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MASTER OF MMA
Revered for his talent in the realm of Mixed Martial Arts, Frank Shamrock dishes about his career, his aspirations and his love for cannabis. On the COVER: p h o t o b y J o h n G i l h oole y
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Light Up the Night Smokey Brights embraces classic rock sounds with a hint of psychedelia.
46 48 departments news 12 News Nuggets 13 By the Numbers 16 Local News 18 Legal Corner reviews 20 Company Highlight 22 Strain & Edible Reviews 26 Cool Stuff 30 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 44 Growing Culture 46 Destination Unknown 47 Profile in Courage 48 Recipes 52 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d West Virginia Legalizes Medical
Cannabis d Cannabis will Soon Surpass
Beer Sales
Vol 8 IssUE 11
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett creative consultant Evan Senn 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, 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, Duncan Rolfson, Josué Rivas, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designer Tanya Delgadillo sales director Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Alex Brizicky, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Beau Odom, Gloria Santiago, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Chris Walker, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson Intern Kiara Manns Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout Washington. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 815 1st Ave | #220 Seattle | Washington | 98104 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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NEWS
nuggetS Washington Legislature Moves to Restrict Cannabis Advertising
On April 20 Washington lawmakers passed new restrictions on recreational cannabis advertising. After considerable debate between the Senate and House, new restrictions were agreed upon, which ban cannabis shops from using ads that may appeal to children and teens. They also require the addition of warnings in advertisements that indicate cannabis products are only meant for adults. Ads would be banned from using toys, cartoon characters or anything that appeals to children. “Children should not be exposed to marijuana advertising, and advertising is becoming a big problem as the industry grows,” according to the Engrossed Substitute House Bill Report. “Recent studies have shown that eighth graders increasingly view the use of marijuana as not being harmful. The [WSLCB] receives more complaints about marijuana advertising than any other aspect of the marijuana industry. A complete ban on marijuana-related billboard advertising would be a good thing.” Billboard ads would only be permitted to display the store name and location in text. Pictures of cannabis would be banned. Further, outdoor advertising would be banned on arena signs, stadiums, shopping malls, fairs, farmers markets and arcades.
Medical Cannabis Expansion Bill Makes Progress in Iowa Iowa’s Senate approved an expanded measure on April 17 that would allow medical cannabis to be manufactured and dispensed throughout the state. Senate File 506 would permit patients 18 and older to consume medical cannabis if they’ve been certified by a medical practitioner. The bill would vastly expand Iowa’s cannabis oil law, and it would allow the state to license up to four manufacturers and up to 12 licensed dispensaries by July 2018. “We are interested in making law,” Sen. Charles Schneider stated. “This is not just a ‘statement’ bill. This is something that we would like to get through the House and down to the governor’s desk.” The state of Iowa allows CBD-only oil for those with intractable epilepsy, but currently imposes a three percent THC limit, and the oil must be approved by a licensed neurologist. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer said that she hopes the legislature at least lifts the July 1 deadline on Iowa’s CBD-oil law and allows access to Epidiolex®. The bill proposal also includes a reciprocity arrangement, which would allow patients to access medical cannabis from Minnesota.
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board Drops Over 2,000 Applications The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board dropped 2,340 applications for recreational cannabis retail licenses in late April. Most of the applicants were former medical cannabis business owners that were forced out by the state’s Initiative 502 regulatory structure. The $266 fee for the applications is non-refundable. “By this email, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is notifying you we will be withdrawing all priority two and three applications for retail marijuana licenses we received between October 12, 2015 and March 31, 2016. During that time, we received 2,340 retail marijuana applications to fill 222 additional licenses,” the email read. The Cannabis Patient Protection Act in 2015 merged the medical and recreational systems, and many business owners had hoped in vain that they would find a spot in the recreational market. There are only 222 available licenses and only priority one applicants are being considered. There are 290 priority one applicants, so not everyone will be granted a license. No priority two or three applicants are currently being considered.
Argentina Legalizes Medical Cannabis Oil Argentina received its final approval to legalize medical cannabis in the forms of oil or concentrate. Argentina’s Senate approved the bill unanimously with 58 votes in favor of the bill. The new law also creates a medical cannabis research program under the Health Ministry. Free access to cannabis oil will be available for those who join the research program. The bill was supported by medical cannabis groups like Mamá Cultiva Argentina, a nonprofit made up of mothers with children who suffer from refractory epilepsy. “It is a historic day in the struggle for rights in our country, a substantial improvement over legislation until yesterday [where medical cannabis consumers and their families were] persecuted, harassed and criminalized to seek relief from their suffering through this plant that helps us have more dignified lives free of disease, suffering and pain,” read a translated post from Mamá Cultiva Argentina’s Facebook page. The organization is already working on expanding the law further by allowing families of patients to grow cannabis as well. 12
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The amount of “useable” cannabis, in pounds, that has been grown in Washington in fiscal year 2017:
155,494
(Source: Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board)
The approximate number of cannabis plants that are grown, processed and packaged in Olympia annually: (Source: CBS News)
100,000
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Washington State collected in recreational cannabis excise taxes in 2016: (Source: KUOW 94.9)
168
The initial value of money, in millions of dollars, that Washington State regulators will pay to hire a new seed-to-sale cannabis tracking company: (Source: The State)
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The total amount of cannabis, in pounds, that Washington cannabis farmers harvested during the month of March: (Source: Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board)
1,470
The number of votes, out of 15, that were presented by the Dallas City Council in Texas in favor of removing jail time for a person who is found in possession of four ounces of cannabis or less: (Source: DMagazine)
The percentage of medical cannabis facility owners who must be state residents, according to the recently approved rules from the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission: (Source: The Washington Times)
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The percentage of Kansas City, Missouri residents who voted to approve a proposal that will decrease the maximum fine for possession of cannabis and eliminate jail time: (Source: The Kansas City Star)
71
The amount of cannabis, in grams, that Canadian adults would be allowed to possess in public, according to the country’s recently introduced legislation to legalize (Source: ABC News) cannabis by July 1, 2018:
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NCIA’s 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days WHAT: NCIA’s 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days. WHEN/WHERE: Tues, May 16-Wed, May 17. First St. and East Capitol St. NE, Washington, D.C. INFO: Visit thecannabisindustry.org for details. Be a part of the groundbreaking event that promotes change and makes a difference at Lobby Days with the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). This will be the organization’s seventh year lobbying for political progression in the industry. Taking place in the nation’s capital, participants come together at Capitol Hill to share their personal experiences working in the cannabis industry with their representatives, in hopes of creating fair taxes and policy reform. In recent years, the cannabis
industry has seen some incredible progress, but much more work still needs to be done. This year proves especially unique as it is operating in conjunction with the Spring 2017 Marijuana Business Conference and Expo from May 17-May 19. Those who attend the lobby will be offered a $100 discount on conference registration. In order to witness and take part in this influential event, NCIA membership is required. Sign up and register at the organization’s website before it’s too late! (Kiara Manns) iReadCULTURE.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
The 420 Games Seattle
Switching Software Washington is accepting bids for new seed-to-sale cannabis traceability software by Emily Manke
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o the delight of cannabis producers all over Washington State, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is accepting bids for a new seed-to-sale cannabis traceability software. The current program, BioTrackTHC, has been a point of contention for local cannabis producers for some time. In fact, in March of last year, various issues with BioTrackTHC were addressed in a 10-point plan proposed by a coalition of Washington cannabis farmers. The plan was shared online as a petition, calling for action from the WSLCB. Point four of the plan explained issues that growers were having with the software. “Dissatisfaction with the so-called ‘free’ BioTrack traceability system seems to be nearly universal. Common complaints are manifold,” the Cannabis Farmers Council Petition read. “To address these many technical matters, the [WSLCB] should engage outside (non-BioTrack) software engineers to see what can be done.” The petition text suggested the [WSLCB] either tune-up the system or replace it completely. While it may appear that the WSLCB considered these seemingly unanimous complaints from growers in their decision to accept proposals for a new inventory program, Brian E. Smith from the WSLCB offered CULTURE some insight into the decision. Rather than admit that the current software was inefficient, he explained that the needs for the track-and-trace system exceed BioTrackTHC’s current capabilities. “Over the last four years, we have learned a lot about the marijuana industry, including
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aspects to the industry that were unknown when the current traceability system was designed,” Smith said. “The number of changes we are seeking to the existing system is beyond the scope of our existing contract.” The WSLCB is dedicated to ensuring the next traceability system can support the industry’s current needs with capability to support future developments as well. The WSLCB put out its request for new bids for potential cannabis traceability software companies, and it expects the project to be completely implemented by October 31, 2017. Additionally, BioTrackTHC disagrees with this assessment and decision to switch software. In a statement released by the company, attention is drawn to BioTrackTHC’s compliance with Washington State Guidelines, as well as the Cole memorandum, which are the federal guidelines set in place by former U.S. Deputy Attorney James Cole in 2013. “We have thoroughly examined and evaluated the current BioTrackTHC marijuana traceability system and have concluded that it is fully compliant with federal guidance provided by the Cole memorandum, as well as with all relevant Washington State laws and regulations,” According to the statement text. “Indeed, the BioTrackTHC system appears to be the gold standard of marijuana traceability systems.” The statement continued by saying the new system the WSLCB is looking at might not satisfy requirements set out by the Cole memorandum as well as state law. While it could be considered as encouraging to see the state-run entity taking efficiency and potential growth into consideration, BioTrackTHC clearly does not agree. Opinions regarding BioTrackTHC aside, the bids are in, and a new seed-to-sale inventory system will be in place in Washington State later this year. Let’s hope the new system is a hit with growers and government officials alike. c
The Second Annual 420 Games will return to Seattle! For those who haven’t heard, The 420 Games fuses outdoor activities and the cannabis industry together, creating an all-day experience of scenic nature walks or bicycle races in honor of helping prove that the cannabis stigma is incorrect. The games start bright and early on Sunday morning where attendees will explore the Warren G. Magnuson Park in an excursion of 4.20 miles. Ride your bike, jog the trail, skate or take a peaceful stroll while you breathe in the fresh Seattle air. After the course, everyone will gather at the 420 Village for a host of special features. Lagunitas will sponsor a twohour beer tasting event while various musical performances take place throughout the afternoon. Enjoy live music, learn a few things during the academic speeches, laugh at live stand-up acts and indulge in the many exhibitors found in the village. (Kiara Manns) WHAT: The 420 Games Seattle. WHEN/WHERE: Sun, May 28. Warren G Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Wy. NE, Seattle. INFO: Visit 420games. org for details.
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Legislative Potential
Washington State bills are helping expand cannabis regulations by Hilary Bricken
T
hough Washington’s cannabis program has been up and running since the summer of 2014, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) continues tweaking the rules that govern cannabis licensed businesses in “the Evergreen State.” In addition to this, Washington State lawmakers are beginning to push for changes to the statutes governing cannabis businesses. Unlike rules, statutes are relatively stagnant, and it can sometimes require moving heaven and Earth in the state legislature to achieve statutory changes. In Washington, the statute that controls cannabis commerce is RCW 69.50, et seq., also known as Washington’s Controlled Substances Act. And this year, various lawmakers have sought to change that Act to address Washington’s expanded and more mature cannabis industry. This year alone, around 30 cannabis-
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related bills were introduced in the Washington legislature. Out of those, only a few are still alive, but many of these have the potential to significantly impact the cannabis industry as they touch on home growing, cannabis in the workplace and medical cannabis consumption by qualified patient students at school. Washington State has a love/hate
Washington’s maturing cannabis market and its normalization of cannabis are spurring progress on Washington State cannabis regulations.
relationship with home growing. Before passage of Initiative 502, it was easy to cultivate relatively large amounts of cannabis in your home so long as you were a qualifying patient. But with passage of Senate Bill 5052, Washington’s Patient Protection Act, you must be a qualifying patient registered with the state’s qualifying patient database to grow at home. House Bill 1092 would change all of this by allowing each Washingtonian 21 and older to cultivate up to 12 plants (that may yield up to 24 ounces) within the housing unit he or she resides. House Bill 1060 would expand medical cannabis access for students in school. It would mandate school districts allow qualifying patients to consume cannabis for medical purposes on school grounds, aboard a school bus or while attending a schoolsponsored event—but no vaping. It would also require school districts enact protocols for verifying a student is a qualifying patient registered listed in the state’s patient database, designate the student’s parent or parents as the student’s caregiver(s), and identify locations on school grounds where the student can use medical cannabis. House Bill 1094 will address workplace policies barring medical use of cannabis. Current laws permit employers to maintain a zero-tolerance policy for all drugs, including cannabis. HB-1094 will prevent employers from refusing to hire a qualifying patient, terminating a qualifying patient from employment, or discriminating against an individual because of the their status as a qualifying patient or because the qualifying patient tests positive for cannabis. Employers though shall remain free not to hire or to terminate a medical cannabis patient if the qualifying patient used, possessed, or was impaired by cannabis on employment premises or during employment hours or if the employer will incur a monetary penalty or lose licensing-related benefits from the federal government for accommodating medical cannabis patients. Washington’s maturing cannabis market and its normalization of cannabis are spurring progress on Washington State cannabis regulations. Even in the face of a federal government increasingly hostile to cannabis, Washington State moving forward in liberalizing its cannabis consumption rules and laws so as to expand its cannabis market. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight
What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years?
Interviewed: Tim Sorenson
(253) 433-5757 www.brandcann.com
How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? BrandCann was built through over 25 years of combined creative design and direction experience of Shawn Burns and myself. As veteran creative directors and cannabis enthusiasts, we’ve spent the better halves of our lives assisting major non-cannabis industry titans including Apple, Nike, Red Bull, Google and Lexus—just to name a few. It was only a matter of time before we made the natural transition into the evolving cannabis market. With combined specialties in photography, graphic design, motion graphics, web development, feature film and television production, we recognized our potential to provide our customers with the best possible value.
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What do you offer clients that others don’t? We really wanted to create a pleasant experience for businesses in cannabis industry. So many of the marketing companies out there don’t know the regulations and legalities of marketing for cannabis. This market is changing every day, and it takes a company dedicated to this industry to safely and effectively cultivate your brand. In addition to the knowledge we have of this industry, we offer comfort and convenience when choosing a marketing company. We’re the agency that will bend over backwards for our clients, pull allnighters to meet deadlines and free up our personal schedules to turn projects around when duty calls. How and why did your company start up? After working in the action sports industry for over a decade, I saw so many athletes get injured—it’s one
What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? The best piece of advice for any business, cannabis or not, is to have the best intent possible. Deploy empathy. So many people miss this point when they’re constructing their “building.” There are two ways to build the tallest building: [Either] build the tallest building [or] tear other buildings down so your building is the tallest—we’ll pick the first option every time. You can be a genuine human-being and successful at the same time.
BrandCann
500 Yale Ave. N, Seattle 98109
cannabis businesses across the country, and even the world.
of the costs of pushing a sport to new limits. Many of these athletes are my friends, and I saw how many pain killers and other prescriptions doctors were giving them and the damaging effects they can have. I watched a few of these guys really go off the deep end. Cannabis provided an alternative for the cocktails of drugs these athletes were taking. With the changing landscape of recreational and medical cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? The laws are always going to be the biggest challenge. Until we’re federally legal, we’re going to have to navigate through some tricky waters. One of the biggest advantages is that we’re a marketing company, which means we can operate across state lines without having to have a producer/processor/ retail cannabis license. This really opens up doors to help
Going forward, we want to help shape the cannabis industry in a positive light. With our business and creative talents we hope to position ourselves to be a top-tier creative agency helping build the biggest brands in cannabis. Hopefully five years from now we are going to be helping businesses in every state grow in the most responsible way possible. We really want to emphasize that point. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? The biggest thing for us is shedding the stigma behind cannabis. The benefits of this plant are way too obvious to ignore. The medicinal properties are huge, but industrial hemp is going to be a really big deal. The resources we could save by allowing the production of hemp are insane. Our hope is that through the professional branding we provide that society will adapt to our culture. c
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REVIEWs
strain & edible ADAK by Hometown Herbs This flower is definitely considered a diamond in the rough. You might not notice at first glance, but it’s something special. The flower itself is gorgeous, with its pine green and sugary leaves that are packed with crystals at the base and somewhat taper off at the end. The fragrance is forest-like, with notes of evergreen trees and dank earth. This strain comes from mysterious heritage: Legend has it that ADAK was cross developed in Olympia by Hometown Herbs founders, and named after a friend’s dog who suffered from cancer. The strain is a cross between San Fernando Valley OG and a strain of unknown origin—and the results are delightful and legendary. After using a water pipe to sample this flower, the CULTURE team noted that the effects were wonderful. An elated, energized feeling took hold, which led the whole team to agree that this must indeed be a sativa hybrid. Like a ray of sunshine, this flower brought light into our lives, making it the perfect addition to outings outdoors. If you’re looking for a strain to take along while hiking or kayaking around our beautiful region this spring, look no further than ADAK.
Available at: T Brothers 502 Recreational in Lacey.
Orange Poison by Subdued Excitement It’s hard to believe anything so beautiful and perfect could ever be poisonous, and indeed this cannabis is far from it. The green on this flower fades from light to dark green, with dazzling displays of every shade in between. The flower is dense, perfectly proportioned and truly forms those little tear drop-shaped crystal coated masterpieces. Scent-wise, the fragrance is out-of-this-world delightful and hits every range on the sweet palate, minus chocolate. We sampled the flower using both a water pipe and a vaporizer, and the flavor was equally appealing with both. It’s like eating every flavor of starburst at once, but hints of pine can also be noted. It’s not just the unique flavor and fragrance that make this flower so special however, it’s the way this sativa cross between Orange Juice Bud and Durban Poison makes you feel. If you’ve been looking for a tasty and effective sativa that is sweet and satisfying, this is it. This strain offers a boost of energy along with a shot of chill to help you focus. It lifts spirits and lacks couch-lock or paranoia, which makes it ideal for some people who are sensitive to indicas. If you’re looking for flower for any springtime activity, from gardening to partying, this should be at the top of your list.
Available at: Seattle Cannabis Co. in Seattle.
Available at: Gypsy Greens in Olympia and Chehalis.
Brandy Wine by Doc and Yeti Urban Farms When it comes to your cannabis needs, who better to trust than two people named Doc and Yeti? One of Doc and Yeti Urban Farms’ signature flowers is Brandy Wine, and it comes from the breeder, Dungeons Vault Genetics. The supremely formed flower is completely covered with crystals and well-developed trichomes. From a glance, you may mistake this flower for being white in color, not green, thanks to its crystalline exterior. The fragrance is pungent and delightful, with notes of both parental strains, Grandpa’s Breath and Pink Champagne. The sourness of the Grandpa’s Breath is met with the perky, sweet, grape scent of the Pink Champagne. This Brandy Wine is the perfect blend of fragrances, that both translate enormously well into flavor. After sampling this using a vaporizer, the CULTURE team noted that in addition to having an unusual but delightful flavor, this flower is a true blue indica. While it won’t render you incapable of much beyond media consumption, it will give you some major relaxation. Perfect for a night in, or a relaxing outdoor activity, Brandy Wine from Doc and Yeti is the perfect anecdote for many springtime dilemmas. 22
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FlavRx Lemon White Chocolate Bar
Available wherever: FlavRx products are carried.
This delectable confection pairs creamy white chocolate with tart, tangy lemon flavors. With 180mg of cannabinoid content, you’re going to feel the effects. With the CBD bar, the ratio is 50/50 and each bite-sized piece contains 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD. This balance helps you the best of both worlds from cannabis. The bars are made with 29 percent chocolate and real lemon zest for a rich flavor. They also contain lemon oil, cocoa butter and active oil. The FlavRx lemon white chocolate bar is perfect for getting medicated when you want the full flavor as well. FlavRx bars come in flavors of tangerine, blackberry, toffee, blueberry and lemon.
Available at: Commencement Bay Cannabis in Fife.
Orange Blossom by Falcanna This luscious flower is one that crosses over into a floral territory. The buds themselves are a sight to behold, with jungle green leaves covered in bright orange hairs that are reminiscent of a tropical flower. The deep green leaves are obscured by a preposterous amount of crystals stacked on each other, and the leaves. This flower definitely leaves a trail behind it. Much like the appearance, the fragrance and flavor have sort of a tropical note to them as well. Sweet, citrusy orange seem to seep into you when you consume this flower, which we did using a water pipe. You can’t help but imagine yourself kicked back on the beach with some sandals on, with a Tequila Sunrise in one hand and this beautiful strain in the other. Aside from the wonderful flavor and fragrance profile, this hybrid is a pretty powerful flower in terms of effect as well. Parent strains Orange Bud and OG Kush came together to make offspring with the ideal effects. Perfect for spring, this social strain brought joy and spirited conversation to the CULTURE team when sampled. As an astonishingly chill, yet inspiring flower with the perfect blend, Orange Blossom is a top-notch strain. 24
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
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Cone Artist Joint Roller This helpful Swedish device, the Cone Artist, is a godsend to cannasseurs everywhere. This little tool is an all-in-one cone roller, filler and stuffer! A simple device and a handy design make this Cone Artist perfect for people who prefer cones over joints, and everybody can use a little help with the rolling and filling of these delicate and tricky beasts. Grab one, and see for yourself! PRICE: $10.69 MORE INFORMATION: coneartist.com
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JENNY Crackle by Erbanna From the Odor Loc technology to strategically-placed features, every detail of Erbanna’s Jenny Crackle bag has been intentionally executed, making it a safe cannabis storage device, especially for parents. A lockable zipper will keep the little ones from getting inside this trendy bag, and there’s a convenient and removable wristlet, which is stylish and practical when you’re in a rush. The zipper is also waterproof and smell-proof. Inside there is extra padding that’s perfect for protecting glass pieces. An interior zipper compartment is an ideal storage spot for accessories, such as a lighter or a grinder. Overall, Erbanna bags make for a great gift that every cannabis consuming mother would love to receive. These luxurious bags are available in seven styles and offer leather or vegan options. PRICE: $39.99-$49.99 MORE INFORMATION: erbanna.com
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Tafl Table At first glance it appears to be an ordinary side table, but this beautifully designed, fourlegged wooden and circular stone top accent table is in fact, far from ordinary. The Tafl table is fully biofabricated, which means it is grown in just a few days using Mushroom® Materials, agriculture waste and microorganisms. Yep! That’s right! It’s made from living organisms! It is toxin-free and sustainably manufactured, and come on—it’s gorgeous, modern and sleek too! Mushroom accent table? Yes please! PRICE: $299 MORE INFORMATION: ecovativedesign.com
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Ombré Pipe Experience the pastel satin glazes of fine ceramic art. You’ve seen the ombré fade in fashion, and the trend continues with ceramic stoneware. The airbrushed ombré fade on the Ombré Pipe by Haciendaware is designed to evoke the breathtaking and smogenhanced sunsets of smoggy metropolitan cities. The Ombré Pipe is cast stoneware that’s durable and square-shaped, so it won’t roll over. Choose from chic pastel color gradients like mint, salmon, periwinkle or mauve. All pieces are handmade and have the subtle defects of original art. At just under four inches long, the Ombré Pipe will easily fit in your pocket. PRICE: $90 MORE INFORMATION: haciendaware.bigcartel.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
Cannabis for Seniors Beverly A. Potter, Ph.D Robin Publishing Senior citizens often face many obstacles when it comes to finding the best treatment options available for the many ailments that are synonymous with aging. Cannabis for Seniors was written by Dr. Beverly A. Potter, and it gives those of a certain age who are considering cannabis medicine insight into how consuming the plant has the potential to provide a higher quality of living and health. By debunking myths that surround cannabis medicine to discussing the countless options of cannabis treatments and more, this new book contains all the evidence and information senior citizens look toward when considering cannabis to treat their medical conditions. (Jacob Cannon)
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MUSIC Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC Release Date: May 5
MOVIE
Hidden Figures
GAME
Dir. Theodore Melfi
Prey
20th Century Fox
Dev. Arkane Studios Pub. Bethesda Softworks Prey is a re-imagined sequel to the 2006 title of the same name, and an upcoming first-person action adventure title that melds the best thrilling categories—space and hostile aliens. Players control Morgan Yu who is performing research on the local moon while living on a large space station, where he encounters the Typhone—a group of various violent alien species that hunt players down. Explore the interior and exterior of a vast space station in an open world, collecting essential items and fighting off wave-afterwave of aliens. (Nicole Potter)
Throughout history, celebrity and mainstream recognition are generally only given to a select few individuals when grand achievements and giant leaps in progress are made. Hidden Figures does well telling the story of three behind-thescenes individuals who helped make some grand achievements in American history possible. The film profiles three female African-American mathematicians, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who overcame both racial and gender discrimination while working at NASA in the midst of the space race and became integral parts of the institution’s success in the 1960s. (Simon Weedn)
Washinstonian BARZ! Cannabis and hip-hop have gone hand-inhand pretty much since the genre’s inception. So it should come as no surprise that Tacoma rapper BARZ! would make his album debut all about extolling the virtues of quality cannabis and good times. Produced by BARZ! alongside Phinisey, Tryfe and Brian Rowland, BARZ! delivers rock solid, confident flows over the variety of hazy, funky beats that make up the 10 tracks on Washinstonian. The record is a party album for sure, one that’s filled with tunes to pack dance floor. Yet, from the interesting sampleheavy production to BARZ!’s skilled lyricism and flow, there is so much substance within each song that elevates this album above and beyond. (Simon Weedn)
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Fighting Chance
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photos by John Gilhooley
MMA Champion Frank Shamrock describes his take on cannabis By Paul Rogers
Frank Shamrock quite literally wrote the book on Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), as the author of 2006’s Mixed Martial Arts For Dummies. Born Frank Juarez, he was a troubled California street kid who bounced around
foster and group homes before finding redemption in the ring. Taken in by Bob Shamrock at his boys ranch in Susanville, California, Frank soon gravitated toward a similarly rebellious teen called Ken Kilpatrick, who would go on to become Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Hall of Famer, Ken Shamrock.
Officially adopted by Bob at age 21, the now Frank Shamrock joined his fosterbrother Ken’s famously-tough Lion’s Den MMA training school and, just days after turning 22, announced his professional arrival with a shock defeat of top Dutch fighter Bas Rutten at Japan’s King of Pancrase Tournament. Three years later, an underdog Shamrock armbarred Kevin Jackson into submission in just seconds to win the UFC Middleweight Championship (later renamed the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship)—a title he would successfully defend four times before retiring from the UFC, undefeated, in 1999. Now, at age 44, Shamrock is focusing his love for performing and proven entrepreneurial acumen on cannabis, which he’s been consuming recreationally since his adolescence and medicinally, for pain management, since his 30s. His educational and hugely entertaining cannabis talk show, The BakeOut, premiered on BakeOut.tv in January. Co-hosted by celebrity nutritionist Robert Ferguson, it’s a lively, debate-style production that deliberately presents and challenges diverse cannabis-related points of view. CULTURE chatted with Shamrock about The BakeOut, the gargantuan prospects for cannabis business, beating drug tests—and eating out of trash cans. >>
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Frank Shamrock and CoHost Robert Ferguson on the set of The BakeOut.
What’s the story behind The BakeOut? How did the show come about? It really was a continuing conversation about how we impact education and awareness for cannabis and cannabis usage . . . and then it became, like, “wow, we should do a show about this!” Do you mean it was a conversation between you and your co-host, Robert Ferguson? Yeah. I mean, he has a Ph.D. and is an educated nutritionist, and he’s what I think Middle America kind of knows and understands. And I was born and raised in California and have been using cannabis for 25-plus years, as a super-athlete and businessman. There are very opposing views of it—from experience, from education, from 34
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consumption. And we have an open discussion about it. How would you describe The BakeOut? It’s a bit of The Tonight Show meets The View—but with two guys. And we talk about everything— business, science, law, sex, consumption, ideas, spirituality. To me, this is a journey that we’re going on, socially—we’re all kind of learning together. And then we’re backing it up with science. How do you select your BakeOut guests? So far, we’ve been looking for compelling stories that we think will open peoples’ eyes. Our first interviewee was [a Stage IV cancer survivor] Tahnee Shah—I mean, just a miracle! The doctors sent her home to
die—and she didn’t. The only thing she changed was cannabis and the usage of it. And then the second episode was NFL-based, [because] the Super Bowl [was] coming up [and] we’re watching this happening in society with brain injuries, with drug addiction, with [athletes’] efforts to kill the pain from the sport. And it’s just terribly damaging to these athletes, and no one knows about it and that there really are safe alternatives out there. You’ve said that you and your co-host “may not agree on cannabis as medicine.” Can you expand upon that? Robert comes from the world of addiction, meaning that he works very heavily in the nutritional side, in
the psychological side, and then also in the spiritual side of battling addiction. So, from his perspective, he learned what I learned when I was a kid—that [cannabis] is a gateway drug; it leads to addiction. So, the fact that science is butting up against with him is his journey, and he’s willing to go in that journey with us. Did you always see yourself going into broadcasting after you retired from fighting? Yes. I always knew that I’d do this, and I always had the plan that I would become a broadcaster. I thought I would become a movie star, and the broadcasting would just be a very short run, but I found out that [more time was required] to get us to network television. >>
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“[But] I didn’t even think about [cannabis for pain management] until I was into my 30s and then I’m literally struggling with addiction from the pain pills.” Compared with life in the ring and cage, what are the challenges of your professional life today? They’re very similar fears . . . they’re very primal, someone’sgoing-to-see-inside-of-me type fears. But it’s so much better being in front of the camera. It’s so much easier! It’s a skill you can sustain for a long, long time. And, you know, performing anything is amazing, and once I realized my body was wearing out, my focus became my next level of performance, which is my ability to speak, my ability to present [and] to act. So it’s a natural evolution as an entertainer. While still fighting, did you ever fear that you’d feel unfulfilled once you retired? One-thousand percent. Y’know, I set these Guinness World Records and I was, like, [defeating] everybody . . . And when you pull yourself out of that limelight and you try to get on the PTA or be a normal person, it’s really challenging; it’s really hard to re-integrate. What were the highlights of your fighting career? Definitely beating Kevin Jackson, the Olympic medalist in 1992, in 14 seconds, in Japan. That was the absolute highlight of my beginning career, because it [was a] World Champion—all the dreams came true. And then the last few fights, where I was older, I had so many hats on to build companies. I was doing things like when my knee was blown out, and I was still fighting; my shoulder was blown, [and] I was still performing at the 36
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highest level and was really proud of my ability to maintain focus. Aside from The BakeOut, what are you up to these days? I’m mainly doing just charity work. We have an initiative to help at-risk youth, and that comes from us through scholarships for martial arts and scholarships for arts and entertainment programs. And these are kids that are in at-risk communities like I was, where there’s a lack of education, lack of funds and lack of parental guidance. How do you remember your childhood? Was it a struggle? Yeah. It wasn’t good. You know, my mom—we didn’t have money, we didn’t have an education, we were on welfare and it wasn’t pleasant. So I left home when I was 11 years old; I became a ward of state because I had been in that much trouble by then that, to protect me and everybody else, they took me away. You mean trouble with law enforcement? Yeah, trouble with the law. Well, I never knew that you’re not supposed to lock your kids in closets and all this other stuff that was happening to me. I didn’t know that it was not normal. And it was through getting in trouble that I got into situations where I was talking to counselors, and I was talking to people and was realizing what was happening wasn’t right. But the only way that I was getting to those people and getting the help was by breaking the law. >>
Frank Shamrock: A look back in time 1972 Frank Alisio Juarez III was born in Santa Monica, California on December 8. 1980s
Young Frank Juarez bounced around between foster homes, crisis centers and jail.
1998
Shamrock was named “Best Full Contact Fighter” by Black Belt Magazine. In October, he fought Lober again and defeated him in seven minutes.
1999
September 24, Shamrock defeated Tito Ortiz at UFC 22. The fight has been considered the “best fight in UFC history.” It would be Shamrock’s last appearance in the UFC.
1993
At 21 years old, Frank Juarez was officially adopted by Bob Shamrock, who helped wayward teens learn to fight. He would later change his last name to honor the relationship. Also this was the year of the firstever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event, where Royce Gracie defeated Frank’s brother Ken Shamrock.
1994 Ken Shamrock taught submission fighting to his brother Frank. On December 16, Shamrock surprised everyone and defeated the legendary Bas Rutten. 1997 On January 17, Frank lost to John Lober at SuperBrawl III in Honolulu, Hawaii. Shamrock shifted his focus to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). On December 21, Frank Shamrock became the first-ever UFC Middleweight Champion.
2000
Shamrock defeated Elivis Sinosic on December 10 at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 Final.
2001
On August 11, Shamrock broke former student Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch’s arm at K-1 Kickboxing with a roundhouse kick.
2005 The acclaimed fighter opens the Shamrock Martial Arts Academy to teach MMA in San Jose in December. 2008
Shamrock’s daughter, Nicolette, was born on April 24.
2009
Shamrock was defeated by Nick Diaz by a technical KO on April 11.
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“There’s still this old Cheech & Chong, hang out, smoke-it-up generation, and it’s colliding with the new culture, which is medicinaland businessthinking.”
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Is that, in part, what drove you to seek out and achieve such success? For sure. I don’t want my children, my family or anybody I know to have to grow up like that . . . I used to eat out of trash cans; I used to sleep at the park. I remember it like it was yesterday. I want people who experience that to know that there’s somewhere, something they can do that will help them make it. And that’s kind of my attraction to cannabis. I’m seeing it like I was seeing Mixed Martial Arts. I was, like, “listen you guys, [MMA] is going to be insanely big, because this is in peoples’ hearts; this is what people want, they just don’t know it yet.” And it’s the same thing with this medicine, and I feel like we’re in that same position, only this medicine’s so much bigger than the martial arts thing. Can you describe your personal journey with cannabis? It started recreationally. It wasn’t until I got into sports that I started experiencing real levels of pain and needing to deal with them. [But] I didn’t even think about [cannabis for pain management] until I was into my 30s and then I’m literally struggling with addiction from the pain pills. At that time I started consuming edibles and the salves had started coming out, [and] I never took pain pills again. I switched entirely to cannabis for my pain management. It saved me, because my biggest fear, and I’m certain it would’ve happened, that at the end of all this I’d be a drug addict. I think it prolonged my career; allowed me to perform at the highest level, and even today I have to consume it. Otherwise I’m not sleeping, I can’t sit down, and I’m in the most horrible pain. How have you seen attitudes toward cannabis change
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amongst professional athletes? All athletes are talking about it, and they’re also beginning to realize [that] what they give you to kill the pain is killing everything—and it’s also addictive. Everybody’s seeing the opportunities here and what [cannabis is] doing. When you were you using cannabis during your fighting career, was there an issue with detection? One-hundred percent, and [there was a] tremendous fear about it, because if it was a championship fight, you had to pass a clean test. So there was three weeks of agony and pain and discomfort, where I could not take my medicine because of fear that it would be caught and my brand image would be ruined.
2010 Frank and Ken Shamrock’s adoptive father, Bob, passed away on January 14. He announced his retirement from fighting on June 26 at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum. 2012
Shamrock released his autobiography Uncaged: My Life as a Champion MMA Fighter, on October 1.
2015
On February 19, Frank ended his decades-long public feud with his brother Ken by joining him in the corner during his fight against Royce Gracie.
2017
The first episode of Frank’s new cannabis education TV show, The BakeOut, premiered on January 25.
2013
He was featured in the award-winning documentary on MMA titled Fight Life, which won “Best Documentary” at the United Film Festival.
Do professional athletes, who are synonymous with fitness, health and success, have a special role to play in cannabis advocacy? I absolutely think they do. Because we put ‘em on pedestals, and we follow their leads. I felt tremendous angst that I was taking this medicine and couldn’t share it or talk about it. And I felt terrible that I was doing this in secret. What are some of the biggest misunderstandings about cannabis in America today? That we’re all “getting high,” that we’re “smoking weed.” There’s still this old Cheech & Chong, hang out, smoke-it-up generation, and it’s colliding with the new culture, which is medicinal- and businessthinking. We need to get a line here, because “Big Pharma’s” coming, big money’s coming, big business is coming. And this [cannabis] community is a really nice group of caretakers and supporters and medicine users and activists. If they could get on the same page, that’s a powerful, powerful voice. c
www.frankshamrock.com
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Brilliant and Blazing
Smokey Brights serves up good, old-fashioned rock and roll by Emily Manke
I
t’s springtime in Washington! The sun is finally shining, the flowers and trees are in full bloom, and most importantly—music festival season is almost upon us. Kick off the most exciting time of year by seeing Seattle rock quintet Smokey Brights at the Upstream Music Festival on May 12. This sumptuous five-piece plays rock in its truest, most classic form. Don’t mistake that as synonymous with middle-of-the-road rock, however, because Smokey Brights is anything but. Equal parts crunchy and polished, classic and psychedelic, Smokey Brights’ brand of rock is one that many likely thought was extinct, especially in Seattle. Smokey Bright’s last album, Hot Candy was released in October of 2016 to critical acclaim. The band consists of singer-songwriter and guitar player Ryan Devlin, his wife and co-singersongwriter Kim West, bassist Jim Vermillion, drummer Nick Krivchenia and guitarist Mike Kalnoky. Kim and Ryan were kind enough to chat with CULTURE about the Smokey Brights’ story, which involves making music and falling in love.
SEE SMOKEY BRIGHTS LIVE: Upstream Music Fest + Summit 2017, Seattle, May 11-13; upstreammusicfest.com. The Crocodile, Seattle, June 9; thecrocodile.com.
How did Smokey Brights get started? Ryan Devlin: Most of us met while working at a pizza restaurant! We all worked at the same place, except for Mike, our guitar player. He was getting his Master’s degree in physics as a scientist. We were all in our own separate bands or projects. So we knew each other and played shows together with each other’s bands. So anyway, I had a new batch of songs, and I sort of came up with my dream team of people I’d like to play with, so I reached out to Jim, Nick and Mike, and we recorded a demo, and that’s kind of how it all got started. Kim was working at the same restaurant, we weren’t dating at the time. But I’m not telling that part of the story . . . Kim West: So we weren’t dating at the time, and we didn’t start dating for a few years. I had never been in a band before, but they just kind of pulled me into record on their demo. We started realizing that we were getting a lot of attention just for the demo. We realized it’s not just a recording project, it actually has some legs to it, and we should see what happens. So we started playing out and getting love and growing and developing. Where are you all from? West: Nick is originally from Ohio, Jim and Nick are from California. We all met in Seattle and all live here. So it’s definitely the home base for us. Who are some of your musical influences? West: We have a saying, “Write it, don’t be it.” We pull from a lot of influences, but it’s not like we’re a Beatles cover band or something. It’s not something you can put in a box.
But our influences, Fleetwood Mac is definitely a huge influence for us. Devlin: Pink Floyd, The Beatles and Wings, your standard ’70s rock bands, but particularly a lot of late ’70s, early ’80s progressive stuff, when synths started getting in the mix a lot, and things started getting textured and trippy. Has the Pacific Northwest’s cannabis culture impacted your sound, audience or creative process at all? Devlin: All three. For me, cannabis and music have always had a nice little relationship. Enhancing listening, and playing music. The legalization of cannabis in Washington State has been profoundly helpful to a lot of musicians and creative types. You can just go into a recreational store and say, “We’re going to record an album” and they can recommend product accordingly. As far as the audience, I mean, I hope people are consuming cannabis and listening to our music. We really try to create a lot of space, atmosphere and texture in our music, and I think those elements are particularly enhanced by cannabis. What’s your favorite thing to listen to when you’re heavily medicated? West: It’s interesting. A lot of it is the pretty quintessential stuff like Floyd and all that stuff. But also, a lot of hip-hop. We’ve found that lyrics kind of pop out more on certain strains. So it’s like you’ll listen to something you’ve listened to 1,000 times, like I was listening to Kendrick Lamar the other day, and I’ve listened to it so many times, but for the first time I will be like “Oh that’s what he’s saying.” Cannabis often just makes you a more intentional listener. c
photo by Andrew JS
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www.smokeybrights.com
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culture growing
2017 WINTER GARDEN 4
O
ne month ago, I cut the Shark Shock plant in its 50th day of flowering. The plant spread over a nine-square-foot canopy but was less than 24” tall. Once the plant was cut, I hung it upside-down in an unused grow tent in a room that stays between 650-720 with a relative humidity (RH) of 45-55 percent. The room stayed within ideal range of temperature and humidity. Rather than separating the drying and curing stages with clear delineation, I just let the plant hang and slowly reach maturity. A month has gone by and now it’s time to take down the plant and manicure it. Manicuring was easy. First, the colas were removed from the branches using a pair of garden clippers, then the buds were manicured while remaining on the cola. Finally, they were
The plant hung in the tent for almost a month.
Buds were trimmed of leaves and removed from the cola.
Pile of buds.
Close-up of bud covered with trichomes.
TIP OF THE MONTH It’s time for spring clean-up. Whether you are a connoisseur or grower, you probably have some trimmings from buds lying around as well as “emergency” cannabis, or stuff that wasn’t quite up to par. Instead, gather it all up to transform it into something useful. You can soak it in high-proof alcohol for use as a hi-cocktail, sift it through a screen to make kief, make dry ice hash, soak in butter or oil for cooking or grind it up and add it to skin cream. It’s a double win. Your tray and paraphernalia are cleaned up and you have something to show for your efforts.
Enjoying the harvest.
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by Ed Rosenthal
removed from the cola. Then a joint was rolled and a small group gathered for subjective testing. Everyone was pleased with the uplifting nature of Shark Shock’s effects and noticed the fine white ash, indicating few excess nutrients in the bud. After the brief respite for testing purposes, the work continued. The next step was to use the trim to make dry ice hash. This is a very fast, simple process and results in some very fine hash, as well as material that can be used for further processing. The trim was placed in a clean fivegallon bucket that already contained about 8-10 pounds of crushed dry ice. Dry ice is frozen CO2 and is very cold negative 109.3˚ Fahrenheit. If you’re replicating this method at home, never mess with it with bare hands. Instead, wear work gloves. Mix the grass into the crushed ice using a wooden spoon. Let it sit for a few minutes waiting for the grass to get cold. Place a dry ice screen over the bucket. Turn it upside down and start shaking it as you slowly move the bucket along an absolutely dry, clean and uncluttered surface such as a table-top. The bucket moves as it is shaken along the surface and the color of the powder falling through the screen gradually changes from the palest creamy yellow to green. The green is powdered vegetation, indicating that a higher proportion of the powder is screened vegetation. Finally, the blonde was separated from the green kief. c
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Specially designed commercial silkscreen was placed over bucket.
Bucket was turned upside down and shaken.
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Glands pour out of the bucket covering the table.
The kief color changed as the shaking continued.
Pile of AA dry ice kief.
Trim leaf was placed in clean bucket filled with dry ice and stirred. 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
Time to Go: May Weather: Low 80s, periodic rainfall Budget: $$$$$
Mexico City Flowers in May by Sheryll Alexander
Mexico City has always attracted cannabis enthusiasts, as this ancientmeets-modern city of approximately ninemillion people was literally built from the ground up atop a pre-Aztec Empire temple for a Mayan female called Divinity, who was literally worshipped for her miracle plant medicines. So, when it comes to cannabis travel south of the border and—in particular to Mexico City—there’s always been an underground reverence for the cannabis plant. Mexico has made several preliminary legal moves in the last few years to create the foundation for what may eventually become a medicinal cannabis haven and possibly a future as a recreational country such as South America’s Uruguay. What does this mean to Mexico City’s millions of annual visitors? Firstly, carrying a small personal amount of cannabis flower is
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now legal. This decriminalization has happily eased tensions between local authorities and cannabis enthusiasts who now feel free to casually light up (albeit discreetly) in public. Secondly, public and political opinion toward cannabis as both medicine and a “soft drug” akin to tobacco and alcohol is becoming so commonplace that a Barcelona-style private cannabis club with 2,000 members infamously opened last year. As the political (city, state and federal government all collide here) and financial capital of all Mexico, Mexico City is a whirlwind of “global congress,” finance and corporate conferences as a seemingly never-ending metropolitan mega-wasteland. It is this frenzy of leisure and business activity—plus the city’s millions of diverse residents—that makes Mexico City a vibrant, buzzing hive of cultural treasures now built atop beloved neighborhood districts. c
Fun-Filled Facts
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if you go:
CDMX is the common local abbreviation for both Mexico City as a municipality and a state. Visitors will notice the CDMX acronym on everything from their boarding pass to signage to addresses. 1
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Mexico essentially shuts down for three national holidays in May including Labor Day (May 1), The Battle of Puebla (May 5) and the Feast of San Isidro (May 15). 2
Yes, it is still illegal to grow, sell and distribute cannabis in Mexico. However, a 2009 Mexican law decriminalized cannabis possession in small amounts (no more than five grams), which has made Mexico City more of a cannabis-friendly destination than ever before. But even before the new law, Mexico City’s millions of mota enthusiasts made this a relaxed place where nobody trips when someone lights up in public parks, nightclubs and, of course, outside while taking a sun-filled siesta on a bougainvilleacovered hacienda’s terraza. As is always suggested when going global, the best way to find cannabinoid medication while in any country is to plan ahead. Sign up for a cannabis-friendly tour or seek out a local who can safely guide you. Still, it is Mexico and there are many choices. Interestingly, the most premium (and most expensive) cannabis flowers in Mexico are now imported from Europe or North America. If you do end up being “shaken down” by local police, stay calm. Politely explain to the officer that you understand the legal cannabis possession law.
culture RECIPES
growing
Sheryll Alexander
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Age: 54 Condition/Illness: Severe scalp psoriasis, skin cancer and chronic pain.
When did you start using medical cannabis? I started “smoking pot” at 21 recreationally, and because of the lack of medical knowledge, I did not realize it was my pain medicine until years later. For decades, I had to buy my meds on the black market and—as a single mother—worry about having my child taken away because of my “drug” use. I am thankful for California’s and L.A.’s now easy access to premium cannabis products for my pain management and transdermal products. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? No. I made a commitment to myself when I was 17 years old to never use
pharmaceutical drugs for pain or my skin conditions. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Well, it unfortunately still depends on where you live. For some, it is still illegal and access is their big challenge. For others like me, it usually comes down to not being able to afford high-quality organic indica flowers for pain and a lot of top-notch transdermal products. But mostly, I think medical doctors should be prescribing cannabis medicine, not budtenders. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Firstly, I just state the obvious—cannabis has never killed anyone. Then I go into a long-winded explanation about the endocannabinoid system. By the end, they are usually convinced. 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
A May to Remember Menu:
Bacon & Vegetable Quiche
The Bloody Pearl
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Classic French Toast Sticks
Makes
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servings
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Local eateries with similar dishes: Pacific Southern 3832 S Pine St., Tacoma (253) 474-9898 pacsouthtacoma.com Lot No. 3 460 106th Ave. NE, Bellevue (425) 440-0025 lotno3.com
Bacon & Vegetable Quiche 1 unbaked, unfrozen pastry shell (9 inches)
6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
1 2/3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup chopped fresh cauliflower
1 1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups fresh baby spinach 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheese 4 eggs, lightly beaten MAY 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
Café Besalu 5909 24th Ave NW., Seattle (206) 789-1463 cafebesalu.com
Directions:
Ingredients:
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The month of May is synonymous with hearty brunches, not only because of Mother’s Day, but because the weather alone is perfect for gathering loved ones together to dine and enjoy each other’s company. Embark upon the journey of exploring decadent brunch recipes that are sure to result in a late morning filled with harmonious food and great conversation. We’ve gathered our favorite recipes that offer bold flavors that pay respect to the replenishing gifts of springtime. These fresh recipes utilize colorful fruits and vegetables that are seasonal in May, but also offer savory blends of bacon to create brunch dishes that everyone can enjoy. Grab an armful of cauliflower, raspberries, blueberries and broccoli—it’s a bonus if you find locally-sourced bacon. With these seasonal ingredients, loving company and perfect weather considered, this will be a glorious way to honor mothers everywhere.
1 1/2 teaspoons cannabisinfused olive oil t 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Preheat your over to 400°. Line the crust in heavyduty aluminum foil. Bake until the edges of your pie crust begin to turn golden, approximately 10 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for an additional five minutes. Lower the oven heat to 350°. Heat cannabis-infused olive oil and non-infused olive oil in a large skillet at medium high. Cook the cauliflower, broccoli and onion in the skillet under tender. Add baby spinach, and cook until wilted. Whisk eggs, rosemary, cream, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add cooked vegetables, cheese and bacon to your mixture and pour into your crust. Cover the edges of your crust with foil, and bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes. Continue cooking until a knife that is inserted into the middle of the quiche comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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culture
Classic French Toast Sticks
growing
Ingredients: 4 eggs, whisked
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of milk
8 slices whole wheat bread
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
1/4 cup cannabutter
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
Powdered sugar
t
Instructions:
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Whisk eggs in a medium bowl, then add vanilla and milk until the mixture is blended. Pre-heat a non-stick pan or griddle to medium heat. Dip your bread, one slice at a time, into the mixture, and place bread onto your pan or griddle. Cook each side of the bread until it is golden brown in color. Spread butter onto each slice of bread, and cut the French toast into strips. Garnish your French toast with fresh raspberries and blueberries and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with maple syrup. Makes
4
servings
The Bloody Pearl 6 ounces gin
1 cup lemon juice
4 cups Bloody Pearl Mix
1/3 cup Sriacha
2 full droppers of aromatic cannabis bitters t
1 cup horseradish
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1 gallon tomato juice
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Cilantro for garnish
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Makes
Bloody Pearl Mix
1/2 cup celery salt 1/2 cup toasted ground caraway seeds Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups Chinese black vinegar
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice to fill and lightly shake. Pour into highball and garnish with cilantro.
Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
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News of the
face in a 9-minute period, catastrophic for the diarrheastricken and it requires calling an attendant to override the machine.)
LEAD STORY—TP GOES HIGH TECH u China’s public park restrooms have for years suffered toilet-paper theft by local residents who raid dispensers for their own homes (a cultural habit, wrote Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, expressing taxpayer feelings of “owning” public facilities), but the government recently fought back with technology. At Beijing’s popular Temple of Heaven park, dispensers now have facial-recognition scanners beside the six toilets, with pre-cut paper (about 24 inches long) issued only to users who pose for a picture. (Just one slug of paper can be dispensed to the same
LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES u The church-state “wall” leaks badly in Spindale, North Carolina, according to former members of the Word of Faith Fellowship (reported in February by the Associated Press). Two state prosecutors (one a relative of the church’s founder), in nearby Burke and Rutherford counties, allegedly coached Fellowship members and leaders how to neutralize government investigations into church “abuse”—coaching that would violate state law and attorney ethical standards. Fellowship officials have been accused of beating “misbehaving” congregants, including children, in order to repel their demons. (Among the Fellowship’s edicts revealed in the AP report: All dating, marriages
Chuck Shepherd's
Weird
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and procreation subject to approval; no wedding-night intimacy beyond a “godly” cheek kiss; subsequent marital sex limited to 30 minutes, no foreplay, lights off, missionary position.) u Babies born on the Indonesian island of Bali are still today treated regally under an obscure Hindu tradition, according to a February New York Times report, and must not be allowed to touch the Earth for 105 days (in some areas, 210). (Carrying the infant in a bucket and setting that on the ground is apparently acceptable.) Each birth is actually a re-birth, they say, with ancestors returning as their own descendants. (Accidentally touching the ground does not condemn the baby, but may leave questions about negative influences.) u Catholic priest Juan Carlos Martinez, 40, apologized shortly after realizing, as he
said, he had gone “too far” in celebrating March’s Carnival in a town in the Galicia area of Spain—that he acted inappropriately in dressing as Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner, reclining on a red satin sheet on a parade float carrying men dressed as classic Playboy “Bunnies.” Despite apparent public support for Father Martinez, his archbishop asked him to attend a “spiritual retreat” to reflect on his behavior. THE BEDROOM OF TOMORROW u In March, vibrator customers were awarded up to $10,000 each in their class-action “invasion of privacy” lawsuit against the company Standard Innovation, whose We-Vibe model’s smartphone app collected intimate data (vibrator temperature and motor intensity) that could be associated with particular customers—and which were easily hackable, and controllable, by anyone nearby
with a Bluetooth connection. The Illinois federal court limited the award to $199 for anyone who bought the vibrator but did not activate the app. PERSPECTIVE u The U.S. House of Representatives, demonstrating particular concern for military veterans, enhanced vets’ civil rights in March by removing a source of delay in gun purchases. A 2007 law had required all federal agencies to enter any mentally-ill clients into the National Instant Criminal Background Check database for gun purchases, but the new bill exempts veterans (including, per VA estimates, 19,000 schizophrenics and 15,000 with “severe” posttraumatic stress disorder). (An average of a dozen veterans a day in recent times have committed suicide with guns.) FINE POINTS OF THE LAW u Police and prosecutors in Williamsburg, Virginia,
are absolutely certain that Oswaldo Martinez raped and killed a teenage girl in 2005, but, though he was quickly arrested, they have—12 years later—not even put him on trial. Martinez, then 33, is still apparently, genuinely (i.e., not faking) deaf, illiterate and almost mute, and besides that, the undocumented Salvadoran immigrant has such limited intelligence that test after test has shown him incapable of understanding his legal rights, and therefore “incompetent” to stand trial. (Police made multiple “slam dunk” findings of Martinez’s DNA on the victim’s body and also linked Martinez via a store camera to the very bottle of juice left at the crime scene.) EYEWITNESS NEWS u On the morning of March 20 in Winter Park, Florida, Charles Howard, standing outside his home being interviewed live by a WFTV reporter, denied he had committed a crime in a widely reported
series of voicemail messages to a U.S. Congressman, containing threats to “wrap a rope around your neck and hang you from a lamp post.” He boasted that “proof” of his having done nothing wrong was that if he had, he would have already been arrested. “Three minutes later,” according to the reporter, agents drove up and arrested Howard.
sentence.) (2) In February, in a Wayne County (Michigan) court during sentencing for a DUI driver who had killed a man and severely injured his fiancee, Judge Qiana Lillard kicked the driver’s mother out of the courtroom for laughing at the victim’s sister who was tearfully addressing the judge. (Lillard sentenced the mother to 93 days for contempt, but later reduced it to one day.)
PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM US u Hey, How About a Little “Remorse”: (1) Royce Atkins, 23, told the judge in Northampton County (Pennsylvania) in March that he was so sorry he did not stop his car in 2015 and help that 9-year-old boy he had just hit and killed. However, Atkins had earlier been jailhouse-recorded viciously trash-talking the boy’s family for “reacting like they’re the victims. What about my family? My family is the victim, too.” (Atkins got a four-year
THE ARISTOCRATS! u Among the facts revealed in the ongoing criminal proceedings against U.S. Navy officials and defense contractor Leonard (“Fat Leonard”) Francis, who is charged with arranging kickbacks: In 2007, Francis staged a party for the officials at the Shangri-La Hotel in the Philippines during which (according to an indictment unsealed in March) “historical memorabilia related to General Douglas MacArthur were used by the participants in sexual acts.”
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