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inside
contents 9.2017
30 EDM Ambassadors
Yasmine and Jahan, the two sisters behind the dynamic electronic dance music duo, Krewella, talk about new music, their upcoming national tour and cannabis. O n the C O V E R :
John Gilhooley
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features 38
Erotic Avenues Ashley Manta, well-known sex expert, shares everything you need to know about incorporating cannabis into your most intimate moments.
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Psychedelic Soul Become entranced by the energy and talent of electronic soul songstress and producer—the one and only SassyBlack.
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departments
news 14 News Nuggets 15 By the Numbers 16 Local News 18 Legal Corner reviews 20 Company Highlight 22 Strain Reviews 24 Cool Stuff 26 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 44 Shooting Gallery 46 Growing Culture 48 Destination Unknown 12 Letter from the Editor
49 Profile in Courage 50 Recipes 53 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d New Zealand Citizens Want to Vote for Cannabis d Nebraskan University’s Hemp Studies Reveal New Information
Vol 9 IssUE 3
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CULTURE M
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, 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, Josué Rivas, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic DesignerS Nathan Hernandez sales director Justin Olson Account Executives Jon Bookatz, Alex Brizicky, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Monte Lee, Beau Odom, Casey Roel, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Shayne Williams, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy digital content manager David Edmundson Intern Sophia Rybicki 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.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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LETTER
FROM
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EDITOR
A Fight Worth Winning “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” - Nelson Mandela
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n an industry that has required a great deal of advocacy and grassroots initiatives to push legislation toward the acceptance of medical and recreational cannabis, it’s frustrating when two steps forward lead to one step backward. And so is the case in many regions where cannabis legalization and progress are often stunted at every corner. Michigan patients and advocates recently felt the sting of worry when former Michigan State Police Sgt. Donald Bailey, an appointee to the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board, stated his belief that all medical cannabis collectives in the state should be closed in anticipation of the state’s new licensing structure. Although no decision has been made, it’s downright ridiculous to witness this example of how the “War on Drugs” continues to be perpetuated despite all the other progress being made in the “Great Lake State.” With two recreational cannabis petitions in circulation and plenty of well-intentioned patients, advocates and lawmakers determined to support cannabis reform, it is clear that despite possible setbacks, Michigan residents will continue this fight and inevitably move the state forward. Michigan is not the first state that is faced with possible negative effects associated with forward progress. Washington’s medical cannabis community took a huge hit when recreational cannabis regulations were enacted. As the state merged the medical and recreational cannabis programs, the regulations were not in favor of the dispensaries that were currently operating. This crippled most medical cannabis dispensaries in the state, forcing them to shut down, affecting over 100,00 patients statewide. Therefore, there is a very real fear that something
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similar to this could happen in California, as officials are merging the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act with the Adult Use of Marijuana Act in preparation for the January 2018 rollout. However, in this budding industry, we have the ability to learn from our mistakes. This gives us hope that California lawmakers at the city, county and state levels are aware of what happened in Washington and are capable of avoiding the same devastating outcome. Across the United States, as our industry continues its forward-moving trajectory, and many other states throughout the nation demand that we deserve the right to safe access to cannabis, let’s not be fearful because the “War on Drugs” continues to present battle after battle in this 80year war. As leaders in recreational cannabis states like Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska fire back at Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his ignorance surrounding legal cannabis, defending their states’ rights to cannabis reform, let’s work hard to embrace one another despite our differences, while focusing on the one true goal we all share. Cannabis reform nationwide has to happen, and we are the driving force that will ensure its success. In the words of Nelson Mandela, let’s remain relentless in our fight, with a clear intention to demand the freedoms we are awarded as American citizens. c
Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Washington Strengthens Cannabis Inventory System In an attempt to prepare for Washington’s growing cannabis industry, the state is beefing up its inventory system. Back on May 31, Franwell’s METRC software was selected to replace BioTrackTHC, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board’s (LCB) current, but soon to be former, required traceability software. However, METRC dropped out before a contract was signed. According to LCB’s Communications Director Brian Smith, Leaf Data Systems by MJ Freeway “was a close second” and was soon selected by the LCB as the new choice for Washington’s traceability software. When asked about the reasons for the switch Smith told CULTURE, “The
Board’s contract with the current traceability system provider expires in October 2017.” Smith shared. “The number of changes we would like to make to the existing system is beyond the scope of our existing contract. The LCB is taking this opportunity to ensure the State’s traceability system is positioned for future growth.” The full inventory software switchover will be completed no later than October 31.
State Politicians Debunk Sessions’ Cannabis Claims In late July, Attorney General Jeff Sessions wrote a letter to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, laying out concerns he had about the legalization of recreational cannabis. Some of these concerns included topics such as a correlation between violence and cannabis as well as an increase in youth cannabis consumption. However, most of the concerns Sessions wrote about currently have no data to back them up. In mid-August, Gov. Inslee and Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson wrote a letter back to Sessions,
Decriminalization Bill Introduced in Belize The government of Belize introduced eight bills on August 18, which included legislation to decriminalize the possession of cannabis. The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill 2017 would replace punishments for possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis with non-recordable penalties and fines. “I think it is recognized by members on both sides of this House that the present regime, which we have dealing 14
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detailing with data, how each of his claims was incorrect. In the letter, Ferguson and Inslee also called out Sessions’ refusal to discuss cannabis legalization inperson. “We have twice requested an in-person meeting with you because we believe it will lead to better understanding than exchanging letters,” the letter reads. “If we can engage in a more direct dialogue, we might avoid this sort of miscommunication and make progress on the issues that are important to both of us.”
with marijuana, is not equitable,” said Wilfred Elrington, minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs. “As a matter of fact, it is the view that it is unduly prejudicial particularly to the poorer members of our society, who for one reason or another, use marijuana in smaller quantities.” The bill would also remove industrial hemp from Belize’s definition of cannabis. The proposal would not go into effect until it has gone through all readings in the House of Representatives.
The number of retail and non-retail cannabis applications that were processed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board in Fiscal Year 2016: (Source: Washington State Liquor and
The number of people in a Washington State University study on cannabis who selfidentify as a regular cannabis consumer: (Source: The SpokesmanReview)
1,292
Cannabis Board Annual Report Fiscal Year 2016)
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The number of years that medical cannabis has been legal in Washington State: (Source: Seattle PI)
The amount of money, in dollars, that Kittitas County collected in total cannabis sales during 2016: (Source: Daily Record News)
8,790,466
The number of garbage bags that were filled by Maine volunteers who agreed to pick up trash in exchange for a free gram of cannabis: (Source: The Portland Press Herald)
100
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The number of cannabis testing laboratories, out of three, that have been approved in the state of Hawaii, as of August 24: (Source: San Francisco Chronicle)
1
The percentage of polled Utah voters who support the newest initiative to legalize medical cannabis on the 2018 ballot: (Source: The Salt Lake Tribune)
78
The estimated number of currently active cannabisrelated patents that have been filed with the United States Patent Office: (Source: Forbes)
500
King Cannabis Expo
WHEN: Fri Sept. 29-Sat, Sept. 30 WHERE: Spokane Convention Center, 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane WEBSITE: kingcannabisexpo.com
Spokane will soon be hosting a two-day seed-to-sale expo for cannabis professionals. Producers, researchers, greenhouse manufacturers, investors, growers and marketing groups are all invited to gather together and gain insight into the cannabis industry’s most innovative technology. This year’s business-to-business networking event is expected to bring in over 10,000 attendees. Here, all attendees will be invited to improve skills and gain knowledge, both of which are essential to having success in the cannabis industry. There will be plenty
of opportunities for attendees to further their cannabis education with the event’s business seminars featuring licensed professionals. Popular seminars will cover topics like lease negotiations, legislation and cannabis packaging, just to name a few. Eight speakers involved in the cannabis movement such as Jared Mirsky, Joel Milton, Ben Wu and Joy Beckerman will present on topics like cultivation and branding. After an eventful day of education and networking, the event will conclude with live music in celebration of this event. (Sophia Rybicki) CultureMagazine.com
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NEWS
LOCAL
Embr acing Your Roots Washington Native American tribe to harvest hemp for first time since early 1900s By Emily Manke
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t long last, hemp is being cultivated in Washington State again. The versatile, highly renewable crop has been restricted by prohibition for nearly a century. Not anymore. Hemp crops have been planted all over North America, and the most notable as of late, is the The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. The tribe was issued its license by The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to research hemp production last spring and has since planted a 60-acre plot of the hearty crop in July. The Colville Reservation is expansive, located in the Northeast corner of the state, north of Spokane. The region has a long history with hemp production. Colville Chief William Three Mountains the Younger and his wife Mattie gifted some prized native hemp artifacts to a miner in 1906, according to a profile of the miner known as William Morley Manning (1877-1944) by Jack and Claire Nisbet. These artifacts likely represented a long-standing tradition, and it appears as if hemp has been a part of Colville culture for centuries. Finally, Washington State law has caught up to ancient traditions. Hector Castro, Communications Director for the WSDA, spoke with CULTURE about the licenses for the hemp research project, which is known as the Industrial Hemp
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Cloneapalooza Music Festival
Research Pilot. “We’ve issued seven licenses so far.” Castro told CULTURE. “There are three types of licenses we issue—a grower’s license, a processor’s license and a seed producer’s license. The Colville Tribes filed for and received a dual license for growing and processing. So they’re looking to do both.” Castro explained. The research aims to figure out the economic and agricultural feasibility of growing and processing hemp in the state. Of the seven licenses issued so far for research, five were growers’ licenses, one was a seed producer’s license and one was a processor’s license. The Colville Confederated Tribes were the only licensees to receive two, as well as the only to receive processor license at all. Additionally, the Colville Confederated Tribes are the only tribe to apply for and be issued any license pertaining to hemp in Washington State. Native American tribes in the United States have a history of advocating for hemp production. The Oglala Sioux nation in South Dakota has been trying unsuccessfully (so far) to legalize industrial hemp on the tribe’s reservation in South Dakota since the late 1990s. The Navajo Nation filed a resolution to grow industrial hemp in 2016. Perhaps the geographic and cultural impetus to cultivate this sacred crop encouraged the Colville Confederated Tribes to seize this golden opportunity. At the time of reporting, all the hemp crops in Washington were still in the ground, letting the last of Washington’s outlandishly sunny summer help the plants grow tall. But Castro said the first growers were due to harvest in early-mid September. So, by the time you’re reading this, Washington’s first legal hemp harvest in almost 100 years may very well be underway. c
Experience one of the largest local cannabis tours in Washington, where camping and music collide. The combination of underground, national rock and hip-hop groups will form an experience unlike any other. Cloneapalooza Music Festival will provide a cannabis-friendly environment for three days that will be packed with music and camping. Two stages will be filled with a variety of live performances from over 30 different artists including Tha Ali3n OG, Fallen Kings, The Bangalores, Ki$H and Young SaVage. Attendees will be entertained all day and into the night with the excitement of a laser light show, as well as various comedy acts. If getting a taste of the great outdoors sounds appealing, get ready to kick it up a notch at Cloneapalooza Music Festival. (Sophia Rybicki) WHEN: Thurs, Sept. 21-Sat, Sept. 23 WHERE: AYH Ranch, 12119 SW Cove Rd., Vashon WEBSITE: facebook.com/ cloneapalooza
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
De vel op ing Op p or t uni t y Cannabis producers can now own up to three licenses By Alison Malsbury
O
n August 9, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) lifted its policy that limited cannabis producers to owning only one license. Effective immediately, individuals with an ownership stake in a cannabis producer license will be able to own up to three producer licenses. Although WAC 314-55-075 has always provided that “any entity and/or principals within any entity are limited to no more than three marijuana producer licenses,” the LCB has had a running policy since the outset of adult-use cannabis legalization in Washington that limited producers to owning only one license. The LCB has officially repealed that policy. In order to add an additional interest in a producer license, a party must follow the protocols for adding true parties of interest, or for an assumption of an existing licensed business. The new policy will allow for the purchase of a licensed
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“The LCB was clear in its announcement of this policy shift that this change will not in any way affect applications that are currently being processed.” producer business, or the formation of a partnership with an existing producer licensee only. Additional producer licenses will not be issued. And although applicants for cannabis producer licenses were initially able to apply for up to three licenses, with
two of the three licenses being placed on administrative hold, those two additional license applications would have been permanently withdrawn by the LCB; nothing in this policy shift will change that. It is important to note that the entire vetting and approval process for the addition of a true party of interest or for a license assumption must be completed prior to any transfer of ownership, funds or interest, all in accordance with WAC 314-55. Any transfer of funds, ownership or control of a licensed business prior to approval by the LCB will constitute a true party of interest rules violation, and this could subject the license to cancellation. The LCB was clear in its announcement of this policy shift that this change will not in any way affect applications that are currently being processed. The announcement also reiterated that co-locating producer licenses is not allowed. This means that even if two producer licenses have the same ownership, they must have their own distinct premises and cannot share a facility. And nothing in this policy change will affect the prohibition on producer licensees owning any interest in a retail licensee. The licensing process will undoubtedly have some logistical issues that will need to be worked through in implementing this policy change, and the LCB will likely see an influx in change of ownership requests and license assumptions. Because these requests take time to process, it will be important for applicants to submit their applications sooner rather than later, as well as to have all their documentation in order. Finally, it cannot be stressed enough that every change in ownership or control must be preapproved by the LCB. Jumping the gun and failing to disclose a true party of interest to the LCB can result in immediate license cancellation. An increase in the number of producer licenses that may be owned by an individual should serve to decrease the finagling many licensees have undoubtedly engaged in to hide true parties of interest, and that will only benefit the industry overall. c
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REVIEWs
company highlight
Smoking Outlet (253) 831-4547 www.SmokingOutlet.net How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? We’re a locally grown online head shop based just south of Seattle. We specialize in high-quality glass at the lowest prices. Our focus is on bongs and dab rigs in the $20 to $200 range. We have a huge selection of name brand American-made glass that represents both progressive, creative design as well as top-quality construction. Our customers are like us—regular folks who are on a budget and want glass they can trust at a price they can afford. Our slogan, “The Best Prices on the Best Pieces” is not marketing hyperbole. We set out to offer folks exactly that. What do you offer customers that other companies don’t? We’re in a fun industry, and we want to create a fun environment for those 20
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Interviewed: Doug Mackar, General Manager
looking to buy their glass online. I think that’s demonstrated pretty well by our mascot, Bongo. You’ll definitely be seeing more of Bongo in the future. We also put a lot of effort into making our product descriptions entertaining and fun. Our goal is to make you smile while we help you find the best pipe to meet your needs and wants. When you call, we answer, and when you email or hit us up on the chat, we respond right away. We ship fast, and we throw in some freebies in every package as well. We treat people the way we want to be treated, which is with respect. 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? Right now I’d say our biggest challenge is still the way that our industry is looked upon in society. Being here in Washington, it’s easy to forget that we’re still dealing with a taboo subject
in many other parts of the country. The advantage is that the momentum has already shifted, and the inertia is certainly moving towards more states legalizing or at least decriminalizing cannabis. I think it’s an advantage that we’re located in Washington, where cannabusiness has already become a “normal” part of the business culture. What are the goals and vision moving forward? Where do you see your company in five years? Our goal is for Smoking Outlet to be the number one online head shop in the country. Our vision is to get better at what we do, and to create a company that fosters a social network and interactive experience for our customers. We’d love to see Bongo in comics and on the big screen one day. Later this year, we’ll be the first online head shop to offer same day delivery of pipes, much like the current model in use by Amazon Prime Now. And as an extra, crazy goal, I admit I’d love to be the first head shop to run an ad during the Super Bowl. As Bongo says, “Never stop dreaming.” c
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REVIEWs
strain
Mendo Breath by Cultivar Farms This product is striking through and through. The royal purple label with ’70s retro font gave the jar a vintage vibe. After twisting off the top of the pretty package, we beheld dense, sticky nugs that emitted a loud and proud scent with hints of forest and nectar. The flower itself was stunning. Its deep green leaves turned to purple, and were covered in long, dark orange hairs. At around 21 percent total THC, this is a quality flower, whose indica lineage (the strain is a cross between OG Kush Breath and Mendo Montage) gives it a pain relieving punch. After the CULTURE team sampled the flower using a water pipe, the sweet-forest flavor was noted, which was pleasantly light and well-balanced. Within moments of consuming this flower, the team noted a mellow, blissful buzz perfect for outdoor or indoor recreation. Mendo Breath is the perfect flower for anyone who loves their solid, dependable indicas.
Available wherever: HempKings products are carried.
Available at: Green Collar Cannabis in Tacoma.
Star Medicine by HempKings HempKings’ products always stand out thanks to the brand’s signature chrome and gold packaging. When you see that crown, you know you’re in for quality. This Star Medicine is a cross between Sensi Star (indica) and Medicine Man (hybrid), making it an indica-dominant hybrid. Unzip the bag and let the woodsy, sweet, quintessential cannabis scent wash over you. The team sampled the large, lush nugs using a water pipe and vaporizer. The flavor is sweet and woodsy like a marshmallow toasted over a wood fire— though not quite that sweet. After a few tokes on this smooth, mellow flower, the team noticed its calming, sedative effects, equaled out by a slight perky, joyful edge. Its a solid indica hybrid that brings the effect without weighing you down. It’s perfect for a relaxing on a September day, whether you’re enjoying one last river float or hanging out at a neighborhood barbecue.
Rainbow Kush by Clandestine Gardens Pride may typically be an early summer event, but any time is a good time for rainbows! Parents Rainbow and OG Kush have come together to make absolutely fantastic flower in this Rainbow Kush. The Clandestine logo on this package stands out with its collegiate ’90s vibe. On the back of the package, you’ll also find a rather unique design of a unicorn with a rainbow flowing out of its behind. Funny enough, the cross between Rainbow’s fruity tropical scented genetics, and OG Kush’s more savory, earthy notes, make for a scent one could believe they may find at the end of a rainbow. The dense, perfectly cured nugs are loud, and when the team sampled the flower in a vaporizer, they noted the flavor was absolutely delectable as well, to match the strong scent. Fruity, tropical and earthy notes made for a perfectly blended palate. This Rainbow Kush tested just under 21 percent CBD. The effect from this hybrid is solid but not overwhelming, perfect for a hike, while the sun lasts!
Available at: Northwest Cannabis Connection in Puyallup.
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Available at: The Gallery in Puyallup.
Dirty White Girl by Forbidden Farms These chunky, fragrant absolutely crystal-packed nugs will greet your happy nostrils when you open up the neon green and black jar. This flower tests at an impressive 28 percent total CBD, and you can tell it’s powerful just by looking at it. Hailing from Forbidden Farms, the strong fragrance and dense crystals give the impression that this flower is something special. And after sampling the flower in a vaporizer and water pipe, the CULTURE team is happy to report that this Dirty White Girl is indeed a special specimen. In addition to being powerful and tasty, this flowers’ ability to provide relaxation accompanied by a lowkey energy makes it ideal for any variety of activities.
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To iReadCulture.com
3 1. Fire Log Grill There is one undeniable rule about camping—anything you need has to be brought in with you. Well that, and “leaves of three, let it be” is an absolute rule and not just a suggestion. But if you’re backpacking, you might have to travel miles to your campsite, and portable stoves and personal burners can weigh you down. Luckily for you Sportes’ Fire Log Grill is only 2.5 pounds and can be used with logs or wood found at your favorite camping spot. Simply forage for logs, connect the grill to said logs and start cooking. Also remember the third law of camping—if you cook, they do the dishes. PRICE: $52.99 WEBSITE: SportesOutdoorTools.com 2. Grow Weed Simply Outdoor Grow Kit Our grandmother could put any seed into any dirt and miraculously something would grow and flourish under her green thumb. This skill was not passed down to us. We once over-watered a fake plant and killed it. Let that sink in . . . We killed something that wasn’t alive. Suffice to say that when we saw this Outdoor Grow Kit, we knew someone was looking out for us. The kit includes everything you would need to start growing cannabis, except for the seeds and the can-do attitude. Don’t be ashamed to start small—get ready to kickstart your cannabis garden with this kit. PRICE: $116.99+ WEBSITE: GrowWeedSimply.com 24
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3. The Homey Hippies Beeswax Candle Let’s bee honest (see what we did there?). At best, bees are a pest; at worst they will sting you even though they know it will kill them. Think about this next time you’re stung—you did something so offensive to a bee, that it decided death was preferable to letting it slide. Bees do however produce delicious honey as well as beeswax, a compound found to have numerous health benefits. Beeswax is a natural stress-reliever and when used in the making of candles, can produce a flame without the harmful soot that accompanies a traditional candle. The Homey Hippies’ beeswax candles also give off a subtle honey scent that won’t leave your home smelling like your clothes do after a long weekend at your in-laws. Sporting a wick that is made exclusively of hemp, this candle is the perfect office or home décor for any cannabis aficionado. PRICE: $14.50 WEBSITE: TheHomeyHippies.com 4. Ink Guard When you finally find something worth permanently adorning your body with, you’re going to want to protect it. There’s nothing sadder than seeing a faded tattoo of ALF (the puppet in the late-1980s sitcom), not only because it’s faded, but because . . . ALF. The good folks over at CannaSmack have you covered though, literally, with a combination of natural ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil and hemp seed to protect your skin and your sick ink. Its SPF 30 lotion also moisturizes your skin. Haven’t found the perfect tattoo idea yet? Ink Guard will protect your virgin skin equally as well. But let’s be honest, your skin would look a lot better with some killer ink on it. PRICE: $7.99 WEBSITE: CannaSmack.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment
BOOK
True Living Organics, 2nd Edition Pub. Green Candy Press The Rev Interested in growing cannabis indoors while avoiding the use of chemicals, synthetics and other non-organic cultivation products? Look no further than True Living Organics, 2nd Edition by The Rev with 100 additional pages in the new edition. With the easy-to-read handbook, interested cultivators will find upto-date information on everything related to your grow operation from advanced soil-mix recipes and watering to composting and recycling. Readers will benefit from following The Rev’s tips and step-bystep instructions. Additionally, there is a helpful troubleshooting section for novice cultivators, as well as a guide to organic hash making and extraction. You’ll have a green thumb in no time. (Jacob Cannon) 26
Console Release Date: September 6 PC Release Date: october 24
GAME
Destiny 2 Dev. Bungie Pub. EA Sports It’s been three years since the arrival of Destiny, and now a sequel is here to improve upon all of the original game’s successes, as well as its shortcomings. Destiny 2 allows for players to customize weapons, with a trio of categorical weapon types that will replace the old primary, secondary and heavy slots. It also offers four new worlds to explore and new abilities for each of the three existing classes. Those looking to dive into the continuation of a glorious, first-person online world, have a lot to look forward to. (Nicole Potter)
SEPTEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
MOVIE
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Dir. James Gunn Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures When Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 1 came out in 2014, it gave audiences a comic book movie blockbuster that managed to both tackle deeper themes and capture emotional moments, while providing one of the most awesome soundtracks in recent memory. As was hoped by many thousands of fans around the world, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 delivers more of the same. The sequel follows the same rag tag quintet of universal outcasts as they save their star system yet again, this time from a cosmic being. The explosions are big, the comedy and action are top notch, and the soundtrack is glorious; see this movie immediately. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Yellow Naomi Punk Captured Tracks After three years, Olympia’s own Naomi Punk returns with the release of its most curious, experimental work to date—Yellow. While the band’s own brand of indie rock/ art punk has always been pretty far out, the new record sees the band pushing further and further into the unknown and exploring its own style and music in a way few bands dare to do. Though the band may dive a little too deep at points on the 22-track release, it stays close enough to shore to never fully abandon the style it has developed and the sound that fans have come to adore. (Simon Weedn)
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Photos by John Gilhooley
The sisters of Krewella dish about their cultural heritage, upcoming tour and cannabis By Simon Weedn
or 10 years now, sisters Yasmine and Jahan Yousaf, better known to the masses as Krewella, have been steadily climbing to the heights of the international electronic dance music (EDM) scene and developing a reputation along the way for working hard and delivering powerful live performances. The duo’s gorgeously poppy, hook-laden and ridiculously catchy brand of EDM has landed Krewella in top spots at festivals all over the world, a partnership with dance-fitness company Zumba, as well as a veritable army of fans across the globe who affectionately refer to themselves as “The Krew.” Recently, Krewella dropped the first of two highly anticipated EPs, New World Pt. 1, and announced a headlining tour that will lead them all across North America through November. CULTURE had the opportunity to talk to Jahan and Yasmine and hear all about everything that went into the making of the new EPs, as well as their thoughts on cannabis. >>
Congratulations on your EP, New World Pt. 1. Can you tell me a bit about how this EP came together? Jahan: Well, we started working on the songs around a year ago without the intention of it being an EP. Then about six months ago we realized we had dozens and dozens of songs that, once we’d filtered through and picked the best, could make a cohesive body of work. That’s usually how it starts for us, we’ll just aimlessly write in the studio without really thinking about how to package it or box it in. Then it’ll naturally form into something where we hear some type of string of cohesiveness or theme throughout, and we’ll realize that some of these songs together would complement each other. What do you personally see as the overarching themes or strings running through New World Pt. 1? Yasmine: Well, it’s not really a concept EP. Jahan: Yeah, it’s not a concept EP, but the idea of New World actually came from a song that isn’t released yet. Yasmine and I were both raised in a multicultural household, our dad is Pakistani and our mom is American/European, and it’s something we didn’t really talk about and sort of brushed aside in the beginning of our music career. But, in the past few years it’s become something that’s really important to us, and we’ve just been diving deep into who we are and what is more authentic to who we are as people and as artists. This idea of New World is something we talk a lot about in the studio especially considering the fact that we’re in a Trump era. So much is changing that affects people on all levels regardless of what status you are, how much money you make, what religion you follow or what type of household you grew up in. We talk a lot in the studio about these social conflicts we’re having in this country and how the youth and cultural diversity is going to be what fights back against all of these old ways that are really suppressing new ways of thinking and open mindedness.
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that Jahan and I felt like we had to do. We had a lot of things pent up inside of us—everything from bitterness and sadness, anger and frustration, as well as love and happiness; the whole spectrum of everything we were going through. We had to purge it into this one EP, and once we got it out there into the world, we felt a weight off our backs. Moving forward from that, we just wanted to make music freely that flowed out of us without too much thought. I think with the Ammunition EP we let go of a dark passenger and began to move on to making music that was a little more free and a little bit lighter.
I know it has been a little over a year since your previous EP, Ammunition, was released. Were there any major changes between the way you approached New World Pt. 1 versus your approach to Ammunition? Yasmine: I think Ammunition would have to be what I call a purge of emotions, and it was a necessary EP 32 32
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Can you tell us how your song “TH2C” developed? Jahan: Well, with that song the verses actually came first. We had a lot of fun creating an image of a girl lyrically using people we know personally and on the internet as inspiration. So, the verses came first, and then the hook came out almost as a stream of consciousness in the room. We kind of
flowed out, “I’m too high to care, I’m too high to care,” because it just felt like it was what that girl would be singing at a festival or something. We felt like we didn’t have any rules while we were making it, and we could say anything we wanted. Then, once we had the title written up, “Too High To Care,” Yasmine was the one who said “TH2C” and everyone in the room immediately went, “Woah! That is some genius shit! That needs to be the title!” Yasmine: I think this is one of the first songs that we’ve ever released that’s written from the perspective of someone else, and it was really fun creating that persona. We had a joke in the studio where we called the woman in the song “She,” and creating her was almost liberating in and of itself because, like Jahan said, there were no rules when writing the life of this character. It was exciting to feel like we didn’t have to stay in a box with it—“TH2C” was a really fun song to make.
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Jahan: I feel like we need more multidimensional female characters in the media. It feels like sometimes all we have are these few social archetypes where there’s just the stupid party girl who doesn’t have much going on with her life, the fame whore, the girl who hustles really hard and is super serious all the time, or the Instagram model with a million followers. So we decided to create a girl who is essentially the female Diplo—someone who is traveling the world, is culturally exposed, knows how to fucking party (although I’m basing this all off of his persona online) and is a work machine. Women can do that stuff too! It seems like the song is so much about strength and independence, but also about having a good time with one of CULTURE’s favorite things. How do you
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two feel about all of the cannabis legalization going on around the country at the moment? Jahan: A little disclaimer, I’m not so knowledgeable about the legality of everything, but I’ll tell you how I feel about marijuana as a casual smoker here and there. Smoking affects my vocal chords, so I’m not the type of person who just goes in the studio and smokes and writes; sometimes I’ll smoke once in a month, other times it might be every two weeks. However, as someone who is really conscious about health and the purity of our food, body products, and really anything we put in our bodies, I just hope that with the decriminalization of marijuana that certain people won’t exploit this new product and pollute it with fillers and toxic ingredients. I just hope that there are people out there, and I’ve heard there are in California, that are doing their best to run organic dispensaries and farms, because what’s going into your lungs needs to come from a pure place.
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Female artists are taking the EDM scene back by Benjamin M. Adams
It’s safe to say that the electronic dance music (EDM) industry is largely maledominated, considering that all 10 of EDM’s top-earning artists are male, according to Forbes. However, the EDM scene is brimming with female DJs and vocalists, who are relentlessly battling for the recognition they deserve. Sydney-based DJ Alex Sholler goes by the moniker Alison Wonderland and exploded onto the American EDM scene with her debut album Run in 2015, which earned her two ARIA Music Awards’ nominations. The Australian duo NERVO may have begun as models, but the act won a Grammy for its work with David Guetta and Kelly Rowland’s “When Love Takes Over,” as well as the number one U.K. hit “We’re All No One” with EDM giants Afrojack and Steve Aoki. Other notable female Australian artists include Anna Lunoe and Nina Las Vegas. Canadian-born Grimes is a producer, singer, songwriter and DJ whose album Visions was widely acclaimed, helping her win Juno Awards for “Electronic Album of the Year,” “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” and later “Video of the Year.”
Canadian producer and DJ REZZ from Niagara Falls was noticed by Skrillex and was signed by both Skrillex’s label OWSLA and deadmau5’s label mau5trap. The PakistaniAmerican singersongwriter Nadia Ali reached number two on the U.K. Singles Chart with 2005’s “Rapture (Taste So Sweet)” as lead singer of the group iiO. The single was remixed by Avicii in 2010 and released as a solo release. Female EDM artists are carving out a niche on the radio as well. Annie Mac landed her first BBC Radio 1 show in 2004, which is a true honor for emerging new global artists. Rolling Stone magazine listed Annie Mac as one of the “50 Most Important People in EDM.” Last but not least, Krewella is consistently one of the top-earning female EDM acts in the world. Krewella’s single “Alive” was certified Platinum and the band’s full-length Get Wet went straight to number one on the U.S. Dance Chart in 2013. There’s certainly no shortage of female DJs, producers and vocalists who are climbing up the ladder in the world of EDM. It’s quickly becoming the fastestgrowing and most important genre in the recording industry.
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I also think that the medical system legalization is important because we’re only just beginning to discover the wonders of marijuana. My dad always says, “When in doubt, go back to nature.” So, I hope we’re starting to go back to nature instead of creating more artificial chemicals that can hurt people. I mean, it’s so disturbing how easy it is to get a prescription for opioids. It’s such a big problem. I recently fractured my metatarsal in my foot and went to urgent care, and they just wrote me a prescription for Norcos, and I almost wanted to lecture them. I smoked weed a couple of nights later and was totally fine. I’d rather just do that than worry about getting addicted to pain medication. What are your hopes for the overall production of things on this EP? Yasmine: Well, when we were in the beginning stages of making this EP, there were moments where we were thinking, “How are we going to make this go into a crazy drop?” Or “How can we make this feel more electronic?” At a certain point we threw all of that out the window and said, “No. Let’s just make songs!” After that it kind of got to a point we were really just focusing on the songs, the vibe, and spending a lot of time on the percussion because we were trying to bring more of our Pakistani roots into this New World vibe. So, we were concentrating on a lot of Bollywood-inspired percussion, and because of that the foundations of the songs were all there before we even went into making them more dance-y or whatever direction we were going in. I remember one of 36
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the songs, “Love Outta Me,” had an actual track drop on it and we ended up taking it out because it took away from the vision we had for the song. We really just threw out any of our preconceived notions of what an EDM EP should be with New World, and at the end of the day we loved all of these songs. We hope that they really resonate with people, and they end up loving them too. With a new EP out and a huge tour about to get underway, that’s quite a bit to have on your plates. Does Krewella have any other ambitions for 2017? Yasmine: Well, if you think about it,
2017 is strangely more than halfway over, and it’s scary to even think about how quickly time is going. We’ve been in the studio all year making music, so being able to take a look at it all finally is really cool. We have New World Pt. 2 coming out sometime soon, and we don’t know how many songs it’s going to be just yet—probably between six and eight. We have so many cool collaborations coming up that we’re working on and are almost done with. We’ve got this tour about to kick off that will lead to a ton of new merchandise, and the tour itself is going to be a completely new show, and by the end of the tour we’ll be in mid-November. By then 2017 will be pretty much over, so I think we’ve got our work cut out for ourselves. The goals are already in place, we’re just in motion now. It’s all fun though, we’re having the best time making this music. c
+ www.krewella.com
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Sensual Strains Sex expert Ashley Manta navigates through a plethora of options for consuming cannabis in the bedroom
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By Ashley Manta “What’s your favorite strain for sex?” is one of the most common questions I’m asked as a sex educator and resident expert on all things sex and cannabis. I understand the appeal—we want to have an easy, go-to, one size fits all answer so that we can implement it and go on with our day. Sorry to disappoint you, but the answer is . . . it depends. Like most things related to sex and pleasure, there is no universal answer. Factors to consider include tolerance, what kind of sex you want to be having
(the strains or products you might use to facilitate slow sensual sex are not the same products you might choose for frenzied, lustful sex), and most importantly, method of consumption. Since the methods of consumption one chooses affect the body in different ways, it seems prudent to discuss some of the methods along with how they lend themselves to be conducive to various sexual encounters. Remember, consent is mandatory, so negotiate before you medicate! Be clear on what you’re a yes and no to, how to signal that you’re ready to be done and any specific care you might need after sexy times are over.
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“Remember, consent is mandatory, so negotiate before you medicate!”
Flower:
(smoking or vaping) I would say this method is the most versatile but also requires the most experimentation. I appreciate that smoking and vaping can be slightly easier to modulate dosage (you can choose to use a specific amount and also choose to take large or small hits). Depending on the cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles in the strain, you can choose the effects you’re looking for. A strain high in pinene or limonene could be great for active sex and might help facilitate being communicative in the moment. A strain high in linalool tends to be more relaxing, lending itself to slower, more tactileoriented pleasure.
Edibles: Edibles are an excellent option for those who have the time to commit. Since edibles can take up to two full hours (and sometimes longer) to take effect, not to mention that the effects can last four to six hours (and sometimes longer, depending on tolerance), save edibles for days when you have a great deal of time to devote to your “sexploits.” Weekends away with your sweetie, rainy afternoons with nothing to do—these are the situations in which edibles are most useful. The effect is also different than smoking or vaping—I notice that I feel a stronger effect in my body after edibles and less in my head. This could be great for sexy times involving sensation— playing with temperature, impact or teasing touch (for example, hovering your mouth over a partner’s nipple and letting them feel the hot breath, then moving on to another body part, then coming back).
Tinctures: Tinctures could absolutely fall into the edibles category, but I’m giving them their own spot because if a tincture is applied sublingually, the onset time is 10 to 15 minutes rather than up to two hours like an edible. Tinctures are fantastic and are becoming more plentiful as the industry grows. You can choose cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) dominant tinctures, and dosage is easy to determine because most tinctures come in a bottle with a dropper and directions on dosing. I love 1:1 tinctures for helping me get my head ready and set aside any lingering anxiety after a long day of work or any period of stress in my day.
Topicals: Topicals are one of my favorite ways to combine sex and cannabis. Since topicals do not cause psychoactive effects, you can incorporate them regardless of circumstance. There’s a bit of a time delay when applied to a mucous membrane like the vulva— THC-infused sex oils take around 25 minutes to “marinate” before effects are noticeable. You should also be aware that oil degrades latex, so if you’re using oil on any part of the body that will come in contact with a condom or glove at some point in the evening, you need to have non-latex options like nitrile or polyurethane on hand. Topicals can also be used as a way to build intimacy, like offering your partner an infused massage after a long day. I like to use them both ways—apply a THC spray to my vulva and then have my partner give me an infused massage while I wait for the 25 minutes to lapse.
Hopefully this has given you some ideas on the pros and cons of various methods of consumption for sexy fun times. I encourage everyone to test both methods of consumption and new strains and products solo before trying them with a partner. Yes, that means I’m suggesting you masturbate. It helps you isolate variables and figure out what feels best for your body. Plus, it’s fun! c 40
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“I’m a naturally psychedelic and trippy person, so my music is going to sound like this regardless. I mean, I do smoke and vape, so I’m sure it has some kind of impact.”
Tenacity and Talent
SassyBlack is Unleashing New Sounds on the World By Emily Manke
C
atherine “Cat” Harris-White, also known as SassyBlack, is a woman on a mission. She’s out to spread her incomprehensibly original sounds as far and wide across the globe as she can. She first accomplished this with her former group, THEESatisfaction, where she recorded with famed Seattle label Sub Pop Records, and even toured with Pacific Northwest legends and Sub Pop Records label mates Sleater-Kinney. But now SassyBlack is solo and out with an incredibly hot album, New Black Swing. It’s safe to guess that SassyBlack set out to write some sexy love songs, and she hit the mark with this record. New Black Swing is a collection of love songs, and although they have a sound that could, at times, be pulled straight from the ’90s, the lyrics and feel have a modern, psychedelic edge that makes them irresistible. It’s easy to imagine these tracks as background music to a love scene in any modern show chronicling this new era of relationships. We envision a romantic comedy, because while these songs are sexy, they don’t take themselves too seriously—they’re songs to swipe right to. CULTURE had the privilege to speak with SassyBlack, and she let us know all about her music, the concept behind her album and of course, cannabis.
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How did your solo project, SassyBlack, come to be? [THEESatisfaction] mutually split last year. I’ve been working on solo music. I’ve been a regularly performing musician for the past 13 years, and I went to school for music. And I’ve been thinking about doing a solo record for a long time, and it was just time. I love the name SassyBlack! How long have you been using that as your solo moniker, and what was your inspiration for it? I started using that in 2012-2013, something like that. But I was using it as my DJ name, and I wasn’t really sure what my solo name would be. So now I’m doing my thing, and I was just like, “This works for me, this is the best name.” So I think I really started owning it in 2012. It means a lot to me; it’s like a sci-fi, blaxploitation, warrior name. Like Storm or like Rogue or Foxy Brown. It has a certain aesthetic to it; it gives you an idea of who I am quickly.
What were some of SassyBlack’s influences for New Black Swing? SassyBlack is all of the artistic and creative things and designs and plans I’ve been working on my entire life. SassyBlack gives me the opportunity to explore all those different sides of myself. This is my second album and my seventh release, and this project is based off of music I’ve been listening to my whole life. It’s a genre of music called New Jack Swing, and it’s music that a lot of people are familiar with, but don’t even realize they’re familiar with. Has cannabis affected this project at all, like your creative process, or your willingness to experiment with sounds? I’m a naturally psychedelic and trippy person, so my music is going to sound like this regardless. I mean I do smoke and vape, so I’m sure it has some kind of impact. I don’t really let anything outside of what I do heavily impact things. Of course if there’s something in my system, it’s going to impact something. I was mostly vaping, and not smoking during this time, because when I’m performing it’s better for my voice, and it’s a different kind of high, you know? And like other records I’ve been like, “Let’s try an edible record,”—and those records don’t exist, they’re still in demo mode. So this is a very vapey record. Maybe that’s what makes it more airy and not as dense, like my records can be. c
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SHOOTING GALLERY
seattle hempfest @ Myrtle edwards park in seattle
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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILE 46
Summer Experiments 3 By Ed Rosenthal Last month, I wrote about three groups of plants that were in the middle of flowering. Now those plants have all been harvested. The first group consisted of five Blue Dream plants in a 2’ x 4’ container on wheels. I had planted two of them horizontally lengthwise, crossing each other. Then I planted three shorter plants in a row in the middle of the container. By the time the plants started flowering, the entire container was covered with growth that extended out of from three sides. The plants were wheeled into a dark tent area each day for light deprivation, and they were harvested on July 24, after 56 days of flowering. The branches were cut and are now hanging in a slow dry/cure. The second group consisted of four plants that were placed outdoors when the short light period still promoted flowering. By the time the light period got longer, the plants were in the last half of flowering. The increased light period of late spring and early summer failed to turn the plants back into vegetative growth, and they were cut the week of July 9. Three of the four plants were pollinated from a
Unclipped Purple Pineapple had a large top bud that dominated growth. The side bud didn’t develop very much.
Top clipped Purple Pineapple’s central bud did not dominate growth. Instead, without inhibition from hormones produced by top bud, the side buds grew out producing a bigger yield.
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Blue Dream male that had released pollen two months earlier. The pollen had been sitting out in a cool dry place since then, but proved to be viable. Most of the buds were cut from these plants except for some small immature buds and the pollinated cola. Then the cut plants were given natural light during the day and placed under lights at night so they receive light continuously. They are now finishing seed production and reverting to vegetative growth for another round. Meanwhile, their cut buds are hanging, drying and curing. The third group consisted of 10 plants that sprouted unexpectedly. They were all sisters and looked like it. They were variations on a wide leaved Purple Pineapple and all had similar characteristics. The 10 plants all flowered, starting shortly after germinating; they finished flowering on approximately July 27. I performed several demonstration experiments on this group of plants. First, because they started flowering early, they grew to a controlled size. This demonstrated that cannabis could be grown as small row plants, making cultivation easier using conventional farming techniques, rather than as larger plants. In
The 2’ x 4’ tray held five Blue Dream plants. Buds and foliage covered the entire container then spread out further.
Cutting the buds using an electric clipper.
another experiment I paired plants that were about equal in growth and pruned the tops of half of them so that some were topped and some were left uncut. You can see the difference in their growth. The uncut plant grew a larger central bud at the expense of side growth. The cut plants produced several branches that held more buds than the uncut plants. These plants were ready to harvest approximately 90 days after germination. They were cut and hung whole to dry as well. They will all be dried and cured next month. Then they will be manicured. c
TIP OF THE MONTH By now, the outdoor plants are mid-way through flowering. You may have some regrets that you didn’t take clones while the plants were still vegetating. However, all is not lost. You can take cuttings of your flowering plants and root them while having them revert back to vegetative growth. Just take cuttings and prepare them as you usually do for cloning, and place them under constant light with no dark period. The cuttings will begin to root and to grow new leaves, not flowers.
The four plants started flowering early because they were placed outdoors in early spring when the natural light period was too short to maintain vegetative growth.
Bud of Blackberry Fire plant is ready to harvest.
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 PROFILE
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if you go:
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Time to Go: September Weather: Low 50s, High 60s Budget: $$$$$
Delightful Dublin By Sheryll Alexander
A day in Dublin, Ireland means taking in the sights and ending with a full belly, music, song, conversation and laughter—it truly makes this city a pleasure to visit. Dublin is an ancientyet-modern city that is delightful any time of year. Dublin is a highly walkable destination filled with a history going back to the Vikings along with gorgeous green spaces, castles, museums, theatres, restaurants and shopping districts. The city’s main attraction is by far is the Guinness Storehouse. Now housed in a glass atrium-like building that looks like a black Guinness pint, this is the
brewery tour of all tours. Hordes of tourists learn all about the beer’s four ingredients (water, barley, hops and yeast) as well as the famous founder, Arthur Guinness. The top floor houses the Gravity Bar where the Dublin views are spectacular, especially with a pint of perfectly-poured Guinness in hand. Other not-tobe missed Dublin attractions include Dublin Castle, Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, National Museum of Ireland, Farmleigh House, Old Jameson Distillery and the National Botanical Gardens. Beyond the tourist traps, Dublin can be a
place for travelers to relax in this spectacular seaside city. Take a stroll after breakfast to a park, garden or along the shore. In the afternoon, hit a museum or other historical places of interest. Late afternoons require tucking into some coffee, tea and baked goods at a local coffee shop or tea room after visiting Dublin’s legal CBD dispensary, Capel Street’s The Hemp Company. Dublin has had quite the foodie Renaissance in the past decade too, so dinner in Dublin can be anything from a prix fixe menu at the latest Michelinstarred restaurant to hip neighborhood bistro fare to traditional Irish dishes at a historic pub. c
Fun-Filled Facts The second annual Global Medical Cannabis Summit is returning to Dublin from September 22-24. Held at The Digital Depot on Roe Lane, this weekend-long conference focuses on European medical cannabis perspectives and includes speakers such as legislators, scientists, doctors, patients and activists from around the world discussing such subjects as scientific insights, business development and political activism. 1
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From September 9-24, visitors can experience the Dublin Fringe Festival. Hundreds of “bold, brave, daring” and “cutting-edge” plays, so says Fringe Fest, are held at venues all over the city and is usually where Dubliners magically discover the next big theatrical show. 2
Cannabis is still illegal in Ireland, even though a 2016 medical cannabis bill passed through two stages in the Dáil, but was ultimately squashed recently. Dublin Cannabis Club (DCC)— an online informationsharing network of Dublin cannabis enthusiasts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—says most cannabis-seeking visitors have very limited options. There are no physical social clubs in Dublin, and some sources recommend that visitors try checking out 420-friendly bars or chatting with a local for recommendations. The DCC also recommends buying from “independent lads who are smokers” as flower quality is usually premium (a gram costs around 20-25 euros). If caught possessing cannabis, the Irish police (Garda) must legally take possession of your cannabis, and you may get a misdemeanor ticket and a fine.
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Vanessa I. Soza
Age: 29 Condition/Illness:
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OCD, PTSD, depression, body/gender dysmorphia When did you start using medical cannabis? I began using medical cannabis at the tail end of an exclusively medical cannabis state, when I first moved to Portland in 2014. I couldn’t believe the quality of the cannabis in Oregon, the level of awareness education and that cannabis could be used in so many different forms! Imagine my surprise when I made that connection. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? Because my anxiety was severe, and I was living in Texas then, medication was the only option laid out for me by most physicians. Seroquel, an antipsychotic typically used to treat schizophrenia, was one of my first and worst experiences I had on a pharmaceutical. I lost control of my body, slept 14 hours at a time and endured what felt like (very scary) sleep paralysis.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The single biggest threat to medical cannabis patients is the removal of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP). The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) would be doing these people, who might I add are already at a disadvantage, a great disservice. It’s easy for most to forget about special needs when suddenly everybody is allowed in dispensaries. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I don’t tolerate opinions without facts, and there are a lot of people out there with just an opinion and little-to-no facts to authenticate their position. But if I’m approached by friendly skepticism, my message is a simple one. I call it the three R’s—research, re-evaluate and reeducate. If I feel someone may be misinformed, I urge them to seek out more information (and recommend a few books or sites with reliable sources). After the research phase, it’s time to reevaluate the opinion. Once re-evaluated, the idea is to reformulate a stance, no matter the position and use it for the greater good. Keep an open mind, always, and pass on what you learned. c
Are you an medical cannabis 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
Fall is officially here! The leaves on the trees will soon begin to turn varying shades of red and gold. Our menus turn from light summer salads to the deep, rich and warm flavors of autumn. Soups and comfort foods find their way to our tables. Jackets and scarves will soon appear as we venture out into apple orchards to find those
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A Glimpse of Autumn
Menu: Hot Apple Toddy Chicken Normandy Classic All-American Apple Pie
delicious morsels that remind us not only of back-to-school, but of the quintessential feeling of the seasons changing again. As the temperatures began to dip, warm apple cider transforms the popular Hot Toddy into a delightful autumn drink. The Hot Apple Toddy is ideal with fresh-pressed cider and is the perfect excuse to try a seasonal
beverage enhanced with cannabis. Pair it with a serving of Chicken Normandy, a one-pot meal that is sure to become one of your family favorites. Finally, nothing says “fall” more than a classic cannabis-infused apple pie. (If you’re not comfortable making your own crust, use a store-bought one. We promise not to tell.)
Hot Apple Toddy Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon honey 3 ounces apple brandy 2 1/2 teaspoons simple syrup 1/2 teaspoon cannabis-infused simple syrup 10 ounces hot apple cider Lemon wedge for garnish Cinnamon stick for garnish
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2-3 whole cloves for garnish
Instructions:
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1. Coat the bottom of an Irish coffee glass with honey.
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2. Add the apple brandy, simple syrup and infused simple syrup.
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culture 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon unsalted cannabutter 2 cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced into wedges. (We suggest Fuji apples or Jonagold apples. Do not use Red Delicious, as they will turn into mush instead of staying firm) Flour for dredging 4 whole chicken legs (with thighs) Salt and pepper to taste 1 large onion, peeled, sliced into wedges 1/2 cup apple brandy (or Calvados) 2 cups apple cider 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1/2 cup heavy cream
4. Sprinkle the apple slices with a little salt. Remove from pan and put them aside on paper towels to drain. 5. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, and place the pieces in the hot sauté pan, skin side down. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of cannabutter. 6. Fry until golden, about 3-5 minutes on medium to medium-high heat on each side. Remove from pan and set aside. 7. Add onions to the pan, and increase the heat to mediumhigh. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to brown, about 5-8 minutes.
10. Return the browned chicken legs in the pan so the skin faces up and is not submerged by the cider-brandy mixture. Place in the oven, and cook at 375°F uncovered, for 30 minutes. 11. After the chicken has cooked, remove the pan from the oven and carefully transfer chicken pieces from the pan to a serving platter. 12. Place the pan with all that delicious sauce, back on a stovetop burner on high heat. Add apples and boil down the sauce by half. 13. When the sauce has reduced, add the heavy cream and turn down the heat. Adjust seasonings if needed. 14. To serve, spoon some apples and cider gravy over the chicken and enjoy! CultureMagazine.com
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3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, oven-proof sauté pan over medium heat. Add the apple slices, and sauté until they turn a little brown around the edges, turning occasionally.
9. Let the brandy and onions simmer until the sauce has reduced by about half. Add the apple cider, and return the liquid to a boil. Sprinkle in the thyme. Add just a pinch of salt to taste.
RECIPES
growing Ingredients:
2. While the chicken is resting, preheat oven to 375°F.
DESTINATION
1. Sprinkle salt over chicken pieces and let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
COURAGE
In this recipe, the chicken is first browned on the stovetop, then braised in the oven and finished on the stovetop. However, it is possible to create the entire dish on the stovetop. Instead of putting the chicken in the oven, just simmer the chicken on the stovetop (uncovered if skin-on, covered if using skinless chicken pieces), until cooked through and tender, 15-30 minutes. Braising the chicken in the oven will produce a crispy skin that you won’t get by simmering on the stove.
8. When the onions have cooked, add brandy to the pan. Using a wooden spoon, scrape any remaining browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
IN
Instructions:
PROFILE
Chicken Normandy
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culture
Local eateries with similar dishes: Pie Bar Ballard 2218 NW Market St., Seattle (206) 535-8489 www.piebarballard.com
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RECIPES
growing
Over the Moon Cafe 709 Opera Aly., Tacoma (253) 284-3722 overthemooncafe.net Snohomish Pie company 915 1st St., Snohomish (360) 568-3589 snohomishpieco.com
Classic All-American Apple Pie Ingredients:
DESTINATION
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/8 cups unsalted butter 1/8 cup cannabis-infused unsalted butter 6 tablespoons cold vegetable shortening 3 cups Golden Delicious apples
COURAGE
3 cups Granny Smith apples 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar
PROFILE
IN
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions: 1. First, make the dough. Place flour and 3/4 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse to combine. Add 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the butter and the vegetable shortening and pulse 6 to 8 times, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle 3 to 4 tablespoons of cold water over the dough and pulse a few more times until the dough begins to hold together. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed, until the dough holds together. Form the dough into 2 disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 2. While the dough is chilling, make the filling for the pie! Combine the apples, lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining salt in a large bowl and toss. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. When you’re ready to bake, drain the apples, reserving the liquid! Toss apples with cornstarch and set aside. 3. Place 1/2 cup of the reserved liquid in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the
remaining butter, bring to a boil, and let simmer and reduce until it becomes thick and syrupy. Do not stir. Add the warm syrup to the apple/cornstarch mix and toss gently to combine. 4. While the syrup is reducing, preheat oven to 425°F. 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch round about 1/8-inch thick. Fit the dough into a 10-inch pie plate. Trim dough around the edges and crimp if desired. Fill with the apple filling. Roll out the second disk of dough for the top crust. For fun, you can cut out large leaf shapes and place over the apples, each slightly overlapping the other, to form a top crust, or simply cut out one large apple shape, center on the top, and cut several slits to vent the pie. Be creative! 6. Bake at 425°F until the juices bubble through the slits—45 to 55 minutes. 7. Let cool for at least 4 hours before serving, if you can wait that long. It’s delicious topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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.
SEPTEMBER 2017 CultureMagazine.com
News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—OH, CANADA What could go wrong? Canadian company Bad Axe Throwing announced in June it is bringing its unusual entertainment concept to Denver. It’s “like darts, but on steroids,” says founder Mario Zelaya. Customers provide their own food and beer and learn how to throw axes at targets. “We’ll be bringing along the competitive league side as well. That means that folks in Denver can sign up . . . and compete at a global level,” Zelaya said.
SMOOTH REACTIONS Did you say french fries or FRESH fries? Eiram Chanel Amir Dixson, 25, made a point of ordering fresh french fries at a Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Wendy’s drive-thru in May. When the exchange between the dissatisfied Dixson and a Wendy’s worker escalated, the employee threw a soda at Dixson, and Dixson fired back by spraying Mace through the drive-thru window. Police charged Dixson with one count of using tear gas to immobilize. Rachel Borch, 21, of Hope, Maine, was out for a run in June when a raccoon attacked her. Thinking quickly, Borch grabbed the animal and, despite being bitten, ran to a puddle on the trail and held its head underwater until it drowned. (BONUS: Borch’s
father retrieved the dead raccoon and delivered it for rabies testing in a Taste of the Wild dog food bag.) INSULT TO INJURY It was dark in the wee hours of June 30 in Jacksonville, Florida, and Cedric Jelks, 38, probably never saw the loaded gun on the driver’s seat of his car as he got in, but he certainly felt it after the gun went off, wounding his manhood. When police investigating the report of a gunshot wound arrived at the hospital Jelks was taken to, they added possible firearms charges to his pain after discovering Jelks had a prior conviction for cocaine possession. FINER POINTS OF THE LAW A restaurant owner near Florence, Italy, was
ordered to pay 2,000 euros in fines in June after judges in Italy’s highest court declared it illegal to keep lobsters on ice in restaurants because it causes them undue suffering. “The suffering caused by detaining the animals while they wait to be cooked cannot be justified,” the judges ruled. In a fit of law abidance, a resident of Yorkshire, England, called that country’s emergency phone number to report that Queen Elizabeth II was not wearing her seatbelt as she departed the Palace of Westminster on June 21 after delivering her traditional speech at the State Opening of Parliament. Police warned that the 999 system is meant to be used only for emergencies.
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