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contents
inside
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The Raphael of Reggae
Damian Marley has reggae music in his blood, and now his passion for cannabis has led him into another business.
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18 features
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Tying the Knot Wedding industry traditions are changing, and we have a few tips for every cannabis bride and groom to use when planning their special day.
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Make Me a Match Molly Peckler is a cannabis dating coach who helps cannabis-loving people find lasting true love.
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Prolific and Driven Seattle native, Choice, is set to be one of 2017’s best rappers in the region.
departments news 10 News Nuggets 11 By the Numbers 12 Local News 14 Legal Corner reviews 16 Store Highlight 18 Strain & Edible Reviews 22 Cool Stuff 24 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 44 Growing Culture 46 Destination Unknown 47 Profile in Courage 48 Recipes 52 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d National Academy of Sciences
Supports Rescheduling of Cannabis d The First Cannabis-Based Drug
is Licensed in Brazil
Vol 8 IssUE 8
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Jamie Solis Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Jefferson Van Billiard, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Josué Rivas Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designer Tanya Delgadillo sales director Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Teddy Helms, Beau Odom, Chris Thatcher, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Intern Kiara Manns Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout Washington. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 815 1st Ave | #220 Seattle | Washington | 98104 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
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NEWS
nuggetS New Bill Would Allow Medical Cannabis to Be Used in Schools
Medical cannabis has been known to help patients of all ages find relief from a variety of ailments, but for young students it’s often difficult to gain permission to medicate at school. Fortunately, a new bill could help many Washington students get access to their medicine and still receive the proper education that they deserve. House Bill 1060 is inspired by seven-year-old River Barclay, an epilepsy patient who uses CBD oil. River’s father reached out to State Representative Brian Blake who is sponsoring the bill, among other Washington state lawmakers. The proposed bill’s text explains that children will need to meet many requirements to obtain cannabis medicine at school. “A school district must permit a student who meets the nine requirements of RCW 69.51A.220 to consume marijuana for medical 10 purposes on school grounds, aboard a school bus, or while attending a 11 school-sponsored event in accordance with the school district’s policy adopted pursuant to this section.” If permitted, children like River will be able to get daily access to medicine they need.
Arkansas will Permit 32 Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Thirty-two medical cannabis dispensaries will be serving patients in Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission. A variety of other decisions to regulate the state’s new medical cannabis industry were also discussed on January 10, which included application fees, license fees and regulations on cannabis cultivation facilities. The most notable decision was a vote on how many dispensary licenses would be allowed, as detailed in the meeting minutes: “Commissioners discussed the number of dispensary licenses to be issued in the state. Commissioner Roman moved to issue 28 initial dispensary licenses. Commissioner Miller seconded the motion. By a vote of 3-2, the motion failed,” it reads. However, after the motion failed, the commission chose to unanimously approve 32 licenses instead. Some dispensaries will choose to grow their own cannabis, which would require them to pay a $25,000 license fee plus an annual fee of $32,500. Arkansas voters legalized medical cannabis in November 2016 for patients with various qualifying conditions, which include Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Crohn’s disease, PTSD, seizures and many others. The law went into effect on November 9, 2016, however regulators were given extra time to enforce regulations on the program.
Guam Governor Supports Recreational Cannabis Governor of Guam, Eddie Baza Calvo, surprised many when he announced his approval for recreational cannabis legalization in Guam. His announcement came as part of a veto for Bill 344, which set to permit patients and caregivers to grow medical cannabis at home. At the same time, Calvo also shared the reason for supporting recreational cannabis legalization. “I am introducing this bill, not because I personally support the recreational use of marijuana, but as a solution to the regulatory labyrinth that sprouted from the voter-mandated medical marijuana program,” Calvo stated. “The program was well intended, seeking to provide for patients rather than leaving them in the dark or to the risks of the black market. While eliminating the black market is advantageous, the regulatory nightmare that became the medicinal program would have replaced it with a gray market rife with corruption and cronyism.” He continued to state that decriminalizing the sale, distribution, production and consumption of cannabis would allow them to control and tax the cannabis industry properly. 10
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Washington Report Shows Decreased Fatal Car Accidents with Cannabis and Alcohol since Cannabis was Legalized A new Washington State report and study called WA State Marijuana Driving Fatalities Occur while Speeding After Work: Nearly Equal Alcohol Fatalities, was conducted by Phillip Drum, Pharm. D. and Alfred Crancer, B.S., M.A. The study states that there are near equivalent instances of cannabisrelated driving fatalities and alcohol-related driving fatalities. However, when the data is looked at over the years since cannabis legalization, it actually demonstrates a clear decrease in fatal car crashes within both categories. For example, in 2014, when recreational cannabis stores first opened, alcohol-related driving fatalities were reported at 30 percent, with cannabis-related fatalities at 25.4 percent. The following year in 2015, fatalities from alcohol dropped down to 24.3 percent, with cannabisrelated fatalities also dropping to 23 percent. The study concluded, “The last two years show no statistical difference between the percent of marijuana driving fatalities and percent of alcohol driving fatalities.”
The amount of money, in billions of dollars, that is expected to be collected from recreational cannabis sales in Washington state by 2020: (Source: New Frontier)
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The amount of money, in billions of dollars, that was collected from Washington recreational cannabis sales in 2016: (Source: Mynorthwest.com)
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The estimated number of recreational cannabis businesses that are operating in unincorporated Yakima County: (Source: The Seattle Times)
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that it would have cost to purchase two of Seattle’s largest retail cannabis chains that were available for sale in January: (Source: Yahoo! Finance)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was made in Washington recreational cannabis sales taxes during 2016: (Source: Mynorthwest.com)
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The number of applications for licenses that were received by the Jamaican Cannabis Licensing Authority at the end of October 2016 for growing or processing medical cannabis: (Source: Jamaica Observer)
The number of people who were pardoned from their minor cannabis-related crimes in Vermont: (Source: The New York Times)
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The number of votes, out of 105, by the Mexican Senate in support of approving a bill that would allow for the use of medical cannabis: (Source: Reuters)
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192 The approximate number of medical cannabis patients registered in Canada in September 2016: (Source: Financial Post)
100,000
The estimated amount of sales, in billions of dollars, that recreational cannabis made in the United States during 2016: (Source: The Washington Post)
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CannaCon
WHAT: CannaCon. WHEN/WHERE: Thurs, Feb. 16-Sat, Feb 18. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal & Event Center, 2001W Garfield St., Seattle. INFO: Check out cannacon.org for details. The world’s largest business-oriented cannabis convention is once again returning to Seattle for a third year. People from various corners of the industry will come together to collaborate and share their experience in the cannabis market. Participants range from lawyers, producers, processors, the public and those interested in joining the industry. Although the public traffic mainly consists of local Washington residents, many attendees arrive from all over the west coast. CannaCon allows businesses to network and gain exposure, while giving the public access to the many facets within the cannabis
industry. Companies that are involved in the exhibition include Cannabis Computers, provide technology and support to businesses, Elite Garden, a company dedicated to offering nutrient systems for both commercial and private growers, as well as the CULTURE team. Attendees also have the chance to experience all aspects of cannabis business through seminar presentations. Past speakers include Stephanie Boehl, legal advisor to several cannabis retailers, and Noelle Skodzinski, who is both the co-founder and editor of the Cannabis Business Times magazine. Tickets are now available as one-day or three-day passes. (Kiara Manns) iReadCULTURE.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
CannaTech
Green Thumb Opportunity Proposed bill could make homegrown cannabis legal in Washington by Emily Manke
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annabis legalization in Washington has been a net positive for most state residents. No doubt, the end of cannabis prohibition has been particularly beneficial to those citizens who consumed it before it was legal. Still, there are many little links in the chain that keep cannabis from being fully accessible. One of those little links is the recent adoption of recreational laws that disallow home grows. A new bill seeks to change that, and allow Washington State residents the chance to once again grow their own cannabis at home legally. The bill, HB-1092, which was sponsored by Sherry Appleton, lays out a reasonable and compelling plan to allow, but also limit home grow operations. The bill would allow all adults over 21 years of age to grow at home. The amount each adult is allowed to grow, is laid out in the bill. “[S]ix marijuana plants and up to 24 ounces of usable nine marijuana harvested from lawfully grown plants.” It appears the days of medical co-op type grow houses are still over even if this bill were to pass however, because it does not allow more than two adults at a time to reside and grow cannabis in the same residence. “No more than 12 marijuana plants and 48 ounces of useable marijuana may be possessed, in the aggregate, by the adult
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residents of a single housing unit, regardless of the number of persons 21 years of age or older residing in the housing unit,” the bill reads. In a statement to the Seattle PI, cannabis attorney Daniel Shortt explains how Washington differs from other recreational states when it comes to home growing laws, and why it’s a logical next step for Washington. “Washington has been fairly unique, in that it doesn’t allow for recreational home grow(ing); even Colorado, who legalized before Washington, allows for it. So in some ways it makes sense that we’re seeing this kind of legislation.” This bill was introduced on January 11, and is currently being deliberated. If it passes, HB-1092 is the perfect type of legislation to help out the working class cannabis user. Decriminalizing the home cultivation of cannabis will help ease the burden of payment for medical and recreational users alike. After all, what good is the legalization of a plant if you’re not allowed to grow it? c
No more than 12 marijuana plants and 48 ounces of useable marijuana may be possessed, in the aggregate, by the adult residents of a single housing unit, regardless of the number of persons 21 years of age or older residing in the housing unit.
CannaTech 2017 is happening at the Tel Aviv Port on the waterfront, and it is gearing up to bring the latest and greatest innovative cannabis technology to the masses. Industry leaders are bringing their unsurpassed knowledge to the event, and they will cover the current state of cannabis in addition to what the future holds. Speakers will include various influencers like the Co-Founder and CSO of CannaRegs, Amanda Ostrowitz, Dr. David Meiri, PhD, M.Sc of Technion and Saul Kaye, the CEO and Founder of iCAN:israel-cannabis. These three presenters are just a glimpse into the diverse, expert panel of speakers at CannaTech with professionals representing the various cannabis-related fields of agriculture, entrepreneurship, innovation, finance, government policy, research, science and technology. Meals, refreshments and an open bar throughout the days are sure to bring smiles to the event’s many attendees. WHAT: CannaTech. WHEN/WHERE: Mon, March 20-Wed, March 22. Trask and Reading3, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. INFO: Visit www. canna-tech.co for more information.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
A Time for Patience
New outdoor cannabis cultivation sites banned in Spokane County by Hilary Bricken
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t’s always a slap in the face to get blindsided by your local government at the 11th hour. And of course the same holds true in the cannabis industry. You’ve worked incredibly hard to secure your cannabis license from the state. You’ve spent a ton of money getting into compliance with state cannabis regulations (that keep on changing and affecting your bottomline). And you’re likely paying heavily increased rent to lease a space that for any other business would be less than half of what you pay. This is all while having to deal with federal cannabis laws that make it difficult to bank and jack up your tax rates. Then to run up against a local moratorium on cannabis businesses or a drastic change in local cannabis regulations after months of operation is yet another bitter pill to swallow. When I-502 first passed in Washington State, there were debates and lawsuits over what Washington cities and counties could do when it came to opting out of I-502 altogether. I-502 was silent on this point, and industry folks argued that cities and counties couldn’t ban cannabis businesses while local governments (and the state attorney general) argued that they could. Ultimately, with passage of HB2136, the game of chicken between local governments and cannabis businesses came to an end since the legislature decided that cities and counties were free to ban cannabis businesses, though those that did would cease to receive cannabis tax revenues. The issue of how cities and counties in Washington State may regulate cannabis businesses remains less than clear. Given the local government,
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police powers and the fact that there is no right to have a cannabis business in Washington State, cities and counties see themselves as able to regulate cannabis businesses as they see fit, so long as their regulations are lawful and constitutional and comport with a local government’s duty and power to protect the health and welfare of its citizens. Because of this, Washington State licensed cannabis businesses are finding themselves in situations where their local governments are re-thinking local regulations or just deciding to get rid of certain (but not all) cannabis businesses. In 2016, Douglas County banned and then re-regulated its cannabis producers and processors because of odor and neighbor complaints. Also last year, Chelan County opted to ban all cannabis producers and processors that were not actively operating on or before September 29, 2016. Now Spokane County joins this list with its November 29, 2016 emergency moratorium on any new or expanded outdoor cannabis cultivation, citing multiple odor complaints received by
If Spokane County eventually decides to attack existing outdoor cultivation, the chance of a legal attack against the County isn’t made any better due to the law of non-conforming uses.
the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency and claiming that its existing outdoor cannabis producer rules and zoning do not “adequately mitigate the impacts associated with the outdoor production of marijuana.” So long as Spokane County holds a public meeting on this emergency moratorium within 60 days of its passage, due process (i.e., notice and a hearing) challenges to this change are not likely to be viable. Spokane County can even extend this outdoor production moratorium to one year so long as it develops a working plan in that time leading up to final resolution of the issue. The sad reality is that cities and counties in Washington State can usually get away with using well established laws to preserve the integrity of their zoning plans through interim zoning or via a moratorium and by pointing to allegations of immediate threats to public health and safety. If Spokane County eventually decides to attack existing outdoor cultivation, the chance of a legal attack against the county isn’t made any better due to the law of nonconforming uses. I would like to see Spokane County go the way of Douglas County and find a way to keep new or expanded outdoor cannabis cultivation alive while balancing the interests of irritated neighbors. In some ways, an even bigger concern for these outdoor cannabis cultivators may be private legal action by their neighbors to stop all outdoor cannabis farming. In any event, be sure to stay tuned to see what Spokane County does with outdoor cannabis cultivation. c
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REVIEWs
store highlight
The Gallery Spanaway 21802 Mountain Hwy. E., Spanaway, 98387 www.thegalleryco.com
How and when did your store start up? We opened February 13, 2016 as a second location to our Tacoma location. What’s the story behind the name of your store? We are an art gallery that just so happens to sell marijuana. What does your store offer customers that they can’t find anywhere else? Genuine customer service. From the moment you walk in
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the door you’re greeted with a smile, and our budtenders assure every visit is a great one. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? We’ve seen huge growth in the industry. More shops, products and different ideas are always emerging. We’re hoping the cannabis industry continues reaching its arms across more states so everyone can have safe access to marijuana.
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What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a retail store? Biggest joys? Not being able to carry every vendor, so many great products but not enough shelf space. One of our biggest joys is helping a customer who has never tried marijuana and providing them with what they will try for their first experience.
Top-Selling Strain: Dutch Berry by Artizen Top-Selling Concentrate: Northern Lights by Ionic Top-Selling Edible: Billifer’s Hard Candy
What is the one thing you want customers to know about your store? We have a staff that truly cares about our customers. Come give us a shot, you’ll be glad you did. If someone wanted to open a retail store and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? Make sure to have a nice store layout, awesome staff and great location. What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the cannabis community? We would like to continue growing with the industry and shaping it in a positive way that removes the negative stigma it has carried. c
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REVIEWs
strain & edible Available wherever: Skörd products are carried.
Sour Tangie by Skörd Nothing to help get us through a cold, hard Washington winter like some life giving citrus! This Sour Tangie by Skörd may not pack the Vitamin C necessary to fend off scurvy; it can certainly provide a much needed morale boost as we trudge along the last of our dark and dreary winter days. As usual, Skörd’s packaging is attractive and informative. The minimalist label is all orange, simply signifying this strain has an orange flavor. This gorgeous flower was lime green, and absolutely packed to the gills with crystals. After unscrewing the signature white cap, it became evident that this was some LOUD flower. Hints of diesel, citrus and orange wafted through the vicinity at such a rate that some neighbors may have been wondering what we were up to. After using a vaporizer and water pipe to sample this flower, we soon discovered the flavor was strong as well, with signature orange, lemon and diesel notes. Sour Tangie is an 80 percent sativa hybrid, that is a cross between East Coast Sour Diesel and Tangie. As is the case with most sativa-dominant hybrids, the effects of this flower may not be for everyone. An energetic and euphoric effect is perfect for tackling a creative project, or helping maximize the pleasure of a run. But if you’re looking for a flower to knock you out for a day of lazing about, this isn’t it!
O Intimate Lubricant
Available wherever: Fairwinds products are carried.
There are so many ways to utilize the countless benefits of cannabis, and this intimate cannabis-infused lubricant may be one of the most pleasurable. When we first applied O Intimate Lubricant, it was clear that this cannabisinfused formula was going to elevate our sexual experience as the lubricant created a mild tingling sensation. The lubricant is great even for people with sensitive skin, as it didn’t cause any skin irritation. Instead, the lube provided consistent, long-lasting glide for our entire sexual experience. It didn’t become dry or sticky, meaning this silicone-based lubricant is great when used with condoms. Heightening physical sensations and aiding in achieving the big “O,” this lubricant is a must-try for anyone looking to add some cannabis-infused fun into the bedroom.
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Death Star by Top Shelf Whether defending galaxies, or just slaying your weekend chores, we all need a little help sometimes! That’s where Death Star by Top Shelf comes in! Remarkably dense, highlycrystalline nugs appear battle ready and heartier than most. The light green leaf curling to protect the bud within. After popping open Top Shelf’s iconic bags, the lineage of this flower becomes apparent. Notes of diesel and earth are powerful. After consuming this flower using a water pipe and a dry pipe, we observed a pungent, earthy flavor with the aforementioned diesel note in full effect. But it’s not the appearance fragrance, or even flavor of this bud that makes it so cosmically powerful, it’s the unique effects. Death Star is an indica-dominant hybrid, which was created by crossing Sensi Star (indica) with Sour Diesel (sativa). The results are this flower, which tested at 25.6 percent CBD. A more perfect medicine would be hard to find. Death Star provides a steady and effective stream of CBD, perfect for chronic pain management. The subtle but powerful effect is perfect for taking care of pain, without leaving you groggy and unable to function. If you’re looking for a high CBD strain, and haven’t tried Death Star yet, you should. It’s a pleasant and powerful alternative to many of the more popular high CBD strains.
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Available at: The Gallery in Parkland.
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REVIEWs
Exclusively at: Nature’s Recreational Center (NRC) in Tacoma.
Orange Fruity Pebbles by Smooth Sailing Ventures There’s a lot to love about this delectable Orange Fruity Pebbles flower by Smooth Sailing Ventures. The fragrance was incredible, overwhelming the senses as soon as the bag was opened. That tangy-nostalgic breakfast cereal scent is always a pleasant reminder that this terpene laden flower is an absolute treat. Notes of earth can also be found in this truly magnificent smelling flower. The jungle green herb is covered in dark orange hairs, whose colors match this flowers flavor profile. A healthy frosting of snowy white crystals cover the leaves, brightening up the otherwise dark greenery. Testing at over 30 percent THC, the dense packing of crystals comes as no surprise. We sampled this flower using a water pipe, and we immediately noticed a flavor that matched, if not surpassed the fragrance. In addition to the tropical orange-cereal flavor, a certain note of spiciness was present as well; giving it a more complete and robust flavor profile. This hybrid has diverse and varied genetics, giving it the best of both worlds in terms of effects. Joy, the giggles, along with an overall sense of calm may commence after consuming this flower, which is basically everything you want from cannabis!
Exclusively at: Green Collar Cannabis in Tacoma.
Fire Crotch Cookies by 420 Natural Fire Crotch is one of those strains whose name seems far more salacious than it actually is. The first thing you notice when looking at this flower, is the bushy red hairs growing in all directions. A-ha, that’s where it gets its name! These large, bright green nugs are dense, crystalline, and of course, very hairy. The red hairs on this are noticeably fuzzy as well, which is pretty unique. The fragrance is musty and powerful, with a strong sweet scent also permeating from the flower. After using a water pipe to sample this cannabis, staff noted this flower was exceptionally smooth, and the flavor was sweet and earthy. This particular flower is a cross between Fire Crotch and Girl Scout Cookies, making its genetics extremely unique. Fire Crotch is a somewhat mysterious strain, with the parentage of which cannot be definitively stated. Girl Scout Cookies’ genetic lineage is known however, it’s a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison. Fire Crotch Cookies is a hybrid, and the effects are true to form. Powerful relaxation coupled with pure unbridled joy are the main characteristics of this flower’s effect. 20
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
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Exxus GO Concentrate Vaporizer From newbies to experienced cannabis consumers, this brand-new device is a great option for anyone looking for many hours of vaping. We know from personal experience that when we attend weddings and other social events, many vape pen batteries die so quickly that we have to bring tons of extra batteries. This rig features a lengthy battery life among other great qualities. Users will also enjoy strong hits, a quick warm-up time and much more. PRICE: $99.99 MORE INFORMATION: exxusvape.com
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Bad Bitch Club Herb Grinder Why rely on a cold metal grinder, when this amazing two-piece grinder comes with an exclusive membership to the “bad bitch” club? Okay, so maybe the club is more of an essence than an actual club, but you catch the drift. This two-inch grinder will help turn your stickiest nugs into ground up shake that’s perfect for rolling endless joints and blunts. Buy it for yourself or gift it to a friend this Galentine’s Day! PRICE: $20 MORE INFORMATION: www.etsy.com/shop/ PenelopeGazin
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Cannabis Oil Winter Skin Care Kit Cannabis and hemp oils are notoriously great when used as skincare products for various reasons. These products have been reported as truly effective for protecting skin, preventing rashes, treating psoriasis and providing acne relief. Now you can feel the healing magic yourself with this adorable gift set from Front Range Soap. With body bombs, hand and body lotion, body budder and more, you will be able to relax and find relief for hours with this exclusive line of skincare. PRICE: $19.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.etsy.com/shop/ FrontRangeSoap
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The Chelsea Every girl (or guy) needs a go-to bag that can carry everything from office goodies to cannabis essentials. In the case that you do need to travel straight from work to your favorite smoke spot, this fashionable handbag features a secret, Aroma-Bloc compartment to keep your after-work intentions on the down-low. This secret space will fit all types of cannabis goodies from flowers and glass to edibles and vape pens. The top compartment is a bucket bag with six different organizing pockets, so you can bring along everything your heart desires. PRICE: $295 MORE INFORMATION: annabisstyle.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
Three A Light
Release Date: February 28 Available on: PlayStation 4
Joshua Haupt Pono Publications Ltd. Three A Light claims to be the only book you need to be able to grow the highest quality and highest yielding indoor cannabis around. The information in this book does cover technical information like temperature, humidity, CO2, room dynamic, equipment, genetics, food and water, manicuring and pruning, and does so with the well designed and easyto-follow instructions. The images are the best part however; gorgeous, high resolution, full bleed images cover the majority of the pages in this book and show you every detail imaginable. It is the perfect mix of a coffee table book and a howto guide! (Alex Bradley)
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GAME
MUSIC
Wild Hunt EP MOVIE
Horizon Zero Dawn
The Accountant
Dev. Guerrilla Games
Warner Bros. Pictures
Pub. Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Zero Dawn is a highly anticipated postapocalyptic actionRPG that takes place in a world inhabited by primitive humans and robotic creatures of all sizes. Join Aloy, a practiced archer in her tribe, journeys through a beautiful but equally dangerous open world to learn where these robotic monsters originated from and what has happened to humanity. Aloy helps to unravel these mysteries while utilizing many different ranged and melee weapons, alongside stealthy strategies, which she uses to survive in that harsh world. (Nicole Potter)
Vexx M’lady’s Records
Dir. Gavin O’Connor
While documentaries and dramas tend to have a bit more sustenance in them, sometimes there’s nothing nicer than a good old meat and potatoes action flick to get the blood pumping; The Accountant is just that. With director Gavin O’Connor (Pride And Glory, Warriors) at the helm and Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick and J.K. Simmons in the leading roles, The Accountant brings some blazing shoot outs and some fairly impassioned performances to the table with a blockbuster budget to make it all look as epic as possible. For those in need of an awesome shoot’em up, look no further. (Simon Weedn)
Since its debut EP in 2014, Olympia punk rock-and-roll group, Vexx, has been busy establishing itself as one of the most fiery and ferocious bands in the American North-West. Blending the rawness and explosiveness of punk with the riffs and power of ’70s rock, Vexx will blow minds with both its intensity and its musical skill. The band’s latest EP, Wild Hunt, finds the band at its tightest and most focused yet. All six tunes on the record are absolute scorchers and see the band blending its influences even more seamlessly than ever before. (Simon Weedn)
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Rast
p h o t o s b y J o h n G i l h o o le y
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l i v e p h o t o s b y Sterl i n g M u n k s g a rd
ta
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley creates compassionate and thoughtful music, and now he is stepping into the cannabis industry with that same care and consideration by Addison Herron-Wheeler
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legend in his own right, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley has surpassed the shadow of his legendary father’s career to make a name for himself in reggae. Rather than rely on clout, Damian has worked just as hard as someone starting from scratch, touring and recording non-stop. A singer and performer since the age of 13, Marley fuses electronic and hip-hop-influenced elements with traditional dancehall and reggae stylings to put his own
spin on the culture he comes from. He has been a part of supergroups and collaborated with dubstep stars, but still manages to keep his feet planted firmly on the ground. In addition to being a creative force, Marley is also Rastafarian with interesting insight into the spiritual properties of cannabis as well as the business and medical opportunities the plant brings. With a new album, Stony Hill released last month, CULTURE was lucky enough to catch up with Damian Marley to talk about his upcoming projects, the power of cannabis and the way of the future. >>
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Obviously, you grew up with music and with an amazing role model for playing dub and reggae in your father. What made you decide to follow in his footsteps, and how has having him as an influence shaped your music? Being a fan of music more so than anything else has shaped me and made me want to do what I do. It’s not so much trying to follow my father’s footsteps, as it is wanting to express myself through music. Of course I’m influenced by my father just like so many other musicians, but I’m influenced by so many other artists too besides by father. It’s really just all about my love for the music. What is some of the music you are most proud of creating so far? All of it. I can’t really single out anything specific. When I listen back to some of my earlier recordings I can appreciate a point in my development and growth as an artist and as a person, so each point is kind of historical for me as an artist and as a person. Do you have anything exciting in the works in terms of touring or writing songs? I have a new album that just came out in January, and the name of the album is Stony Hill. What is the best show you ever played, and in your opinion? There have been too many great shows to really single out any one. To me what makes a great live experience is kind of when the performer and audience are on the same page, and they are both engaged in the show. It’s a relationship where the energy goes back and forth, so the more energetic the audience is, that usually makes the performer more energetic. Who are some of the artists you like the most today? Who are you listening to or inspired by? I am listening to a lot of young people from Jamaica and a lot of music from Jamaica– Kabaka Pyramid, Iba MaHr, to name a few. Dub and reggae have inspired so many forms of music, from underground dub bass in the electronic scene to ska in the punk scene. Do you listen to any of these offshoot genres, and how do you feel about this influence? Well to tell you the truth, I spend so much time in the studio making music, and especially because I’ve been working on my record for some time now, I haven’t really been listening to a lot of outside music, if that makes sense to you. Of course there are a lot of different genres that are influenced. I have done stuff with Skrillex, as far as the dubstep genre goes. Seeing all the influence it has had, it really inspires and validates how valuable reggae music is and how much it has inspired the culture. >> 30
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As a Rastafarian, cannabis is clearly a big part of your life. How does it fit into your life as a spiritual and inspirational substance? I’m a Rastafarian, so it is considered a spiritual sacrament. We smoke herb to put us in a meditative state, to think of thoughts that are a little more spiritual or expressive than the normal thoughts you’d have in day-to-day life. You have thoughts that grow a little more than what is in your day-to-day life.
How does cannabis factor into your creative process and the music you make? Well, usually we are smoking whenever are making music; when we are writing and stuff like that. We get into that energy here and we get into our creative space, so a majority of the time when we are in the studio there will be herb smoking. It is a part of day-to-day life for me personally; I smoke pretty much daily.
What do you think of the mainstream acceptance of cannabis? Do you see any of the people who smoke it as not appreciating its sacred properties, or do you think it should be something enjoyed by everyone? I think that the progress that is being made right now is great, in terms of it becoming medical and it being accepted, and a lot of research is being done. A lot of the healing properties are coming out, and there is a lot more to cannabis than it getting you high. I also think it’s good that a kid who smokes a joint isn’t necessarily going to get locked up or get a criminal record. A lot of people in Jamaica get a criminal record just for smoking a joint, and that’s not right.
Have you ever used cannabis to medicate, or as medicine? How do you feel about the fact that cannabis can be so healing as someone who believes it has spiritual qualities? Do these two things seem related to you? That is kind of what I touched on earlier–the healing properties of the plant that have been discovered now– the research is so early but the benefits that are being discovered so far are great. I haven’t really used it so far for any personal medical reasons, but I’ve heard the stories of people who have been using the herb, children with epilepsy and that kind of thing. We are looking forward to the possibilities that are on the horizon as people learn more and more about this plant. >>
“That’s cool if they don’t accept it; it’s not for everyone. As long as you don’t judge someone else for using it, you don’t have to use it personally; that’s cool with me. There are a lot of things that aren’t for everyone, and as long as we are all free to choose what we want then there shouldn’t be any problems.” iReadCULTURE.com
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How do you feel about how legalization has been handled so far, in the U.S., Jamaica or anywhere else in the world? One of my concerns that I’ve been touching on recently is that the original people who sacrificed for the herb for so long, the original farmers and people who have sold herb out on the streets, we really want them to still be a part of the business. That is my concern, that it doesn’t become something that the corporate people take over, and the little local farmers and hustlers can still be a part of it all and still continue to feed their families by growing and selling the herb. We don’t want to take that away from them. What do you hope the landscape of legal cannabis will look like in five years? Hopefully a lot of other places legalize the cannabis in terms of other states and other countries. Hopefully more recreational will come in and be voted on. And with all this, hopefully they will discover some great cures for illnesses. In what ways are you involved with legal cannabis? How are you either financially tapping into the market, or using your influence to create positive change? We’ve partnered up with a 32
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dispensary named True Cannabis in Colorado to open up a Stone Hill store in Denver, Colorado, right across from the Mile High Stadium. That is one of our first ventures. We are also looking to do some things with a company called Open Grown. So that’s basically what our involvement so far is, in the industry. What would you say to those who still do not accept cannabis spiritually, recreationally and medically? That’s cool if they don’t accept it; it’s not for everyone. As long as you don’t judge someone else for using it, you don’t have to use it personally; that’s cool with me. There are a lot of things that aren’t for everyone, and as long as we are all free to choose what we want then there shouldn’t be any problems. c
“I think that the progress that is being made right now is great, in terms of it becoming medical and it being accepted, and a lot of research is being done. A lot of the healing properties are coming out, and there is a lot more to cannabis than it getting you high.” www.damianmarleymusic.com
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Planning the Perfect Cannabis Wedding Everything you need to know about having the best cannabiscentered wedding possible
by Quinn Marie
our wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It’s the day you and your partner show the world who you are as a couple; a day to express your beliefs and represent your love as a new duo. Cannabis weddings are on the rise and for good reason—everyone deserves to have that dream wedding, and incorporating cannabis into the big day is a great way to share your mutual love for cannabis as well as introduce cannabis to others in a safe and festive way. CULTURE spoke with three cannabis wedding-centered business owners who have mastered the art of incorporating cannabis in beautiful and innovative ways. >>
We have seen a few different ways clients would like to incorporate weed into their wedding but by far the most popular request is a weed bar with a quality bud tender. 34
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photo by Brittany Lauren
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photo by Brittany Lauren
Jasmine Maimone is an associate at The Hazy Daisy in Colorado. While working in a dispensary, she attended a cannabis business incubator event and discovered her love to combine cannabis flowers with traditional floral arrangements.
Bec Koop, the former owner of Buds and Blossoms as well as Cannabis Concierge Events and founder of Cannabis Wedding Expo has rebranded and started a “one stop shop” for anything and everything one could need when planning a cannabis wedding.
Have you had many wedding requests, if so what are the couples looking for? And what advice do you give them?
When couples approach you and inquire about your services, do they usually have an idea in mind or do you guide them through the process of what’s available?
The Hazy Daisy focuses on cannabis-friendly events in the Denver Metro Area. Other than a general color scheme, people are usually too excited at the prospect of a cannabis incorporated arrangement to provide much direction. It gives me a lot of artistic leeway. The best advice I can give to someone incorporating cannabis into their event—follow all state and local laws and be upfront with your venue.
We do both. Our website is pretty educational about the different services we provide. Once [the date] is set, we send them a full blown questionnaire that dives into the dirty details of everything from, would you like a hemp silk wedding dress made? Would you like hemp chapstick or pain reliever to give out as party favors to your non-consuming guests? We try to really look at what their needs are, what their budget is and try to come up with the best package.
What are some of your recommendations for floral arrangements/boutonnieres for someone looking to do an all cannabis wedding?
What are some wedding trends or features that you’ve noticed gaining momentum lately?
The cannabis flower serves as the prominent feature in these floral arrangements, boutonnieres and corsages, so the size and overall look of the flower (or bud) is extremely important. Generally, boutonnieres require a flower the size of a half dollar and a full flower arrangement would require multiple flowers around the same size or bigger.
One of the biggest things that has really taken off since starting this business is the budtending service. The budbar is set up with educational material, you’re talking to the guest about what strain would be perfect for their vibe and their feel for the evening. Making sure that we can help with moderation and discretion and education are three huge points we like to push. >>
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Nora and Elizabeth Sheils run Bridal Bliss out of Oregon. When it comes to planning a cannabis wedding, their motto is, “as long as we are within the law, let’s get creative and have fun.” Has Bridal Bliss received many cannabis wedding requests? And what advice do you give them? We have received a handful of requests from couples looking to host a cannabis-friendly wedding. When we begin working with them we talk about the restrictions, rules and regulations. What are some unique ways you’ve found to incorporate cannabis into a wedding? e have seen a few different ways clients would like to W incorporate weed into their wedding but by far the most popular request is a weed bar with a quality bud tender. We have had a few clients incorporate marijuana into their florals, which is a fun little detail and a client that recently worked in an ice pipe and “420 smoke.” c
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photo by Jessica Hill Photography
The best advice I can give to someone incorporating cannabis into their event— follow all state and local laws and be upfront with your venue.
Here are a few of our favorite wedding must haves for saying, “I do!” This gorgeous Janay A Eco Bridal dress is a hemp silk blend guaranteed to make the bride the star of the show.
Wedding flowers are essential and this peonies and cannabis bouquet and boutonniere are a classic look.
Here’s a simpler cannabis only version.
Your groomsmen will look dashing with these cannabis boutonnieres. photo by Justin Baltz
Setting up your budbar can be as intricate or simple as you like.
After the big day, these Dank Essence bath bombs make the perfect gift for soothing your entire wedding party.
Your groom will love these cannabis cufflinks by Winky and Dutch.
Looking for a sweet treat? Love’s Oven Red Velvet Edible cookies are a delicious addition to any wedding.
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Cannabis Dating 101
Molly Peckler, Cannabis Dating Coach and Founder of Highly Devoted talks cannabis, love and how to make it last
by Addison Herron-Wheeler
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hen it comes to sex and love, cannabis gets a great rap as far as getting intimate between the sheets. But in reality, cannabis can do so much more than spice things up in the bedroom. It can also promote intimacy between couples when it comes to talking out issues, connecting on a spiritual level and just
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generally treating each other well and finding some common ground. CULTURE spoke to cannabis dating coach Molly Peckler, founder of her own cannabis company, Highly Devoted, to get the scoop on how she helps couples and individuals who prioritize cannabis, good vibes and mutual love and respect. >>
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What made you decide to become a cannabis dating coach or go into cannabis counseling? Being a cannabis-friendly dating coach is kind of the perfect amalgamation of my professional experience and passions. I have a degree in psychology and I am a people person, very emotionally intelligent, and I’ve always been someone who was able to connect on a very deep level with both men and women. For years I worked as a professional matchmaker, and I helped people find love. How do you work cannabis into your job as a dating coach? Well I am someone who is a
What are some of the most common issues you see couples experiencing when they come to you, and how does cannabis help? I do work with people who are in relationships but potentially having issues connecting over cannabis; they feel like they can’t be completely honest with their partner, and I also work with couples where the communication isn’t there and it doesn’t have anything to do with cannabis. What is your greatest success story when it comes to cannabis as a treatment for couples? One of my favorite clients I ever worked with, she is actually
Sometimes when we are in a relationship our emotions can get the best of us, so you can use cannabis as a way to get on the same page. regular cannabis consumer, and it plays a really important part in my relationship with my husband. I really understand how important it is to many people in their lives and how it should be important in their search for a partner. At that point I was like, “Okay, I had this experience,” and I was kind of living the dream in terms of having my cannabisfriendly partner. I realized how important that is, and how many people can face a lot of judgement and stigma when dating if they use cannabis. I get how that factors into a search and I also really understand how cannabis and networking works in that circle, so I help people locally wherever they are to find cannabis partners that they form romantic connections with. I’ve also started throwing events that are kind of cannabis singles mixers where we do have consumption onsite.
located in Europe. I Skype a lot of my clients, so it doesn’t really matter where you are. She is someone who is very successful, very high powered career, and she always felt ashamed about her love of cannabis. It was something she hadn’t come to terms with, and she wasn’t open with people in her life, and I helped her realize how it helped her fuel her success. I helped her to find someone through online dating, craft her profile, and the person she met was incredibly accepting. Where do you see your business in 10 years? I am currently working on a book, so I definitely want to release a book and go tour and do a lot of speaking engagements and help as many people as I can, and eventually I’d like to have my own cannabis products that focus on confidence or flirtation
or different things for couples to relax and unwind with in the bedroom, different ways cannabis can enhance your life and relationships. I am also speaking with some different production companies about doing a show about my business, so that could be something really cool in the future as well. What do you think could be done better overall when it comes to cannabis as a tool for counseling? If I was a licensed councilor or social worker or therapist or psychologist I would be at risk for losing my license if I talked about cannabis the way that I do, so I think that’s definitely unfortunate. Coaching definitely works with my clients, but I know there are people who are licensed professionals who would love to use cannabis as part of their practices. What advice do you have for couples who are cannabis users and want to use cannabis to help improve their relationships? I would say really focus on the fact that cannabis enhances compassion and empathy, and use cannabis as a tool to communicate, to bond, to spend time together. It’s a great way to gain perspective. Sometimes when we are in a relationship our emotions can get the best of us, so you can use cannabis as a way to get on the same page. There’s nothing better than being able to have a great session with the person that you love. c highlydevotedcoaching.com
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How did you get started in music?
Enjoying Seattle HipHop is an Easy Choice Our region continues to pump out some top choice rappers by Emily Manke
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hen you think of the top 40 rappers in Seattle, Choice might not be the first name to pop in your head. But that may soon change. Choice made headlines in 2015 when he was signed to DJ Mustard’s label 10 Summers. If DJ Mustard’s name isn’t ringing a bell, some of the hits he’s produced certainly will. DJ Mustard has produced mega-hits like Tyga’s “Rack CIty,” Big Sean’s “I Don’t F#%* With You,” and 2Chainz “I’m Different.” And the super producer has taken Seattle’s very own Choice under his wing. Formerly known as “Royce the
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Choice,” Choice has been on the Seattle rap scene for a long time. Choice began releasing high-quality, potent hip-hop in 2010, he’s as prolific and driven as he is talented. After the announcement that he was signed to 10 Summers last year, Choice released a mixtape titled By Choice Not Force. Tracks like “Move Around” featuring RJ, help round out this highly danceable and polished hip-hop record. This release made a huge impact on the local rap community, with Choice named on several years’ best, and rappers to watch lists. Look out for new work and shows for Choice in 2017. In the meantime, get your Choice fix by reading this CULTURE’s conversation with the Seattle MC.
Choice: My family is musically inclined, and when I was younger, like elementary school, I used to be part of a group. We had a manager and all kinds of s$%*. It was nothing serious, nothing real, but I’ve always had that passion for music. From that time I’ve always stayed close to music. Whether it be managing people at one point, making beats, writing for other people, anything I could think of to do. I just had to turn it into a career. I would say I started taking it serious 10 years ago. Where are you from? Seattle, Washington born and raised. Who were your musical influences? Early influences were a lot of hiphop artists, from Tupac to Dr Dre, you know the main names, especially on the West Coast. A couple underground artists as well, with the Bay Area being so close to Washington, I gravitated towards their sound in my earlier years.
From Mac Dre to Too Short. It was mostly West Coast hip-hop for me. Has the cannabis-friendly culture of the PNW impacted you as an artist? Absolutely man! Delivery, and being able to smoke weed just freely, has been a blessing in disguise. Cause man, I’ve been to the East Coast. I’ve been to Vegas. They treat it like it’s a real drug there. You’re damn near scared to pull your weed out there. So you know, coming from Washington where even before it was legalized nobody ever really tripped on it, we just sort of have that understanding. And ya, smoking weed has definitely helped my creative process. It opens me up a lot, so if I wasn’t able to do that I don’t know. It’s the only drug for me, that’s for sure. What are your favorite songs to listen to when you’re enjoying cannabis? There’s two: X Rated, “Do you Wanna Get High?,” and Kid Cudi featuring Chip tha Ripper “Hyyer.” c
bychoicenotforce.com
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culture growing
2017 WINTER GARDEN 1
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he garden has been empty for about two months and I’m restarting. It’s the first week of January and the days are short, only nine hours of daylight, and much of it is dim. My plan was to visit a local dispensary and buy about 30 clones. I would have repotted them into 8” containers and vegetate them for a week before forcing the instant sea of green to flower. However, I saw a beautiful Shark Shock plant, mostly indica, with parentage of White Widow and Skunk #1, at the shop. I decided to buy that instead. The plant is 24 inches tall with a canopy that spreads out 39 inches in a great circle. It had a lot of side branches, but I cut them and will use them for cloning. After trimming off the side branches and the weaker branch offshoots, the plant was placed in its new home, a five-
TIP OF THE MONTH If you have an unobstructed south facing window that’s not used at night, now is a good time to grow some plants. The sun is low on the horizon so it floods the window with light. It would be best to start with clones or young plants but seeds are good, too. With the natural light regimen the plants will start to flower immediately. Shortening the dark period by interrupting it with light several times each evening (timers help with this task) or keeping a light on continuously will keep the plants growing vegetatively, increasing size.
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gallon container. The plant was growing in a two-and-a-half gallon container using planting mix. The roots were lightly circling the sides and I didn’t want to disturb them. The old container was a little shorter than the new one so I added enough mix to the bottom of the new container so the plant stem sits at the same level in the new container. Then I filled the sides with planting mix. I placed the container in a tray to catch excess water, keeping the space neat. Water that drains into the tray is soon soaked up by the container. I placed the tray on a Styrofoam sheet to block the cold concrete floor from draining heat from the container, cooling the roots. The plant basks in my greenhouse under a 600 watt HPS lamp. This replaces a 1000watt lamp that I would have used indoors, saving 400 watts an hour. The plant absorbs the ambient light and a bit of direct sunlight and it’s a convenient space to grow. As the position of the sun changes seasonally the greenhouse will receive more sunlight, boosting growth as the flowers are in their last stages of growth and ripening. The timer turns the light on a 6am, just before dawn now, and it goes off at 6pm, slightly after sunset. The greenhouse is kept at 620 at night using a gas heater with thermostat attached and a backup electric heater set at 60 0. A minimum temperature of 70 0 is maintained during the day. Over the next 60-70 days the plant will initiate flowering, grow buds and ripen. The buds will be ready to pick in mid-March. This is weeks before March 22, the first day of spring, when the light period reaches 12 hours. c
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The plant had lots of side branches and its roots were beginning to circle the container.
The plant after pruning and repotting. Side and weak branches were pruned and cloned.
Branches were “trained” lower using a horticultural twisttie.
In the greenhouse the plant receives both natural and generated lighting.
Aluminum foil was taped to reflector to direct more light to the plant.
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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culture RECIPES
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Time to Go: February Weather: Low 80s with occasional rain Budget: $$$$$
if you go:
Bahia Brazil Blazes During Carnaval While most cannabis enthusiasts look to Rio and São Paulo when it comes to Carnaval season, Brazil’s state of Bahia has the most authentic street party scene. Why the northeastern coastal state of Bahia and its capital of Salvador rather than Rio or São Paulo? Salvador’s Carnaval, which runs this season from February 23-28, has historically been the largest with about two million revelers (although Rio has now surpassed that number). That’s because Bahains don’t go for the whole formalized “samba school” format for their festivities. In fact, even the music is different in Bahia with more African influences. Salvador’s Carnaval has two main “circuits” or parade routes that wind through this bar-filled town. Semi-trailer trucks called trio elétricos are outfitted with thousand-watt sound systems that blast axé and electronica music to the frenetic, colorful crowds of dancers and drummers.
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There’s three ways to enjoy the party scene in Bahia. You can go pipoca (or free) by simply watching and participating in the local street scene. Or, you can buy what’s called an abadá where you dance “inside the ropes,” which provides much-needed security. The most expensive—and perhaps the best way to enjoy the scene—is to buy out a camarote for the day. This fixed location could be anything from a bar patio to a hotel balcony where drinks, food and a DJ are included. But Carnaval is just one reason to choose Bahia. Salvador itself is a major tourist destination in Brazil because this lively city situated where the Atlantic meets Brazil’s largest bay (Todo os Santos) is a cultural treasure packed with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous beaches, delicious food, diverse accommodations and beautiful people. Every good thing about cannabis, Brazil and Carnaval can be found in Bahia and Salvador, so what are you waiting for? c
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by Sheryll Alexander
Cannabis—like all “street” drugs—is illegal in Brazil. However, a 2006 law decriminalized cannabis (and other drugs) for personal use. Rather than prison, offenders are given a warning and sometimes sent to community service or drug awareness education classes. Still, Brazil recognizes “trafficking” or possessing large amounts of cannabis (or selling it) as a “heinous” crime and it could get you 5-15 years in one of Brazil’s exceedingly overcrowded prisons. For visitors, and most especially during Carnaval season, the best bet is to be discreet. Find some cool locals with connections at bars, clubs and the beach. And don’t toke up outside—although while dancing in a crowd of two million revelers, who is gonna care?
Itaparica is the biggest island in Todo os Santos Bay and is known for its literal “fountain of youth.” In fact, people have come to the island’s famous Fonte de Bica for centuries to drink this tropical island’s naturally carbonated, mineral-rich waters. 1
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Can’t make it to Carnaval? You can get a taste of the world’s biggest party once a week in Salvador. Called Terca da Bençao, this weekly procession starts at Pelourinho or the city’s center, where Afro-Brazilian drummers beat while locals and tourists dance in the streets. 2
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Coltyn Turner
Age: 16 Condition/Illness: Crohn’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Using medical cannabis since: 2014
Why did you start using cannabis? It was a last resort. I was really sick and the westernized medications were only making things worse. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes! I sat in a chemo room for eight hours at a time getting IV infusions. I took shots every two weeks, and I’ve swallowed more pills than any 11-year-old should ever have to. What’s the most important issue or
problem facing medical cannabis patients? There are so many issues and problems that cannabis patients have to deal with. I would have to pick access. There are so many people across the world that are sick and cannabis could help them, but they can’t get it. What do you say to the folks that are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I’d show them my “before” and “after” colonoscopies! I really haven’t been confronted with skepticism though. c
Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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Fall in Love Again Menu:
Baked Halibut with Lemon Tarragon Mustard Goat Cheese-Stuffed Roasted Figs Sensual Honey Dust
For Valentine’s Day, reservations and going out on the town to make some kind of special night for your special someone can be fun, but it can also be a headache and a hassle. Consider swapping the night out for a night in, and have some fun at home. You can spend intimate time together cooking these romantic, exotic and simple dishes together as a couple, and then have some fun with dessert! The gorgeous light meal will be a perfect precursor to the extra fun interactive treat at the end. The simple sensual honey dust is the perfect dessert for any special night with your loved one—it is easy to make and fun to lick off your partner.
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Baked Halibut with Lemon Tarragon Mustard Ingredients 2 eight-ounce halibut steaks 1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh tarragon 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives 1⁄4 cup cannabis-infused olive oil t Salt Freshly ground black pepper Lemon slices, for garnish Fresh tarragon, for garnish Directions Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, mustard, tarragon and chives or scallions, then gradually whisk in the olive oil until well incorporated to make the marinade; season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Place fish steaks in a ziplock bag, then add the marinade, close the bag securely, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Place halibut on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until fish is tender and cooked to your preference. Transfer steaks to a serving platter, garnish with lemon slices and tarragon, and serve immediately.
t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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Goat CheeseStuffed Roasted Figs Ingredients 6 figs Goat cheese 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused olive oil t
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Quarter your figs, cutting three-quarters of the way down. Stuff the figs with goat cheese. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of cannabis-infused olive oil in a pan, and heat till 425°. Roast in oiled pan for 12 minutes, until softened. Serve drizzled with warmed honey.
Sensual Honey Dust Ingredients 2 tablespoons vanilla powder
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1 cup cornstarch Directions In a food processor or blender, pulse vanilla powder and cornstarch until combined. Very slowly add honey while blending on medium, until all honey is added and the mixture is fully combined. Apply to body with hands or make a feather duster to apply it with. 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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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY u Radical dentistry was on display in November in London’s Science Gallery, where installations offered “art-science collaborations”— including Taiwan artist Kuang-Yi Ku’s “Fellatio Modification Project.” Former dentist Ku, complaining that textbooks on mouths tragically under-regard their value in sex, created (the ordinary way) a custom retainer for the client’s mouth but then added rubber “bumps” and “cones” and “ribs” and “ripples” that might be pleasing to a partner.
SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED u Evolution, according to scientists, likely explains
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why some “prey” develop defense mechanisms to avoid “predators,” i.e., the prey who fail to develop them are unable to procreate (because they’re dead), but a team of scientists from Sweden and Australia recently concluded that something similar happens in a species of fish in which males mate basically by huge-appendaged rape. Growing nine generations of the species in the lab, the researchers concluded that the females who can avoid the “rapist” evolve larger brains than those who fall victim. (Researchers, loosely speaking, thus concluded that as males grow bigger penises, females grow bigger brains to outsmart them.) RECURRING THEMES u Whistleblower goes to jail; responsible industry executives make millions. Long-time Mississippi environmental activist Tennie White is 27 months into a 40-month sentence
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(for “falsifying” three $150 tests in her laboratory), but high-ranking executives at the Kerr-McGee chemical conglomerate made millions on the case White helped expose: leakage of cancercausing creosote into communities, including White’s Columbus, Mississippi, neighborhood. A detailed investigation by TheIntercept.com in November noted the executives’ brilliant response to the 25,000 creosote lawsuits nationwide: put all the liability into one outlying company (eventually going bankrupt) but selling off, highly profitably, the rest of the firm. COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS u Texas is among the most enthusiastic states for jailing low-income arrestees who cannot pay a money bail, especially during devastating family hardships, and the four Houston bail magistrates
are particularly harsh, according to a recent report of the Texas Organizing Project. After hearing one financially overwhelmed woman beg sarcastically that $1,000 bail is “nothing” next to her other bills, unsympathetic magistrate Joe Licata shrugged, “It’s nothing to me, either. It’s job security.” PERVERT—OR NOT u (1) When police in Port Orange, Florida, arrested Anthony Coiro, 76, in November, he admitted that he had a stash of “crazy” pornography, some featuring children. However, he adamantly insisted, “I’m not a pedophile. I’m just a pervert,” adding, “a lawabiding pervert.” He faces 52 counts. (2) In November in Osaka, Japan, an unnamed arrestee apparently had his sexual molestation charge (against a woman on a crowded train) dramatically downgraded. “Actually,” the
man indignantly told the judge, he is not a pervert— but just a pickpocket (a lesser crime). The victim had testified that the man had brushed against her for “3 seconds” and not the “30” she originally told police. WEIRD QUANTITIES RECENTLY IN THE NEWS u (1) Price tag for one round of a 155mm projectile shot from the Navy’s USS Zumwalt: $800,000. (2) Trees killed in California by the now-5-year-old drought: 102,000,000. (3) Recent finding of “water” farthest from the Earth’s surface: 621 miles down (one-third of the way to the Earth’s “core”). (4) Odds that Statistics Lecturer Nicholas Kapoor (Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut) said he played against in buying a $15 Powerball ticket: 1 in 913,129 (but he won $100,000!). (5) Speed police calculated Hector Faire, 19, reaching
in an Oklahoma police chase: 208 mph (but they got him, anyway). (6) Different languages spoken by children in Buffalo, New York, public classrooms: 85. HARDLY NEED A BREATHALYZER u (1) Michelle Keys, 35, among those joyously caught up in Iowa’s upset win over highly ranked Michigan in football in November and celebrating that night in Iowa City, was slurring and incoherent and told police she was certain she was standing in Ames, Iowa (120 miles away), and had just watched the “Iowa State - Arizona” game (a matchup not played since 1968). (She registered .225) (2) A 38-year-old woman was arrested in Springwood, Australia, in November when police stopped her car at 3 a.m. at an intersection— with a children’s swing set wedged onto the roof of her SUV. (She had shortly before
mistakenly driven through someone’s back yard and through the swing set.)
which Wesley agreed to revamp its code of student rights.)
PERSPECTIVE u “Sexually-based offenses,” a TV show intones, are “particularly heinous,” but to the small Delaware liberal arts Wesley College (according to the U.S. Department of Education) even an accusation of sexual misconduct is so heinous that there was no need even to interview the alleged wrongdoer before expelling him. (An informal meeting did occur, but only after the investigation was completed.) The expulsion occurred even though the victim herself had not originally accused that particular student. The expelled student’s offense was to have helped set up video for a consensual sex encounter that was (without consent) live-streamed. (The Department of Education accepted a settlement in
RECENT ALARMING HEADLINES u “Man Mixing LSD and Cough Syrup Saves Dog From Imaginary Fire” (WNYTTV, Albany, N.Y.), 10-15-2016). (Panicked, he had first sought help from neighbors—who were unpersuaded by the sight of a fireless fire.) u Santa Claus Speaks Out Against North Pole Ban of Marijuana Sales” (KTUU-TV, Anchorage) (Cannabis is legal in Alaska unless towns ban it, and the legallynamed Mr. Claus needs it for cancer pain.) u “Dog On Loose Causes Sheep To Have Sex With Their Sisters in Walton On The Hill” (The wild dog has wrecked a planned mating program, leaving female sheep to canoodle with each other)
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