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NOVEMBER 2019 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
NOVEMBER 2019
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inside
contents 11.2019
FEARLESS AND FREE
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Musician Melissa Etheridge’s mainstream success has led her to speak out for LGBTQ rights, raise money for charity and become an outspoken advocate for medical cannabis. ON THE COVER:
PHOTO BY LAUREN DUKOFF
features 28
Seeking Support Cannabis events and retreats geared toward women are gaining in popularity across the nation.
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Industry Insider Dr. Priyanka Sharma, a chemical engineer at Kazmira, helps create high quality hemp oil that contains absolutely no THC.
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Intriguing Acids Dr. Raphael Mechoulam continues to further our understanding of cannabis, as he shares his latest scientific breakthrough.
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Synth Warrior LP Giobbi is an intensely passionate producer and DJ whose life is surrounded by music.
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departments news
08 News Nuggets 09 By the Numbers 10 Local News 12 Legal Corner 14 Healthy Living reviews 16 Cool Stuff 18 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 44 À La Carte 46 Growing Culture 47 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Scotland Supports Drug Decriminalization d Cannabis Dosage Proposed by Researchers
VOL 11 ISSUE 5
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Solis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Kern EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Benjamin Adams EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jacob Cannon, David Edmundson, Caroline Hayes, Carl Kozlowski, Alison Malsbury, Kiara Manns, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, Nicole Potter, R. Scott Rappold, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf ART DIRECTOR Steven Myrdahl PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Aguirre ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kim Cook, Casey Roel Mikayla Aguilar OFFICE MANAGER
CULTURE® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout the Southern California. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. CULTURE® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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NEWS
NUGGETS
Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs School Medical Cannabis Bill On Oct. 16, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 223, or Jojo’s Act, which allows for students in grades K-12 to bring approved medical cannabis onto school campuses. The move signals a dramatic shift from the governor’s predecessor. Last year, former Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a very similar bill. State Sen. Jerry Hill named the bill after Jojo Garcia, a young student with severe epilepsy. “By signing Jojo’s Act, Newsom has lifted barriers
for students with severe medical disabilities for whom medicinal cannabis is the only medication that works,” said Hill. “We need to be clear about what SB-223 allows and how important it is for families who have had to remove their children from campus, take them 1,000 feet away, give them their medicinal cannabis and then return them to school again.” The bill excludes smoking or vaping medical cannabis products on campus.
Attorney Association Creates Cannabis Law Practice Section The Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) created a new law practice section specifically designed to assist cannabis business operators. The update will help business owners easily locate a lawyer who specializes in the cannabis industry. “The cannabis industry is booming, perhaps like the next gold rush. LACBA must provide its over 15,000 members with a practice group on the cutting edge of the law,” said Ronald F. Brot, president of LACBA. “Los Angeles already has countless business practices directly and indirectly 8
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involved with cannabis opportunities. The creation of the Cannabis Section within LACBA meets a current need, and provides an important and necessary space for the many types of lawyers who provide legal services to this industry.” As Los Angeles is one of the largest cannabis markets in the world, some operators have a very tough timefinding a lawyer who understands how the law works and the constant changes within the cannabis space.
Australia to Fund Medical Cannabis and Cancer Research Australian officials will allocate A$3 million ($2.03 million USD) to study the benefits of medical cannabis on cancer patients. On Oct. 5, Health Minister Greg Hunt said that so far, 11,000 patients have been granted access to medical cannabis. “Our Government is committed to ensuring a safe, quality supply of medicinal cannabis to Australian patients, but only when it is prescribed by a medical professional,” said Hunt. “There have only been a limited number of well-designed clinical studies on medicinal cannabis, and we need to increase the evidence base to support medical professionals.” Hunt spoke at a fundraiser walk led by former CULTURE cover celebrity Olivia NewtonJohn, who is currently touting the beneficial effects of medical cannabis. Newton-John herself has utilized medical cannabis to battle a recurrence of stage 4 cancer.
The number of medical cannabis dispensaries in West Hollywood that were granted a temporary recreational cannabis license extension during a city council meeting on Oct. 22: (Source: Wehoville)
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The estimated number of illegal cannabis dispensaries still operating in unincorporated Los Angeles County: (Source: ABC7)
300
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the state of California is granting to 10 cities and counties to assist with social equity programs: (Source: Bureau of Cannabis Control)
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The number of years that it took for West Hollywood to finalize regulations regarding social consumption licenses before its first cannabis cafe opened: (Source: Forbes)
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The percentage of Canadians who said that recreational cannabis had no impact on productivity in the workplace: (Source: Newswire)
The estimated percentage of Australians who support cannabis legalization: (Source: Roy Morgan Research)
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The projected amount of money, in billions of dollars, that U.S. cannabis sales are expected to reach by 2023: (Source: New Frontier Data)
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The estimated number of cannabis industry leaders who signed a letter asking Congress to deschedule cannabis: (Source: National Cannabis Industry Association)
800
High Times Female 50 WHEN: Wed, Nov. 13 WHERE: Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles WEBSITE: cannabiscup.com For months, people have been voting for women who they believe should be highlighted and included in the High Times Female 50—honoring the most influential women across the cannabis landscape. It’s the inaugural event, and organizers want to make this celebration extra special to get things kicked off. Female cannabis activists, executives, scientists, patients, politicians and others will be recognized
for their achievements in the industry. The event also includes speeches, discussions and a surprise musical guest. As always, VIP ticket packages are available if you want a special experience. Please refer to your local laws about cannabis consumption at the event. In addition, take part of High Time’s special edition of the magazine featuring the High Times Female 50. CultureMagazine.com
NOVEMBER 2019
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NEWS
LOCAL
Redemption at Last
Ten California jurisdictions awarded equity grant funding
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By Benjamin M. Adams alifornia is on course to right some of the wrongs inflicted upon disadvantaged communities during the “War on Drugs.” The Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) announced on Oct. 9 that it has awarded over $10 million in equity grant funding under Senate Bill 1294. Ten local jurisdictions received equity grants ranging from $100,000 to nearly two million dollars. The grants are allocated as follows: City of Los Angeles - $1,834,156.38 City of Oakland - $1,657,201.65 County of Humboldt - $1,338,683.13 City & County of San Francisco $1,338,683.13 City of Sacramento - $1,197,119.34 City of Long Beach - $913,991.77 City of San Jose - $560,082.30 County of Santa Cruz - $560,082.30 City of Coachella - $500,000.00 City of Palm Springs - $100,000.00 Among the list of recipients is Humboldt County, which received a proportionately larger cut of the funding due to the high concentration of cannabis cultivation in the Emerald Triangle that once served half of the entire national cannabis market. Humboldt County’s Director of Economic Development Scott Adair oversees the county’s cannabis equity funding program called Project Trellis, which will receive the equity grant. 10
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“The application process that was released by the BCC was based on a point system, and the applications were awarded a certain number of points depending on the responses and scoring in the application,” Adair told CULTURE. “Even though Humboldt County has a lower population, the scope and impact that the ‘War on Drugs’ had on Humboldt was very broad. That added value and points to our application.” Grants were allocated based on a scoring mechanism, and some communities that were entitled to an award didn’t even apply. In addition, the BCC changed the application protocol mid-way through the process, so some jurisdictions missed out. An especially high level of damage was inflicted by various administrations upon Humboldt County residents—who’ve grown cannabis for generations. “Humboldt County has been growing cannabis since the ’60s. Prior to the legalization in other states, more than half of the cannabis consumed in the United States was coming from the Emerald Triangle. So, when the ‘War on Drugs’ began, through operations like CAMP [1983’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting] and [1990’s] Operation Green Sweep, Humboldt was significantly impacted." Even county leadership in the area would like to see a reduction in enforcement and eradication efforts, which at times appear to be blatant examples of overkill and misspent funding. Over time, the tactics of law enforcement regarding cannabis cultivation have evolved. “What we hope what will happen is that the equity funding can be used to right some of the wrongs,” Adair explained. “It feels like the state has acknowledged that the ‘War on Drugs’ actually did have an impact on California communities, and it did hurt local residents. We’d like to use the equity funding to repair some of the cultural damage that was done to those residents. It’s a correction to the industry that should have happened years and years ago.” Some of the funding will go to the county’s Local Equity Program. The Humboldt County Cannabis Local Equity Program eligibility criteria includes people convicted of cannabis offenses, from poverty-stricken areas and “any woman, person of color, or LGBTQ individual who has or worked in, or currently works in the cannabis industry in Humboldt County.” Project Trellis also offers microgrants and loans to businesses to combat the impact of cannabis criminalization. c
The 2019 California Cannabis Awards It’s time again for the California Cannabis Awards (CCA), featuring 18 award categories celebrating the top industry leaders. The event is sponsored by WebJoint, which provides software and POS services to cannabis businesses. At the CCA, the top companies, advocates and entrepreneurs in the cannabis sphere will be awarded for their achievements. Winners representing every aspect of the cannabis industry will be recognized. The CCA is partnering with two charities this year and will donate a portion of the proceeds toward those efforts. Some of the winners last year include Jungle Boys, Moxie, Cannadips and Pot Brothers at Law. The California cannabis industry’s shining stars are waiting to be discovered. It’s a great place to take advantage of networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs. WHEN: Thurs, Nov. 21 WHERE: The Novo, 800 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles WEBSITE: californiacannabisawards. com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Detriments of Distribution The do’s and don’ts of cannabis distribution agreements
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By Hilary Bricken ince January 2018, distributors have played an interesting role in California’s cannabis industry. From a regulation perspective, dealing with a distributor is not optional. However, from the business decision vantage point, they’re not all that necessary. Still, some manufacturing and cultivation licensees opt to utilize distributors for sales and retail relationships with the distributor attempting to act like a brand house (more akin to the liquor model). Whether you have a short- or long-term supply and distribution agreement with a distribution licensee, your basic key terms have to be covered in order to avoid disaster on production and sales. If you’re contemplating entering into a more traditional distribution relationship, here are some of the red flag issues.
Exclusivity Bad distribution agreements will obfuscate whether the relationship is exclusive or non-exclusive and especially in regard to certain or various product lines. This is a huge mistake really for both sides, and especially if a distributor is obligated to buy up “all of the product produced by a wholesaler.” One great example is if the wholesaler creates a new product line that isn’t mentioned specifically in the distribution agreement. Without being super specific on exclusivity, disputes are bound to occur.
Relationship with Retail The relationship with retailers is probably the most valuable asset coming out of the distribution agreement. Routinely, distributors will bar wholesalers 12
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from making contact with or selling direct to retailers that are sourced through the distribution agreement. It’s incredibly important then in the agreement (especially in California where distributors don’t have to buy products from wholesalers if wholesalers want to be on retail shelves) to define what retail relationships are included as “off limits” in the contract.
Sales, Marketing, Advertising, Sales Data and Information Rights Wholesalers can still afford to be picky with distributors in California. As a result, as a wholesaler, if you have specific conditions around the sales of your product (e.g. price, placement, prominence, store selection), you need to negotiate these with the distributor and not necessarily let the distributor take the helm. In addition, wholesalers should not be hesitant to put the onus on distributors to participate in the marketing and advertising of their products (especially in an exclusive relationship) or to at least force the distributor to assist the wholesaler with its marketing and advertising efforts.
Payment Terms Getting paid from licensee to licensee in California can be a massive challenge, because it’s expensive to run a licensed cannabis business, and margins are typically not great at any volume. A solid distribution agreement will have a very clear payment schedule (and even protocol for disputes specifically related to getting paid). And there’s a big difference between getting paid when the distributor picks up the product versus getting paid when the product actually sells at the retail level. What’s worse is that some distributors
may extend credit to retailers, thereby delaying the ultimate pay date for the wholesaler, and if that’s the case the wholesaler should expect to wait a long time to get paid out.
Termination and Effect This is often one of the biggest areas of problems in these agreements. Sometimes the distributor has a unilateral, “without cause” right to terminate with however many days’ notice to the wholesaler. If you’re a wholesaler, this makes you a sitting duck in that a line of sales could vanish with limited notice, and you’d be powerless to stop it. Plus, the impact unilateral termination can have on existing orders (if not properly determined) can be devastating to a wholesaler that may have changed its entire business and labor force to accommodate the distribution relationship. When the relationship is over, the question will stand as to whether the wholesaler can still pursue relationship with those retail entities, and if there’s a non-circumvent that’s instituted by the distributor for a matter of years, the wholesaler is out of luck.
Product Reps and Warranties Usually, a distributor isn’t going to have robust product representation and warranties. However, in California, where a distributor can store products, has to have them tested, and can package, label, repackage and relabel flower products, there’s a lot of product handling and interaction going on at a distribution facility. In turn, wholesalers should seek to get at least some reps and warranties around product fitness when in the hands of the distributor (depending on what the distributor will actually do with the product), and indemnification for the same. c
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Gastrointestinal Distress
Consuming cannabis for nausea is an effective treatment
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By Lanny Swerdlow, RN
lmost everyone has experienced nausea during their lifetime and most likely will continue to experience nausea sporadically throughout their life. This is because nausea has so many causative factors, and being nauseous on occasion is as likely as experiencing pain on occasion. Nausea can be acute and last briefly or it can be chronic and incapacitating, leading to debilitating vomiting and interfering with the ability to function on a day-to-day basis. It is not a disease but a symptom of many internally and externally caused ailments such as gastrointestinal imbalances, motion sickness, anxiety, medication reactions, food poisoning and host of other disorders, both physical and psychological. Whether short-term or recurrent and chronic, there is a cornucopia of nausea medications called antiemetics. One of the most common, bismuth subsalicylate, works by protecting the stomach lining and is found in many over-the-counter medications like Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol. By blocking H1 receptors in the area of the brain, which create nausea, anti-histamines like Benadryl are effective in treating motion sickness and nausea caused by many medications. Like most antiemetics, cannabis does not cure the underlying ailment, but mitigates the symptoms. When activated by the THC and CBD cannabinoids found in cannabis, the endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the body produce an antiemetic response as was noted in a study published in the
“When treating nausea, it is important to determine the THC/ CBD content of the cannabis.”
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October 2013 issue of British Journal of Pharmacology finding that THC and CBD “may have therapeutic potential in reducing nausea.” This was further confirmed in the February 2015 issue of Current Gastroenterology Reports, which reported that “Several cannabinoid receptors, which include the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), CB2 and possibly GPR55, have been identified throughout the GI tract. These receptors may play a role in the regulation of food intake, nausea and emesis.” More significantly, this anti-nausea property was found to be particularly effective in treating the extreme and debilitating nausea that comes from the chemo and radiation therapies used to treat cancer. As far back as 1975, a study published by The New England Journal of Medicine reported that “oral tetrahydrocannabinol has antiemetic properties and is significantly better than a placebo in reducing vomiting caused by chemotherapeutic agents.” The Institutes of Medicine’s 1999 groundbreaking study entitled “Marijuana as Medicine” noted “an inhalation (preferably not smoking) cannabinoid drug delivery system would be advantageous for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea.” Cannabis works to treat nausea and, other than making a person who is feeling poorly feel better, produces far fewer side effects than almost all current antiemetic medications, both over-thecounter and prescribed. When treating nausea, it is important to determine
the THC/CBD content of the cannabis. If you are feeling nauseous you might not want to experience effects that might intensify the feelings of nausea, so you should choose a cannabis with low THC and high CBD. The route of administration also needs to be one that does not aggravate the nausea. Although inhalation is a quick route to relief, in some people smoking can trigger additional feelings of nausea especially if they are already feeling nauseous. Use of a vaporizer should reduce the likelihood of additional nausea as no smoke is produced when vaporizing. A method that was possibly used by your grandparent or greatgrandparent to treat nausea was tincture of cannabis. Found in medicine cabinets just about everywhere, this solution of cannabis dissolved in alcohol or glycerin is taken sublingually (under-thetongue) with effects noticed within three to five minutes. Although the taste is not the most pleasant, it is unlikely to antagonize the nausea. Edibles are a doubleedged sword. If the nausea is being generated from or by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, getting the cannabis directly into the area where the nausea is occurring could be very beneficial. At the same time, the introduction of food products into the GI tract can intensify the ongoing nausea episode. Nausea may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to interfere with life. With preventative care and proper treatment that includes the use of cannabis, nausea can be mitigated, allowing the body to recover, regain strength and return to a state of healthful equilibrium. c
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REVIEWS
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2 1. Succulents Dry Pipe Some say that if you can’t keep a plant alive, then try your luck with a succulent, which is virtually impossible to kill. Now you can load your very favorite flowers into this creative Succulents Dry Pipe. You can’t tell by looking, but this work of art features glow-in-the-dark haworthia and aloe vera on top! Handcrafted by Empire Glassworks, if this assortment of glass succulents tickles your fancy, place your order now—quantities are very limited. Price: $95 More Information: empiresmokes.com 2. Subtle 420 Mug It’s 4:19—got a minute? If you’re into being subtle and bold at the same time, this simple and classy mug is calling your name. Depicting a simple clock that’s stuck on everyone’s favorite time, this black and white mug is perfect for your morning coffee, afternoon tea or even to hold your late-night cocktail. Live a little. After all, it’s always 4:20 when you’re drinking out of this adorable mug. Price: $19.99 More Information: etsy.com/shop/ mellowmanifesto
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3. Solid Glass 14in Couch Potato Bong Now this is what we’re talking about when we suggest some Netflix and chill. This Couch Potato Bong will literally allow the user to cozy up on the couch, lean all the way back in the comfiest position possible, and take a rip! For the cannabis consumer in your life who has just about everything, this clever smoking device is a hilariously perfect gift. Who doesn’t want to cozy up with a glass pipe and enjoy hours on top of hours of binge watching TV while exhaling clouds of smoke? Price: $129.99 More Information: 420science.com 4. Lord Jones High CBD Formula Bath Salts What’s our secret for staying warm, relaxed and rejuvenated after a long day standing on our feet? Burning a scented candle, lighting a joint and slipping into a hot bath that’s complete with a heaping scoop of Lord Jones High CBD Formula Bath Salts! Experience for yourself what all the hype is about. In addition to the benefits we love from allowing lab-tested CBD to absorb into our skin, this formula also contains Epsom salts, Himalayan salt, arnica, calendula petals, terpenes and essential oils. Let your tension melt away while your mind drifts off to a state of calm bliss. Price: $65 More Information: lordjones.com
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entertainment
RELEASE DATE: NOV. 15
BOOK
AVAILABLE ON: PC, PS4 AND XBOX ONE
Billion Dollar Dimebag Jackson D. Tilley Post Hill Press Sobriety in the cannabis industry is an intriguing subject. While drug recovery centers are increasingly embracing cannabis in their treatment programs, it’s less common to hear of people who are sober from the plant yet still operate successfully within the industry. Author Jackson D. Tilley gives a firstperson dive into his experience, during his 20s climbing the professional ladder and finding sobriety along the way. Starting as an intern at a growing vape company based in Denver, Colorado, Tilley documents his journey as, alongside the company, he rises to huge success. Billion Dollar Dimebag also delves into his journey of sobriety, as well as commonly asked questions regarding the industry in general. (Jacob Cannon) 18
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MOVIE GAME
Midsommar
MUSIC
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Dir. Ari Aster A24
Ghosteen
Dev. Respawn Entertainment Pub. Electronic Arts Even after decades of Star Wars films, TV shows and comic books, there is no end to the stories that can be told. The franchise’s newest game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, takes place a few years after the events of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. This single-player game follows one of the last surviving Jedi, Cal Kestis, as he flees the grasp of the Galactic Empire. Players use Cal’s expert lightsaber skills and force abilities to defeat his enemies as they travel to new and familiar planets to discover something that’s “very precious to the Empire.” (Nicole Potter)
From the mind that delivered the twisted darkness of Hereditary, comes a new terror, just in time for Halloween, in the form the brilliant and horrifying Midsommar. Written and directed by Ari Aster, Midsommar follows the story of a group of college friends attending a seasonal festival in a remote Swedish village. While the festivities begin innocently, things quickly detour into a frightening and psychedelic descent into darkness as the friends begin to realize that the festival is radically different from what it appeared to be. Featuring some of the most gnarly, terrifying imagery to be brought to the screen, Midsommar is not one to be missed. (Simon Weedn)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Ghosteen Ltd On its 17th studio release, Ghosteen, alternative rock veterans Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds continue the progression toward more electronic and ambient territory, which began on its last release, Skeleton Tree. Drawing on the grief from the sudden and tragic loss of his 15-yearold son, Arthur, Cave and his collaborators produce the most ethereal, dreamy and cinematic work of their careers. While so much of Cave’s most well-known work is mired in the dark and morbid, Ghosteen captures Cave stepping out of the shadows and heavy themes intertwined with lush, celestial music. (Simon Weedn)
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PHOTOS BY LAUREN DUKOFF
Rock Goddess Melissa Etheridge continues to define her legacy through new music, activism and cannabis ventures
By Simon Weedn
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or over three decades, Melissa Etheridge has been one of modern rock and pop music’s most powerful voices, as well as one of its most engaged activists. Though she had achieved moderate
success in the late ’80s, 1993 marked the year Etheridge both broke into the mainstream with her pivotal Grammy Award-winning album Yes I Am and fearlessly came out publicly as a lesbian. In the years that followed, Etheridge toured all over the world, enjoyed continued mainstream success with her music, and used her platform to speak out for LGBTQ rights and raise money for a variety of charities. In 2004, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and took a break from public life to undergo treatment. Ever since she successfully beat the disease with radiation therapy, Etheridge has become an avid supporter of cannabis legalization, telling CULTURE back in 2010 that “. . . cannabis during chemotherapy was just a lifesaver. It was a pain reliever; it gave me my appetite back . . . the benefits go on and on and on and on.” Her convictions would lead her to become one of the first famous women to enter the cannabis industry commercially. Recently, CULTURE got the chance to catch up again with Etheridge and hear all about writing new music and performing with 30-plus years of experience under her belt, as well as her cannabis business venture, Etheridge Farms, which anticipates a rollout of its new products in early- to mid-2020. CultureMagazine.com
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Oh Lord, between my children, my music and my cannabis, that’s pretty much my life! [‌] I enjoy it, but it takes a lot of focus, and the music is there to relieve me of my tension. 22
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You released a new record called The Medicine Show earlier this year, and 2019 is also the 30th anniversary of your second album, Brave and Crazy. What’s changed for you in your approach to record making between now and when you got started? Thirty years ago, it was the record that got you in front of people, it was the record company that promoted it, and you put a record out and you could tour behind it. The record always led everything. Over the last 30 years I’d gotten into a cycle of putting out a record pretty much every two years. I’d make the record, put it out, tour for a year, and continue touring while I was making the next one. A few years ago, it started changing. With the shrinking of the record and radio market, anything that wasn’t geared toward 13- to 17-year-olds didn’t have a space. My career then very much evolved, and I became much more of a live artist who every now and then gets to put out a record. Is it liberating to not feel the pressure to put out a record every two years? The funny thing is, I still make them every two years [laughs]. Just because it’s kind of a habit; it’s the rhythm. It’s funny though, because just the other day I was thinking, “Wow! I don’t have to go into writing if I don’t want to right now.” My cannabis business is requiring a lot of my attention right now, and so I thought, “It’s OK if I’m not running right back into writing a new album. It’s fine.” I think The Medicine Show is still just finding people, and the more I tour for it, then the more people will know it. I think I can take my time.
Is it still scary or intimidating to put new music out there after all these years, or does it just feel natural? I really enjoy social media now. When I used to put a record out, the only feedback I’d get were from people I knew personally, the record company, the radio maybe and reviewers. Once I went on tour, if people applauded, I’d think, “Oh, they liked that!” But I never got to get an immediate response from the fans, the ones I really make my music for, until about 10 years ago when I got on social media. To be able to hear instantly from people who left work, bought my album, listened to it, and let me know what they think of it, that makes it not as scary anymore. I remember that Rolling Stone didn’t even review Yes I Am, they just didn’t even touch it, and at the time I was saying, “Oh my God!” But a year later it was massive. So, I don’t get my feelings hurt like that anymore. When you go into writing mode, do you still draw on the same things for inspiration that you did earlier in your career? I draw inspiration from my life, so that’s what’s changed. Thank God I’m not going to write another “Am I Only One” because that’s a heartbreaking song; that came from a whole lot of pain. I’m glad I’m not writing that anymore. When I went through cancer 15 years ago, that was a really spiritual awakening and marked a big change in my life, so I wrote a lot from that. Now, I find myself in my late 50s, and I’m looking at the world, love, life and spirit. I’m drawing from the same things I’ve always drawn on, they’re just different now.
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Because of the regulations, the black market is still very strong, and it makes being in the regulated market and making a commitment to follow all the rules really expensive; it’s hard to be compliant. You mentioned earlier how your cannabis business is taking up more and more of your time, and that’s something we here at CULTURE are very fascinated by. Your company, Etheridge Farms, received its business license earlier this year. How exciting has that been for you? It has been an intense, exciting journey. Ten years ago I thought, “Ah, this’ll be a piece of cake!” And I jumped into the cannabis industry, and it has been a real journey, and I’ve learned a lot. I hooked up with a couple of very honest, respectable and credible people who manufacture and know the cannabis industry. I partnered up with them; they’re the ones in [Santa Cruz, California] where we got our license from, and we’re the first and only manufacturing license for cannabis in Santa Cruz County. With Etheridge Farms, the main focus is medicinal. I feel like so much
of the cannabis industry has lost sight and the opportunity to reach people about how great of a medicinal plant cannabis is. Can you tell us about the mission of Etheridge Farms and what you hope to achieve with it? The mission is to bring quality, organic medicine to people in order to alleviate pain and bring an understanding of wellness and where cannabis fits into that. How hands-on are you with product development? Oh, completely. My partners and my wife and I are ground up on this. That’s why I’ve gone through this, that’s why I didn’t white label, because I wanted to know about it from seed to shelf. I know exactly what’s happening here, because that’s the kind of medicine I want.
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My cannabis business is requiring a lot of my attention right now, and so I thought, ‘It’s OK if I’m not running right back into writing a new album. It’s fine.’ I think The Medicine Show is still just finding people, and the more I tour for it, then the more people will know it. I think I can take my time. You’ve mentioned in interviews that you want to help create representation for middle-aged women in the cannabis industry with Etheridge Farms. Why do you think they’ve been neglected? Because it’s not very sexy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had women come to me and say, “Explain all of this to me, because I can’t go into a dispensary.” They’re intimidated to go in because it’s not marketed to them—it’s marketed to people who already understand cannabis, are young and hip and are using it recreationally. If a woman wants help with menopause, she’s not going to go in and talk to a 23-year-old hipster. She’s not going to do that. These are women who have been taking Ambien and drinking wine every night and are done with it, 26
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because it’s taking a toll on them and their bodies. You’ve been an advocate for cannabis legalization for a long time now. Is it validating to see states and even the beginnings of the federal government starting to come around to legalization after so many years? It’s amazing! I love how far it’s come, but there’s still so much misinformation out there, and the regulations are almost impossible. Because of the regulations, the black market is still very strong, and it makes being in the regulated market and making a commitment to follow all the rules really expensive; it’s hard to be compliant. To get back to the music, you’ve got a bunch of dates coming up
to round out the end of the year. Earlier you talked about how your songwriting has changed over the years, how has your approach and appreciation for touring changed since you first started? I’ve grown so much as a performer and as a human being. It’s funny, I had some friends over from out of town the other night, and I’d just gotten this new TV. We were checking all the features on this smart TV—we found YouTube and started watching all of these old videos of me that I hadn’t seen in forever on this big massive screen [laughs]. I was watching myself from 1990 and thinking, “Aw!” And having an appreciation of how well I could do back then and also remembering my state of mind and how I never took any of it in. I think the big difference is that now I can take it in. I’m not a tortured 27- or 33-yearold—I believe in myself. I’ve been doing this for 30 years. I’ve got to be good at it or I wouldn’t be able to do it, and I’m able to relax and go, “Wow! I enjoy this!” About 10 years ago I started playing more lead guitar, I mean like really getting up and playing guitar deeply and practicing, and it has made my joy of performing just triple. I’m not just singing and accompanying myself, now I get to stand up there and play guitar solos and I really, really enjoy that. My experience of performing has deepened, and I’m just so grateful. In addition to all of these wonderful things you’ve got going on, do you have any other additional ambitions for yourself, your music or your companies in this year and beyond? Oh Lord, between my children, my music and my cannabis, that’s pretty much my life! Really though, with the cannabis business we are set to finally put out product by the end of summer 2020, so that’s taking a lot of my focus. I enjoy it, but it takes a lot of focus, and the music is there to relieve me of my tension. I’m just living life. c
www.melissaetheridge.com
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Emerging Events Women are finding camaraderie and support at female-focused cannabis events “We became determined to create environments where women could shift the focus onto themselves and create opportunities for bravery and exploration using cannabis connections as the base for gatherings.” 28
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By Caroline Hayes Women-focused destination events are a popular trend that has grown over the last few years. More and more, women are creating spaces and holding events and retreats to come together to support, uplift and connect with one another. This is happening in all wellness sectors with no exception for cannabis, thanks to legalization efforts that are sweeping the nation. Women are joining forces to educate and enlighten others on cannabis and wellness concepts and to promote female ideals. CULTURE is bringing you this roundup of some of the most active women-centric retreats, events and groups.
Glowing Goddess Getaway is a cannabis social club for women founded by Deidra Bagdasarian and Sailene Ossma. The membership-only group regularly comes together to connect with each other through cannabis-oriented wellness retreats. Glowing Goddess hosts several events per year, with 10 retreats on the calendar for 2020. Destinations range globally from Jamaica to Mexico and the West Coast of the U.S. What started as a “weed retreat,” has evolved into a strong community of women, said the founders. Between the retreats, the Glowing Goddess community leaders host Sisterseshes in a few major cities every Sunday at 4:20 p.m., and members of the Glowing Goddess Tribe gather to celebrate in a cannabis ritual. The Sisterseshes are agenda-less and are strictly for connecting and relaxing.
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Lady Jane Society is an organization committed to building a strong community by empowering women in cannabis through real conversations about the plant and its industry. The Women in Cannabis Central Valley Retreat was Lady Jane’s first retreat held last month in October. The two-day celebration was a place for women to network, build community, discuss supply chain issues and learn how to take political action. The days were filled with morning cannabis sessions, poolside yoga, sound healing, healthy food and an award ceremony. Kyra Reed, co-founder of Lady Jane Society told CULTURE, “I attended New West Summit the week following our event. I had three women approach me, separately from one another, and tell me that they are asking for what they want now and that was their big takeaway from the weekend. This is truly empowering. Women are feeling more able to ask, voice their opinion and share their struggles. All things that empower women to take more control of their destiny and succeed. We will continue to support women in building their communities and raise their voice—together.” Reed also said that Lady Jane Society plans to hold the Women in Cannabis Retreat in Central Valley, California every year. Tokeativity® is a global community for women. The nonprofit social club supports cannabis from a women’s perspective and honors the feminine experience by hosting retreats and events that seek to empower women and reduce the negative stigma that surrounds cannabis. Since the organization’s launch in 2017, founders Lisa Snyder and Samantha Montanaro told CULTURE that Tokeativity® has hosted more than 100-multigenerational women-centric events in dozens of cities. “We became determined to create environments where women could shift the focus onto themselves and create opportunities for bravery and exploration using cannabis connections as the base for gatherings. It is from this center point that we have grown into a global community.” At a Tokeativity® event, women can expect cannabis consumption, tarot card readers, yoga teachers, massage therapy, reiki practitioners, crafts and more. “We receive messages weekly about how we have helped change women’s lives simply by creating a space for them to be themselves, explore their creativity and find their inner strength,” Snyder said. The first Tokeativity® conference is to be held in 2020 in the organization’s hometown of Portland, Oregon. Ganjasana is a Colorado-based women’s group that hosts cannabis-influenced yoga retreats. Ganjasana believes that women can 30
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“Women are feeling more able to ask, voice their opinion and share their struggles. All things that empower women to take more control of their destiny and succeed. We will continue to support women in building their communities and raise their voice—together.” connect with each other on a deeper level by celebrating a ritual of smoking cannabis together. Earlier this year, Ganjasana hosted a weekend wellness retreat in Nederland, Colorado to facilitate a positive relationship with cannabis as medicine through yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Ganjasana’s retreats are designed to build strong relationships with fellow women, nature and cannabis in a safe and sacred space. Ayurvedic self-care practices, ancient plant ceremonies, healthy food and time spent in nature are important components at Ganjasana retreats. Last but not least, is Women Grow. Founded in Denver, Colorado in 2014, this organization was designed to educate, empower and inspire women in the cannabis industry with the belief that professional success is driven by personal connections. In turn, it hosts a variety of weekly events nationwide, which include professional networking, social gatherings, education symposiums, national speaking circuits and a yearly leadership summit. We have yet to see a big retreat from Women Grow but the organization actively holds monthly events and workshops nationwide. Something magical happens when women gather. The amount of camaraderie that is created results in confidence, self-reflection and growth, both for individuals and the industry as a whole. Women-centric cannabis retreats and events create a safe place for participants to be heard, to ask questions and to facilitate relationships with other women. The groups we mentioned are putting a female face on the cannabis plant and wellness sectors in hopes to make a global impact for generations to come. c
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In d u s try I n s id er
Engineering Endeavors The layers of expertise behind Dr. Priyanka Sharma’s company ensure consumers have access to safe products
By R. Scott Rappold Drive around rural Colorado these days and you’re apt to see hemp—fields and fields of it, growing legally in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Industrial hemp is booming, fueled by nationwide demand for CBD products, legitimized by the federal government in the 2018 Farm Bill. But how can consumers be sure that a CBD tincture is really free of THC, the psychoactive ingredient of the cannabis plant? Ask a chemical engineer. At Kazmira LLC, there are several of them on staff, working out of a massive, 200,000-square-foot plant outside of Denver. It just might be the largest extracts company you’ve never heard of, though if you’re a CBD consumer, you’ve probably enjoyed its products. “We’re still finding out about all of the uses for CBD oil, and there’s so much runway for industrial hemp, in terms of the fiber and all the ancillary uses of the plant,” says Co-founder Dr. Priyanka Sharma, a chemical engineer. “I think there’s so much that can be done with just the plant, there’s only more growth that we’re seeing.”
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C hemical Background The name Kazmira comes from the Kashmir region of India, where hemp has been used for thousands of years. Dr. Sharma’s parents are from India, though she grew up in the Chicago, Illinois area. Her father is a chemical engineer, and she always saw herself following in his footsteps. She even married another chemical engineer. After obtaining her doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. Sharma went on to work in highly technical areas, such as “molecular modeling of functionalized gold nanoparticles with various ligands and their behavior in biological systems” and “developing a predictive model to understand chiral separations of orphan drugs.” But she had been hearing about the growth of industrial hemp, and nowhere had more growing than Colorado. So, in 2017 she and her husband moved there and launched Kazmira. The goal was to use their scientific backgrounds in oil, gas and pharmaceuticals to build a company for extracting CBD from the plant using strict standards. “The reason we decided to start Kazmira is there was a gap in technology companies in this space. We wanted to lend our expertise to making quality and safe extracts for industrial hemp. We wanted to
“The reason we decided to start Kazmira is there was a gap in technology companies in this space. We wanted to lend our expertise to making quality and safe extracts for industrial hemp. We wanted to continue our passion for engineering and apply it to the hemp space.” continue our passion for engineering and apply it to the hemp space,” she said. Other companies, she explained, were operating in “pretty unsafe environments,” using outmoded equipment, without the kind of quality control or manufacturing standards she was used to, without processes for keeping pesticides and other contaminants out of the finished product. “We realized there were a lot safer and more efficient processes that we could apply to this industry to make these hemp extracts.”
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T ruly THC-free Kazmira’s “TruSpeKtrum technology platform” allows the company to produce hemp oil that is guaranteed to be free of THC. While many companies claim to do likewise, federal standards allow a CBD product to legally contain up to three parts of THC for every thousand parts of oil by weight. The oil that comes out of Kazmira has no detectable level of THC, the company boasts. Among its 30 employees are eight scientists with PhDs, two with master’s degrees and two medical doctors. The team works with farmers, mostly in Colorado, to get hemp plants that are free of pesticides and other contaminants, and Kazmira has the capacity to process thousands of pounds a day. So, why have you never seen a Kazmira oil or tincture on a store shelf? The company only produces the oil, selling it to other companies, which sell the finished product. Dr. Sharma explained, “We’re able to provide them with a product that meets specifications retailers care about—free of pesticides, toxins and microbials. We are able to guarantee their CBD source is safe.” And given the booming popularity of CBD as treatment for a whole variety of ailments, from anxiety to inflammation, and given that these products can legally be sold anywhere in the U.S., Dr. Sharma expects Kazmira to continue growing and expanding what can be extracted from the hemp plant. “The runway is a lot longer right now for hemp because anybody from a child to an adult can take a hemp extract and they can access it as well,” she said. “I think there’s so much that can be done with the plant that there’s only going to be more growth.” c kazmira-llc.com
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Effective Acids The “Father of THC” reveals more groundbreaking discoveries about cannabis
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By Jacob Cannon
Famed Israeli cannabis researcher and professor of medicinal chemistry, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, has provided the scientific community with some of the most groundbreaking information about cannabinoids. First identifying and mapping the cannabinoids THC and CBD in 1963 and 1964, plus publishing clinical tests about CBD in 1980, his discoveries continue today. Dr. Mechoulam’s latest discovery holds great potential and could lead to
PHOTOS BY YITZ WOOLF
treatments for anxiety, arthritis and psoriasis. While giving a keynote speech at medical cannabis conference CannMed 2019 in late September, the “Father of THC” announced that THC acids found in cannabis hold great potential for the future of medicine. He explained that along with his team, he has developed a method for creating acids out of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids, and there are now licensing opportunities for companies that would like to utilize these acids to develop drugs to treat some common ailments.
It is believed by Dr. Mechoulam that CBD and THC acids could hold more potent and effective medical benefits in comparison to the cannabinoids CBD and THC. One of the compounds includes cannabidiolic acid methyl ester, or HU-580, which could be more effective than CBD for treating anxiety and nausea. “CBD acid (in its stable methyl ester form) is more active than CBD in the tests it has been evaluated,” Dr. Mechoulam told CULTURE. “THC acid has not been well investigated, but it does not seem to be psychoactive. More work is needed on the huge variety of effects seen with CBD.” He further explained that compounds like HU580 could potentially treat certain nausea and anxiety disorders. Dr. Mechoulam and his team were able to stabilize synthetic acids and determine their efficacy for a variety of problems. This groundbreaking research was quite the team effort, as it was a collaboration between six universities in Israel, a startup called EPM, Dr. Mechoulam, agencies in the U.K. and Canada, a topical cream company and a publicly traded laboratory company. Dr. Mechoulam is the head of research at EPM. Hopefully it doesn’t take pharmaceutical companies decades to put Dr. Mechoulam’s latest research to good use. It took over 30 years for his published clinical trials with CBD to be utilized by modern medicine.
GW Pharmaceuticals, the company that holds a patent for CBD drug Epidiolex, utilized Dr. Mechoulam’s research in order to create their drug, which is used to treat seizures for two rare forms of epilepsy. Dr. Mechoulam’s interest in chemistry and work with natural products goes back to the early 1960s. His research typically focuses on the cannabis plant, as he was one of the first researchers to see great potential in it. “I’m a chemist,” Dr. Mechoulam told CULTURE. “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 wellknown, and I thought it was a good topic to do research on.” c
“CBD acid (in its stable methyl ester form) is more active than CBD in the tests it has been evaluated.” CultureMagazine.com
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Mindful Mixing LP Giobbi sets the scene with gorgeous beats By Addison Herron-Wheeler
Many artists work hard for years to make it in the extremely oversaturated producer/DJ scene, so it’s a major testament to LP Giobbi’s success that she caught the eye of Sofi Tukker at a show, got invited on tour and has been a smash hit ever since. Far from a one-hit wonder, however, Giobbi is hustling all the time with non-stop touring and shows. She took a break from her busy schedule to chat with CULTURE about her ethics, dreams and success so far.
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P H O T O B Y L E X R YA N
How did you first get your start? A while back, I was asked to play with an all-girl electronic band. I didn’t know much about synthesizers, but if you know music theory and how to play piano, you can figure out the rest. So I spent the next four years in a garage teaching myself sound design and synthesis, how to play synthesizers on-stage, and how to produce and use Ableton and other programs. Finally, I ended up playing a gig at a live music festival, because they needed someone to fill in. It turned out to be a horrible gig, but Sofi Tukker was there, and she asked me if I would want to go on tour as a DJ. I said I wasn’t really a DJ, but she said, “Are you coming or not?” So, I had to go! How did that lead into you doing more of your own projects? It’s really exciting, because playing music on-stage gives me an idea of what I want to do and the kind of music I want to play. I started making music while I was on the road and started playing it out, and I was able to test what was working and what wasn’t. It’s really fun to get to see what works in a live setting. Do you have anything specific you’re working on right now? I have some new music [that came out at the end of October], and I’m super pumped. It’s very tribal and hardhitting, and I collaborated with some amazing artists. There’s a lot of music I’m working on right now, and I can’t wait for it to come out. Do you have any tours going on currently? There’s a lot more touring in the works. Right now, I’m on this U.S. run with Sofi Tukker. When I have days off, I’m able to go play other shows as well, and that’s the first time I’ve really been doing that. And next, I’m going to Europe on tour, so I have things going on for the rest of the year. I’m really excited, really because this is the first time I’ve added a few extra drum machines to the show. It’s been really fun to learn as I go and get to go on the road with some new toys.
“I think that female freedom to choose whatever career path you want, freedom to choose what you want to put in your body, and in general the freedom to choose for a woman, I think it’s all very tied.”
that I’ve always looked up to and respected. It feels like such a wonderful time to be doing this and to be providing these opportunities.
Tell us about what Femme House is, and how are you involved? When I first started producing, it was from sheer feminist stubbornness. When I first started playing music, I was surrounded by male producers. They were great, and I had a great experience, but I didn’t know many other female producers. So, I thought, “Oh my gosh, that’s a role I could have.” Living in LA, I was meeting so many talented women, and I just wanted to kind of change the narrative and get as many of the men in the room as possible. We’re doing free monthly workshops right now in LA, and we’re extending to New York next year. It’s a safe space for women and nonbinary people to learn how to use Ableton and how to program drums and record vocals and basically just make a song. So far, we have some awesome support from Roland and Ableton, and it’s just been really, really overwhelming and completely inspiring to see all the support that we’ve gotten from these companies
Does cannabis advocacy tie in with the other things you advocate for? I think that female freedom to choose whatever career path you want, freedom to choose what you want to put in your body, and in general the freedom to choose for a woman, I think it’s all very tied. I also think decriminalizing opens up doors for people that can help them medically, with depression, and with creative flow. I think it does a lot of good.
PHOTO BY XANDER WRIGHT
Has cannabis impacted your life? I don’t personally smoke, but I grew up with hippie parents who were Deadheads, and cannabis has always been a huge part of my life. I always have been blown away that alcohol was so easy to access, and much more so than pot, because there are so many issues associated with alcohol.
Is there anything else you wanted to mention? There’s a really cool project I am doing with Sofi Tukker where we go into clubs and make them into neon jungles. People can rave all night and dress up like animals. It’s a really fun part of the culture that we’re building and the community that we’re building, and it’s all about finding your inner child and the fact that [when] one of us shines, the more we all shine. It’s a big, important part of my ethos. c lpgiobbi.com CultureMagazine.com
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“I don’t personally smoke, but I grew up with hippie parents who were Deadheads, and cannabis has always been a huge part of my life.”
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P H O T O B Y L E X R YA N
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Endlessly Thankful
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By Laurie Wolf
side from 420, Thanksgiving is the best non-denominational holiday out there. If you spend the day sans-kids, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your cannabis-infused starters, dosed gently for a mellow and relaxing time. Infusing the starters allows you to enjoy the meal without hesitation, from apps to dessert, delightfully under the influence of this magical herb. We have found that a little bit of cannabis goes that extra mile to keep stress low and spirits high. The cannabis strain that we used this year was Bliss Berry. We have found that this strain adds a brightness to each recipe, and to our mood, which is a total win-win.
Bacon Wrapped Dank Dates
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I N G R E D I E N T S:
I N S T R U C T I O N S:
32 pitted dates
1. Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
4 tablespoons goat cheese 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused butter 16 bacon slices, cut in half
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Serves
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2. Place the dates on your work surface and with a small, knife make a slit in each and spread open. 3. In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese with the butter until well mixed.
PHOTOS BY BRUCE WOLF
4. Divide the mixture and press into each date, closing them up after filling. 5. Wrap the bacon around each stuffed date. 6. Place the dates baconseam down on a baking sheet. 7. Bake until the bacon is cooked and crisp, about 10 minutes.
I N S T R U C T I O N S: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Let cream cheese come to room temperature in bowl and set aside. In sauté pan melt unsalted butter and cannabisinfused butter over low heat. Low heat is key to ensure minimal cook-off of THC. Serves
Spinach and Canna Kale Dip I N G R E D I E N T S: 1 cup softened cream cheese 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2/3 cup sour cream
1 1/4 cups parmesan cheese (set aside 1/4 cup for topping before baking), grated
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1 cup cleaned and dried fresh kale, chopped 1 cup of drained/
1/2 teaspoon salt
chopped and thawed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
frozen spinach 1/4 cup plain bread
Pinch of ground nutmeg
crumbs
2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
3/4 cup canned artichokes, chopped
3. Once butter mixture is melted add the chopped garlic and cook over low heat for two minutes. Turn off heat and allow mixture to cool. 4. Add to the bowl of softened cream cheese the mayo, sour cream, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, pinch of ground nutmeg, chopped jalapeños and artichokes. Combine all ingredients thoroughly. 5. Add kale and spinach to cheese mixture and blend to combine. 6. Last, add the butter and garlic mixture and blend to combine for three minutes. This step is the most important to ensure even distribution of THC throughout the recipe. 7. Pour dip into oven safe dish and top with breadcrumbs and remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. 8. Bake for 20 minutes.
Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
I N G R E D I E N T S:
I N S T R U C T I O N S:
12 thick slices crusty olive bread, toasted on both sides
1. Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serves
3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
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2 tablespoons cannabisinfused olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cups cherry tomatoes 1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut in strips 1 garlic clove, minced Coarse salt and pepper
2. Place the bread on your work surface. Rub one side of the bread with the garlic cloves. Drizzle or brush the bread with the cannabis-infused olive oil. 3. On a baking sheet toss the olive oil with the tomatoes, pepper and garlic. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have lost their shape and the pepper has started to turn golden brown. 4. Divide the tomato mixture between the bread slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper. CultureMagazine.com
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GROWING CULTURE
Garden Fever (Part VI)
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By Ed Rosenthal
he garden has been in harvest mode for the past month. The first plants to ripen were the Gelatos, both in the greenhouse and outdoors. The ER Superbuds, which were forced to flower barely out of clonehood, followed about a week later. These plants grew no branches, just a straight stem surrounded by buds. There were also a couple of sativas that grew well vegetatively, but never really budded out. The light wasn’t bright enough for them. They were wasting in this garden, and they took up space, but were not worth harvesting. It was only in mid-season that I learned they were not clones but seedlings from an untested cross! Oh well. Now there are only two plants from the greenhouse and three of the outdoor plants left. They need another 10 days to finish, and luckily the forecast for the next week is sunny and partly cloudy weather with highs in the 70s, which is perfect weather for plant ripening. The position of the sun has changed with the season, placing it lower on the horizon. It casts more shade than direct light on the yard. I moved all of the plants to the sunniest section of the garden, close to a white wall that reflects light back to them. This increases the total light they receive, including ultraviolent type B (UVB), which is blocked by plastic. Meanwhile, the plants are in various stages of drying/curing. When they were cut they were hung,
The greenhouse before the plants were harvested. 46
Immature bud. It will ripen within 10 days.
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unmanicured. The drying area has a bit of ventilation and a temperature that stays in the 60s and a humidity that remains in the 50 percent range. This is a great temperature/ humidity combo for a slow dry/cure. The first plants are smokable, dry and have been manicured. They have been placed in a jar
Three plants are still ripening.
An ER Superbud drying.
with a humidity pack to keep them fresh. So far, I have manicured Gelato that consists of small, dense buds that have a fruity odor. The smoke expands a bit, and the first part of the effect comes on quickly, then envelopes you with its rhythm. It’s a good bud to socialize with. c
Bowl of Gelato buds. They would have been tighter if they had more light.
NEWS of the
WEIRD
BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL
LEAD STORY—UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Jennifer Colyne Hall, 48, of Toney, Alabama, was distraught when she called the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office dispatch on Oct. 2, so officers were sent to call on her. Public information officer Steven Young told The News Courier the officers first approached Hall’s landlord, who told them she had been “acting strangely” and hinted she might be on drugs. When the officers spoke to Hall, she produced a clear bag from a baby wipes container and told them,
“I want this dope tested” because she feared the methamphetamines in the bag had possibly been tainted with another drug. Asked if she had consumed the drugs, Hall said she had, but couldn’t remember when. She was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and was held at the Limestone County Jail. OVERREACTIONS An apparent dispute over pigeons at Pershing Field in Jersey City, New Jersey, has resulted in Charles Lowy, 69, facing eight years in prison for reckless manslaughter, according to The Jersey Journal. In April 2018, Lowy stabbed former schoolteacher Anthony Bello, 77, to death after they argued about Lowy’s habit of feeding pigeons in
the park. Lowy’s attorney called Bello the “mayor of the block” and said he was the aggressor in the altercation, and that Lowy had stabbed him in selfdefense. Hudson County Superior Court Judge Sheila Venable sentenced Lowy on Oct. 4; he must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. BRIGHT IDEA Springfield, Missouri, authorities have come up with a clever campaign to curb pet waste in the downtown area, the Associated Press reported. Piles of dog poop are being tagged with recycled paper flags sporting messages such as: “Is this your turd? ‘Cuz that’s absurd,” and “This is a nudge to pick up the fudge.” The city noted it spends $7,500 a year to pick up 25 pounds of waste
per week from downtown parks and parking lots. AWESOME! Open your wallet: If you have enough scratch, you can buy a customized pair of Nike Air Max 97s dubbed “Jesus Shoes” from a Brooklyn, New York, company called MSCHF. Introduced online Oct. 8, the shoes have 60ccs of holy water from the Jordan River injected into the soles “so you can literally walk on water,” noted Cosmopolitan, a crucifix in the laces, red insoles harkening to Vatican traditions, and a Matthew 14:25 inscription. They are also scented with frankincense and sport a godly white and light blue colorway. The Jesus Shoes originally sold for $1,425, but are now fetching anywhere from $2,000 to upwards of $11,000.
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