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inside
contents 9.2019
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NOTHING BUT NET
NBA All-Star Gary “The Glove” Payton is changing the way cannabis is viewed as a treatment option for athletes and medical patients. ON THE COVER:
PHOTO BY JOHN GILHOOLEY
features 36
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Hole in One The PGA TOUR joins other sports organizations in regulating professional athletes’ cannabis consumption.
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New Beginnings Musician DENM is as real as it gets when it comes to his garage-pop and chill, spacey tunes.
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Taking It Easy Comedian Dino Archie’s stand-up act revolves around laidback vibes and discovering humor from everyday life.
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departments news
08 News Nuggets 09 By the Numbers 10 Local News 14 Legal Corner 16 Healthy Living reviews 18 Company Highlights 22 Cool Stuff in every issue 42 À La Carte 46 Growing Culture 47 News of the Weird
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18 Online Exclusive! d Cannabis Can Treat Pancreatic Cancer d Celebrate Apple Season with Infused Recipes
VOL 11 ISSUE 3
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Solis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Kern EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Benjamin Adams EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jacob Cannon, David Edmundson, Caroline Hayes, Carl Kozlowski, Alison Malsbury, Kiara Manns, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, Nicole Potter, R. Scott Rappold, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf ART DIRECTOR Steven Myrdahl PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Aguirre ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie Callahan, Kim Cook, Casey Roel OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar
CULTURE® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout the Southern California. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. CULTURE® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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NEWS
NUGGETS
California Officials Approve Bill to Allow Medical Cannabis on School Grounds On Aug. 26, the California State Assembly approved Senate Bill 223, which would allow parents to administer approved medical cannabis preparations to children on campus grounds. “Existing law allows schools to legally administer any pharmaceutical drug, including opioids, that a child has been prescribed,” wrote Sen. Jerry Hill.
“But there are medical conditions pharmaceuticals can’t fix, and they often have debilitating side effects. Medical cannabis helps fill some of these gaps, and lessen these challenging side effects.” Hill introduced a similar bill last year, but the original bill was vetoed by former Gov. Jerry Brown. But now that Gov. Brown has been succeeded in office by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Hill and others believe they now have a chance. The bill returns to the Senate for approval on amendments, before heading to Gov. Newsom’s desk for signature. If the bill passes, school boards would reserve their right to decide on allowing medical cannabis.
Cannabis Regulation Commission Approves Barricades for Illegal Dispensaries On Aug. 23, the Cannabis Regulation Commission, which falls under the City of Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR), approved a request from Los Angeles City Council to padlock, barricade or fence properties used for unlicensed dispensaries. “Unlicensed cannabis businesses violate city and state laws,” said Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. “Despite increased law enforcement efforts to shut down unlicensed cannabis businesses, they continue to open 8
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for business and thereby jeopardize public safety and customer health, along with making it harder for licensed and regulated businesses to survive the competitive cannabis marketplace.” Los Angeles’ illegal dispensary market dwarfs its legal market. According to the DCR, there are 187 legal retail cannabis businesses, but according to a city controller report in June, there are as many as 1,700 illegal dispensaries, which would make the ratio of illegal dispensaries to legal ones nine-to-one.
Recreational Cannabis Bill Filed in Arizona On Aug. 9, Smart & Safe Arizona, a cannabis advocacy group, filed a bill proposal with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office to legalize recreational cannabis in the state. The bill aims to legalize the sale, possession and consumption of one ounce or less of cannabis for adults 21 and over. The bill would also legalize five grams or less of concentrate and require childproof packaging and labels. Legalizing recreational cannabis in Arizona would help right the wrongs of prohibition by including drug war reparation provisions. “Do the right thing by providing an option for folks who were previously convicted of lowlevel marijuana charges to have their criminal records sealed so they have fair access to jobs and housing,” the bill proposal reads. Campaign organizers plan on collecting signatures to get the bill on the ballot. In order to qualify for the November 2020 ballot, organizers must collect 240,000 valid signatures.
The amount of square footage in the recently opened STIIIZY art gallery and dispensary in the downtown Los Angeles art district: (Source: Yahoo! Finance)
6,500
The number of votes from the California State Assembly, out of 65, that were cast in favor of Senate Bill 223, which would allow medical cannabis on school campuses: (Source: California Legislative Information)
43
The number of cannabis dispensary license applications, out of 23, that Culver City officials have approved so far, as of late-July: (Source: Culver City News)
3
The estimated amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was sold in cannabis products at the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco, California in mid-August: (Source: San Francisco Gate)
1
The estimated number of registrants who filed paperwork to apply for Los Angeles’ social equity cannabis program between May and July: (Source: Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation)
1,800
The approximate number of cannabisrelated panels that were up for a public vote to appear at next year’s SXSW event in Texas: (Source: SXSW.com)
The number of cannabis oil bottles that Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organization delivered to local hospitals in early August:
150
The estimated number of low level cannabis convictions that were sealed in New York City, New York in mid-August: (Source: The Washington Times)
4,500
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(Source: Reuters)
The 2019 California Cannabis Awards WHEN: Sat, Sept. 21 WHERE: The Novo, 800 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles WEBSITE: californiacannabisawards.com Presented by WebJoint, The 2019 California Cannabis Awards (CCA) is the equivalent of the Oscars of the cannabis industry. With trophies such as Influencer of the Year, Dispensary of the Year and Brand of the Year, nearly every category of cannabis businesses will be celebrated. In total, there will be 18 award categories. A portion of all CCA proceeds will be donated to two
charities and the programs run by the event’s partners. Best of all, the people get to choose who wins! Voting on over 835 nominees spanning 18 categories has begun. Voting is limited to one user and one device, and it will end on Sept. 20. If there is any particular company that stands out above the rest, now is your chance to show the world. CultureMagazine.com
SEPTEMBER 2019
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NEWS
LOCAL
Tension Brewing
Amid licensing debate, Pasadena residents file petition to legalize unlicensed dispensaries
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By Benjamin M. Adams
he residents of Pasadena are currently in a battle with city leadership over who will be eligible to open a dispensary. Pasadena law currently allows for six licensed cannabis dispensaries, but the program excludes operators from alreadyexisting illegal dispensaries from participating. Undeterred, unlicensed dispensary operators resorted to one final push to stay in business, via a petition. The debate has been ongoing for at least a year. On June 5, 2018, Pasadena City Council received final approvals for a strict set of restrictions and licensing requirements, capping the number of licensed retail shops at six. A grading system was created for new applicants who wish to enter the licensing process. Among the restrictions is a provision that bans operators of existing or past illegal dispensaries from participating in the program altogether. But residents and the operators behind dispensaries that hadn’t been approved have one final trick up their sleeves—a petition to put into motion. On Feb. 11, petitioners submitted the needed paperwork to the city clerk to initiate the process. In addition, a separate petition was initiated to trigger a recall campaign against Pasadena Councilman Victor Gordo. Gordo was responsible for developing a substantial part of the language in the city’s dispensary rules, but his version was ill-received by local residents. The petition to recall Gordo’s campaign initially gained 88 signatures, but it was ultimately scrapped on Feb. 28 after petitioners failed to
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meet a deadline. Now, petitioners are trying a new tactic. This time, petition organizers need at least 8,542 valid signatures in order to qualify for the city’s municipal ballot on March 3, 2020. By the latest count, they had well over 12,900 signatures. Proponents turned in the last remaining required signatures on July 31, according to a memo City Clerk Mark Jomsky sent to councilmembers. Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian from the Pasadena City Manager’s Office provided CULTURE with a statement regarding the unfolding petition process. “The initiative petition received by the City is in the process of being verified by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk to determine whether the proponents gathered the requisite number of signatures to be deemed sufficient,” the City Manager’s Office stated. “Following its review, the County will notify the city regarding the petition’s sufficiency. If found to be sufficient, the City Clerk will then certify the sufficiency of the petition to the City Council.” It’s highly unlikely the city will immediately adopt the petition, but officials could do that or go a different route. “At that point, the City Council can do one of three things: 1) adopt the ordinance without alteration, 2) submit the ordinance to the voters without alteration, or 3) order a report by City staff to be presented within 30 days of the City Clerk’s certification on the effects of the proposed initiative,” the statement reads. “Following the report, the City Council must either adopt the ordinance without alteration or submit the ordinance to the voters without alteration.” Meanwhile, the cannabis community in Pasadena continues to make its mark. Scheduled for Sept. 23-24, CannMed 2019 will be held at the Pasadena Convention Center with a keynote from Raphael Mechoulam. There are several more legal challenges to the city’s mode of operation. According to local reports, at least 11 lawsuits were filed against the city regarding the dispensary licensing process. With only six available licenses, tensions are high as everybody wants a way to participate in the industry. c
Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition Investors, growers, suppliers and entrepreneurs are all invited to one of the most respected cannabis trade expositions around. The legal and business aspects of the cannabis industry will be highlighted. Speakers include Army veterans Aaron Augustis and Carmen Brooks, Steve White, Amy Margolis, Gia Morón, Susan Hwang, Jazmin Aguiar Loya and several others. More will be announced before the event begins, and past keynote speakers include Montel Williams and Reverend Al Sharpton. Seminars will focus on a whole range of cannabisrelated topics, with everything from artificial intelligence to social equity programs. Arrive for the early bird seminar Wednesday with California NORML, and delve into developments related to the cannabis retail and legal system. WHEN: Wed, Sept. 25-Sat, Sept. 28 WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles WEBSITE: cwcbexpo.com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Poor Legal Advice
Habitual Nature
Six issues still occurring in the California cannabis industry
Cannabis is still an emerging marketplace. And the fact that it’s federally illegal has still mostly kept the large, white-shoe law firms out of the scene (unless they form small practice groups to advise on things like employment and financing, which we see on occasion). This has led to a significant amount of legal hacks and newbies joining the industry holding themselves out as “legal experts” in the field. I’m constantly in receipt and reviewing legal work being produced in California relative to intellectual property licensing, M&A, inventory purchase agreements, distribution contracts and a number of other transactions between licensees, and some of it is still terrifying coming from attorneys who are not competent in the area (in that they completely ignore applicable regulations) or unethical in their dealings altogether.
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The “Collective Hangover”
As an active member of the legal cannabis industry, I still get calls from people who want to set up non-profit “collectives” under the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. It should be well-known by now that the “collective model” died on Jan. 1, and it’s not coming back. Of course there are those who would still set up collectives anyway knowing that they’re violating the law, but this is one issue that should burn away pretty quickly for obvious financial and organizational reasons.
Regulators Shuffling the Deck
Straight Up Unlicensed Actors
Screwy M&A
Local Authorization Headaches
By Hilary Bricken
ommercial cannabis licensing in California kicked off on Jan. 1, 2018, and it’s safe to say that the chaos that commenced with initial licensing under the Medicinal and AdultUse Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) has never abated, and certain bad and/or bizarre behavior persists. If you’ve seen any of this activity out in the marketplace, you’re not alone. And hopefully most if not all of these six cannabis issues will abate as the market matures.
It’s no secret that California has a large illegal market problem. And maybe it always will, given its size. However, we have multiple cities and counties in California that will not get on board with legalization, and these places are hotbeds for drug dealers and criminal operators. In addition, in a place like the city of Los Angeles, you have a culture of persistence still that is more than happy to set up fly-by-night shops and delivery services only to be shut down and then re-open again and again. The state has upped the ante on illegal operators with steep fines, penalties and even potential jail time, but it’s going to be a hot minute before we 14
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eliminate even a small portion of the black market (if ever).
Cannabis mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is not a straightforward situation because of state and local licensing laws and resulting changes of ownership protocol, but a ton of people are breaking state and local laws left and right through M&A in California based on illegal changes of ownership. It’s only a matter of time before regulators catch on to people’s recklessness here, which will lead to license cancellations and a good amount of lost investment, but until then (because of inconsistent enforcement combined with buyer momentum), many cannabis businesses that have sold ownership interests are likely sitting on significant rule violations.
It’s a common annoyance in the state legal cannabis industry where state regulators constantly change the rules or, more accurately, their interpretation of certain rules as time goes on (and you better learn “regulatory language” now to better deal with this issue). California, again, is no different. Each state agency regarding change of ownership laws, distribution rules, testing requirements, the ability to return products and other lucrative dayto-day licensee tasks provides different answers. As industry issues arise and fall, and the political powers change, so too will the state’s interpretation of its own rules.
It seems that certain Californian cities have really dragged out the license approval process to no end, either flipping their position from allowance to prohibition or significantly changing the entitlement process at the expense of applicants. In some cases, third party litigation has halted commercial cannabis activity in cities that allow it. The city of Los Angeles is another prime example of municipal change in that it has navigated complex issues relative to three phases of local licensing and implementing a social equity program that it’s had to refine for months and months (as opposed to Los Angeles County, which commissioned a group to study the impacts of legalization and regulation and even has an Office of Cannabis Management, but still has a ban in place). A few of these hazards cannot be avoided right now in California, but most will go away with time as the market stabilizes. In the interim, compliance is king and that, alone, will help you avoid getting into most of the foregoing trouble. c
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Imperative Education
Frequently Asked Questions about CBD
C
By Lanny Swerdlow, RN
BD, or cannabidiol, is taking the world by storm. Whether it’s hemp derived or cannabis derived, companies are producing CBD products in droves. This leaves the consumer base with a variety of options, and with curious customers eager to learn more about why CBD is so popular.
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a compound that transmits signals between nerves. Cannabinoids are an essential part of the endocannabinoid system, the largest neurotransmission system in our bodies. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced in our bodies, but CBD along with THC and 60+ other cannabinoids are ectocannabinoids produced outside of our body in the cannabis plant.
Where does CBD come from?
Cannabis may be the name of the plant, but there are several varieties, all of which produce CBD and THC in varying amounts. Hemp is a variety of cannabis that has very low levels of THC (less than 0.3 percent) and lower levels of CBD compared to the normal cannabis plant. 16
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Why use the hemp plant rather than the cannabis plant?
It’s all about what is legal and illegal. Sourcing CBD from hemp is not the most efficient way to obtain it, as hemp has a much lower concentration of CBD than the cannabis plant. The lower concentration levels of CBD in hemp means that sourcing CBD from hemp requires significantly more extractive processes than CBD sourced from cannabis. In December 2018, Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill that legalized hemp cultivation, but not cannabis cultivation by removing hemp-derived products from Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act. This makes sourcing CBD from hemp legal, but not from cannabis. The amount of CBD found in hemp is high enough to make sourcing CBD from hemp cost-effective, but the amount of THC in hemp is so low that it is impractical to use hemp to source THC. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that despite the new status of hemp, CBD is still considered a drug ingredient and remains federally illegal to add to food or health products. However, from the widespread availability of hemp derived CBD, the ruminations of the FDA are universally being ignored.
What kind of medical conditions can CBD be used to treat?
Without FDA approval it is illegal to make any medical claims about the use of CBD, but there is a significant amount of research and a veritable mountain range of anecdotal evidence for the ability of CBD to have a positive effect on a wide range of medical problems such as pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, nausea and to eradicate alcohol, opioid, tobacco and other addictions. Significantly reducing inflammation, CBD’s neuroprotective properties mitigate the dangers from concussions and brain injuries. By reducing anxiety and
stress, CBD also provides important cardiac and circulatory benefits by lowering blood pressure.
How does THC and CBD differ in medical efficacy?
CBD and THC both provide symptomatic relief for many of the same medical conditions listed above. One of the major differences is that THC has profound psychoactive effects whereas CBD has little if any. However, CBD and THC work together to provide even greater benefits then they do individually as a result of the “entourage effect.” This outcome happens when wholeplant cannabis is used where CBD and THC work synergistically with each other and the other 60+ cannabinoids to produce beneficial effects that are literally greater than the sum of its parts.
Can CBD be used in place of other medications?
The medications that your doctor prescribes have been scientifically shown to effectively treat your condition. CBD will not interfere with other medications, so there is no reason not to use it as a supplement to your doctor prescribed medications. Using CBD in place of your prescribed medications could be hazardous to your health and extreme caution must be exercised in reducing or eliminating their use.
What is the best way to take CBD?
Unlike cannabis, which most people consume by smoking the plant material, the most popular way to ingest CBD is in oil form. CBD oils generally have high concentrations of CBD and can be ingested in a multitude of ways. Commonly they are mixed into foods or beverages. From gummies to gourmet preparations, prepackaged edibles using CBD oils are very popular.
“CBD IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE, BUT THERE ARE A MULTITUDE OF BUSINESSES AND COMPANIES—SOME REPUTABLE AND SOME NOT-SO REPUTABLE— DISTRIBUTING CBD.” ... Tinctures made with CBD oil that has been diluted in a vegetable oil are another very well-liked way to consume CBD. A few drops administered sublingually (under the tongue) are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. For those more inclined to want to take their CBD like a standard medicine, capsules containing CBD oil can be taken like a pill. Vape pens loaded with CBD oil are stylish and discreet. Growing rapidly in popularity, many consider them the best way to consume CBD. CBD can also be consumed by smoking cannabis flower that has at high percentage of CBD, but doing so could result in consumption of relatively high amounts of THC as well. Finally, CBD oil can be mixed into balms and lotions and applied topically. Ultimately, there is no “best” way to consume CBD. The bottom line is to get CBD into your system. Whatever works for you is what is best.
What is the proper dosage for CBD?
There is no official recommended dosage of CBD. Although such considerations as age, weight, diet, metabolism and sex should be considered, it is best to start low and work your way up to a dose of 25-50 milligrams per day, which should be effective for most conditions.
Starting out by consuming five milligrams per day would be considered safe with individual dosages not exceeding one or two milligrams. The product label tells you how many milligrams of CBD are in a single drop of oil or tincture, in a specific portion of an edible or a single puff if using a vape pen. A tincture will have fewer milligrams per milliliter than concentrated CBD oil. It can get a bit complex in the beginning so buying from a dispensary with knowledgeable sales staff is the best way to start.
How safe is CBD?
CBD is safe and effective, but there are a multitude of businesses and companies—some reputable and some not-so reputable—distributing CBD. In states that legalized medical and/or recreational cannabis, manufacturers are licensed and regulated. Like any other commercial product sold to the public, their products must be tested by independent laboratories for potency and purity. The only way to be sure you are getting a quality product with known and measured amount of CBD and no other impurities, is to buy a product that has been tested. The bottom line is to read the label and only buy your CBD products from reliable and licensed distributors.
Does CBD show up on drug tests?
It is unlikely that CBD will show up on a drug test, because almost all drug screens test for the metabolites of THC and not CBD. Even if the manufacturer of the product has failed to remove every last trace of THC, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sets the cutoff level of THC at 50ng/mL. That’s not very much, but should protect a person who is using CBD from failing a drug test just because there was a minuscule amount of THC present in the product they consumed. c CultureMagazine.com
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REVIEWS
company highlight
Vision of Value
Paradise is celebrating 10 years of leading California’s cannabis market By Jacob Cannon The word “paradise” induces visions of the most beautiful, relaxing and perfect place or mental state— making it the most appropriate way to brand cannabis products that produce the same effect. Co-founders and brother and sister duo, Mike Plomgren and Katie Devoe, started Paradise in 2009, which is a California company that manufactures high-end cannabis and CBD products inhouse. As part of the company’s 10-year anniversary, Paradise is releasing exciting new products while staying true to the values that have ensured the company’s success all these years. “Ten years and still going strong, we have grown Paradise and become a renowned reputation as a leader and innovator in the industry,” the co-founders shared.
Paradise co-founders Mike Plomgren and Katie Devoe
H umble Beginnings Looking at Paradise products, you wouldn’t know that this top-of-the-line brand has humble beginnings. Plomgren entered the cannabis industry almost by accident, after being inspired by a simple job. As the owner of a hauling company at the time, Plomgren was hired to haul away trim from his friends who were cannabis cultivators. Plomgren and Devoe realized the trim could be useful, and they infused butter with the intention of helping others discover the medical benefits of cannabis, something that the two of them already knew about firsthand. The two set out to discover which delivery method of cannabis would be the most effective for patients in terms of absorption. They discovered that candy would the perfect product to get cannabinoids into the bloodstream fast and effectively. “We took it to the kitchen and starting formulating recipes. We eventually got it right and invented the firstever cannabis-infused candy in 2009,” they said. “It was 18
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truly groundbreaking. We were first-to-market with the hard candy. It didn’t take long for the candies to take off and became a bestseller in cannabis medical dispensaries throughout California. Paradise was born.” In 2012, the pair expanded Paradise’s vision and started to manufacture the recipes with CBD. “We were also the first to create an infused CBD candy and caramel, which quickly expanded to a full suite of products, from candy to tinctures, gummies, oils and more,” they recalled.
H ighest of Standards Now well-known in the industry as a leading producer of high-quality THC and CBD products, Paradise has a secret—it’s a secret to success that was born out of passion surrounding the healing power of cannabis. “We figured out a way to turn our passion into a purpose and have always been committed to helping others,” they said. This passion shines through in every aspect of their cannabis and CBD products.
Creating high-end cannabis products starts with the manufacturing process, which is something the co-founders of Paradise take seriously. They are dedicated to being experts of their craft while maintaining the highest standards. “We have always stood for integrity with regard to plantbased healing and pharmaceuticalgrade manufacturing standards,” the co-founders told CULTURE. “Paradise is a private, self-funded company that has always stood true to our family values of integrity, honesty and quality.” Paradise has always operated responsibly and in compliance with the industry’s constantly evolving regulations every step of the way. One key to Paradise’s success is the perseverance and determination of its co-founders, as they have never faltered from their core values. “From raids to regulations, we have had many challenges along the way and have continued to power through and rise up each year through expansion, compliance and effective products. We have always been above board and will continue to be, even while current regulations are occurring. We have always stood our ground to not only be in compliance, but to be above standards,” they said. Plomgren and Devoe maintain their core values from seed-to-sale, allowing consumers to find a higher quality of life through Paradise’s purpose-driven, plant-based products.
N ew Tricks of the Trade Proving the concept of how to create the best cannabis candies and other products, Paradise continues to offer its clients the quality of products they deserve. “In honor of a decade in business for Paradise, we are launching a new e-commerce website, introducing new products for consumers and retailers and expanding our manufacturing operations,” they told CULTURE. “We have expanded
“OUR VISION IS TO CREATE A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH PURPOSEDRIVEN, PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS AND IN BEING A RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE CITIZEN WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF INTEGRITY, FROM SEED TO SALE.” and upscaled our facilities, positioning Paradise to continue its legacy as the largest, most trusted manufacturer with the expertise, integrity and experience to produce the finest edibles, tinctures and topical products in the market.” New products include highdosage tinctures, which are made using organic, unrefined mediumchain triglyceride coconut oil. Consumers will also love Paradise’s new topical line of THC and CBD products, which include a body balm and muscle rub. Staying true to its edible roots, Paradise offers caramels, gummies and lozenges, which are also available with glutenfree, vegan and sugar-free options. Paradise CBD products are available to consumers nationally, while the cannabis products containing THC are only available in California. Ultimately, Paradise was founded with the intention of bringing the
very best products to the masses. “We have always been about the plant, and not the dollar signs. It’s because of what the plant medicine has done for us and what we’ve seen it do for others,” they shared. The duo is committed to continue making top-of-the-line cannabis products. They will seek out partnerships with like-minded companies and individuals who share in this sentiment. They want to bring legitimacy and validation to the healing powers of cannabis through their professional approach. “That’s what we mean when we say ‘Paradise,’ it means the best, for all. And we think our products will take you there,” they concluded. c www.tasteparadise.com CultureMagazine.com
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REVIEWS
company highlight
Ph otogra ph e d wea ring 24 k white gold a nd diamon d luxur y c a nna bis leaf ring , d esign e d by M a ria Vale ntin o f rom a leaf sh e trimme d during ha r vest .
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Maria Valentino
The majority of products used in everyday life are full of incredibly harmful and toxic chemicals that affect the body in both immediate and long term ways. After witnessing so many sick people in my life and losing loved ones, I knew it was absolutely necessary to use my voice to educate and offer the best natural alternatives to the world. I spent half of the year living in the remote jungle of Costa Rica studying natural healing and plant medicine. I decided to take my work to the next level by diving into research on plants that may aid in disease prevention and tumor necrosis, including cannabis and mushrooms. I have received countless customer testimonials from people of all stages in life, including those suffering from severe illnesses such as cancer, lupus, diverticulitis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, mental fog, migraines, carpal tunnel, shingles, acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatillomania and trichotillomania to name a few—helping to relieve pain and symptoms and showing wonderful results. That is what fuels my passion!
How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? The Maria Valentino brand is leading the movement for all-natural beauty and wellness, specializing in key cannabinoids and medicinal mushrooms for optimal health. The entire collection is made of premium active botanicals for their individual and synergistic effects, focused on upregulating homeostasis through the endocannabinoid system, immune and main bodily systems. It is designed to enhance natural beauty and help customers become the best version of themselves by healing from the inside-out, and the outside-in. What do you offer consumers/ clients that others don’t? I have created a new standard in beauty and wellness. The Maria Valentino brand offers products that are unlike anything available on the market, with truly cutting-edge formulations of the highest quality ingredients to maximize healing results. The MV website is also designed as a powerful educational platform for conscious consumers to understand the importance of what they are feeding their cells, and giving an opportunity to take control of their health. With each part of my brand there is incredible attention to detail, which helps to create a meaningful, luxury experience in every aspect. Social media allows me to interact directly with customers for feedback and follow their journey.
With the changing landscape of medical and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest
challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? One of the biggest challenges my company has faced with the changing cannabis landscape is that it is so new, and therefore the laws and regulations are still being put into place to create a structure for an entire industry. I have been navigating through these changes and pressing forward, always coming out on top. This has been challenging, but in the big picture there is a wonderful advantage in being one of the very first to ever bring cannabis products to market. What are the goals and vision moving forward for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? Maria Valentino is a complete wellness and lifestyle brand, with a collection ranging from what you put on your body topically, to what you ingest. In August, I expanded into plant-based health supplements for Optimal Wellness Support™. This patent pending formula is packed with cannabinoids, polysaccharides, terpenes, triterpenes, adaptogens, nootropics and has a special emphasis on aiding macrophages, which are the cells that search and destroy disease-causing toxins and debris. This is truly mind and body wellness. Since optimal health is optimal beauty, the capsules also may offer fantastic cosmetic effects. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? All of my efforts are toward the mission of elevating cannabis through education, so that it will be integrated into every part of life, revolutionizing industries from healthcare to home goods. I hope to gain more respect for this powerful healing plant and maximize its abilities for the greater good. c
How and why did your company start up? I felt called to work with plant medicine at a very young age, and have been formulating with botanicals for many years since.
www.mariavalentino.com
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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“I don’t want anybody to abuse [cannabis]. I just want them to help t h e m s e l v e s .”
Above the Rim 26
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PHOTOS BY JOHN GILHOOLEY
Defense and Determination Hall of Famer Gary Payton is using his grit and determination to disrupt cannabis in sports B
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Gary Payton played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), 13 of them in the cannabis-friendly state of Washington where he played for the now-defunct Seattle SuperSonics. His defense, trash-talking and unparalleled tenacity made him a perennial All-Star and led him to be enshrined in The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. Now, Payton is taking his talents to the equally competitive arena of cannabis, and there is little doubt that the skills that made him one of the alltime greats on the hardwood will help him prosper in the current green rush. Payton entered the national consciousness when he started playing for Oregon State University (OSU). While there, he was a three-time AllPac-10 selection, an All–American in 1990 and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He still holds school records for steals, assists and field goals, and he was inducted into the OSU Sport’s Hall of Fame in 1996. After college, Payton was the second overall selection in the 1990 draft, going to The Seattle SuperSonics. He would end up spending much of his career in Seattle, and after the team departed
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for Oklahoma City, Payton has been steadfast in his desire to avoid having his number retired in the new city. The Oklahoma City Thunder, to the team’s credit, has not officially retired his number, and no former or current Thunder player has worn Payton’s number 20. Payton has also been active in the quest to return professional basketball to the Seattle, Washington area. Nicknamed “The Glove” for his smothering and oppressive defensive ability on the court, his spunk and perseverance have led him to the world of cannabis. Payton launched CannaSports earlier this year, a venture focused on using cannabis to alleviate pain in a natural and effective manner without the harmful side effects and addictive nature of opioids. The idea originated when Payton was looking for a way to help his mother manage her pain. Once he saw the results, he knew he needed to expand his scope. He did his homework and set his sights on helping fix the massive pain epidemic that leads to opioid addiction. CULTURE caught up with the man himself and found that there is so much more to Payton than world-class basketball.
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What is CannaSports? Well, CannaSports is a company that I started about medical cannabis. My mom is very sick right now. To get everybody to understand that CBD and stuff like that is going to be good for ailing elderly people who get into it and get off of medication and harmful opioids. Get them on natural things so that they can try to start healing their bodies. You’ve gained a name for being a very oppressive defensive player. Has that tenacity helped you off the court in ventures like CannaSports? Absolutely. You know, when you have a passion for something . . . it’s just like me playing basketball. I had a passion for it. I had a drive for it. I had something to look forward to, because that was what my life was going to be about. Now that basketball is over, my life is going to be about trying to help people in other kinds of ways. And I think cannabis is going to be that way. Helping people with patches to aid them when they are recovering from injuries and stuff. My ability to be aggressive with everything that I do comes from basketball, and it’s trickling over now to cannabis. How do you think cannabis can help athletes out? Recovery. There’s a lot of things that can go into athletes’ bodies to aid in their recovery from a long, physical season. Even if you are [a] person who has cancer and you’re going
through a lot of pain, if you smoke some marijuana, it’ll make [you] relax and be joyful in times of feeling bad. Like my mom was really sick, and just the other day and I gave her an edible, and she laughed all day with me, which was great. You know what I’m saying? Even if we can’t cure the illness, you can still make them have an enjoyable time, not going through a lot of pain. The patches are great; they allow you to benefit from marijuana without having to smoke, or wait for an edible to kick in. Athletes play hard for a long period of time, and they can put on a patch. Now the stuff going through your body is natural. It makes you feel good. We’re not trying to say, major injuries or stuff like that can be cured by it, but it’s gonna make them feel better that they can get up, they can eat, they can try to rehab and do things on their own. You recently said, “Be well, be pain free, be informed.” I think the first two are pretty self-explanatory, but what would you like everyone to be informed about? How [cannabis] can help you recover. How it can help you get through a situation of pain and things like that. Make you want to fight. I gotta say this stuff can make a person feel better and then fight the illness, or whatever you have in your body, to try to get it to go away. And that’s what I want them to do. I want people always in; you could be going through rough stuff and this stuff can help. We don’t know if we can’t help unless you try it, and that’s what I want them to understand.
“Even if you are person who has cancer and you’re going through a lot of pain, if you smoke some marijuana, it’ll make them relax and be j o y f u l i n t i m e s o f f e e l i n g b a d .”
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Have you had any conversations with any players’ unions or Adam Silver at the commissioner’s office about trying to improve the perception of cannabis in professional sports? Not yet. And I think that Adam Silver knows, but we have to really, really understand it first. Because you know, everybody still thinks marijuana is like a drug or something. So, I think commissioners, all the commissioners, they get it. They got to get it basically under control and understand it first. And I just got to put it in there. You’ve got to think it’s going to be safe for your sport to do it, and we’re not trying to push that right now, because that’s going to be a hard thing to do. If you had to guess, what percentage of current NBA players or professional athletes use cannabis to help relieve pain or to help wind down? Well, I don’t know. I think about 60-70 percent. I mean, you put a toll on your body like that, and doing things like that is really hard. And then if they find a solution that won’t hurt them and won’t jeopardize anything they have, and when it comes to cannabis then, yeah. You know, use it. I’m not against that. I mean, but don’t abuse it. I don’t want anybody to abuse it. I just want them to help themselves.
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Are you a regular cannabis consumer? No. I don’t have the feeling for it, because my body’s not tearing down. But as I’ve done research on it, I found out a lot of people have given it a thumbs up. So, as I do more and more research and do it, and then give it to my mom, give it to my brother and give it to people in my family, and they’re giving me a thumbs up. Then I know that it’s working. With CannaSports, what’s the ultimate goal?
It will be considered a success with me, if I can get other athletes onboard with me, sign on with me. We get the message out to the world, and then we start showing people that this is not a drug to just smoke or get high. It’s really helping us. If I can put this around the United States, and I can help a lot of people that are suffering, I’ve got a win-win. c
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PROGRESSIVE PUTTING CBD is gaining popularity and acceptance in the world of professional golf By Madison Ortiz There has been an influx of CBD consumption by professional golfers like Bubba Watson in the PGA TOUR. Rumors have it that even Tiger Woods and Phil Nickelson have joined the CBD craze, leading many to believe that CBD is being embraced by athletes across all sports leagues. CULTURE spoke with Senior Vice President of Tournament Administration at PGA TOUR, Andy Levinson, to get clarification on official rules regarding CBD for the 2019 PGA TOUR, as well as insight regarding how players are navigating this recent transition. The PGA TOUR allows its players to consume CBD products, due to the recent change in the World AntiDoping Agency’s (WADA) stance on cannabis. “CBD was previously prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency but was removed from their prohibited list in 2018,” Levinson told CULTURE. 32
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The WADA is an international independent agency, and its key goals include scientific research, education and the development of antidoping capacities and monitoring of The World Anti-Doping Code. This code is a document that harmonizes anti-doping policies in all sports across all countries. The World AntiDoping Code contains a Prohibited List of Substances, which is reviewed annually by a panel of international experts. Athletes are responsible for staying informed of these policies as well as any
substance that enters their bodies. An AntiDoping Rule Violation will occur whether or not an athlete intended to use a prohibited substance. The WADA website currently states that CBD is no longer prohibited because “cannabidiol is not a cannabimimetic and has no psychoactive activity.” Heeding caution to athletes, the code also notes that, “synthetic cannabidiol will not have THC but cannabidiol extracted from cannabis plants may also contain varying concentrations of THC, which remains a prohibited substance.”
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“CBD IN ITS PURE FORM IS NOT PROHIBITED UNDER THE PGA TOUR ANTI-DOPING PROGRAM.”
According to Levinson, players are allowed to consume products strictly containing CBD isolate. “CBD in its pure form is not prohibited under the PGA TOUR Anti-Doping Program,” he said. If a player chooses to consume CBD products, they need to be independently cautious about which products they consume. “CBD products, like all supplements, are poorly regulated and, therefore, pose a risk to athletes subject to an anti-doping program. Since THC is prohibited, athletes are warned that use is at their own risk, and use of a CBD supplement is not an excuse for a positive test for THC,” Levinson added. A player will be sanctioned if they were to test positive for THC, even if they happened to test positive from ingesting a full spectrum CBD product, (a “whole plant” hemp extract, legally containing less than 0.3 percent THC). Bubba Watson (a multiple major champion with victories at the Masters Tournament in 2012 and 2014), announced a two-year partnership with cbdMD in May 2019, and he claims to have personally experienced the benefits from CBD products. His partnership includes sporting the cbdMD logo on his headwear, which he wears on and off the green. Watson has some dialogue about the brand on his social media and is seen posing for a cbdMD group photo at the New York Stock Exchange on his Instagram. His fans on social media are welcoming to this new partnership, replying with statements like: “I’ve heard good things about CBD but I was on the fence. Since your post this morning I’ve pulled the trigger and bought some from @cbdmd.usa today.” While he’s still a champion of years past, Watson has been mathematically eliminated from the running for the remainder of the 2018-2019 season. While CBD branding is being permitted for use and has been incorporated into PGA through sponsorship, there is no chance you’ll catch a player taking a quick puff from a vape pen on the sidelines, according to rules outlined by the WADA’s Cannabinoid Q&A. “Nebulizers are by definition inhalation devices and thus not prohibited as a method.” Tinctures, topicals and edibles are the more likely methods of consumption for the athletes who choose to
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incorporate CBD into their routines. Golf fans who are unfamiliar with CBD may wonder why their favorite athletes would choose to consume or promote the consumption of this formerly prohibited substance. While there are many possible benefits that may be experienced through consistent ingestion of CBD, varying products, proper dosage and consumption methods are all key variables contributing to each individual’s experiences. Speaking generally, benefits such as inflammation reduction and the improvement of the quality of cognitive rest are likely of most interest to these professional athletes, though it surely varies per athlete. CBD consumption should be cautious and steady, as is with the general journey of cannabis acceptance, be it into each new state, marketplace or local community. Levinson shared perspective from the PGA community about the benefits and risks of CBD. “There are a wide variety of claims made by manufacturers with very little substantive scientific research to support the purported benefits, so there is a healthy bit of skepticism,” he said. “While most professional sports leagues do recognize supplements that have been Certified for Sport by NSF, pose less risk than other supplements, to date, no cannabis-based supplements have been certified. Other than the claims made by the manufacturers and their own studies, there is unfortunately not much significant independent research on CBD products. Furthermore, without FDA oversight, there is simply no mechanism to ensure the safety of the thousands of products in the marketplace.” It may seem particular, but all-in-all, it’s fair. Skepticism is closer to understanding than absolute prohibition, so at least there’s room to grow. c
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DENM explains his creative self-discovery through music and cannabis 36
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By Benjamin M. Adams Producer, DJ and artist DENM has created music using a vibrant palette infused with just about everything—garage-pop, house, indie, reggae and trap. On Spotify, over 225,000 listeners tune into DENM’s channel monthly. While his 2016 EP Dreamhouse was more grounded in deep house with spacey songs like “Under Pressure” and “Lit,” and his EP Is Whatever expanded into new territory, his latest material exudes warmth and relaxation that reeks of beach foam and suntan lotion. DENM is about to raise the bar with his new release including “Life’s Too Short” and “My Wave,” supported by his background as a sixth-generation Californian. DENM’s first solo show was Aug. 10 at Moonrise Festival in Baltimore, Maryland. His new single “Blow It Up” dropped Aug. 23 and his latest EP Endless Summer dropped on Sept. 6, produced by Rock Mafia and managed by Roc Nation. CULTURE connected with DENM to learn more about genre-jumping, his musical inspirations and cannabis.
P H O T O S BY DAV E K AT R I N A
Tell us why you like to experiment with vastly different tempos. Man so what’s crazy is back in 2016, I was touring with my indie band, FMLYBND, and would just make random beats on the road. I would make these quick beats and sing a little falsetto hook over it. That music was never something I actually intended to make as an artist, and so when I put it out and people started talking about DENM, I was like, I wanna make music I really believe in and that feels super honest to me. If I’m gonna be a solo artist, then I wanna be proud when I step on a stage. Hence this entire three-year journey of self-discovery and finding my real voice as an artist. I grew up in SoCal so I wanted to make music that represented the culture, which is barbecue vibes, party music and beach music, so that’s what I’m making now. Your fans love your acoustic songs. What do you love about acoustic guitar? If it’s played right, it’s such a rad instrument. I remember when I was really deep into electric guitar stuff, and was buying so much gear for tones and what not and sort of thought people who still played acoustic were just bozos. But I was a kid and dead wrong. If the acoustic is played tastefully, it is one of my all-time favorite sounds. It can fill a stadium show or be played gently at a bonfire. There’s really nothing like it. That’s why it’s all over a ton of my new stuff—beach vibes with reggae and trap aesthetic. What were you feeling when you recorded Is Whatever? Honestly, I was trying to move away from the house music I put out before. It sucked, because I wasn’t able to put any music out for a long time, because I kept being told I had to make more house records. It felt like I was really at the end of my road, so I called the EP Is Whatever. “DENM is whatever.” It was the old punk rock in me coming out saying “screw you, here’s the music—like it or don’t.” That’s when I met Rock Mafia, and they started diving into production with me on a new vibe, and that’s really when DENM came to life. “Badfish” is a great summer classic. Were you influenced by bands like Sublime? Straight up—Sublime is one of my all
time favorite bands. I was raised by their music. I was just a little kid when Bradley passed away, R.I.P., but his lyrics and voice were always with me. Eric’s basslines and Bud’s pocket were so raw, and they didn’t play by the rules. I was always getting into trouble and kicked out of houses and schools when I was a kid, so I always felt
connected to them. When we were thinking about doing a cover, I was like “man let’s do ‘Badfish.’” I knew for a fact I could knock it out of the park. I’ve been singing it since I was 14 when I learned to play guitar. Brad helped me learn to sing as a kid, so I knew it was the move. The video is inspired by the Sublime video.
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“Life’s Too Short” is perfect for the end of summer. What is this song really about? The song is really about internal pain and how you carry it in life— like I better learn to love myself. Leave regret and all that behind, because I only get one chance at this thing called life. Even though it can sound happy, it’s really an anthem for people who struggle with real depression and anxiety and just feel broken. It’s like a “let’s rise up and live a good life”-type thing. I wrote it in a really dark, depressed state, so it’s a special song to me for sure. Just trying to make myself feel better by singing it out. “Life’s too short to stress out!” It’s a mantra. Your songs still hold up by melody alone, even when they are unplugged and without the beat. Is that important to you? Yeah, absolutely. My goal is to be able to play every song I’m writing on
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just an acoustic and still have it feel amazing. I can’t wait to do an acoustic set and just have it be a massive sing along. That’s the best feeling. No hiding behind production. A song is a song if you can play it with one instrument and have everyone sing along to it still. I love that. Your collaborations with artists like Tommy Trash and Gnash are incredible. Who do you plan on working with next? Those are both some good dudes right there. Much love to those guys for believing in me and wanting to work with me. But who knows! There may or may not be some legendary people involved, but it’s still very much in the works. Do you consume cannabis, and if so, does it help during the creative process in the studio? [Cannabis] eases my body pain and anxiety big time. Without all that I
can focus on creativity and having fun. Music should be fun man; it’s the greatest job for me. I just get to create something new every time, and my producer Mr. Rock Mafia himself is always hitting his Dosist. Is there anything else you would like to share with readers? Man I love it. Major shout out to Rock Mafia, because we’re in there making some special tunes every day. Shout out to Roc Nation and my management Nima and Justin. Y’all been grinding with me for a long time. Shout out to my publisher Ben Groff; he’s been with me since day one too. Much love to him for hustling the music to get it on TV and in films. I’m just so thankful for the journey thus far. It’s been the hardest and worst, but the most gratifying and best thing in the world. It’s all a part of the story. c rocnation.com/denm
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Leisure and Laughter
Dino Archie consumes cannabis and cracks jokes responsibly PHOTO BY BEAU PARTLOW
By Addison Herron-Wheeler Comedy and cannabis are two things that should be used responsibly. While they can both be wonderful, too much of a good thing can lead to bad jokes or burnout. Luckily, Dino Archie has just the right recipe for success. Shortly after appearing on Season 3 of Adam DeVine’s House Party on Comedy Central, he debuted on Jimmy Kimmel Live! He looks to life to find inspiration for his routines, and he also looks to cannabis—but he doesn’t lean on it as a crutch to fuel all his material or creativity. CULTURE spoke with Archie about maintaining that perfect balance, his jokes and the power of cannabis. How did you first get into comedy? A buddy signed me up for an open mic in LA, because he thought I was funny. I was always a fan of comedy, and then I fell into it. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do something with. I wanted to write funny movies and comedy since I was in film school. Then I got a job as an assistant director, and we did a movie in New York. I would read lines with actors and improv, and I was good at that. Then I got a role in “that” movie, and the movie never really saw the light of day. But then, during the little screening we did, everyone laughed at my part. Then people were like, “You should do comedy; there’s something there.” So, I did; I kind of got the bug, and I never stopped doing it. What are some of the major themes you usually tackle in your comedy? I’ve done three comedy albums, and they’ve all had different themes. The first one was about love, and the
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second one was about not taking any shit from those who try and dictate how you feel. Now, I’m back to the theme of love. My new album is called I’ve Changed, and it’s about how as I get older, I realize I can’t be married to an outdated way of doing things. I have to learn how to be funnier, how to connect with people better. I want to be open to that. What gives you the inspiration for your material? It’s everywhere. I can go on someone’s Twitter account, or I can go to my local coffee shop, and if I mess up my routine, go somewhere I don’t normally go, life will throw some funny shit at me that I wouldn’t normally notice. I try to be introspective, but also look for inspiration anywhere. How does cannabis play a role in your life and your comedy? I’m a lazy smoker. I grew up in California; weed was always around me, but I didn’t smoke or drink it until I went to Canada, to Vancouver. I really liked it, because in our culture, people drink a lot, and that can be very destructive, but weed opens you up to a different kind of vibe. It lets you slow down, stop and smell the roses. I live in LA, so it helps me not get mad at things like traffic, crowds. If I find myself wanting to lay on the horn and scream, I just go, “Hey, we’re all just trying to get somewhere.” Why not light up? Does cannabis ever make its way into your comedy? It’s not necessarily a part of my identity like some comics, but I think it just fits my vibe. Even before I smoked, everyone always thought I was high, because my eyes are kind of low;
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I’m not in a rush. It’s great when I want to have access to some different things and try some different material. It’s fun to smoke, but I don’t want to abuse it. I don’t have to get super high to get creative. I don’t want to be one of those people who does it too much, and then you can’t even smoke a joint around them. I try to limit myself, but I definitely enjoy it.
“WHEN I’M IN CONVERSATION WITH ANOTHER CREATIVE PERSON, THAT’S WHEN MY BEST WRITING COMES OUT.” What is your writing process like? When I’m in conversation with another creative person, that’s when my best writing comes out. If I’m not around someone, I do talk out loud and work things out in my head. I just recently started writing things down more, because I’ll forget that shit. That combination is usually best. c
PHOTO BY MICHAEL RABABY
PHOTO BY BEAU PARTLOW
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Perfectly Paired By Laurie Wolf
It’s all about the terps. The more we learn about cannabis, the more clearly we understand the importance of terpenes when choosing a strain. Terpenes are the aromatic oils in the cannabis plant, and, along with cannabinoids and flavonoids, determines the taste, smell and effects of your experience. There are over 100 terpenes in the cannabis plant, and the combination of these compounds will determine whether your experience will be sedative or active, focused or spacey. The following recipes have been created to pair with the prominent terpene in each strain—to complement, contrast or add another layer of flavor. If these specific strains are not available to you, there is a likelihood that you can find a strain with a similar terpene profile. We’ve included three different strains that are similar to the paired strain in each recipe.
Coconut Mango Smoothie PA IRED W IT H 9 L B. H A MMER
I N S T R U C T I O N S:
Serves
2
I N G R E D I E N T S: 1/3 cup toasted coconut* 1 cup mango chunks
This smoothie is rich in myrcene and infused with the strain 9 Lb. Hammer. Myrcene is the main terpene in mango, hence the pairing. This strain is relaxing and sleepy, a stay-at-home kind of strain. Some claim that ingesting mango will speed up the onset of your high. *Similar strains are Mango Dreams, Blue Dream, Grape Ape and White Widow. 42
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1 banana, sliced and frozen 1 1/2 cups coconut milk 1-2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons cannabis-infused coconut oil Toasted shaved coconut garnish
PHOTOS BY BRUCE WOLF
1. Place the toasted coconut on a plate or piece of parchment. Brush the rim of the glass with the honey. Dip the rim in the coconut, turning the rim to cover with coconut. Set aside. 2. In a blender, combine the mango, banana, coconut milk, honey and the oil. Process until smooth. Carefully pour into the glass. Top with shaved coconut if desired. *In a small skillet, over low heat, cook the coconut, stirring constantly, until golden brown. This should take just a few minutes.
Mini Cherry Orange Scones
PA IRED W IT H L EMON H A ZE
These two-bite treats are infused with Lemon Haze, a delightful strain with the dominant terpene limonene. The sweet, earthy and citrus notes pair with the fruit and ginger in each adorable scone. Strains with limonene are thought to affect the brain more quickly than others. Limonene works well with CBD and is thought to strengthen the body’s cancer-fighting ability. Consumers can anticipate an uplifting, occasionally euphoric experience. *Similar strains are Dirty Girl, OG Kush and Tangie.
Serves
I N G R E D I E N T S: 2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup chopped dried cherries
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped candied orange peel
6 tablespoons butter, cubed and chilled 2 tablespoons canna-butter, cubed and chilled
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(16 pieces)
1 tablespoon chopped candied ginger Powdered sugar
I N S T R U C T I O N S: 1. Heat oven to 340 degrees. 2. In the bowl of a food processor combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pulse to blend. 3. In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract. 4. Add the butter, cream and vanilla and pulse until the mixture begins to come together. 5. Turn into a bowl and add the cherries, orange and ginger. Gently form into a ball. Chill for 15 minutes. 6. On a lightly floured work surface, form two five-inch circles. Cut each circle into eight wedges. 7. Bake from 15-17 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool thoroughly. Dust with powdered sugar CultureMagazine.com
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Tacos for Two
Serves
2
PA IRED W IT H GG4
(6 tacos)
Get ready for Taco Tuesday by pairing your favorite Mexican dish with everyone’s favorite strain, GG4. The strain contains the terpene B-Caryophelene, which has a woody, spicy tone with hints of citrus and coarse black pepper. The spices in the taco mixture work together to create a complex flavor palate that’s earthy and rustic. *Similar strains are Wedding Cake, Northern Lights, Death Star.
I N G R E D I E N T S:
Salsa* I N G R E D I E N T S: 2 medium ripe tomatoes, stems removed 1/2 red onion, peeled and cut in large chunks 2 serrano chiles, stems, ribs and seeds removed 1 garlic clove, peeled 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro Pinch oregano
1/2 pound beef cubes, cut in small pieces
2 teaspoons cannabisinfused oil
Pinch cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
Juice of one lime
2 teaspoons chili powder
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
1 teaspoon cumin
Salsa, your favorite recipe or the one on the right*
I N S T R U C T I O N S:
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Avocado, peeled and cut in pieces, toss with lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice Shredded cabbage Scallion Shredded cheese Sour cream
I N S T R U C T I O N S: 1. In a medium bowl, combine the beef with the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, black pepper and clove. Allow to marinate for at least several hours, overnight is even better. 2. In a large sauté pan, heat the oils. Add the meat and sauté until browned, stirring frequently, 6-8 minutes. 3. Place the tacos on two serving plates. Top with the optional ingredients.
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Salt and pepper to taste
1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine all the ingredients. Pulse until the ingredients are approximately the same size.
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GROWING CULTURE
Garden Fever (Part IV)
S
By Ed Rosenthal everal months ago I placed seedlings in an all-water system. I have ended that experiment for now, because I have not been able to bring the oxygen levels up, and the roots are drowning. In addition there were pH and some nutrient problems. Right now, the plantlets are in a sorry state. I plan on bringing these sickly specimens back to health and flower them within 30 days. Here’s how I revised the system: I cut the polystyrene foam sheet in half and filled the 64 holes with the best plants, They remained in 6” centers, then laid the sheet on a bed of hydrocoral that fills a 4’ x 4’ x 6” tray, which is resting on nine inverted planting containers. I installed an overflow drain with a tube connected to it and a bottom drain on its side that also drains into a tube. Both tubes flow into a 40-gallon reservoir sitting to the side of the tray. The submersible pump is controlled by a timer that is set to go on one of every three minutes throughout the day. The light is being kept on 20 hours per day. We’ll see how the plants do in the new environment. Meanwhile, the plants in the greenhouse are doing very well. The top buds were approaching the ceiling, but I bent them or clipped them to avoid
The plants in the greenhouse. Small lights turn on automatically early in the morning and then again in late afternoon to supplement the limited natural light. 46
Lollipopping a plant, or removing the lower portions and smaller buds.
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it and to encourage top growth of the strong side buds. The small branches with tiny buds were removed, so that they would not thwart growth of the larger top buds. This opens up the space so there’s less humidity and more light getting to the important buds and their supporting leaves. All of these plants are being grown hydroponically. The plants in the back are in planting mix and watered using a wick system supplemented by drip watering from the reservoir twice a day, supplying the plants with about 10 ounces of water daily. The plants in the front are planted in hydrocoral in eight 8” high plastic colanders sitting half submerged in water. These plants are also irrigated by a constant drip. The plants are in their second to third week of flowering. In the next week I’m going to install blackout curtains to speed up flowering by allowing the plants only 11 hours of light daily. I hope to harvest in six weeks, at the end of September. The outdoor garden is in a 2’ x 4’ hydroponic tray with 1.5 gallon containers filled with hydrocoral. They are sitting in the tray with a constant drip irrigation system. They get about five hours of direct sun and bright light the rest of the day. In addition, they receive light reflected from the white wall behind them. These plants are in the first stage of flowering. To speed up the flowering process, I plan to start using light deprivation in the coming week, helping the plants to ripen by midSeptember, while the days are sunny and warm, avoiding the iffy weather later in the season. c
The greenhouse in direct sunlight with the plants.
Early budding on the ER Super-Bud plants, 2-3 weeks into flowering.
GARDEN TIP
An easy way to grow some bud in autumn is to place plants in an unobstructed, southfacing window. The sun is at an oblique angle, rather than high in the sky, so it will shine directly on the plants for a good part of the day. Perhaps you or a friend have some plants that are ready to flower. If not, you may be able to purchase some “adolescents” from your local cannabis dispensary. They can be flowered immediately. Just put them at the window and don’t turn on lights, even for a moment, during the evening. Fertilize with bloom formula, and they will soon start to bud. If you have only clones, use them. If you want them to grow a little before flowering, do interrupt the dark period with light several times each evening. Soon after you stop the nightly interruptions, the plants will begin to flower.
The greenhouse plants in a recirculating drip system. They get direct sun as well as light reflected from the wall behind them. Notice the roots coming out of the colander.
The outdoor system—plants are thriving and in the early stages of flowering.
NEWS of the
WEIRD
BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL
LEAD STORY— CHUTZPAH! Lake Worth, Florida, homeowner Phil Fraumeni emerged from his house on July 19 to find a white Tesla not only parked on his lawn, but tethered to an outlet on his house, charging the car’s battery. Fraumeni told WPBF he waited a couple of hours, then called police. The car was not stolen, and police were able to contact the owner, who showed up around noon and told Fraumeni he had been visiting friends in the neighborhood when
the battery died around midnight. Fraumeni declined to press charges (pun intended) and did not ask for reimbursement for the 12 hours of electricity the car used. RECENT ALARMING HEADLINE Alex Bonilla, 49, took revenge to an extreme on the man he told police he had caught cheating with his wife in May, according to WCJB. On July 14, Gilchrist County (Florida) Sheriff’s deputies said, Bonilla entered a house in the town of Bell, firing a gunshot and forcing a man inside into a bedroom, where he tied the man up and, using scissors, cut off his penis, which he ran away with. Later that day, deputies arrested Bonilla at his place of
employment; his bond was set at $1.25 million. The family of the victim declined to comment, but said through the sheriff’s office the victim was doing well medically. T(WINNING) Keep up with us here: On Aug. 1, identical twin brothers Andy and Chad Baker of Nashville, Tennessee, were on their way to the annual Twins Day Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio, in their identical blue Tesla Model 3s, when an Ohio state trooper pulled them both over for having identical license plates, reading “SUBJ TO.” The brothers patiently explained to the officer that the plates are, in fact, different: In one, “TO” is spelled with a zero, and in the other, it’s spelled with a capital O. “Nobody
likes getting pulled over by police, we were both nervous, but it’s a great story and we will tell it all weekend,” Andy told Fox8. CAN’T STAND THE HEAT It’s been a hot summer in Europe. Among those suffering was an unnamed 66-yearold military veteran in the small southeastern French town of Les Arcs-sur-Argens, who had been complaining for several weeks to his landlady, Maryse Malin, 71, about the lack of air conditioning in his villa. That may have been why, the Local reported, he shot the “sweet, kind and caring lady” three times, killing her. Malin had agreed to install air conditioning but told the tenant it couldn’t be done until October.
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