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inside
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Master of the Court Former NBA athlete and television host John Salley shares his passion for health, wellness and cannabis advocacy. O n the C O V E R :
J o h n G i l h oo l e y
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44 features
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Go for Gold Get “in the know� with this breakdown into the many forms of cannabis concentrates.
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Topical Innovation Cannabis transdermal products are taking the cannabis industry by storm.
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The Power of Oil The properties of cannabis oil have significantly improved the life of young Maddie Holt.
departments 12 Letter from the Editor
Online Exclusive!
news 14 News Nuggets 15 By the Numbers reviews 22 Store Highlight 24 Company
16 Legal Corner 18 Local News
Highlight 26 Strain & Concentrate Reviews 30 Cool Stuff 34 Entertainment Reviews
in every issue
52 Growing Culture 54 Destination Unknown
55 Profile in Courage 56 Recipes 59 News of the Weird
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d Senate Approves PTSD As Qualifying Condition in New York
Poland Legalizes Medical Cannabis
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett creative consultant Jeremy Zachary Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, 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, Dan Mitchell, 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, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic DesignerS Payden Corden, Nathan Hernandez, Michelle Aguirre sales director Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gloria Santiago, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson Intern Kiara Manns Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden
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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LETTER
FROM
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EDITOR
Passion and Purpose
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ollowing the long-awaited kick-off of summer, the cannabis community is looking forward to our second-most notorious holiday—710. July 10 is a day to embrace the ever-evolving offerings of cannabis concentrates, all of which you can explore—page by page— within CULTURE’s annual 710 issue. While I join you in celebrating 710 by casually vaping on some Sour D, I think back to the reason why I first fell in love with this industry. It is not solely sativa that sparks my motivation and drives me forward. Last month, I had the pleasure of listening to former Mexican President Vicente Fox’s speech at the NCIA’s Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California. President Fox invited attendees to take a moment of silence to consider their intention for being a part of the burgeoning cannabis industry. “Make sure you have your purpose, and purpose as high and heroic [as] it can be, the more we are going to grow, the more the industry is going to grow, the more we’re going to be saving lives, the more we are going to be doing good to our communities,” he told a crowd of over 1,000 people. The speech was inspiring. His focus on purpose was reminiscent of the advice my father gave me growing up—having a clear intention is the driving force to the actions you take. As I considered my current purpose as the Editor-in-Chief of CULTURE, I recognized that my reason for identifying as a cannabis advocate has matured greatly over the years. My initial pursuit into cannabis-centric journalism stemmed from my personal, and somewhat naïve, appreciation of cannabis. But as I became exposed to cannabis as medicine and the impact it has had on families across the world, my purpose became clear. Back in 2011, I recall the first time I read about Jason David and his young son Jayden. I was astonished to read about
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Jason’s bravery as he administered medical cannabis oil to his four-year-old son. These treatments were able to successfully stop Jayden’s seizures after countless pharmaceutical medications failed. Jayden’s life was forever changed— and from that moment, my intention for being a cannabis advocate was no longer motivated by my habitual reasons for consuming cannabis. I was working up my ranks with CULTURE at the time, however Jayden’s story made a massive impression—it revealed to me the tremendous healing potential of cannabis in the truest form. A passion for cannabis reform was ignited. Stories like Jayden’s needed to be heard, and I was motivated to make sure that happened. My dedication continues to strengthen with every story, every journey and even the personal experiences I’ve witnessed within my own family and cannabis as medicine. We will continue to bring you these remarkable stories, like the one you will read in this issue about how cannabis has improved the quality of young Maddie Holt’s life. But as you know, there is much more to CULTURE than just patient stories. CULTURE will also continue to spark endless amounts of creativity and excitement in our everyday lives as cannasseurs. With an unwavering commitment to relentless advocacy, passion and purpose, I look forward to continuing this journey with you. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS Legal Cannabis Has Led to Fewer Traffic Stops in Washington Cannabis legalization leads to fewer traffic stops by the Washington State Patrol, according to a new analysis conducted by a research team at Stanford University and its Open Policing Project. Over 130 million state patrol stops across 31 states between 2011 and 2015 were analyzed.
Vermont Adds PTSD and Other Illnesses to List of Qualifying Conditions Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill that expands Vermont’s list of qualifying conditions to add Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease and PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the list. The expansion bill, entitled S.16, was signed by the governor on June 8. News of the medical cannabis expansion comes just weeks after the governor vetoed
Overall, 8,624,032 traffic stops occurred in Washington during that time. “Several states have recently legalized the use of recreational marijuana. We have detailed data in two of these states: Colorado and Washington,” Stanford researchers stated in their findings. “After marijuana use was legalized, Colorado and Washington saw dramatic drops in search rates. That’s because many searches are drug-related. Take away marijuana as a crime and searches go down.” Racial disparities in traffic stops still exist, researchers also noted, with a persistent gap between the number of white and minority driver arrests. Traffic stops that result in a search have decreased in Washington, which could combat unnecessary police brutality against minorities and others.
S. 22, a bill that would have legalized recreational cannabis and made Vermont the first state to do so through legislation instead of a vote. Although Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the bill, he then remained open to considering future versions of a recreational bill. “I’ll be providing the Legislature with recommended changes,” Gov. Phil Scott stated. “And to be clear, if they are willing to work with me to address my concerns in a new bill passed during the veto
France to Drop Prison Sentences for Cannabis Offenses France’s recently elected President Emmanuel Macron has promised to end the nation’s highly unpopular prison terms for cannabis consumers. Currently those who consume cannabis in France can be sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of up to €3,750, or about $4,200 Macron proposed dropping prison sentences and replacing them with small, reasonable fines. Government Spokesman Christophe Castaner said that police and magistrates waste up to six hours of time 14
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session this summer, there is a path forward on this issue.” Although recreational cannabis is not yet permitted in the state of Vermont, Gov. Scott’s signature on the new cannabis expansion bill has demonstrated his dedication to continuing progress in how Vermont regulates cannabis. Patients with Parkinson’s, Crohn’s disease or PTSD are now eligible to obtain medical cannabis at one of the state’s four licensed dispensaries as of July 1.
Spokane County Lifts Moratorium on Outdoor Cannabis Spokane County commissioners lifted a moratorium on outdoor cannabis cultivation, after frustration was expressed by the Cannabis Farmers Council and other local organizations. All new outdoor cannabis gardens will now require a conditional use permit and a public hearing process. “The Board declares an emergency and in so doing does adopt an Interim Zoning Ordinance, which would allow for production of marijuana in unincorporated Spokane County to an indoor/ outdoor facility consistent with the licensing requirements of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board,” the Board of County Commissioners stated. Zoning restrictions were also added, including a ban on new operations in rural five-acre lots and in urban reserve lands. The new zoning restrictions don’t apply to existing farms and businesses. The moratorium was initially imposed because of local complaints about the cannabis odor.
on average for each cannabis offense. “Is the system effective?” Castaner asked. “No. What is important today is to be efficient and above all to free up time for our police so they can focus more on essential matters.” According to President Macron’s proposals, those caught with cannabis would be issued fines of up to € 100 and would not face incarceration. The only French presidential candidate that rejected any kind of cannabis reform was runner-up Marine Le Pen, who lost to Macron in the election earlier this year.
The number of applications to cultivate hemp that have been submitted to the Washington State Department of Agriculture: (Source: KUOW)
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The projected number of cannabis transactions, in millions, which occurred over a two-year period and reveals that onefifth of Washington’s cannabis sales come from concentrate purchases:
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(Source: Civilized) The approximate amount of cannabis flower, in pounds, that Washington State sold during the month of April:
20,985
The amount of money, in dollars, that has been collected in Washington State total cannabis sales since the program first rolled out in 2014: (Source:
(Source: Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board)
1,126,506,915
The number of hemp cultivation licenses that have been approved in Washington State as of early June: (Source: KUOW)
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board)
3
The projected amount of land, in acres, that Hemp, Inc. will use to cultivate CBD-rich hemp plants in North Carolina and Colorado: (Source: Power Engineering)
550
The percentage of Canadians who said that they support the pardoning of individuals who have been convicted of cannabis possession: (Source: The Globe and Mail)
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The approximate number of patients in Georgia who received permission to consume medical cannabis during the month of May: (Source: U.S. News)
100
The percentage of children who experienced zero convulsive seizures while using GW Pharmaceuticals’ CBD product, Epidiolex, during a recent study: (Source: The Gazette)
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Terpestival by the Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy WHAT: Terpestival by the Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, July 15. Dockside Cannabis Sodo, Lot 1728, 4th Ave. S., Seattle. INFO: Check out cannabisandsocialpolicy.org for details. Come and enjoy the third annual Terpestival, a unique experience in which the main event is the terpene tournament! The competition focuses on the quality of cannabis from a quantitative science perspective. For those who don’t know, terpenoids are flavor and fragrance elements that are found in several plants. With 13 different tournament categories ranging from specific focuses, such as best beta-caryophyllene, alphapinene and humulene, to more general categories such as most CBD-rich and most therapeutic, this tournament takes
cannabis appreciation to a whole new level. A collaboration with CASP, The Cannabis Alliance and Medicine Creek Analytics, Terpestival was orchestrated to bring a spotlight to “whole plant” knowledge of cannabis to educate both the public and the cannabis community. By focusing on this type of education, the collaborators hope to create effective branding and boost awareness of conscious consuming. Special features of the event include keynote speaker Dr. Ethan Russo, interactive displays and over 20 vendors. (Kiara Manns) iReadCULTURE.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
The Green Show
Price y Proper t y Cannabis is bolstering Washington’s commercial real estate market By Emily Manke
O
ne thing that no one can deny about the end of cannabis prohibition in Washington State is that it has been good for the economy. New, decent paying jobs, millions of tax dollars being generated, and now, a cannabis real estate boom? Commercial cannabis real estate continues to be a big area of growth in Washington. In late June, Pacific Century Holdings (PCH), a real estate firm for I-502 cannabis operators and investors, announced the launch of a real estate investment fund that is worth $50 million. The fund, which is called the PCH Fund 1, is described as “an investment vehicle capitalizing upon the scarcity of real estate assets for the cannabis industry.” The experts at PCH are responding to a large obstacle that often stands in the way of even the most experienced cannabis entrepreneurs—finding the right real estate. The fund will aim to buy up agricultural, industrial and retail properties that are good candidates for cannabis businesses. A team of experts will oversee the fund to maximize the profits for investors. The firm’s CEO, Tony Repanich, and Chief Business Development Officer Justin Braune, will lead the team. Repanich’s financial expertise is vast, with a 22-year tenure at Bellingham-based
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People’s Bank. In a statement following the announcement of the fund, Repanich explained the benefits of the fund for both investors and cannabis business operators. “We developed a fund strategy that allows investors to take full advantage of the current exponential growth in the cannabis industry, and enables operators to build and develop successful businesses,” said Repanich. “We believe this two-fold approach provides a good platform for outperforming traditional real estate returns. We have assembled a team of industry experts to make prudent capital allocations and manage assets within this complex and rapidly evolving market.” This exciting announcement comes after Uncle Ike’s and Main Street Marijuana announced they were selling all of their retail stores and properties. Their announcement to sell came on the heels of a bill being introduced into senate that allowed for outof-state investment in cannabis businesses. As of the time of this writing, this bipartisan bill is in its third Special Session and has
“We developed a fund strategy that allows investors to take full advantage of the current exponential growth in the cannabis industry and enables operators to build and develop successful businesses.” retained its present status. Should out-of-state investors be allowed in Washington State’s cannabis industry, this would have huge implications, particularly for real estate investment firms like PCH. Whether or not investment stays in-state, if the cannabis industry continues to grow as it is now, you can count on real estate being a huge need for established cannabis producers, processors and retailers. Hopefully when that time comes PCH will be there to help fill that need—helping cannabis businesses thrive and grow. c
Ready for a sidesplitting laugh? Come to the Atlas Theatre in Seattle for the 21-andover improv comedy show with a cannabis twist. Comedians from ComedySportz Seattle will cook up a series of improvised skits and sketches. ComedySportz was established in 1984 and is performed in large cities across America. Instead of relying on one standup comedian, the acts are filled with a team of hilarious improv comedians who are armed with little planning. No smoking or vaping is allowed inside the venue. Beware! Comedians regularly pull unsuspecting volunteers out of the crowd and will frequently improvise and run with it. The Green Show is a spin-off of The Blue Show, an adults-only improve night that has attracted the likes of Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher. (Benjamin Adams) WHAT: The Green Show. WHEN/ WHERE: Friday, July 21. Atlas Theatre, 3509 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle. INFO: Visit seattlecomedygroup. com for details.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
L icensing L aws Learning what it means to be a true party of interest Additionally, a true party of By Alison Malsbury
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he Washington Administrative Code (WAC) divides cannabis rules violations into five categories, the most serious of which can result in license cancellation. A licensee’s failure to disclose everyone who owns, operates, controls or sources any amount of money to the licensed cannabis business will constitute a Group Three violation of Washington’s true party of interest rules, and can result in a license cancellation. Avoiding a true party of interest violation has turned out to be less clear-cut than one might think, given the severity of the penalty. Under WAC 314-55, a “True Party of Interest” is anyone who either exercises “control” over the company (a term that remains undefined in the rules) or who receives or is entitled to receive a share of either net or gross profits from a licensee. This means that anyone taking a share of the company’s profits or revenues, whether in the form of a royalty in an intellectual property licensing deal, as performancebased rent, or as a standard profit distribution will qualify as a true party of interest. Simplified, a true party of interest can be anyone who receives compensation based on the financial performance of the licensed business.
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interest can be anyone who exercises “control” over the company, even if that person is not entitled to share in profits or revenues. “Control” includes the ability to make important business decisions on behalf of the licensee, like hiring and firing employees, bringing on new investors, and signing contracts on behalf of the licensed business. The enforcement standard here is subjective for regulators, making it crucial for those who cannot otherwise qualify as a true party of interest to avoid exercising any control over the licensee. If an individual meets the definition of a true party of interest, they must meet all statutory requirements to be associated with the licensee. All true parties of interest and their
“This means that anyone taking a share of the company’s profits or revenues, whether in the form of a royalty in an intellectual property licensing deal, as performance-based rent, or as a standard profit distribution will qualify as a true party of interest.”
spouses, if any, must be able to prove a minimum of six months’ residency prior to the date of their application to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (“Board”) to qualify as a such. Proof of residency ranges from date-stamped IDs and driver’s licenses to utility bills and lease agreements in the applicant’s name. Furthermore, true party of interest applicants must pass a criminal background check, which is based on a points system. In order to qualify, an applicant can’t have more than eight points. If an applicant has a felony conviction within the past 10 years, for example, they automatically receive 12 points, and cannot qualify as a true party of interest. If an applicant fails to disclose their criminal history to the Board, they will likely be denied a license. Given the restrictive residency and criminal background requirements for true parties of interest, it’s unsurprising that many license applicants have attempted to hide various ownership interests from the Board. Many license applicants found themselves in a situation where their primary investors either didn’t meet the residency requirements, or had a disqualifying criminal offense in their background check, but decided to move forward with those investors regardless because they’re in need of financing. Many of these same license applicants were unaware that a failure to disclose a true party of interest to the Board results in immediate license cancellation. On the flip side, those who are very lucky may escape with a large monetary fine and a mere license suspension, but leniency is not something to count on with the Board. Particularly where true parties of interest are purposefully hidden from the Board in an attempt to deceive it, license cancellation will be the ultimate outcome. In turn, it is imperative for all licensees to be transparent with the Board, and to disclose all individuals who are funding, receiving profits from or exercising control over the licensed business. c
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REVIEWs
store highlight
Top-Sellin g Str ain:
Dutch Treat by Capital City Chronic and Willie’s Reserve pre-rolls
Top-Sellin g Co ncentr ate:
Anything by Dab Dudes or High Guys
Top-Sellin g Edible: Nasty Jack’s Malt Balls
Gypsy Greens carry Willie’s Reserve. This brand is in a limited amount of stores in the state, and we were grateful to be one of their “launch partners” when the brand first hit the market.
What is the one thing you want consumers to know about your retail store? If I could tell our customers one thing it would be that we truly care. This has truly been a labor of love, and we are happy to be a part of both the Olympia and Chehalis community. Right now, we are working on several charity events. We believe in peace and love and giving back.
How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? The cannabis industry has changed greatly in the last few years. It is great to see that stigmas about cannabis are being lifted, and the industry is now being seen more and more as a legitimate business.
If someone wanted to open a retail store and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them? The advice I would give someone new in the industry is, do your homework research all rules and regulations thoroughly. There is a lot that goes into owning and operating a cannabis business.
What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a retail store? . . . Biggest joys? To me, the biggest joy in my business is being lucky enough to be one of the pioneers in a brand-new industry. Washington is paving the way (along with other legal states) and creating a model for the rest of the country. With that being said, being a pioneer has its challenges.
What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the cannabis community? The one thing I try to do in the cannabis industry is to spread the word about this amazing plant. I have seen it first-hand help so many people. I want to continue breaking down barriers and hope that the rest of the nation jumps on board. Legalization is something that would be of great benefit to the whole country. c
I n ter v i ewe d : J enna R odriguez , O wner 234 Division St. SW, Olympia, 98502 1570 N National Ave., Chehalis, 98512 gypsygreens.org
How and when did your retail store start up? My partners and I started up our retail shops just over a year ago. We were medical for few years prior, so when the law changed we quickly applied for our recreational license and thankfully made it in. We wanted to continue to help our medical patients, because we had built such amazing relationships with them. We are happy to say that through the whole recreational transition, many of them still shop with us today. What does your retail store offer consumers that they can’t find anywhere else? We are willing to take the time to get to know our customers so that we can best meet their needs. As far as product goes, we are very proud to
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REVIEWs
company highlight biggest challenge is getting medicine into all states that allow for both medical and recreational use. Since we are limited to production within each state and adhere to the rules set forth by each state, doing business in all states that have legal cannabis laws can become cumbersome.
Mary’s Medicinals Denver, CO www.marysmedicinals.com (855) 420-6334 How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? Grounded in cutting-edge science and rooted in century-old medicinal knowledge, Mary’s products bring together the best of modern technology with natural components to offer safe and effective pain relief and proactive support. Simply put, we are transforming how people view and utilize cannabis by developing products that maximize the benefits of natural plant nutrients. Our specialty is bringing products to the market that adhere to four key pillars: Accurately dosed, discreet use, cleanly delivered, all while maintaining a patient-first mentality. Mary’s products are not alternative medicine but, rather, an alternative to medicine. What do you offer consumers/ clients that others don’t? We offer consistent, reliable, all natural products with the highest standards of testing and quality control, providing quality products to patients in over eight states. Since
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2013, thousands of people from around the world have turned to Mary’s as a trusted pain management and wellness alternate. With benefits ranging from seizure reduction to migraine relief to overall better health, our pioneering products have earned us the highest respect as one of the most innovative and recognized brands in the cannabis industry. How and why did your company start up? In 2013, when Mary’s was started, there were no cannabis companies in the industry offering a viable option for consumption other than gummies or a joint. Mary’s was launched with the notion that we could solve that problem. From the beginning, we wanted to be the “adult in the industry” and put out a product offering that would attract a wider population by offering reliable products that are accurately-dosed and cleanly delivered. With the changing landscape of medical and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? From a growth perspective, our
What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? Don’t. Just kidding! In all seriousness, my advice is to stay on your toes. This industry is constantly changing and nothing is simple, even in states like Colorado and Washington, where we’ve been at this for a while now. This industry is continually evolving. Being prepared for the nuances inherent to working in an industry where the product is federally illegal is paramount to success. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? We’re not just part of the cannabis industry, we are creating it. As the developer and exclusive distributor of the award-winning Transdermal Patch, Mary’s pioneering products set the standard for proven alternatives for chronic pain management and overall wellness. Our goals include expansion into all states that allow for cannabis consumption. We are also furthering our goal to bring highquality CBD products to all 50 states and beyond through our nutritionals line which offers our hemp-derived products for order online through www.marysnutritionals.com. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? We want to accomplish one thing: To be a trusted resource and wellness partner for those who are in need of the highest quality medicine in the industry. c
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrate Available wherever: HempKings products are carried.
Lamb’s Bread Sour Diesel by HempKings When you see a cross between two famous, well-loved sativa-dominant hybrids like Lamb’s Bread and Sour Diesel, you know sativa lovers are in for a treat. Famous, loveable genetics have led to some truly lovely flower! Large, dense, sticky nugs that emit a heavenly scent when you tear into them are the results of decades of genetic manipulation. A perfect blend of its aromatic parents, the scent has a strong initial foresty and floral aroma that’s almost intoxicating all on its own. The delicate scent carried over to an absolutely wonderful flavor. Delicate floral notes with hints of a forest-like taste, finished with that fantastic diesel flavor, make for some truly complex and delightful enjoyment. Being sativa-dominant hybrid, the effects from this flower were true to form, making this a solid choice for anyone who loves sativa strains. The best words to describe the effects of this flower are “pure joy.” The ecstatic, energetic, focused and creative buzz from this flower is like none other. Lamb’s Bread Sour Diesel is the perfect flower to enjoy before embarking on a creative journey of any kind. Whether going to a show, or creating a masterpiece of your own, this is a strain that will prove to be the perfect companion for the endeavor.
Narnia by Oleum Available wherever: Oleum products are carried.
Anytime Oleum’s signature black and yellow package is spotted in our monthly reviews, the CULTURE team rejoices. Oleum’s concentrates are consistently high-quality, innovative and downright delightful. This Narnia honey crystal looked particularly alluring, with its honey colored creaminess peeking out from the clear section on the package. Narnia is a sativa-dominant strain, crossed between Jack Herer and Trainwreck. Keeping temperatures low throughout the stages of processing has created a product that is high in THCA, which has been said to possess a wide variety of medicinal properties. The first thing CULTURE reviewers were surprised by was the incredible smokeability of this product. Smooth as a sip off a milkshake on a hot summer day, with some of the same sweet flavors to boot. The finish also had light notes of citrus. Aside from being smooth and sweet, which is a real crowd-pleasing combo, this Narnia honey crystal packs a powerful sativa punch. Think of the effects as a cross between a cup of strong green tea and a chill pill all in one. If you’re a sativa lover looking for a tasty concentrate, or even just a lover of unique, high-quality extracts, this Narnia honey crystal is the product for you!
Dirty Little Secret-Hybrid by Cascadia Gardens Cascadia Gardens makes standout products for a number of reasons. A major perk for many consumers is the reasonable price point. Affordability aside, Cascadia Gardens’ concentrates provide a lot of bang for your buck. Simple yet sleek packaging belies a keen marketing sense that draws successfully on local culture. Cascadia’s quality is also consistently high, and the company offers strain selections that show an expertise in the field. This Dirty Little Secret hybrid is a perfect concentrate for the connoisseur who wants a lot of effects from a little package. Testing at a considerable 80.9 percent THCA, and 2.7 percent CBDA, with 78.12 percent total THC, this hydrocarbon shatter offers an effect that has best of indica, best of sativa and the best of concentrate all in one. The CULTURE team used a water pipe to sample it, and in addition to the diverse, all-encompassing effects, they noticed a pungent, earthy flavor somewhat unique for a shatter. This Dirty Little Secret shatter from Cascadia Gardens is the perfect product to keep you in high spirits this summer.
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Available at: Commencement Bay Cannabis in Fife.
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REVIEWs
Sour Tangie Sugar by SKöRD The designers at SKöRD are always on point with their elegant, minimal, seemingly Scandinavian-inspired vibe. Their flower is also reliably high-quality, particularly because SKöRD chose to produce such a unique product. Sugar wax is known to be common for high-terpene strains, and Sour Tangie seems an obvious candidate for this application. This Sour Tangie Sugar tests at 70.66 percent THC, and 0.25 percent CBD. Strong sour tangie flavors present in this sugar wax were evident immediately. If you’re a fan of concentrates with flavor and heavy orange-citrus flavors with a diesel punch, then this is the wax for you. Incredible flavor isn’t the only thing this wax has going for it. With 80 percent sativa genetics, this cross between East Coast Sour Diesel and Tangie is a perfect choice for sativa lovers. If you’ve got a creative project where you really need an extra boost, and even a sativa flower won’t do the trick, this Sour Tangie sativa-dominant sugar wax can be your 11th hour tool.
Available wherever: SKöRD products are carried.
Purple Urkle by Altus Available at: Green Token in Lacey.
Altus has an attractive package, flat black with gold piping and classic, well-chosen fonts that give it an impressive, top-shelf product vibe. This particular review covers Purple Urkle, the signature West Coast indica strain that is almost as nostalgic to the palate as grape soda. You can smell the delicious grape, berry and sweet flavors emanating from the round, clear container, which is unusual for BHO. Using a water pipe to sample this tasty product, the CULTURE team noticed the extract was true to both its genetics and fragrance, with a strong grape, sweet, berry taste which was noticeable immediately. Some team members did note a citrus finish as well. The cannabinoid profile for this concentrate is unique, with 0.58 percent CBDA, 75.56 percent THCA, 0.51 percent total CBD and 70.92 percent total THC. So in addition to being delicious, and having the typical calming yet happy effects of an indica, this product has some unique medicinal properties as well. No matter how you choose to indulge in it, you’ll be sure to have a good time.
High-Q by Evergrow Northwest When the CULTURE team tore into the bright blue package containing this flower, we noticed one thing immediately—big, chunky nugs. The next thing we noticed was the strong, piney, earthy and savory scent. Both of those traits make this High-Q from Bud Commander stand out as remarkable. This hybrid flower is bred from the high CBD strain Suzy-Q, and another parent, and it has high-CBD percentages to show for it. This flower tested at 25 percent cannabinoids total, with 21.3 percent THC, and 0.4 percent CBD. This perfectly crafted blend of strains makes for some powerful medicine. High-Q has a smooth, savory flavor, and the strain pairs well with a delicious meal. This hybrid is the perfect medicine for those experiencing chronic pain. Its sativa genetics work overtime to provide an effect that’s both relaxing and energizing. If you need flower that provides powerful pain relief, but doesn’t glue you to the couch, this High-Q is it.
Available at: Bud Commander in Tumwater.
Delta 8 by THC Farms
Available at: Green Collar Cannabis in Tacoma.
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THC Farms is smart to capitalize on the local landscape with its packaging. In addition to using a lovely picture of Mount Rainier on the package, THC Farms engages in a little fun word play as well by naming this line of concentrates “Rainier High.” As part of this concentrate line, this Delta 8 has a lot going for it. Testing at 44.96 percent THC, this concentrate is bound to provide strong effects. But couch-lock be damned, this concentrate is packing a not-so-secret ingredient—its namesake, Delta 8. With seven percent Delta 8 present, you can count on a more caffeine-like effect. While it’s still psychoactive, it’s less so than Delta 9, and provides an extra boost of focus and energy as well. The flavor of this concentrate is light and sweet, with hints of citrus. After using a water pipe to sample this concentrate, the CULTURE team noted that the effects of Delta 8 were immediate and intense. The uplifting, joyful buzz was accompanied by an anxiety-reducing, blissful state, really making this concentrate the perfect candidate for anyone who loves relaxing alongside cannabis.
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3. LEVO Oil Infuser The future is now. Infusing cannabis oil and butter is as easy as brewing a morning cup of coffee. Purchasing a LEVO Oil Infuser is like having an extraction lab on your kitchen counter—something that is guaranteed to impress your friends. The Time & Temperature Calculator allows you to set the infusion duration and temperature for different herb and oil pairings. Magnetic laboratory stirring is perfect for efficient infusion without pesky bubbles from aeration. An updated capacitive touchscreen makes controlling the device easy. Its unique small batch system can produce five to 16 ounces per infusion. Aside from cannabis, you can extract oil from basil, cloves, roots seeds, coconut or virtually any other kind of herb with this machine. Price: $199.99 MORE INFORMATION: levooil.com
REVIEWs
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1. Magic-Flight Muad-Dib Concentrate Box The fictional character Paul Atreides from the 1967 novel Dune became “Muad’Dib” (pronounced muah deeb) after he rose to manhood (before consuming the narcotic spice). The Muad-Dib Concentrate Box is as mystifying as the novel it was named after, considering its unearthly design. No torch is required. The vaporizer especially stands out because of the steampunk-inspired old world-looking gold monocle cover. It comes with a convenient storage tin that fits in a pocket and a 1.5 foot draw whip tube for vaping. Just engage the battery button to vape pure, tasty draws. It comes with a concentrate dab tool, a water filtration device and a power source as well. The Muad-Dib can be used with the Magic-Flight Orbiter for a water-cooled experience. Price: $35-65 MORE INFORMATION: magic-flight.com 2. SOURCE Orb 4 Premium Kit Tired of flimsy vape pens that don’t deliver what is promised? SOURCEvapes’ latest Orb design won’t disappoint. The SOURCE Orb Premium Kit comes with all the tools and accessories that are needed to celebrate your 710 in style. Those who consider customization a high priority will adore this pen, with many removable parts to choose from. Everything has been upgraded with the fourth incarnation. The pen is capable of producing larger, more impressive clouds of vapor than similar products. As usual, the SOURCE Orb comes with eight temperature settings, allowing concentrate aficionados everywhere to vaporizer an array of different concentrates. This set is complete with a stainless steel 303 build and six types of atomizers. Price: $99.95 MORE INFORMATION: sourcevapes.com
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4. Camo Eyce Rig Are you looking to avoid the risk of shattering fragile glass pipes and rigs? Have no fear, because silicone, being highly durable and flexible, was ingeniously incorporated into Eyce’s dab rigs. With a silicone body and stem, and a high-quality titanium nail, the Camo Eyce Rig can be protected with a lifetime warranty—which is something that you’d never hear from a glass company. Eyce’s cleverly designed rig resembles sewer pipes from Super Mario Bros. The industrial look is accentuated with the finned hot nail. It comes with a built-in silicone oil container to store concentrates that conveniently pops out of the bottom. It also comes with four tool slots at the base for added ease and a stainless steel dab tool. Price: $49.99 MORE INFORMATION: eycemolds.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment Available on: Nintendo Switch Release Date: July 21
MOVIE
Life Dir. Daniel Espinosa Columbia Pictures
BOOK
Ganja Yoga Pub. HarperCollins Dee Dussault Get ready to discover why cannabis and yoga have gone hand-in-hand for thousands of years. This practical guide to conscious relaxation through yoga will lead readers down a path of finding natural pain relief and self discovery. Written by a certified yoga instructor, Ganja Yoga provides expert guidance into choosing the best yoga poses, methods of consumption, breathing techniques, strains and more— all ensuring that through movement and meditation, yoga lovers will live a more stress-free, healthy and peaceful life. (Jacob Cannon)
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GAME
Splatoon 2 Dev. Nintendo EPD Pub. Nintendo In Splatoon 2, you’re a kid, you’re a squid— and you’re having the time of your life with this sequel to the game that brought fun, competitive play to the Wii U back in 2015. Now with a more diverse selection of inkspewing weapons, players will continue to dominate a variety of new modes such as Salmon Run coop mode and the single-player Hero Mode. Splatoon 2 is vibrant, easy to jump into and well worth adding to your Switch gaming collection— not to mention that it’s an even better experience while consuming cannabis, too. (Nicole Potter)
Some have posited that trends in horror movies are tied directly to the dominant subconscious fears of society as a whole. Though zombies have been popular for the last several years, suggesting a societal fear of mindless mobs endlessly consuming those still able to think for themselves, the extraterrestrial horror movie is currently making a comeback, and Life is leading the charge. Set on the International Space Station, Life tells the story of a crew discovering definitive proof of alien life on Mars only to have that life form quickly begin attacking and ravaging the crew. In a quest for survival in tight spaces, Life packs in a ton of suspense and terror and walks proudly in the footsteps of alien horror classics like The Thing and The Blob. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
I Used To Spend So Much Time Alone Chastity Belt Hardly Art After just two years, Seattle psychedelic indie rock band Chastity Belt has returned with its third album, I Used To Spend So Much Time Alone. The new record finds the quartet following in the footsteps of its 2015 breakout album, Time To Go Home, but with smoother and cleaner production. However, that’s not to say that the band’s sound has become any less lush, textural and full. On the contrary, Chastity Belt’s sound seems to have grown even richer, dreamier and ready to envelop listeners like fog rolling over mountains. With each passing album, the band grows tighter, and the sound that it has developed becomes more honed and luxuriant. (Simon Weedn)
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The Steady State of Salley Four-time NBA champion John Salley has mastered the court, health and wellness— and now he’s out to master cannabusiness By Paul Rogers
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n uncompromising product of 1970s New York street basketball, John Salley rose to become one of the NBA’s most decorated stars, before transitioning into successful careers in media and, more recently, cannabusiness. From Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boy” to budding businessman, Salley explores life from a deeply philosophical perspective not commonly associated with professional athletes. Brooklyn-born Salley’s career stats require a paragraph unto themselves. The former Georgia Tech standout was the first NBA player to feature in three different
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Photos by John Gilhooley
championship-winning franchises (the Pistons, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers) and the first to win championships in three different decades as well. Dominating as both a power forward and center, the sixfoot 11-inch shot-blocker also played for the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors and in Greece. Yet the long-limbed Salley, nicknamed “The Spider,” will forever be synonymous with the back-to-back championshipwinning “Bad Boys” Pistons of the late 1980s and early ‘90s—a famously physical, defenseoriented team, which also featured the likes of Dennis Rodman, Adrian Dantley and Isiah Thomas. With a dogged willingness to win at all costs, the Bad Boys “practically led the revolution in unsportsmanlike play in the NBA,” according to FiveThirtyEight. At the turn of the new millennium, the now Los Angelesbased Salley seamlessly segued into media, including nine years hosting Fox Sport Net’s The Best Damn Sports Show Period and acting roles in both TV and film (appropriately including Bad Boys and Bad Boys II). An outspoken vegan and animal rights advocate, Salley was also among the first former proathletes to openly embrace the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Having first tried cannabis with an NBA teammate after a game in Sacramento, shortly before retiring (“all I remember is stretches in front of the Governor’s Mansion and doing yoga”), he later used the plant as an alternative to opioid painkillers and now makes it the cornerstone of a wellness-centered lifestyle. Salley has since been involved in various cannabusiness enterprises, including a planned private cannabis club in downtown L.A., and his own company, Deuces, in partnership with his daughter. CULTURE chatted with the affably impassioned Salley as he enjoyed a cannabis-balm massage.
How important are records and statistics to you compared with the pride you take in the style in which you played the game? I really don’t worry about personal accolades. Being a professional athlete was what I wanted to be. And the crazy part about even sayin’ that is it’s a team sport, so when somebody breaks down individuals’ stats, it’s amazing that they can do that, because obviously four other guys had to sacrifice for that to happen. Tell me about the role of your Detroit Pistons teammate Adrian Dantley in your early career. Does any of what you learned from him still impact your life today? A.D. was, literally, my teacher . . . I called him Teacher and we still call him Teacher. The way I eat—I became a vegan after the thought process that Adrian taught me . . . I’m completely into yoga; I completely moved into that thought process. [It] all started with Teacher. The Pistons had an amazing run at the turn of the ’90s, when the team boasted some truly largerthan-life players like Dennis Rodman. What are your abiding memories of that era?
I remember how people treated us. I remember how people adored us. How the city [of Detroit], was . . . y’know, crack was huge in the city around that time, in 1996 on up. No jobs; there was despair. But us winning changed the whole attitude of everybody in the city. So it wasn’t just a sporting thing? This was also a cultural and societal impact that you brought to that city. Yes. The whole city changed. We changed it. Even when we lost in 1988, we had a parade! If that same “Bad Boys” team was playing today, how different might game officials’ reaction be to your very physical, defense-oriented style of play? Part of the reason most of the rules are intact is because of us. So the breakaway foul—when a guy’s going to the basket, you can’t foul him from behind. You used to be able to foul him from behind. Handchecking—they got rid of that. Because you remember our defense was so big, [opponents] weren’t scoring a lot . . . so our style of hardgrit-playing bodybasketball is no longer allowed.
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You’ve played alongside three of basketball’s all-time greats: Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Who was the greatest? Isaiah Thomas! Because he was sixone and did all the things like guys of six-six and above. But I think Michael Jordan is by far the best player of his era; of our era.
You were a longtime host of The Best Damn Sports Show Period. How did that experience change the opinion you held of TV sports pundits while you were on the other end of that equation, as a player? It changed my thought process when, for nine years, I saw the same problems over and over and over with different names on ‘em. The negative and how they enhanced it—and the positive was done in a package that we might show on Sunday. But the negative was being played night-in and night-out . . . And I realized that they were doing just what the news did—perpetuating the negative and making news out of it.
You briefly played professional basketball overseas, with Greek club Panathinaikos. How different was the game over there? I loved it . . . Some of the places in Greece that we would go into were— the gyms were, y’know, not on par of a lot of places, but I loved the grit. I’ve played on the streets of New York, so seeing that in Greece wasn’t so bad.
What’s more nerve-wracking: Appearing on TV as a host or on court as a pro-basketball player? Going on court as a pro player. I control the microphone, and I know what the camera is doing. I’ve rehearsed it, and it’s going to be very close to rehearsal. And, you know, everything [in TV] is timed—in a NBA game it feels like time never ends!
So you guys didn’t just win championships; you changed the game forever. We changed the way everything was looked at. And not only did we do it once, we did it back-to-back—and they still didn’t have our jerseys [for sale] all around the country.
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“Look at most of the problems that happen in the NFL, with DUIs . . . When you smoke weed, it doesn’t give you the courage to jump up and say ‘I wanna go drivin’ fast!’ You smoke weed and chill-out.”
You’re an outspoken vegan and opposed to factory farming. Why are these causes so important to you? They’re important to me personally because the body does not work well on animal fat, [and] because I think it really makes no sense that something has to die in order for me to live. And, y’know, what’s the difference: People say they love animals, but they eat ‘em. That’s not the way of being. When you’re talking about factory farming, you’re talking about plantations . . . In this case, the way they treat their beast is very similar, in a negative way, as the way they were treating their slave. And at one time they used to consider us farm animals. Can you imagine? People used to literally say we were subhuman? If you believe in God, the most important thing is life. He said “thou shalt not kill.” And I can prove to you that we don’t need to live on animal products . . . If an ox only eats grass but everybody wants to be as strong as an ox, eat what the ox eats! iReadCULTURE.com
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What do you feel veganism has done for your health and fitness? I am 252 pounds. When I played, I was 253 pounds. I’m now 53 years old. I can still fit clothes that I wore in the ‘80s. I think eating is a sign of selfrespect. What you put in your body shows respect for yourself. You were one of the first athletes to extol the virtues of cannabis, and you’ve spoken about the medical benefits of cannabis since your retirement. Tell me about that. If I understood cannabis when I was playing, I’d probably have played into my late 40s. Right now, no arthritis . . . My liver and kidney are doing well. The pains that I do have—I’ve got two torn meniscus, and my shoulder ligaments are torn—but I’m letting ‘em heal by using certain herbs that I take along with making sure enough oxygen and CBDs get to that area to help me heal. When did you start using cannabis medicinally, and why? I had my feet operated on in 2002, and they put me on opioid [painkillers]. And I’m trying to do The Best Damn Sports Show, [in] 2003, and I can’t do it. I can’t do it because I literally am, like, two minutes late on answering. And this doctor said “I can give you medical marijuana” . . . and I never looked back. At present, how do you prefer to medicate? It seems like you’ve tried cannabis in many forms. I smoke out of a water bong, personally. I have a product coming out called Deuces. I started it with my daughter, Tyla, and was like, “this is the business of our family now, so you might as well learn it as I’m learning it.” What is Deuces going to make? What is the nature of the business? We’re a brand . . . There’s a lot of CBD products, and there’s a lot of THC products. The CBD products are, like, spray-relief—spray it on your knee, [it] helps with your arthritis; helps with your pain, moving lactic acid out of your body. 42
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“I would like [cannabis] to be legal, and I would like it to not be a Schedule I drug. I would like it to be removed as a drug, period, and be put on as a supplement or just a plant.”
Are there any other cannabisrelated business ventures that you’re involved in? Besides developing on my own, I go to different growers that grow different strains for me and make my own product . . . In Michigan, I have growers that I’m associated with and manufacturers of my product in Colorado, Oregon, Nevada and here in California. As well as an advocate for medical cannabis use, you’ve also
encouraged reform to cannabis legislation. How would you like to see cannabis laws changed in this country? One, I would like [cannabis] to be legal, and I would like it to not be a Schedule I drug. I would like it to be removed as a drug, period, and be put on as a supplement or just a plant. A large amount of black men that are in jail are [there] because of some relation with some drug— or considered drug, marijuana . . . One of my friends is in jail for allegedly, not proven, allegedly transferring marijuana. But when he gets out, he won’t be allowed to be in this business. So a lot of these black people who pioneered the business won’t be allowed to benefit from it. Do you feel that this administration will be good or bad for cannabusiness? The lobbyists are strong in the business of pharmaceuticals. But if we can get to Donald Trump and you start talking about [cannabis] business and how much comes back in taxes and how much people are making—once he hears that story, he can change the larger perception and help this business grow. Is the risk of addiction to prescription painkillers a major issue in your cannabis advocacy? Yeah. I mean, I was popping six to nine Advil a day: When I woke up, just so I can get to practice; before practice; and then after my nap. So, yeah, that was an addiction. What is your stance on cannabis use in professional sports? The crazy thing is, I love [National Football League] Commissioner Goodell, but he stated complete falsehoods and old data. He has said, “it’s addictive”—it’s not addictive” . . . Look at most of the problems that happen in the NFL, with DUIs, driving under the influence. When you smoke weed, it doesn’t give you the courage to jump up and say “I wanna go drivin’ fast!” You smoke weed and chill-out. c www.johnsalley.com
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OIL
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Nine Types of Cannabis Concentrates By Benjamin M. Adams Indulge yourself with some of the strongest forms of cannabis. Concentrates cannot be judged by purity alone—the presence of terpenes and the choice of the extraction process can produce a cornucopia of results. Some of the wax, shatter, crumble, errl and honeycomb that consumers purchase began as Butane Hash Oil (BHO) and are formed using different techniques. Many concentrates are made by blasting (or washing) the cannabis plant with pressurized butane (which is removed
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afterward). C02-based extracts, on the other hand, are made by pressurizing C02 until it becomes a “supercritical fluid,” which is able to strip the cannabis clean of essential oils. Other trending techniques include Rosin, which can be made using household products, or Live Resin, which involves dry ice in the preparation process. Since the cannabis community is celebrating the unofficial 710 concentrate holiday, here are nine common types of concentrates that new and returning consumers should be familiar with.
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Use discretion and titrate carefully when consuming cannabis concentrates that are high in THC content, as they can produce powerful or unwanted effects.
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Oil or sap is the smoothest and thinnest form of concentrate. It is also affectionately referred to as “errl,” which is common slang for oil. Nowadays, the inevitable messiness of oils can be abated with the use of plastic syringes. It is also commonly found in vape cartridges.
Tincture
Unlike cannabisbased oils, tinctures are alcohol-based. The often darkgreen liquid is stored in droppers. Tinctures are typically consumed medicinally and are administered sublingually. The good thing about tinctures is that they can last many years as long as the bottles are stored in a cool and dark location. Tinctures are also easy to selftitrate.
Crumble
Shatter
Shatter is a stable form of concentrate that is identifiable by its translucency and glass-like properties. It is one of the most refined versions of BHO. It resembles the same consistency that maple syrup has when it is completely crystalized. Unlike wax or budder, shatter is not malleable. At up to 90 percent THC, shatter is considered one of the purest forms of concentrate available. “Pull and Snap” shatter is a taffy-like shatter that is firm but slightly stretchy.
Crumble is a dry form of concentrate that resembles crunchy brown sugar in appearance and consistency. It is made by purging cannabis for a longer time, but at a lower heat, which preserves terpenes. It is dry enough to touch with your fingers and break up into smaller bits. Crumble can also be sprinkled on top of cannabis in a pre-roll.
Isolate
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Budder
Budder is known for its thick, sticky consistency, similar to that of peanut butter. Halfway between wax and crumble, budder is made by whipping sap or shatter until it is broken down into budder. It’s packed with terpenes and therefore is one of the tastiest forms of concentrate. Budder also comes in “honeycomb” form that resembles Swiss cheese. Shatter eventually naturally breaks down to a budder-like substance over time.
One of the most popular forms of concentrates is also the stickiest. Most dabbers begin with wax and work their way up to shatter and more expensive forms of concentrate. It feels like earwax to the touch. If wax comes into contact with anything other than metal or a silicone tool, it will get everywhere but inside your rig or bowl. An oilslick pad or parchment paper is often used to store this form of concentrate. Some say wax was first considered a “failed” form of budder—until dabbing came along.
Oil
Kief
Kief is the Arabic word for “pleasure” or “intoxication.” It is also known in the west as dry sift or “pollen.” Kief is what accumulates at the bottom of your grinder after a series of seshes. This type of concentrate is collected by letting the resinous trichomes fall through a sieve or mesh screen. It can be pressed into blond hash or into discs. Purists will say that kief contains too much plant matter—but at approximately 20 to 60 percent THC, it’s certainly strong enough for most consumers.
An isolate is a stabilized pure crystalline that looks clear or is an off-white powder or crystals. For cannabis, THC, CBD, THCv, etc. can be isolated using a complex process. A true isolate is 100 percent THC or CBD, and is obviously the purest form, but many retailers sell “isolates” that are close to 100 percent purity. A distillate comes close, but is typically 85 to 95 percent THC or CBD. c
Hash Hash is made by applying varying amounts of pressure and sometimes heat to kief or sifted trichomes. Currently, hash is much more popular in Europe than in North America. Breaking off pieces of hash usually requires some applied heat before it’s soft enough to break up.
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Scientific Remedies
Now is the time for cannabis transdermal medicine By Sheryll Alexander
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The science of cannabis has evolved over the years, now affording us beauty and medical products that are absorbed into your body through your skin. Through patches and salves, also referred to transdermals or topicals, we can easily apply medicine that will be absorbed slowly into the body with specific attention to a targeted area. With this method, cannabinoid-rich hemp and cannabis patches, creams, lotions, gels, oils and even bath salts are changing what’s inside American medicine cabinets, bedside tables and even tubs, spas, hotels and stores.
“Simply put, cannabis transdermals or topical applications are being scientifically crafted for a long list of skin, musculoskeletal, joint and even rare genetic conditions�
Diverse Range of Relief
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The Science Behind Transdermals There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing how you will apply cannabis or hemp-based medicine to be absorbed slowly through your skin. The benefit of transdermal products is that the slow absorption of a topical gel, lotion or other compound can provide up to six hours of pain relief, while patches have been reported to provide up to 12 hours of discreet relief. Cannabinoid-rich transdermal medicine is regularly used to treat pain, muscle soreness and inflammation, but transdermals offer relief from many other conditions as well.
here are an estimated 90-plus cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, which have been thoroughly researched and determined to have the following all-natural healing effects, including anti-microbial (kills bacteria and other microbes), anti-inflammation (reduces redness and puffiness), anti-cancer (kills cancer cells and stops capillary growth), antipuritis (reduces itching), anti-ischemic (lowers artery blockage and increases blood flow) and analgesic (pain relieving). Cannabinoids also have been proven to lower blood sugar, suppress muscle spasms, stop seizures and promote bone growth. Simply put, cannabis transdermals or topical applications are being scientifically crafted for a long list of skin, musculoskeletal, joint and even rare genetic conditions. Truly, now is the time to start thinking that cannabis topicals deliver localized relief from just about any inflammation, muscle aches, strains, muscle tension and chronic pain. While there are estimated to be more than 90 or more cannabiniods in the cannabis plant, only a handful of cannabinoids have been making their way into transdermal products, but still allows patients seeking relief from common issues to treat their ailments topically with great efficiency.
There are many reputable companies that are creating diverse lines of transdermal products that include a variety of cannabinoids. While cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are extremely popular in the current climate of cannabis products, there are plenty of cannabinoids that are increasingly being used in cannabis products like transdermals and topicals. In addition to CBD and THC, cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) are becoming more frequently utilized as well. With so many options available, how do you know which cannabinoid or combination of cannabinoids will be best for treating your ailment? THCV is unique in that it gives psychoactive effects, only when consumed in high amounts. Research into this cannabinoid has proven its effectiveness against anxiety. It also helps stimulate bone growth and serves as an antiinflammatory. Many other cannabinoids work as anti-inflammatories, and many of them work better when used together. CBD, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, THC and THCA have all been proven effective for treating inflammation. c iReadCULTURE.com
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Staying Strong Cannabis oil has drastically improved young Maddie Holt’s life in every way imaginable By Addison Herron-Wheeler
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or Maddie Holt, trying cannabis as medicine was a matter of life or death. When Madeline, or Maddie as she is known to loved ones, was first diagnosed with Zellweger syndrome, her mother Meagan Holt was distraught. However, Meagan was also determined to fight to improve her daughter’s quality of life. 50
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When the rare congenital disorder started giving Maddie frequent seizures, she had to be medicated all of the time. “She was on 26 pharmaceuticals and would barely wake up, was high out of her mind, didn’t communicate with us, stopped using sign language,” explained Meagan. “So for me, when I found cannabis, it was complete desperation. I remember Googling ‘intractable epilepsy,’ because I “So for Maddie we just felt there had to be something.” In April 2015, after countless have seen every single medications and trips to the hospital, symptom improved. Meagan was told that she should take Maddie home and spend as much time It wasn’t until we as possible with her, as Maddie’s young incorporated more life would be ending soon. She had THC that we saw created an end-of-life plan with the hospital and was instructed that the best her sign language thing she could do was to ensure Maddie come back.” was as comfortable as possible.
Refusing to accept that her only option was to wait for her daughter to pass on, Meagan continued her research on what could be done to help. She didn’t have any biases against trying cannabis as a treatment, and since the option kept coming up again and again in her research, she decided it was definitely worth a try. “I found these stories about kids who were using it for seizures,” she explained. “I am really resourceful so I looked things up; I learned about CBD resources; I actually got connected with Green Extracts, which donated wholeplant cannabis oil to Maddie, CBD and THC.” After she was given cannabis oil, Maddie went eight days seizure-free, which was a record for her during the lowest point of her disorder. Since she was only expected to live for one day after leaving the hospital and had been constantly seizing, so living out the extra days in a much healthier state was a huge milestone for Maddie. Once this discovery was made, nothing could stop Meagan from doing what she knew was necessary to keep her daughter alive. She began soliciting donations for Maddie and making sure she had the medicine her daughter needed to keep improving and stay alive and, for the most part, seizure-free and out of the hospital. Maddie now uses a mix of THC and CBD oil to prevent seizures and as a “rescue” when she does seize, and she also uses cannabis products to alleviate side-effects like the chapped lips and dry skin that come from being bedridden. Once beginning all these treatments, the Holt family began to see a major improvement in Maddie. “So for Maddie we have seen every single symptom improved,” Meagan explained. “It wasn’t until we incorporated more THC that we saw her sign language come back. You can watch her get a dose, and it’s like switching on a light bulb; she comes to life.” While Maddie’s condition still
renders her dependent on roundthe clock medical care, not only has she outlived what was initially projected, she is now going to school and communicating with the world around her as much as possible. “She is deaf, blind, completely dependent on a feeding tube, she has kidney stones, bleeding troubles, anemia, and cannabis is helping all of that,” Meagan told CULTURE. Maddie is now being homeschooled two days a week, and she continues to progress forward in so many ways. Although the journey ahead still holds obstacles, Meagan shared how her family’s
experience with cannabis oil has changed their life for good. “I have learned to never give up hope and to always remember to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, because you can never understand what someone is going through until you look at it from their perspective,” she said. c
“You can watch her get a dose and it’s like switching on a light bulb; she comes to life.”
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN
By Ed Rosenthal
A
t the time of this writing, the Summer Solstice is just around the corner—it’s the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. This is also when the sun’s rays shine most directly on the Earth, so the light is most intense during this time of year. The bright light has been great for the plants in the three sections of my garden. All of them have had a growth spurt and are extremely healthy. The first section is a 2’ x 4’, nine-inch deep tray that holds five plants. Three of them were orphan plants, abandoned and uncared for, and were under a foot tall when they were placed in a row across the middle width of the tray. The other two, which were about four feet tall including the container, were placed horizontally, with the bottom of the container against the side of the tray, buried halfway so the plant stems stretched across the tray two inches above the earth. A month later, the five plants are 2’ feet tall and have been growing more than an inch a day. Just yesterday their regimen changed from vegetative to flowering. Each evening I placed the cart into its own little growth
chamber with about 200 watts of fluorescent light so the plant was kept lit continuously. Now I wheel the cart into the unlit chamber after dusk, which occurs at about 9 p.m., but before dawn. The plant stays there until 9 a.m. for a total dark period of 12 hours each evening. The plants have a few flowers now, but in about two months the colas will be ready to harvest. Group 2, consisting of four plants from clones including a Shark Shock and a ER Superbud and two dwarfed plants offered as Purple Dream, but are perhaps another variety. These plants have been flowering for a while now, but I was afraid that they would switch back to vegetative growth. So, I am also sheltering them in darkness each evening using the same regimen as for the first group. By this time next month, they will be harvested and drying. Group 3 started out as volunteers in my compost pile. Luckily for them a member of the plant rescue society saw them and placed them in four-inch pots. They soon outgrew them and were placed in 6” containers. They were re-planted again two weeks ago into 8” containers. The plants are all indicas and all seem
TIP OF THE MONTH Take and root cuttings of all the outdoor plants now before they start to flower, and keep them growing slowly. This is done by keeping them under moderate light, nutrients and keeping them at a steady 650 temperature. After harvesting, you will be able to test the plants both objectively and subjectively, look at the numbers and decide which to propagate next season. If you grow the clones out, starting in January they will be ready to place in the ground by late spring.
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to be closely related. They have broad leaves, short internodes and are beginning to get purple. It looks like a fine strain. The plants are now 10”14” tall and growing quickly under natural daylight and light regimen. I am planning two experiments on this group. First, I’m going to cut the top growing tips of half the plants to observe the difference in growth, form and yield between the two groups. Secondly I’m going to supply half of these plants with CO2 as they grow outdoors. The other half will serve as a control group. We shall see if CO2 administered outdoors increases yield. c
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The plants on wheels basking in the sun. The stem was placed horizontally so the branches are growing vertically.
Early flowering of the plants on wheels. The plants have been in flowering regimen for four days.
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Plants in 8” containers. Tops of half of them were clipped. All are indicas from the same group. They have thick stems and wide leaves with purple tones.
Plants induced to flower early are halfway through flowering. Four varieties are represented.
Close-up of the bud; it should be ready in four or five weeks.
Close-up of pollinated Purple Citrus.
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 growing RECIPES
Time to Go: July Weather: High 60s, low 70s with some rainfall Budget: $$$$$
if you go:
Adventure in The Azores For cannabis enthusiasts who cherish the tranquility of raw nature above all else, The Azores can make for a peaceful, inspirational and truly relaxing respite in summer. Located smack in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, The Azores is today a collection of nine islands and six small towns that were uninhabited until 1433 when a hearty group of Portuguese sailors decided to settle near what is now Santa Maria, which is about 850 miles west of Lisbon and 2,500 miles east of New York City. This remote island archipelago that makes up The Azores is meant for the adventurous traveler, as these mostly active volcanic mountains are packed with breathtakingly beautiful scenery. In one day (and with a rental car), visitors can experience everything from windswept sandy beaches to pristine inland crater-made lakes to wonderful waterfalls spilling into swimmable ponds.
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Perhaps that’s because “going to The Azores” is really an escape from ordinary life. These tiny island towns in the middle of the great big blue ocean are not into the Euro party scene like the Spanish, French, Portuguese or even African coasts. This is a place where farming and fishing are king. Although the weather here is mostly mild, there can be days upon days of fog and soaking rain even in the summer months. This back-to-nature quality is probably what makes Azoreans hearty folk who prefer family-friendly activities such as long hikes, boat rides, slow cooking, even slower eating (at hours-long meals paired with local wines) and just enjoying life naturally. This slowing down effect—plus Portugal’s cannabis decriminalization laws—makes The Azores a super chill place to truly get away from it all while medicating. c
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By Sheryll Alexander
The Azores is an “autonomous region” of Portugal, which decriminalized all drugs (only if you are carrying less than a 10-day supply) including reducing cannabis to a misdemeanor. So, smoking cannabis anywhere in Portugal and its outlying colonies such as The Azores is quite common and does not alarm locals. The best thing to do on any trip to a European country is to find and vet a cannabis-loving local before you leave. If you did not prepare ahead, then politely ask a 20- or 30-something Azorean where you can find cannabis (they will know what you mean but it is locally known as erva). Just remember to smoke discreetly although European joints (called spliffs) are usually packed with tobacco as well as cannabis flowers.
The Azores is the only region in Europe where tea is still cultivated, so don’t miss visiting the island’s several “tea estates” dating from the 1800s. Locals welcome visitors to tour their farm and cultivation facilities of famous Azorean organic black, green and orange pekoe teas. 1
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Because The Azores are located atop the “triple junction” of three tectonic plates (North American, Eurasian and African) and are still actively volcanic, the islands are known for their steaming geothermal geysers and mineral-filled hot spring waters. 2
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culture
Ashley Cross
Age: 25 Condition/Illness: IBS, anxiety and depression. Using Medical Cannabis Since: I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2017. The disease has prevented me from doing the things I love to do and daily chores. I’ve been using medical cannabis since I was 19.
Why did you start using cannabis? I started using medical cannabis because it helped with my depression, anxiety and insomnia. I use it for pain from a car accident in 2011 where I was ran into. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I’ve had major depression and anxiety since I was a little, and I
was put on all different kinds of antidepressants. All of them had different bad side effects. Later in life I was introduced to cannabis by my boyfriend, and this is the only thing that seems to help my pain without having the bad side effects. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The major issue or problem medical patients are facing is federal government acceptance so there can be safe access for patients throughout the whole country. If you have a chronic disease like I do, then it becomes a big issue. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? When I talk to people who are skeptical about the use of medical cannabis I tell them it’s medicine, it doesn’t have horrible side effects like almost every pharmaceutical medication you take on a daily basis. Cannabis can ease the pain for a while and give you some relief without all those horrible side effects. 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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culture growing
Summer Lovin’ By Laurie Wolf Photos by Bruce Wolf
Heat up your outdoor barbecue with easy-to-make cannabis-infused skewers Menu: Skewered Shrimp and Asparagus Grilled and Skewered Fruit Grilled Eggplant and Plum Tomatoes
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Chicken Breast Satay
The warmth of summer goes beyond feeling the golden rays of sunshine beating down against your skin like a warm blanket—hot and savory meals delivered straight off the grill are also indicative of summertime and Fourth of July gettogethers. Impress your guests for an evening barbecue by serving this menu, which allows you to prepare the four types of tasty skewers a day ahead. Once your friends arrive, just fire up the grill, and throw on the skewers. Less can be more in the realm of edibles, so there is no need to infuse all the recipes if you prefer. A word about skewers—if you are a fan of the multi-sized wooden skewers, soak them in water for an hour before grilling. Be sure to let the grill heat up before cooking, which will provide a smaller chance of food sticking, and don’t you hate that?
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2. In a food processor, combine the peanuts, coconut milk, 2 tablespoons lime juice, soy sauce and a pinch of cinnamon. Add the scallions and set aside.
Chicken Breast Satay
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the remaining oil with the lime juice, salt and pepper.
1 tablespoon coconut milk
6 tablespoons lime juice, portioned in 2 tablespoon increments
Pinch of cinnamon
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4 teaspoons cannacanola oil t
1 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon soy sauce
6 cups lettuce
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound chicken boneless and skinless breasts, cut into strips or chunks
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Ingredients:
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4 tablespoons roasted peanuts JULY 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chopped scallion
Salt and pepper
Instructions: 1. Combine the chicken, 2 tablespoons lime juice, canna-canola oil, soy sauce and ginger in a medium bowl. Marinate for two hours. Preheat the grill, and then remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Place the chicken on the skewers.
4. When the grill is ready, cook the chicken on the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side. 5. Divide the lettuce onto 4 plates and drizzle with the canna-canola oil and lime juice mixture. Place the cooked skewers on top and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Serve with the peanut sauce for dipping.
t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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culture growing
Skewered Shrimp and Asparagus
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Ingredients: 10 asparagus, sliced in 1-2 inch pieces 20 large shrimp (about 1 pound), peeled and cleaned
Grilled and Skewered Fruit
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1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
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Instructions:
2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted
1. Preheat the grill. Arrange the shrimp, asparagus and the scallions on the skewers as desired. Brush the skewers with the canna olive oil and drizzle with
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2 tablespoons fresh mint, shredded
1 tablespoon canola oil
Instructions: 1. Preheat the grill. Place the banana, pineapple and mango on the skewers and brush with the canola oil and sprinkle with the cinnamon. 2. Grill skewers on the prepared grill until golden brown and tender.
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3. Sprinkle the skewers with the coconut and drizzle with the infused sweetener of your choice.
1 cup salsa, mild to hot
the lemon juice. Season with the salt and pepper. 2. Grill skewers on the prepared grill until the shrimp are cooked and the asparagus are just tender, 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with the salsa for dipping.
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Note: If you don’t have access to an infused sweetener, just use 4 teaspoons of infused canola oil instead of the tablespoon of oil when brushing the fruit.
Grilled Eggplant and Plum Tomatoes Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant, cut into chunks
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1 mango, peeled and cut into chunks
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon canna olive oil, plus one additional teaspoon t
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 teaspoons infused honey or simple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 scallions, cut in pieces
Ingredients: 1 large banana, sliced, brushed with lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon oregano
6 roma tomatoes, halved
Salt
4 teaspoons cannaolive oil t
8 basil leaves, shredded
Instructions: 1. Preheat the grill, and thread the eggplant and tomatoes on skewers. 2. Brush with the oils, and then season with the oregano and the salt. 3. Grill skewers on the prepared grill, and cook until the eggplant is tender and the tomatoes are soft and browning. Top with the shredded basil leaves.
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— PEDESTRIAN CALMING Officials in charge of a Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal heritage site recently installed “speed bumps,” similar to those familiar to Americans driving residential streets—but on a pedestrian walkway, with row upon row of risers to resemble a washboard. A Western travel writer, along with editors of People’s Daily, China, suggested that officials were irked that “disorderly” tourists had been walking past the ancient grounds too rapidly to appreciate its beauty or context.
THE JOB OF THE RESEARCHER “Marine mammologist” Dara Orbach’s specialty is figuring out how bottlenose dolphins actually fit their sex organs together to copulate. When dolphins die of natural causes, Orbach, a post-doctoral Fellow at Nova Scotia’s Dalhousie University, is sent their genitals (and also those of whales, porpoises and sea lions) and fills each one with silicone to work from molds in understanding the sex act’s mechanics. Dolphins’ vaginas are “surprising” in their “complexity,” she told Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News in April, for example, with the ability to twist inner folds to divert the progress of any sperm deposited by undesirable mates.
BRIGHT IDEAS Compared to busy coastal metropolises, Indiana may evoke repose, and entrepreneur Tom Battista is suggesting the state’s largest city capitalize on the sentiment by reserving a destination site on a low-lying hill overlooking the chaotic merge lanes of two interstate highways— affording visitors leisurely moments watching the frantic motorists scrambling below. He plans three rows of seats and a sunshade for the relaxed gawkers to take in the “ocean”-like roar and imagine overwrought drivers’ rising blood pressure (while their own remains soothingly calm). WEIRD SCIENCE Medical researchers have been frustrated for years at failures in getting certain cancer-fighting drugs to
reach targeted areas in women’s reproductive tracts, but doctors in Germany announced in April a bold technique that appeared to work: Sending the drugs via sperm cells, which seem to roam without obstruction as they search for an egg. The process involves coating active sperm cells with an iron adhesive and magnetically steering them to their internal targets. NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE Sean Clemens, now awaiting trial in Liberty, Ohio, in the death of an 84-year-old woman, allegedly confessed his guilt to a co-worker after telling the man that something was bothering him that he needed to tell someone about—but only if the co-worker would “pinkie-
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swear” not to tell anyone else. (The co-worker broke the code.) In the course of pursuing claims against Alaskan dentist Seth Lookhart for Medicaid fraud, government investigators found a video on his phone of him extracting a sedated patient’s tooth—while riding on a hoverboard. (He had apparently sent the video to his office manager under the title “New Standard of Care.”) Lookhart had been indicted in 2016 for billing Medicaid $1.8 million for patient sedations unnecessary for the procedures they received. PERSPECTIVE In April, Tennessee state representative Mike Stewart, aiming to make a point about
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the state’s lax gun-sales laws and piggybacking onto the cuddly feeling people have about children’s curbside lemonade stands, set up a combination stand on Nashville’s Capitol Hill, offering for sale lemonade, cookies—and an AK-47 assault rifle (with a sign reading “No Background Check,” to distinguish the privatesale AK-47 from one purchased from a federally licensed dealer). (In fact, some states still regulate lemonade stands more than gun sales—by nettlesome “health department” and anti-competitive rules and licensing, though Tennessee allows the stands in most neighborhoods as long as they are small and operated infrequently.)
PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM US In March, an electrician on a service call at a public restroom in Usuki, Japan, discovered a crawlspace above the urinal area, which had apparently been a man’s home (with a space heater, gas stove and clothing). Investigators learned that Takashi Yamanouchi, 54, a homeless wanderer, had been living there continuously for three years—and had arranged everything very tidily, including the 300-plus plastic two-liter bottles of his urine. (It was unclear why he was storing his urine when he resided above a public restroom.) LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS Not Ready For Prime Time: (1) In March, WTTG-
TV in Washington, D.C., broadcast surveillance video of a 7-Eleven armed robbery in the city’s northeast sector—since some footage offered a clear picture of the suspect’s face. Moments into the robbery, the man peered upward, caught sight of the camera and, shocked, reached for his apparently forgotten ski mask on top of his head, where (better late than never) he pulled it into place. (2) In November, three teenagers were arrested after stealing superfast Dodge cars in the middle of the night from a dealership in St. Peters, Missouri. (After driving less than a mile, police said, the three had lost control of their cars, crashing them, including “totaling” two 700-horsepower Challenger Hellcats.)
NO LONGER WEIRD News that was formerly weird but whose patterns more recently have become so tedious that the stories deserve respectful retirement: (1) On May 5, an elderly woman in Plymouth, England, became the most recent to drive wildly afield by blindly obeying her car’s satellite navigation system. Turning left, as ordered, only to confront a solid railing, she nonetheless spotted a narrow pedestrian gap and squeezed through, which led to her descending the large concrete stairway at the Mayflower House Court parking garage (until her undercarriage got stuck). (2) Police in East Palestine, Ohio, said the 8-year-old boy who commandeered the family car and drove his sister, 4, to the local McDonald’s for
a cheeseburger on April 9 was different from the usual underaged drivers in that he caused no problems. Witnesses said he followed traffic signals en route, which the boy attributed to learning from YouTube videos.
the construction noise more than the potential release of departed spirits (though an Animal Planet “dog psychic” who lives in Estes Park volunteered her services to calm the pets’ souls). (Update: Apparently, it worked.)
A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (OCTOBER 2013) Imminent Swirling Vortex of Damnation: Land developers for the iconic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado (the inspiration for the hotel in Stephen King’s The Shining) announced recently (2013) that they need more space and thus will dig up and move the hotel’s 12-gravesite pet cemetery (another Stephen King trope). Neighbors told the Fort Collins Coloradoan in September (2013) that they feared
BREAKING NEWS (RARE FETISH!) Jordan Haskins, 26, was sentenced to probation and sex counseling in May after pleading guilty to eight charges arising from two auto accidents in Saginaw, Michigan. Prosecutors said Haskins described “cranking,” in which he would remove a vehicle’s spark-plug wires to make it “run rough,” which supposedly improves his chances for a selfservice happy ending. Haskins’s lawyer added, “(Cranking) is something I
don’t think we understand as attorneys.” THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT! Le Plat Sal (The Dirty Plate) restaurant in the Marais district of Paris features specialties actually containing dirt—or as Chef Solange Gregoire calls it, “the mud of the earth that caresses our toes, the sand kissed by the sun, and rocks.” Mused a Food Network host in April, “What’s left? People are already eating snout-to-tail, leaves-to-roots....” Gregoire extolled her four-star dishes, including pastry crust a la Mont Lachat rock and a Boue Ragout stew simmered with silt from the River Seine. (NPR also noted that the founder of The Shake Shack was “quietly” planning a new American chain, Rock in Roll.)
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