigue factor, it helps in all kinds of facets. What’s next for Dumpstaphunk? “Justice” was released in January. The beginning of the year has been pretty much just recording time, finishing up the new record. Then Mardi Gras kicks off in New Orleans. We’ll start rampin’ up the shows then. We’ll be out in California in the beginning of April, then we’re hittin’ Australia, and flying right back to New Orleans Jazz Fest, which is two weeks of music madness. We’re a part of that every year. I’ve been to 34 Jazz Fests, and I’m 34 years old. c
What are your views on cannabis? I’m a fan! I support medicinal and recreational. We’re not anywhere
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SHOOTING GALLERY
Champs trade show in Las Vegas
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SHOOTING GALLERY
Caviar in The Park IN wilmington
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culture growing
2017 WINTER GARDEN 2
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he winter garden, consisting of one plant, a SharkShock, has been flowering for a month. When I purchased it from a dispensary in Oakland the first week in January, I transplanted it from a 2 1/2 gallon container to a five-gallon container. First I placed a bottom layer of commercial planting mix enriched with 20 percent by volume homemade kitchen and yard compost, and then placed the plant on top of that, filling the sides with mix so that the whole plant stem length remained above the soil line. The plant was grown vegetatively, rather than flowering, for two weeks by interrupting the dark period. This was accomplished with a five-minute burst of light from a 40-watt warm-white compact fluorescent every two hours during the dark period. It was fertilized weekly using a 7-9-5 one-part complete vegetative formula fertilizer diluted to 700 parts per million (ppm). Five days after the regulatory lights were turned off and the formula was changed to a one part bloom formula, 3-12-6, the first flowers appeared. Five days later flowers were appearing on all the branches.
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Plant as purchased from dispensary. It had a few main branches as a result of early pruning.
SharkShock after training and pruning, before the “switch.” Small and understory branches were removed and remaining branches were horizontalized.
The greenhouse receives light only from the top and front, so the 10+ hours of natural winter light is supplemented using a 600-watt HPS lamp for 12-hours daily, turning on shortly before dawn and off shortly after nightfall. Now that the days are getting longer and the intensity of the sun is increasing, the plant is getting an extra boost as it begins to ripen. Soon after transplanting I began “training” the plant. I wanted it to completely fill the 4’ x 4’ canopy, 16 square-feet and to encourage the large branches capable of producing large buds. On its own, SharkShock grows a large main stem with big bud and smaller side branches that produce smaller buds. Clipping the main bud early results in several main branches that will yield more than the large single bud. The plant had been clipped when it was young so it had branched out somewhat. I started by “horizontalizing” the branches: Bending them so they were parallel to the floor rather than growing up. I bent some down and held them in place using twistties attached to little holes drilled at the container top to hold them in place. Others were bent and held in place using crutches. Then understory and small branches were removed, leaving only large bud sites. Horizontalizing the plant, similar to scrogging, but without the screen, produces even more because the one plant covers a much large canopy and the branches fill with buds. The results are apparent 30 days later. All of the buds are at approximately the same height so they don’t block each others’ light. The entire canopy is filled with bud sites and the flowering formula is encouraging new bud formation. Growth is also helped by the increasing intensity of the sunlight and ambient light as spring draws closer. The buds will be ripe in 30-40 days. c
The garden set-up. Using a 600 watt HPS lamp and ambient light, C02 pads, a fivegallon container and planting mix.
SharkShock one month into flowering.
Close-up of flower, onemonth-old.
TIP OF THE MONTH Simple Salve Many of us use salves containing camphor, lidocaine, hot pepper, aspirin or other analgesics for pain relief. These salves can be made more efficacious by adding CBD and THC. Enriched salves will not get you high and will not show up on drug tests. There are several ways to add them to your favorite salve or lotion. Mix in finely powdered trim leaf. First grind it using a coffee bean grinder of blender. Before opening let the dust (glands) settle after grinding. Adding ethyl (drinking) alcohol, glycerin or vegetable oil to the powder before mixing helps the cannabinoids dissolve more easily. Mix cannabis tincture in to the salve. Make a poultice of cannabis chopped ground or powdered leaf using salve as a “binder.” Hold it in place with a bandage or wrap.
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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Time to Go: March Weather: Mid-50s with light rainfall Budget: $$$$$
if you go:
modern marvel on the mediterranean
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by Sheryll Alexander Spain is a paradox when it comes to the cannabis industry, but it seems nothing can stop Barcelona from becoming Europe’s new cannabis capital. It’s true. Barcelona has pretty much eclipsed Amsterdam when it comes to the continent’s best of the best in cannabis travel. Why? While Amsterdam is the historic ground central for cannabis in Europe, Barcelona has emerged as the new “it” spot for cannabis enthusiasts and those enriched by the cannabiz. You see, Amsterdam is sleepy (and cold) and is now seen in jet set circles as more like a pilgrimage or a cannabis lover’s rite of passage. Barcelona, on the other hand, is lit. And this comes just two years after Spain’s Supreme Court came down with a ruling that almost put Barcelona’s exploding cannabis culture in the deep black market freeze. Since Spain’s highest court basically pronounced
Fun-Filled Facts During Spannabis from March. 10-12, Barcelona’s State Network of Anti-Prohibitionist Women (REMA) organization is sponsoring a women’s “gathering” as a precursor to World Cannabis Conferences III. REMA’s goal is to stop the stigmatization of female cannabis patients and to found a platform for women professionals and activists in the cannabiz.
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humungous cannabis clubs outlawed, the trends towards small clubs have meant an expansion from about 100 in 2015 to, some say, more than 800 today. What this means for travelers is complicated. The clubs get around the “ban” by cultivating plants on private property for consumption by just 100 or so “members” who all supposedly help in the growing. Whatever happens, your chance of getting your hands on some premium bud in Barcelona is high. Plus, experiencing Barcelona in early spring is just a delight in and of itself. This intensely gorgeous and highly urban city-by-the-sea comes alive with fresh foods, scented flowers, spring fashions, endless cultural activities and Spain’s biggest cannabis expo, Spannabis (this 13th edition will be held from March 10-12 at Barcelona’s Fira de Cornellá exposition center). c
To get around the illegal-yet-legal status of cannabis in Spain, savvy travelers sign up for a cannabis tour or connect in advance with a local who is an avid cannabis club member. Before flying off, they invite their newfound Spanish friends for a round or three of tapas or a delicious dinner followed by dancing while in town. It won’t be long until the new friend or a friend of a friend kicks down some of their private club-grown stash. Some clubs allow their members to invite respectable guests. Those who can’t wait for all the polite posturing, however, can stand next to a known-to-be-cool cannabis collective entrance. Dress your best and chat it up with an entering member. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to get that welcoming nod without the annoying legal risks of enjoying communal cannabis medicating in other European cities.
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Although celebrated more in Valencia and Madrid, St. Joseph’s Day or Spain’s Father’s Day is feted as a local holiday traditionally on March 19 (but lands on March 20 in 2017). This holy day honors the husband of The Virgin Mary with ceremonies, festivals, fireworks, papiermaché nativity scenes and native dress along with gifts and displays of affection to fathers of all kinds. 2
culture RECIPES
growing
Barbara “Barbie” Sommars
Age: 44
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IN
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DESTINATION
UNKNOWN
Condition/Illness: Interstitial Cystitis, Hunner’s Ulcers and Chronic Pain
When did you start using medical cannabis? I started using medical cannabis shortly after my diagnosis in 2008. First with edibles and trying to master micro-dosing myself, and then I explored smoking and other methods like topicals, tinctures and patches. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes, I tried vicoprofen (opioids), as prescribed by my doctor, but declined the one FDA prescription prescribed for my condition due to undesirable side effects. Early on, I delved into all kinds of potential natural remedies including various herbs, acupuncture and exercises. I even had surgery in 2009. What’s the most important issue or
problem facing medical cannabis patients? Safe, reliable access. It has always been my biggest problem and continues to be. I live in an area where cannabis is not embraced so I must travel over an hour to obtain it legally. I think the other important issue is access to pesticidefree flower. It’s not very prevalent in SoCal but I think that will change with consumer demand. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? It’s an ancient, healing herb! Don’t be afraid of it. It’s better for you than most things your doctor will prescribe. I’m appalled at some of the toxic and down-right dangerous medications some people take to get a good night’s rest. I will always go the natural route if possible. c
Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION
Spring Invigoration recipes by Laurie Wolf In terms of seasons, we’re finally approaching the light at the end of the tunnel. Spring is right on our doorstep; however the crisp chill of winter’s end may still linger throughout the month. While the country is preparing to wear shorts and t-shirts, don’t throw out your light sweaters and cozy socks just yet. As spring and winter battle it out, we’ll remain cozy in our homes whipping up delicious and hearty meals while dreaming of springtime flavors soon to come. Embrace the warmth and comfort of a cannabis-infused chicken pot pie while getting a taste for fresh roasted cauliflower and grill-inspired bacon-wrapped shrimp. Top it off with an addicting white chocolate bark, and you have a cannabis-infused meal worthy of staying inside—at least for a few more weeks.
Menu: Chicken Pot Pie Roasted Cauliflower with Cumin Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp White Chocolate Bark with Dried Cherries and Granola Snickerdoodle with Chocolate Drizzle
Chicken Pot Pie Covered with store bought piecrust or puff pastry, this is an easy way to enjoy an infused comfort food classic. Just breaking through the top crust is enough to give you goose bumps. If you have only had a frozen version of this dish, you are in for a treat. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter 4 teaspoons canna-butter t 1 stalk celery, sliced 1 carrot, peeled and sliced 1 teaspoon thyme 1/3 cup flour 2 cups chicken stock
Servings:
4
1/3 cup light cream or half and half 1 cup peas 3 cups chicken, cooked and cut in pieces Salt
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Puff pastry or piecrust 1 egg, beaten (optional) Directions: In a large sauté pan over low heat, melt the butters. Sauté the celery, carrot and thyme for 10 minutes. Add the flour to the mixture, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the stock, cream and peas, and mix well until vegetables are coated and the mixture starts to thicken. Stir in the chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat oven to 340° F. Cut the puff pastry or piecrust to fit the tops of the 4 ramekins. Divide the mixture between the 4 ramekins, and top with the pastry. If desired brush the pastry with the beaten egg for a shiny, crisp crust. Make slits in the pastry with a sharp knife to let the steam escape. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling. MARCH 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
Local eateries with similar dishes:
Roasted Cauliflower with Cumin
The Pie Hole 177 N Glassell St., Orange (657) 236-4100 www.thepieholela.com
The Federal Bar Long Beach
This is a fantastic way to prepare the under-loved cauliflower. In the last year or two, cauliflower has begun to get the attention it deserves. Roasting this veggie is magical with cannabis and cuminperfection. Also, it looks so cool prepared this way! Ingredients:
102 Pine Ave., Long Beach (562) 435-2000 www.lb.thefederalbar.com
Mignon Chocolate 315 N Verdugo Rd., Glendale (818) 549-9600 www.mignonchocolate.com
1 medium head cauliflower, sliced into 4 pieces 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil t 2 teaspoons cumin
Servings:
4
1 teaspoon cumin seeds Salt Pepper Directions: Heat oven to 340° F. Lay the slices of cauliflower on a baking sheet with sides. Brush with the oils, and sprinkle with the cumin, salt and pepper. Roast the cauliflower until golden and tender, about 25-30 minutes.
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Bacon and shrimp? Yes, please. Goat cheese too? Amazing. The addition of canna-olive oil takes this dish to a place that is beyond perfection. I always try to find nitrite-free bacon. It’s generally good quality, and who needs the extra chemicals? When bacon is cooking, all but the kosher must stop and give thanks. It tastes as good as it smells. Ingredients: 6 bacon slices, cut in halves 12 large raw shrimp, peeled and cleaned 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil t 3 tablespoons goat cheese, cold Squeeze of lemon Servings:
4
as an appetizer
Pinch of salt Directions: Heat oven to 340° F. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, cook the bacon about halfway. Remove bacon from pan, and allow it to cool. Place the shrimp on your work surface. Brush each shrimp with the canna-olive oil. Place a small piece of goat cheese on the shrimp in the center along with a squeeze of lemon and pinch of salt. Wrap the bacon around the shrimp, covering the cheese. Place on skewers all in the same direction. On a baking sheet with sides, place the bacon-wrapped shrimp, seam side down. Bake until the bacon is fully cooked and the shrimp are pink, 5-7 minutes.
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culture
Servings:
8
White Chocolate Bark with Dried Cherries and Granola
growing
Cannabis and white chocolate are perfect together. It seems like they just bring out the best in each other. Dried cherries and granola gild the proverbial lily. Ingredients: 2 cups white chocolate melts or chips 3 tablespoons canna-butter t 1 cup granola 1/3 cup dried cherries
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Directions:
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In a double boiler melt the chips with the canna-butter. Place a sheet of parchment on your work surface. Pour the white chocolate onto the parchment. Sprinkle the white chocolate with the granola and the cherries. Allow to set for at least one hour before breaking into pieces.
Snickerdoodle with Chocolate Drizzle
MAKES:
3
dozen
With its sugar-cinnamon coating and chewy goodness, whoever thought a snickerdoodle could get better? Well, it has. With a bit of cannabis and a chocolate drizzle, this cookie may just become your new favorite. 2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
Pinch of salt
1/3 cup sugar
5 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
9 tablespoons cannabutter t, softened
1 cup chocolate chips 1 tablespoon plus one teaspoon butter
Directions: Heat oven to 340° F. In a medium bowl combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. In a mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar till fluffy. Add the vanilla and eggs and beat till incorporated. Stir in the dry ingredients until there is no flour showing. Chill the dough for 30 minutes. In a small bowl combine the 1/3 cup sugar with the cinnamon. Roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar and place on parchment covered baking sheets. Place the balls of dough 2 inches apart. Bake until set, 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool thoroughly. In a double boiler combine the chips with the butter. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle the cooled cookies with the chocolate sauce. Allow to set.
Chef’s Notes Cream of tartar is what sets a snickerdoodle apart from a sugar cookie. It is responsible for the slight tanginess of the cookie and its almost pillow-like texture. A sugar cookie is crunchy, a snickerdoodle is soft. 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
Cherry Blossom Festival, March 4-5, 11-12 The Descanso Gardens invites you to celebrate the arrival of spring at the Cherry Blossom Festival this year. Doors open bright and early at 9 a.m. where visitors can purchase their own cherry trees, learn about horticulture, take origami lessons, enjoy Japanese cuisine and of course, stroll through the beautiful spring blossoms. Descanso Gardens, Los Angeles descansogardens.org/ event/cherry-blossomfestival
Red Hot Chili Peppers, March 7-8 The Red Hot Chili Peppers has begun its North American tour to promote its 11th studio album with stellar live performances. Every ticket purchased also includes either a physical or digital copy of The Getaway album! The Staples Center, Los Angeles www.staplescenter.com Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk, March 9 Take an evening off to show appreciation to the vibrant and diverse L.A. culture that surrounds you. The Downtown Art Walk
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gives locals a chance to tour through galleries and exhibitions that bring the stories of the city to canvas. Art Walk Lounge, Los Angeles events.downtownartwalk. org
Casey's St. Patricks Day Street Festival, March 11 Whether you are Irish or not, fans of the this annual celebration of drinking will find themselves quite at home here. Embrace the holiday with this unique street festival, which will feature 400 kegs of beer, 1,200 bottles of Jameson, a variety of Irish dishes and plenty of live music to keep attendees entertained. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles www.caseysirishpub.com Festival of Colors, March 11 Join in and experience the magic of this Hindu festival, which is more commonly known as the Festival of Colors! Brace yourself to be covered in the explosions of color while performances on several stages present yoga lessons, DJs and bands during the festivities. Whittier Narrows Park, South El Monte festivalofcolorsusa.com Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, March 23 Music is coming to The Forum taking the sounds of the cult series, Game of Thrones, to the stage in an orchestral performance. Accompanied by captivating visuals, composer Ramin Djawadi brings the seven kingdoms
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featured event
The iHeartRadio Music Awards, MARch 5
Join Hollywood’s most talented musicians and artists for an evening packed with performances, celebration and recognition of the past year’s successes in the music industry. Bruno Mars will take the stage this year along with several collaborations and guest appearances. The Forum, Inglewood news.iheart.com/features/iheartradio-music-awards-15 to life through this concert experience. The Forum, Inglewood gameofthronesconcert.com 1940s Swing Dancing Night. March 26 Spice up Sunday night with jazzy sounds and the outrageous moves of one of the nation’s biggest dance crazes. A night of swing dancing will take over The Wiltern complete with drinks
and lessons for beginners! The Wiltern, Los Angeles thewiltern.com
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—Post-Truth Society u In January, the U.S. Court of Appeals finally pulled the plug on Orange County, California, social workers who had been arguing in court for 16 years that they were not guilty of lying under oath because, after all, they did not understand that lying under oath in court is wrong. The social workers had been sued for improperly removing children from homes and defended their actions by inventing “witnesses” to submit made-up testimony. Their lawyers had been arguing that the social workers’ “due process” rights were violated in the lawsuit because in no previous case on record did a judge ever have occasion to explicitly spell out that creating fictional witness statements is not permitted. THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS u Former elementary school teacher Maria Caya, who was allowed to resign quietly in 2013 from her Janesville, Wisconsin, school after arriving drunk on a student field trip, actually made money on the incident. In November 2016, the city agreed to pay a $75,000 settlement—because the police had revealed her blood-alcohol level to the press in 2013 (allegedly, “private” medical information). The lawsuit against the police made no mention of Caya’s having been drunk or passed out, but only that she had “become ill.” THE REDNECK CHRONICLES u (1) John Bubar, 50, was arrested in Parsonsfield, Maine, in November after repeatedly lifting his son’s mobile home with his front-end loader and 116
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dropping it. The father and son had been quarreling over rent payments and debris in the yard, and the father only eased up after realizing that his grandson was still inside the home. (2) Update: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reversed itself in December and allowed Mary Thorn of Lakeland to keep her 6-foot-long pet alligator (“Rambo”) at home with her despite a regulation requiring that a gator that size needs a more spacious roaming area. Thorn and Rambo have been together for over a decade. UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT u “I’m (as) tired of hearing the word ‘creep’ as any black person or gay person is of hearing certain words,” wrote Lucas Werner, 37, on his Facebook page in December after he was banned from a Starbucks in Spokane, Washington, for writing a polite dating request to a teenaged barista. Managers thought Werner was harassing the female, who is at least the age of consent, but Werner charged illegal “age discrimination” and made a “science” claim that “age gap love” makes healthier babies. QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENTS u David Martinez, 25, was shot in the stomach during a brawl in New York City in December. He had inadvertently initiated the chaos when, trying to park in Manhattan’s East Village just after Saturday midnight, he moved an orange traffic cone that had obviously been placed to reserve the parking space. He apparently failed to realize that the parking spot was in front of the clubhouse of Hells Angels, whose members happened to take notice. THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT u An unnamed pregnant woman convinced a reporter from Jacksonville, Florida, station WFOX-TV in December that the “positive” urine tests
she was advertising on Craigslist were accurate and that she was putting herself through school by supplying them (making about $200 a day). The seller claimed that “many” pregnant women market their urine for tests— even though the main use of the test seems to be “negotiation” with boyfriends or husbands. PERSPECTIVE u “You Have the Right to (Any Ol’) Attorney”: While poor, often uneducated murder defendants in some states receive marginal, part-time legal representation by lawyers at the bottom of their profession (usually unable to keep their murder clients off of death row), Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, convicted of three murders in the 2013 attack and facing a possible death sentence, once again will be represented for free by a team at the top of the
profession—headed by the chief of the New York federal public defender’s office. Tsarnaev was previously represented by a team topped by the chief of the Boston federal public defender’s office. LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u (1) Matthew Bergstedt, 27, was charged with breaking into a house in Raleigh, North Carolina, in December, though he failed to anticipate that the resident was inside, stacking firewood (which he used to bloody Bergstedt’s face for his mugshot). (2) On Dec. 5 in New York City, a so-far-unidentified man made five separate attempts to rob banks in midtown Manhattan over a three-hour span, but all tellers refused his demands, and he slinked away each time. (Police said a man matching his description had successfully robbed a bank four days earlier.)
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