Culture Magazine Southern California July 2019 by Culture Magazine

JULY 2019 CultureMagazine.com

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JULY 2019

inside

contents 7.2019

EXTRAVAGANT ENDEAVORS Grammy Award-winning rapper 2 Chainz confidently expresses the highest entrepreneurial passion for his line of cannabis products. ON THE COVER:

PHOTO BY JOHN RICARD

features 28

Embracing Change These top four concentrate-related buzzwords show that the culture of 710 is evolving.

From Sea to Shining Sea A brief view of every state’s legal stance on cannabis concentrates.

Health and Happiness Find inspiration in the story of River, a brave young girl who has found miraculous relief with medical cannabis.

The More You Know Educate yourself about the complex world of concentrates with this selection of unique extractthemed books.

Luminous Visuals As winner of this year’s 2019 High Art contest, Nick Sullo’s ’90s and cyberpunk-inspiration reveals stunning and creative works of art.

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 42 À La Carte 44 Growing Culture 46 SoCal Now! 47 News of the Weird

JULY 2019 CultureMagazine.com

Online Exclusive! d Patients Treat Arthritis With Cannabis d

710 Dab Day Facts

VOL 11 ISSUE 1

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JULY 2019

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 Angie Callahan, Kim Cook, Casey Roel OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar

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

Panel Rules that Californian Prisoners Can Legally Possess Cannabis On June 11, a panel in Sacramento overturned the convictions of five prisoners for allegedly possessing cannabis while incarcerated, citing the language in Proposition 64. Prop. 64 legalized an ounce or less for all adult residents in the state, and no exemptions or exclusions for prisoners can be found in the law.

While possession of one ounce or less is technically legal in prisons located in California, smoking or consuming cannabis is against prison rules. “The Attorney General uses arcane rules of statutory construction, twists the meaning of the words of the statute, urges us to disapprove of cases directly on point, and makes a host of policy arguments why we should not apply the plain language of the statute,” the court document reads. “The question of law we review de novo is whether the plain language of the statute leads to an absurd result. We conclude it does not. A result is not absurd because the outcome may be unwise.”

Los Angeles Releases Request for Social Equity Program Assistance Los Angeles’ Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on June 14, which seeks to find business development services for the city’s social equity program. The RFQ outlines the need for consultants to construct business development curriculum, training, business, licensing and compliance assistance. “The goal of the Social Equity Program is to promote equitable ownership and employment opportunities in the cannabis industry in order to decrease disparities in life outcomes for marginalized communities, and 8

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to address the disproportionate impacts of the ‘War on Drugs’ in those communities,” the Department of Cannabis Regulation Executive Director Cat Packer stated. According to the press release, the program is the “largest municipal cannabis social equity program in the nation.” The DCR started to conduct workshops to assist applicants through the eligibility verification process, and the RFQ will help it to flesh out the application process more fully.

Researchers Find Evidence of Cannabis Smoking Dating to 500 BCE In a paper published in Science Advances on June 12, a team of researchers described the “earliest directly dated and scientifically verified evidence for ritual cannabis smoking.” In East Asia, the team found evidence of psychoactive cannabis being burned in crude wooden bowls at a burial site. “This phytochemical analysis indicates that cannabis plants were burned in wooden braziers during mortuary ceremonies at the Jirzankal Cemetery (ca. 500 BCE) in the eastern Pamirs region,” researchers wrote. “This suggests cannabis was smoked as part of ritual and/or religious activities in western China by at least 2,500 years ago and that the cannabis plants produced high levels of psychoactive compounds.” Hemp seeds and fibers are commonly found in archaeological sites, but few have any evidence of cannabis being consumed for its psychoactive properties. The discovery was highlighted in National Geographic, which generated widespread interest.

The number of votes from the California Senate, out of 36, that were cast in favor of passing a cannabis banking bill: (Source: NBC Bay Area)

The amount of space, in square footage, that makes up a temporary pop-up cannabis museum opening in Hollywood between August and September 2019: (Source: Los Angeles Times)

30,000

The number of votes from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, out of five, that were cast in favor of allowing hemp cultivation in unincorporated areas: (Source: The PressEnterprise)

The number of votes from the West Hollywood City Council, out of five, that were cast in favor of allowing the city’s first four dispensaries to retain their temporary recreational licenses until permanent license owners begin operation: (Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune)

The estimated percentage of people participating in a study who said that cannabis’ medical benefits are a very important reason for legalization: (Source: Gallup)

The estimated amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the New Zealand government announced it would be investing in a company that develops technology for agricultural crops such as cannabis: (Source: The New Zealand Herald)

2.5

The number of votes from the Louisiana House of Representatives, out of 82, that opposed a bill that would allow medical cannabis patients to inhale cannabis, but not smoke it: (Source: The Advocate)

The approximate number of hemp cultivators that have been licensed in Tennessee by the Department of Agriculture in 2019 as of mid-June: (Source: WREG)

2,900

“Marijuana Madness: Revolution” WHEN: Thurs, July 18 WHERE: Creatington, 653 S Anderson St., Los Angeles WEBSITE: themissmarquez.com/marijuanamadnessrevolution Join Grassfed and the lovely Miss Marquez for a truly original night to celebrate the revolution of cannabis during the psychedelic era. While “Marijuana Madness: Revolution” is the highly acclaimed burlesque musical set with a Reefer Madness theme, this event focuses on the decades that followed later on. From the late 1950s beat generation to the hippie generation that was inspired by The Beatles and

Bob Dylan, counterculture will be explored during its finest moments throughout history. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in colorful beatnik and hippie gear. Hosted by VICE’s Abdul Saeed as emcee, the night will include brilliant burlesque performances by The Miss Marquez, Nikki Dalonzo and Jamie Donovan. Get a ticket while you can, because this event is highly popular in the area. CultureMagazine.com

JULY 2019

NEWS

LOCAL

The Real History of Hemp

SHORT-LIVED SOLUTION

West Hollywood continues to allow its original medical dispensaries to sell recreational cannabis

By Benjamin M. Adams est Hollywood, or as locals call it, “WeHo,” is politically progressive by anyone’s standards. Nearly 40 percent of its entire population identifies as LGBTQ, and it was one of the first communities in California to embrace medical cannabis after Proposition 215 was approved in 1996. In 2006, West Hollywood became one of the first cities in Southern California to make cannabis law enforcement’s “lowest priority.” Alternative Herbal Health Services (AHHS), Los Angeles Patients and Caregivers Group (LAPCG), MedMen and Zen Healing Collective are considered to be West Hollywood’s original dispensaries—having been around as medical dispensaries long before any other dispensaries opened up in the vicinity. AHHS has been around since the late ’90s. But those four dispensaries were left out of West Hollywood’s exclusive list of eight dispensaries that were granted permanent recreational licenses in December 2018. The four medical dispensaries, they claim, must also sell recreational cannabis in order to stay in competition with the rest. Several of the recreational businesses have ambitious plans to open Amsterdam-styled lounges for social consumption—and those could be open in as little as three months under West Hollywood’s lenient laws. The operators behind the four medical dispensaries fought valiantly to be included in some way in the city’s recreational market. They claim that if anything, they deserve to be granted adult-use licenses above anyone else.

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To provide a solution to the dilemma, West Hollywood officials granted them temporary adult-use licenses that need to be constantly extended. For now, they can continue to sell recreational cannabis until the businesses that won permanent licenses open for business. On June 17, the West Hollywood City Council voted 4-1 to update the implementation of the city’s Cannabis Ordinance, extending the local temporary adult-use retail cannabis licenses for the existing four medical dispensaries in the city until March 31, 2020. Sheri A. Lunn, public information officer for the City of West Hollywood, provided CULTURE with a statement on behalf of Councilmember John Heilman. “The West Hollywood City Council approved, by a 4-1 vote, a motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Lindsey P. Horvath, seconded by Councilmember John Heilman, which among other things, directs staff to bring back an amendment to the City’s Cannabis Ordinance extending temporary adult-use retail cannabis licenses for the existing four medical dispensaries to a date to be determined by Council at a future meeting once a majority of the new cannabis licensees are operational,” the statement reads. It’s unclear how long the four original medical dispensaries will be able to sell recreational cannabis. “The four businesses that are currently selling adult-use cannabis will remain in business until we decide the process is complete and other businesses are open and operational,” Mayor John D’Amico said at the June 17 meeting. After March 31, 2020, those four medical dispensaries will not be able to sell recreational cannabis unless further changes are made. A new amendment to update the city’s Cannabis Ordinance is in the works, and for now, the four original medical dispensaries can continue to sell recreational cannabis. The cannabis market in California is constantly evolving, and many residents choose to no longer get medical recommendations, because they don’t need them. Dispensaries have no choice other than to cater to recreational consumers if they want to remain profitable. c

Join hemp expert Veronica Kelly to learn about the rich history of hemp in America and beyond. Hemp oil is taking the health and wellness industry by storm, and it’s time to learn a little bit about the history behind the plant. How did hemp and cannabis become illegal in the first place? Why was prohibition launched? Who was behind those decisions? These are all important questions, and answering them helps us avoid the mistakes of the past. Kelly will also cover nanoenhanced hemp oil and what the recent legislation means for the hemp industry. Kelly typically focuses on body, mind and spirit, and she will delve into the medical properties of hemp and hemp-derived CBD. RSVPs are encouraged as the class will fill up fast. WHEN: Sun, July 7 WHERE: Liberate Hollywood, 6365 Selma Ave., Los Angeles WEBSITE: liberatehollywood. com/event

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JULY 2019

NEWS

LEGAL CORNER

THE NEXT STEP Los Angeles’ Delivery Pilot Program takes form

By Hilary Bricken

lot of attention has been paid recently to brick and mortar retail licenses in the city of Los Angeles for Phase 3 licensing, which is set to commence in early September. While Los Angeles is trying its best to champion social equity with its Phase 3 storefront licensing, it’s also going to develop a Delivery Pilot Program for social equity applicants in the city. As a recap of Phase 3 in LA, the first 100 Type 10 (brick and mortar retail) licenses will go to social equity applicants on a first-come, first-served basis in Round 1. For Round 2, which will be for 150 Type 10 retail licenses, this will also be on a first-come, first-served basis. The Round 1 window is going to be extremely short–only 14 calendar days (preceded by a 15-calendar day notice from the Department of Cannabis Regulation [DCR]). Businesses are only eligible to apply if they have a verified Tier 1 or 2 social equity “Owner” (with the mandated equity share in the business). The Round 2 window is 30 calendar days for 150 licenses that will also go to pre-verified Tier 1 and 2 social

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equity applicants (without any processing priority between those two groups). Note that the DCR began the pre-vetting process for social equity applicants for Round 1, Phase 3 licensing very recently—on May 28. This window is open until July 29. Specifically, regarding Type 9 non-storefront, deliveryonly licenses, the DCR will, on a date to be determined in the future, begin accepting applications for delivery (there will be a 15-day notice before this particular window opens,

“The bottom line is this: Start now in gathering your business and real estate documents to ensure that you make a timely submission to the city when the delivery window opens . . . ”

too). Eligibility for a Type 9 license hinges on submitting at the time of filing: 1) a copy of an executed lease agreement with proof of a deposit or property deed for the business premises; 2) a premises diagram; 3) proposed staffing, security, and delivery plans; 4) a dated radius map including horizontal lines and labeling of any sensitive uses relative to a Type 9 License; 5) an indemnification agreement with the city; 6) a current Certificate of Occupancy for retail use for the business premises; and 7) all business records and agreements necessary to demonstrate that a Tier 1 or Tier 2 social equity applicant owns the minimum equity share in the Type 9 applicant (i.e., a Tier 1 must own at least 51 percent and a Tier 2 must own at least 33 percent). Criteria number 7 is “as applicable” in that the city must also issue on a 2 to 1 basis Type 9 licenses to general public, nonsocial equity applicants. Regarding order of priority for Type 9 applicants, the DCR will process a total of 60 Type 9 applicants in Round 1 of licensing (delivery actually has three rounds). Forty of these licenses will go to first Tier 1 and 2 social equity applicants, and 20 will go to the first general public applicants that don’t have any social equity component (to satisfy the 2:1 licensing ratio required under LA law). These licenses represent the city’s Delivery Pilot Program, and these applicants must submit 1-7 (7 as applicable) per the above at the time of filing. For Round 2 of delivery licensing, importantly, if you applied but were rejected for a Type 10 license in Rounds 1 or 2 because your proposed storefront location was in a geographic area of undue concentration limits or within a 700-foot radius of another Type 10 application, you get priority processing for a Type 9 license relative to all other applicants except those in the Delivery Pilot Program. And Round 3 of delivery licensing is for those non-retail applicants that applied for licensure in Phase 2 licensing. Those applicants can, at a time TBD by the DCR, amend their Phase 2 annual applications to include delivery. Very importantly, even though we don’t have a set date yet for when delivery licensing will open in Phase 3, if you want social equity delivery licensing in Phase 3 as part of the Pilot Program, you still need to get vetted now during the social equity vetting window that’s open until July 29. The bottom line is that applicants should start now in gathering your business and real estate documents to ensure that you make a timely submission to the city when the delivery window opens, and do not forget to right now (through July 29 only) get pre-qualified as a social equity candidate with the city if you want in on the Pilot Program. c

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JULY 2019

NEWS

HEALTHY LIVING

WEIGHING THE RESULTS Vape pens are the consumption method of the 21st century

By Lanny Swerdlow, RN leek, fashionable, convenient and most of all discreet, cannabis vape pens have undergone a meteoric rise in popularity. Unfortunately, many still view vape pens in the same category as e-cigarettes. So here’s a look at the benefits of using vape pens in lieu of smoking. Utilizing cannabis oils and the process of vaporization, vape pens deliver the potency of THC and other cannabinoids without any of the carcinogens found in the smoke produced when smoking joints and using pipes. Vape pens produce considerably less odor, making it far less noticeable when consuming cannabis in public, which remains illegal in most states that have legalized cannabis. With the advent of disposable vape pens, it is not surprising that the product’s use has skyrocketed. BDS Analytics, a leading cannabis marketing company, has documented that the most significant trend in cannabis has been the emergence of the vape category with 2018 vape sales accounting for 22 percent of revenues at dispensaries in Arizona, California, Colorado and Oregon. Originally cannabis oil was made by allowing butane to flow over cannabis flowers producing a liquid that was evaporated and purged of the butane. Known as butane hash oil (BHO), it developed a very bad reputation as the butane was not always totally removed from the final product, and because it also resulted in hazardous and sometimes deadly

explosions. Other distillates using advanced extraction equipment including supercritical extraction using CO2 instead of butane are now being used, making its commercial production far safer, but it is basically the same process. With the advent of legalization and the requirements for laboratory testing for contaminants, cannabis oils found in vape pens can now be depended on to deliver the goods without the dangers. Concerns regarding vape pens remain with cutting agents such as polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin used in the manufacturing of cannabis oils to produce a homogenous product, increase shelf-life and create a mellow, pleasant vapor cloud. Although recognized as generally safe by the FDA, it should be noted that there are no scientific studies documenting the safety of inhaling these cutting agents that have been heated or burned. Like any product on the market, the consumer needs to weigh the dangers with the perceived benefits. Surely the elimination of the carcinogenic smoke with the use of vape pens mitigates the exceedingly lesser dangers of the other ingredients found in cannabis oils. Admittedly hospitals are not overflowing with patients in hospital beds due to smoking cannabis, unlike smoking tobacco, which is the cause

“Like any product on the market, the consumer needs to weigh the dangers with the perceived benefits.”

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of death for over 400,000 Americans every year. Since neither cutting agents nor cannabis smoke is causing an uptick in debilitating ailments, it is up to the consumer to decide which they prefer based more on convenience and personal preference than any perceived danger. The ability to use cannabis oil vape pens is more impacted by the reactions of elected officials to e-cigarettes, which basically utilize the same vaporization process as cannabis vape pens but dispense the nicotine found in tobacco, rather than the THC found in cannabis. Cigarettes are the number one cause of preventable death in the United States. It is the smoke produced by burning tobacco that causes the monumental increased risk of stroke, heart attack, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes and most cancers. E-cigarettes contain a cartridge of a fluid containing nicotine. They do not produce smoke, thereby significantly reducing the most dangerous aspects of tobacco use. Although nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure and may lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, the dangers of nicotine pale in comparison to the smoke released from burning tobacco. All too often the mad rush to ban e-cigs winds up including all vape products, including cannabis vape pens. If government officials truly wanted to improve the health of their citizens, they would ban all tobacco products and encourage the use of cannabis as a viable and much healthier alternative. c

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REVIEWS

1. Eyce Collector Fly on over this way to buzz like a bee and sip on some nectar— the team at Eyce has you covered. The Eyce Collector’s platinum cured silicone body screams function and durability. With a multi-percolating water filtration, taking a pull of your favorite concentrate will not overpower lungs. Not your average nectar collector, get your buzz on with the Eyce Collector’s built-in container for storage, plus a heat shield. This device comes in green and black, pink and black and blue marble. Get greedy—collect them all! Price: $44.99 More Information: eycemolds.com 2. Aluminum Pipe Vaporizer What do you get when you cross old school swagger with new school technology? Put on your top hat, and get yourself an Aluminum Pipe Vaporizer. This CNC anodized aluminum pipe comes with a stainlesssteel bowl, with your choice of wood or color for the top. If you want to know the secret to this vape tech—all we can say is you’ll have to look into VaporGenie’s patented flame filter. You’re welcome. Price: $65 More Information: vaporgenie.com 16

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3. Envy Glass Dichro Coated Recycler Ready to have all eyes on you? The Envy Glass Dichro Coated Recycler will make sure that everyone within eyeshot stares lovingly at the coolest rig this side of the Mississippi. With dichro coating that resembles a psychedelic oil slick, this recycler was made using the highest quality Boro Schott Glass by Envy Glass Designs. Anyone who steps up to bat with this bad boy will experience a hit delivered with smooth churning action and quick drainage. Price: $399.99 More Information: 420science.com

4. GRAV Labs Fire-Button Portable E-Nail This universal and portable e-nail will ensure that you’re partying like a rock star this 710. If you’re in a rush to get the celebration started, the fast heat-up and cooldown times won’t slow you down! Plus, its high capacity battery means you’ll be able to pass this baby round and round without having to charge in between sessions. Bring everything you need to dab with friends this 710 on-thego, so you can make it happen quickly, conveniently and no matter where you find yourself this holiday. Price: $169.99 More Information: www.everyonedoesit.com

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REVIEWS

entertainment

RELEASE DATE: JULY 26, 2019 AVAILABLE ON: PC, NINTENDO SWITCH, PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX ONE, GOOGLE STADIA

MUSIC MOVIE

Wolfenstein Youngblood

Dir. Jordan Peele Universal Pictures

Lee “Scratch” Perry On-U Sound Records

Ed Rosenthal Pub. Quick American Publishing

Dev. MachineGames, Arkane Studios Pub. Bethesda Softworks

Looking to grow cannabis like an expert? Look no further than the revised and updated version of Marijuana Garden Saver by expert cultivator Ed Rosenthal. This go-to field guide will help you learn how to prevent problems in your grow, while also quickly identifying potential problems if trouble does arise. Whether you’re growing outdoors or indoors, using a hydroponic system or soil, Rosenthal is the most trusted authority in the cannabis cultivation space. Don’t let lack of information be a pest in your garden. (Jacob Cannon)

Wolfenstein games have been around for decades, but the goal always remains the same—eliminate the Nazis. The newest installment in this series, Wolfenstein Youngblood, is a first-person shooter game that takes place in an alternate world where Nazi Germany won World War II. It features two sisters looking for their father in an alternate Paris, France in 1980. This cooperative game allows two players to proceed in the game together and discover an arsenal of new weapons, gadgets and power armor abilities. Get rid of the bad guys, and save your dad! (Nicole Potter)

Us marks comedian Jordan Peele’s second foray into the horror genre and lands with even more scares than his first film, Get Out. The film follows the trials and tribulations of an African American family as they attempt to survive a terrifying encounter with a set of doppelgangers of themselves while on vacation in Santa Cruz, California. Both graphically and psychologically terrifying, Us stands alongside classics of the genre like The Thing and The Exorcist with its ability to not only provide visually horrifying scenery and action, but also go deeper and create an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the film is over. (Simon Weedn)

In the worlds of reggae and dub, few have shaped the music and style or released as much music as the legendary Lee “Scratch” Perry. Now 83, the icon has returned to release yet another batch of tunes entitled Rainford, which is also Perry’s real first name. Collaborating with famed U.K. dub producer Adrian Sherwood, the new record represents one of the most original, concise and focused releases by Perry in years. Though steeped in the reverb and echo that defines the dub sound, there is enough clarity and polish to reveal new ideas and perspectives from one of the most prolific musicians to have ever lived. (Simon Weedn)

BOOK

Marijuana Garden Saver

Rainford

GAME

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FORTUNE AND GLOR 2 CHAINZ DISCUSSES HIS INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH CANNABIS AND LUXURY B Y B E N J A M I N M. A D A M S

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PHOTOS BY NABIL

RY CultureMagazine.com

JULY 2019

s a chart-topping artist and beloved television host of VICELAND’s popular series Most Expensivest, 2 Chainz’s continual fascination for luxurious extravagance and fine cannabis has never faltered. Last fall, he partnered with Green Street Agency and Mazel Management Group to launch GAS Cannabis Co., a premium line of cannabis products geared towards connoisseurs of fine cannabis products. Soon after, Green Street Agency began the process of expanding to a massive seven-story, 67,000-square-foot building in downtown Los Angeles, California, which will be one of the largest U.S. buildings dedicated exclusively to showcasing fine cannabis brands including GAS. With two decades of experience in the entertainment world under his belt, 2 Chainz knows exactly what he wants at this point in his career. Over 20 years ago, the rapper and his childhood friend Earl “Dolla Boy” Conyers formed Playaz Circle, and they popularized the sound of southern hip-hop and the style of music coming from greater Atlanta, Georgia. 2 Chainz entered the mainstream charts in 2012 after he signed with Def Jam Recordings, with his first solo offering going Platinum and leading to a long string of hits. 2 Chainz has won numerous awards including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance and five additional nominations, as well as a Soul Train Award and multiple BET Awards. The rapper also boasts several number one albums on the Billboard 200, the

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U.S. Rap and U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop charts. His fifth full length studio album, Rap or Go to the League, released in March, also rose to the top of the U.S. Rap and U.S. R&B/ Hip-Hop charts. Two years ago the veteran rapper began hosting VICELAND’s Most Expensivest, and on each episode viewers are invited on a tour of the shiniest, most opulent and over-the-top luxury items on the market. Spending six figures or more at a time is a challenge for almost anyone else, but not for 2 Chainz. Anyone who knows the rapper knows that he does not settle for anything that is less than top-shelf—from upscale jewelry to lavish clothing and luxury vape pens. Season 3 of Most Expensivest premiered on June 11, and for the first episode, the rapper invited Amber Rose to explore luxurious adult products. Tune in to VICELAND to catch 2 Chainz on the rest of his journey this season, which includes appearances from Erykah Badu, Jerry Rice and Mark Cuban. The rapper’s cannabis line is available as pre-rolls and 3.5 ounce packages at select locations throughout California. With three corresponding colors, the line comes in three categories representing grades of gasoline. According to 2 Chainz’s own words, GAS is an acronym for “Good Ass Shit,” but the line incorporates a unique theme centered on refueling at the gas station. Just as you’d select unleaded, unleaded plus or premium gasoline at the pump, there are three grades of cannabis that 2 Chainz himself helped conceptualize and develop. His wise investment in the cannabis industry puts him in a position to collect more revenue. CULTURE was able to catch up with 2 Chainz in a private setting to discuss what he has planned for the cannabis industry.

“IT’S ALL ABOUT LUXURY. IT’S ABOUT TASTE FOR ME. I DON’T WANT TO DUMB NOTHING DOWN FOR NOBODY. THIS IS ABOUT HOW I ENJOY HIGH LUXURY.”

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JULY 2019

“I’VE ALWAYS SMOKED CANNABIS. I’VE ALWAYS LOOKED AT IT LIKE THAT. IT’S NEVER BOTHERED ME. THAT’S HOW I WENT ON ABOUT MY LIFE, AND I NEVER DEALT WITH THE CONSEQUENCES AS IT WENT ON.”

The cannabis industry is booming across the nation. What led you to become involved in the cannabis market? My whole thing in life has been to exceed expectations—and I think that’s what I’m doing with my GAS brand. It’s all about legal distribution. It’s about having all the documents that you need together. It’s all about really changing something that used to be taboo or something bad, especially in my community, as far as doing things like trapping and selling weed. It made me come up with my own brand, my own strain of legal cannabis 26

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flower. It’s made up of three very potent levels of flower all stemming from the lingo, which is really about gas. I’m happy to be taking it to higher levels with our marketing ideas and even advertising concepts that I can really have that correlation with my music. That’s why it’s so easy for me. I’m so excited about this, because I did all of this. We noticed that you have GAS flower branded as unleaded, unleaded plus and premium for the theme of your cannabis line. We were really impressed at the strategy that you’ve taken.

We’ve got it stored in a gas can right here! [Pointing to a prop containing GAS cannabis.] This is an actual gas can. This is more for people that want to have a supply of the GAS and serve the monthly subscribers. It’s like you’re at the gas station and you need to know which kind of gas you’re looking for based on what you need. We’ve got the premium. We’ve got the other levels. It’s all about luxury. It’s about taste for me. I don’t want to dumb nothing down for nobody. This is about how I enjoy high luxury.

Everybody’s excited about recreational sales rolling out nationally and internationally. Do you like it better now that the cannabis market is going recreational, or when it was medical-only? Whatever it was, it never bothered me. That was exactly the same thing I was doing. I’ve always smoked cannabis. I’ve always looked at it like that. It’s never bothered me. That’s how I went on about my life, and I never dealt with the consequences as it went on. But I kept on smoking weed and getting into trouble and getting fines. I kind of just kept going on, not worrying about the charges. That’s basically my argument. That’s the only drug that I do, and it’s just like I say to myself, “That’s it for me.” I might have a joint. That’s just my flavor. That’s what I do. And so it feels good now to have it legal and to not being so nervous to just be doing something that you consider normal and something that is not hurting anyone else. Have you always been a daily cannabis smoker? Yes. What do you have planned in the next upcoming few months? I plan on changing my family’s life with this right here. [Motioning towards his GAS products.] Legal cannabis. I plan on making enough money to be able to invest in all the things that I want to do. Just being an entrepreneur and a leader in my community.

Competition is fierce in the commercial cannabis market. Do you have more GAS products that you plan on rolling out? Sure. I have all of that coming. But this right here is about kicking around and making myself comfortable. So that’s what this GAS is, even the concept, the marketing, the colors and everything. It’s about my position in this sort of chill space, whether they want to give me the top shelf or whatever. People will see these colors and know that it’s a representation of me. You’ll know that it has a lot of my personality, and you’ll at least try it. Once you try it, you’ll know where it came from. Can you explain the green, yellow and black color scheme for your product line?

Yes. So the green is 87. We have three different types of gas or octane that we serve. It’s 87, 89 and 93. Eighty-seven will be something that is for like a car that is not a 2018, 2019 model. But at the same time, it’s strong enough to actually get the job done. I like to call it “the morning” or “the wake-up.” I have this hybrid. This yellow one in the middle is our 89. This is in between the others for a reason. It’s as strong as the green but not as strong as the black. It’s something that I think you can do throughout the day, such as when you’re on [a] lunch break. When you’re at work and you don’t want to be totally stoned. This black is more for the really laid back and chill nighttime kind of thing. This one I really enjoy. I smoke

the strongest all the time, even in the morning. But that’s me. Some people might not be able to handle that. It’s for those people who really enjoy that super duper body high. That’s what the 93 is for. The color scheme is fascinating. What do these colors mean to you personally? These are actually Jamaican flag colors. So, I just knew that they were colors that would stand out. What kind of cannabis do you prefer to smoke in your free time? This is my product and what I actually smoke. I smoke my own weed. c www.2chainz.com

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JULY 2019

TOMORROW’S TRENDS

These concentrate buzzwords will be trending this 710 By Benjamin M. Adams Looking forward into 2020 and beyond, the trend forecast for cannabis concentrates looks promising. Today, the search for the most potent forms of concentrates is old news. Daytime consumption and concentrate microdosing are more appealing to adult professionals. While products that are infused with cannabidiol (CBD) are quite literally flying off the shelves in drug stores, beauty stores and dispensaries—cannabis consumers are beginning to shift interests to the plant’s other compounds, as well as new forms of delivery. Curt Robbins is an author of more than 500 articles regarding the science of cannabis and hemp. While he no longer uses the moniker

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Gooey Rabinski, has authored or helped to develop several cannabisrelated, science-based books under that handle. As far as the 710 industry is concerned, Robbins predicts a shift away from the oversaturation of the most popular cannabis compounds. “This may be the year that the industry evolves beyond THC or CBD in marketing [techniques],” Robbins told CULTURE. “I think the turning point is when the average middle class American realizes that the plant is much more than merely a single psychoactive cannabinoid.” The new trends might include terpenes, precision dosing, emulsion processes and the lesser known compounds that also have various medical benefits. Here’s a rundown of a few trending buzzwords in the world of concentrates.

Terpenes

CBN-rich Dabs

Experts predict that terpenes will continue to rise in popularity. Many consumers are just beginning to learn about the synergistic effects of combining cannabis compounds—the way nature intended. “The entourage effect, the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically to create additional and greater efficacy is embraced by many, but still—officially—a theory,” Robbins admitted. Robbins helped to popularize #TerpeneTuesday on social media to spread awareness. “Decades ago, it was thought that terpenes merely added aroma to cannabis and hemp and little else,” he said. “Although we need more research, there are literally thousands of research studies that illustrate the medicinal value of terpenes. Most of America knows about one of the more than 400 molecules in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Their mindset is typically limited to THC and thinking of the plant as inherently psychoactive.” The medical properties of terpenes add a whole new facet to cannabis. “The fact that terpenes offer solid medicinal efficacy, beyond merely an attractive aroma, will allow products to be created that go beyond ‘luxurious bathing’ and other creature comforts to deliver true health benefits and wellness.”

A handful of companies have called cannabinol (CBN) the “most underrated” cannabinoid. THC transforms into CBN via oxidation, or THC’s vulnerability to oxygen. CBN is touted to be useful for treating insomnia and other ailments. With concentrates, higher concentrations of CBN turn the appearance of the concentrate to a rusty color. While a cultivar may be lower in THC, it may have higher levels of CBN, which in effect has its own benefits. “One trend is going to be away from a focus on THC and CBD to the other 111 cannabinoids manufactured by the cannabis sativa genome,” Robbins reiterated. “Some companies will focus on cannabinoids such as CBN to reduce anxiety and act as a sleep aid.” As Robbins said, the usefulness of CBN is most noticeable in its suggested ability to control and modulate sleep. “A mix of CBN and the terpenes myrcene (the most common in cannabis) and linalool is also good for sleep disorders, which affect 80 million Americans,” Robbins pointed out.

Precision Dosing Until recently, it’s been exclusively up to cannabis consumers to control the size of each dose— but that is now changing. Santa Monica, California-based Dosist offers a product that has the capability of delivering even doses every time. Dosist’s pens vibrate when a consumer has inhaled for three seconds, providing similar hits each time. Obviously, it didn’t take long for celebrityendorsed brands to follow suit. Last May, Snoop Dogg’s venture

“This may be the year that the industry evolves beyond THC or CBD in marketing [techniques].”

capital firm Casa Verde Capital invested in Indose, a company that manufacturers vape pens capable of delivering precise dosages of THC. The devices have small lights that allow users to control how much THC will be delivered in each hit. They measure THC in increments of 0.5 milligrams, up to 3 milligrams, which is close to an average hit of cannabis, according to the company.

Nano CBD Concentrates Who says that all cannabis concentrates need to be oil-based? CBD nanoemulsification may sound high tech, but it’s simply a way to describe thousands of tiny globules of CBD oil infused into water through microemulsion. It’s created to optimize drug delivery within the body. The tiny beads of CBD can range from 100-1,000 nanometers, or even as small as 25 nanometers. Nanoemulsions allow the sustained, controlled release of CBD. They can be engineered through high pressure homogenization, among other processes. The rise of nanaoemulsificiation techniques confirm that concentrates don’t necessarily need to be oily. Varying emulsion processes have been used to make CBD and other cannabinoids dissolveable in water for edibles, products and concentrates. c CultureMagazine.com

JULY 2019

2019 STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN OF CONCENTRATE LAWS The rules and regulations surrounding cannabis concentrates differ drastically depending on what state you call home. Nevada and Oregon, for instance, are exceptionally tolerant of concentrates and have no penalty or fine for personal amounts, while a crumb’s worth of hash or wax could lead to time in prison in other states. Every state has different approaches to regulating cannabis concentrates. Whether you live in a liberated state where concentrates are not highly punishable, or if your state has a long way to go in terms of concentrate reform, here’s a list of every state’s concentrate laws.

JULY 2019 CultureMagazine.com

Alabama

Delaware

Possession of hash or THC concentrates is considered a Class C felony, which can result in anywhere between one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Manufacturing can lead to up to life in prison. The state has a law that allows the use of medical CBD products.

Penalties for hash or concentrates are the same as for cannabis flower. This means that possession of one ounce or less of cannabis or concentrates is not considered a crime. Anything between one ounce and 175 ounces is considered a misdemeanor with possible jail time of three months and a $575 fine. Higher amounts of concentrates increase penalties. Former Gov. Jack Markell signed SB-90, or Rylie’s Law on June 23, 2015, which sets up a registry for cannabis oil for qualifying patients with epilepsy.

Alaska

Possession of three or less grams of hash or concentrate is a misdemeanor punishable with a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of one year. Possession of more than three grams is a felony, with a fine up to $50,000 and up to two years in prison. Delivery of hash or concentrates is also a felony and punishable up to three years. The state has a medical cannabis program and legalized recreational cannabis.

Arizona

Possessing concentrates is a felony, which results in a maximum threeyear prison sentence and either a minimum $2,000 fine or the value of the concentrate product times three, as determined by a court. Possession of concentrates for sale is a Class 2 felony and punishable with up to three years and a maximum of 10 months imprisonment. Manufacturing is a Class 2 felony as well and nets a punishment of up to 10 years in prison. The state has a medical cannabis program.

Arkansas

Penalties for concentrates in Arkansas are identical to penalties for cannabis flower, which means that possessing small amounts of concentrates, up to four ounces, is considered a misdemeanor punishable by a $2,500 fine and a maximum of one year in jail. The state has a medical cannabis program.

California

Referred to as “concentrated cannabis,” those who are not

currently medical cannabis card holders may possess up to eight grams of concentrates. Depending on the method of extraction, penalties are as follows: Extracted chemical concentrates made using butane can cost up to $50,000 and prison time of up to seven years. Concentrates created through the use of screens, presses or other means yields a prison term of 16 months, two years, or three years (determined by a court). The state has a medical cannabis program and legalized recreational cannabis.

Colorado

There is no penalty for concentrate possession in Colorado, as long as you have less than one ounce. Up to three ounces is a misdemeanor punishable up to six to 18 months imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. The state has a medical cannabis program and legalized recreational cannabis.

Connecticut

Penalties regarding hash or concentrates are the same as laws involving the cannabis plant. Less than one-half ounce of cannabis or hash is considered merely a civil penalty, with a fine of $150. Possessing more than that is considered a misdemeanor and punishable with up to a $2,000 civil fine. The state has a medical cannabis program.

Florida

Possession of hash and concentrate products is a misdemeanor that requires up to one year in prison and a $1,000 maximum fine for 20 grams or less. More than that amount becomes a felony, which charges offenders with up to five years prison time and up to a $5,000 fine. Any tools related to creating hash or concentrates is considered to be drug paraphernalia. Former Gov. Rick Scott signed SB-1030, which allows cannabis oil with under 0.8 percent THC and more than 10 percent CBD for patients with cancer, chronic seizures or severe muscle spasms. The state has a medical cannabis program, specifically for the case of CBD for medical use.

Georgia

Possession of any amount of concentrate with 15 percent or more THC are considered to be a Schedule I substance. Possession of less than one gram, or less than one milliliter of liquid cannabis, is punishable with a maximum of three years and a fine up to $5,000. On April 16, 2015, former Gov. Nathan Deal signed HB-1, or Haleigh’s Hope Act, which allows cannabis oil with no more than five percent THC for patients with a variety of illnesses. The state has a medical cannabis law to allow cannabis extracts that are high in CBD. CultureMagazine.com

JULY 2019

Hawaii

Hawaii considers less than oneeighth of an ounce of hash to be a misdemeanor and punishable with up to a $2,000 fine and up to one year in prison. More than one-eighth is considered a felony. The state has a medical cannabis program.

Idaho

Hash and concentrates are not defined and therefore, the punishments are the same as cannabis. Three ounces or less is considered a misdemeanor and punishable with up to one year and a maximum $1,000 fine. The state does not have a medical cannabis program.

Illinois

Punishments for possessing concentrate are the same as cannabis flower offenses. Possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis or concentrates is a civil violation with a maximum $200 fine. The state has a medical cannabis program.

Indiana

Possession of less than five grams or more of concentrate is a felony, which can lead to up to two-anda-half years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. CBD products that contain less than three percent THC have no penalties or fines and 32

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are exempt from the criminal code. The state does not have a medical cannabis program.

Iowa

Concentrates receive the same punishments for possession as cannabis flower, with a slight alteration regarding delivery. As such, possession of any amount is a misdemeanor, with six months jail time and up to $1,000 for the first offense. Former Gov. Terry Branstad signed SF-2360 into law on May 30, 2014, which allows for the possession of CBD concentrates with less than three percent THC. The bill received heavy support from families who advocated for medical cannabis laws.

Kansas

Concentrates and cannabis share the same penalties in Kansas. Possession is considered to be a misdemeanor with a penalty of six months jail time and up to a $1,000 fine. Possession with intent to distribute any amount over 450 grams is a felony punishable by up to a $100,000 fine and a maximum amount of 42 months in jail. CBD products that contain less than three percent THC have no penalties or fines and are exempt from the criminal code.

Kentucky

Penalties for cannabis and hash are equally lenient. Less than eight

ounces of either is considered a misdemeanor, with up to 45 days of prison time and a fine up to $250. On April 10, 2014, former Gov. Steve Beshear signed SB-124 into law, and it excludes CBD from the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definition of cannabis. The state does not have a medical cannabis program.

Louisiana

Penalties are the same for concentrates and cannabis. Possession of 14 grams or less of concentrate is not classified as a crime and carries a maximum fine of $300 and 15 days in jail. Possession of over 14 grams of concentrates can lead to a fine up to $500 and six months in jail. A one-time, two-year â&#x20AC;&#x153;cleansing periodâ&#x20AC;? applies for first-time convictions, blocking punishments for old convictions. The state has medical cannabis laws enacted.

Maine

Possession of five grams or less of concentrates carries no penalty. Possession of over five grams of concentrates can lead to up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Trafficking concentrates is punishable by five years in jail and a $5,000 fine, and trafficking concentrates with a prior conviction can lead to 10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine. The state has both medical and recreational laws enacted.

Maryland

Penalties for concentrates and cannabis are the same. Possession of 10 grams of concentrates or less is considered a civil offense with no risk of jail time and punishable by a maximum $100 fine. The state has medical and limited decriminalization laws enacted.

Massachusetts

Possession of up to five grams of concentrates carries no penalty and no fine. Possession of more than that, and up to an ounce, is only a civil offense with a maximum $100 fine. Possession of more than an ounce is punishable up to one year in jail. Manufacturing concentrates is considered serious and carries penalties of 2.5-15 years in jail. The state has both medical and recreational programs.

Michigan

Penalties have been recently updated. Adult possession of up to 15 grams of concentrate carries no penalty and no fine. Possession of more than 2.5 ounces of cannabis and up to 5 ounces of cannabis is a civil infraction. Possession of more than 5 ounces of cannabis is a misdemeanor. The state has both medical and recreational programs.

Minnesota

Possession of 45.2 grams or less is considered a misdemeanor with a

maximum of fine of $200. Possession of amounts more than that is considered a felony and punishments increase with higher amounts, and multiplies if the crime occurred near a school. The state has limited medical cannabis laws enacted.

Mississippi

Possessing 0.1 grams of hash is a misdemeanor or felony with a maximum fine of $1,000; 0.1-2 grams is a felony and punishable up to three years. For higher amounts, there is a risk of the accused spending eight years or more in prison. The state has limited CBD laws enacted, which allows for concentrates containing over 15 percent CBD and less than 0.5 percent THC for qualifying patients. The CBD oil must be obtained from the University of Mississippi and dispensed by the Department of Pharmacy Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Missouri

Possession of 10 grams or less is considered a misdemeanor and can carry a maximum fine of $500. Possession of over 1035 grams is a misdemeanor punishable by a $2,000 fine and one year in jail, and amounts higher than that is punishable by seven years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. The state has CBD and medical cannabis laws enacted, but the medical

cannabis system is not yet operational.

Montana

Possession of one gram or less of concentrate can lead to a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of $500. Possession of over one gram of concentrate is considered a felony punishable up to three years and a fine of $1,000. Manufacturing concentrates can lead to a maximum 10-year sentence. The state has a medical cannabis program.

Nebraska

Consuming concentrates is not a good idea in this state. Although possession of personal amounts of cannabis is only an infraction, possession of concentrates is a Class IV felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Selling concentrates is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The state has localized decriminalization laws enacted.

Nevada

Possession of up to one-eighth ounce (3.5 grams) of hash or concentrates is not a crime, and there is no penalty. Possession of larger amounts of concentrate will incur incremental criminal penalties. The state has medical and expansive recreational cannabis laws.

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JULY 2019

New Hampshire

Possession of five grams or less of hash or concentrates is considered a civil violation and punishable by a $100 fine. Manufacturing or selling concentrates, however, is a felony and punishable by 1-20 years in prison depending on the quantity. The state has a medical cannabis program.

New Jersey

Five grams or less of hash is not a crime but the offender will be issued a Disorderly Person citation with up to six months in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. Possession of larger amounts or manufacturing concentrates incurs harsher punishments, up to 20 years in prison. The state has a medical cannabis program.

New Mexico

No possession limits apply, but any amount of hash is punishable of up to $1,000 and a maximum oneyear sentence. A second offense can lead to a maximum of 18 years in prison. The state has a medical cannabis program.

New York

Possession of less than onequarter ounce of concentrate is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a maximum $1,000 fine. Over one-quarter ounce is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Manufacturing or possession of larger amount can lead to a 15-year sentence. The state has a medical cannabis program.

North Carolina

Possession of less than 0.5 ounces or less is a Class 3 misdemeanor and gets you a $200 fine. Up to 0.15 ounces is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a 1-45 day sentence. More than 0.15 ounces is a felony and can lead to a 4-6 month jail sentence. The state has CBD laws enacted. 34

JULY 2019 CultureMagazine.com

North Dakota

Ingesting concentrates is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $3,000 fine. Possession, however, is a felony and punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Manufacturing concentrates can lead to a felony with 10 years in prison and a maximum $20,000 fine. The state has a medical cannabis program.

Ohio

Possession of five grams solid or one-gram liquid hash or concentrate is a misdemeanor with no incarceration and a fine no great than $150. Penalties for possession (as well as selling or manufacturing concentrates) rise based on the amount with a maximum of a second-degree felony with eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The state has a medical cannabis program.

Oklahoma

Possession of any amount of cannabis or concentrates is a misdemeanor with up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. However, processing cannabis into hash is a felony and punishable for between two years to life in jail and a fine up to $50,000. Former Gov. Mary Fallin signed House Bill 2154 in 2015, which allows consumption of cannabis oil containing less than 0.3 percent THC for the treatment of qualifying conditions. The state also has a medical cannabis program.

Oregon

There are no penalties for the possession of 16 ounces or less of solid concentrates at home, 72 ounces or less of infused liquids at home or one ounce or less of extract at home. However, unlicensed concentrates bought through the black market can lead to a misdemeanor or felony, between six months to five years of incarceration and up to a $125,000 fine, depending on the amount. The state has a medical cannabis program and legalized recreational cannabis.

Pennsylvania

Medical patients may possess a 30-day supply of concentrates. For those who do not have a medical cannabis recommendation, eight grams or less of hash or concentrate is a misdemeanor with a $500 fine and maximum 30 days in prison. Possession of more than eight grams or manufacturing of concentrates can yield up to five years incarceration and up to a $15,000 fine.

Rhode Island

An ounce or less of concentrate or flowers is only a civil violation with no incarceration and a maximum $150 fine. The penalties for hash and concentrates are the same as they are for cannabis in Rhode Island. The state has a medical cannabis program.

South Carolina

Possession of 10 grams or less of concentrates could lead to a misdemeanor conviction with 30 days incarceration and a $200 fine. Possession of more than 10 grams of concentrate carry greater penalties. On June 2, 2014, former Gov. Nikki Haley signed Section 1035, or Julianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Law, which allows patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome and other severe forms of epilepsy to obtain CBD oil.

South Dakota

Possession of any amount of concentrate is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The punishment is identical for manufacturing, distributing and dispensing concentrates. Possession of paraphernalia can also lead to a misdemeanor with a $500 fine and 30 days imprisonment.

Tennessee

Possession is a misdemeanor punishable by a minimum of 11 months imprisonment and a $2,500 fine. Manufacturing, delivering or selling concentrates is not tolerated, and the punishment can lead to a sentence of up to 60 years in prison at up to a $500,000 fine. The state does allow for medical CBD oil for qualifying conditions.

Texas

Possession of even less than one gram of concentrate is a felony with a $10,000 fine and up to two years in prison. Possession of larger amounts or manufacturing or delivery of concentrates can lead to life in prison. The state does allow for medical CBD oil for qualifying conditions.

Utah

Possession of less than an ounce of concentrate or flower results in a minimum of up to six months

in jail plus a $1,000 fine, and any cannabis conviction results in suspension of a driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license for six months. The penalties for concentrates and hash are identical to those for cannabis in the state. The state has a medical cannabis program and allows medical CBD oil for qualifying conditions.

Vermont

Possession of five grams or less of concentrates is only a civil violation with a $200 fine and no jail time. Possession of more than five grams of concentrate can lead to six months to two years incarceration and a fine between $500 to $2,000. The state has a medical cannabis program and legalized recreational cannabis.

Virginia

Cannabis extract with over 15 percent CBD but under five percent THC is eligible for affirmative defense of prosecution. Possessing any amount of cannabis oil with more than 12 percent THC is a felony and punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The state allows for medical CBD oil for qualifying conditions.

Washington

Possession of seven grams or less of concentrate, 16 ounces or less of solid cannabis-infused product or 72 ounces or less of liquid cannabis-infused product carries no penalty or fine. Over 40

grams, however, results in a felony with up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The state has a medical cannabis program and legalized recreational cannabis.

West Virginia

Possession of any amount of concentrate or cannabis is a misdemeanor with 90 days to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The sale of any kind of cannabis is considered a felony with a one-year mandatory sentence that can rise to five years. Penalties for concentrate are the same as those for cannabis. The state has a medical cannabis program.

Wisconsin

Possession of any amount of concentrate is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine. It becomes a felony for subsequent offenses which are punishable by up to three-and-a-half years and a maximum fine of $10,000. The state does allow for medical CBD oil for qualifying conditions.

Wyoming

Possession of 0.3 grams or less of liquid concentrate is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a $1,000 fine. Over 0.3 grams is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The state does allow for medical CBD oil for qualifying conditions. c CultureMagazine.com

JULY 2019

RAISING RIVER CBD is improving

River’s quality of life By Addison Herron-Wheeler River “Ducky” Barclay’s father, John Barclay, remembers the exact date that his daughter was diagnosed with Batten disease—Nov. 16, 2017. And he remembers when she first had a seizure, on St. Patrick’s Day, after eating junk food for dinner and complaining of a headache. It’s not surprising that he remembers these dates, considering that River’s diagnosis of Batten disease changed the course of his life. At first, River was just complaining of headaches and having vision issues. Her eyes were crossing, and John initially thought his daughter simply needed glasses. Soon, she began having seizures, and John was faced with finding a way to treat his daughter. 36

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River began experiencing frequent seizures that required a lot of medication. She was having small seizures, drop seizures and at times, John observed her having about 300 seizures a day. There were times when she seemed to stop and would almost catch herself seizing, and other times when she would jump or launch herself into the air and would need to be caught and protected from hurting herself. All of this meant she had to be heavily medicated. “There was definitely this sense of taking her spirit,” John explained about the effects of the medications. “The two medicines she was on also took her speech; she stopped swallowing; she stopped doing everything. She was holding her saliva, and I couldn’t get her to go to school or to do anything; she was on the couch all the time. It was just horrific.” Finally, River was taken off the medication and given cannabidiol (CBD). Her family learned about CBD from a doctor who discreetly passed on the knowledge that it was something they could try. And now, despite suffering from a degenerative neurological disorder that is destroying irreplaceable brain cells, she is experiencing fewer seizures. As residents of Washington State, it was easier for Barclay to get his hands on medical cannabis than it would have been in other states. “Michelle, my ex, was an asset manager and worked with a medical marijuana dispensary,” he explained. “They had this CBD tincture, and I thought, ‘It can’t hurt.’ There were supposed to be two milligrams [of CBD] for every 10 drops, which of course is still inaccurate, but she tried it, and we started to see results.” Soon, they began getting more tinctures and trying higher amounts of CBD with River. Although it did not restore their daughter’s health to her previous state before her brain cells were damaged, she could now do things without having to be held or restrained for fear of constant seizing. “She started doing so much better, and we thought this is literally liquid gold,” he explained. “But we still had to keep upping her dose because her condition is so bad. Right now, we’re on about 260 milligrams per day, and she just goes through so much CBD.” “It was getting so expensive, but it

“She started doing so much better, and we thought this is literally liquid gold.” didn’t matter that we were spending $1,000 a month on CBD, because it was helping,” John added. “But then I realized I could grow it too, so I started doing that.” Batten disease is a specifically tragic condition, one that easily makes parents feel hopeless and lost. But John has a message for parents of children with this disease, or other parents with children who are suffering who want to try CBD, “Don’t give up.” “If there aren’t any

results, don’t give up; try another kind of CBD,” he said. “It’s like a headache. You know, if you take a Tylenol for the wrong kind of headache, or aspirin for the wrong kind of pain, you switch and take another medication. It’s the same thing with CBD, for cannabis. Give it a shot; test it a little bit; record the results. Then you can keep track of what actually worked. We started small at first, but when we gave her more, we saw better results. If I didn’t see anything after so much time, I gave up and went on to the next thing. And share the knowledge, because what didn’t work for you could work for someone else.” River is getting help and relief from CBD, and for John and the other people who love her, that makes all the difference. c

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ENGAGING EDUCATION

Explore the wondrous world of cannabis extracts with these useful books By Nicole Potter

The world of cannabis concentrates is vast. If you strive to have a better understanding of anything in this industry—from extraction to business operations—it will either come naturally to you, or you must work hard to educate yourself. Online articles and videos are informative when it comes to brief selfeducation, but nothing beats a good book written by an industry expert. If you’re looking for an educational source on concentrates, look no further than books such as these, which touch on extract processes, concentrates as medicine and so much more. 38

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Beyond Buds: Marijuana Extracts— Hash, Vaping, Dabbing, Edibles & Medicines BY ED ROSENTHAL

No list is complete without a cannabis book written by Ed Rosenthal. This revered cannabis author has written books about every question that one can ask about cannabis. Many of his books explore cannabis cultivation and cannabis flower harvesting techniques, but this particular book educates readers on the various types of cannabis concentrates and how to consume them. Defining everything from sift to hash, and comparing butane hash oil versus CO2 oil and vaping versus dabbing, are just a few examples of the complexities of cannabis concentrates that Rosenthal mentions.

Cannabis Extracts: The Marijuana Handbook BY JAMES HENDERSON If you’re looking for a beginner’s guide to all things concentrates, then this book takes the cake. It contains basic information about the many types of extracts such as kief, hash, rosin and Rick Simpson Oil. Additionally, it presents guides on how cannabis extract can be used, and how readers can safely make their own concentrates at home.

Cannabis Extracts in Medicine: The Promise of Benefits in Seizure Disorders, Cancer and Other Conditions BY JEFFREY DACH, M.D., ELAINE A. MOORE AND JUSTIN KANDER Cannabis has become especially mainstream thanks to its ability to help treat many people’s medical conditions. Nowadays it isn’t enough to just consume cannabis concentrates but to understand the science behind them. This book teaches of the intricacies of the endocannabinoid system, and how medical cannabis extracts interact with the human body to treat conditions such as seizure disorders, cancer and chronic pain. Best of all, it has an entire chapter dedicated to successful research studies on cannabidiol (CBD), and it also addresses the legal issues and hurdles surrounding the industry as well.

CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis--Healing Without the High BY LEONARD LEINOW AND JULIANA BIRNBAUM This book is another great tool geared toward educating readers about the benefits of CBD products in “oil infusions, tinctures, capsules, topicals and extracts.” Specifically geared toward medical patients, it provides a comprehensive look at informing the reader about the biology and chemistry of the cannabis plant, the endocannabinoid system, the most popular medicine delivery methods, dosage guidelines, side effects and so many other things to consider with cannabis medicine.

Essential DIY Cannabis Extracts and Concentrates

is right for them. It also offers how-to guides on simple and safe ways to prepare cannabis extracts at home.

DIY Cannabis Extracts: Marijuana Extraction Guide - Step by Step BY JAY SANDERS Whether you’re a novice cannabis consumer in general, or simply a flower enthusiast ready to take the next step toward concentrates, this book is for you. It’s a short one, about 40 pages, but this quick read provides enough information to help readers understand and choosing which extracts are right for them. Those who are interested in getting this book can learn the basics of making rosin and cannabis oil, so they can be self-sufficient in the future.

Cannabis Oil QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Oil BY CLYDEBANK ALTERNATIVE One of the best ways to learn about cannabis is to obtain an all-encompassing book that tells readers everything they need to know. This one is a winner under that criteria, offering a variety of information of cannabis, its many uses, the basics of cannabis oil, the complexities of plant cultivation and cannabis as medicine.

Cannabis Extracts: The Ultimate Guide on How to Make Marijuana Extracts For Cooking in Your Home, Including Cannabis Cookbook With 10 Recipes For Tasting Cannabis Cookies BY MONICA JACOBS

BY AARON HAMMOND Those looking for an easy-todigest guide about a variety of extracts will find everything they need to start right in this book. With this tool, readers can educate themselves on the most popular methods of extraction, while exploring which concentrate

Cannabis extracts are potent pain relievers and muscle relaxers, but infusing food with cannabis oil is also becoming a popular way to consume. This particular book targets how to create cannabis oil at home with the specific intention of using it for culinary use. Learn the basics of extraction and how to make it taste delicious by adding it into entrées and desserts. c CultureMagazine.com

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“Adjoin” by xsullo

HOVERING HEIGHTS

Award-winning artist xsullo takes High Art to a new plane By Addison Herron-Wheeler Influenced by cyberpunk, anime, the future and the massively trippy, xsullo’s art is everything you want to see in a contemporary artist. It’s no wonder he took the High Art prize this year with his piece entitled “Adjoin.” xsullo, whose real name is Nick Sullo, transforms images of people into futuristic cyborgs who are still very much in touch with spirituality, and his art depicts cannabis culture in a completely uncommonly fascinating way. Too often, the marrying of styles can seem hacky or overdone, especially in the world of cannabis art and when working with contemporary subject matter, but xsullo pulls it off without a hitch. CULTURE talked to Sullo about his art, his recent win and the gorgeous works he hopes to craft for years to come.

How did you first get started making art, and how did that coincide with your cannabis journey? I started getting into art as early as four or five, just doodling, coloring in coloring books, everyday kind of kid things with drawing. When my family and teachers noticed I had an interest in it, they tried to keep it alive. I had a teacher who noticed I had a passion and helped me pick up more of a skill set. I started learning about painting, watercolors, all kinds of art, and just noticed I really had a passion and just absolutely loved it. As I got older, I realized I wanted to do art for a living. Then things started to become more digital, and I started learning even more. This was around the same time I started to learn about and have a relationship with cannabis. I got into Photoshop, which is great, because you can just sit down and use so many tools to create. It all kind of just went from there. How would you describe your style and the kind of art you create? I would say it’s a lot of ’90s, cyberpunk-influenced kind of stuff. There’s definitely an influence of anime, like when I was a kid and

“I think a little more critically and creatively when I smoke. Sometimes I have a kind of breakthrough into a different kind of creative realm artistically.” Dragon Ball Z started to get so big in the U.S. Then it kind of got more surreal when I got into college, so I think the artwork I was creating back then was more like pop, and then I got more into surrealism. That’s kind of what you see me doing now, the marriage between pop and surrealism. Which piece that you’ve created so far are you the proudest of? I think that would have to be the one with the guy pretty much ripping off his face and revealing his skull. It was a really fun, powerful kind of in-your-face piece that I had a lot of fun coming up with; I always think about that because it was always a turning point for me. There has always kind of been an homage in my art to all the things I grew up with, like Northern

California and technology, and a fusion of those things. How did you find out about the High Art contest, and what made you want to enter? They actually reached out to me, which was awesome. I think they reached out to several artists to kind of get the momentum going. I was really excited when I heard there was going to be a technology theme. I thought it would be a great chance to get my art out there. Why do you think this contest is important, both for art and for cannabis? It’s great that some of the award money for the award gets donated, so you get to donate to a great cause. Also, I think cannabis and art definitely go hand-in-hand. For me, I think cannabis is a great creative outlet. It’s a way for me to kind of relax. Everything kind of calms down, and I don’t have as much heavy judgments on myself. I think a little more critically and creatively when I smoke. Sometimes I have a kind of breakthrough into a different kind of creative realm artistically. I also think art can really help with cannabis, because with legalization, it’s great to have a nice piece of artwork attached to the product and a nice logo. That’s definitely what draws the customer’s attention. It creates a nice, positive environment to have artwork associated with cannabis. c www.instagram.com/xsullo CultureMagazine.com

JULY 2019

T H E G R E AT OUTDOORS

America has many traditions, but few are more classic than preparing and cooking grilled food. While we celebrate freedom on Fourth of July, we also celebrate our ability to choose specific barbecue sauce, spices, meat choices, methods of preparation and the use of various “herbs.” Best of all—it is all delicious. Celebrate your Independence Day the right way with these American barbecue recipes, topped through-and-through with cannabisinfused goods. Be sure to exercise extreme caution when cooking with high-heat tools like a grill while consuming cannabis, and you’ll be able to enjoy many of the freedoms that this great country provides.

I N S T R U C T I O N S: 1. Mix all the ingredients for meat marinade in a plastic bag. Cut sirloin steak into one-inch cubes, and place in marinade for at least 1 hour (or a maximum of five hours).

K ABOBS I N G R E D I E N T S:

ME AT M A RIN A DE

SKEWERS

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak

1/8 cup olive oil

2 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons cannabisinfused olive oil

1/8 cup cannabisinfused olive oil

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon black pepper

JULY 2019 CultureMagazine.com

1 green bell pepper, cut into cubes 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into cubes

1 red onion, cut into cubes

Salt and pepper

1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes

Skewer sticks (either wooden or metal)

2. Alternate vegetables and meat as desired onto a skewer stick. Cover skewers evenly with infused olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. If there is reserved marinade, use it to cover the skewers as well. 3. On a high-heat grill, cook skewers for 10 minutes. Flip onto different sides throughout cook time.

GRILLED CORN I N G R E D I E N T S:

I N S T R U C T I O N S:

4 ears of corn

1. Remove corn from husks and strip away remaining silk.

4 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon cannabisinfused butter Kosher salt Pepper 2 limes 1/2 cup Cotija cheese Fresh basil

2. Lather corn evenly with infused and non-infused butter. Season well with salt and pepper. Squeeze lime juice directly onto the corn. 3. Place corn on grill and cook for 15 minutes, turning frequently until grill marks are present on all sides. 4. Sprinkle desired amount of Cotija cheese onto cooked corn. Rip up fresh leaves of basil and place on top.

PULLED PORK SANDWICHES I N G R E D I E N T S:

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup white onion, minced

1 teaspoon pepper

1/8 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1/8 cup cannabisinfused olive oil

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 boneless pork shoulder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Buns

I N S T R U C T I O N S: 1. Add salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, minced onion and olive oil into a bowl. 2. Prepare pork shoulder and press the rub mixture all over the protein.

3. Place on a grill over indirect heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is easily pulled apart. 4. Remove from heat until cool. Shred meat and place on desired buns. Top with barbecue sauce of choice, if desired.

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JULY 2019

GROWING CULTURE

GARDEN FE VER

By Ed Rosenthal

ast month I wrote about setting up a new indoor garden and described the germination method. Since then, most of the seeds germinated but the foam and hydrocorn method I was testing was not ideal. Some of the seedlings had trouble staying in position, because the hydrocorn did not hold the foam in place securely. My solution to the problem was special care— manipulating the foam to give the seedlings better positioning. The seedling did well under the four high output fluorescent tubes, which had an input of 200 watts over the eight-foot tray. Sixteen days after germination, I placed them in their final growing and flowering space. The garden space is a single 4’ x 8’ tray. The bottom of the tray is outfitted with heaters, which turn on when the water temperature goes below 72 degrees, four eight-foot lines of porous tubing connected to a powerful air pump that release air along the length

The greenhouse during the day. The plants get about five hours of direct sunlight, and an additional five hours of indirect bright light.

Tray of female only “London Lb. Cake x Watermelon” ready to sit at the big table. 44

JULY 2019 CultureMagazine.com

of the tray and a water pump. The tray is filled to the top with a vegetative growth nutrient-water solution at 750ppm and a pH of just over six. Two double-ended 660-watt HPS lamps light the space continuously. The tent has a frame of 2’ x 4’s and is larger than the tray so you can walk around inside. It is covered by panda film, white on one side and black on the other. The black side of the film faces the outside so the inside is reflective white. Each plantlet is growing in a 6” x 6” space. The containers they were started in were fitted into two-inch holes drilled into a one-inch thick Styrofoam board that fits perfectly into the 4’ x 8’ tray. The plants will grow for about two weeks to fill the canopy, then the lights will be turned back to 13 hours of light daily, to induce flowering. About four weeks later, the lights will be turned back an hour to promote ripening. After I set up the hydro tray that a friend brought over four “Ed Rosenthal Super Bud” single stems that were

just going into their second week of flowering. Then another friend came with some of their excess OG and OG crosses. A third brought some local varieties. It would have been heartless to turn these orphans away, so I decided to give them a home in my greenhouse. I set up a 2’ x 8’ tray for the adoptees. Both feed from the same reservoir. One group of plants is in 6” containers on a wick system in planting mix with supplemental drip sits on a platform above the tray with wicks trailing into the tray. The other group is in 2.5 quart containers, each made from two inexpensive plastic colanders. The bottom third of each sits in water so the plant’s roots can easily migrate into it. Look forward to reading more about this system in my next installment. c

GARDEN TIP

It’s not too late to plant. If you pick up some clones and repot them and place them outside, or in a sunny window they will grow vegetatively for about four to six weeks and then they will start to flower. You can be smoking your fall harvest in just a few months.

Greenhouse at night. This photo shows how the plants are lit using fluorescent and LED lights. They are on 7 a.m.-10 a.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m. to supplement natural light.

The hydro system: Colander containers hold the hydrocorn but allow a free flow of water. Notice that roots are beginning to grow into the reservoir.

Fitting the 2” round pots into the round holes.

The tray, outfitted with seedlings, will support vegetative growth, then with a change of water, flowering. At harvest each plant will be a single stem of bud.

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JULY 2019

SOCAL NOW! EVENT LISTINGS

Monster Jam, July 12-14 Monster Jam’s Triple Threat Series arrives in downtown Los Angeles for a fierce battle between trucks, speedsters and ATVs. Expect plenty of former champions driving modified behemoths including Grave Digger driven by Tyler Manninga, El Toro Loco driven by Armando Castro and Megalodon driven by Austin Minton. Staples Center, Los Angeles staplescenter.com/events Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, July 13 A few members of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have graced the cover of CULTURE as members of Mo Thug Family. Bone Thugs-NHarmony brought complex harmonies and melodies to the rap game, when gangsta rap reigned supreme during the early and mid-90s, and the group’s voices are just as sharp as they have ever been. The Novo, Los Angeles thenovodtla.com Cyndi Lauper, July 13 Cyndi Lauper went country for her most recent album in 2016, Detour, which is a truly fitting name. Typically, however, Lauper’s fame comes from her dominance in the pop charts with her countless number of lighthearted bubblegum, radio-friendly songs. Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles hollywoodbowl.com

JULY 2019 CultureMagazine.com

2019 Salsa Festival, July 13-14 Whether it’s Pico de gallo, salsa verde, salsa roja, salsa ranchera or mole—even the pickiest of eaters enjoy salsa in its many forms. The adventure begins at the 2019 Salsa Festival the Salsa Tasting Tent, then it’s off to the Beer & Margarita Bar and finally a main course can be scored from the long list of tasty vendors. Pershing Square, downtown Los Angeles latinsalsafestival.com

Steve Martin and Martin Short, July 16 The only other person who has guest-hosted Saturday Night Live more than Steve Martin is Alec Baldwin with his Donald Trump routine. Martin’s longtime pal Martin Short is along for the ride as well, and the two have quite a history making comedy together. The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles lagreektheatre.com Roaring Nights, July 19 In an effort to attract young adults to the zoo—which is typically popular among children and older adults—the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is offering Roaring Nights this summer. “Spin Master” DJ Severe will open a dance party, followed by DJ Johnny Hawkes, and there will even be a silent disco where you can pick your

featured event

PAUL MCCARTNEY, JULY 13

Paul McCartney isn’t just one-fourth of The Beatles—he also may be the Beatle who loved cannabis the most, smoking it on and off for most of his adult life until quitting at age 69. He’s still touring at age 77, and not surprisingly, he can still sell out stadiums. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles paulmccartney.com/live own music on wireless headphones. Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles lazoo.org 11th Annual Taste of Farmers Market, July 23 Over 50 of the best restaurants and grocers in the Los Angeles Farmers Market will provide mouthwatering selections. And to make things more pleasant and interesting, there will be plenty of beer and wine available! Farmers Market on Third and Fairfax, Los Angeles farmersmarketla.com

International Surf Festival, July 31-Aug. 4 Now in its 57th year, the International Surf Festival celebrates American surfing where it all began—in Southern California in the cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance. Expect paddle boarding, bodysurfing, surfing competitions and even a lifeguard competition with a Medal of Valor as the award. Venues throughout Redondo Beach surffestival.org

NEWS of the

WEIRD

BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL

LEAD STORY—IT HAS COME TO THIS The Pokémon Co. has made Japanese brides’ dreams come true with its announcement that it is collaborating with a wedding planner to offer sanctioned ceremonies with its characters in attendance, dressed as a bride and groom. Yes, Pikachu will stand up with you and your betrothed (as long as you go to Japan to tie the knot), and the icing on the cake is Pokémon-themed food items and a Pikachu cake topper. Finally, United Press International reports, for your scrapbook, you’ll have a marriage certificate decorated with Pokémon imagery—surely an item you’ll want to preserve in a licensed Pokémon photo frame. STAY WITH ME HERE Around 1:40 a.m. on May 9, as an unnamed Cocoa, Florida, homeowner slept in her garage, a black Cadillac crashed into the structure, missing her by only inches, according to the 911 call. The Cadillac was stolen, it turns out, and was fleeing an Orange County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle—which was also stolen and being driven by someone impersonating a police officer. After the crash, WFTV reported, the imposter patrolman continued trying to pull over vehicles before speeding away. The patrol SUV was later abandoned behind a shopping plaza in Cocoa.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL Police in Lincoln, Nebraska, responded to a call on May 21 about a domestic assault. They didn’t find the suspect, identified as Markel Towner, 26, in the residence, but someone who matched his description was sitting outside in a car. When questioned, the man said his name was Deangelo Towns, but a fashion faux pas led officers to suspect he was lying—a lanyard around the man’s neck clearly bore the name “Markel Towner.” After some resistance, KETV reported, Towner was finally subdued and arrested on a variety of charges. OOPS An unidentified man in Tuscumbia, Alabama, did what so many of us do every day: He went online to Amazon to order some household items. But when his package arrived on May 23, he was alarmed to discover a urine sample from a private citizen, not the shower curtain and rings he’d ordered. “When I reached in and pulled it out (it was) some kind of urine specimen or something like that,” he told WHNT. An Amazon representative said the company was “very sorry” about the mistake and would send his bathroom accessories right away, but declined to have him return the sample. BRIGHT IDEAS May 17 wasn’t the first time Dan Smith of Seattle found a Car2Go vehicle left in the driveway of his rental property, so he erected a fence around it and posted NO TRESPASSING signs

and other warnings. He then informed Car2Go’s parent company, Share Now, that he wanted $65 per day for storage, $300 for the fence and $500 for harassment. Share Now responded to inquiries from KIRO saying seven different customers tried to rent the car a day after it was left in Smith’s driveway but couldn’t because of the barricade. Asad Rasheed, who lives in Smith’s building, said the errantly parked vehicles are a common problem: “People are not made aware of where to park, where not to park and how to use them,” Rasheed said. Share Now has agreed to work with Smith but told the TV station they wouldn’t be paying him. STAR TREATMENT Gwen Lynch, the lone 2019 graduate of the eighth grade at Cuttyhunk Elementary School on Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts, will receive the accolades and advice of a celebrity graduation speaker, actress and comedian Jenny Slate, on June 17. The island, which has a year-round population of only about a dozen people, is familiar to Slate, whose parents live nearby, reported the Cape Cod Times. Gwen has also been working on her own speech. Graduation festivities will include a potluck dinner, and organizers expect a “packed house”: “Most of the town will be there,” predicted Michael Astrue, who secured Slate for the address. QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENT While students at Holy Family Catholic School in

Port Allen, Louisiana, took a field trip to Washington, D.C., to learn about our nation’s founding and visit historic sites, their principal, Michael Comeau, had another kind of sightseeing in mind. In the pre-dawn hours of May 31, police were called to Archibald’s Gentleman’s Club in D.C. after “an intoxicated man refused to pay his bill,” according to the arrest report. The Advocate reports that officers found Comeau, 47, standing in a roadway, “refusing to move.” He was arrested for public intoxication and possession of an open container of alcohol. Comeau immediately resigned his position as principal, along with his role as a reserve police officer at the Brusly Police Department. UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT For reasons that remain unclear, a local police officer drove a beach patrol ATV into a marsh on Tybee Island, Georgia, on May 31, where it became stuck in the mud. Officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources say the officer then used a City of Tybee pickup truck to try to free the ATV, but the truck also became stuck. City workers next attempted to pull both vehicles out using two backhoes, which also succumbed to the marsh. An excavator was finally able to free one of the backhoes from the muck, but the Coastal Resources Division of the DNR reported to WSAV that it will likely take a barge and crane to extricate the other three vehicles. Tybee city officials are conducting an investigation.

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JULY 2019