2
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
3
4
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
5
inside
contents 1.2019
30 20
HIGH CAL IBER
Five-time boxing champion and current WBC winner, Ava Knight, gives CULTURE a peek into her life—her journey as a boxer, her aspirations and how cannabis plays a significant role in her daily life. ON THE COVER:
PHOTO BY SEAN MCDONOUGH
26 27
17
36 40
departments
features 36
Setting the Example Activewear clothing that embraces cannabis and hemp allows consumers to destigmatize the “lazy stoner” stereotype.
38
Origin Story KnowMads is a Seattle hip-hop group destined for greatness through its love for music and cannabis.
12 Letter from the Editor news 14 By the Numbers 16 News Nuggets 17 Local News 18 Legal Corner 22 Healthy Living reviews 26 Strain Reviews 27 Cool Stuff in every issue 40 À La Carte 42 Growing Culture 44 News of the Weird
6
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
Online Exclusive! d New Zealand Loosens Cannabis Laws d Improve Health in 2019 with Hemp
VOL 10 ISSUE 7
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
7
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Solis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Bennett EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Benjamin Adams ASSISTANT EDITOR Ayesha Rahman EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, David Edmundson. Caroline Hayes, Carl Kozlowski, Alison Malsbury, Emily Manke, Kiara Manns, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, 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 GRAPHIC DESIGNER John Venegas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Casey Roel, Vic Zaragoza OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar
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.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
8
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
/iReadCulture
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
9
10
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
11
LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Lead by Example
T
his just in! Mainstream wellness and fitness publications have confirmed it—cannabis will be one of the hottest health trends in 2019. While we rejoice as the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) continue to make headlines and bring benefits to the masses, it’s important to remember that whole plant cannabis and hemp have also been used for wellness purposes for many, many years before the CBD trend took over. It should come as no surprise that every year CULTURE dedicates its January issue to focusing on health- and wellness-focused topics that are relevant to the cannabis-loving lifestyle. Reversing the stigma that cannabis consumers are lazy, CULTURE is joined by professional athletes, wellness experts and everyday people who are dedicated to living healthy and active lifestyles with cannabis and hemp. In this special Health and Wellness issue, our cover interview with champion boxer Ava Knight demonstrates just how intertwined wellness, cannabis and professional athletics really are. While our community is always eager to learn more about the many benefits of the most mainstream cannabinoids, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CULTURE is looking into the endless wellness possibilities that are held by lesser known cannabinoids that are steadily gaining in popularity. You will also find within these pages an inspirational story about a professional cannabis and hemp chef, who is able
12
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
to overcome her own dietary restrictions utilizing cannabis. It doesn’t matter what has led you to picking up this issue, rest assured that you’re now a step closer to embracing wellness through cannabis. In honor of the new year, challenge yourself to focus on bettering your wellness as a resolution. You can start training for a 5K, look into cooking with fresh ingredients at home versus eating fast food, or choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator the next time you’re given the option. Be an example of balance and wellness to others, and make choices that help demonstrate that hemp and cannabis are complementary to a healthy lifestyle. c Cheers!
JAMIE SOLIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
13
The estimated percentage of decline in prices for Oregon recreational cannabis products due to overproduction: (Source: The Oregonian)
50
The estimated number of people who attended the first annual Lemonhaze Convention & Comedy Festival in late October in Tacoma, Washington:
The number of licenses that the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board approved for cannabis cultivation research: (Source: KXLY)
1
3,000
(Source: The Spokesman-Review) The projected amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Oregon’s recreational cannabis industry is expected to make in sales in 2018: (Source: Oregon Live)
543
The approximate amount of money, in millions of American dollars, that Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organization invested in a cannabis research plantation: (Source: Asia Times)
3.6
The number of licensed cannabis dispensaries currently operating in Brandywine, Maryland: (Source: Baltimore Business Journal) The number of licensed medical and recreational cannabis producers in Canada that received approval to cultivate and sell cannabis: (Source: The Seattle Times)
1
133
The estimated amount of cannabis, in micrograms, that residents in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada consumed per person, per week from March 2018 to August 2018: (Source: CTV News)
1,310
Seattle CannaCon 2019 WHEN: Thurs, Jan. 31-Sat, Feb. 2 WHERE: Washington State Convention Center, 705 Pike St., Seattle WEBSITE: cannacon.org/seattle/seattle-cannacon-2019 Seattle CannaCon is one of the leading cannabis industry expos in the United States. Join hundreds of exhibitors and over 12,000 attendees at this comprehensive marketplace for education, consumer products and businesses that are catering to the industry. The event is an interactive meeting between professionals from all walks of the cannabis industry— entrepreneurs, investors, pioneers and experts. 14
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
Attendees will enjoy a series of talks and seminars designed to further educate the industry in the business, science, industry standards and the latest trends. Be a part of this major event with like-minded individuals, and catch a glimpse of the next generation of cannabis technology and innovative products. Get ready to explore the trends that are sure to influence the cannabis marketplace of the new year and beyond.
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
15
NEWS
NUGGETS
Richland Considers Lifting Cannabis Ban Richland is one of the latest Washington towns to rethink its cannabis ban and take advantage of the “Green Rush.” The city’s current ban doesn’t allow cannabis to be sold, produced or processed in city limits. Richland Communications and Marketing Manager Hollie Logan provided CULTURE with a history of the situation up until now. “In 2014, the city of Richland, Washington passed an ordinance that prohibits
marijuana-related land uses,” Logan explained. “On Nov. 7, 2018, a group of individuals under the name Legalize Richland submitted a petition containing signatures of Richland voters, supporting the sale of cannabis within city limits. On Nov. 21, 2018, the City Attorney confirmed the petition did not meet the requirements of state law to proceed for Richland City Council or registered voter consideration.” That’s not the end of the line for lifting the cannabis ban, however. At a Richland City Council meeting in early December, councilmembers agreed to place the topic on a future city council workshop agenda for continued discussion.
Social Media Platform Targets Prominent Washington Cannabis Influencer While many cannabis influencers rely on the social media platforms to share photos of products, technically, promoting cannabis is banned on many platforms. Who gets banned and what type of content that gets them banned is seemingly random. One local influencer who recently had her account with 196,000 followers banned is Seattle’s Bess Byers, aka @imcannabess. Her Instagram profile was deactivated for the seventh time in November, 2018. Prominent Los Angeles, California-based influencer Trippy.Treez, who had over 16
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
150,000 followers, had her account deactivated recently as well. “These tech companies think that they’ve got a monopoly on the playing field. But something better is going to come along,” Byers told CULTURE. “People don’t trust these companies for a reason. The more that I deal with this, the more that I think something has to come along that’s better. Something that encompasses everybody.” Until something better does come along, the cannabis industry will have to figure out ways to deal with the crushing deactivations.
World Health Organization Postpones Cannabis Rescheduling Recommendations The United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) delayed the release of recommendations on rescheduling cannabis on Dec. 7, 2018. The recommendations were expected to be unveiled on the same day at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs 61st reconvened session in Vienna, Austria. While recommendations on other substances like Tramadal were addressed, a WHO representative said the organization needs more time to evaluate how to proceed with cannabis, leaving cannabis advocates around the world shocked. “When the time came to release the findings on cannabis to the packed audience, all were stunned to watch, in person, the spokesperson for WHO announce that the outcome on cannabis was kept confidential, but did not announce any date for the release,” said a press statement from FAAAT think & do tank, an international drug policy advocacy group. While no new date has been provided yet, member states of WHO are expected to vote on rescheduling cannabis in March 2019.
NEWS
LOCAL
STAYING SAFE
T h e Wa s h i n g t o n S tat e T r a f f i c C o m m i s s i o n p a r t n e r s w i t h LY F T t o keep high drivers off the road By Emily Manke
T
he Washington State Traffic Commission (WSTC) is doing its part to combat impaired driving. The state agency received a $10,000 federal grant to help fight driving under the influence over the holiday season. Cleverly, the agency partnered with rideshare app Lyft, and they targeted cannabis consumers. After the WSTC received the grant funding, it put together a public service announcement (PSA), encouraging drivers who have consumed cannabis to stay off the roads. In the PSA, cannabis activist and HEMPFEST promoter Vivian McPeak and WSTC Director Dr. Darrin Grondel partnered to dispel some myths surrounding cannabis and driving. “Driving is the most dangerous activity people engage in on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter what you’re on if you’re impaired. If you get in a crash you’re just as dead, and if you get arrested you’re just as arrested.” McPeak stated. Grondel informed the audience that driving under the influence of cannabis doubles your crash risk. The reason cannabis consumers were targeted for this campaign is due to the fact that state data has suggested an increase in cannabis showing up in the bloodstream of people in serious crashes since legalization. In addition to the PSA, grant funds were used to purchase 500 $20 gift certificates for Lyft. The gift certificates were handed out to customers at an event at Uncle Ike’s in Seattle and a major cannabis retailer in Spokane. Of the 500 gift certificates, 300 were earmarked for the Seattle area, and 200 for the Spokane area. Any remaining certificate codes that were not handed out at the event were given out via social media. McPeak was an integral
part of the social media campaign to get the remaining gift certificate codes out there. Nearly all of the codes were redeemed within days of the event. CULTURE reached out to WSTC Impaired Driving Program Manager Mark Medalen to find out more about the campaign, and what the goals of the WSTC were. Medalen stressed that the commission’s goal was not to get people to stop using cannabis. Cannabis is legal in Washington state, and the WSTC has no issue with adults legally consuming cannabis responsibly. The WSTC’s aim is to get impaired drivers off the road. Medalen stressed that cannabis consumers should “party with a plan.” “I’ve seen personally from family and friends that cannabis can have amazing benefits medicinally,” Medalen said. “We’re not saying not to use cannabis. But with lots of new people trying cannabis out, it can affect people differently, and the place to test that out is not on the road.” Medalen also contended that while the legalization of cannabis cannot be proven to be the cause of increased cannabis-related crashes, there does seem to be a correlation. Similar increases in drunk drivers involved in crashes were noted after the privatization of liquor sales in Washington. Medalen surmises that accessibility is the common thread in this data. Lyft has proven to be a solid partner when it comes to encouraging high drivers to stay of the road. In addition to its partnership with the WSTC, Lyft offered a clever promotion last 420, offering $4.20 off two rides all day. “Lyft works to be a smart, reliable, and affordable 420 partner in order to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of marijuana.” Lyft Senior Manager of Policy and Safety Communications, Kaelan Richards told CULTURE. Cannabis advocates like McPeak are wise to encourage cannabis consumers to stay off the roads while they’re under the influence of cannabis. And Lyft is savvy to continue to establish itself as the rideshare app with a conscience. As recreational cannabis legalization makes its way to the federal level, it’s important that cannabis enthusiasts are the loudest voice when it comes to driving safely. c
Washington Industry Social The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) Industry Socials are about nurturing local communities of cannabis industry professionals, so that they can unite and learn from each other. This event is designed to expand your network of cannabis enthusiasts, and it strives to provide industry insights that will help protect and expand the cannabis business through the right channels with accurate information. Also, the event very appropriately includes appetizers, a cash bar, local music and classic games, so that you can network in style! Representing nearly 20,000 businesses and thousands of cannabis professionals, NCIA is leading the change to protect legal cannabis businesses, defend state laws and advance federal policy reforms. As the largest national cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only organization representing upwards of 1,700 cannabis related businesses at the national level, NCIA has major connections that are being offered to attendees of this event. Don’t miss this unique opportunity handed to you on a platter! WHEN: Tues, Jan. 15 WHERE: Art Marble 21, 731 Westlake Ave. N, Seattle WEBSITE: thecannabisindustry. org/event/t119seaindustry-socials
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
17
NEWS
companies market products that deliberately prey on sick people with baseless claims that their substance can shrink or cure cancer and we’re not going to look the other way on enforcing these principles when it comes to marijuana-containing products.” The FDA has issued warning letters, which are the first step in its enforcement of federal law, to a number of CBD companies in particular. Some of the health claims the FDA has taken issue with include:
LEGAL CORNER
“Combats tumor and cancer cells”
Seeking Authenticity
T h e F D A i s ta r g e t i n g h e a lt h c l a i m s about CBD products
By Alison Malsbury
A
lthough many consumers utilize cannabis for its purported health benefits, and although Washington State regulates cannabis not just for adult use, but for medicinal purposes, companies must be very careful about the healthrelated statements they make about their cannabis products. These statements are regulated not just by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), but also by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pursuant to the United States Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). The FDCA gave the FDA broad regulatory power over legal drugs as well as regulatory power over food. While there is nothing cannabis companies can do to make their products legal under federal law, there are certain precautions they can take in order to avoid scrutiny and enforcement by the FDA.
18
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
Most importantly, companies should not make health claims about their products. Regarding a cannabidiol (CBD) product (prior to the approval of Epidiolex, a CBDbased drug intended for the treatment of epilepsy and categorized as a Schedule V drug under the Controlled Substances Act), the FDA published a news release that stated the following: “The FDA has grown increasingly concerned at the proliferation of products claiming to treat or cure serious diseases like cancer. In this case, the illegally sold products allegedly contain cannabidiol, a component of the marijuana plant that is not FDA approved in any drug product for any indication.” Additionally, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb also said stated that the organization is actively searching to remove CBD products that are not proven to work. “Substances that contain components of marijuana will be treated like any other products that make unproven claims to shrink cancer tumors. We don’t let
“CBD makes cancer cells commit ‘suicide’ without killing other cells” “CBD … [has] anti-proliferative properties that inhibit cell division and growth in certain types of cancer, not allowing the tumor to grow” “Non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) may be effective in treating tumors from cancer – including breast cancer” Claims along the lines of those cited above suggest that the products can cure, mitigate or prevent cancer and are thus considered, and treated as, drugs by the FDA. These products were not subject to FDA review pursuant to the drug approval process, and only the FDA may determine whether a drug can be labeled as safe and effective in the treatment of a particular disease. In addition to the risk of FDA enforcement for making health claims, cannabis companies must also be cognizant of the state regulations governing labeling and advertising. For example, WAC 314-55-105 provides that “labels of usable marijuana and marijuana products sold at retail in the state of Washington must not contain any statement, depiction, or illustration that: (A) is false or misleading; (B) promotes over consumption; [or] (C) represents the use of marijuana has curative or therapeutic effects . . . ” These restrictions on what can and can’t be said about the health benefits of cannabis serve to protect consumers in a market where, due in large part to its federal illegality, cannabis has not undergone the research needed to provide consumers with adequate information about its medicinal properties. Preventing health claims based on anecdotal evidence is one of the FDA’s most important functions. Cannabis businesses must therefore be diligent in complying both with applicable state labeling and advertising laws and with FDA regulations. c
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
19
20
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
21
NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
The Other Cannabinoids Exploring six lesser-known c h e m i c a l s t h at i n t e r a c t w i t h t h e endocannabinoid system By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
C
annabinoids are a diverse set of chemicals used by the endocannabinoid system, one of the largest neurotransmission systems in the bodies of all mammals. Whether the cannabinoids are produced by our bodies (endocannabinoids) or are obtained from external sources like cannabis (ectocannabinoids), they have profound effects on regulating appetite, mood, motor control, immunity, reproduction, pain, memory and sleep, to name a few. The cannabinoids produced in our bodies are not the exact same cannabinoids found in cannabis, but they all interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in a very similar way and consequently produce very similar effects. There are over 100 “The cannabinoids cannabinoids, but the only ones that make headlines produced in our are the two cannabisbodies are not produced cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the exact same and cannabidiol (CBD). Both cannabinoids found are known for many health benefits such as relieving in cannabis, but pain, mitigating depression, they all interact inducing sleep and fighting cancer, but THC is notorious with body’s for the psychoactive high it endocannabinoid produces. As a consequence, THC and CBD eclipse the system in a very “other cannabinoids” in similar way and name recognition. The rarely consequently mentioned and less-researched “other cannabinoids” have produce very health benefits that deserve similar effects.” serious consideration. 22
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
Cannabigerol (CBG) is found abundantly in immature plants, but as the plant matures it all but disappears as it is broken down by specific enzymes into other cannabinoids—mainly THC and CBD. CBG has been shown to provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome, reduce intraocular eye pressure in glaucoma patients, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and act as an antibacterial agent. As a consequence of these multiple health benefits, geneticists are working to develop cannabis strains that retain high levels of CBG.
Cannabichromene (CBC) is also a derivative of CBG. Of interest is that CBC is reported to provide pain relief by binding with receptors outside the endocannabinoid system leading to increased levels of the body’s natural THC like cannabinoid— anandamide. CBC has also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibiotic properties.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) has a similar
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is similar in structure and
molecular structure to THC, but medical studies have produced conflicting results on whether it has the same psychoactive properties as THC, with some studies finding enhanced psychoactive properties while others found it to reduce THC’s psychoactive effects. As for health benefits, positive results have been demonstrated in treating diabetes, as THCV has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and regulate blood sugar levels. Research has also shown its potential to lessen anxiety in post-traumatic stress disorder patients and reduce the tremors, brain lesions and loss of motor control associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
function to CBD. Studies have demonstrated the ability of CBDV to heighten the anti-convulsive properties of CBD. GW Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Epidiolex, the first cannabis-based medicine to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, undertook research studies to document the ability of CBDV to treat adults with seizures and autism. Even though the studies did not produce the desired results, GW Pharmaceuticals is continuing the research as its totally non-psychoactive properties make CBDV an ideal candidate for treating these disorders.
Cannabinol (CBN) is formed from the exposure of THC to light and air. With minimal psychoactive effects, the high produced by cannabis decreases when THC degrades into CBN due to improper storage. Although CBN will not produce a psychoactive effect, studies have shown an ability to reduce insomnia, fight infections and provide relief from pain.
Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) has the same atomic composition as traditional THC, but the atoms are arranged differently. Somewhat less psychoactive, it has shown great promise in treating cancer patients as research has demonstrated its ability to kill cancer cells and reduce tumors in mice. Studies have confirmed the research undertaken with mice as Israeli researchers have reported successful cancer treatments utilizing Delta-8-THC in 480 patients. In addition, it has been shown to significantly reduce nausea and vomiting, which would benefit cancer patients experiencing the debilitating side effects of chemo and radioactive therapies.
Although cannabinoids can provide benefits on their own, research has established that the cannabinoids found in cannabis work best in the presence of other cannabinoids and not in isolation. Known as “The Entourage Effect,” whole-plant cannabis used in its natural form with its cornucopia of cannabinoids intact remains effective and is perhaps one of the best ways to obtain the health and medical benefits of cannabis. c
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
23
REVIEWS
strain
Gorilla White by Pura Vida If you’re looking for a reminder of spring this gloomy January, look no further than this lovely Gorilla White. This hybrid tests at 24.2 percent THC, and it is a wonderful strain in every way. The flower is beautiful to look at, with solidly-formed buds, cured perfectly so it’s sticky but perfectly dry. Light green and covered in crystals, it’s your prototypical indoor grown cannabis in the best way. After unscrewing the black lid on the jar, the scent of this flower was in and of itself intoxicating. Like a spring day, this Gorilla White exuded an earthy, floral fragrance with subtle notes of bright citrus. The CULTURE team used a water pipe to sample this splendid flower and noticed that it burned clean and smooth, and it had an earthy flavor with a light floral finish. The effect was sativa-like, energetic, joyous and bright. Gorilla White by Pura Vida is the perfect strain for working out or pursuing creative endeavors.
Available wherever: Pura Vida products are carried.
Toucan Sam by Downtown Cannabis Company
Available at: Green Collar Cannabis in Tacoma.
Ah . . . Toucan Sam. The child of Fruity Loops and SinMint Cookies, this hybrid has truly diverse genetics and is a cannaseur’s delight. The flower is beautiful with impressively compact calyx formations and multi-colored leaves ranging from all shades of green to a light purple color. Simply put, it looks dank. The fragrance is sweet and fruity, like a fruit punch flavored baked good. The CULTURE team used a flower vaporizer and water pipe to sample this tasty flower, and reviewers noted the flavor had the same fruity and pastry sweet flavors, with a more subtle earthy finish. At 22.1 percent total THC, this Toucan Sam sample provided a solid effect, which offered both the deep relaxation, pain relief and appetite stimulation of an indica, complete with the energetic bliss of a sativa. Toucan Sam is the perfect flower for before or after your first workout of the new ear.
CULTUREMAGAZINE.com GET YOUR CLICKS
HERE
Confidential Cheese by Harmony Farms Confidential Cheese by Harmony Farms is a delightful treat for those looking for something a little different from their usual terpenes. The strong cheesy scent emanates from the jar in an alluring manner, tempting you to consume some of this unique and delectable flower. But unlike the cheese plates you gorged on over the holidays, this cheese is calorie-free. The CULTURE team sampled this tasty flower using a water pipe, and it did indeed taste like some cheesy deliciousness, with a little spice thrown in for good measure. Like a sharp jalapeño cheddar, this flower delights the palate in more ways than one. In addition to the exquisite flavor, this flower provides a well-rounded and enjoyable effect. A creative burst of energy is coupled with a chilled out vibe. This is the perfect flower for art projects, or really enjoying a film or piece of music. 26
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
Available wherever: Harmony Farms products are carried.
For More Products Go To CultureMagazine.com
REVIEWS
1. SuperGreen™ Hemp Yoga Mat & Sling Namaste, fellow yogis! Quit using products that are detrimental to the environment and your precious health! While rubber mats absorb fat-burning heat from your body, SuperGreen’s mat is made from all natural materials—that benefit you and the Earth. It will keep your body comfortable and cool, so you can maximize the results from your yoga routine. If you’re not sold on it yet, hemp fiber also kills bacteria naturally and has anti-mold properties, so the mat won’t smell after frequent use. This is a mat that any real cannabisfriendly yogi should carry around. Price: $99 More information: supergreenhemp. com/hemp-yoga-mat.html 2. Vegan Hot Hemp Muscle Rub The Merry Hempsters®, not to be confused with The Merry Pranksters of the 1960s, are the makers of an assortment of well-known hempinfused products. The Vegan Hot Hemp Muscle Rub happens to be the company’s best-selling product to date. Get your dose of nutritious hemp seed oil while you’re at work, at home or wherever you happen to be—and without any unnecessary animal suffering. Loaded with camphor, hemp seed oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint, clove, sweet birch, rosemary, thyme and vitamin E, this analgesic balm will wipe out the most stubborn muscle soreness. Price: $5.25 per tube More information: merryhempsters.com
3. QardioBase 2™ Want to lose weight quickly and efficiently? Be the person who actually achieves their New Year’s resolution this year. This award-winning smart scale will give you just the right amount of motivation to hit the gym and refine your workout schedule. As much as we all want to see a lesser amount of pounds on the scale, this model will give you accurate results, unlike cheap scales. Its digital display and topof-the-line modern design will also look great and elevate your bathroom décor for your guests. Show someone that you’re serious about achieving this year’s goals and resolutions. Price: $149.99 More information: getqardio.com
1
3
2
4. TriggerPoint GRID Vibe Relax. That mysterious vibrating object inside an enclosed bag isn’t what you think. The TriggerPoint GRID Vibe is a device that relaxes your muscles with the combination of foam and vibrating technology. You don’t have to pay for a personal masseuse or a chiropractor with options like this! Roll on the good vibrations, and feel the difference that it can make. You can target deep tissue and recharge your muscles at the end of a hard day’s work. All of TriggerPoint’s products are warranted and built to last. Don’t accept muscle soreness—it’s up to you to prevent it. Price: $149.95 More information: tptherapy. com/product/Grid_Vibe
4
CULTUREMAGAZINE.com GET YOUR CLICKS
HERE CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
27
28
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
29
“ . . . they can’t keep denying that there are some world class athletes that smoke and train and break world records.”
30
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
PHOTOS BY SEAN MCDONOUGH
ava knight is a great ambassador for both boxing and cannabis BY DAVID EDMUNDSON
C
hampion boxer Ava Knight has been boxing for more than half of her life. Starting as an amateur in her teen years, she quickly ran out of opponents and opportunities. After turning pro at age 19, she has won several championship title belts, including the International Female Boxers Association Bantamweight Championship, International Boxing Federation Flyweight World Title and World Boxing Council Silver World Title, and trained some of the biggest names in the music industry, all the while keeping her signature positive attitude and indelible work ethic. She’s also the first female boxer from the United States to win the World Boxing Council Diamond Belt Championship. She is a tremendous ambassador of her sport, and a bright light in the sometimes-
dark world of professional boxing. Knight is also part of a list of elite athletes who have come out on the side of cannabis and its medicinal benefits. She, along with a growing number of high-caliber athletes, are trying to combat years of misinformation and attacks on a plant whose healing benefits they have felt first hand. Fighting takes a tremendous toll on your body—not only during the actual fight, but in the thousands of hours spent preparing for the bout. As injuries and fatigue take hold, Knight has used cannabis as part of her healing regimen and sings its praises. CULTURE was able to sit down with Knight to discuss her boxing career, training Wiz Khalifa and Joe Jonas, comparing women in boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and how women’s boxing can compete with men’s boxing.
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
31
Have you always been into contact sports? Yeah, I started at the age of 13, and since then I have always been into contact sports. Since I’ve started, I’ve taken about two years off, and that’s it. Did you immediately take to boxing? It was kind of a weird thing. I started going to the gym with a friend as a teen. I had never watched a boxing match. I had never been involved in any type of contact sport before that. It was just kind of an accident that happened to be a blessing, in that I got to find my calling in life. After trying it at a young age and wanting to do it, it became a passion after about six months of doing it. I just fell in love with it. In the early days was there an abundance of female opponents? Coming from Northern California, there was barely anyone involved where we were at. But we would drive down to the Bay Area all the time. We would find fights in Oakland and San Francisco. I would fight the same girls three or four times as an amateur. It was always hard to find opponents on a steady basis. I had gone to a national tryout in 2006, and they told me that women would never see the Olympics. It was kind of heartbreaking, but at that moment I decided that I had gone as far as I could as an amateur and turned professional. By going professional, I had the opportunity to fight more often. Can you tell us where your nickname “Lady of Boxing” comes from? My first coach Joe Rodriguez, the one who started me out and kept me going, would always call me a lady. He was a very old school military man, and I when I would come to the gym, I wouldn’t be rude or talk back to anyone. So, since I was nice and polite, he would call me a lady. The nickname has stuck with me ever since then. 32
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
“i also think that all the people that have a criminal record because of cannabis should have their records expunged. the country should be free to use and smoke as they please. ”
You recently came back to the ring after a two-year absence; have you or the sport changed? The break didn’t start out as something I wanted to do. Women’s boxing was really bad, and nothing was happening at the time. I got an amazing opportunity to become Joe Jonas’ personal trainer on the road. So that was a blessing, and it was great to teach him boxing, while I got to still have some passion in what I did and travel the world. But I did see that during that time, that women were starting to become mainstream getting on television, and things were starting to look up for women in boxing. So, I decided I wanted to come back. And while I can’t say it is a whole lot better, they have taken some steps forward.
Aside from Joe Jonas, you’ve also been training with former CULTURE cover Wiz Khalifa. Are they training to possibly fight, or more for fitness? Joe just did it for fitness, to get into shape and look great. He did an awesome job with it. And Wiz is amazing. He has taken up Muay Thai, and I’ve done some boxing with him. I’ve held pads for him and sparred with him as well. He is catching onto the sport so fast, so well that I’ve told him that he should do an amateur fight. He’s really thinking about it. He told me that there are only a few things he loves in the world—his son, his music, his weed and the gym. It was awesome to see that he really loves his contact sports. Do you enjoy training fighters; is it something you could see yourself doing when you hang up your gloves? I do, because when I was hurt or couldn’t find a fight, the only way I could get my excitement was teaching people to box. You get that little spark inside of you that you got when you fought in the ring. I want to start a gym in south Texas. I know it’s a really poor area down there, but fighting is a poor man’s sport. I started it as a kid in a family with no money, and it kept me going. It’s not making most of us rich, but it fulfills a deep passion within. How has it been working with Mayweather Promotions? Working with Mayweather Promotions is great. So far, they’ve been very good to me. They’ve got me on my last two cards really quick. I don’t know Floyd [Mayweather] very well, but at the
end of the day, when it comes to boxing, this man knows his stuff, and he is very supportive of the people he puts in the ring. What can the sport do to elevate women’s boxing to the level of the men? The women in the sport are doing what they do very well, and that’s boxing. It’s hard now that we live in a society with social media. You become more popular on Instagram with likes than you are if you’re just a badass boxer. The world has changed in the sense that entertainment and money has fallen into the politics of boxing. But the women are doing a great job of being fighters. The problem in boxing is that the men don’t support us as much as they do in sports like MMA. MMA puts them on the top screen, they put their pictures out there, they advertise them very well and they get them sponsors. The world for women in boxing is going backwards. We don’t have that support, like you would find in other mixed gender sports like
tennis or MMA. MMA is doing great with the women. In MMA, you had Ronda Rousey who became as famous, if not more famous, than her male counterparts. Do you foresee a time that boxing follows suit? If it is a possibility, and I am being as positive as I can, it is not going to be anytime soon. The problem in boxing, that is different from MMA, is that boxing is an old sport. It is run by a big group of old men who might not want to accept women into the sport, whereas MMA is fueled by a younger crowd who accept different things better. They bring women into the gym and train with them. In boxing, it can be hard to walk in and be treated like a reputable fighter. There’s always someone trying to pull you back when it comes to boxing. To be a female gladiator is still kind of unheard of. No matter where you go people are still surprised that you’re a female boxer. It would be nice to see that part change. Once it changes in the gyms, it will spread to the higher-ups. CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
33
fighters I know do it but keep it under wraps. I would say like 50/50. Do you think boxing’s unwillingness to embrace the medicinal properties of cannabis stems back to that “Old Boys” club you mentioned? Things are always “too new” for the sport. Just like women in boxing, they can’t keep denying that there are some world class athletes that smoke and train and break world records. But with boxing, since it is so old school, I just don’t see them changing their minds. You live in Las Vegas, Nevada where cannabis is recreationally legal. Do you feel it should be readily available nationwide? I think cannabis should be legal for recreational use throughout the country. Canada just did it, and we could do the same thing. We could tax it and use it to build up the country. Also, we should be allowed to grow it and do things organically without getting in trouble for it. I also think that all the people that have a criminal record because of cannabis should have their records expunged. The country should be free to use and smoke as they please.
Would you be interested in switching from boxing to MMA for those reasons? I’m definitely thinking about it; only because that seems to be the women are going, especially the good ones in boxing. Not that I am following in anyone’s footsteps. I have my own plans for my career, and I want to see some good things come from it. Do you consume cannabis or cannabis products? Marijuana is such a taboo thing in the athletic world, and I questioned admitting that I smoke weed, but at the end of the day I feel like it’s such a positive plant, that has medical benefits to it, that I feel like I can’t deny it. I use topicals, and I do smoke. How has cannabis helped in your recovery from fights? I use the Dixie Elixirs balm. I use it on my wrists. I severely hurt my wrists during the first fight I had this year, and every day I go to the gym I use this balm on my wrists, and since the last two fights I have not had pain at all. Even now I can 34
“to be a female gladiator is still kind of unheard of. ” turn it, move it and there is no inflammation. It is getting better and better every time I use it. I’ve tried so many other things like Tiger Balm and things like that. My dog had surgery the other day, and she was swollen. The only ointment that could get the redness away from her chest was the Dixie Elixirs balm, and it did wonders for her. When I do smoke though, my friend grows his own marijuana, and it helps me sleep. I have insomnia, and it has helped me 100 percent. How prevalent do you think cannabis is in the boxing world? I want to say it’s everywhere. The biggest
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
What is your favorite memory as a boxer? People think winning world titles is the best part of boxing. But I think the most memorable and happiest moment for me in boxing is bringing it home to my parents. I think knowing that I made my parents proud of what I’m doing, and the road I’m going down is probably the best feeling in the world. Who’s your favorite boxer? Tommy Hearns was my favorite. He was tall and lanky and could throw with power. He wasn’t undefeated, but that man fought everybody. He was just an amazing fighter. If you could box anyone from history, who would it be and why? I’m going to go for a swing here and say Donald Trump. Maybe it’s just a celebrity boxing thing, but I disagree with so much of what this man says that I would just love to get into the ring, and just get my problems out of the way with that. Get that anger out. c www.officialavaknight.com
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
35
fashionably GREAT
Stigma ® adds st yle to your workout routine with a nod to cannabis and hemp By Caroline Hayes
N
ew year, new you. Some might consider this phrase cliché, but many people think of the new year as an opportunity to make changes and develop positive habits. People are always vowing to get in shape, but why not actually do it in 2019 and aspire to lead a more active and meaningful life? It can be hard to get the ball rolling, but we have an idea that might excite you—stocking your closet with items from mindful and cannabis-forward companies to complement your new active lifestyle. By choosing to support companies that grow organic hemp or cotton or vow Fair Trade practices and less of a carbon footprint, you are helping the sustainable clothing movement. Stigma® is a California-based, global company whose brand is focused on spreading a procannabis message through its activewear clothing line, team and upcoming cannabidiol (CBD) enhancement products. Founded by a brother and sister duo, Anthony and Nicole Gonzales, Stigma® is a cannabis health and wellness lifestyle brand. The siblings created the company around a mission to deconstruct stereotypes about “lazy stoners” by highlighting members of the cannabis community who are active and motivated. Anthony told CULTURE, “People of all different ages and backgrounds consume cannabis while leading healthy, productive and active lives.” In addition to their own stories, Anthony and Nicole have a global network of brand ambassadors who share their personal experiences about the positive role cannabis has played in their lives. Stigma®’s line of activewear is chic and fashionable with a powerful message. They make sports bras, tanks, leggings, performance shorts, joggers and hoodies that are made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and rPET (recycled plastic bottles) with subtle messages like “F*ck Stereotypes” and “Aim Higher.” Anthony says that they have plans to incorporate hemp as a fabric in the future. “Hemp is a highly sustainable and low impact crop that provides several benefits over other natural materials. For us, our challenge has been incorporating this natural fiber into activewear products that are typically made from performance materials such as nylon and polyester. We’re working with suppliers to develop a fabric that uses hemp
36
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
and other fibers specific to our sports application. We want something that is soft, durable sweatresistant,” he said. Anthony’s mission to found Stigma® started after he saw firsthand how cannabis positively affected his health. He wrote in an Instagram post that two years ago he was suffering from stomach issues, was overweight and working a high stress job at Apple. Doctors were prescribing him pharmaceuticals to relieve his pain and inflammation, but he knew that there had to be a better way than prescription drugs. He started doing research and discovered CBD as a natural remedy, which greatly improved his health. He wrote, “I started using cannabis to support my fitness routine and found it made a huge
difference. The gym and working out became fun again as I played around with different sativa strains prior to my workouts.” He explained that a vape hit before a long run, CBD salve for sore muscles or eating an edible to relax and rest are ways to incorporate cannabis into a workout. Anthony’s sister Nicole, who is cofounder, is involved with all clothing designs, is Stigma®’s primary photographer and also utilizes the health benefits of CBD. “She’s been with me since the inception of the brand and has played an integral part in pretty much every decision. We’re a small family startup with my sister, dad and boyfriend all supporting in some capacity,” Anthony said. Stigma®’s other focus is a line of CBD sports performance products for athletes, set to debut early next year. Anthony said they will be infusing oral spray, protein powder and topicals with 100 percent organic CBD plant material. “We’re using an innovative CBD delivery system
to improve bioavailability within the body versus traditional CBD oils. Many people don’t realize that only 10 to 20 percent of the CBD contained in oil-based hemp extracts actually enters into the human body,” Anthony said. The hemp from which the CBD is derived is grown outdoors in Colorado without pesticides or herbicides in a zero waste process. Anthony explained, “Our manufacturing partner utilizes 100 percent of the hemp byproducts for fiber, animal bedding and biomass energy.” Stigma® has a lot of room to grow and has big plans for the future. Look for the company’s CBD enhancement products early next year and for their new hemp gear to come after that. Treat yourself to some stylish mindful gear to help jump start your new active lifestyle. If you feel the part you will act the part. Power the sustainable clothing movement by supporting companies that use mindful practices and renewable resources while redefining the stigma surrounding cannabis with movements like this.
Hemp Roots
“PEOPLE OF ALL DIFFERENT AGES AND BACKGROUNDS CONSUME CANNABIS WHILE L E A D I N G H E A LT H Y, P R O D U C T I V E AND ACTIVE LIVES.”
Sustainable activewear made from hemp is an ongoing trend that has been around for decades, and companies like PrAna and Rawganique are a couple of leaders in the industry. PrAna is a sustainable clothing brand with conscious initiatives. PrAna as a company has shared that we all have a choice in what we choose to wear, grow and buy. PrAna is committed to utilizing 100 percent organic cotton and hemp, recycled wool, responsibly sourced down and Fair Trade practices. PrAna makes sustainable clothing that keeps up with the trends and what people want and need. Its activewear seamlessly allows people to transition from the gym or yoga studio to running errands or to happy hour. From the mountains to the beach, PrAna makes athletic gear for all activities. “Ultimately, sustainable clothing respects the
planet and its people,” according to the company’s website. Founded in 1977 by off-thegrid islanders, Rawganique handcrafts clothing from hemp, linen and organic cotton. The company grows, combs, spins, weaves, knits and sews all of its products. Activewear items like hemp socks, undergarments and T-shirts help wick away moisture during a workout. Rawganique’s hemp gym bags and hemp or polyvinyl chloride-free yoga mats are perfect to accompany to the gym. Rawganique even makes hemp home furnishings such as sheets, curtains and rugs. Supporting smaller companies like Rawganique helps them in their quest of sustainable practices. c CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
37
giving you that feeling that Geo was really letting you into his life. Blue Scholars showed us that you could be from Seattle and talk about the community, be political, be thoughtful and get on and get heard. Sabzi was also one of our favorite producers from the scene along with Budo who was producing on Macklemore’s first record back then. Where in Seattle are you guys from? Pepe: I grew up in Ravenna. Wilson: I’m from Wallingford.
Keepin’ it Moving with KnowMads T h e l o n g t i m e S e at t l e d u o keeps the music coming
How did KnowMads come to be? Pepe: Wilson and I met at a football game our freshman year of high school. We had couple mutual friends who wanted to see us battle, so that’s how we met . . . We used to have tons of people watching these battles at Memorial Stadium during halftime, sometimes during the game. Wilson got me most of the time. Then he invited me and Jesse [Judd] to come record with him at his little home studio. [ . . . ] I remember I won this citywide rap battle when I was 16, I won the crowd over, and felt like I was in 8 Mile or some shit. Anyways, I used the winnings from that to buy the mic and we recorded “Saturdayzed,” “The Rooftop,” and SEATTLE on. We really just taught ourselves how to do it; Wilson and I have been making music for 13 years together now.
Has cannabis influenced your sound or creative process? Pepe: Yeah man. I remember the first time I smoked weed thinking to myself, what the fuck are we all working towards? What is this capitalist system we’re all a part of? It kind of made me reflect on society as a whole, question my conditioning and my place in the world. We used to smoke too much weed—our homie clowned us ‘cause we got kicked out of our own benefit show for sneaking a bong into this YMCA and smoking in the stairwell. Cannabis opened a lot of windows for us in terms of how we thought and how we created art. I had this line on the SEATTLE album that went, “Every time I smoke like I’m speaking to God . . .” I really felt like that too, but you never know sometimes you’re just too high and start taking your inner dialogue too seriously. Wilson: It also made everything take longer. The KnewBook was delayed two years ‘cause we discovered hash oil.
Who are your musical influences? Pepe: When we first started making music there were a few underground artists that had a profound effect on what we were making. Wilson put me on to Brother Ali, letting me borrow his copies of Shadows on the Sun and Champion (EP). These changed our concept of how you could write poetry and imagery and put your emotion and story on a track—his style had a huge influence on us. Another underground artist I bumped non-stop was One Be Lo of Binary Star. He just talked about regular shit but did it in such an effortless and wise way. Blue Scholars had just come out with their debut album in Seattle, too. Their sound was like Common and Black Star but from Seattle. Speaking about real social issues and
What’s your favorite album/song/ artist to listen to when consuming cannabis? Pepe: Some of my all times favorites are “Acid Raindrops” by People Under the Stairs and “93 ‘til Infinity” by Souls of Mischief. Something about that sample just felt warm to the brain. Recently I’ve been listening to this band called Khruangbin a lot. I don’t smoke anymore, but I imagine it would sound even better stoned. Wilson: Lot of music by Devin The Dude sounds better high. Spent a lot of time high as fuck listening to Devin. He came by the studio we were recording at on Aurora back in the day; he hit the gravity bong with us. These days I’m listening to this guy called Maxo Kream from Houston a lot, he’s dope, kinda sounds like Killer Mike but goofier. c
By Emily Manke
S
eattle hip-hop duo KnowMads, made up of Tom Pepe and Tom Wilson, has been part of the Pacific Northwest music scene for nearly a decade. In addition to sharing a first name and almost sharing a birthday (they’re born a day apart from each other), the Seattle natives share a deep love of hip-hop. In their years together, the two have put out a prolific discography, including several mixtapes and full-length albums. The duo’s latest album, Complex Animals, was released in late 2018. Pepe and Wilson took a break from the studio to chat with CULTURE about their history, their music and how cannabis plays into it all. 38
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
www.knowmadfam.com
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
39
À LA CARTE
Whole Food Magic C a n n a b i s a n d h e m p h av e l e d t o successful business ventures and p e r s o n a l w e l l n e s s f o r A s h l a e Wa r n e r By John McClain
F
ood blogger Ashlae Warner works her whole food magic creating decadent-tasting cannabis edibles and is expanding to a fullspectrum hemp oil line. When cannabis first became legal in Colorado, her husband stood in line for hours and brought back a quarter-ounce of bud. But Warner wasn’t interested in smoking it—so she turned it into an infused coconut oil. “And it just sat in my pantry,” Warner told CULTURE. “I made these amazing raw brownies for some friends [. . .] They said, ‘This is so amazing, you need to bring this to the market.’” Warner is the blogger behind Oh, Lady Cakes, a corner
40
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
of the web dedicated to traditional sweet treats. She has used her experience in whole food recipe development to create a line of healthy and fun edibles, Alchemy Food Co. After two-and-ahalf years of research and development in a Denver, Colorado commercial kitchen, Alchemy opened in February 2018. Warner keeps a high standard for the ingredients her company uses in its products, which continues to be represented through the products and the packaging the company uses. Even the grower, Los Sueños Farms, was chosen in part for its cannabis grown in the sunshine, which Warner believes is “how cannabis is supposed to be grown.”
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
41
Like the ingredients and packaging of her edibles, even her company’s name is thoughtful and intentional. “Alchemy is the precursor to chemistry, which is highly scientific, and alchemy is naturally-occurring elements,” said Warner. “All of our products are made with whole foods, natural ingredients, not processed, so ‘Alchemy’ was super-fitting.” Alchemy uses dates, nuts, cacao and handmade canna-coconut oil, which Warner whips up using an Instant Pot and a high-shear homogenizer to keep the oil consistently potent. The canna-coconut oil, Warner said, is an awesome way for people to infuse their recipes safely while knowing exactly how potent they
will be. Next year, the company hopes to expand with new canna-coconut oils and a hemp product. In August, Warner and her husband launched Supergood, a full-spectrum hemp oil infused with turmeric, that both Warner and her husband use personally. Warner discovered that cannabis allowed her to tolerate gluten in foods, but the main benefit was actually treating her ulcer and gastritis that had developed after being prescribed 2,800mg of ibuprofen daily for her endometriosis pain. She has been using the fullspectrum hemp oil to treat that pain as well as anxiety. Her husband Thom, an Iraq War veteran, suffered from insomnia and posttraumatic stress disorder for years, and visited the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance before trying cannabis. “They prescribed him the craziest medication,” said Warner, who said her husband didn’t like taking drugs. “Like bottles and bottles and bottles of blood pressure medication, and heart medication, and sleeping pills, and I was just like, ‘Why are you going to put this into your body?’” “He’s not a fan of using any kind of drug, not even caffeine,” she said. “He won’t do [it]. We started Supergood, and he started using those products and [. . .] it was like day and night for him when he started taking it, which was incredible.” Supergood hemp products have made a
“The insomnia t h at h e h a s i s c o m p l e t e ly gone. He sleeps through the n i g h t f i n a l ly, a n d h e c a n fa l l asleep and s tay a s l e e p. A product I c r e at e d h a s changed my p a r t n e r ’ s l i f e .” vast improvement in his life overall, which many of us personally know can start with a healthy sleep schedule. “The insomnia that he has is completely gone. He sleeps through the night finally, and he can fall asleep and stay asleep,” said Warner. “A product I created has changed my partner’s life.” Warner said the couples’ previous experience with Alchemy and the cannabis industry gave them knowledge that helped them create a good, trustworthy product in Supergood. Now they are able to pass on that expertise to their customers through education and support. “It’s not something we’re required to do,” she said, “but we feel like it kind of brings a little more integrity to our company and our products.” c
eatalchemy.com | supergoodhemp.com 42
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
43
GROWING CULTURE
OAKLAND OUTDOOR GARDEN: T H E F I N A L I N S TA L L M E N T By Ed Rosenthal
M
y last report on the garden was in late November. At the time, almost half of the plot had been harvested. Harvesting continued through the end of the month. There were several reasons for the sense of urgency in harvesting these plants. First, some of the buds were beginning to get overripe. Secondly, the weather, which had been amazingly sunny as a result of the drought in California, was about to turn. There were numerous rainstorms on the way. Except for Thanksgiving, harvesting continued through the end of the month. The procedure was to cut the plants, place them in wagons and transport them to the processing center. The plants were dunked in hydrogen peroxide solution to wipe of dirt and kill spores and bacteria. Then they were hung to dry. The drying frame was constructed out of steel beams with four levels of wire hung across the area. Wires were spaced three feet apart to promote air circulation. The space was heated and dried using a blower powered by its own generator, which filled the room with warm air with a relative humidity
The rafters are filled with drying plants and branches. The blower fills the drying area with warm dry air. The lift is used to place plants on the high levels.
Workers de-budding the stems and branches.
44
of less than 40 percent. The temperature was just under 80 degrees. The perimeter of the drying area was surrounded with powerful fans that circulated air between the rows. By the time the frame was filled with plants and bud, the plants that were hung the earliest were dry and ready to be moved into the curing area. This consisted of a slightly cooler and more humid area. The plant branches were laid on craft paper only one cluster deep. Then another sheet of heavy craft paper was laid down and another layer of branches was placed on them. This was repeated five or six times. Some plant tops were hung on wire along the walls increasing the capacity of the curing center. After spending at least a week in the curing section, the branches were bucked. This was accomplished in one of several ways. Either the plants are stripped by hand [or stripped using a bucket]. Wearing heavy canvas gloves, the branches were pulled through a mostly closed hand, stripping the plant. A more efficient method uses a rim that fits over a five-gallon bucket. Branches are fitted through the slots in the bucket, and pulled through. The foliage is stripped off. The team is also experimenting with a de-budding machine. The stem is fed into a hole in the machine and it pulls through, automatically removing the bud and other foliage. This really speeds up the process. The buds were then being stored in cans. Until the buds are mostly dry, they were kept uncapped. Only when they won’t sweat when enclosed, are the canisters capped. c
TIP OF THE MONTH Are you planning to grow some big plants outside this year? January and February are the months to get seeds and clones started. Give them bright light and start training them to grow into the shape you prefer. By May or early June when you set them out, some varieties that are four or five feet tall have the potential to grow to 10to 15-foot giants.
Fans keep the air circulating between the rows.
Plants in the curing section. The humidity is kept at about 50 percent using dehumidifiers. It consists of layers of branches separated by heavy craft paper.
Some of the plants were hung.
Finished buds will soon be destroyed.
The leaves and small buds will be used for concentrate.
NBF (New Best Friend) bud pile.
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
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.
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
45
46
JANUARY 2019 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
JANUARY 2019
47