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contents Vol 9 IssUE 3
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EDM Ambassadors Yasmine and Jahan, the two sisters behind the dynamic electronic dance music duo Krewella, talk about new music, their upcoming national tour and cannabis.
On the COVER:
John Gilhooley
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inside
contents 9.2017
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50 features 58
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Erotic Avenues Ashley Manta, well-known sex expert, shares everything you need to know about incorporating cannabis into your most intimate moments.
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Industry Insider The man behind CBD Living Water is finding success in healing the nation.
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Recycle and Reuse Whether confiscated by police or disposed of by legally permitted cultivators, cannabis recycling centers are growing in popularity.
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Cannabinoid Consideration As we kick off football season, CULTURE connects with professionals who would like to see the National Football League allow its athletes to have access to CBD.
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Job Security Drug-free workplaces are slowly evolving to allow employees to personally consume cannabis.
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Jewel of Jamaica Jimmy Cliff shows no signs of slowing down as he is still releasing new jammin’ tunes, decade after decade.
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departments 20 Letter from the Editor
news
Online Exclusive! 26 News Nuggets 28 By the Numbers
36 Local News 40 Legal Corner 44 Healthy Living
reviews
& Concentrate Reviews 58 Cool Stuff 60 Entertainment Reviews
issue
in every
92 Shooting Gallery 94 Growing Culture 96 Destination Unknown
98 Profile in Courage 100 Recipes 108 News of the Weird
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d New Zealand Citizens Want to Vote for Cannabis d Nebraskan University’s Hemp Studies Reveal New Information
Vol 9 IssUE 3
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CULTURE M
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Sheryll Alexander, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic DesignerS Payden Cobern, Nathan Hernandez sales director Justin Olson los angeles Jon Bookatz sales manager
Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Monte Lee, Beau Odom, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Shayne Williams, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy digital content David Edmundson manager Intern Sophia Rybicki Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,500 locations throughout Southern California. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
A Fight Worth Winning “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” - Nelson Mandela
I
n an industry that has required a great deal of advocacy and grassroots initiatives to push legislation toward the acceptance of medical and recreational cannabis, it’s frustrating when two steps forward lead to one step backward. And so is the case in many regions where cannabis legalization and progress are often stunted at every corner. Michigan patients and advocates recently felt the sting of worry when former Michigan State Police Sgt. Donald Bailey, an appointee to the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board, stated his belief that all medical cannabis collectives in the state should be closed in anticipation of the state’s new licensing structure. Although no decision has been made, it’s downright ridiculous to witness this example of how the “War on Drugs” continues to be perpetuated despite all the other progress being made in the “Great Lake State.” With two recreational cannabis petitions in circulation and plenty of well-intentioned patients, advocates and lawmakers determined to support cannabis reform, it is clear that despite possible setbacks, Michigan residents will continue this fight and inevitably move the state forward. Michigan is not the first state that is faced with possible negative effects associated with forward progress. Washington’s medical cannabis community took a huge hit when recreational cannabis regulations were enacted. As the state merged the medical and recreational cannabis programs, the regulations were not in favor of the dispensaries that were currently operating. This crippled most medical cannabis dispensaries in the state, forcing them to shut down, affecting over 100,00 patients statewide. Therefore, there is a very real fear that something
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similar to this could happen in California, as officials are merging the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act with the Adult Use of Marijuana Act in preparation for the January 2018 rollout. However, in this budding industry, we have the ability to learn from our mistakes. This gives us hope that California lawmakers at the city, county and state levels are aware of what happened in Washington and are capable of avoiding the same devastating outcome. Across the United States, as our industry continues its forward-moving trajectory, and many other states throughout the nation demand that we deserve the right to safe access to cannabis, let’s not be fearful because the “War on Drugs” continues to present battle after battle in this 80year war. As leaders in recreational cannabis states like Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska fire back at Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his ignorance surrounding legal cannabis, defending their states’ rights to cannabis reform, let’s work hard to embrace one another despite our differences, while focusing on the one true goal we all share. Cannabis reform nationwide has to happen, and we are the driving force that will ensure its success. In the words of Nelson Mandela, let’s remain relentless in our fight, with a clear intention to demand the freedoms we are awarded as Americans. c
Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Long Beach Adds Cannabis Dispensary Buffers Around Daycare Centers A cleanup ordinance to protect children and to comply with state law is needed in Long Beach. On August 22, the Long Beach City Council requested that its city attorney draft an ordinance to add 600foot buffer zones to keep medical cannabis dispensary locations away from daycare centers. “Daycare centers are clearly defined by state law, they’re
licensed by the state,” Assistant City Manager Ajay Kolluri said. “They’re easily tracked on the state’s department of social services website. Recognizing daycare centers will also correct a deficiency in our local initiative, Measure MM, which recognized kindergartens as buffers but not pre-schools.” Measure MM, which ended the ban on medical cannabis dispensaries in Long Beach, neglected to include daycare center buffers. The proposal wouldn’t affect dispensaries that applied for licenses before January 1, 2018. If Long Beach decides to approve recreational cannabis sales, the city could set some of its own standards including the buffer zone sizes.
Huntington Beach City Council Bans Recreational Cannabis Businesses Through a unanimous vote on August 21, the Huntington Beach City Council decided to ban recreational cannabis businesses within city limits with a new zoning amendment. The council agreed that they would prefer to wait until they view the success and failures of neighboring cities that have chosen to allow recreational businesses first. “It’s prudent on us to see how the industry performs in other cities,” said Councilmember Erik Peterson. “I don’t see us as a laboratory.” Many
Decriminalization Bill Introduced in Belize The government of Belize introduced eight bills on August 18, which included legislation to decriminalize the possession of cannabis. The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill 2017 would replace punishments for possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis with non-recordable penalties and fines. “I think it is recognized by members on both sides of this House that the present regime, which we have dealing 26
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members of the public were present to comment and one mentioned that recreational cannabis could bring in extra revenue for the city. Another individual spoke on behalf of medical patients who could benefit from cannabis if it was more widely available. The amendment also addressed the topic of cultivation, establishing that cultivating recreational cannabis outdoors in Huntington Beach is illegal, but limited indoor cultivation is allowed in private residences in an enclosed area.
with marijuana, is not equitable,” said Wilfred Elrington, minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs. “As a matter of fact, it is the view that it is unduly prejudicial particularly to the poorer members of our society, who for one reason or another, use marijuana in smaller quantities.” The bill would also remove industrial hemp from Belize’s definition of cannabis. The proposal would not go into effect until it has gone through all readings in the House of Representatives.
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The number of development business agreements that are currently being negotiated in the city of Lynwood for cannabis applicants: (Source: Los Angeles Times)
The number of votes, out of 13, submitted by the Los Angeles City Council in favor of hiring Cat Packer as the head of the Department of Marijuana Regulation: (Source: Los
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Angeles Times)
The proposed number of conditional use permits that could be distributed to applicants looking to open cannabis dispensaries and research facilities in Palm Desert: (Source: The Desert Sun)
The number of years that the State of Marijuana Conference has been hosted in Los Angeles: (Source: Fox 8)
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The number of garbage bags that were filled by Maine volunteers who agreed to pick up trash in exchange for a free gram of cannabis: (Source: The Portland Press Herald)
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The number of cannabis testing laboratories, out of three, that have been approved in the state of Hawaii, as of August 24: (Source: San Francisco Chronicle)
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The percentage of polled Utah voters who support the newest initiative to legalize medical cannabis on the 2018 ballot: (Source: The Salt Lake Tribune)
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The estimated number of currently active cannabisrelated patents that have been filed with the United States Patent Office: (Source: Forbes)
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State of Cannabis
WHEN: Thurs, Sept. 28-Fri, Sept. 29 WHERE: Grand Long Beach Events Center, 4101 East Willow St., Long Beach WEBSITE: stateofcannabis.org With legal cannabis on the horizon, industry leaders are sharing their knowledge and expertise with interested individuals at every corner. State of Cannabis will kickoff with an in-depth conversation about the expected timeline for the rollout of California’s cannabis regulations, as well as the regulators behind them, led by “Cannabis Czar” Lori Ajax, Assembly Member Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Legislative Advocate Max Mikalonis and CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Branch Chief Amber Morris. Additional sessions are set to cover discussions about “Adult Use, Medical & 28
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the Black Market” and “War Stories: The Politics of Passing the Governor’s Trailer Bill.” Experts and local elected officials will also help attendees learn how to navigate through a patchwork of cannabis-related laws, and they will also provide more insight into economics, product liability, advertising and branding. The event will close with a speech by Closing Keynote Speaker and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, who is sure to inspire attendees as he shares more about his passionate advocacy and personal experience with medical cannabis.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Opp or t uni t y in t he Deser t Riverside County Board of Supervisors draft an ordinance for dispensaries and cultivation By Benjamin M. Adams
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iverside County has been reluctant to warm up to cannabis, but the unincorporated areas of the county, such as Gilman Hot Springs, Edgemont and North Palm Springs could soon be opened up to regulated dispensaries and cultivation. On August 29, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1, with one supervisor absent, in favor of item number 3.7, to initiate amendments to ordinances 348, 866, 925 and 928, and direct the Office of County Counsel to craft a new ordinance to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for medicinal and adult-use cannabis activities in unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Before the vote, Supervisors Kevin Jeffries and Chuck Washington, who composed Riverside County’s cannabis ad hoc committee, had recommended to their colleagues in the Board of Supervisors to move forward with a new ordinance to regulate cannabis. Supervisor Kevin Jeffries told CULTURE about the shared goals between members of the board, shortly after the vote on August 29. “Our goal is to develop a rigorous regulatory system that will put law-abiding marijuana businesses in zones away from schools and parks and residential neighborhoods, ensure they are secure, that they are regularly inspected to be sure they aren’t selling to minors and
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that they generate sufficient revenues to regulate the legal businesses and finally drive out the illegal ones that already exist in our neighborhoods,” he said. According to Jeffries, as of late-August, there are nine illegal dispensaries in his immediate area, but cracking down on them “is like a very expensive game of whack-a-mole in which there are no prizes.” Supervisor Jeffries did not vote in favor of Proposition 64, and he is not a cannabis enthusiast, however he believes in coming up with a solution to end the exhausting debate of whether to allow cannabis in Riverside County. “Today’s vote was only the first step in crafting an ordinance, authorizing staff to begin the process of writing a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis-related businesses,” Jeffries explained. The ultimate test, he said, will be the voters. If the board passes an ordinance to regulate, license and tax cannabis, an initiative could be ready for the November 2018 ballot. Getting the initiative on the June 2018 ballot is also a possibility, Jeffries explained. If the voters reject the ordinance, Riverside County will continue to maintain its existing blanket prohibition on cannabisrelated businesses in unincorporated areas. “The ordinance writing process will take several months, and include public workshops and meetings, and the public and various stakeholders, public and private, will have the opportunity to express their opposition or support to various parts of the plan,” Jeffries explained. No concrete decisions have been made yet concerning specific regulations or zones, but the development of comprehensive licensing, regulation and taxation that conforms to Proposition 64 is already underway. The new ordinance may include a provision that mandates that those who are operating illegally may not be able to apply for a certain period of time. According to the Office of County Counsel, five cities in Riverside County have established permits for commercial cannabis operations including Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs and Perris. Many more cities in the county, such as Lake Elsinore, have strings of dispensaries already open in unincorporated areas. The area could benefit from regulations on a county level. c
California Cannabis Business Conference The future is bright for California’s cannabis industry, but what is next on the horizon for cannabis in our state? Thankfully, all of your questions will be answered at the California Cannabis Business Conference in Anaheim, which takes place in a 20,000-square-foot expo floor. This event is expecting well over 2,000 cannabis industry leaders to be in attendance and aims to offer a little bit of everything involving the cannabis trade. Lori Ajax, the chief of Bureau of Cannabis in California, is the keynote speaker who will highlight the progress and future of California’s legal cannabis market, providing insight on what business owners and advocates can expect in the next year. Six different tracks will be available for attendees to learn from expert speakers on the topics of Distribution, Manufacturing and Processing, Cultivation, Retail and Delivery, Industry and Forecasting, as well as a track specifically dedicated to Emerging Topics. (Sophia Rybicki) WHEN: Thurs, Sept. 21Fri, Sept. 22 WHERE: Anaheim Marriott, 700 West Convention Wy., Anaheim WEBSITE: www.califor niacannabisbusinesscon ference.com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Cannabis Consensus Los Angeles has a lot to say about draft regulations By Alexa Steinberg, Esq. of Manzuri Law
W
ith state applications for licensure quickly approaching, cities and counties all over California are working hard to create regulations on a local level for the cannabis industry. In Southern California, the spotlight is on Los Angeles and its plight in drafting one of the most comprehensive cannabis regulatory frameworks that has ever existed. August 7 marked the closing of the 60day comment period that was triggered by the release of Los Angeles’ proposed cannabis regulations and boy did everyone have something to say. Various cannabis business owners, advocates and members of the Los Angeles City Council submitted public comment letters voicing their opinions, suggestions and proposals—mostly with common themes. So, what is the Los Angeles cannabis industry saying about the proposed new regulations? Three of the most prevalent points of contention were the lack of affirmative permitting, provisional licensing and volatile manufacturing. Los Angeles Should Issue Permits for Commercial Cannabis Activity, Not Limited Immunity The most talked about and controversial issue that most comment letters made a point to discuss was the city’s proposed quasi-legal, limited immunity scheme. According to the city’s draft regulations, “certificates of compliance” (COC) will be issued to businesses in lieu of actual permits, with COC’s only conferring limited immunity upon compliant businesses instead of affirmative licensing. Critics argue that the issuance of COC’s will only result in a repeat of the
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“Given the size, population, economic power and visibility of the city, Los Angeles is uniquely positioned to shape the future of California’s cannabis industry.”
same mistakes under Proposition D. Critics further argue that the lack of local permitting will only deter investors from the city and continue to make it difficult for business owners to find and lease property. Since the city released its draft regulations back in June, the proposed limited immunity scheme has come under heavy fire from industry stakeholders, the community, and multiple city council members including President Herb Wesson, Jr. Provisional Licenses Should be Given to All Compliant Businesses As the draft regulations now stand, only the following businesses will be allowed to continue operating while their applications are pending: Proposition D retailers and certain cultivators and manufacturers who were in operation prior to January 1, 2016. To ensure market stability, many proponents argue that all existing compliant businesses seeking to apply for local licensure should be provisionally licensed and allowed to continue operating while their applications are pending. Volatile Manufacturing (Type 7) Should Be Allowed Volatile manufacturing (Type 7) will be disallowed under the city’s draft regulations. But with Senate Bill 94’s inclusion of the volatile manufacturing license, many cities find regulating volatile manufacturing a navigable process and also find that using solvents in manufacturing cannabis can be done safely. In support of allowing volatile manufacturing within L.A., President Wesson stated he was confident that “[the city] ha[d] the inspection, safety, and regulatory expertise to allow for safe volatile manufacturing.” In addition to the above proposals, there were a number of other requests that were submitted to Los Angeles City Council for its consideration. This included immunity granted from criminal prosecution, allowances for small outdoor and mixed-light cultivation and many more. Given the size, population, economic power and visibility of the city, Los Angeles is uniquely positioned to shape the future of California’s cannabis industry. Other regions in California and across the nation will be looking to Los Angeles City Council to galvanize the market and determine industry precedent. Like the city, business owners, advocates and the industry as a whole support clear regulations that create a favorable environment for cannabis businesses while also protecting public health and safety. The Los Angeles City Council is now combing through all the public comments and feedback and will be amending Proposition M regulations as they deem appropriate. We are eager to see what changes will be made! c
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Learning from the Past Examining the history of doctors’ roles in the American cannabis industry By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
T
he term “groupthink” is defined as a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. No more egregious example of groupthink can be found then in the response of medical doctors to the federal government’s prohibition of cannabis. One would expect better for a profession grounded in science. Cannabis has been used by physicians for 5,000 years dating back to ancient China where it was used to treat pain, intestinal constipation, female reproductive problems, malaria and many other ailments. In 1851, cannabis was listed in the U.S Pharmacopeia as well as The National Formulary and United States Dispensatory, which noted that cannabis was used as an “aphrodisiac, to increase the appetite . . . it has been found to cause sleep, to allay spasm, to compose nervous disquietude, and to relieve pain.” Eighty years ago, when the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 passed, the American Medical Association (AMA) was the only organization to testify in opposition to its prohibition. Appearing for the AMA was Dr. James Woodward who testified that cannabis is used as “a sedative and antispasmodic” and that “it can be used for psychological, psychoanalytical and psychotherapeutic research.” Most of his testimony centered on denying the
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claims of mayhem and violence put forth by the proponents of prohibition rebuffing their assertions of addiction and harm to children and pointing out they did not provide any “direct and primary evidence, rather than the indirect hearsay evidence.” It wasn’t long though for the AMA to reject Dr. Woodward’s statements and fall in line with the “indirect hearsay evidence” that Dr. Woodward so vehemently objected to. To this day the AMA continues to maintain that “cannabis is a dangerous drug and as such is a public health concern.” Due to the preeminence of the AMA, medical doctors throughout the United States have stood silently aside while this travesty continues to be peddled as medical science even though, as Dr. Woodward noted 80 years ago, the link to its dangers are not shown by any “direct and primary evidence.” Rather there is “direct and primary evidence” that cannabis does have significant benefits, and the peerreviewed evidence has been around for a long time. Over 35 years ago, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the discoverer of THC, conducted clinical trials on epilepsy and found that all the trial participants had significantly reduced or even no epileptic seizures while they were taking the cannabinoids found in cannabis. In 1995, Dr. Mechoulam conducted another study on children with cancer receiving anti-cancer treatments. Nausea and vomiting, a frequent side effect of anti-cancer medications, all but vanished in the children given
cannabis but continued unabated in the children that didn’t get it. Both studies were published and both were universally ignored by the medical profession. Since 1990 there have been close to 100 peer-reviewed studies documenting the medical efficacy of cannabis in treating Lou Gehrig’s disease, bipolar disorder, cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, Huntington’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, nausea, pain, Parkinson’s, PTSD and arthritis. The fact that doctors have allowed themselves to be intimidated and mislead by the lies of government bureaucrats and police agencies whose financial well-being was intrinsically related to the prohibition of cannabis shows how the power of government can lead even the most compassionate of professions astray. “First, do no harm” is a tenant of the medical profession that has becomes its watchword. The harm that has befallen humanity as doctors failed to uphold Dr. Woodward’s protestations of the marijuana tax act and, with no justification, turned their backs on the physicians who for millennia have instructed and provided cannabis to their patients, has been nothing short of catastrophic. The harm cannot be undone, but there is no reason it need continue. It is time for doctors to publicly recognize the suffering their capitulation to groupthink has caused and take the lead role in expediently and rapidly bringing cannabis back into mainstream medicine. c
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REVIEWs
strain, edible & concentrate
Chong’s Choice Cereal Bowls Chocolate Bar Tommy Chong himself is the mastermind behind this ultimate munchie-filled masterpiece and only he could make an edible this ingenious. There is 200mg of THC in each 3.5-ounce bar of delicious white chocolate and it is packed with the all-time greatest munchie food—cereal, which makes this wondrous invention very difficult to set down. We definitely wouldn’t recommend that patients make plans for the rest of their day when they decide to try one of these Chong’s Choice Cereal Bowls Bars! Not only because of the high THC content, but because more often than not, consumers will find themselves eating a few more pieces than intended thanks to the irresistible taste of cereal smothered with melty white chocolate. Grab one of these Chong’s Choice Cereal Bowls Bars, meet up with a friend and have yourselves some “bowls” of fun.
Available wherever: Chong’s Choice products are carried.
Chillax Cannabis Calming Formula
Available wherever: Chillax products are carried.
Handle unnecessary and avoidable paranoia by offering your friends some Chillax. In the event that too much cannabis is consumed, a “whiteout” can occur. This is a short-lived wave of panic that happens after someone goes overboard and consumes more cannabis than they can handle. Luckily, Chillax can help combat this unwanted effect. Just pour a Chillax packet into a four- or eight-ounce bottle of water, shake it up, and get ready for a much-needed calmness to wrap you up like a warm blanket in the middle of a winter storm. The packets contain a great deal of amino acids, vitamins and calming herbs, which work together to effectively reduce anxiety. Each packet contains ingredients like lemon balm extract and passion flower extract that help calm the nervous system. After just one sip, the fruit punch flavor will become acquainted with anxiety relief. Chillax doesn’t “un-high” a person, but it will help reduce an unwanted reaction from over-consuming cannabis. With all of the high potency products popular in the market today, novice and expert consumers can experiment confidently knowing Chillax is in their back pocket.
Amnesia Haze If the name of this strain is any indication, consuming it will almost guarantee that you will forget your troubles, as well as where you are and perhaps who you are if you consume enough. Amnesia Haze is by far one of the strongest sativa strains that CULTURE has sampled in a good while. The overpowering skunk aroma is incomprehensibly strong. The sheer amount of trichomes is impressive to say the least, even in the centermost parts of the nuggets when broken up. The light color and strong sativa characteristics are what cannasseurs love most about Haze blends, which is why we knew we would be in for a ride with Amnesia Haze. The taste and effects reminded us of other notable sativa-dominant strains like San Fernando Valley OG or Super Lemon Haze.
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Available at: Zen Noho in North Hollywood.
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REVIEWs
Kurvana G.S. Cookies Cartridge Elegant, sleek and functional are the words that come to mind when patients first get their hands on the Kurvana G.S. Cookies Cartridge. A brilliant golden amber concentrate is contained within the chrome walls of this aesthetically pleasing cart. Included with the cartridge kit is a button-free battery allowing for maximum ease in operation with this futuristic feature. Each cloud of vapor yielded from the cartridge tastes exactly the same as the first bite into a freshly baked cookie from grandmother’s oven. The vapor released from this pen is neither thick nor sparse, but sits well in the lungs and is easy to inhale for extended lengths of time. A total cannabinoid content of 71.49 percent in the cartridge makes it ideal for consumption all throughout the day. A remarkable treat, it goes to show that at the intersection of class and quality, lies Kurvana.
Available wherever: Kurvana products are carried.
iReadCulture.com GET YOUR CLICKS
HERE Available wherever: Cannadips products are carried.
Cannadips Unlike chewing tobacco pouches, which cause cancer, Cannadips smoke-less cannabis pouches do the exact opposite, with the anti-cancer properties that are attributed to cannabinoids. Each pouch contains 10mg of THC, and each canister comes with 15 pouches for a total of 150mg THC. Just insert a pouch in between your cheek and gums and savor the flavor. The pouches are filled with a patent-pending blend of coconut fiber, extracts and THC. The effects from our mint-flavored sample started to manifest in about 15 minutes. The canisters are properly labeled to keep out of the reach of children. Pick up a healthy habit and keep your cannabis consumption on the down-low with Cannadips.
KS OG Exhalence, which has been around for over a decade, proudly offers its signature strain, KS OG to its clientele. KS OG, was grown in a highly controlled environment and nurtured with natural, organic nutrients. This pungent variety was light lavender and lime green. When broken up, it left a thick layer of resin on our fingertips, which is always a good sign of high quality strains. Its heavy indica effects set in quickly after the first hit, and the duration was longer than anticipated. KS OG is a rare find—you probably won’t find it at any other dispensary. It produced a heavy effect that was felt mostly in the body, but without total couchlock. The aroma was difficult to pinpoint, but the effects were satisfying and long-lasting. Its pungently sweet taste was fruity with a floral tinge that made reviewers wish we had more to pass around.
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Available at: Exhalence in Sun Valley.
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REVIEWs
ReUp Sleepy Head When THC alone is not enough to get some extra zzz’s in, ReUp Sleepy Head has got you covered. Packed with 10mg CBD, 5mg THC and 3mg Melatonin, Sleepy Head is guaranteed to do the trick. (For those who might not know, melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone that regulates sleep cycles enabling regular, quality sleep.) The contents inside the discreet two-ounce bottle were fast-acting and delivered results almost immediately. It tastes sweet and with a strong grape flavor and a hint of an herbal taste that tickles your mouth afterwards. When CULTURE sampled the ReUp Sleepy Head, we felt refreshed and ready to tackle the day after it awarded us one of the best slumbers we’ve had in years. ReUp Sleepy Head is perfect as a better, more natural replacement for sleep aid prescription drugs that won’t be as kind to your body.
Available at: Green Love Healing Center in North Hollywood.
Available wherever: ReUp products are carried.
Green Love Cookies We rarely see nuggets as beautiful and colorful as Green Love Cookies, and we were so impressed that we hardly wanted to damage the flowers during consumption. The claw-like calyxes are lime green and striped with a deep violet hue with tangerine-colored twisting hairs curling around the edges. This Girl Scout Cookielike strain tasted like buttermilk pancakes with warm homemade maple syrup—there is no other way to describe it. The effects were relaxing, euphoric and cerebral, and they persisted for several hours. Green Love Cookies made us talkative and awarded an upbeat effect that rushed to our heads, yet also produced a body effect that was a nice surprise. The taste and aroma hit the spot and were more than enough to leave us wanting more after the first round. Pop open a canister and try this selection for yourself.
Sherbet Craft RESERVE by O.penVAPE As the strain name suggests—the Sherbet O.penVAPE Craft RESERVE cartridge has a delightful fruity, yet natural taste. The subtle aroma and body profile of this artisan handselected strain is beautifully embodied in O.penVAPE's Award-Winning Craft RESERVE cartridge. Tested by CW Analytical, our sample of O.penVAPE’s Craft RESERVE Sherbet cartridge boasted a complete cannabinoid profile and a potency of 86.96 percent. All terpenes are cannabisderived from the same batch, ensuring a natural flavor profile and top-shelf experience for the cannasseur. The Sherbet’s supple, fruity bouquet was most pronounced on the exhale, and had a smooth, clean finish. As expected, Sherbet’s Indica characteristics quickly enveloped our senses and we felt like we were drifting down a lazy river. The O.penVAPE 2.0 variable voltage batteries come in seven colors, including Gold and Rose Gold! This draw-activated battery has the signature sleek and discreet O.penVAPE style, now with four vaping modes. Under new ownership, it’s clear that O.penVAPE is offering the California market better oil and harder hitting cartridges from the same company we have come to know and respect.
Available wherever: O.penVAPE products are carried.
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REVIEWs
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3 1. Fire Log Grill There is one undeniable rule about camping—anything you need has to be brought in with you. Well that, and “leaves of three, let it be” is an absolute rule and not just a suggestion. But if you’re backpacking, you might have to travel miles to your campsite, and portable stoves and personal burners can weigh you down. Luckily for you Sportes’ Fire Log Grill is only 2.5 pounds and can be used with logs or wood found at your favorite camping spot. Simply forage for logs, connect the grill to said logs and start cooking. Also remember the third law of camping—if you cook, they do the dishes. PRICE: $52.99 WEBSITE: SportesOutdoorTools.com 2. Grow Weed Simply Outdoor Grow Kit Our grandmother could put any seed into any dirt and miraculously something would grow and flourish under her green thumb. This skill was not passed down to us. We once over-watered a fake plant and killed it. Let that sink in . . . We killed something that wasn’t alive. Suffice to say that when we saw this Outdoor Grow Kit, we knew someone was looking out for us. The kit includes everything you would need to start growing cannabis, except for the seeds and the can-do attitude. Don’t be ashamed to start small—get ready to kickstart your cannabis garden with this kit. PRICE: $116.99+ WEBSITE: GrowWeedSimply.com 58
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3. The Homey Hippies Beeswax Candle Let’s bee honest (see what we did there?). At best, bees are a pest; at worst they will sting you even though they know it will kill them. Think about this next time you’re stung—you did something so offensive to a bee, that it decided death was preferable to letting it slide. Bees do however produce delicious honey as well as beeswax, a compound found to have numerous health benefits. Beeswax is a natural stress-reliever and when used in the making of candles, can produce a flame without the harmful soot that accompanies a traditional candle. The Homey Hippies’ beeswax candles also give off a subtle honey scent that won’t leave your home smelling like your clothes do after a long weekend at your in-laws. Sporting a wick that is made exclusively of hemp, this candle is the perfect office or home décor for any cannabis aficionado. PRICE: $14.50 WEBSITE: TheHomeyHippies.com 4. Grumbler
Part grinder, part tumbler, part portable cannabis station, the Grumbler is a one-stop shop for cannabis consumers who are on-the-go. The smell proof container will allow you to discreetly take your cannabis and cannabis accessories on any family outing without your preachy aunt Ida lecturing you on the "pitfalls" of cannabis. Best of all, it’s made from the same material the government uses to build fighter jets—this paired with the Grumbler’s impact and water resistant qualities, rest assured your flower will remain safe and protected at all times. PRICE: $29.99 WEBSITE: mygrumbler.com
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entertainment
BOOK
True Living Organics, 2nd Edition Pub. Green Candy Press The Rev Interested in growing cannabis indoors while avoiding the use of chemicals, synthetics and other non-organic cultivation products? Look no further than True Living Organics, 2nd Edition by The Rev with 100 additional pages in the new edition. With the easy-to-read handbook, interested cultivators will find upto-date information on everything related to your grow operation from advanced soil-mix recipes and watering to composting and recycling. Readers will benefit from following The Rev’s tips and step-bystep instructions. Additionally, there is a helpful troubleshooting section for novice cultivators, as well as a guide to organic hash making and extraction. You’ll have a green thumb in no time. (Jacob Cannon) 60
Console Release Date: September 6 PC Release Date: october 24
GAME
Destiny 2 Dev. Bungie Pub. EA Sports It’s been three years since the arrival of Destiny, and now a sequel is here to improve upon all of the original game’s successes, as well as its shortcomings. Destiny 2 allows for players to customize weapons, with a trio of categorical weapon types that will replace the old primary, secondary and heavy slots. It also offers four new worlds to explore and new abilities for each of the three existing classes. Those looking to dive into the continuation of a glorious, first-person online world, have a lot to look forward to. (Nicole Potter)
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MOVIE
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Dir. James Gunn Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures When Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 1 came out in 2014, it gave audiences a comic book movie blockbuster that managed to both tackle deeper themes and capture emotional moments, while providing one of the most awesome soundtracks in recent memory. As was hoped by many thousands of fans around the world, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 delivers more of the same. The sequel follows the same rag tag quintet of universal outcasts as they save their star system yet again, this time from a cosmic being. The explosions are big, the comedy and action are top notch, and the soundtrack is glorious; see this movie immediately. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Cost of Living Downtown Boys Sub Pop Records For its third release, New Jersey political punkers Downtown Boys return sounding more polished and confrontational than ever. Working with producer Guy Picciotto (Fugazi) to take its sound to the next level, the band thunders and rumbles with such energy it should make any listener want to take to the streets in protest to bring on the revolution while simultaneously instigating a dance party. The band hits again and again with songs that are fiery and intense, while the sound remains loving and compassionate. On Cost Of Living, Downtown Boys may be frustrated and pissed off, but it is never hateful or bitter. (Simon Weedn)
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Photos by John Gilhooley
The sisters of Krewella dish about their cultural heritage, upcoming tour and cannabis By Simon Weedn
or 10 years now, sisters Yasmine and Jahan Yousaf, better known to the masses as Krewella, have been steadily climbing to the heights of the international electronic dance music (EDM) scene and developing a reputation along the way for working hard and delivering powerful live performances. The duo’s gorgeously poppy, hook-laden and ridiculously catchy brand of EDM has landed Krewella in top spots at festivals all over the world, a partnership with dance-fitness company Zumba, as well as a veritable army of fans across the globe who affectionately refer to themselves as “The Krew.” Recently, Krewella dropped the first of two highly anticipated EPs, New World Pt. 1, and announced a headlining tour that will lead them all across North America through November. CULTURE had the opportunity to talk to Jahan and Yasmine and hear all about everything that went into the making of the new EPs, as well as their thoughts on cannabis. >>
Congratulations on your EP, New World Pt. 1. Can you tell me a bit about how this EP came together? Jahan: Well, we started working on the songs around a year ago without the intention of it being an EP. Then about six months ago we realized we had dozens and dozens of songs that, once we’d filtered through and picked the best, could make a cohesive body of work. That’s usually how it starts for us, we’ll just aimlessly write in the studio without really thinking about how to package it or box it in. Then it’ll naturally form into something where we hear some type of string of cohesiveness or theme throughout, and we’ll realize that some of these songs together would complement each other. What do you personally see as the overarching themes or strings running through New World Pt. 1? Yasmine: Well, it’s not really a concept EP. Jahan: Yeah, it’s not a concept EP, but the idea of New World actually came from a song that isn’t released yet. Yasmine and I were both raised in a multicultural household, our dad is Pakistani and our mom is American/European, and it’s something we didn’t really talk about and sort of brushed aside in the beginning of our music career. But, in the past few years it’s become something that’s really important to us, and we’ve just been diving deep into who we are and what is more authentic to who we are as people and as artists. This idea of New World is something we talk a lot about in the studio especially considering the fact that we’re in a Trump era. So much is changing that affects people on all levels regardless of what status you are, how much money you make, what religion you follow or what type of household you grew up in. We talk a lot in the studio about these social conflicts we’re having in this country and how the youth and cultural diversity is going to be what fights back against all of these old ways that are really suppressing new ways of thinking and open mindedness.
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that Jahan and I felt like we had to do. We had a lot of things pent up inside of us—everything from bitterness and sadness, anger and frustration, as well as love and happiness; the whole spectrum of everything we were going through. We had to purge it into this one EP, and once we got it out there into the world, we felt a weight off our backs. Moving forward from that, we just wanted to make music freely that flowed out of us without too much thought. I think with the Ammunition EP we let go of a dark passenger and began to move on to making music that was a little more free and a little bit lighter.
I know it has been a little over a year since your previous EP, Ammunition, was released. Were there any major changes between the way you approached New World Pt. 1 versus your approach to Ammunition? Yasmine: I think Ammunition would have to be what I call a purge of emotions, and it was a necessary EP 64 64
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Can you tell us how your song “TH2C” developed? Jahan: Well, with that song the verses actually came first. We had a lot of fun creating an image of a girl lyrically using people we know personally and on the internet as inspiration. So, the verses came first, and then the hook came out almost as a stream of consciousness in the room. We kind of
flowed out, “I’m too high to care, I’m too high to care,” because it just felt like it was what that girl would be singing at a festival or something. We felt like we didn’t have any rules while we were making it, and we could say anything we wanted. Then, once we had the title written up, “Too High To Care,” Yasmine was the one who said “TH2C” and everyone in the room immediately went, “Woah! That is some genius shit! That needs to be the title!” Yasmine: I think this is one of the first songs that we’ve ever released that’s written from the perspective of someone else, and it was really fun creating that persona. We had a joke in the studio where we called the woman in the song “She,” and creating her was almost liberating in and of itself because, like Jahan said, there were no rules when writing the life of this character. It was exciting to feel like we didn’t have to stay in a box with it—“TH2C” was a really fun song to make.
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Jahan: I feel like we need more multidimensional female characters in the media. It feels like sometimes all we have are these few social archetypes where there’s just the stupid party girl who doesn’t have much going on with her life, the fame whore, the girl who hustles really hard and is super serious all the time, or the Instagram model with a million followers. So we decided to create a girl who is essentially the female Diplo—someone who is traveling the world, is culturally exposed, knows how to fucking party (although I’m basing this all off of his persona online) and is a work machine. Women can do that stuff too! It seems like the song is so much about strength and independence, but also about having a good time with one of CULTURE’s favorite things. How do you
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two feel about all of the cannabis legalization going on around the country at the moment? Jahan: A little disclaimer, I’m not so knowledgeable about the legality of everything, but I’ll tell you how I feel about marijuana as a casual smoker here and there. Smoking affects my vocal chords, so I’m not the type of person who just goes in the studio and smokes and writes; sometimes I’ll smoke once in a month, other times it might be every two weeks. However, as someone who is really conscious about health and the purity of our food, body products, and really anything we put in our bodies, I just hope that with the decriminalization of marijuana that certain people won’t exploit this new product and pollute it with fillers and toxic ingredients. I just hope that there are people out there, and I’ve heard there are in California, that are doing their best to run organic dispensaries and farms, because what’s going into your lungs needs to come from a pure place.
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Female artists are taking the EDM scene back by Benjamin M. Adams
It’s safe to say that the electronic dance music (EDM) industry is largely maledominated, considering that all 10 of EDM’s top-earning artists are male, according to Forbes. However, the EDM scene is brimming with female DJs and vocalists, who are relentlessly battling for the recognition they deserve. Sydney-based DJ Alex Sholler goes by the moniker Alison Wonderland and exploded onto the American EDM scene with her debut album Run in 2015, which earned her two ARIA Music Awards’ nominations. The Australian duo NERVO may have begun as models, but the act won a Grammy for its work with David Guetta and Kelly Rowland’s “When Love Takes Over,” as well as the number one U.K. hit “We’re All No One” with EDM giants Afrojack and Steve Aoki. Other notable female Australian artists include Anna Lunoe and Nina Las Vegas. Canadian-born Grimes is a producer, singer, songwriter and DJ whose album Visions was widely acclaimed, helping her win Juno Awards for “Electronic Album of the Year,” “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” and later “Video of the Year.”
Canadian producer and DJ REZZ from Niagara Falls was noticed by Skrillex and was signed by both Skrillex’s label OWSLA and deadmau5’s label mau5trap. The PakistaniAmerican singersongwriter Nadia Ali reached number two on the U.K. Singles Chart with 2005’s “Rapture (Taste So Sweet)” as lead singer of the group iiO. The single was remixed by Avicii in 2010 and released as a solo release. Female EDM artists are carving out a niche on the radio as well. Annie Mac landed her first BBC Radio 1 show in 2004, which is a true honor for emerging new global artists. Rolling Stone magazine listed Annie Mac as one of the “50 Most Important People in EDM.” Last but not least, Krewella is consistently one of the top-earning female EDM acts in the world. Krewella’s single “Alive” was certified Platinum and the band’s full-length Get Wet went straight to number one on the U.S. Dance Chart in 2013. There’s certainly no shortage of female DJs, producers and vocalists who are climbing up the ladder in the world of EDM. It’s quickly becoming the fastestgrowing and most important genre in the recording industry.
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I also think that the medical system legalization is important because we’re only just beginning to discover the wonders of marijuana. My dad always says, “When in doubt, go back to nature.” So, I hope we’re starting to go back to nature instead of creating more artificial chemicals that can hurt people. I mean, it’s so disturbing how easy it is to get a prescription for opioids. It’s such a big problem. I recently fractured my metatarsal in my foot and went to urgent care, and they just wrote me a prescription for Norcos, and I almost wanted to lecture them. I smoked weed a couple of nights later and was totally fine. I’d rather just do that than worry about getting addicted to pain medication. What are your hopes for the overall production of things on this EP? Yasmine: Well, when we were in the beginning stages of making this EP, there were moments where we were thinking, “How are we going to make this go into a crazy drop?” Or “How can we make this feel more electronic?” At a certain point we threw all of that out the window and said, “No. Let’s just make songs!” After that it kind of got to a point we were really just focusing on the songs, the vibe, and spending a lot of time on the percussion because we were trying to bring more of our Pakistani roots into this New World vibe. So, we were concentrating on a lot of Bollywood-inspired percussion, and because of that the foundations of the songs were all there before we even went into making them more dance-y or whatever direction we were going in. I remember one of 68
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the songs, “Love Outta Me,” had an actual track drop on it and we ended up taking it out because it took away from the vision we had for the song. We really just threw out any of our preconceived notions of what an EDM EP should be with New World, and at the end of the day we loved all of these songs. We hope that they really resonate with people, and they end up loving them too. With a new EP out and a huge tour about to get underway, that’s quite a bit to have on your plates. Does Krewella have any other ambitions for 2017? Yasmine: Well, if you think about it,
2017 is strangely more than halfway over, and it’s scary to even think about how quickly time is going. We’ve been in the studio all year making music, so being able to take a look at it all finally is really cool. We have New World Pt. 2 coming out sometime soon, and we don’t know how many songs it’s going to be just yet—probably between six and eight. We have so many cool collaborations coming up that we’re working on and are almost done with. We’ve got this tour about to kick off that will lead to a ton of new merchandise, and the tour itself is going to be a completely new show, and by the end of the tour we’ll be in mid-November. By then 2017 will be pretty much over, so I think we’ve got our work cut out for ourselves. The goals are already in place, we’re just in motion now. It’s all fun though, we’re having the best time making this music. c
+ www.krewella.com
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Sensual Strains Sex expert Ashley Manta navigates through a plethora of options for consuming cannabis in the bedroom
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By Ashley Manta “What’s your favorite strain for sex?” is one of the most common questions I’m asked as a sex educator and resident expert on all things sex and cannabis. I understand the appeal—we want to have an easy, go-to, one size fits all answer so that we can implement it and go on with our day. Sorry to disappoint you, but the answer is . . . it depends. Like most things related to sex and pleasure, there is no universal answer. Factors to consider include tolerance, what kind of sex you want to be having
(the strains or products you might use to facilitate slow sensual sex are not the same products you might choose for frenzied, lustful sex), and most importantly, method of consumption. Since the methods of consumption one chooses affect the body in different ways, it seems prudent to discuss some of the methods along with how they lend themselves to be conducive to various sexual encounters. Remember, consent is mandatory, so negotiate before you medicate! Be clear on what you’re a yes and no to, how to signal that you’re ready to be done and any specific care you might need after sexy times are over.
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“Remember, consent is mandatory, so negotiate before you medicate!”
Flower:
(smoking or vaping) I would say this method is the most versatile but also requires the most experimentation. I appreciate that smoking and vaping can be slightly easier to modulate dosage (you can choose to use a specific amount and also choose to take large or small hits). Depending on the cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles in the strain, you can choose the effects you’re looking for. A strain high in pinene or limonene could be great for active sex and might help facilitate being communicative in the moment. A strain high in linalool tends to be more relaxing, lending itself to slower, more tactileoriented pleasure.
Edibles: Edibles are an excellent option for those who have the time to commit. Since edibles can take up to two full hours (and sometimes longer) to take effect, not to mention that the effects can last four to six hours (and sometimes longer, depending on tolerance), save edibles for days when you have a great deal of time to devote to your “sexploits.” Weekends away with your sweetie, rainy afternoons with nothing to do—these are the situations in which edibles are most useful. The effect is also different than smoking or vaping—I notice that I feel a stronger effect in my body after edibles and less in my head. This could be great for sexy times involving sensation— playing with temperature, impact or teasing touch (for example, hovering your mouth over a partner’s nipple and letting them feel the hot breath, then moving on to another body part, then coming back).
Tinctures: Tinctures could absolutely fall into the edibles category, but I’m giving them their own spot because if a tincture is applied sublingually, the onset time is 10 to 15 minutes rather than up to two hours like an edible. Tinctures are fantastic and are becoming more plentiful as the industry grows. You can choose cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) dominant tinctures, and dosage is easy to determine because most tinctures come in a bottle with a dropper and directions on dosing. I love 1:1 tinctures for helping me get my head ready and set aside any lingering anxiety after a long day of work or any period of stress in my day.
Topicals: Topicals are one of my favorite ways to combine sex and cannabis. Since topicals do not cause psychoactive effects, you can incorporate them regardless of circumstance. There’s a bit of a time delay when applied to a mucous membrane like the vulva— THC-infused sex oils take around 25 minutes to “marinate” before effects are noticeable. You should also be aware that oil degrades latex, so if you’re using oil on any part of the body that will come in contact with a condom or glove at some point in the evening, you need to have non-latex options like nitrile or polyurethane on hand. Topicals can also be used as a way to build intimacy, like offering your partner an infused massage after a long day. I like to use them both ways—apply a THC spray to my vulva and then have my partner give me an infused massage while I wait for the 25 minutes to lapse.
Hopefully this has given you some ideas on the pros and cons of various methods of consumption for sex. I encourage everyone to test both methods of consumption and new strains and products solo before trying them with a partner. Yes, that means I’m suggesting you masturbate. It helps you isolate variables and figure out what feels best for your body. Plus, it’s fun! c 72
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Industry Insider
Thirst Quencher
Bill D. has reached monumental success from merging CBD with water
“I have others very close to me [who] have had health problems, and I have watched them consume CBD and have seen the effects of how it has helped tremendously.”
By R. Scott Rappold
C
annabis products high in cannabidiol (CBD) are booming in popularity these days. CBD is a compound of cannabis that doesn’t get the consumer intoxicated, but is known for its medical benefits among a wide variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, epilepsy and depression. It’s even being investigated for its anti-cancer properties. Like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it can be delivered in flower, oil, foods and many other ways. But until recently, few tried to tackle how to add it to plain water.
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If the overnight success of CBD Living Water is any indication, there is plenty of demand. Though it was just launched in 2015, it’s already available in 45 states and sold internationally. And the water was only the beginning. “It’s not about getting you high, it’s about the medical value of the cannabinoids, and the general public is now becoming more aware of the option of being able to get the benefits of cannabinoids by consuming CBD without consuming THC and the effects of getting high,” said Bill D., the company founder.
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J.
Pallets to Truckloads
Bill is a longtime entrepreneur and business owner, which includes endeavors related to construction companies, offshore fishing boats and motorcycle parts. He also says he has long consumed CBD and that it has kept him free of health problems. “I have others very close to me [who] have had health problems, and I have watched them consume CBD and have seen the effects of how it has helped tremendously,” he said. He said a biochemist came to him with the idea for CBD-infused water. Like THC, CBD does not naturally bond with water molecules. That’s the same reason drinking bong water won’t get you intoxicated. This scientist had an idea how to make it but no idea what to do with it. Bill said he “jumped 76
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all over it and ran with the idea.” Such was the instant popularity that he went from shipping a few pallets in 2015 to shipping it by the truckload. It isn’t the only CBD-infused water on the market, but Bill says the water purity sets it apart. “As we know there are other CBD waters out there or trying to be out there, but many have a terrible taste or smell and are not clear. They do not look or taste like the crisp, clear clean water like CBD Living products.” As for how they accomplished that, that’s something Bill isn’t talking about, saying only that it’s a “proprietary process.”
U.
Why Water?
So what’s so special about water, when there are many, many other ways to ingest CBD? Bill explained, “The Micro
Encapsulated Nano CBD allows the CBD to enter the body at the cellular level giving it 100 percent bioavailability. Consuming CBD any other way, the consumer will lose upwards of 80 to 90 percent of the CBD, as it processes through the digestive system.” You can find CBD Living Water in health food stores, smoke shops, cannabis dispensaries and other locations. The company also makes a host of other CBD products, including gummies, gel caps, chocolate and vaporizer oils. The potential for CBD products, he said, is “endless.” “As awareness of CBD continues to move into mainstream consumers, I believe CBD will be in high demand to be in all types of consumable and topical products, and CBD Living will continue to work hard to be at the for front of this movement, bringing the best CBD products to market.” c
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“Although the ‘War on Drugs’ continues, some of what would normally be wasted is ending up being useful after all.”
A Sustainable Future Recycling cannabis bio-waste is beginning to make an impact
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Written by Jasen Davis Edited by Benjamin M. Adams
W
hen only the flowering tops, leaves and THC-rich parts of the cannabis plant are used in production, the remaining cannabis stalks are rarely utilized, even though they are an abundant source of sustainable fiber and materials. Most companies do not focus solely on how to recycle the excess cannabis plant material, which is often wasted in the process. However, companies are helping redefine how cannabis and hemp are disposed of, working to repurpose cannabis waste
and turn it into valuable materials. This waste is most commonly seen through dispensary or production facility raids. Cannabis operations that are out of compliance with state law, in most cases, often lose their crops and property after a raid. Police have the authority to confiscate the cannabis and other property because of a process known as civil asset forfeiture, which allows law enforcement to take and keep drugs, money and equipment as long as it has been believed to be used in criminal activity. If a person wants their property back, they must spend a lot of money and time proving otherwise, in addition to fighting the criminal charges.
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The State of Washington, for instance, first licensed recreational cannabis farms in 2014, has since then accumulated 1.7 million pounds of cannabis waste. Most of the compostable waste ends up in a landfill, but several companies want to change the way that cannabis waste is disposed. One company, Restalk, uses organic cannabis waste and repurposes it into treefree paper. Restalk’s paper is made out of discarded cannabis stalks instead of harvesting precious trees. Recently, the company partnered up with Emerald Family Farms, a group of eco-conscious cannabis growers in Northern California’s Emerald Triangle. Most recycling companies have focused on hemp in the past, but the new precedent has been set by Restalk and other companies. Restalk plans on setting up processing and collection centers in every major cannabis producing region. In Ohio, authorities report they have taken $326 million worth of cannabis across the state since 2008, mostly from the Appalachian region of Southeast Ohio, where residents have cultivated it for decades. That translates 80
to more than approximately 326,200 plants. But even in Ohio, Maratek Environmental is recycling cannabis bio-waste from the state’s medical cannabis processors—a process which they claim can help processors recover their costs in 12-18 months. In Colorado, the Denver Police Department recycles confiscated cannabis. Instead of burning the contraband, they partner with A1 Organics and recycle it at an organic recycling
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company that converts the material into organic fertilizer. According to A1 Organics, police from the nearby cities of Aurora, Commerce City, Thornton and Colorado Springs have all expressed an interest in doing the same thing. This is in accordance with state waste compliance regulations, which require growers and authorities to dispose of cannabis in a way that is friendly to the environment without being a danger to the public.
Industrial Hemp Recycling, LLC (IHR), offers complete waste management for both hemp and cannabis waste in Colorado. IHR has been licensed since 2011 with the Marijuana Enforcement Division under the Colorado Department of Revenue. The company adheres to Colorado’s cannabis and hemp waste compliance regulations. Sheriffs in Jackson County, Oregon end up burying plants at a local landfill (a process that involves covering the cannabis in 20 feet of trash), but the state police have found another way to recycle it by transporting seized cannabis material to a local power plant in Brooks, Oregon for incineration, which generated electricity for 4,800 homes. Although the “War on Drugs” continues, some of what would normally be wasted is ending up being useful after all. Coordinating our efforts between both cannabis industry experts and law enforcement could provide the maximum benefit, and the end result could be a better alternative for people and the environment. c
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CBD remains a likely treatment against common ailments facing NFL players
By Emily Manke
F
ew athletic professionals take harder hits to their bodies than those in the National Football League (NFL). The physical nature of the game leaves many players with wounds that ache long after players have stepped off of the field. Athletes in the NFL have access to some of the best doctors and medical care around. So, it only makes sense that players in states with medicinal cannabis have access to this revolutionary medicine, right? Unfortunately, NFL policy doesn’t allow players to enjoy the pain relief that cannabis offers. However, that could be
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changing—leaving NFL players free to take hard hits on and off the field. In late July, it was widely reported that the NFL wrote to the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) offering to study how cannabis could aid athletes with pain management. This comes after the NFLPA announced it would be studying cannabis as an alternative for pain management in late 2016. It’s no surprise NFL players would turn to cannabis, and to CBD specifically, to cope with the excruciating pain that comes with their many injuries. Ex-NFL players have already begun embracing and advocating for the use of cannabis for pain management. Now there are special
sports divisions and physicians who see the potential that cannabis, but more specifically CBD, has for treating professional athletes. The sports division at Boulder Botanicals & Biosciences Laboratories LLC in Boulder, Colorado, has been working on introducing CBD as pain relief to the sports world. Shawn Hermanson, who oversees the sports division, works primarily to educate and promote awareness about the healing power of CBD when it comes to pain management, in addition to treating ailments like chronic traumatic encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression, all of which are common among professional athletes.
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stated. He continued to explain that although opioids have long been the go-to medication for treating the pain of NFL athletes, these pharmaceutical medications are extremely addictive, physically harmful and potentially even fatal. Athletes often see cannabis as a much safer alternative for athletes. “Another beneficial aspect is that cannabinoids are non-addictive and non-habit forming, unlike the opioids that players are now prescribed,” Hermanson said. “We understand the challenge of working to wean players off opioids while bringing real and natural solutions to the players.” Despite the incredible breakthroughs humans have made in medical science in the last century, it seems when it comes to treating pain, Mother Nature still has us beat. With opioid addiction as a national epidemic, and new research confirming the effectiveness of cannabis as medicine all the time, it would be the logical next step for the NFL to allow players to treat their aching bodies with cannabis. Allowing the plant to be studied as treatment is an encouraging first step. c
“Cannabis, and specifically cannabinoids, are a legitimate and safe way for pain management. [CBD has] been shown to provide natural relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, spasms and other conditions without the psychoactive effects typically found in marijuana use.” One story Hermanson likes to tell is about a professional football player who came to Boulder Botanicals’ sports division, who had never smoked cannabis in his life. The player vehemently opposed using CBD initially. After being extensively educated on cannabinoids, and carefully considering the pros and cons, the player finally agreed. Fast forward to a few weeks later, and that same reluctant player was on the phone with Hermanson “ . . . blown away by the results and wanting to know more about why he was feeling the best he had felt in years,” Hermanson told CULTURE. “Cannabis, and specifically cannabinoids, are a legitimate and safe way for pain management. [CBD has] been shown to provide natural relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, spasms and other conditions without the psychoactive effects typically found in marijuana use.” Hermanson
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Although the NFL has only recently begun to consider cannabis as an acceptable form of treatment for its players, much of the information confirming the benefits of medical cannabis has already been studied and published. Medical professionals such as Dr. Rav Ivker has worked with nearly 7,000 patients suffering with a variety of common chronic pain conditions, who are using cannabis as treatment. Dr. Ivker reported to CULTURE that after starting on medical cannabis, the vast majority of his patients have been able to either completely eliminate the use of opioids or at the very least significantly reduce their daily dosage. “The cannabis plant contains approximately 80 different [known] cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, which are the best known and most studied cannabinoids,” Dr. Ivker stated. “Within the body are endocannabinoids (almost identical to the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant) and receptors that comprise a neurological network called the endocannabinoid system. Each cannabinoid has a specific therapeutic function which is initiated as it binds to the receptor, a process similar to the way a key fits into a lock.” c
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A Changing Tide Despite its legality, cannabis can still affect your livelihood in the workplace By Stephanie Bishop
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hroughout prohibition, employers have relied on the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 to define workplace drug policies. Most have zero tolerance procedures in place based on cannabis’ placement in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) drug diversion program as a Schedule I Drug, considered harmful to society with no medicinal benefits. As each state passes voter approved initiatives allowing for the medicinal and recreational uses of cannabis, employers find themselves needing to reexamine zero tolerance workplace policies with regards to individual use. Employers in the private sector in states allowing for the possession and consumption of cannabis by adults have been affected by legalization in two ways—pre-employment screening tests do not reflect legalization, and there has been an increase in cannabis use by existing employees. Most of these companies screen potential candidates using a standard five-panel drug test, which identifies the presence of cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, opioids and cannabis. Some find themselves unable to staff key positions based on the results of these tests in recreational states. Many employers are forced to 86
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reexamine their hiring standards for this reason. Some employers are responding to this issue by removing cannabis from pre-employment screening tests, while others are redefining policies with verbiage involving impairment rather than general use. Human resources professionals are also using impairment policy language to decide an employee’s fate should they fail a mandatory drug test for cannabis after hire. Managers are being trained to identify the signs and symptoms of impairment and act accordingly. Some employers offer drug and alcohol prevention training as well as counseling for employees who come forward admitting problems with illicit drug use. In all states allowing recreational use and most with medical initiatives in place, the decision to terminate employment based on the employees’ use of cannabis is protected in the language of the law. For recreational consumers, there is no legal recourse should they be fired due to a failed drug test. Medical cannabis patients, however, in some cases, do have the ability to sue an employer for wrongful termination, though most cases have been dismissed. Rhode Island, Maine and Arizona’s medical cannabis laws
include language disallowing employee discrimination due to lawful medicinal use, and just recently the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled in favor of medical cannabis patient Cristina Barbuto on July 17. Barbuto was terminated after only one day of her job, because her prescreening drug test results showed positive for the presence of cannabis. This unprecedented ruling could set the standard for litigation in other medical cannabis states. So what needs to happen to find balance between employer drug policy and employee cannabis consumption? Attorney Dean Rocco, Chair of Employment & Labor at Wilson Elser law firm explained to CULTURE how progress can be made going forward. “These are increasingly complex issues,” Elser said. “An employer must work with counsel to strike a balance between the applicable laws governing marijuana testing and screening, its designs for corporate culture, the limits of technology to accurately detect the presence marijuana impairment and the feasibility of satisfying recruitment and retention needs under the drug policy it creates.” As more states move to regulate cannabis, the need for candid discussion is imperative. The best policy for a medical or recreational consumer is honesty during the hiring process. It would benefit any employee to review an employer’s drug policy thoroughly prior to employment or before deciding to obtain a recommendation to use cannabis as medicine or for recreational purposes. The tides are most certainly changing, though not soon enough to protect all cannabis consuming employees from wrongful termination. c
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Righteous Reggae
After decades of success, Jimmy Cliff continues to impress fans with catchy reggae jams By Simon Weedn
E
ver since he was a teenager in the early 1960s, Jimmy Cliff has been an irreplaceable part of Jamaica’s legendary music community. Rising to prominence alongside friends like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots & The Maytals and many others, Cliff is an institution of ska and reggae music and one of the few 88
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remaining living pioneers of the genres. However, even at 69 years old, Cliff is still releasing new music, most recently unveiling the song, “Life,” off of a yet-to-benamed album. Recently, CULTURE was able to catch up with Cliff and hear all about his new record and his thoughts on Jamaica finally decriminalizing cannabis.
We understand that you have a new album coming out in the near future, your first since 2012’s Rebirth. Did you write and record it with any particular goals or ambitions? Well, the first thing is that I really want this album to connect with as many people as possible. That means I need it to be a hit all over the world. So, that’s the obvious goal. I still want to make hits; I need to make hits. “Life” is such a beautiful song and has such a wonderful video, what’s been inspiring you lately? Do you draw from the same inspirations that you always have? What’s kept my inspiration flowing was that I wanted to write songs that connected with people, and it’s still what I want to do. I just try and keep my ears to the ground, keep them open to what people are saying and keep my heart open to what people are feeling.
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When you’re trying to reach that feeling, trying to find it in yourself, is there something you do or somewhere you go to get in that creative mood? Back in the days when you had to sign on with a record company and were obliged to give them one album a year or whatever, it used to be like, “An album? Oh an album is coming up? I better find some things to do!” So, I would go for walks in the community, observe things, hang out in places or whatever I had to do to get inspired. I still do some of those things today. I know Jamaica decriminalized cannabis not too long ago, something that is a step towards legalization which was very important to many of your peers and friends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Is it exciting to see something that many of your peers fought so passionately for finally starting to come to fruition? It was about time! They finally got it! They finally got it after they see that all of the rest of the world is making a whole lot of money from it. Someone must’ve thought, “We have always had the best, and we’re sitting on it. Rastafarianism has been talking about it all of these years. Our
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“I know as artists many times we often need something to push us along. For me, it has always been a deep need inside of me to love and be loved, and that’s what keeps me going to this day.” singers are singing about ‘Legalize It’ and all of that.” So they jump up and say, “Hey! What are we doing?!” So they’ve just come around to it. It was about time! It seems like cannabis is being less demonized around the world these days and more and more countries are moving toward decriminalization and legalization. Do you think that reggae artists like yourself who have been open about it kind of helped to break down some of the taboos surrounding it?
Oh absolutely! It is very evident. I mean, when Peter Tosh came out and said “Legalize It,” it was such a statement in that time. It was such a huge statement. And then Bob took a photograph with a big spliff in his mouth, I was drawing a big chalice in “The Harder They Come,” and so on and so forth. So, yes, I think we definitely played a huge role in breaking down the barriers. Now they’re seeing that it’s not only for recreation, it’s also got a lot of medicinal uses too. Looking to the future, besides the new record are there any other new projects or activities that Jimmy Cliff fans can look forward to in the future? Well, a lot of my fans, both older and younger, also know me as an actor. My first movie, The Harder They Come, had such an impact throughout the generations. So, I still want to do more movies and we’ve been working on the script to the sequel to The Harder They Come, and we’re still working on it. I know as artists many times we often need something to push us along. For me, it has always been a deep need inside of me to love and be loved, and that’s what keeps me going to this day. c
+ www.jimmycliff.com
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SHOOTING GALLERY
High Life MUSIC Festival at NOS EVENT Center in San Bernardino
Photos by Kristopher Christensen
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Summer Experiments 3 By Ed Rosenthal Last month, I wrote about three groups of plants that were in the middle of flowering. Now those plants have all been harvested. The first group consisted of five Blue Dream plants in a 2’ x 4’ container on wheels. I had planted two of them horizontally lengthwise, crossing each other. Then I planted three shorter plants in a row in the middle of the container. By the time the plants started flowering, the entire container was covered with growth that extended out of from three sides. The plants were wheeled into a dark tent area each day for light deprivation, and they were harvested on July 24, after 56 days of flowering. The branches were cut and are now hanging in a slow dry/cure. The second group consisted of four plants that were placed outdoors when the short light period still promoted flowering. By the time the light period got longer, the plants were in the last half of flowering. The increased light period of late spring and early summer failed to turn the plants back into vegetative growth, and they were cut the week of July 9. Three of the four plants were pollinated from a
Unclipped Purple Pineapple had a large top bud that dominated growth. The side bud didn’t develop very much.
Top clipped Purple Pineapple’s central bud did not dominate growth. Instead, without inhibition from hormones produced by top bud, the side buds grew out producing a bigger yield.
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Blue Dream male that had released pollen two months earlier. The pollen had been sitting out in a cool dry place since then, but proved to be viable. Most of the buds were cut from these plants except for some small immature buds and the pollinated cola. Then the cut plants were given natural light during the day and placed under lights at night so they receive light continuously. They are now finishing seed production and reverting to vegetative growth for another round. Meanwhile, their cut buds are hanging, drying and curing. The third group consisted of 10 plants that sprouted unexpectedly. They were all sisters and looked like it. They were variations on a wide leaved Purple Pineapple and all had similar characteristics. The 10 plants all flowered, starting shortly after germinating; they finished flowering on approximately July 27. I performed several demonstration experiments on this group of plants. First, because they started flowering early, they grew to a controlled size. This demonstrated that cannabis could be grown as small row plants, making cultivation easier using conventional farming techniques, rather than as larger plants. In
The 2’ x 4’ tray held five Blue Dream plants. Buds and foliage covered the entire container then spread out further.
Cutting the buds using an electric clipper.
another experiment I paired plants that were about equal in growth and pruned the tops of half of them so that some were topped and some were left uncut. You can see the difference in their growth. The uncut plant grew a larger central bud at the expense of side growth. The cut plants produced several branches that held more buds than the uncut plants. These plants were ready to harvest approximately 90 days after germination. They were cut and hung whole to dry as well. They will all be dried and cured next month. Then they will be manicured. c
TIP OF THE MONTH By now, the outdoor plants are mid-way through flowering. You may have some regrets that you didn’t take clones while the plants were still vegetating. However, all is not lost. You can take cuttings of your flowering plants and root them while having them revert back to vegetative growth. Just take cuttings and prepare them as you usually do for cloning, and place them under constant light with no dark period. The cuttings will begin to root and to grow new leaves, not flowers.
The four plants started flowering early because they were placed outdoors in early spring when the natural light period was too short to maintain vegetative growth.
Bud of Blackberry Fire plant is ready to harvest.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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Time to Go: September Weather: Low 50s, High 60s Budget: $$$$$
Delightful Dublin By Sheryll Alexander
A day in Dublin, Ireland means taking in the sights and ending with a full belly, music, song, conversation and laughter—it truly makes this city a pleasure to visit. Dublin is an ancientyet-modern city that is delightful any time of year. Dublin is a highly walkable destination filled with a history going back to the Vikings along with gorgeous green spaces, castles, museums, theatres, restaurants and shopping districts. The city’s main attraction is by far is the Guinness Storehouse. Now housed in a glass atrium-like building that looks like a black Guinness pint, this is the
brewery tour of all tours. Hordes of tourists learn all about the beer’s four ingredients (water, barley, hops and yeast) as well as the famous founder, Arthur Guinness. The top floor houses the Gravity Bar where the Dublin views are spectacular, especially with a pint of perfectly-poured Guinness in hand. Other not-tobe missed Dublin attractions include Dublin Castle, Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, National Museum of Ireland, Farmleigh House, Old Jameson Distillery and the National Botanical Gardens. Beyond the tourist traps, Dublin can be a
place for travelers to relax in this spectacular seaside city. Take a stroll after breakfast to a park, garden or along the shore. In the afternoon, hit a museum or other historical places of interest. Late afternoons require tucking into some coffee, tea and baked goods at a local coffee shop or tea room after visiting Dublin’s legal CBD dispensary, Capel Street’s The Hemp Company. Dublin has had quite the foodie Renaissance in the past decade too, so dinner in Dublin can be anything from a prix fixe menu at the latest Michelinstarred restaurant to hip neighborhood bistro fare to traditional Irish dishes at a historic pub. c
Fun-Filled Facts The second annual Global Medical Cannabis Summit is returning to Dublin from September 22-24. Held at The Digital Depot on Roe Lane, this weekend-long conference focuses on European medical cannabis perspectives and includes speakers such as legislators, scientists, doctors, patients and activists from around the world discussing such subjects as scientific insights, business development and political activism. 1
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From September 9-24, visitors can experience the Dublin Fringe Festival. Hundreds of “bold, brave, daring” and “cutting-edge” plays, so says Fringe Fest, are held at venues all over the city and is usually where Dubliners magically discover the next big theatrical show. 2
Cannabis is still illegal in Ireland, even though a 2016 medical cannabis bill passed through two stages in the Dáil, but was ultimately squashed recently. Dublin Cannabis Club (DCC)— an online informationsharing network of Dublin cannabis enthusiasts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—says most cannabis-seeking visitors have very limited options. There are no physical social clubs in Dublin, and some sources recommend that visitors try checking out 420-friendly bars or chatting with a local for recommendations. The DCC also recommends buying from “independent lads who are smokers” as flower quality is usually premium (a gram costs around 20-25 euros). If caught possessing cannabis, the Irish police (Garda) must legally take possession of your cannabis, and you may get a misdemeanor ticket and a fine.
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Vanessa I. Soza
Age: 29 Condition/Illness:
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OCD, PTSD, depression, body/gender dysmorphia
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When did you start using medical cannabis? I began using medical cannabis at the tail end of an exclusively medical cannabis state, when I first moved to Portland in 2014. I couldn’t believe the quality of the cannabis in Oregon, the level of awareness education and that cannabis could be used in so many different forms! Imagine my surprise when I made that connection. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Because my anxiety was severe, and I was living in Texas then, medication was the only option laid out for me by most physicians. Seroquel, an antipsychotic typically used to treat schizophrenia, was one of my first and worst experiences I had on a pharmaceutical. I lost control of my body, slept 14 hours at a time and endured what felt like (very scary) sleep paralysis.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The single biggest threat to medical cannabis patients is the removal of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP). The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) would be doing these people, who might I add are already at a disadvantage, a great disservice. It’s easy for most to forget about special needs when suddenly everybody is allowed in dispensaries. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I don’t tolerate opinions without facts, and there are a lot of people out there with just an opinion and little-to-no facts to authenticate their position. But if I’m approached by friendly skepticism, my message is a simple one. I call it the three R’s—research, re-evaluate and reeducate. If I feel someone may be misinformed, I urge them to seek out more information (and recommend a few books or sites with reliable sources). After the research phase, it’s time to reevaluate the opinion. Once re-evaluated, the idea is to reformulate a stance, no matter the position and use it for the greater good. Keep an open mind, always, and pass on what you learned. c
Are you an medical cannabis patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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Fall is officially here! The leaves on the trees will soon begin to turn varying shades of red and gold. Our menus turn from light summer salads to the deep, rich and warm flavors of autumn. Soups and comfort foods find their way to our tables. Jackets and scarves will soon appear as we venture out into apple orchards to find those
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A Glimpse of Autumn
Menu: Hot Apple Toddy Chicken Normandy Classic All-American Apple Pie
delicious morsels that remind us not only of back-to-school, but of the quintessential feeling of the seasons changing again. As the temperatures began to dip, warm apple cider transforms the popular Hot Toddy into a delightful autumn drink. The Hot Apple Toddy is ideal with fresh-pressed cider and is the perfect excuse to try a seasonal
beverage enhanced with cannabis. Pair it with a serving of Chicken Normandy, a one-pot meal that is sure to become one of your family favorites. Finally, nothing says “fall” more than a classic cannabis-infused apple pie. (If you’re not comfortable making your own crust, use a store-bought one. We promise not to tell.)
Hot Apple Toddy Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon honey 3 ounces apple brandy 2 1/2 teaspoons simple syrup 1/2 teaspoon cannabis-infused simple syrup 10 ounces hot apple cider Lemon wedge for garnish Cinnamon stick for garnish
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2-3 whole cloves for garnish
Instructions:
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1. Coat the bottom of an Irish coffee glass with honey.
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2. Add the apple brandy, simple syrup and infused simple syrup.
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culture 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon unsalted cannabutter 2 cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced into wedges. (We suggest Fuji apples or Jonagold apples. Do not use Red Delicious, as they will turn into mush instead of staying firm) Flour for dredging 4 whole chicken legs (with thighs) Salt and pepper to taste 1 large onion, peeled, sliced into wedges 1/2 cup apple brandy (or Calvados) 2 cups apple cider 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1/2 cup heavy cream
4. Sprinkle the apple slices with a little salt. Remove from pan and put them aside on paper towels to drain. 5. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, and place the pieces in the hot sauté pan, skin side down. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of cannabutter. 6. Fry until golden, about 3-5 minutes on medium to medium-high heat on each side. Remove from pan and set aside. 7. Add onions to the pan, and increase the heat to mediumhigh. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to brown, about 5-8 minutes.
10. Return the browned chicken legs in the pan so the skin faces up and is not submerged by the cider-brandy mixture. Place in the oven, and cook at 375°F uncovered, for 30 minutes. 11. After the chicken has cooked, remove the pan from the oven and carefully transfer chicken pieces from the pan to a serving platter. 12. Place the pan with all that delicious sauce, back on a stovetop burner on high heat. Add apples and boil down the sauce by half. 13. When the sauce has reduced, add the heavy cream and turn down the heat. Adjust seasonings if needed. 14. To serve, spoon some apples and cider gravy over the chicken and enjoy! CultureMagazine.com
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3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, oven-proof sauté pan over medium heat. Add the apple slices, and sauté until they turn a little brown around the edges, turning occasionally.
9. Let the brandy and onions simmer until the sauce has reduced by about half. Add the apple cider, and return the liquid to a boil. Sprinkle in the thyme. Add just a pinch of salt to taste.
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2. While the chicken is resting, preheat oven to 375°F.
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1. Sprinkle salt over chicken pieces and let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
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In this recipe, the chicken is first browned on the stovetop, then braised in the oven and finished on the stovetop. However, it is possible to create the entire dish on the stovetop. Instead of putting the chicken in the oven, just simmer the chicken on the stovetop (uncovered if skin-on, covered if using skinless chicken pieces), until cooked through and tender, 15-30 minutes. Braising the chicken in the oven will produce a crispy skin that you won’t get by simmering on the stove.
8. When the onions have cooked, add brandy to the pan. Using a wooden spoon, scrape any remaining browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
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Chicken Normandy
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Local eateries with similar dishes:
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The Well 6255 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles (323) 467-9355 vintagebargroup.com/ the-well.php The Pie Hole 177 N Glassell St., Orange (657) 236-4100 thepieholela.com Braise & Crumble Cafe 40 N Mentor Ave., Pasadena (626) 460-8600 braiseandcrumble.com
Classic All-American Apple Pie Ingredients:
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3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/8 cups unsalted butter 1/8 cup cannabis-infused unsalted butter 6 tablespoons cold vegetable shortening 3 cups Golden Delicious apples
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3 cups Granny Smith apples 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
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Instructions: 1. First, make the dough. Place flour and 3/4 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse to combine. Add 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the butter and the vegetable shortening and pulse 6 to 8 times, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle 3 to 4 tablespoons of cold water over the dough and pulse a few more times until the dough begins to hold together. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed, until the dough holds together. Form the dough into 2 disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 2. While the dough is chilling, make the filling for the pie! Combine the apples, lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining salt in a large bowl and toss. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. When you’re ready to bake, drain the apples, reserving the liquid! Toss apples with cornstarch and set aside. 3. Place 1/2 cup of the reserved liquid in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the
remaining butter, bring to a boil, and let simmer and reduce until it becomes thick and syrupy. Do not stir. Add the warm syrup to the apple/cornstarch mix and toss gently to combine. 4. While the syrup is reducing, preheat oven to 425°F. 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch round about 1/8-inch thick. Fit the dough into a 10-inch pie plate. Trim dough around the edges and crimp if desired. Fill with the apple filling. Roll out the second disk of dough for the top crust. For fun, you can cut out large leaf shapes and place over the apples, each slightly overlapping the other, to form a top crust, or simply cut out one large apple shape, center on the top, and cut several slits to vent the pie. Be creative! 6. Bake at 425°F until the juices bubble through the slits—45 to 55 minutes. 7. Let cool for at least 4 hours before serving, if you can wait that long. It’s delicious topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—OH, CANADA What could go wrong? Canadian company Bad Axe Throwing announced in June it is bringing its unusual entertainment concept to Denver. It’s “like darts, but on steroids,” says founder Mario Zelaya. Customers provide their own food and beer and learn how to throw axes at targets. “We’ll be bringing along the competitive league side as well. That means that folks in Denver can sign up . . . and compete at a global level,” Zelaya said. SMOOTH REACTIONS Did you say french fries or FRESH fries? Eiram Chanel Amir Dixson, 25, made a point of ordering fresh french fries at a Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Wendy’s drive-thru in May. When the exchange between the dissatisfied Dixson and a Wendy’s worker escalated, the employee threw a soda at Dixson, and Dixson fired back by spraying Mace through the drive-thru window. Police charged Dixson with one count of using tear gas to immobilize. Rachel Borch, 21, of Hope, Maine, was out for a run in June when a raccoon attacked her. Thinking quickly, Borch grabbed the animal and, despite being bitten, ran to a puddle on the trail and held its head underwater until it drowned. (BONUS: Borch’s father retrieved the dead 108
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raccoon and delivered it for rabies testing in a Taste of the Wild dog food bag.) INSULT TO INJURY It was dark in the wee hours of June 30 in Jacksonville, Florida, and Cedric Jelks, 38, probably never saw the loaded gun on the driver’s seat of his car as he got in, but he certainly felt it after the gun went off, wounding his manhood. When police investigating the report of a gunshot wound arrived at the hospital Jelks was taken to, they added possible firearms charges to his pain after discovering Jelks had a prior conviction for cocaine possession. WHY NOT? A driver in Zhenjiang, China, took drive-thru service to the next level on June 10 when he carefully pulled his tiny automobile through the front doors of a convenience store, requested a package of potato chips and a bottle of yogurt, paid for his purchase and reversed through the doors with the cashier’s guidance. Surveillance video shows the cashier waving and saluting as the car pulls away. He posited that the driver might have been avoiding getting out of his car in the rain. FINER POINTS OF THE LAW A restaurant owner near Florence, Italy, was ordered to pay 2,000 euros in fines in June after judges in Italy’s highest court declared it illegal to keep lobsters on ice in restaurants because it causes them undue suffering. “The suffering caused by detaining the animals while they wait to be cooked cannot be justified,” the judges ruled.
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