Colorado Kush Magazine July 2011

kush

colorado’s premier cannabis lifestyle magazine

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42 features

42 Rival Sons: The Kush Interview The blues rockers’ drummer Mike Miley talks blues n’ buds n’ writing n’ recording on the fly.

72 Case Report: Fry & Schafer A doctor and a lawyer go to jail. The lawyer needs a doctor. The doctor needs a lawyer. The doctor and the lawyer need marijuana.

78 Wilfred: The Kush Experience The story behind Kush Magazine’s date with a dog and a hobbit. How and why we got involved with FX Networks’ latest work of genius.

82 The Haag/Ogden/Cole Memo Marijuana!?? Yes you can no you can’t unless you can’t know if you can. Can you? Maybe.

96 Summer Recipes Chef Herb’s garden fresh recipes to kick off the dog days of summer!

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inside

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10 | The Health Report: Physicals by Elaine Ruggieri

12 | State Of The State by Bob Selan 14 | Hempful Hints: Surfing by Jake McGee 18 | We Dig This: Wildflower Festival by Valerie Fernandez 22 | FEDS Got Served by W.A.M. 24 | Green Living, Green Giving Pt. II by Jake Browne 28 | Pure Zero by Carlos Herrera 34 | Patients Out Of Time: William B. O’Shaughnessy by Al Byrne 36 | Poetry Page by Mike “The Poet” Sonksen 38 | Living Well: Detox by Elaine Ruggieri 40 | Democrats Embrace MMJ by Patricia Smith 46 | Ask Ed by Ed Rosenthal 50 | Don’t Quit Your Wining! by Mike Marino 52 | Rob’s Corner by Robert Corry 54 | Training Your Plants by Tyler C. Davidson 56 | Growers Grove: The Rain Table Pt. II by Jade Kine 60 | Colorado Travel: Durango & Silverton Trains by Jay Evans 62 | Fertile Ground by Mahlon Wigton 64 | Strain Review: Alaskan Ice by Husky Mushing 66 | The “Black Tuna” Robert Platshorn by Gregory Daurer 68 | The CBD Revolution by Dragonfly de la Luz 76 | This Month in Weed History: Hunter S. Thompson by Jake McGee 86 | Live Solar, Live Free by Mike Marino 89 | The Anti-Hemp Hemp Car by Bob Freville 92 | Colorado Concert Round Up by Dillon Zachara 101 | The Green Pages: Dispensary Directory

from the editors

j

kush

colorado’s premier cannabis lifestyle magazine uly is the month we celebrate our freedom as a nation. But with freedom comes restrictions

and sometimes the balance between the powers that be create turmoil and confusion. Just this past

A Division of Dbdotcom LLC

May, the Federal government got served; a coalition of activist groups including Americans for Safe

Publishers | Dbdotcom LLC

Access (ASA), Patients Out of Time (POT), the CRC, as well as several patients, filed suit against

Editor in Chief | Lisa Selan

the Federal government, demanding the Obama administration reclassify marijuana as medical marijuana (see article on page 22). This is a result of a 9-year delay on a motion by the Feds refusing to reclassify marijuana. Victims of the Federal misclassification include Mollie Fry and her husband Dale Schafer, both serving minimum five-year terms for using medical marijuana (see article on page

Assistant Editor | Wasim Muklashy Chief Executive Officer | Bob Selan Business Development | JT Wiegman

72), one of whom, Shafer, is literally dying as we type these words due to a lack of his medication. Time

Art Director | Robb Friedman, Joe Redmond

is running out for the Federal government to stop this ridiculous propaganda driven and baseless

Director of International Marketing & Public Relations | Cheryl Shuman

classification of cannabis.

Then we have the Haag memo in February that supposedly clarified the Ogden memo from 2009.

And just when we thought it was safe to jump back in the water, the jaws of the Federal government unleashed its fury yet again, this time with the ‘Cole memo,’ that just was released this past month.

The gist of Cole’s memo is that while the Federal government acknowledges states have passed laws and legalized medical marijuana, marijuana is still a controlled substance, classified as a Schedule 1

Director of Colorado Sales | Denise Mickelson Colorado Sales Rep | Amy Dilullo Advertising Sales Reps | Amanda Allen, Ed Docter, Charlene Moran, Jason Moran

drug and state law does not trump Federal law (see article on page 82). To date, sixteen states and the

Designers | Avel Culpa, Marvi Khero

District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of marijuana, with programs in various phases

Traffic Managers | Alex Lamitie, Kevin Johnson Ryan Renkema, Jordan Selan, Rachel Selan

of development. Besides Colorado, the states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. To add insult to injury, this is all occurring as Colorado is on the brink of granting

The gist of Cole’s memo is that while the Federal government acknowledges states have passed laws and legalized medical marijuana, marijuana is still a controlled substance, classified as a Schedule 1 drug and state law does not trump Federal law. licenses to medical marijuana centers, cultivators and infused product manufacturers. So if you weren’t confused enough before, join the club, and be even more confused now! So much for the land of the free.

So where does that leave the medical marijuana industry in Colorado? For Colorado it is business

Distribution Manager | Alex Lamitie Contributing Writers | Jake Browne, Al Byrne, Chef Herb, Robert J. Corry, Gregory Daurer, Tyler C. Davidson, Dragonfly de la Luz, Jay Evans, Valerie Fernandez, Bob Freeville, Carlos Herrera, Jade Kine, Sharon Letts, Mike Marino, Jake McGee, Wasim Muklashy, Husky Mushing, Ed Rosenthal, Elaine Ruggieri, Bob Selan, Cheryl Shuman, Mike Sonksen, Patricia Smith, W.A.M., Mahlon Wigton, Dillon Zachara Accounting | Dianna Bayhylle Internet Manager Dailybuds.com | Rachel Selan Dailybuds.com Team | JT Kilfoil & Houston

as usual. Fees have been established, licenses will be granted and medical cannabis will be available to patients (see article on page 22). With more and more studies being performed by reputable researchers regarding the medicinal values of the properties of marijuana, including the analgesic and numerous medical properties of cannabidiol (CBD) as discussed in the article on page 68, it will be harder for the Feds to continue to propagate their McCarthy-like theory that marijuana has no medicinal qualities. So continue to support the entities that are helping to fight the fight for what is right. Sure, we have to go through the motions, but we can’t lose.

On a lighter note … be sure to check out the Kush interview with blues rockers Rival Sons on page 42, where drummer Mike Miley discusses buds and the blues. And for those in need of a little getaway within our own beautiful state, we have three options for you this month: The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival (p 18), Colorado’s Palisade wine country (p 50), or, travel back to the future on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (p 60).

Thanks again for allowing Kush to bring you the latest and greatest in medical marijuana news and culture, and, as always, medicate responsibly!

Kush Editorial Board, www.dailybuds.com

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Founder | Michael Lerner SUBSCRIPTIONS KUSH Magazine is also available by individual subscription at the following rates: in the United States, one year 12 issues $89.00 surface mail (US Dollars only). To Subscribe mail a check for $89.00 (include your mailing address) to : DB DOT COM 24011 Ventura Blvd. Suite 200 Calabasas, CA 91302 877-623-KUSH (5874) Fax 818-223-8088 KUSH Magazine and www.dailybuds.com are Tradenames of Dbdotcom LLC. Dbbotcom LLC 24011 Ventura Blvd. Suite 200 Calabasas, CA 91302 877-623-KUSH (5874) Fax 818-223-8088 To advertise or for more information Please contact info@dailybuds.com or call 877-623-5874 Printed in the United States of America. Copyright ©2011. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the written written permission of Dbdotcom LLC.

Many of us take that annual physical examination that we probably should be getting for granted. We feel healthy so the thought of taking an afternoon off of work and sitting in a waiting room for an hour and a half makes it easy to pass up. There is also the issue of insurance coverage and affordability. But how important is it really and who benefits the most?

Considering a physical gives your doctor the ability to examine your body for possible signs of diseases, it is safe to say they are extremely important for some people. With today’s medical technology, detecting health problems early enough while treatment is still an option can make all the difference in the world - it can even be life-saving.

About 70 million adults feel the need to check in with their doctor yearly, but not everyone agrees that a yearly physical is necessary.

There is an ongoing debate and some people would argue that it is somewhat of an antiquated thought and that the average, healthy person can skip a few exams. Isn’t there value in just checking in with your doctor even just to motivate yourself to eat better, exercise and stay informed? In fact, at the very least, you could use the time to discuss your risk factors. With that in mind, here are a few indications that it might be time to book that appointment: • Hereditary Considerations: If you have family members who have had a heart attack or certain types of cancer, for ex ample, you may be at a higher risk for these diseases. The health of your parents and grandparents can reveal a lot.

• Medical History: If you have had medical problems in the past or if you have been taking medication for a long period of time, you should be evaluated.

• Age: Most people in their 20s are likely to come up clean during an exam. Unfortunately, as we age, so do our body parts.

• Lifestyle: If you are someone who eats poorly, smokes, never exercises or has a weight problem, you may be more prone to disease.

During your physical, your doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope to detect any irregular heartbeats or any other signs of heart disease such as Aortic Valve Stenosis (AS). AS is the narrowing of the aortic valve opening. Your doctor should also listen to your lungs for crackles, wheezing or any other unusual breathing sounds, which could be indicative of lung disease. And by just tapping the abdominal area or listening for bowel sounds, your doctor can detect abdominal fluid and liver size. A routine visit could also involve a cholesterol and colon cancer screening, as well as an evaluation of your vital signs - blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate and temperature.

• Blood Pressure: 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic) is normal.

This is your maximum and minimum pressure during each heartbeat. Anything greater than 140 over 90 is considered high blood pressure or hypertension.

• Heart Rate: This is the number of heart-beats per minute (bpm). A healthy resting heart rate is 60-80 bpm. However, it would not be unusual for an athlete to have a resting heart rate far below 60.

• Respiration Rate (also known as Pulmonary Ventilation Rate): This is the number of breaths a person takes per minute.

The average respiration rate for an adult is 12-20 breaths per minute.

• Temperature: This is the measure of your body’s ability to generate and release heat. When you are hot, your blood vessels expand carrying excess heat to the skin’s surface.

When you are cold, your blood vessels narrow, reducing the blood flow to your skin. Your body temperature changes throughout the day but the average “normal” is 98.6 °F. A woman’s check-up should include a gynecological and breast examination. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in this country, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

And starting at the age of 40, men should have their prostate checked every year. Every three minutes, a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States.

How often you should see your doctor for a physical is a personal decision. But it is important to see your doctor at some point. After all, if mammograms, pap smears, cholesterol screenings, colon cancer screenings and prostate cancer screenings are all known to save lives…

-Elaine is the former host of “The Shape Fitness Show” on 97.1FM and 980AM in Los Angeles. Check out her site at GodaiFit.com

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State of the state

by Bob Selan

Although July 1, 2011 was the formal date that the new statewide Medical Marijuana laws in Colorado went into effect, little, if anything, had happened by that date. The Department of Revenue (DOR), the governing body that oversees the enforcement of medical marijuana laws, was admittedly not ready to process or issue licenses as required by State law.

However, even in cases where there are issues with applications, the applicant will not immediately be turned down, but rather given a written notice about what the issues or concerns are and then have the opportunity to submit information to help comply with the state’s requests. If necessary, businesses could be asked to come down to the state offices for a meeting to help them work out any logistics.

The uncertainties that are surrounding implementation of the new MMJ law has caused a great amount of confusion and concerns for medical marijuana centers, cultivators and infused product manufacturers who remain unaware of the actual amount of fees they would be responsible for, or whether they will even be one of the businesses that gets licensed. With this glaringly obvious lack of information, Colorado has been a hotbed of rumors, causing much speculation as to when and how much license fees will be due to the state.

The point is that the state does not want to give up this new found revenue stream and it appears that there will be some solutions to issues that will inevitably come up, including, but certainly not limited to, such things as out of state investors and residency requirements.

While no official amounts have been released by the DOR, the word was that the MMC licenses would be less than the amounts paid in 2010, while the infused product and cultivation license fees could be a bit more.

Unfortunately for some MMJ business owners, the rapid implementation of the laws passed in 2010 caused many to partner with businesses and individuals that they did not know and would not have necessarily entered into a partnership with, if it were not for the new laws. Some of these new relationships have turned sour, akin to bad marriages, causing some to separate and even divorce.

Others have just had enough and have ended up selling their businesses. As Hartman put it, this is just normal attrition in business that you see in other industries. It is basically survival of the fittest, or, in this case, the best capitalized with the best management.

In May, Kush did an interview with Dan Hartman, the head of the Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division of the DOR, and learned that out of the approximate 1,600 applications filed, only nine have been declined (and those were for failure to satisfy the 70% grow requirement) and none, as of the date of the May interview, had been approved. Hartman opined that while July 1st was the date that the licenses were to be awarded, he was still in the process of training his staff to meet the tedious application process for these new businesses. In addition, there have been approximately fifty medical marijuana businesses that have closed because they were operating in cities that have banned medical marijuana centers. Hartman was hopeful that his department would get some relief on the July 1st date, since it was his belief that they would not be ready.

The state plans to start issuing licenses as soon as possible. According to Hartman, they do not want to turn down anyone, but he said that some applicants just can’t meet some of the state law criteria.

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In the meantime, it is business as usual and patients and businesses should feel no major change in the way that the current MMJ businesses operate in Colorado.

Even though the July 1st date has come and gone, state officials continue to work with business owners who are earnestly attempting to comply with the new rules. According to Hartman, “We really don’t want to put anyone out of business, it just may take a little longer because we want to get it done right.”

There certainly is a shakeout and consolidation taking place in this new medical cannabis frontier, but overall the Colorado cannabis community is vibrant and will survive not only this new licensing regime but will be around for the long run to serve patients. After all, it’s in the State’s best interests as well.

Have you ever surfed

...on hemmmpppp?

by Jake McGee

Summer is in full swing here in sunny California, and the swells of the Pacific are far too tempting to ignore. The waves are irresistible this time of the year, and while die-hard surfers hit the water all year, summertime remains the friendliest time of the year to play in the ocean.

Surfing isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life. To some, it’s even a religion. Not only is it exciting and invigorating, it’s one of the purest forms of active meditation one can embrace, connecting with the massive sea and being practically forced into harmony with the tide. You become part of the ocean, one with nature as the modern world quickly fades away back on dry land.

Yes, surfing takes skill and practice, and even the most seasoned surfer can get hurt or even killed by the pounding water...but that’s the nature of dealing with an untamed sea. You are not in control- she is. This very abandon is what makes surfing so alluring, because while you have to master the sport to fully appreciate it, no matter how good at surfing you get, you’re nevertheless at the will of the ocean.

Up until recently, surfing was done on boards made from either wood or some kind of polymerbased foam (polyurethane or polystyrene), and covered with fiberglass. This provides a weird dichotomy for people so deeply in touch with nature, surfing on boards made from materials not so friendly to the environment.

But that was then, and now it’s 2011. People have options! Just as some rich executive can tool around the streets of Los Angeles in a gas/ electric hybrid car, surfers now have the choice of using hemp surfboards to ride the tides on.

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Hemp Surfboards are built with one form of biofoam or another, coated with hemp fiber.

Not only is this move eco-friendly, hemp fiber is stronger and gives a better flex than fiberglass.

We could go on and on about how this reduces global warming and what not...and maybe we should, but surf’s up! This leaves little time to preach to the choir.

While it’s still a small part of the surfboard market, hemp surfboard makers represents a growing supplement to the longstanding industry. Here are a couple of makers to choose from:

Hemp Surf

hempsurfboards.com Hemp Surf offers the Kaimanu Shapeshifter, hand-built to any size, style and design you want. The basic Eco board is hand-shaped from Greenfoam, hand grassed with hemp cloth (fibergrass) and epoxy, Kaimanu Grass on fins. The Kaimanu Fin is a handmade recycled redwood fin and performs with the integrity of a thousand years of slow growth in the coastal redwood forests of California, the tallest trees in the world. Get the board made specifically for you!

U.S. Hemp Co.

tellthechildrenthetruth.org/Surf Get a 100% Hemp Grassed board with your choice of 50% Sugar Cane blend or EPS core.

They sell a wide range of boards for all skill sets, from the classic “Funshape” to thrusters to longboards. The skin is made from 100% hemp fiber, delivering a true bio-based product from renewable agricultural resources, in many stylish varieties.

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those who are aware of the natural splendor of Crested Butte, you may already have your booking for this year’s installment of the annual Wildflower Festival. If you don’t yet, here is your chance to be a part of something extraordinary. This non-profit Festival began in 1986, when some locals decided that the surrounding area and its wildflowers were worth appreciating. Now fifteen years later, this Festival has grown into a week-long celebration, this year held July 11-17, with over 200 classes offered by eighty instructors, tour guides and volunteers.

With an elevation of 12,168 feet, this famous butte (a conspicuously isolated hill, with steep sides and a flat top) is amidst the Elk Mountains, and has long been known for being a recreational hub in Central Colorado. Popular activities include skiing, rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, hunting and fishing.

With so many things to see and do, it would make for a great visit anytime, but it’s especially nice during the wildflower season. Not only has Spring sprung, but Summer is now in session, and the ice is meltin’ – the perfect storm for some of Mother Nature’s most splendid color palletes to thrive. These extra added colors which speckle this landscape truly makes for some eye-catching and picturesque views.

So, let’s do this…let’s hike…

Whether you are a novice, or a pro, there are trails of all levels to explore and capture the scenery. Guides will lead you to the most popular outlooks, where you can appreciate the wildflowers in their natural habitats. If you aren’t physically up to, or unable to, participate in the hiking, there are van tours, and for the more adventurous bunch, they even offer 4x4 off road tours.

If you happen to be more of the studious type, and would like to learn about these unique wildflowers while embarking into the wild, 18

the Wildflower festival serves as the perfect classroom to learn all about the region’s botany, and all of its wonderful gifts. The Festival has class hikes available to learn as you go, ranging from simple names and identification of flora and fauna, to searching and understanding edible plants for medicinal purposes.

And what would a Wildflower Festival in Colorado be without art classes? These hands-on workshops allow guests the opportunity to create their own unique beautiful mementos to take home and share with family and friends. Build a clay vase, fire it in the kiln, then paint it and fill it with some wild flowers. Learn the ancient therapeutic techniques of Japanese ink painting, and bring your easel along for some plein air (open air) painting. There’s even a rock painting class, where guests learn to paint in acrylic and clear coat their rocks to be used as decorative garden ornaments.

And once you’ve had a chance to stimulate your senses, what better way to let it all sink in and process than a relaxing and meditative yoga session? The Wildflower Festival has got you covered on this front as well. Both kids and adults can experience yoga and the wildflowers in one setting. Imagine yourself in a downward facing dog, crane, or half-moon pose, all while soaking in the beautiful naturally painted surroundings of Crested Butte.

With a population of about 2,000, this quaint little town really welcomes visitors to this annual event with wide smiles and open arms. Make sure to book your classes early, as they do sell out. You can find everything you need to attend at www.CrestedButteWildflowerFestival.com. So get back to nature, and enjoy the butte-eful gifts right here in our own backyard.

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9 years ago, a formal petition was filed by The Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis (CRC), which was followed by a formal recommendation in 2006 from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the final arbiter in the rescheduling process, to declassify marijuana from a Schedule I substance.

As recently as July of last year, the DEA issued a 54-page “Position on Marijuana,” but failed to even mention the CRC petition. If they figured that our medicine would make that petition an almost decade old distant foggy memory, well, they figured wrong.

We’ve waited long enough…the industry, the market, the state and local politicians and business communities, the medical community…everyone has continued to move forward and progress on the issue save for one…important…link: the federal government. So on May 23, 2011, A Coalition comprised of advocacy groups including the CRC, Americans for Safe Access (ASA), Patients Out of Time, as well as individually named patients filed suit in the DC Circuit Court to compel the Obama administration to answer the petition to reclassify medical marijuana.

The writ of mandamus filed on May 23, which argues that cannabis is not a dangerous drug and that there is more than enough scientific evidence of its therapeutic value, accuses the government of unreasonable delay in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act. "The federal government's strategy has been delay, delay, delay," said Joe Elford, Chief Counsel of ASA and lead counsel on the writ. "It is far past time for the government to answer our rescheduling petition, but unfortunately we've been forced to go to court in order to get resolution."

The writ calls out the government for unlawfully failing to answer the petition despite an InterAgency Advisory issued by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006 and "almost five years after receiving a 41-page memorandum from HHS stating its scientific evaluation and recommendations."

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"Despite numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies establishing that marijuana is effective" in treating numerous medical conditions, the writ claims, the government "continues to deprive seriously ill persons of this needed, and often life-saving therapy by maintaining marijuana as a Schedule I substance."

Additionally, the two largest physician groups in the country, the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Physicians, have both called on the federal government to review marijuana’s status as a Schedule I substance. Even the National Cancer Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health, added cannabis to its website earlier this year as a Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) and recognized that, "Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years prior to its current status as an illegal substance." Heck, in a 1988 ruling on a prior rescheduling petition, even the DEA's own Administrative Law Judge Francis Young recommended in favor of reclassification stating that, "Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man."

So this lawsuit could not have come soon enough.

The good news is that even a formal rejection of the CRC petition would enable the group to challenge in court the government’s assertion that marijuana has no medical value, an assertion that can only further propel the movement forward, especially with more than a half century of research proving otherwise - research whose findings, in many cases, are supported by everyone from the American Medical Association to the National Cancer Institute.

If we need to do this the good ol’ fashioned American way…in the courthouse…then so be it. This time, unlike any other time in history, the momentum is on our side.

For more information, including the language of the writ and how you can help, please visit AmericansForSafeAccess.org

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A Spotlight on Dispensaries Helping Communities While there are certainly great deals available at many Colorado dispensaries, there are also shops that are doing a great deal for their communities We let you in on 3 of them last month…here’s a couple more for July…

Kindness Cannabis

“How many people do you know that will die?” asks Patrick Harrington, owner of Kindness Cannabis. It’s a very real question when talking about medical cannabis, and a question they don’t shy away from. Neither do the folks at Namaste Hospice.

Kindness Cannabis, which also operates yoga studios throughout the metro area, deals with wellness in a very holistic way. When the state declared that patients had to wait 35 days before they could legally purchase medicine, Harrington became concerned with how they could provide care for those in hospice situations.

For them, 35 days can be the difference between life and death.

“We talked with the MMED’s (Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division) Dan Hartman and Matt Cook about this concern. We wanted a sane and humane way for patients to deal with end of life issues,” says Harrington.

Enter Namaste Hospice, the first hospice center in the Denver metro area to publically accept medical cannabis. Using MMJ has a number of benefits for these severely ill patients, saving them thousands on medical bills. One of the biggest, Harrington notes, is in their quality of life.

“Opiates are a bad way to go out; they leave most patients drooling and incoherent. Cannabis helps people feel connected.”

By providing meds to Namaste patients, Kindness Cannabis stays connected, as well.

st Southwe are C e v i t a n Alter to stereotypes about mfoarreijunooanna,

money be ho buy in For those wem like trying to raise sary, it’s se r one dispen ht ig Fo . m n it io it os ies. op pr local charit foolish would be a r a variety of fo 00 ,5 $2 over helped raise B Friends uar y, DUM ct n an Sa al nim rado’s Hum The Wild A e, and C olo ic at sp o th H s n te io as anizat League, Nam w of the org ints to are just a fe Bradley po gn an ai m p ru am T O E C s e’ Rights C ar C r.

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e about Southwest are passionat ill around, w d o go r ei MJ related to spread th focus on M ly p m In an ef fort si t well because n’ Care does tact them as e n iv co at to n for s er p lt A grou in-win-win ey encourage eek. It’s a w w y er ev charities. Th y ciar their benefi they change . ed lv vo everyone in

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Here’s one for the trophy case…Pure Glass brand spankin’ new premier piece, the aptly titled Zero˚X4, is like nothing we’ve ever seen before. As part of the company’s second high end line, Zero Degree, all we could think when we saw this arrive at the office was ‘what in the hell are we supposed to do with this!!??’ It was overwhelming at best to piece together 6 heavy glass masterpieces into one spectacularly succinct smoking machine.

The weight alone of the freezable quad coils plays testament to the quality of this monstrously magnificent device, and tracing the path of how the smoke would make its way through the various chambers and compartments already made us feel medicated…but we didn’t want to take any chances, so we placed the frozen quad coil in place, packed a sweet nug of Platinum Snowcap, and fired this puppy up!

The first thing you notice is how smooth this hit is…which is quite surprising coming from a piece that’s just about 2 feet high and made out of enough glass to cover a skyscraper. But it really is…it’s remarkably smooth…almost like vapor. The frozen glycerin coils serve to filter resin out of the smoke, and it works really really well. No joke, it’s as close to a vaporizer hit we’ve had without using a vaporizer...and the cool drift down the esophagus and into the lungs was quite…invigoratingly refreshing!

The 6 piece device comes in black, green, blue, pink, purple, and amber and, in addition to the weighty freezable glycerin quad coil section, the Zero˚X4 includes a thick and sturdy 14mm glass bowl, removable shower head ash-catcher, diffused downstem and beaker system.

And if the quad coil Zero˚X4 is too much to handle, there’s also the single coil Zero˚Rev, an almost identical piece save for 3 of the elaborate glycerin coils.

All of the Zero Degree products feature high end frosted glass that serve as the connector points between the thick double-beaker bottom and the coil sections above it. As a matter of fact, this frosted glass method provides non-sticky connection points between all the removable sections as well, including the bowl and the downstem, making the Zero˚X4 made completely of glass…and, depending on what strain you use, full of class.

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LoDo Wellness Center 1617 Wazee Street #B1 Denver CO 80202.

Natures Best 4601 E. Mississippi Ave. Glendale, CO 80246

Denver Med Stop 5926 E Colfax Ave Denver CO 80220

Green Miracle Medicinals 985 HWY 133 Carbondale, CO 81623

Mile High Remedies, Inc 4155 E Jewell Ave. Ste 310 Denver, CO 80222

Top Buds 575 Valley St. Ste 10 Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Herbs Medicinals 435 Mountain Ave. Berthoud, CO 80513

Stone Mountain Wellness 600 Airport Rd. Bldg. A, Ste.F1 Longmont, CO 80503

Rocky Mountain Wellness Center East 2231 Bruce Randolf St. Denver, CO 80205 Medical Herbs of Fountain 66950 Highway 85 Fountain, CO 80817 Health Point Wellness 2233 Academy Pl. Colorado Springs, CO 80909

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Multiple Denver & Colorado locations. Please call or visit our website.

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At a time in human history when the “British Empire” existed, part of the land grab was India. The British occupied the country, massed thousands of regular Army troops on Indian soil and installed a form of governance titled the British Raj. The British ran India, all of it. The Medical College of Calcutta was no exception. Supplementing and administering Indian trained doctors were physicians sent from the British Isles to care for British subjects and, as doctors anywhere do, also care for their local, in this case, Indian “subjects.”

One physician so detailed to Calcutta was a young Irish doctor, William B. O’Shaughnessy (1808-1889). His tour of duty was to change what was then modern medicine and ultimately he will have changed our modern medical approach to health as well. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with an MD degree in 1829.

O’Shaughnessy may have been young but he was smart and inquisitive and a man of many talents. In 1831 he discovered the fluid electrolyte treatment for cholera. Eight years later, he discovered for the European world therapeutic cannabis.

Cholera kills by dehydrating the patient by the processes of vomiting and diarrhea until fatal. The electrolyte treatment was a major step in overcoming the dehydration but many patients still died.

In India he observed that local physicians, both Hindu and Mohammedan scholars, used a cannabis product to halt the dehydration and increase survival.

His past research experience he put into play again. Ever cautious he experimented with a variety of hemp preparations on various animals

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and concluded that cannabis was not toxic to them. From this, he theorized that it would not be toxic to humans either. He was right.

In 1973 Dr. Tod Mikuriya wrote, “O’Shaughnessy successfully relieved the pain of rheumatism and stilled the convulsions of an infant with this strange new drug. His most spectacular success came, however, when he quelled the wrenching muscle spasms of tetanus and rabies with the fragrant resin.”

When word reached London in 1840 that a drug had been found that could save a cholera victim from death the island rejoiced. The London Times proclaimed cannabis a “miracle drug.” It was now understood that cannabis was an antiemetic in Europe while other parts of the world had understood that action of the cannabis plant for centuries. Today the antiemetic (deters vomiting) properties of cannabis are well understood by oncology nurses, physicians and patients who are involved in chemotherapy treatment.

The knowledge of cannabis then seems much like today. Parts of humanity knew about and used cannabis for a variety of ailments in the 1800s while others either ignored or simply were unaware of its healing traits. In 2011, under federal U.S. law, cannabis is prohibited for any purpose, including, by default, the elimination of human suffering. As of this writing, a whole tincture of the cannabis plant is used in 23 countries around the globe. The product is called Sativex ® and has been developed and produced in – Britain.

In the U.S., cannabis has been declared by government ideologues at both the state and federal levels as having no medical value. None.

The rest of the world is wrong and the US is right. It’s sort of like saying my god is the right one and your god sucks. But there is irony on

display. Aidan Hampson was the lead author on a U.S. patent, “Cannabinoids as Antioxidants and Neuroprotectants.” The assignee on the patent was Hampson’s employer, “The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services.”

Between 1840 and 1900 in Europe and North America, over 100 articles about the therapeutic value of cannabis were published. In the U.S. major pharmaceutical companies, Parke-Davis and Eli Lilly among them, produced medicinal “Cannabis Americana” for men, women and children. Cannabis became a staple for animals suffering from colic.

Then came the 1930s. And with the 1930s came “Reefer Madness.”

Cannabis was kidnapped, held hostage, and renamed marijuana and marijuana became prohibited. All a deception, all a lie and all based on ignorance stemming from the powerful Hearst and DuPont lobbies against hemp production, which was beginning to be more and more efficient, in effect threatening their own business empires.

Now, cannabis researchers around the world are disparaged by pundits and U.S. federal government propagandists. The unenlightened talking heads, placed on your TV screen by the funds that paid for advertisements of pharmaceuticals that kill your liver or make your nose fall off, never talk of O’Shaughnessy and the thousands he saved giving them cannabis; of the research he spawned that led to the discovery of cannabinoid receptors in all animals; and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that world-wide science has recently discovered. Far from being maligned as a quack, O’Shaughnessy would later be knighted by Queen Victoria for yet another major accomplishment, the establishment of a telegraph system in India.

Yesterday I listened to our President say that as far as decisions about same sex marriage, the states should decide. I can’t quote him but he left the room with me believing that the President thought that decisions that are totally personal, like who you can love, should be a decision made by citizens that are not elected to the federal level of authority and that these “same sex” folks should enjoy freedom of choice and the equal benefits of citizenry. I agree.

So why are the states and DC, which have reinstalled cannabis into their medical pharmacopeia, being harassed, their citizens jailed, their patients denied a medicine? Why aren’t the people of our states and territories able to decide about their personal health as they can with whom love and marry, Mr. President?

Doctors and nurses in the U.S., Israel, Spain, Canada and more have and are leading patients and their health care peers into the 1840s again. An excellent source of the current medical findings about medicinal cannabis use is “O’Shaughnessy’s” The Journal of Cannabis in Clinical Practice, a newspaper that is published in California as necessary to update current cannabis research from all countries. The journal began in 2003 and should be required reading for every employee of every cannabis dispensary in the US. It summarizes in detail the numerous advancements in therapeutic cannabis knowledge with experts commenting on and explaining results from around the world.

otic, neuroprotective, analgesic, appetite stimulant, relaxant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and more.

The historical medical texts of multiple cultures, some far richer in community and altruism than our present society, ages old and spread over four continents all found cannabis a reliable, gentle, medicine.

Aspirin, derived from another plant, the willow tree, only made its appearance in the 1880s. Before the age of pharmaceuticals, humans used cannabis and other natural herbs exclusively. I have a hard time imagining what the naysayers of herbal medicine are thinking when they decry herbal treatment. How do they think the human race got here? What do they think our fore-bearers used to survive the diseases and traumas of the past?

In the early 1900s U.S., cannabis was the most prescribed medicine.

The tinctures, salves, cigarettes and patches containing cannabis were available in every pharmacy in the country dispensed by doctors without worry of overdose or toxicity. Medical school courses on therapeutic cannabis use were as prevalent as instruction on washing your hands for cleanliness. Nursing manuals emphasized cannabis safety and it’s far ranging usefulness.

I may have missed it but some 20 years after the discovery of receptors in the human body for cannabis compounds, some 15 years after the discovery of the endocannabinoid system that is responsible for homeostasis, there is not a medical school or nursing school in the US that even mentions the ECS in its educational curricula. For nurses that’s four years of school, for MDs about 8. Not a word about cannabis. Instead they learn about marijuana as a drug of abuse.

Did W. B. O’Shaughnessy, MD make an error? Did the British troops he saved just get lucky? Were his Indian medical cohorts delusional? Did humans survive in India for centuries before the British showed up using “bhang” because their physiological make up is different from ours now? No. What is delusional is the current debate flowing through our political class about using cannabis medically that bases its “talking points” not on validated science and clinical success, but rather the warped and avaricious greed of pharmaceutical companies, law enforcement cabals sustained by a pogrom on cannabis patients and recreational users, and other drug companies such as Seagram’s and Coors.

Dr. O’Shaughnessy would be appalled I think by the behavior of his peers in medicine in this modern era. He did the work, he found an answer, he told the world that he lived in and that world felt relief and hope from a relentless list of killers. Most of his modern medical peers stand dumb to that knowledge and those results.

The US government can continue to try to change history and censor old knowledge but the world is waking up to the new science that supports cannabis as medicine. We need to build on the old knowledge of O’Shaughnessy and allow the “wonder drug” to do it’s healing.

Al Byrne for Patients Out of Time

Why cannabis worked on hydrophobia or stilled tetanus was not a concern on 1840 London. It worked and did no harm. A wonder drug indeed. In 21st century medicine, with the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, it once again looks like cannabis is a wonder drug.

The cannabinoids found in the plant have an assortment of therapeutic properties such as: anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antioxidant, antibi-

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You may be one of those people who have developed a need for caffeine to get your day going. Or maybe you are starting to notice you get sick more than your friends and co-workers. You may even look in the mirror and find your skin doesn’t quite look as good as it should for your age. These are pretty good signs that it may be time for a cleanse.

The toxins we accumulate just by living our lives day to day contribute to low energy, poor health and premature aging. Let’s face it, we all need to get the trash out of our bodies every now and then.

A toxin is a chemical or poison known to be harmful to your body.

Unfortunately, they are everywhere including in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. Your body will process toxins and release them through the lungs, skin, kidneys and gastro-intestinal tract. But they continue to add up from the toxic metals in the water we shower and cook with to the pesticides used to protect fruits and vegetables from insects to the antibiotics and hormones used to plump chickens and get more milk from cows. More than 100,000 toxic chemicals are found in the environment these days. They enter the body and are usually stored in the fat deposits. All this puts a tremendous burden on the body, which was never really designed to handle today’s lifestyle challenges.

When the body is burdened with too many toxins your organs are unable to do their job such as filtering waste, absorbing nutrients or resisting infection. Men and women are also at risk that exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment can create a hormonal imbalance.

Chemicals can mimic estrogen (known as xeno, or foreign, estrogenic compounds) and cause reproductive disorders.

So what can we do to help our bodies release these problemcausing toxins? Detoxification

There are many simple ways to detox or cleanse your body in your everyday life.

Juice Fasting: Juicing is one of the best ways to detox because

it enables you to get all the nutrients you need without consuming too much, therefore, your body can focus on releasing toxins and not digesting heavy foods. This is a realistic and comfortable way to detox for anyone.

Raw or Vegetarian Diet: Raw foods such as fruit and vegetables are easily digested and minimize any burden on the body also allowing it to focus on eliminating toxins and healing. (see our previous article on the Vegan Cleanse in the May edition of Kush magazine).

Fasting: Fasting has been practiced by many cultures. Taking a day periodically and drinking only water gives your body a break from working hard and will promote elimination. This may be more difficult

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for some as it is a more aggressive approach. You may want to check with your doctor before fasting if you are taking medication or are in the middle of any kind of treatment.

Sauna: Sweating is a great way to eliminate toxins. Most people have access to a sauna at a local gym. If you are healthy, you can sit in a sauna a couple of times a week for about 30 minutes. You may need to ease into this as it can take time to build up a tolerance to the heat.

Be sure to drink at least 8 ounces of water an hour before you go in and replenish when you get out.

Colonic: A colonic flushes the colon using water. This is a very gentle process that provides a way for your body to eliminate toxic bile.

Exercise: Walking, running, yoga and even dancing can help rid the body of toxins. When you exercise, you actually clean your internal organs. Because you breathe deeply, you take in more oxygen which helps your cells to perform optimally and that includes detoxing.

Dry-Skin Brushing: Dry brushing with strokes toward the heart

promotes healthy blood flow, which contributes to the release of toxins.

You can purchase a dry brush at most health food stores.

You can also find many detox programs available at health food stores and online. These can be very intense for the average person.

Many experts feel that it is better to make detoxification a part of your lifestyle rather than participating in a program a couple of times a year.

There are many advantages to detoxing:

• Cleaning your kidney, liver and blood

• Lose weight

• Increased energy

• Eliminate excess waste

• Younger looking skin

• Relieve acne problems

• Enhance your immune system Everyone is exposed to toxins. Depending on geography and lifestyle, some people may be exposed to more than others. A few changes in your routine can make a tremendous difference in how you look and feel. And the benefits of detoxification as a preventative measure are priceless.

-Elaine is the former host of "The Shape Fitness Show" on 97.1FM and 980AM in Los Angeles. Check out her site at GodaiFit.com

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by Patricia Smith Democratic strategists see a developing trend that could make marijuana reform a key issue in the 2012 election. Taking a page from the Republican handbook, the Democrats believe that getting liberal MMJ initiatives on the ballot will turn out the youth vote much like the Republicans used the issue of banning gay marriage in the 2004 election to bring home a win for Bush.

Polls are being conducted in Colorado and Nevada, states that will be crucial to Obama’s re-election efforts, to test the power of marijuana initiatives to drive voter turnout. Ballot initiatives don’t usually affect turnout, but strategists believe that the right initiatives can target certain groups of voters enough to make a difference in close elections. Bush won Ohio by 2% which decided the election.

Anna Greenberg, a Democratic pollster, surmised that MMJ initiatives could have a coattail effect for Democratic candidates. She found that voter interest jumped from 25% to 38% when marijuana initiatives were on the ballot.

If a lesson was learned from the 2010 election, where the Democratic Party lost 63 seats in the House and 6 in the Senate nationwide, it was that marijuana reform draws liberal voters to the polls. Although unsuccessful, Prop 19, which would have legalized marijuana for persons 21 years or older in California, brought out the youth vote which was essential to the Democratic win. While Prop 19 was ultimately defeated by a vote of 53.6% to 46.2%, Democrats won every major race including the Governorship, Attorney General and both Senate seats although they were outspent by their opponents by margins as large as 6 to 1.

MMJ Activists will likely have the support of liberal philanthropist, Peter Lewis of Progressive Insurance Companies. Mr. Lewis was quoted in The Wall Street Journal as saying, “changing marijuana laws is emerging as one of the leading national issues in the coming years...Change is inevitable and my priority is to make that change positive.”

Unfortunately, it seems that California Democrats are failing to heed the advice of their own strategists as support for medical marijuana in the legislature has slipped dramatically during the past two years. In February 2009, Assembly Member Tom Ammiano (D-SF) introduced a law, AB 1176, to tax and regulate marijuana for adults over the age of 21 in the same manner as alcohol, which could have generated 1.3 billion dollars in revenue for our cash-strapped state. It passed the Senate 40-0 and the Assembly 78-0 only to be vetoed by then Governor Schwartzeneggar four days later.

Fast-forward two years. The mood has changed in Sacramento to the point that Democratic legislators have introduced bills that would force many dispensaries to close and outlaw marijuana cultivation within 600’ of a residential zone. This would include many small cultivators who grow in their backyards for dispensary patients. Senate Bill 847 and AS 1300 would turn much of the democratic voting base into felons overnight - and felons can’t vote.

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Deputy U.S. Attorney General James Cole issued a controversial memo earlier this month in an attempt to clarify federal policy toward MMJ. The memo threatened enforcement against “Persons who are in the business of cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana and those who facilitate such activities” including local and state officials. The memo went on to say, “State laws or local ordinances are not a defense to civil or criminal enforcement of federal law.”

Banks and landlords have also been warned that they face fines, sanctions and prosecution if they engage with businesses involved with marijuana.

Cynergy Data, who processes a substantial amount of credit card transactions for MMJ businesses, announced that effective midnight, July 6, they will cease to provide service to the industry due to the pressure being exerted on them by this administration. Other banks and credit card processors are bailing out of the industry in mass exodus out of fear or duress from the feds.

Every move by our government seems to be designed to force the industry underground. Large cash transactions invite crime and corruption.

It seems more productive to have a transparent paper trail. Legislators need to craft a clear and comprehensive plan that allows dispensaries and cultivators to function like any other business throughout the state.

The message is loud and clear. If Democrats want to turn out their base in 2012, they would be well advised to get aboard the train. Medical marijuana could be the uniting issue for Democrats much like God, Gays & Guns has become for the Republicans. Otherwise, we may see a replay of the “shellacking” they got in 2010.

-Patricia Smith is the Administrator of GrassRootsSolutions, a MMJ advocacy group. You can reach her at grassrootssol@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.GrassRootsSolutions.org

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Since forming in 2008, Rival Sons has busted through the gate, blasting their fresh take on blues to audiences across the globe. They have the fever of a strong, young band of this contemporary era, with the soul and gritty depth of Muddy Waters.

More than any other genre or classification of music, blues-heavy rock has maintained its sound through the generations. While you could trace its origins as far back as you want (even cavemen sang the blues), once Muddy Waters helped pioneer the modern sound of the blues in the 60s, those most successful blues acts have typically kept the same basic format...one that has held up over time.

The good modern blues acts play it well, and keep the tonic feeling like new every time they pass it around. Rolling Stones and Credence Clearwater Revival made blues even cooler; Clutch pioneered a harder edge to the blues; now we have Black Keys and Jack White bringing a New Millennium sensibility to the arena.

This is where Rival Sons have stepped in, to take the reigns with the best blues record of the year, Pressure & Time. Indeed, Rival Sons sounds a lot like the hard, rockin’ blues of old, but with a modern flavor. The SOUL of their music resonates powerfully through the 10 tracks, and while on the surface you could imagine this being played live in some

Chicago bar in 1963, the spirit of the music is sheer 2011.

“I think what remains the same is the blues,” says drummer Mike Miley.

“The sounds change by the people who play the instruments, and what amps they're playing through. The Black Keys are playing through old gear; Jack White is playing through old gear. It's those tones from the 50s and 60s that are the best.”

To maintain the raw, urgent feel necessary for a good blues record, Rival Sons recorded Pressure & Time in 20 days, from scratch. “We wrote, recorded, mixed, mastered it in 20 days,” Miley tells us. “We wrote a song a day, recorded it.”

However, unlike similar experiments in the past - like when Neil Young and Crazy Horse went into the studio in 1973 to record Tonight's The Night, with no practice and tons of booze and weed - Rival Sons took a more calculated approach to this record.

As Miley puts it, “We really didn't really coop ourselves up. We went in fresh. We wanted it to be visceral; we intentionally went into the studio without any put-together songs, to keep that kind of fresh, alive quality to it. To us, that's kind of the backbone to rock & roll, it's loose and from the gut.”

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Of course, this is not to say they didn't party a little bit while making the record. They're rockstars! Of COURSE there was that delicate balance! Miley laughs in agreement, “I'd say every night, probably was night-capped with a joint or five.”

“What's funny, though, is I know so many people that are Republican, and they smoke weed. But the Republicans that are in office are really against it. And even the Democrats too, they're a bunch of pu***s, they can't get behind it.

Miley points out the realities and joys marijuana brings to music.

Marijuana “opened up my entire brain a whole new world. My first year in college, I had a roommate in college, one of my best friends, who turned me on to Yes, Jimi Hendrix, Grateful Dead, all these psychedelic bands that I had heard before, but never with the ears I had after I started smoking weed. Music comes alive on weed, man!

“I think Dennis Kucinich is like one of the only politicians that's cool with it. He's rad: he's vegan, he's got a hot model wife, he's a rad dude, man. I love Kucinich; every time he's in the primaries, I vote for him.”

“People just have to admit it: music sounds a lot better, from a piano concerto to Grateful Dead live at Hampton Theater in 1979, to Topographic Oceans by Yes. They all come alive when you've smoked a bowl.

As the band is currently touring Europe, Miley's access to marijuana is somewhat limited...but not devastated. “There's somebody in every town, every city, every place, every festival or whatever, somebody’s got weed. It's funny to see the different kinds of weed. You meet connoisseurs, and then you meet some dude who just has shake in a bag and wants to roll a joint for you. We'll be in the Netherlands on Friday...but so far, in Europe, I haven't seen really great, great weed.”

“Weed - or intoxication in general - has been attached to music since the inception of western music, which was around in the 15th Century. I know Beethoven and Mozart and all those guys were taking something. The idea of being high and listening, writing, composing, playing music high, is a godsend. It's definitely a gift from nature…I mean, I'm all for it. We could make aspirin out of it, it's the strongest fiber on the planet, we can make paper (and end deforestation).

There's so much we can do with weed, so I'm all for legalization.”

While they're enjoying playing gigs on the other side of the pond, Miley already has plans for his return to Southern California. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything better than California…first, I'm going to get a New York Sour Diesel and a Master Kush, so that I have a daytime and a nighttime. Maybe some Blue Dream, but New York Sour Diesel has never done me wrong, and it's a great, creative high. I want to write poetry, I want to practice my drums, I want to vacuum the house.

Miley adds that it's the propaganda that has kept cannabis illegal for so long. “Initially it was propaganda, and it was pounded into the American psyche, leading up to the illegalization in 1937. With William Randolph Hearst, all the Chicago banks and those people that were lobbying for it...that was the main thing. And it just got ingrained into the American psyche, kind of like the Russians, we're all still kind of afraid of the Russians, even after the Cold War's over for like 20 years.

“The Master/OG Kush are great for when you're winding down your day. But I can't talk when I'm on indicas, my speech goes out the window pretty much, so I reserve that for nighttime. Or after a show, a good indica gives a good body high after a show, it kind of helps the body unwind.

With my arms- being the drummer - I'm really wound up after playing.”

“Propaganda is a really powerful tool. If you're a part of NORML or any of these organizations that are for the legalization, you're just some dumb hippie. There are some really smart people that are behind the marijuana legalization movement, but they don't get the voice because of the propaganda machine, FOX News, Republicans, all of them.

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Then he nods, “You always gotta have some good Kush in your stash.” __ Jake McGee is the editor in chief of Kotori Magazine (www. kotorimagazine.com), an online arts/culture/politics venue. His work has appeared in sundry outlets, from Associated Press to Village Voice to Modern Dog Magazine, and everything in between.

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STARTING A SIX PLANT MEDICAL GARDEN Dan (Denver, CO): I recently got my medical marijuana card and want to start a 6-plant garden. I have a flower area 55” x 45”x 65” tall, lit with a 400w HPS. Is that enough light?

Ed: Your garden has an area of about 16 square feet (ft.2 ).

To grow high quality buds, plants require an adequate amount of light. Varieties differ in the intensity of the light they need to produce bountiful yields of high quality buds. Indica type plants require at least 50 watts per ft.2. Indica-Sativa hybrids need at least 55 watts. Sativa-Indica hybrids require about 65 watts per ft.2.

Use high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps with reflectors that direct the light down to the plants. If your garden is filled with Indicas, use a minimum of 750 watts. Lamps of this wattage are not generally available. Instead, use two 400-watt lamps, or increase the yield by supplying more light. If they are available in your area, switch to a 1000-watt lamp.

For the Indica-Sativa hybrids about 900 watts of light are required. There are no 900-watt lamps so you could use either a 400 and 600-watt lamp or a 1000-watt lamp if they are available.

The Sativa-Indica plant garden requires a minimum of 1050 watts. You could skimp a little by using 400 and 600-watt lamps together or a single 1000-watt lamp. The plants produce more with more light so you might consider two 600-watt lamps.

BUYING CLONES Dan Too (Denver, CO): A local dispensary has several varieties of clones for sale. Should I buy them or should I start my own? I want to harvest every couple of weeks. I go through about 1 ounce a week.

Ed: You are better off buying clones. You have a legal plant limit in Colorado, so if you grow clones you are spending part of that limit on growing plants that are readily available. Buying rooted clones speeds up your process since it takes about three weeks to root clones, eliminates the time and worry involved in cloning and gives you the opportunity to try different varieties.

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You should have two gardens. The first is to vegetate the clones you have purchased for one month. There will always be two plants in this space. Every two weeks a vegetating plant graduates to the flowering space. It will spend approximately 8 weeks in the space before it is mature. Varieties differ in flowering time so you may have to adjust the schedule a bit.

72 PLANTS Ajax Pr1me (Michigan): I live in Michigan, the 13th state to legalize medical marijuana. I am building a place for caregivers/ patients to grow their medical marijuana legally. The maximum number of plants each patient can have is 12 and the max number of patients one caregiver can have is 6, including himself. My question to you is, how big should each grow room be with the maximum number of plants per caregiver being 72.

How much power should each room have? Does each room need its own water source?

Ed: You are allowed to grow a total of 72 plants but there is no limit as to how large a plant can be, so it would be in your interest to produce the largest plants possible. Let’s start from the trial plants, the ones that you will grow out from seeds or clones you have obtained. You will choose the initial varieties from these plants. Take clones from these plants that will also be grown out, then after evaluating the results select the ones you want to use. Grow out all the clones except for the plants you have selected as mothers, which are kept in vegetative.

Figure that your plants will be in vegetative cycle for about 10 weeks and then in flowering for about eight, a total of 18 weeks. All of the plants in vegetative can be kept in a single room. Keep the flowering plants in a separate room.

Dividing 72 by 18 results in 4, the number of plants that are to be started each week for the full regimen. Each week four large clones are cut from the selected plants to begin their 18-week journey. Once they have rooted they are placed in planting mix or large individual module hydroponic containers.

They will remain in the vegetative room for a total of 10 weeks.

During this time they will be given enough room and large enough rooting space to support a plant that will grow to a diameter of approximately one meter. The height is not as important as the width.

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The plants will start out occupying a canopy space of 1 sq. ft. (ft.²), but by the time they leave the space they will be occupying about 9 ft.². So, you can figure that each plant uses an average of about 10 ft.2.

After about 10 weeks its time for the four plants to go into the flowering room, where they will spend the next 8 weeks or so under 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of light. They will each occupy a space of about 16 ft2. They are most conveniently lit using a single 1,000-watt lamp for each plant. If the largest lamp available is 600 watts use three lights over two plants.

These are going to be big plants, so the light should be kept high above them. There is a misconception that light energy dissipates with distance. The reality is that as the light beam spreads with distance its beam becomes less intense, but it delivers the same amount of energy. If the reflectors and their placement are designed to deliver the light to the plant canopy rather than disperse it to the walls or unoccupied space, the plants receive light from many directions, so less vegetation is in shadow. The other advantage of having the lights elevated from the plants is that there is less chance of foliage burn from heat and the plants get a more even light distribution. If the light were just a foot or two above the top of the plant the top canopy would receive far more light than the lower parts of the plant. When the light comes at a greater distance from different directions as a result of the wide beam from each lamp, the whole plant is more evenly illuminated.

FOLIAR FEEDING Brinka (Internet): Is foliar feeding necessary?

Ed: No. Plants can use their roots to deliver all the nutrients necessary for growth. However, they can absorb nutrients though their leaf stomata. These pore-like openings are used to exchange gasses such as oxygen and carbon dioxide and

Looking down at the stem of the plant. The stem was trained horizontally so the side branches grew vertically. This increased the area the plant occupied without it developing into a vertical giant.

to regulate temperature and turgidity through transpiration and water absorption. If the water contains dissolved nutrients they are also absorbed.

There are several advantages to foliar feeding to supplement root feeding. First, the nutrients are used as much as 20 times more efficiently than when they are provided through the roots.

They get directly to the plants. With root feeding only a small portion of the available nutrients are used.

Another advantage is that it gets to the plants much faster.

This is especially helpful when there are indications of a nutrient deficiency.

Generally speaking you can dilute the nutrient solution to 25% and spray the leaves until they drip. Gardeners often spray the plants with compost tea, which provides available nutrients and also coats the leaves with beneficial micro-organisms that protect it from pathogens. If there is a dark period in the light regimen, spray in the early part of the lit period. Don’t spray more than once a week. Don’t spray after the first four weeks of flowering.

You can use less fertilizer in the water/nutrient solution since the plants are getting some directly to the leaves.

Before trying this on your whole garden try it on a plant, or a part of a plant, first. Make sure to be a careful observer. If the plants are doing well continue, but if the plants react poorly to it, try another approach. One common problem is the water/ nutrient solution is too concentrated. Try a more dilute solution.

LOW STRESS TRAINING Buck Webster (Internet): What is LST?

The same plant as above, from the side. Notice the stem is supporting vertical side branches.

Ed: LST, short for low stress training, is a technique used to keep plants at a low height and to fill out the canopy. It can be used indoors or out.

Auxin is a growth hormone produced by the growing tip that

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inhibits the growth of side branches. A common way of stopping its production is to cut off the top of the growing tip, Then the side branches, now uninhibited, grow in a rosette around the cut tip.

LST inhibits auxin production by bending the main branch, including the growing tip, so it is in a sideways position. As it continues to grow it is trained to continue horizontal growth.

The side branches exhibit gravitropism; they orient themselves based on gravity. Since the stem is horizontal the branches start growing vertically. Each branch becomes a vertical stem.

Keeping the main stem horizontal saves a lot of vertical space so it is convenient to use when it is at a premium. This is not its only advantage. It is an excellent way to grow large plants.

Each of the side branches off the main stem becomes the equivalent of a vertical main stem. The single plant can spread out and become much larger than it would have if the main stem had been growing vertically.

There are many ways to keep the stem horizontal. Stakes, screens, and ties are often used. Indoors, the stem is often bent in a spiral within the container to conserve space within the canopy. However, in some circumstances it may be more convenient to keep the stem horizontal and straight. The advantage of that is that the new vertical stems line up in a straight row. Other advantages are that the plant does not grow as tall as it would have untrained, and does not have the stereotypical symmetrical canopy found in both top pruned and unpruned plants.

Outdoors, to grow the largest plant possible, start it early, perhaps under lights indoors. Use supplemental lighting to prevent flowering. Set the light cycle so it breaks up the dark period for a few minutes several times each evening. Give the plant LST so it has a lot of vertical “stems�, each ready to produce side branches. Then let it grow out.

Balconies and terraces can be used to flower plants. When used in conjunction with an indoor garden the size of the crop can increase dramatically. In mild and sub-tropical areas they can be used all year long. Long winter nights force the plants to flower as soon as they are placed outside.

A similar technique is grow a plant in a container without pruning its top until it reaches a certain height, then turning it sideways so the main stem is horizontal. The container has to be modified so the roots can be watered from the new top and drained from the new bottom. The new side, which was the open top, must be sealed. The branches that were growing sideways will reorient themselves vertically and grow their own side branches.

Readers can submit questions to: Ask Ed 4096 Piedmont Ave, Suite 268 Piedmont, CA 94611, USA. You can also Email Ed: asked420@gmail.com All questions featured in the Ask Ed column will be rewarded with a copy of Ed’s book, Best of Ask Ed: Your Marijuana Questions Answered. Sorry, Ed cannot send personal replies to your questions.

These plants were grown normally until they reached about a meter.

Then they were placed in a stockade so that the vertical stem was sticking out horizontally. the side branches grew upward and developed their own side branches. The new planting container made it easy to water the plants. This photo was taken post-harvest.

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Getting high with altitude and attitude? Is it possible? Or, is this just one of those grassy bowl “somebody-spoke-and-I-went-into-a-dream” John Lennon lyrical moments? Is this real? The answer is yes! Both, altitude and attitude do co-exist, two lovers heating it up under the sheets in the romantic Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Our tour target schedule for this literary journey is not merely one of those seeds and stems destinations. No sir, no ma’am. This is a full-tilt boogie Colorado burg with the nurturing spirit of nature, an abundance of ambiance when it comes to art, and heady wines and brews to appease even the most temperamental of gods. Today, our magic bus is heading out to the western quadrant of the state of Colorado, near Grand Junction to a town called Palisade. The area is surrounded in the north by imposing Roswell-type alien, yet natural, geologic formations known as, of course, “palisades.” Palisade occupies geography in a lush, green mountain valley nestled in the shadow of snow capped mountain peaks, which shield the region from the more adverse weather conditions, officially making the area “the banana belt” of Colorado. In addition to its tempting temperate climate, the nutrient rich soils are conducive to growing world class grapes for the vintner’s craft. Good soil for wine making in the parlance of the vintner is call “terroir” and in the Palisade area, the grape growing terroir kicks ass!

Varied varietal laden vineyards line the landscape for miles, as far as the eye can see, disappearing out of view and over the edge of the endless horizon, which appears infinite. A luxurious strand of agricultural pearls, grapes - large, juicy grapes - perfect for the carnival atmosphere of the annual barrel stomp, which precedes the robust imbibing of vino, with the driving force of Bacchanalia helping you to create your own version of paradise, found, not lost. So, this is paradise? Sort of.

It’s damn close - it’s Palisade!

Good wining comes with a side order of gastronomical delights.

Food and wine pairings are an art form in some of the local restaurants, so when the munchies do hit, you can do some bistro bopping, or wander into a world of Mediterranean, Japanese, or Italian eateries to tempt the taste buds. After a meal, you can visit one of the bakeries for some of the Valley’s best cookies, breads and cakes for the sweet tooth cravings that may erupt as fast as a irate volcano. They may not have “magic” brownies on hand, but who knows, maybe an Alice B. Toklas Bakery will open its doors to cater to the take-out tokers at all hours, day or night.

Palisade wineries have their share of tasting rooms, but, for the brew crowd, there are micro-bars serving up boutique micro brews, or for that rough and tumble he-manly Hemingway hidden away deep in the well of your psyche, you may want to treat yourself, (and the spirit of Ernest!) to the offerings of one of the fine distilleries in Palisade. You can tour as a solo pathfinder or take a commercial tour.

Architecturally, Palisade is as Victorian cheeky as San Francisco.

Downtown shopping is an eclectic experience. What about culture?

Palisades has it by the bowlful. An exploding local art scene with artisans shops that produce everything from hand-crafted, colorful, kaleidoscopic stained glass works that Lucy in the Sky would be proud of, to prevalent potters practicing their craft, and, of course, numerous

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galleries with works of visual framed art adorning their walls. The local Palisade art scene is thriving and growing like our favorite “weed.”

When it comes to lodging, you can take a load off in comfort in a quaint bed and breakfast, a local or chain motel, or inn. If you are a tent, backpack, sleeping bag haiku-hobo as I am, fear not, there are rustic, (and some not so rustic) campgrounds nearby for those of us who like to simply pitch a tent and listen to our inner muse as we enjoy a sky full of stars and the crackling of a warm campfire. If you happen to have the gang loaded and loaded up aboard an RV, (the modern day Godzilla version of the V-Dub micro bus of yesteryear) then head to the RV Ranch pardner, as it is one of the best parks to park your mechanical pony in Colorado. If not in an RV, they have cabins available for that naughty knotty pine experience. There are other campgrounds in nearby Fruita and Grand Junction.

The Colorado River cuts through the center of Palisade, and although calm most of the year, the winter-spring mountain snow melt has her racing through the region, a white water junkies fix truckin’ through the main artery of high country wine country. Colorado is an outdoor kingdom, and for the outdoor enthusiast there is white water rafting available as well as mountain biking, and a ski resort for that winter downhill adrenalin rush on white powder. You’ve all heard the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” so, when in Colorado, do as the Coloradans do, and set your course for a white water rafting trip, or rent a kayak for a real river run through some of the most awe inspiring scenery you’ll find in a valley framed by picturesque mountains. If you don’t mind getting soaked it’s a great, natural carnival roller coaster of a ride, so dress accordingly, you know, swim suit and that type of thing. They haven’t gotten into clothing optional rafting yet, but we can dream!

If you have a little John James Audubon in you, the region is avian abundant, and a treasure trove for bird watchers. And it’s not unusual to hear the bugle of an elk or two as they saunter into town. The Colorado River Trail meanders from its starting point past small lakes and through forests. You can hike it, or you can bike it as well. Two wheel pedal power to the people! There are scenic spots to take a rest and break out the picnic basket and your personal “survival kit” if the munchies strike. Island Acres, which is an island in the middle of the river, is perfect for fishing, and a lake on the island has a sandy beach for swimming. Festivals and activities are part and parcel of this Rocky Mountain Wine excursion including the Palisade Classic Mountain Bike Race and Fruit Loop (I’m not kidding, Fruit Loop!) Cycling Tour where you can take a self guided two-wheeled journey of the Fruit and Wine Trail.

The Colorado Rocky Mountain high is addicting and Rocky Mountain junkies relish their time in the state. Biking, hiking, camping, art hopping, wining and dining, Palisade is the paradise of outdoor activity. If you’re looking for that real time Rocky Mountain High combined with the twin vixens, Altitude and Attitude, you’ve come to the right place.

It’s sometimes called Paradise, but most locals refer to it as Palisade!

-For more information on visiting Palisade you can trip on over to their website at palisadecoc.com

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Q: Rob, I am a Medical Marijuana patient who wishes to join together with other patients, discreetly, to grow, share, and trade different strains of medicine depending on our medical needs. We do not want to be a “center” or any other regulated entity that requires federal, state, and local law enforcement approval. Can we do this?

-Patricia Patient, Boulder, Colorado A: Yes, Patricia, under certain restrictions and considerations. With new regulations scrutinizing the medical marijuana industry more than any other, this has become a popular question recently.

The Holy Bible, Genesis 1:29-31, God gave mankind “every herb bearing seed upon the earth,” including cannabis, and it was “very good.”

So we are in good company. (The Hebrew translation of “Satan” (‫טָשה‬ ׂ ‫ ) ָן‬is “prosecutor.”)

On our side, the Supreme Law of the State, i.e., the Colorado Constitution, Article XVIII § 14, codifies the constitutional right to the medical use of marijuana. That constitutional provision supersedes any conflicting state or local law, statute, ordinance, or regulation.

The Colorado Constitution, Article XVIII § 14(3)(d) specifically contemplates the “acquisition, possession, manufacture, production, use, sale, distribution, dispensing, or transportation of marijuana” for medical use. Although the day will return when cannabis again grows in nature, like dandelions, until then, human mortals must take affirmative action to plant, grow, and refine it. Even the most legally narrow-minded opponent of medical marijuana never claims that the constitution prohibits patient-topatient sharing of medicine. The Constitution allows your patient collective.

But do the statutes? Yes, for two reasons. First, the constitution supersedes the statutes, which may fall for that reason. Second, the restrictions in Colorado House Bills 10-1284 and 11-1043 apply to centers and caregivers, not patients. H.B. 10-1284, Page 45 (C.R.S. § 25-1.5-106(5)) prohibits a primary caregiver from delegating authority to provide medical marijuana or engaging others to assist, and two or more primary caregivers from joining together for the purpose of cultivating marijuana. H.B. 101284, Page 46 (C.R.S. § 25-1.5-106(6)(a)) imposes a limit of five registered patients per caregiver. H.B. 10-1284, Page 46 (C.R.S. § 25-1.5-106(6)(b)) provides that a patient shall have only one caregiver at a time. H.B. 10-1284, Page 46-47 (C.R.S. § 25-1.5-106(6)(d)) provides that a primary caregiver may not charge a patient more than cost of cultivating or purchasing

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marijuana. H.B. 11-1043, page 25 (C.R.S. section 25-1.5-106(7)(e)) requires primary caregivers to register their locations with the Department of Revenue. H.B. 10-1284, Page 50 (C.R.S. § 25-1.5-106(8)(c)) prohibits any person from establishing “a business” for the purpose of allowing people to congregate and consume medical marijuana. Other than the final restriction, which covers any person, there are no similar restrictions on patients, only caregivers.

It should be pointed out that in H.B. 10-1284, Page 56 (C.R.S. § 25-14203) the Legislature also included medical marijuana in Colorado’s indoor smoking ban, making it illegal to smoke indoors anywhere other than a private residence, cigar bar, or farm or ranch building. Vaporizing is not smoking for these purposes.

What about the feds? The June 29, 2011 memorandum from James M. Cole, Deputy U.S. Attorney General, clarifies that patients and caregivers are unlikely to be federally prosecuted, but “large-scale” “commercialized” operations are more likely federally prosecuted.

Thus, your patient collective is permitted if characterized as an organization of patients, not as an organization of caregivers, although caregivers could then obtain medicine from the collective to share with the caregivers’ patients. The Israeli Kibbutz provides a partial possible model.

Good practice consists of a packet of the following documents inside the collective: Genesis Chapter 1; The Colorado Constitution, Article XVIII § 14; patient physician recommendations, applications, and registry cards (patients should designate themselves as the grower on the Registry application, either alone or in addition to a caregiver or center); the Department of Justice memo of June 29, 2011 (which you can download and print on our site); and this article.

Thus, you should fear no evil, as you walk though the valley of the shadow of death.

Robert J. Corry, Jr. is an Attorney licensed to practice in Colorado, California, and the District of Columbia. This column does not constitute formal legal advice, and should not relied upon as such. Please submit comments or questions to www.RobCorry.com.

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any plants, cannabis included, were biologically driven by nature to survive and thrive by growing taller and faster than their competition. This is why cannabis, when left to its own genetic devices, grows tall like a Christmas tree. While this strategy works well in sunlight, a grow room is in fact a completely artificial environment, requiring you the grower to alter the plant to adapt it to its new indoor habitat. In this installment, I will give all you faithful indoor gardeners some tips that will help you get the most from your limited and expensive indoor spaces- after all, efficiency is the name of the game, right?

First, it’s important to remember that indoor light loses its intensity as the square of distance from the source, meaning that the light twice as far from the bulb is only one quarter as intense, not just half. For this reason, the optimum distance between too close and burning your plants and too far away and seeing them get spindly is often only a few inches! So how do you get optimum lighting to the entire plant instead of just the very top of it? Simple; use time honored training techniques borrowed from bonsai gardeners, tobacco farmers and fruit tree growers and adapt them to suit your purpose!

First, when your plant is a few inches tall and has four or five good leaves growing from the central stem, top it to remove the central growing bud. This will cause the plant to put its energy into the side branches- and don’t worry, if you don’t see any now, you will in a few days! The next step is to start actively managing your plant’s shape by tying the resulting side branches down to keep them from bunching too closely together and shading one another out. When the side branches get to be a few inches long, gently tie them down so they are roughly horizontal. Do not tie the string tightly around the branches so you don’t choke off essential nutrients, and don’t use too thin a twine for similar reasons.

When these four branches (keep the best four near the top and trim off any others) get longer (4”-6”), top them as well. You’ll see that the process of side branches starting- and bud sites multiplying- continues on these branches just like it did on the main stem.

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As the plant gets bigger, top or tie down those growing branches that grow faster than the others, in order to encourage the plant to develop a broad, level top and to direct its nutrients evenly to all its budding sites. With practice, you can end up with a plant that’s less than two feet tall from the top of its container, yet spreads out two or even three feet across and has 16-32 buds! Now when you put your masterpiece into the blooming cycle, you’ll watch all those budding sites you carefully created go ballistic with thick, heavy, productive buds - nothing like the single cola and scrawny, spindly side buds generally found on indoor plants not given this treatment. In this way, just one plant can easily yield upwards of four to six ounces of finished dried medicinal grade product!

When this technique is done properly, a lot of the post-harvest trimming is unnecessary as well, saving time and money. Notice also that this approach helps the patient growing his own to stay well within plant count guidelines and still be able to harvest a meaningful amount of medicine.

Keep in mind that over-trimming a plant - that is, taking too much off at any one time - will stunt its growth, so keep your trimming to less than ¼ the plant’s mass at any one time. In fact, you should not have to take off nearly that much. Also, when you notice that leaves towards the bottom of the plant start to yellow and turn brown, take them off. There’s no magic here - what you’re doing is training the plant to take maximum advantage of the artificial light in your indoor space by putting as much of the plant’s growing mass in the optimum distance zone from your lights as possible.

Alternative techniques that achieve similar results include simply pulling the entire plant over so that it looks like it’s growing sideways, or employing a trellis net - the so-called ‘screen of green’ approach - to train your plants to spread out at the optimum distance from your light source. This is useful no matter what type of lighting you use, and is in fact about the only way to get reasonable yields from fluorescent lighting. Until next time, enjoy!

Feel free to send any comments or questions to me at indoorcultivationconsulting@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to answer them!

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The

by Jade Kine

RainTable

Part 2:

High Performance Hydro-Organics Without the Hassle

Is it possible? I certainly think so. Then again, I designed the Rain Table partly out of frustration with traditional hydroponic methods. I think Hydroorganic gardening methods have languished in their applied technologies because growers have forever been trying to imitate styles of hydroponics that were based on the assumptions of conventional fertilizers. We, as an industry, have been trying to make the “organic version” of everything without reconsidering everything from the ground up. That’s where the process of biomimicry comes in. Instead of looking at ways to incorporate organics into non-organic cultivation methods, the Rain Table design looks to the natural world and simply asks, “How does nature do it?” Plants that survive in the wild do so without synthetic fertilizers or human intervention.

They have to find a way to get what they need (soluble nutrients) in a world that only supplies them with poop (sounds a bit like the human experience).

Actually, nature supplies all kinds of fertilizers like plant and animal debris, but all of it has to get broken down before the plants can use it.

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Since the Rain Table supplies water to the plants in a manner that mimics nature, the design can also be used to supply nutrients just like nature does – slowly and evenly. This garden uses primarily dry organic fertilizers applied as “top dressings” – sprinkled over the top of the root zone. Top-dressing plants with dry fertilizers is by far the cheapest and easiest method, although it is a technique usually reserved for outdoor gardens. These products, such as bat guanos, kelp meal and humic acids are drastically cheaper in their original raw forms than when made into the relatively expensive commercial products that growers find in hydroponic stores. In traditional systems, the use of dry organic fertilizers is usually not practical as they will cause clogging failures or require extensive filtering which can be inconvenient. Also, traditional methods of steeping bags of organic fertilizer in the reservoir only allow a portion of the nutrients to be extracted in solution. The true beauty of the Rain Table design is that it uses the medium itself as the filter in the system.

By using a loose soilless mix covered with a half inch of pea gravel (for control of gnats and algae) inside fabric pots (in this case, “Smart Pots”), the medium and pot make an ideal filter. As the spray manifold rains over the top of the root zone, it washes small amounts of the organic fertilizers into the medium where they are then digested and made available to plants. (It is very important to note that without microbial digestion, organic fertilizers will break down slowly and be less available to the plants In this garden, two primary types of beneficial microbe inoculants are being used – mycorrhizae fungus inoculants and compost starting inoculants.

Before planting, I mix mycorrhizae fungus into the medium and during the crop cycle I sprinkle soluble mycorrhizae over the top of the root zone as well.

The application of mycorrhizae fungus benefits plants in many ways, but one of the most significant benefits is that they break down less available forms of phosphorous (very important for flowering) and deliver the potent, soluble form directly to the plant roots. The compost starter inoculants breaks down pretty much everything and consists of various bacteria that are found in healthy soils. These bacteria also digest organic fertilizers into their “lowest common denominators” as I say – basically, the smallest molecule, most readily available forms. This allows growers to get maximum performance out of very small applications of fertilizer because a much higher percentage of the fertilizer is being broken down and made available to plants when applied directly to a root zone that has established colonies of beneficial bacteria and fungi. As the fertilizers break down and become soluble, they leach through the medium and are recovered in the reservoir

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– creating your own easily filtered nutrient solution that doesn’t require expensive commercial liquid nutrients.

By checking the TDS/EC of the reservoir (nutrient strength), growers can effectively monitor the amount of fertilizer in the system.

Another very important aspect of root zone health and microbial digestion is the role of oxygen in the reservoir. Reservoirs need to have a continuous supply of air bubbling through them at all times in order to remain fresh. Not only do the plant roots require oxygen, but the beneficial microorganisms that are breaking down the nutrients are aerobic organisms, which means they require a constant supply of oxygen as well. Since the roots and all the microorganisms are consuming oxygen, it can be difficult to maintain optimum levels of dissolved oxygen (D.O.) in water.

Growers that use only a few air stones in their reservoir won’t be able to sustain optimum levels of oxygen for either the plants or the microbes. However, there is a cheap, widely available alternative for traditional air stones that’s both more effective and more durable – quarter-inch “soaker” hose. Just like the Rain Bird micro sprayers that the irrigation system is based on, this ¼-in soaker hose is a regular landscaping material available at garden centers and hardware stores everywhere. By using the same fittings as ¼ inch drip tubing (barbed elbows and tees), growers can customize the manifold to the shape and size of the reservoir. In the photo, you can see that I’ve made a manifold that is densely spaced with tubing every few inches and covers the entire area of the reservoir.

Growers will need to use some type of weights to hold the manifold down. Here, I slid a few large galvanized nuts over the tubing as I was building it to anchor the air manifold (since it’s full of air, it wants to float). Be sure to use galvanized steel, stainless steel or some type of plastic coated weight in order to avoid rust, which can potentially alter your nutrient solution. (Do not use zinc nuts either for the same reason.) When this soaker hose is pressurized using a strong commercial air pump, it makes the solution bubble like Champagne.

When it comes to sizing your air pump, I use the same philosophy as when sizing exhaust fans – larger is better. Move lots of air – you can always reduce the airflow but you can’t increase it if you try to get by with a tiny pump. Again, the solution in the reservoir is constantly having oxygen removed from it via the plants and microbes, so you have to keep it coming as much as possible.

But you’re not just trying to avoid low oxygen levels – you’re trying to achieve extremely high levels of oxygen. The more oxygen the water has, the more biological activity will break down nutrients and make

them available to plants faster. If you look at methods for brewing compost tea, you’ll see all the same factors coming together to create the best organic fertilizer teas. My question is – Why would you use a separate bucket to brew teas in when you could make your whole system, including the root zone, into an organic fertilizer processor? Why steep organic fertilizers in water only to use a small portion of the nutrients when you could have the root zone completely digest and utilize nutrients? Just as it would occur in a healthy soil in nature, fertilizers watered into the Rain Table are used in the most efficient manner possible. These plants take up a little less than a square foot of space and are fed with ½ tsp to a few teaspoons of fertilizer per application depending on what it is. Fertilizers are applied weekly and the reservoir is monitored to control overall concentration. If you’re ever in doubt regarding your nutrient strength, just empty out your reservoir, refill with plain water and cycle to rinse the plants. If you accidentally apply way too much fertilizer, you can scrape the top layer off the pots, rinse for a day and then start over at an appropriate nutrient level. Remember, fertilizers are not plant “food”; they are plant “multivitamins”. Plants make their actual food – sugars – from light energy, water and CO2. Applying lots of fertilizer in order to make your plants big is like taking lots of multivitamins in order to get big muscles. It just doesn’t work.

Ideal environments grow ideal crops that turn into ideal Cannabis. Obviously, some fertilizers must be applied, but you don’t typically need anything close to the amount that the fertilizer manufacturers suggest you use. When it comes to fertilizing in any system, less is more.

Milwaukee SMS122 automatic pH controller in last month’s Grower’s Grove but our discussion of the Rain Table’s hydro-organic capabilities has left me with no more room and I can hear my editor calling me in to deadline. For those who can’t wait to hear about it, drop me a line or come by and see the Rain Table in action inside Medmar Healing Center in San Jose (www.SJMedMar.com). For everyone else, our discussion of high-tech reservoir control will have to wait until part 3 of the Rain Table series. Don’t worry, your patience will be rewarded. I even installed a custom float buoy for the probe. All this and much more on the cutting edge of cultivation next month – the straight dope you can only get here in the Grower’s Grove.

--Jade Kine (Growers Grove writer Jade Kine is a former greenhouse manager for the medical Cannabis industry with over a million plants worth of experience. He is also the founder of CannAcademy, a trade school dedicated solely to horticultural training for growers. Got a grow question for Jade? Drop him a line at JadeKine@gmail.com Complete bio and articles at JadeKine.com Facebook/Twitter: @JadeKine)

As for the types of fertilizer to use, growers have a lot of options. This particular garden is using bat guanos as the base nutrients – high N for veg, high P for flowering. Even though the system is designed to incorporate dry fertilizers, growers still have the option of using commercial liquid products to supplement their basic program. In this case, Earth Juice Meta K supplies the potassium in the program and Botanicare Seaplex supplies micronutrients in the form of kelp. For supplements, I use a raw, micronized humic acid that comes in a dry powder form. It is significantly more potent than commercially available liquid humic acids and at a mere $5 a pound (Really); it’s one of the most economical additions to a dry fertilization program.

It’s sold under the name “Micro Hume” and it’s available from Peaceful Valley Farm Supply at HYPERLINK “http:// www.GrowOrganic.com/”www.GrowOrganic.com. Peaceful Valley has a number of micronized products such as guanos and rock phosphate for much less than commercial hydroponic fertilizers. Future crops in the Rain Table will be analyzing the digestion and uptake rates of micronized versus non-micronized fertilizers.

Now, I know I promised my full review of the

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This conversation may have taken place as far back as 1882, and yet may still be heard today, as the

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (or D&SNGRR, as it’s known) is still running on the same mountainous Colorado tracks as they were over 129 years ago, with refurbished railcars that truly take you back to days gone by. Ok, so minus the train robbers, it’s the same, but who’s gonna tell that to a kid? Let the imagination run wild, and the trip will seem endless. This type of creative banter (reaching from the very young to the very old in age) can often be heard around these parts of the tracks. You see, this is train country, and if you are into trains - their history, their functionality, and the future of this transportation medium - then the D&SNGRR is a valuable timepiece and a tribute to the industrialization and ingenuity of our predecessors.

This blast from the past remains a part of living history, but instead of transporting miners, cowboys, and settlers of the Old West, it now carries backpackers, rafters, and adventurists to the picturesque wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. This historical pathway is literally the same as it’s always been. The same mountains, trees, and landscapes are enjoyed as they were in the past.

Train service to Silverton runs through Oct. 29th, so there’s plenty of time to plan your trip. More pressing, schedule-wise, is the Raft & Rail, which runs through August 20th.

Imagine taking an old train through the Grenadier Mountains of Colorado, then getting on a horseback tour, led by a real Colorado Cowboy. Adventure and solitude are in your future, as this nature ride allows visitors to explore the countryside in a very unique and time-tested fashion. For those not up for the physical stresses of rafting or horseback riding, may we suggest the tour of the famous Mesa Verde National Park, or maybe the Historic Silverton Mining Tour, which explores the mines and back roads of the San Juan County. Experience what it was like to live a century ago - to travel light and slowly, to mine for coal or other natural resources, to work hard, and sweat over hard labor and heavy machinery, to experience the life of Americans as they built the America we know today. These trains and the tracks they run on hold both the keys to our past and glimpses of the future.

If you’re looking to stretch out your time in such a setting, there’s an opportunity to extend the stay past a day trip. The Wilderness Trail Ranch has teamed up with the D&SGNRR with an all-inclusive “Best of the West” vacation, allowing visitors to explore more of the Durango’s Old West in a traditional “Dude Ranch” setting. Grab your ten-gallon hat and maybe even your chaps, if you’re so inclined.

And this being Colorado, we’re aware that many of you will be seeking adventures through a natural high. If you fit this bill, look into the Zip-Line Tour, which combines a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, up the mountain to three different zip lines, giving you a birds-eye view of this majestic part of our country. This attraction is the only one of its kind in the continental United States, and is fun for all ages.

So whether by wood, coal, or steam, make a point to check out this timeless fun. For more info on times, events, and departures, go directly to www.DurangoTrain.com, and get on track up to Silverton.

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Fertile Ground highlights the hottest state and national issues surrounding marijuana reform. This column is brought to you by Brian Vicente, the Executive Director of the advocacy group Sensible Colorado, and a partner at Vicente Consulting LLC, a full service medical marijuana law firm.

On June 15th, 2011, to the delight of law enforcement and over the objections of Sensible Colorado and other activists, the Colorado Board of Health adopted a set of sweeping rules that dramatically alter the caregiver/patient relationship.

five-patient rule will severely limit the availability of medical marijuana for many patients, especially those living in localities which have banned medical marijuana centers.

The most troubling new rule requires caregivers to “regularly” assist their patients with “daily activities.” To fulfill this responsibility, a caregiver must provide services unrelated to the provision of medical marijuana. Examples of such services include helping patients with transportation, housekeeping, meal preparation, or shopping. Importantly, providing a patient with education and consultation on the use of medical marijuana does NOT satisfy this requirement. As a final oddity under this rule, a caregiver must provide this assistance regardless of whether a patient actually needs or wants the help.

With respect to patient rights, the new regulations require each caregiver to present a list of their patients’ registry identification numbers to law enforcement upon request. Also, the CDPHE itself may release patient information to the police; however, the department can only provide patient information that is the “minimum necessary” to confirm a person’s registry status. In other words, the CDPHE may answer an inquiry about a person’s registry status only when the requesting officers have either the patient’s registry number or the person’s name, date of birth, and last four digits of their social security number.

What services a caregiver must provide, or how the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will enforce the regulation remains unclear. Obviously, the CDPHE has confused the role caregivers play in managing their patients’ health. Unlike physicians and nurses who diagnose and treat the health concerns of their patients, medical marijuana caregivers often perform a more simple, yet equally important role - supplying patients with medicine. Requiring caregivers to perform the dual-role of health-care specialist and pharmacist is both irrational and irresponsible, as many caregivers may not be qualified to assist patients with their “daily activities” and thus, those patients may go without medicine. Caregivers who are unable to provide sufficient assistance will have to either stop supplying medical marijuana or invent some creative alternative - the wording of the rule suggests that hiring and managing someone else to provide caregiver services is likely permitted.

In addition to these major changes, the new rules add a number of other restrictions on a patient’s ability to obtain medicine. For instance, a patient is prohibited from: - having more than one primary caregiver at a time - changing caregivers more than once a month - and being a caregiver for another patient Caregivers are also prohibited from working together or sharing gardens with other caregivers.

Further, caregivers are now limited to providing medical marijuana to no more than five patients, unless the patient obtains a waiver from the CDPHE. These waivers are to be granted only in “exceptional circumstances” based on the information provided by both the patient and caregiver. No doubt this

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More than ten years ago, Coloradoans passed Amendment 20 granting those who suffer from certain debilitating medical conditions the right to use medical marijuana to alleviate their symptoms. Suddenly, the CDPHE has put into place a set of regulations making access to medicine significantly more difficult. The CDPHE needs to re-focus on the best interests of patients, not the whims of law enforcement.

The New Rules Should Be Available on the CDPHE’s Website at: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hs/medicalmarijuana/caregivers.html

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by Husky Mushing Just a few months ago the mountaintops on the Flatirons were snow capped, and snowboarding was like breathing: had to do it…all the time. Now, all I can do is dream about the fresh powder that was so recently blanketing our Rockies. Adaptation, however, is a sole characteristic of survival, and adaptation begins all in the mind. So, in the heat of the summer, I must adapt in order to make it through…and the simple thought of Alaskan Ice is enough to bring cool, icy images rushing back to my psyche.

Alaskan Ice is a genetic cross between frosty White Widow and pure Haze. White Widow, known for its high resin, white crystalline quality, always delivers a warm and balanced high.

Crossed with Haze, a flavorful strain best known for its heady high effects. The sativa dominant hybrid Alaskan Ice (70/30) provides great poignant flavor and an amazingly therapeutic high. The Alaskan Ice coating crystals on the mature plants (that she gets from her White Widow mother) makes these plants extremely resinous and sticky, ensuring a pleasant medicating experience, but definitely have a grinder on hand.

Known for effects that really creep up on you, this strain delivers

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close to 22 percent THC, over 1.5 percent CBN and just under 2 percent CBD. The smoke is very flavorful and herbal in taste and the spicy aroma, which includes hints of black pepper and cedar, is strong but not too “skunky.” It provides an alert sensation with a euphoric mental feeling, carefully combining relaxation and energy. I would not recommend this for tasks that require intense focus or high productivity. It is best suited for sharing with friends at a party or gathering. A sense of mental efficiency (definitely from the sativa side) is certainly evident, but the indica body high, the part that keeps you pain free and relaxed, should definitely not be underestimated.

For those who grow their own, flowering time is nine weeks, (about one week longer than White Widow) and grows well indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse. It is also known to be fairly pest and fungus resistant.

The medicinal benefits of Alaskan Ice include appetite stimulation and the treatment of pain, glaucoma, depression, and anxiety. So be sure to get your hands on some of this excellent crystalline bud. Whether you grow it or buy it, your mind, and body, will thank you.

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As a young man, he performed as an Off-Broadway actor. Then, he worked for over a decade as a successful pitchman: selling people on various products (think items like Vita-Mix Blenders and Ginzu Knives) on the Atlantic City boardwalk, at home shows, and in TV commercials. As an entrepreneur, he introduced speed-reading schools to Europe, opening classrooms across the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. Back in the States, he was the second largest distributor of Breyers Ice Cream in America, inventing the first rolling cart from which scoops of ice cream could be dispensed at the critical, proper temperature.

And over a sixteen month period between 1977 and 1978, Robert Platshorn was also – by the plane and boatload – a multi-ton marijuana smuggler.

After getting caught by the FBI and DEA (in one of its first joint investigations), Platshorn became, as he puts it, “the longest-serving, non-violent marijuana prisoner in American history.” He spent almost three decades in jail for a crime that defense attorneys said ought to have merited three to ten years. Instead, the feds hit Plathsorn with racketeering charges and pegged him as a “kingpin” for leading the smuggling crew that the government dubbed the “Black Tuna Gang.” He was accused by the government – falsely, it’s said – of trying to flee the country and of attempting to have the trial judge murdered. Platshorn received a sentence of 64 years - a sentence meant to send a message to would-be smugglers hearing about the highly-publicized case.

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Platshorn also has a response for people who say that the marijuana today is so much stronger than it was in the 70s: “That’s complete and total nonsense.” Even though loaded with seeds, Platshorn claims Santa Marta Gold was as potent as a lot of contemporary marijuana: 16-18% THC. “The entire business changed once they came down on us and some other people,” says Platshorn, who tallies his import total at 30-35 tons (as opposed to the government’s thumb-on-the-scale claim of 500 tons). Many old-time marijuana smugglers got out of the trade. Others switched to moving cocaine, which required less of a crew and smaller crafts - and netted even higher profits.

Photograph by flickr user rakontur

“So they took a productive citizen and put me away for almost thirty years at great expense to the government for what is not only a harmless weed, but a very beneficial one,” says Platshorn, who was finally released in September 2008. “And it’s extraordinarily irrational, and it’s something that I’d like to change.”

Platshorn doesn’t think anyone should serve time behind bars for cannabis. Now reunited and living with his wife - his high school sweetheart - in a West Palm Beach, Florida retirement community, his pro-legalization convictions have led him to a new career as an activist. On his “Silver Tour,” he educates senior citizens about the benefits of medical marijuana. Platshorn, 71, wants this critical voting bloc to know that marijuana may inhibit Alzheimer’s disease and may reduce the pain of their arthritis. “I felt no one was talking to them,” says Platshorn, who visits senior centers to discuss cannabis. “Everything was aimed at the younger generation.”

Platshorn also gets to tell his story in the recent documentary film Square Grouper (Magnolia), which reveals how he was railroaded by the federal government. Director Billy Corben (who also produced and directed the wildly-popular Cocaine Cowboys documentary, detailing the history of Miami’s violent, white powder drug trade) says animatedly, “[Platshorn’s] sentence was garbage, it was nonsense. There’s absolutely no justifiable reason why rapists and murderers would get less time than a pot hauler, found guilty of nothing other than importing marijuana. It boggles the mind.

It’s simply unconscionable--and it’s cruel and unusual. And it was relatively unprecedented for that time and that crime.”

Naturally, many people who get out of prison on marijuana charges are angry, resentful, and carry a grudge. But not Platshorn, according to NORML founder Keith Stroup. Stroup says, “He’d obviously lost half of his life locked up in a federal prison cell. But what I found is a man amazingly at peace with himself and at peace with his place in life…it shows he has taken control of his life.”

How did he survive mentally in prison? Platshorn cites an innate optimism, in the face of his irrational, Kafkaesque situation. When describing his book, he says it’s not a plea for sympathy, and it doesn’t include anything too dark or depressing. “Most of us like to remember the good things,” says Platshorn.

No doubt he’s smiling at the opposite end of the phone line, as he considers his life’s trajectory and adds enthusiastically, “And there were some fun things!”

For more on Robert Platshorn, check out BlackTunaDiaries.com, and for more on the documentary “Square Grouper,” visit SquareGrouperMovie.com

Platshorn has accompanied Square Grouper on the road, pitching it to movie critics and audiences. Corben says Platshorn has held valuable back-and-forths at film festivals with opponents, as well as supporters, of legalization: “He’s helped to incite a lot of discussion and controversy and, I think, worthwhile debate.”

You can also find Platshorn at conventions like KushCon in Denver, selling his memoir entitled Black Tuna Diaries. In the book, he discusses his world travels, his adventures as a sport fisherman, his high-rolling days in the pot trade, and his time in prison. A silverhaired ex-con who retains the South Philadelphia accent of his youth, he first comes across as guarded, with riveting and appraising eyes. But engage him on a topic dear to his heart and Platshorn opens up.

Platshorn fondly recalls the marijuana he imported: Santa Marta Gold from Colombia. It stood out among the best of the 70s. Platshorn says it possessed “a bright, pretty golden color…so sticky that it was hard to get the seeds out. It stuck to your fingers and everything you touched. It wasn’t like most pots today, which are green with a smell like a fir tree. It didn’t have a lot of smell. But it burned really sweet - a cloying, sweet smell. Very distinctive. Three or four puffs, the joint was clogged.”

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By Dragon fly de la Luz

Ever wish you could take advantage of the countless therapeutic benefits of cannabis - like pain relief, stress reduction, appetite stimulation, or alleviating nausea and anxiety - without getting blasted into the stratosphere as a side effect? We all have days that demand too much responsibility to allow ourselves to get totally wasted. Likewise, many of us experience certain secondary effects of getting high that we find less than desirable - such as inability to focus, forgetting everything that just happened, paranoia, or being rendered unable to function outside of the couch. But thanks to the recent introduction of strains high in cannabidiol (CBD) - renowned for its non-psychoactive medicinal benefits and promising as a way to counteract some of the negative psychoactive effects of THC - now you can have your pot and smoke it, too.

Harlequin is one of the most alluring new strains to hit the market, primarily because of its high CBD content. CBD, like THC, is one of the 80-plus cannabinoids that have so far been identified in cannabis. Of those, THC and CBD are the most abundant, with THC being psychoactive and CBD being non-psychoactive.

Because most marijuana is cultivated for high THC content, CBD has been all but bred out of existence. Less than 2% of the strains tested in labs worldwide contain over 1% CBD - although to be considered CBD-rich, strains must test at 4% or higher. In California, Oakland’s Steep Hill Laboratory reports that only 12 in 14,000 strains tested as of October have turned out to be rich in CBD. But now high-CBD strains are on the rise, bred to meet the demand for highly therapeutic cannabis without the often-overwhelming psychoactive effects THC produces.

Created from three sativas—an early-‘70s Colombian Gold male, a Thai from the mountains near Laos, and a Swiss native land race—combined with an indica from Nepal’s Mustang State, Harlequin was initially bred to be a hash-producer. Its creator, Mr. Green, of the House of David Collective, was prompted to have its CBD levels tested when some of his friends reported that while they loved the smell, taste, and frosty appearance of the strain, it didn’t get them very high. Harlequin tested at a surprising 7% CBD and 7% THC (though it is worth noting that the specific phenotype reviewed for this article tested at an astounding 11% CBD). A different phenotype of the same plant tested at less than 1% CBD, highlighting the unusual find that Harlequin is. In fact, Harlequin is one of the rarest strains on the planet—and it’s poised to revolutionize the medical marijuana industry.

The smell: On the live plant, Harlequin smells reminiscent of musky, sweet,

sugar loaf pineapple. Mango-esque, tropical fruit fluffs up the melon and cantaloupe scents. The cured bud brings out deep currents of slightly-mentholated, overripe plum.

The dry hit: The soft scent of mentholated dried mango swirls around the tongue, punctuated by the flavor of overripe peaches. Mild, floral undertones balance out the deep richness.

The flavor: Harlequin coats the mouth with a thick, rich, almost Nepalese

blond hash-like taste. Its dominant flavor is nonetheless fruity and sweet, like berry bubblegum, with candied ginger highlights. A faint tinge of organic nonsulfur dried mangos rounds out the bottom end, and a delicate touch of liliquoi lingers in the aftertaste.

The cloud: Exhaling Harlequin produces a dense fog of sweet incense, with a soothing, soft and spicy sandalwood scent.

The high: Perhaps more than any strain I’ve encountered, Harlequin has vast applications and affects people in very diverse ways. Some of the most seasoned chronnoisseurs I know have been blown away by it—often for its therapeutic benefits. For those who wake up frequently in the night and rely on bedside bong-hits to get back to sleep, Harlequin may be just what you need to sleep peacefully. Still, others say that HQ wakes them up too much to be useful as a sleeping aid. Research confirms that CBD can both increase alertness as well as have sedative effects.

Harlequin is also known as a pain reliever, among countless other things.

But it doesn’t simply make the pain go away; it kicks the pain out with ease and in style. One Harlequin fan, who uses cannabis for back pain, reported that when he smoked a joint of HQ before a shower, he found himself inspired to dance in the hot water and steam, which loosened his body, relaxed his muscles, and popped his back into place. Few over-the-counter pain relievers can lay claim to that!

Mr. Green told me in an interview that, to him, Harlequin is “like a sunny day.” He likens the sensation to the “warm, glowy feeling that radiates from within” after a hot bath. It gives him an endorphin rush akin to that which results from lovemaking and exercise. It is not a psychoactive high; he just “feels gooooood,” he gushed. He’s also noticed that HQ’s subtle effects produce big results - just a few tokes and he instantly feels the tension in his shoulder, jaw, and brow dissipate.

At 7%, Harlequin’s THC content is not enough to slay you. This has tremendous advantages for those who want to hang out and light up, but simply don’t have the leisure to get totally wasted. Harlequin won’t cause a pot-hangover the morning after, either, making it a convenient choice for a late-night session. People with jobs that require them to be alert and on their game might find Harlequin a workable option, as may those who want to have a toke yet remain fully present for school, workouts, or family functions.

Furthermore, research is underway to see if the combined effect of consuming a high-THC strain with a high-CBD strain might result in a more functional high, because CBD actually fits better in cannabinoid receptors than THC, thus potentially either displacing THC, or winning out over THC that vies for the same receptor sites. Acting as something of an antidote to excessive highness, HQ can dissolve some of THC’s psychoactive effects if you find that you have become “too high.” Tokers overwhelmingly report that they experience no paranoia or anxiety when they smoke Harlequin, and some say it even cures anxiety and paranoia brought on by other, more THC-rich strains. If you’re one of those that think THC is too strong these days, and are prone to nervousness, paranoia, anxiety, and lethargy when you smoke, Harlequin is your girl. And I almost forgot - CBD has been shown to actually prevent short-term memory loss associated with THC. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Meanwhile, other heads maintain that whatever psychoactive effect Harlequin may have is eclipsed by its medicinal qualities. Perhaps the groups that will derive the most benefit from Harlequin are those using cannabis mainly for medicinal purposes. If your primary goal is just to get rid of your headache, relieve pain and stress, treat your chronic illness, or keep your nausea at bay without the side effect of getting completely baked, Harlequin is your cure.

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Harlequin’s clear-headed, functional high complements its tingly, mild body stone. But in spite of the fact that Harlequin is a sativa-dominant hybrid, many stoners define the high as neither indica nor sativa. They say it deserves its own classification—even apart from other CBD strains: mildly opiate-like and slightly dreamy, that simultaneously makes your body relaxed and your mind more alert.

The medicinal uses: [Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. I’m a stoner. Talk to your doctor before changing your medication or self-medicating.]

Harlequin was only discovered to be rich in CBD in the spring of last year, but already it’s been determined to have more medical applications than just about any strain studied so far. And not only for serious diseases. Harlequin is the perfect strain to keep in your medicine cabinet. I have personally found it very effective at treating headaches, as well as neck and shoulder pain, plus it’s way more sociable and fun to smoke a joint of Harlequin than to pop a pain pill.

According to Project CBD, a not-for-profit educational outfit spearheaded

by Martin Lee and dedicated to promoting CBD research, “Scientific and clinical studies indicate that CBD could be effective in easing symptoms of a wide range of difficult-to-control conditions, including: diabetes, alcoholism, PTSD, epilepsy, antibiotic-resistant infections and neurological disorders.” CBD also has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, and has been shown to relieve convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, dystonia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis? That’s right, Harlequin is a strain even Grandma can enjoy.

High CBD strains are also reportedly effective for people who suffer from mental disorders. While some research has shown THC to trigger schizophrenia in people who are predisposed to the disorder, the UK’s Institute of Psychiatry reports that CBD has actually been demonstrated to help patients with schizophrenia. Their research indicates that CBD acts as an anti-psychotic and may counteract the potential effects of THC on individuals with latent schizophrenia. CBD also appears to protect against “binge” alcohol-induced neurodegeneration, and has been shown to be an anti-depressant and effective treatment for bipolar disorder. All that, and it doesn’t lead to tolerance.

Perhaps most intriguingly, CBD has incredible cancer treatment potential, begging the question, is there anything that Harlequan’t? CBD has been proven to inhibit cancer cell growth and even kill cancer cells. This is worth repeating:

CBD has been proven to inhibit cancer cell growth and even kill cancer cells.

Thus serving the same purpose as chemotherapy - and is promising as a treatment for breast cancer. In November 2007, the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute reported that CBD reduces the growth of aggressive human breast cancer cells in vitro and weakens their invasiveness. “The anti-cancer potential of CBD is currently being explored at several academic research centers in the U.S. and around the world,” Project CBD reports.

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The grow: Harlequin is a fabulously frosty, clone-only strain that flowers quickly and requires about 60 to 70 days to finish indoors. Although with most strains, the longer you let it roll, the more fully developed it becomes, in the case of Harlequin, extending its flowering time can actually diminish its CBD levels.

At 10 weeks indoors, Harlequin generally tests at around 7% CBD. However, taking it earlier, at 8 weeks, CBD can test as high as 11.9%.

Since it’s covered in crystals, HQ will probably need cola support during the last few weeks, because the trichomes add so much weight to the flowering tops. A medium-yielder with countless medicinal uses, Harlequin is a medical marijuana patient’s miracle strain.

Be a Part of CBD Research: Having contributed strains like Harlequin, Lemon Kush, and Alchemize to the cornucopia of cannabis, Mr. Green is no longer a grower (although he is working on perfecting a highly-concentrated Harlequin tincture to help those in medical need). These days he focuses his energy on Project CBD, with a goal to wake people up to the potential of CBD for its plethora of untapped medical applications.

Although many growers who have created high-CBD strains guard their plants carefully, Mr. Green takes a much more generous approach.

“I decided a long time ago that my work is for everybody. Anyone with legitimate medical need has been able to get cuttings.” He wants people to have access to high-CBD strains, and to be able to grow their medicine at home. That’s why he’s given it away from the very beginning, “and why I continue to give it away… I believe the plant revealed itself to me so that people could find healing.” His hope is that the big pharmaceutical companies don’t come in and try to rip it out of the hands of the people, but he is quick to note that big pharma is already developing CBD medications.

Mr. Green expects that in five or ten years, we will discover that CBD possesses the same wide variety of effects that THC does in different strains.

But making that discovery requires rigorous research. And you can help.

Currently, there are at least seven labs testing for cannabinoid content, and more than a dozen CBD-rich strains have been identified. Although CBD is classified as a Schedule 1 drug, its effects continue to be explored.

A confidential survey developed by the Society of Cannabis Clinicians asks patients to report the effects of high-CBD strains compared to the strain they’re currently using. They hope to present the data in peer-reviewed medical journals. To participate in the survey, and to learn more about CBD, visit ProjectCBD.org __ Dragonfly de la Luz is a ganja critic/chronnoisseur and medical marijuana activist.

When not following Radiohead on tour, she chases solar eclipses and endless summer around the world

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When a raid goes down on a Medical Marijuana operation, photos depicting bales of bud are linked to staggering dollar amounts served up as street value. But, more often than not, that bud is medicine, and the people thrown down on the ground and handcuffed are patients with real ailments, now facing months to years of neglect and suffering in an unsympathetic and unbalanced legal system.

Voters gave California’s Proposition 215 a nod in 1996, making Medical Marijuana, or MMJ, legal to grow and use medicinally in the state. However, Federal prohibition laws trump Cali’s compassionate care laws, and the couple was denied a medical defense.

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Trial and appeals

lasted more than six years after arrest, stemming from a 2001 FBI sting and subsequent raid of the family home in 2005.

“This was the best undercover operation I ever had,” El Dorado County Sheriff Robert Ashworth told the Sacramento Bee after three years of failed appeals. “I never had to hide the fact that I was a policeman.”

It’s on record; the couple never grew more than 40 plants a year - well below the State mandate of 99. Federal laws mandated a minimum of 100 plants in a five year period.

“The jury could not hear I had cancer, or I had both my breasts removed,” Fry said, running her hands over her chest. “They weren’t allowed to hear I was a doctor, that I helped patients, or that in California we can do this, we can use this plant, it’s alright.

We had no defense.”

Fry discovered MMJ while suffering through a double mastectomy and matching chemotherapy treatments in 1998. She and Dale began growing cannabis initially to get her through the grueling chemotherapy treatments that came with each diagnosis.

Already a respected attorney in the community, Dale learned everything he could about the medicine that saved his wife’s life. The two became experts, testifying to MMJ’s benefits at California cannabis trials, and Dale, assisting Fry’s patients with legal issues stemming from MMJ use.

While Fry is doing as well as can be expected in the Dublin Federal Correctional Institution, Schafer is suffering at the hands of a system that, according to family, is seemingly bent on torture.

“We thought all doctors shared the same oath,” Fry said recently in an e-mail from prison. “We thought they would do the right thing and care for us here.”

Updates for both Schafer and Fry are posted by the couple’s daughter Heather Schafer (www. mindbodyandsoul.com). A recent entry suggests neglect of her father by prison authorities.

“He did not receive any medications today!” she blogged. “The doctor in charge of the Sacramento County Jail’s Medical Ward disagreed with the treating physician and decreased his pain medications by more than one third. He was placed in a cell with no pillow and a blanket incapable of covering even a small amount of his body.”

The “treating physician” referred to is Jerry Powell, the leading hematologist

and oncologist in the country and head of both Oncology and Hemotology at U.C. Davis.

Fry later conferred in an e-mail from Dublin, her husband was being treated inhumanly. Begging for help, Fry said it was the equivalency of torture. Schafer was going through opiate withdrawl from a drastic reduction of medication, had lost forty pounds, and hadn’t slept in days.

Schafer was born with classic Hemophilia A in 1954. He almost bled to death during a tonsillectomy at six years of age. In his youth he fell and bled through to his left hip, leaving him with 73

degenerative arthritis. Other injuries followed, leaving him arthritic in not just his hip, but both knees and left shoulder.

Treatment wasn’t developed until the 1960s and 70s, but entailed using plasma from donors, fraught with the threat of disease, as blood pools weren’t checked until 1985 with the threat of AIDS. Despite his condition Schafer was drafted in 1975. The military removed all his wisdom teeth the next year, causing a severe bleed. The blood used was tainted, giving him Hepatitis C and an honorable discharge.

“He became an attorney to use his mind and save his body,” Fry said from prison. “He learned to take care of himself and avoid situations where he might bleed. Dale is one of the oldest Hemophiliacs in the world.”

His luck ran out in 1994 and a disabling disk injury led to back surgery. Weakened, and re-injured in 2002, Fry said by then she had discovered Medical Marijuana.

“We developed a serious cannabis pain treatment,” Fry explained.

“He needed extremely high oral doses. So, we chose Kief from high grade buds and he ate one quarter to half a cup in the morning and the same dose at night.”

Fry said Schafer was not only able to control his lifelong pain, he kicked the highly addictive pharmaceuticals he had needed for years.

“His daily pain level was six. On his worst days it was nine out of 10,” Fry added. “Cannabis provided him with an acceptable pain level of two to three with no side effects. The only time he needed narcotics at all was as needed, at night for sleep.”

After the arrest, cannabis was taboo. Fry said Schafer was forced to go back on prescription drugs.

Powell testified to the necessity of Marinol use in lieu of morphine for Schafer’s pain.

The U.S. Attorney’s rebuttal included, not a doctor or specialist for cross examination, but an article published in a 1999 issue of Playboy magazine, which revealed marijuana users may abuse Marinol prescriptions as a cover for Cannabis use, since there was no difference in the results of a drug test.

President of the El Dorado County patient advocacy group, American Alliance for Medical Cannabis, or AAMC, Mitch Fadel said the irony was that most of the Playboy article favored a situation such as Dale’s, sighting the substitute is legal, accepted by public opinion, and prescribed in all 50 States.

“The Government’s argument stated that Dale had an ‘almost impossible burden’ in proving he should be treated differently than ‘every other drug dealing defendant who comes before the Court.’ In that statement they referred to Dale as a drug dealer! I thought we were innocent until proven guilty?” Fadel said with disbelief.

The “drug dealer” reference didn’t go away the entire length of the trial. In fact, Sacramento Bee reporter Peter Hecht raised the question in a pre-surrender article titled, “Martyrs or Drug Dealers?”

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“I wouldn’t use those two words when talking about Medical Marijuana in a million years,” Fadel continued. “Heroin, cocaine, and meth? Yes. Cannabis? No. This has nothing to do with drug dealers.”

At the day of surrender, Schafer’s pain management system included 600 milligrams of morphine in divided doses.

“My husband had to take 22 milligrams of Dilaudid every three hours for breakthrough pain, 15 milligrams of Dexedrine to get him out of bed, and other pills to control the side effects of nausea, depression, and muscle spasms,” Fry explained.

At last word, Schafer was being held in Honolulu, Hawaii in a special housing unit for his own safety, while awaiting the delivery of Hemophiliac medications. Daughter Heather reports his pain is back up to a level 10, with prison authorities continuing to cut his meds.

At this writing, Schafer was receiving Tylenol with Codeine, further threatening his already weakened liver from Hepatitis C. Due to confidentiality, Powell is forbidden to discuss his patient’s medical situation. And, though he is the leading expert in the country on Dale’s condition, the Federal prison authorities have reported its own doctors will evaluate Schafer to see if he really needs pain medication at all.

Stephanie Landa spent 41 months in the Dublin Federal Correctional Institution, where Fry is now. Run over by a car in 1999, Landa said she is in constant pain. She said she screamed when Federal agents attempted to handcuff her from behind, when a State sanctioned collective she ran with a partner in San Francisco was raided in 2003.

She created the Landa Prison Outreach Press, or LPOP, as a lifeline to MMJ prisoners. Through her newsletter she reports about the conditions of life inside, and rally’s others to write letters and send books and magazines to inmates.

“You are totally helpless in there,” Landa shared. “No one gets medical care.

They completely disregarded my medical records and put me on a work team. It took two years for them to send in a surgeon to evaluate me, and this was after weeks and months of filling out forms, and them telling me one excuse after another.”

Landa said the surgeon that came after two years said she needed a great surgeon, and it wasn’t him, so subsequently, she received no medical attention.

“There were lines three times a day for psychiatric medications, but I was given aspirin for my pain that reached a level 10 everyday,” Landa added.

Desperate for relief, Landa said she smoked marijuana smuggled in by visitors, a common practice. When she was caught, they added another year to her stay.

San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorney Kali S. Grech of Pier 5 Law Offices in San Francisco has offered to file a petition under 42 USCS 1983 on Schafer’s behalf.

“We will need to show that Dale has a ‘sufficiently serious’ condition and that the prison has exhibited ‘deliberate indifference,’” she explained. This means, they are aware of his serious condition and are still refusing him acceptable medical treatment.”

With the national debate currently raging over Federal laws crushing compassionate growers in every state where MMJ is legal, all Grech can do is log more probono hours on Schafer’s behalf, file yet another motion for “acceptable” medical treatment, and hope while a Presidential Pardon is requested.

Tony Serra has been defending the rights of cannabis growers since the 1960s, logging more hours than Grech will dream of, long before Prop. 215 became an option, stating Schafer’s case “resonates with martyrdom to bad law and ignorance.”

“The case is a shocking disgrace with respect to the discretion of the federal government in charging matters,” Serra said. “It is contra bonos mores; it alters the landscape in terms of state rights versus federal dominance. It is a victory of ignorance over medical reality.”

Serra refers to MMJ as a “miracle drug,” and Schafer’s “life-blood, bringing relief from gross pain.”

“There is no legal right to ‘adequate’ or ‘competent’ medical care in the FCI system, according to most commentators,” he continued. “The civilian doctors don’t count; drugs that were previously prescribed don’t count. The federal system is autonomous and self-protective.”

July 17 of this year marked the fortieth anniversary of the War on Drugs. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter penned an Op-ed for the New York Times, reporting that the Global Commission on Drug Policy has made what he called “profoundly important recommendations” in a report declaring the campaign a “total failure.”

“Penalties against possession of a drug should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself,” Carter wrote.

“Not only has this excessive punishment destroyed the lives of millions of young people and their families (disproportionately minorities), but it is wreaking havoc on state and local budgets.”

Quoting former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carter continued, “In 1980, 10 percent of [his] state’s budget went to high education and three percent to prisons; in 2010, almost 11 percent went to prisons and only 7.5 percent to higher education.”

From prison, Schafer recently wrote that the majority of inmates were minorities, and to him, were just kids, with nearly all of the crimes perpetrated traced back to drugs.

“It is difficult to describe the horror of a young man who if facing at least ten years behind bars because of the failed drug war,” he informed. “That doesn’t even account for the families that are ruined by all of this,” he said, knowingly. “I have come to the conclusion that drug crimes should be treated as a medical issue rather than a law enforcement issue.”

Updates on Dale Schafer and Mollie Fry, as well as an option to make a donation and receive a “Doc Fry” t-shirt can be found on the couple’s Web site, www.mindbodysoul.com. Those wishing to advocate, please write your State Senators, copying both the Federal Bureau of Prisons, CCM Sacramento Community Corrections Office, 501 I St., Suite 9-400, Sacramento, CA 95814. Please copy Obama’s Pardon Attorney - Ronald L. Rodgers, as follows: U.S. Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20530-0001

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Well known is Thompson’s alt-ego of Raul Duke, the hard-drinking, drug-gobbling, always hallucinating madman brought to life in the seminal Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas and perpetuated through movies, biographies, and even the ‘Doonesbury’ cartoon strip.

To be sure, Thompson never made a secret of his substance use, be it rolling a joint in front of the camera crew doing a documentary on him, or blatantly writing about getting high as an afterthought in the likes of Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. But at his core, Hunter S. Thompson, born July 18, 1937, was a patriot and an activist, a moral crusader fighting for the good he saw in this world, and the freedoms that we are entitled to as tax-paying citizens of the United States of America.

Thompson never backed down from a fight, whether it was battling with land developers who wanted to desecrate his beloved Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado; trying to liberate Lisl Auman (a woman wrongly accused of a murder that occurred while she was handcuffed inside the back of a police cruiser) from prison; or trying to get the public to relax over marijuana laws.

Spawned from an obsession with writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Jack Kerouac, Thompson first started writing professionally in the Air Force during the late 50s, though his creative spin didn’t jibe well against the rigid confines of military life. Following his honorable discharge in 1958, Thompson went on to write for newspapers and magazines, eventually working his way up the journalism chain, being published in National Observer and The Nation. A story he wrote about the Hell’s Angels for The Nation resulted in his first published book, Hell’s Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. Though the book is remarkably objective, thorough and professionally assembled, Thompson nonetheless became known as an “outlaw journalist,” producing stories about elements of our society that other journalists were too afraid or pompous to even glance at.

While Thompson certainly reveled in this notoriety, his eye was always on the real heart of America, the people who expect to live a life of freedom and harmony. Thompson represented the independent spirit of America, not the glossy consumer-driven facade otherwise pimped out in the media.

By the time 1970 rolled around, Thompson had become a leading voice for the weathered souls of the 60s, the downtrodden who still kept fighting for what they believed in. Naturally, this included the idea that drug prohibition was the cause of the drug problem in this country, not the solution. To this end, he decided to run as Sheriff of Aspen, on a plat76 76

form that included decriminalization of drugs for personal use, tearing up the streets and turning them into grassy pedestrian malls, banning any building so tall as to obscure the view of the mountains, and renaming Aspen “Fat City” to deter investors.

In a press conference during this campaign, Thompson said, “marijuana laws are one of the reasons that’s engendered this lack of respect that cops complain about all over the country. When you get a whole generation that grows up as felons, and they know the law’s ridiculous, and they’re told all this gibberish about it, that it drives you crazy and makes your brain soft and your feet fall off...even the police know it’s a silly law. It’s time we either bridge that chasm with either some kind of realistic law enforcement, or else I don’t think it’s going to bridged in this country. We’re going to have a revolution.”

While he narrowly missed getting elected into office, his fearlessness and calculated fortitude against the tyranny of the greedy, antiquated drug war won him praise around the world. An ardent supporter of NORML, Thompson ultimately served on their advisory board for over 30 years. Thompson developed close friendships with tons of lawyers, including Keith Stroup (founder of NORML). Even after his death in 2005, NORML continues to use Thompson’s Woody Creek ranch (the legendary Owl Farm) to hold its cookout for the annual Legal Seminar they hold in Aspen.

Thompson went on to publish several more books, and write for just about every magazine in the U.S. worth reading, from Rolling Stone to Playboy to Vanity Fair and sundry more. His foresight helped reshape political coverage; he was the first journalist to bet on George McGovern in 1972, and his subsequent Fear & Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72 is still considered one of the best pieces of political journalism ever written. He anticipated many events before they happened, and predicted a burgeoning media over-saturation in politics, which has become the gross display of shallow rhetoric hidden by flashy image and trendy catch phrases that now defines political campaigns. This continued with his writing up until the day he died.

Hunter S. Thompson is one of the best American writers this nation has yet produced, and moreover, one of the best examples of a true freedom-fighter for all Americans. Far beyond the shallow idea of “Gonzo Journalism,” Thompson was a deeply perceptive visionary, whose insightful prose and alarmingly precise takes on life will continue to resonate for generations to come.

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Ray Mickshaw/FX

by Cheryl Shuman and Wasim Muklashy

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Ok…the secret is out…product placement has become an almost integral piece of the ever-evolving marketing puzzle that our great country’s entire economic standing has very consciously propped itself up upon. There’s no getting around it and there’s no longer even an attempt at hiding it. From the ever-present GMCs in Michael Bay’s Transformers dynasty and the blatant Coca-Cola vending machines in the final shoot-em-up sequence in Zombieland (not to mention Woody Harrelson’s shameless search for Hostess Twinkies) to the Dodge Chargers in the wildly popular Grand Theft Auto video games and EA Sports’ all too obvious affairs with everyone from Snickers to Casio and beyond.

While the practice itself isn’t all that new, and the idea isn’t exactly revolutionary (heck, some of the earliest examples date back to the publication of Jules Vernes’ 1873 classic “Around The World In 80 Days” in which he craftily named various shipping companies throughout the prose, as well as 1927’s Academy Award Winner for Best Picture, the silent film ‘Wings,’ which included a plug for Hershey’s), it has certainly become a much more present, almost vital, part of the machine for every venture from films to video games to publications and beyond. Everything from funding to promotional tie-ins…the whole nine…

Marketing, advertising, repetition, exposure, and repetition.

We’ve seen soft drinks (American Idol’s carefully placed Coke cups), tech companies (“The Social Network’s” not-so-subtle Sony Vaio fetish), fast food restaurants (The “Need for Speed” video game franchise’s obsession with Burger King), clothing and sporting goods manufacturers (Marty McFly’s Nike fascination anyone?), alcohol (Red Stripe in “The Firm,” Finlandia Vodka in Bond’s “Die Another Day”).

Or so we thought.

One thing that has remained taboo enough to carry a ‘promote at your own risk’ tag almost wherever it popped up, was our beloved mary jane.

Granted, we’ve seen countless stoner flicks and shows that make absolutely no attempt to hide the fact that they’re, well, stoner flicks and shows… everything from Dave Chappelle’s “Half-Baked” to “Pineapple Express,” and the weed-centric Showtime hit “Weeds,” but we have yet to see conscious brand product placement of cannabis related products, companies, and organizations come anywhere near the mainstream media. This, however, is beginning to change, keeping in line with the evolving perceptions of the medicine across our great land.

Ray Mickshaw/FX

Heck, we’ve seen it all!

There’s no point, other than re-affirmation (and context), in pointing out that these United States have, in recent decades, become the hotbed of marijuana reform and, in a sense, re-branding. It takes a lot of work to unravel decades of misinformation and propaganda, but as evidenced by 17 states, and many more following suit in coming elections, the prevailing attitudes towards marijuana, especially on the medical side, are shifting. The pendulum is in mid-swing from the confines of a prohibition, fear based norm, to more open and medically sanctioned prairies.

Seeing as how the acceptance of medical marijuana and the brands and products associated with it is becoming more and more mainstream by the state, so is the idea of promoting it through both conventional and non-conventional channels. And as the nation’s premier cannabis lifestyle magazine, Kush magazine recently proudly found itself at the throes of this quiet, yet powerful revolution…

Enter David Zuckerman…Hollywood uber-producer/writer who possesses a resume that includes Family Guy, King of the Hill, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Last summer, Cheryl Shuman, Kush Magazine’s Director of Celebrity, Media,

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and Public Relations, received a call from old friend Zuckerman, asking if he could “borrow” several large live cannabis plants from her personal garden for a new television pilot he was shooting. He went on to explain: FX Networks had approached Zuckerman to adapt a critically acclaimed Australian series for American eyes. This was no small task. Wilfred is a half-hour, live-action comedy about ‘Ryan,’ a young man played by Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Happy Feet) struggling unsuccessfully to make his way in the world until he forms a unique friendship with "Wilfred," his neighbor’s canine pet, played by Jason Gann, who co-created and starred in the original Australian series.

The premise goes a bit like this - everyone else sees Wilfred as just a dog, but Ryan sees a crude and somewhat surly, yet irrepressibly brave and honest Australian bloke in a cheap dog suit. While leading him through a series of comedic and existential adventures, Wilfred the dog shows Ryan the man how to overcome his fears and joyfully embrace the unpredictability and insanity of the world around him.

While absolutely intrigued by the story, Zuckerman had to wonder how he was going to take an overseas success and make it America’s own - especially considering an underlying storyline that we have yet to mention…Wilfred smokes marijuana. A lot of it. Yes, Wilfred, the dog… eh…person, smokes pot.

So, based on this story vein, he figured why not use the country’s burgeoning medical marijuana movement’s accolades as a fresh angle to the American version of the show. And this, our loyal readers, is where Kush came into play.

While the network’s legal department shot down the idea of using real plants for the pilot, Cheryl’s integral role was only just about to be discovered. David’s sister and Cheryl’s close friend Dori gave her a call.

“Remember when you did the product placement for my Karma Dolls?

I have a huge project for you and we need this done yesterday! You’re the only person for the job!”

“Wilfred” needed an entire “medical marijuana patient collective” built from the ground up within the next 48 hours - complete with medicine, accessories, edibles, publications, wall decorations…basically, the whole enchilada! Cheryl was none too happy to jump back into the entertainment community that had provided her with so much success before her harrowing and well-documented battle with cancer led her to become a

full-time activist for medical marijuana. She was feeling better…and she was back! This was the perfect opportunity to combine her two passions into one united project. Needless to say, Cheryl immediately jumped into action.

After consulting with the Kush team, a plan was hatched. A cross-section of Kush Magazine’s advertisers and clients and KushCon exhibitors were contacted, ideas and products were gathered, and the doors to an opportunity to prominently display medical marijuana in its fully glory were wide open before us. The movers and shakers behind this 1.7 billion dollar industry, which is still, in many a sense, at its infancy, are getting their first real micro-taste of mainstream media advertising.

CaliVapor and Vortex water pipes (who had already experienced an appetizer of TV success in Showtime’s “Weeds,”) filled the accessories category, Bhang Chocolates took care of the edibles, Dope on a Roap Soap, Doob Tubes, and Green Clean & Gack Attack provided ancillary products, Greta Gaines CDs provided the music, and even Henry Hemp’s infamous foam leaf hat was on display. And, of course, prominently spattered about the space were copies of Kush Magazine and numerous framed iconic Kush Centerfolds.

“This green revolution is happening all over the country,” explains Davyd Field, owner of Vortex Water Pipes. “TV shows like Wilfred carry the movement into the living rooms of people across the country.” And it’s because of the efforts of deeply impassioned and dedicated activists like Cheryl Shuman that these opportunities are becoming more readily available. “Her deep passion for the medical marijuana industry is evident in every aspect of her professional life.”

“Cheryl has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Her knowledge and passion is electric and contagious,” expresses Chris Boden, President of CaliVapor. “When Cheryl first asked us to get involved with FX’s ‘Wilfred’ we were ecstatic.” “She has been able to open the doors to great marketing opportunities, but also helped shed light on using that marketing to help promote and further the MMJ cause,” adds Bhang Chocolate’s Scott J. Van Rixel. “This raised bar has opened new doors.”

Who would have thought…words like sativa, indica, Kush...would be part of everyday dinner conversation? A household name? A legitimate brand?

A prime-time television show? What next?

How about decriminalization…

Now, there’s a thought...

From left to right: Wilfred (Jason Gann), Cheryl Shuman, Elijah Wood, and David Zuckerman

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We Can Make History in 2012 Marijuana prohibition’s days are numbered. It is only a matter of time before this country finally puts an end to the counterproductive war on marijuana. The only question now is which state will be the first domino to fall. With your help it will be Colorado in 2012.

The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was launched this month by a broad and growing coalition of activists, organizations, businesses, and professionals from across Colorado and around the nation. It’s mission: to pass a 2012 statewide ballot initiative to end marijuana prohibition.

The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012 was carefully drafted to respect the interests of all Coloradoans and establish a model for how other states can begin regulating marijuana.

The Campaign’s first goal is to collect roughly 85,000 valid signatures of registered Colorado voters, which are needed to qualify the measure for next year’s election. This is no easy feat, and it is our hope that marijuana reform supporters from around the state will get involved in the effort to place this historic initiative on the ballot.

By joining the campaign today you can help end marijuana prohibition in Colorado next year and be part of something that will be written about in history books for years to come.

We’re ready to get this effort rolling. Are you?

Visit us on-line to learn more about the campaign, read the entire initiative, make a donation, and sign up for e-mail alerts:

The Initiative Does…

• make it legal for adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce, grow up to six plants, and possess the yield of those plants. These limits serve as constitutional floors and can be increased statutorily.

• establish a legal marijuana market in which marijuana is regulated and taxed in a manner similar to alcohol. An excise tax of up to 15 percent on wholesale sales will be enacted by the general assembly, along with a vote of the people.

• direct the general assembly to regulate the legal cultivation, processing, and sale of industrial hemp.

The Initiative Does NOT… • change existing medical marijuana laws for patients, caregivers, and medical marijuana businesses. Medical marijuana will be exempt from the excise tax mentioned above. Consumer privacy will be enhanced because individuals will only need to provide proof of age to purchase marijuana.

• increase or add penalties for any current marijuana-related infractions.

• change existing laws regarding driving under the influence of marijuana, or the ability of employers to maintain their current employment policies.

www.Equalize2012.org

Find us on

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ix months after the Haag Memo caused widespread confusion regarding the Obama administration’s stance on medical marijuana and initiated a wave of dispensary raids across the country, the long-awaited clarification memo has finally been handed down from the Justice Department.

And it isn’t good news.

Not only does the clarification memo fail to protect state-compliant, non-profit dispensaries that grow medicine on behalf of their patients, it makes dispensaries fair game for prosecutors by categorizing them as commercial enterprises and disavowing their non-profit status.

From 2009 until the beginning of this year, the medical marijuana industry had been operating under the guidance of the Ogden Memo, which, as evidenced by the explosion of dispensaries that popped up soon after its release, many in the movement interpreted as a “handsoff” policy on the part of the Obama administration. But contrary to popular assumption, while the Ogden Memo explicitly condemned for-profit commercial enterprises, it never actually protected or even mentioned non-profit commercial enterprises, which dispensaries whose prices are often listed as donations - are generally considered to be. Still, the Ogden Memo stated that “prosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an efficient use of limited federal resources” (italics added). This caregiver clause left the door open for implicit acceptance of dispensaries - particularly since states typically grant dispensary owners the right to grow medicine on behalf of their patients and an air of federal legitimacy was created in the grey area in which dispensaries have long survived.

With the release of this policy-setting clarification memo, however, caregivers are defined as individuals, not commercial operations.

Dispensaries are thus definitively excluded as caregivers, meaning the grey area just became more black and white, and providing medicine to patients has reverted to a federally intolerable act. In so doing, and by omitting the non-profit aspect of commercial distribution, the clarification memo lumps dispensaries in the same category as industrial, for-profit mega grows, and insinuates that such mega grows - and, by extension, medical marijuana dispensaries - are operating under a false pretext of medical marijuana (which, in most states, is required to be non-profit).

“There has been an increase in the scope of commercial cultivation, sale, distribution and use of marijuana for purported medical purposes,” the clarification memo states. “For example… multiple largescale, privately-operated industrial marijuana cultivation centers.

Some of these planned facilities have revenue projections of millions of dollars based on the planned cultivation of tens of thousands of cannabis plants. The Ogden Memorandum was never intended to shield such activities from federal enforcement action and prosecution, even where those activities purport to comply with state law.

Persons who are in the business of cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana, and those who knowingly facilitate such activities, are in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, regardless of state law,” the new memo says (italics added). But every state-compliant, nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary is, by definition, in the business of distributing marijuana; the ramifications of this federal clarification are therefore grave. Contradicting the Ogden Memo, the clarification memo states that these groups will not be tolerated, even if they are in compliance with state law. And since most patients rely on dispensaries to grow and distribute their medicine, this shift in federal policy equates to patients’ safe access being severely jeopardized.

Although one would be remiss to suggest that the Ogden memo represented a “hands-off” policy on medical marijuana, it certainly seems that we are now witnessing something akin to a “gloves are off” policy. Granted, federal prosecution of medical marijuana dispensaries never ceased even with the release of the Ogden Memo.

In fact, the number of raids carried out in just the first two years of Obama’s presidency amounts to double the raids executed under the entire eight-year Bush administration. Nevertheless, since February, threats and raids have been dramatically on the rise. If the Ogden Memo reflected a somewhat sympathetic stance of the Justice Department in 2009, what prompted the current shift in policy, and what’s behind the recent spate of federal raids on medical marijuana dispensaries across the country?

Over the past few months, several federal prosecutors have sent threatening letters to officials in eight medical marijuana states Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Washington - prompting at least one of them - Washington’s Governor Chris Gregoire - to veto a voter initiative that would have allowed dispensaries for the first time since the state legalized medicinal use of the plant in 1998. What provoked this new wave of hostility? The answer is shockingly ironic.

The 2009 Ogden Memo, which set official federal policy, came directly from the US Attorney General’s office, and was sent to federal prosecutors in all 50 states. Although the Memo essentially called for respect of state medical marijuana laws, it could not demand it, because ever since 9/11, federal prosecutors have been given the broadest discretion in the exercise of their authority. Still, more than a year passed in relative calm, until February of this year. That’s when a letter that became known as the Haag Memo was released, not directly from the Obama administration’s Department of Justice, as the Ogden Memo was, but from the San Francisco office of Melinda Haag, US Attorney for the Northern California district. Vowing to “enforce the CSA [Controlled Substances Act] vigorously against individuals and organizations that participate in unlawful manufacturing and distribution activity involving marijuana, even if such activities are permitted under state law,” the Haag Memo was widely, though not necessarily correctly, considered to clarify the Ogden Memo. It has since emboldened federal prosecutors throughout the nation to compose similarly threatening letters directed at state officials in fully half the country’s medical marijuana states, causing many to reconsider or even change their medical marijuana laws.

Only four days after the Haag Memo was released, the DEA raided several dispensaries in California, followed by more than two-dozen raids in Montana. But after the long period of the Justice Department’s tacit acceptance of medical marijuana, what prompted the Haag Memo? This is where the irony sets in.

The Haag Memo was not an unsolicited threat to a state that was quietly complying with its medical marijuana laws. On the contrary, it was a very directly solicited threat, to a city that was blatantly attempting to contravene state medical marijuana law. A little-publicized fact is that the Haag Memo was issued in response to a letter written by John A. Russo, Esq., Oakland’s City Attorney, on behalf of the Oakland City Council. In his letter, Russo informed the US Attorney that Oakland had approved a licensing scheme that would allow for the creation of four industrial, corporate marijuana “mega grows,” and essentially asked Haag for clarification on the law surrounding this idea. The Haag Memo—which served as a template for other federal prosecutors to send similar pugnacious letters to state officials, and which prompted the call for federal clarification that is poised to prove detrimental to the medical marijuana movement—is her response.

Mega grows came into public consciousness with last year’s Prop.

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19 initiative to tax and regulate recreational cannabis. Jeff Wilcox, retired businessman who sat on the steering committee for the failed initiative, had a very ambitious plan to supply a large segment of the California population with recreational and medical marijuana if Prop.

19 were to pass. Whereas the state’s medical marijuana industry is mandated to be non-profit, Wilcox was repeatedly quoted in major media sources as acknowledging that he intended to bring some “corporate structure” to the marijuana industry, and that his mega grow’s expected profit margin was “extremely high.” Furthermore, this venture into the corporatization of cannabis was projected to make $59 million a year off producing a mind-boggling 58 pounds of marijuana per day. When the clarification memo denounces “largescale, privately-operated industrial marijuana cultivation centers… [that] have revenue projections of millions of dollars based on the planned cultivation of tens of thousands of cannabis plants,” it’s referring to Oakland’s proposed mega grows. This industrial marijuana scheme was a clear departure from medical marijuana’s non-profit— and thus, tolerated—roots, and, as we will see later, it was also a flagrant violation of the Ogden Memo’s fragile truce.

According to Wilcox, he landed a seat on the Prop. 19 steering committee when he approached Richard Lee, bankroller and mastermind behind the initiative, with “a check for $10,000 and said, ‘I want in on anything I can do.’” (Some news sources say he later doubled that donation.) He hired a lobbyist, made some strategic political donations, and won over City Council in spite of strong resistance from state-compliant medical marijuana growers whose livelihood depended on supplying the Oakland market. Marijuana activists perceived the ordinance - which prohibited any other collective indoor grows over 96 square feet and was adopted alongside a resolution that demanded a crackdown on “unregulated” (not “illegal”) small grows - as creating a monopoly. The entire Prop. 19 team - which mostly consisted of millionaire Richard Lee (co-author), Jeff Jones (co-author), and Dale Sky Claire Jones (official spokesperson and Jones’s wife) - loudly endorsed for-profit mega grows, with Jeff Jones telling the New York Times, “It’s big business; you’re talking about manufacturing gold.”

Four months before Prop. 19 would fail, when the Oakland City Council approved his mega grow proposal, a cocksure Wilcox boasted, “In essence, you could say big business is here… Look at me. The only thing I was, was a fan of the plant, really, a year and a half ago. And now I’m probably one of the top ten guys in California in this business. And you know why? Because I know how to move a little policy.” But he wasn’t able to move enough people to vote for Prop. 19, many of whom were leery about the prospect of corporatizing cannabis.

Although Oakland approved the plan for mega grows when the city was at the epicenter of a legalization effort that they assumed would succeed, even after Prop. 19 was defeated, City Council was still seeing the dollar signs they had hoped taxing recreational marijuana would bring. So instead of putting the idea of industrial mega grows to rest along with the failed initiative, the city persisted in its efforts to create a corporate licensing scheme, now under the guise of medical marijuana, from which they still intended to gain millions in tax revenue. The ordinance was altered to require that Wilcox open a medical marijuana dispensary in order to operate his mega grow, and that he re-registered his corporation as a non-profit. But all of his media appearances flaunting his projected earnings and corporate aspirations had already revealed his for-profit intentions.

Oakland City Attorney John Russo himself acknowledged that the venture was intended to be for-profit in his post-Prop. 19 statement to the City Council: “Because Proposition 19 failed, you can’t do things that you might have done. And that is certainly the case with for-profit licensing of the production of cannabis.” He also reportedly

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advised them that their proposal was incompatible with California medical marijuana law. Still, City Council insisted that Russo write a letter detailing Oakland’s plans to California US Attorney Haag, asking for guidance on how to proceed with what was very obviously a plan to industrialize, corporatize, and capitalize on cannabis under the false pretext of a non-profit medical marijuana model. And they roused a sleeping dragon.

The letter that Haag wrote in response was in some ways a definite departure from the Ogden Memo. But, as regards for-profit grow operations masquerading as non-profit medical organizations, it actually echoed what the Ogden Memo said in 2009: “[N]othing herein precludes investigation or prosecution where there is a reasonable basis to believe that compliance with state law is being invoked as a pretext for the production or distribution of marijuana for purposes not authorized by state law.” Since California does not authorize for-profit marijuana manufacture and distribution, and since Oakland’s mega-grow scheme was clearly intended to be a for-profit venture, Haag’s response on that point was not inconsistent with the Ogden Memo.

The Ogden Memo further reinforces its stance against for-profit marijuana dispensaries in its principle statement: “[P]rosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an efficient use of limited federal resources. On the other hand, prosecution of commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for profit continues to be an enforcement priority of the Department” (italics added). The Ogden Memo even clarifies that one characteristic of conduct that is not in clear and unambiguous compliance with state law would be “financial gains or excessive amounts of cash inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law”—a category that Wilcox’s proposed $59 million mega grow unquestionably falls under.

The City of Oakland presenting Haag with such a proposition might well have been interpreted as a deliberate act of dishonesty that undermined the federal government’s tenuous truce with medical marijuana. Russo seems to have been sensitive to this; just days after the Haag Memo was released, when the City Council insisted on redrafting the initiative to allay federal concerns, he abruptly withdrew his legal advice and told the them to find a new attorney. Although Russo did not specify which section of Rule 3-700 he was using to terminate his relationship with the City Council, section C (1) states that an attorney may withdraw legal representation if “the client seeks to pursue an illegal course of conduct.”

The effects of the Haag Memo reverberated swiftly into the halls of the Department of Justice. Shortly after it was released, Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler said in a statement that prosecutors will not look the other way while “drug-traffickers” try to shield their illegal activities through the pretext that they are medical dispensaries. And what would make the DOJ think that organizations might be trying to illegally profit from cannabis under the pretense that they are medical dispensaries? How about a mega grow originally conceived of to provide recreational cannabis, that plans to pocket $59 million a year off of 58 pounds a day? If anyone doubts that Oakland’s Prop. 19-inspired mega-grow concept is entirely to blame for this federal backlash, the Haag Memo states very plainly that it is: “The Department is concerned about the Oakland Ordinance’s creation of a licensing scheme that permits large-scale industrial marijuana cultivation and manufacturing as it authorizes conduct contrary to federal law and threatens the federal government’s efforts to regulate the possession, manufacturing, and trafficking of controlled

“

...the mega grows ignited a brutal federal backlash, and now that the corporate aspirations behind them have gone up in flames, patients in all medical marijuana states are getting burned.

”

substances. Accordingly, the Department is carefully considering civil and criminal legal remedies regarding those who seek to set up industrial marijuana growing warehouses in Oakland pursuant to licenses issued by the City of Oakland. Individuals who elect to operate ‘industrial cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facilities’ will be doing so in violation of federal law. Others who knowingly facilitate the actions of the licensees, including property owners, landlords, and financiers should also know that their conduct violates federal law.”

Now, due entirely to Oakland’s mega-grow attempt to cultivate illegal for-profit marijuana under the pretext of non-profit medical marijuana, the lines have been blurred with regard to which dispensaries are genuinely operating as legal medical marijuana collectives and which are merely pretending to be. The Ogden Memo sought to stop prosecution of individuals operating in “clear and unambiguous compliance” with state law. But an industrial-scale corporate mega grow with projected earnings of $59 million annually is not so obviously compliant, and is causing the legitimacy of medical marijuana dispensaries everywhere to be called into question. Federal prosecutors have therefore been roused like never before to crack down on medical marijuana dispensaries.

While much of the Haag Memo is in fact not a departure from the Ogden Memo, there is one critical phrase which Haag introduces that effectively disavows the one morsel of perceived protection that medical marijuana patients and dispensaries had been relying on since 2009. Whereas the Ogden Memo states: “As a general matter, pursuit of these priorities should not focus federal resources in your States on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana”(italics added)—which could include the use, cultivation, and distribution of state-compliant, non-profit medical marijuana—the Haag Memo makes a very different and distressing declaration: “[W] hile the Department does not focus its limited resources on seriously ill individuals who use marijuana as part of a medically recommended treatment regimen in compliance with state law as stated in the October 2009 Ogden Memorandum, we will enforce the CSA vigorously against individuals and organizations that participate in unlawful manufacturing and distribution activity involving marijuana, even if such activities are permitted under state law (italics added).”

This distinction—“even if such activities are permitted under state law”—is a critical one, and is the single phrase that is seen to reverse the Ogden Memo. While the Ogden Memo deliberately made an effort to acknowledge and respect state marijuana laws, Haag patently ignores them, at least where cultivation and distribution are concerned. It appears that the disregard for state law initiated by the Haag Memo is a direct attempt to undercut Oakland’s legislation that itself undermined state law and clearly contradicted the Ogden Memo.

It is worth pointing out that the Haag Memo was never intended to be construed as setting federal policy, like the Ogden Memo—to the extent that it was sent down from a federal department to all federal attorneys beneath it—was. The Haag Memo was CC’d to no one outside of California, and was written in response to a question of the legality of a city ordinance, not state law—and an ordinance that flies in the face of state law and is in clear violation of the Ogden Memo’s conditions, at that. Nevertheless, since its release in February, Haag’s response has set off an ominous trend among federal prosecutors in medical marijuana states. Colorado’s US Attorney sent out a similar memo saying that the DOJ maintains “full authority to vigorously enforce federal law against individuals and organizations that participate in unlawful manufacturing and distribution activity involving marijuana, regardless of state law”—and the italics, it should be noted, are in the original letter; not added by me for emphasis, but added by the Colorado federal prosecutor to highlight the fact that it is a direct quote from Haag. The letters from US Attorneys in Hawai’i, Montana, Rhode Island, and Washington also directly quote large segments of the Haag Memo. In fact, every single letter that followed the Haag Memo is not only similar, but virtually identical to the Haag Memo, excerpting and repeating entire paragraphs.

And they have culminated in an unprecedented attack on medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the country.

Never mind that Haag herself apparently does not grasp the fact that it is inconsistent to condone the “use” of marijuana medicinally while simultaneously condemning the manufacture and distribution of it, when in reality the three components are inextricably linked. Her lack of faith in the notion that medical marijuana dispensaries can distribute medicine without turning a profit or perverting the spirit of state law has only been reinforced by Oakland’s insistence that a $59-million-a-year corporate industrial grow intended for recreational use is actually non-profit and for medical use.

Oakland’s actions blatantly opposed the Ogden Memo, which encouraged federal law enforcement to go after groups like the ones Oakland was trying to create, because such groups claim compliance with state law although their operations are actually inconsistent with the terms of those laws. A corporate, industrial mega grow designed for massive profits operating under the guise of the non-profit medical marijuana model is a clear example of a “claim of compliance” that actually “mask[s] operations inconsistent with” state law.

And the Oakland City Council essentially wrote a letter to Northern California’s US Attorney to tell her so. Now Haag’s response, which was never intended to set federal policy, has been misconstrued as doing just that, giving federal prosecutors a fresh excuse to come down hard on medical marijuana states.

For a controversy that has relied so heavily on the phrase “clear and unambiguous,” so far, the only piece of the puzzle that truly is “clear and unambiguous” is that the mega grows ignited a brutal federal backlash, and now that the corporate aspirations behind them have gone up in flames, patients in all medical marijuana states are getting burned.

Now that it is understood how the medical marijuana movement landed in this quandary, it is worth noticing the stark difference in the way the feds respond to medical marijuana versus perceived recreational commercial activity. Life for patients has never been worryfree since medical marijuana has been legal, but until the prospect of recreational marijuana loomed, the Department of Justice at least encouraged that state laws be respected and federal resources be directed away from innocent patients and those who supply them, toward groups out to illegally profit from cannabis. But now that the Haag Memo has forced the Obama administration to take a more decisive stance on the matter, the grey area in which the overwhelming majority of the medical marijuana industry operates is now more clearly defined—as fertile ground for federal prosecution.

*Dragonfly de la Luz is a ganja critic/chronnoisseur and medical marijuana activist. When not following Radiohead on tour, she chases solar eclipses and endless summer around the world*

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The hypodermic needle of the non-renewable energy grid is loosing it’s narcotic grip - whole battalions of ecophiles are fighting back and kicking the habit cold turkey – all in an effort to get off the “grid” and live free.

In a world with a hell bent dependency on non-renewable energy resources, clinging to outdated energy principals as firmly attached to the myth as a barnacle is to the bottom of a sea going vessel, exploratory pathfinders are blazing new trails towards a sustainable lifestyle. We have all been subjected to the uber-hype surrounding the need for oil, petroleum, and coal - an addiction that has a strangle hold on the western worlds economy. America will do anything, at any cost, including that of spending the expendable currency of human lives as payment during an invasion of any number of countries to secure what America needs, or at least what we are told we need, by big government and big business.

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It’s time to kick the habit Amiga y Amigo Greenos. The gears of the “machine” have been grinding and groaning, defeating and depleting for decades. As eco-awareness increases, the desire to escape the grip of the grid increases and many have decided to toss the national notion of dependence on non-renewable energy resources into the trash bin of obsolescence.

Sustainability requires dedication, and with a plethora of information filling the eco-galaxy to a point of an overflowing cistern, there is a need for clarity and education. Time to go back to school and pay attention and stop shooting spit wads at the blonde cheerleader in the front row just get her attention. Ask her out – just ask her out.

Northern California has given organic birth to a sustainable institute of higher solar learning in Hopland, California, nestled in the bosom of

redwood and wine country just south of the town of Ukiah. I call it “organic academia” and refer to the dedicated student body as “Hop Heads” and only in the kindest terms, of course.

Hopland is home to a vibrant collection of Victorian homes and architecture, an abundant supply of art galleries, and a half dozen or so wine-tasting emporiums to sample the fruit of the vine, but the crown jewel in this compost pile of art and culture is the non-profit Solar Living Institute.

The Solar Living Institute, or SLI, is a demonstration center spread out like a comfortable 12-acre quilt of sustainability. It’s a project on a mission, not impossible, to instruct those in the eco-revolution about the importance of introducing and incorporating clean renewable energy sources and practices into our daily lives. Its sustainable message has attracted more than a half a million eco-visitors over the course of its years.

The SLI main building is Ingrid Bergman-esque with it’s graceful style and curves. In the words of the SLI, “The building is so adept in it’s capture of the varying hourly and seasonal angles of the sun that additional heat and light are nearly unnecessary during the summer months. The building is kept cool through a combination of overhangs and manually controlled hemp awnings. Cool night air floods the building and is stored as “coolth” in the six hundred tons of thermal mass making up the building’s columns, floor and straw bale walls. Outside grape arbors shield the building from the intense summer sun and a central fountain with drip ring provides evaporative cooling.”

Solar power is diverse with many applications that transcend merely the heating of a home or office building. Solar power is true grid free power to the people. It generates electricity and can power solar water pumps. The SLI, no surprise, is solar powered and the town of Hopland is home to Solar 2000, Northern California’s largest grid tiered solar arrays.

The SLI garden is a living organic textbook of responsible stewardship of the Mother Earthship. The SLI garden of solar Eden produces edible crops, and the variety of other plantings maximize energy efficiency. It includes fruits, herbs, grasses and a perennial bed to highlight what can be produced on a smaller level of a sustainable home-based garden economy. Art and Agriculture are not strange bedfellows and instead, combine to create a Garden Guggenheim through the use of “Living Structures” which add architectural beauty. Part of this is an agave cooling tower, where the “Adam and Eve in Eden” visitor can escape from the long hot summers heat and enjoy a “misty” experience in the protective bosom of the vines.

Mother Nature’s working organic organisms help to organize organism produced organics. There’s a mouthful! Healthy veggies need great American manure, and the SLI is supplied by a local microbrewery and the seeds donated by Synergy Seeds. Remember that solar water pump mentioned early in the article? Yep. One is used to irrigate the gardens by transporting water from a pond to the farm.

Back to the Future with Biodiesel! It’s one of the earliest turn of the 20th Century fuels in use for an emerging motoring public. Gas and oil replaced the sustainable products, but biodiesel is back with a vengeance - ready to exact its revenge on behalf of Mother Earth. It’s simple to use, biodegradable, non-toxic and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. It can be used in existing diesel engines with no noticeable loss in performance and is proven to reduce unhealthy emissions associated with petroleum.

Back in 2003, the biodiesel fueling station officially opened at SLI in a partnership with Yokayo Biofuels of Ukiah, who installed the unit and provide the biodiesel. Biodiesel fuel is the gift that keeps on motoring, and can be purchased at the Real Goods Store.

Another unusual and inspirationally educational feature is the “memorial car grove,” where the rusting hulks of behemoth Fifties and Sixties “gas hog” cars have been turned into planter boxes for trees and flowers. Like some drive through the Redwoods in Northern California, this is in reverse, a page right of Superman’s “Bizzaro” world where everything is topsy-turvy, over, under, sideways down. Here the trees grow through the vehicles turning them into heavy metal planter boxes and in effect a work in progress of nature’s artistry, reclaiming what is hers, and, in essence, marking her territory.

Most people, when they think “green,” think the subject matter is merely for “tree hugging granola eaters” without a sense of fun and adventure, yet, they ignore that the mandala of sustainability has many facets, and SolFest, which celebrates all things solar, is one of them.

The biennial event began in 1998 and is the premier renewable energy event west of the Mississippi River. It’s designed to inspire and jump start others into getting involved in the sustainable galaxy - to tackle environmental issues and problems head on.

Planet Earth is a sustainable entity that regenerates itself constantly.

Mankind has generally interfered and mucked it up a bit in an effort to subdue natural forces. Everything from rape of the vast prairies of the continent that created dust bowls to the smog laden skies of our cities.

Humankind has not been very kind to Mother Nature, as we gave it a punch to the solar plexus, but now it’s time for solar flexes of the muscle of sustainability to land a knock out punch to the unnatural order of things - the wayward path we have been following. It’s time to re-think our place in nature’s scheme, and to become a working partner with nature, rather than an adversary. The Solar Living Institute in Hopland is the Harvard of all things solar and it’s cap and gown time - high time to take action to live solar, live free!

More information at SolarLiving.org

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Henry Ford was an incurable pothead. That’s my guess, anyway. The Ford Motor founding father and world-renowned American industrialist had an unshakeable predilection for fast cars and the Devil’s Plant. Ford invented the Model T in 1908, at a time when weed was just one of many renewable resources used to fuel automobiles.

Ford’s “Tin Lizzie,” the original nickname for the Model T, was, until that turbid year of the Marijuana Tax Act (1937), often run on hemp fuel, a marijuana-based compound offered by several filling stations throughout the Roaring Twenties. Hemp was acknowledged, back then, as being an extremely valuable commodity, one that was used as textile fabric, amongst other things, and revered as an extremely profitable material by the Treasury Department.

In those days nobody was afraid to say they were toking on the stuff, not least among them Henry Ford or Thomas Jefferson or even Benjamin Franklin, for that matter. It was a jolly good plant, as choice for curing depression and vision problems as it was at serving as a viable article of stationary or cloth.

But what, at first blush, seemed like a cash crop necessity soon became verboten when fascistic government officials had an epiphany—it would be far better for their bottom line if they banned the stuff, as they stood to make more money by assigning restrictions on its use and selling other, more expensive goods in its place. This is why we’ve arrived at an era where the politico-industrial complex is making trillions, policing the globe for foreign oil reserves, plunging us into

the Zilch Zone as a blue collar Capitalist nation, and sending more and more poor slobs slinking off to the bus stop as gas prices rise exponentially with each passing weekend.

It’s a sad time for licensed drivers in America. Enter our Brothers to the North, as per usual, to lead a progressive charge for a light-weight, durable, cost-effective hatch-back made of that sticky icky and engineered to run on renewable energy sources.

Motive Industries, an innovative development firm out of Calgary, Canada, has concocted a forthcoming ride that will pimp the paying public to something they haven’t heard of in many miserable moons - a dirt cheap car built for efficiency and expedience, at a price tag that’s estimated to fall somewhere in the realm of just $25,000!!!

The bio-composite vehicle, which they are calling the Kestrel, is scheduled to hit the roadways in 2012. The word “kestrel” is defined as any of a genus of small falcons and, like the noble falcon, the Kestrel of Motive Industries is sure to become known for preying viciously on all the more inferior gas-guzzling jalopies on the blacktop today.

It is a seldom thing to open your bloodshot blues and find something like this in your morning news, alongside less optimistic headlines regarding whore-massacring beach bums and fast-spreading radiation. When a trail so righteous is blazed it is important to throw off the shackles of laziness, stash away the nugs and go in search of the footprints that pioneers are leaving in their wake. (continued on page 90) 89

I took haste in tracking down a local restoration nut with one of Ford’s original Model T’s in storage, wagered the last of my own hemp as collateral, and took off in man’s original marijuana machine, to try and find an Internet Cafe where I might get a less spotty connection and, if fate prevailed, secure an interview with the designers of this exciting new breakthrough in internal combustive engineering.

The Model T performed a little lackluster, no doubt from spending more than a decade of idle time under a Covercraft, and its clutch locked up on me when the chassie started to whine at a speed of thirty-eight. But, aside from the basic brittle nature of its long-effete body, the Ole Ford held up. I imagined that Henry would be proud, not just of Motive Industries’ recent announcement but also of the way in which his original motorcar was still “racing.”

It couldn’t quite get the 20 miles on a gallon it once did and to try and top it off at forty-five, as was once its purpose, was to be met with the kind of cacophony usually reserved for combat testing. “Good gracious!” I squealed when the arrow hovered in front of 60; the entire thing shook back and forth like two elephants banging in the backseat and the bronze-colored side rear view shattered so violently that a bit of glass nicked my temple.

As I bled profusely and attempted to wipe away my effluence on the genuine leather upholstery, I was filled with dread. No wonder Henry had been a slave to Satan’s smoke. It was the only thing that could get you higher than “speeding” at forty-five miles an hour in something that resembled nothing more than a horsefly with a hump back. It was my hope, then and there, that the Kestrel would make for a more timeless and hell-for-leather product. Otherwise it would be back to sharing ass space with angst-riddled obesity and sweat-drenched day laborers on public transport.

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The press release from Motive Industries, Inc., said that their designing of the car had created jobs for people in the green sector. This alone made them seem more proactive than America’s own government - whose President had promised the creation of multiple green jobs and failed to deliver - and I was stoked! A message was dashed off to Motive and promptly received by their Marketing & Media Relations Coordinator, Angelica Velasco, who replied, “They [Motive Industries, Inc.’s Nathan Armstrong and Kestrel designer Darren McKeage] should be in touch with you soon.” I was super-duper-hella stoked! And then...nothing...

Days bled into weeks and no word from Motive seemed forthcoming. Movement on the project remained in a state of stagnation more sluggish than the resin chamber of a water bong. Then, after more than one attempt by my editor to probe Ms. Velasco... for answers...an email response finally came. I saw Angelica’s address in my Inbox and anticipation swelled inside of me like the rising notes of a Rachmaninov symphony...then I opened it.

The decidedly succinct and dismissive note, from our go-to contact read, “I have spoken with some Executives within our company and I regret to inform you that we cannot provide you with an interview, given that they do not endorse medical marijuana…

I’m really sorry for the inconvenience, I hope you have a good day! Kind regards,...”

It was too perplexing and even shocking to properly process.

Kush is the United States’ premier medical marijuana magazine after all, and this was made clear before Velasco gave us her word that Motive would be along to flap their jaws.

I couldn’t understand it—here you have a company pimping a car whose body is being constructed entirely of hemp mats and the powers-that-be within the organization or, more probably, the suits with controlling interest in the company’s

futures, don’t espouse the aromatic?! How could this be?!

What made it all the more bewildering, especially after five or six pulls off that blunt I gifted to the gearhead with the Model T, was the idea that Miss V was hoping we would have a good day in the aftermath of dropping this odious bomb on the Kush doorstep. If her words were sincere I would hate to see what kind of well-wishing she does when breaking up with someone or confessing to an abortion. The entire thing stunk worse than a spliff of skunk.

But then my eyes alighted on something else: “The Kestrel has been designed and will be manufactured entirely in Canada by a yet-undisclosed consortium of technology and manufacturing partners coming together under the title of Project Eve,” read a 2010 piece by Composites Technology. A consortium sounds foreboding enough, like a sinister Skull & Bones collective, but “Project Eve” struck me as even more ponderous. What they say about pot smokers and their paranoia may be true, to some extent, but lest we forget what Robert Anton Wilson said.

“Of course I’m paranoid, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”

Project Eve’s website (www.projecteve.ca) lists none of its founding members, agents or affiliates. On its “About Us” page all one finds are nebulous half-sentences and dangling participles. The same is true of Motive Industries’ “About Us” page, which tells us that “At Motive your product is our business.” No shit! The difference between the two is Motive’s penchant for long-winded paragraphs about key ingredients and special relationships, something lacking on the all-but-blank Project Eve site. The “they” of Project Eve are “inclusive,” they are “collaborative,” but exactly who they are is an enigma and so, too, is who exactly they are collaborating with. Except, as we now know, They are in bed with the Motive Industries people, particularly their executives.

Who those executives are is likewise kept under wraps where website disclosure is concerned. Unless we are to go on the top photograph from About Us, a picture of two shady-looking thirty-somethings in L.L. Bean, one a short, slouchy geek standing by an odd fuel pump and the other your traditional Canadian hockey player turned Patrick Bateman bonds player staring slyly into the lens as he fondles the rear end of a presumably biodiesel bubble-car. This gives us nothing to go on and, in fact, contradicts much of what we already know about the Kestrel.

“Forget the betrayal,” I told him. “This runs deeper and darker than mere PR snubbing. This effects the whole of The True North, Strong and Free!”

“What do you mean?” my editor asked. “You mean they’re up to no good?!”

“You got that right, Bub! Faulty wiring, naked brake pads, extortion, child sweatshop slavery, price fixing, gross physical assault on a moose and no less than five hundred overworked and underpaid employees injured on the job and left stripped of medical benefits, severance or overtime after they complained of shin splints and whiplash.”

“Ah to hell with it!!” the editor yowled. “Is this true?” “...No,” I said. “They’re actually pretty on the level. Kind of quaint even, in that adorably harmless rural Canadian way. The V.P. Of Design and V.P. Of Operations are brother and sister or husband and wife. Meagan McKeage is almost as cute as Young Darren and she even looks a bit like a more wholesome version of Meg White.

“The strangest thing here is Director and President Nathan Armstrong’s goatee. But that’s the kind of unseemly sight that keeps them lookin’ like they’re on the cutting edge, so I’m sure it will be excused.”

“You yellow chickenshit hack! How could you jeopardize me like that? We have a magazine to put out here and you feed me lies and fairy tales?”

“Consider this,” I said as I exhaled a plum of smoke that nearly shattered another pane of glass on the Model T. “What else can you print about these people that hasn’t already been covered by all the other dopers who were smart enough to present themselves as something other than Cheech & Chong Quarterly?”

“I suppose we could focus on the fact that they’re playing Mr. Mysterio, hiding behind these faceless executives who disapprove of medical marijuana while they build a car out of resin and hemp.”

“We could,” I concurred. “Or we could state the obvious.”

“What’s that?”

The Kestrel is said to have three doors and can “compact” four passengers, but this model only has two doors and two passengers. The drive train is supposed to be single-speed electric, but these three-piecers are shown gassing it up.

“A car comprised of hemp plastic and running at 84 miles per hour is bound to be combustible. And will passersby think to pull the driver from the wreckage when they’re pre-occupied with inhaling the fumes?”

“Wow!” my editor exclaimed, as confused as I and twice as flustered. “Talk about isolating the single largest part of your target market!”

There was a long pause and then, “Really? Is that the best you can do?”

He was still grumbling about this betrayal and plotting vindictive methods by which we could give Motive Industries their comeuppance. “We could get them really stoned,” he said. “And then withhold our red cards from them.”

“How about this? Henry Ford was a hateful prick with a psychotic fear of ‘the greed and avarice of Wall Street kikes.’ We know where Motive Industries’ executives stand on cancer patients and other terminal types toking medical mary jane...where do they stand on Jews?”

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Colorado Concert Calendar

Live Music Preview July/August

9th Annual Global Dance Festival @ Red Rocks 7.14.11: Empire of the Sun + Kid Cudi 7.15.11: Skrillex + LMFAO + Major Lazer 7.16.11: Benny Benassi + Avicii

Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills, fifteen miles west of Denver, stands a symbol of nature’s beautiful majesty Red Rocks. A geologically formed, open-air Amphitheatre that’s not duplicated anywhere in the world, this place serves as a spectacular backdrop for some of the best dance music on the Globe. The Amphitheatre consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide acoustic perfection for any performance. One weekend each year for the past 9 years, this venue is home to one of the largest music festivals in the Rocky Mountains and one of the largest dance music festivals in the US. Every summer the world’s premier dance producers and bands travel to Colorado. This year’s wonderful lineup consists of incredible sets from Empire of the Sun, Skrillex, LMFAO, Major Lazer, Kid Cudi, and Benny Benassi. The show has evolved into a massive 3 day gathering. Join the fun under the Red Rocks sky on any or all of these dates - you won’t regret it. globaldancefestival.com

Soundgarden + The Mars Volta

7.18.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Seattle bred band Soundgarden, the earliest of the grunge generation, are still rocking and join up with modern day rock superstars, The Mars Volta, for what will certainly be a face melting event! The Chris Cornell led band were one of

the first of the grunge generation, signed to Seattle’s Sub Pop, and achieving their greatest success with the album Superunknown (1994), which debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and yielded two Grammy Award-winning singles - “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman.” They broke up in 1997, but got back together in 2010 after Chris Cornell’s stint fronting Audioslave. Paired up with The Mars Volta, this GUARANTEED to be a remarkable show that will have your adrenaline pumping for days. Another great night out at Red Rocks! soundgardenworld.com, themarsvolta.com

The Underground Music Showcase 7.21.11 - 7.24.11

The 11th Annual Underground Music Showcase comes to Denver this July 21-24, with more than 300 performances on 25 stages along South Broadway. Some highlights and bands to definitely make an effort to see are LexiconDon, El Ten Eleven, Flashlights, A Tom Collins, and Kitten...but that doesn’t even come close to covering all of the quality tunes that will be heard. Lots of great live music that almost everybody doesn’t know about yet. With a whole slew of venues participating, this is the place to be on this weekend in Colorado. Tickets are available on the festival website! theums.com

Fleet Foxes

7.21.11 @ Fillmore Auditorium

Fleet Foxes, the Seattle based folk-rock band signed to Sub Pop and Bella Union, is one of the better live folk acts out there right now. They rose to prominence in 2008, with the release of their second EP, Sun Giant, along with their debut, self-titled full length album. Both have received vast critical praise, and they’re often noted for their tightly refined lyrics and smooth harmonies. Self described as “baroque harmonic pop jams”, Fleet Foxes will be around for a while and are worth checking out at the Fillmore Auditorium on this spring eve. Do it. fleetfoxes.com

Train + Maroon 5 + Gavin DeGraw

7.28.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

A pop powerhouse billing takes over on July 28th out at Red Rocks. Train, Maroon 5, and Gavin DeGraw all put on tremendous live performances, with captivating singers that will sooth your soul. Maroon 5 just released their single “Moves Like Jagger” via NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ taking the number one spot on iTunes less than 24 hours after premiering. This is a great chance to get outdoors on a Thursday night in the summer, with wonderful live music for a memorable evening. What the hell, why not take Friday off of work and get a little wild at this show? Your bank account might regret it, but your ears surely won’t! trainline.com; maroon5.com; gavindegraw.com

My Morning Jacket

8.04.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

My Morning Jacket have been spreading their psychedelic Kentucky rock seeds since 1998. Well known for their jam band live performance, this will be a super relaxing show, perfect for a couple joints and reflection on how awesome this summer has been and will continue to be. Check out their DVD & CD “Okonokos” to get familiar, if you aren’t already a certified fan.

This Page: Slightly Stoopid Right From Top: Ellie Goulding, Train, Soundgarden, Fleet Foxes 92

Think of a more bluesy Pink Floyd concert, or a modern day Phish and you’ll be on the right track. This is a must if you’re a fan of rock music that will take you to another place. mymorningjacket.com

Slightly Stoopid + Don Carlos + Karl Denson 8.06.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Slightly Stoopid, the reggae/rock boys from San Diego, tend to describe their sound as “a fusion of acoustic rock and blues with reggae, hip-hop, and punk.” The band has released eight albums over the span of their career (two are live). Their sixth and most recent studio album, Slightly Not Stoned Enough To Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid, was released in July of 2008. Slightly Stoopid was originally signed to Skunk Records while still in high school, by the late Bradley Nowell of Sublime. Joining the party on this evening is the Tiny Universe experience, with funky grooves provided by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Also on board for this one is the legendary Don Carlos. Cannabis friendly vibes, along with great music and fresh air, this just might be the best concert of the summer. Get to Red Rocks in early August (and apparently all summer!) slightlystoopid.com karldenson.us

Ellie Goulding + Bag Raiders 8.08.11 @ Ogden Theatre

Hailing from across the pond in England, Ellie Goulding brings her elegantly soulful voice to Denver, in the midst of the highest point of her short career. A big pop star in the UK for well over a year, the US has just seemed to catch on to the brilliance that exists in Ellie’s vocals. Last time I saw her, I completely lost count of the number of instances during her first performance where I got tingles down my spine from her voice. It’s soothing, powerful, intelligent, and consistently interesting. The Bag Raiders come from Australia, with an intelligent electo-pop sound that has produced hits like “Shooting Stars” and more off of their recently debuted, self-titled album, released on Modular Records last October. Both Ellie Goulding and Bag Raiders put on breathtaking performances, and this is most definitely the place to be on August 8th. Tickets will sell fast, so get on it now. elliegoulding.com, bagraiders.com

More Great Shows!

STYX + YES + Shane Alexander: 7.26.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Battles: 7.19.11 @ Bluebird Theater The Deer Hunter w/ Guests: 7.20.11 @ The Summit Music Hall Blitzen Trapper: 7.20.11 @ Bluebird Theater Steve Miller Band + Buddy Guy: 7.23.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Winter Park Jazz Festival: 7.24.11 @ Hideaway Park (Winter Park) INXS: 7.25.11 @ Ogden Theatre Cold Cave + Austra: 7.30.11 @ Bluebiard Theater A Perfect Circle: 8.02.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre The Flaming Lips + PRIMUS: 8.03.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Christina Perri: 8.09.11 @ Bluebird Theater Stevie Nicks: 8.09.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Pretty Lights: 8.12.11 - 8.13.11 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Fillmore Auditorium

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NCIAkushad3_v.4 3/18/11 4:30 PM Page 1

Cannabis industry leaders from across the country have recently come together to form the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), the first cannabis trade association in the U.S. NCIA is already working in Congress to address problems facing the cannabis businesses community – from banking to reforming unfair tax laws to eliminating unreasonable Drug Paraphernalia statutes.

NCIA is the only organization representing the cannabis industry on the national stage and we need your help.

For as little as $100 a month or $1,000 a year, your business can be part of the growing list of industry leaders that make up the National Cannabis Industry Association. Membership also includes member discounts, access to exclusive industry events, and a listing in our industry directory. Contact us to join or receive more information today.

National Cannabis Industry Association Phone: (202) 379-4861 E-mail: info@TheCannabisIndustry.org P.O. Box 78062 Washington, DC 20013

NCIA Board of Directors: Tristan Blackett

Wanda James

420 Science, HI

Simply Pure Medicinal Edibles, CO

Cheryl Brown

Dale Sky Jones

MMBA, CO

Oaksterdam University, CA

Brian Cook

Rob Kampia

Altitude Organics Corporation, CO

Marijuana Policy Project, DC

Troy Dayton

Ken Kulow

The ArcView Group, CA

Chameleon Glass, AZ

Steve DeAngelo

Jill Lamoureux

Harborside Health Center, CA

Colorado Dispensary Services, CO

Becky DeKeuster

Michael McAuliffe

Northeast Patients Group, ME

Sensible Nevada, NV

Adam Eidinger

Erich Pearson

Capitol Hemp, DC

SPARC, CA

Etienne Fontan

Bob Selan

Berkeley Patients Group, CA

Kush Magazine, CA

Jim Gingery

Brian Vicente

Montana Medical Growers Assoc., MT

Sensible Colorado, CO

Len Goodman

Bob Winnicki

New MexiCann Natural Medicine, NM

Full Spectrum Labs

Justin Hartfield

Joe Yuhas

Weedmaps.com, CA

Arizona Medical Marijuana Assoc., AZ

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Backya rd BBQ & Summer Pa rty Host your own Chef Herb-style summer party and backyard BBQ!

And for more

Green bean and Pecan Salad

cook with herb

Ingredients For the pecans: 2 tablespoons corn oil 2 cups shelled pecan halves

Chef Herb &

go to www.cookwithherb.com

Fresh and Tasty Broccoli Salad

Ingredients 2 heads fresh broccoli 1 red onion 1/2 pound bacon 3/4 cup raisins 3/4 cup sliced almonds 1 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup THC olive oil 1/2 cup white sugar 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

Directions Place bacon in a deep skillet and cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Cool and crumble.

Cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces and cut the onion into thin bite-size slices. Combine with the bacon, raisins, and your favorite nuts and mix well.

To prepare the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, THC olive oil, sugar and vinegar together until smooth. Stir into the salad, let chill and serve.

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Lemon Vinaigrette: 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (2 to 3 whole lemons) 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 cup grape seed oil 1/3 cup THC olive oil Salt & pepper to taste 2 pounds green beans Directions Heat peanut oil over medium heat. Add pecans and salt to taste. Toast lightly, stirring constantly. (Nuts cook quickly, be careful not to burn them.)

Whisk lemon juice, sugar, and mustard together, then slowly drizzle in Grape seed and THC olive oil until emulsified. Add salt and pepper to taste. (Or, use a hand-blender to make the whole thing go quicker and emulsify better.)

Trim beans and cut into 3-inch lengths. Place in a microwavable serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap, leaving a slight space for steam to escape. Steam until crisply tender. (You may also use a regular steamer.)

Rinse with water to arrest the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.

Lightly coat the beans with the dressing, adding only as much dressing as you need, and toss in the nuts. Adjust the salt and pepper.

Serve at room temperature.

Herb’s Hero Sandwich

Ingredients 1/2 cup THC olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup black olives, chopped 1 cup mushrooms, chopped 1 (1 pound) loaf round, crusty Italian bread 1/2 pound sliced deli smoked turkey meat 1/2 pound sliced Italian ham 1/4 pound sliced salami 1/2 pound sliced mozzarella cheese 6 leaves lettuce 1 tomato, sliced

Directions In a medium bowl, combine THC olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and garlic. Season with parsley, oregano and pepper. Stir in olives and mushrooms. Set aside.

Cut off the top half of the bread. Scoop out the inside, and leave a 1/2 inch outside wall. Spoon 2/3 of the olive mixture into the bottom.

Layer with turkey, ham, salami, mozzarella, lettuce and tomato. Pour remaining olive mixture on top, and replace the top half of bread. Wrap securely in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Grilled Shrimp and Tequila Salsa Ingredients Salsa: 1 cup chopped red onion 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper 4 cups tomatoes, chopped 1/4 cup jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped 1/4 cup garlic, minced 1/4 cup limejuice 1/2 cup THC olive oil 1/4 cup tequila

1/4 cilantro, finely chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano 1/4 cup white wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Shrimp: 1 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/4 cup butter, melted 2 tablespoons garlic, minced 1 lemon juiced Directions In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together limejuice, THC olive oil and tequila. Stir in all salsa ingredients to blend well, then set aside. Heat grill to medium high. Whisk together butter, garlic and lemon juice in a small pan over low heat until well blended. Place 4 shrimp on each skewer then brush with lemon mixture, and place shrimp on grill, basting with mixture. Grill each side 2-3 minutes. Remove from grill; stir salsa and drain any liquids. Set shrimp on plate with 1 cup salsa on the side. Garnish with twisted lime slices. Serve with crusty bread.

Grilled Portabella Mushroom Pizza (For My Veggie Friends) Ingredients 2 large Portobello caps, cleaned 4 tbsp THC olive oil 1 tsp of Italian seasoning 1 tsp of garlic powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp fresh black pepper Crushed red pepper, optional 2 tbsp of marinara sauce 2-3 tbsp shredded mozzarella Directions Preheat your grill. Place Portobello caps, gill side up, on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle each with a small amount of THC olive oil and spread around with your fingers or the backside of a small spoon. Next, sprinkle on Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add crushed red pepper to your liking of heat level. Place on the grill and roast for about 30 minutes or until fork tender. Remove mushrooms from grill and place a tablespoon of marinara on each and spread evenly. Top with mozzarella and place back in the grill on a top shelf until cheese begins to brown.

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Grilled romaine Hearts with Olive Dressing Ingredients 1/2 cup pitted black olives, not too salty 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1/4 cup THC olive oil + more for brushing 4 pieces rustic bread 4 romaine lettuce hearts, halved lengthwise 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced 1 ripe tomato, sliced A few thin slices of red onion or shallot A few shavings of parmigiano-reggiano Fresh ground black pepper Directions In a mini-food processor, thoroughly puree the olives and garlic. Add the lemon zest and juice and process for 20 seconds. Add the 1/4 cup of THC olive oil, 2 teaspoons at a time, processing for 15 seconds after each addition to emulsify. Let rest and then taste and adjust acid and salt before serving. You want it at room temperature for serving.

Heat a grill pan over a medium-high flame. Brush the bread with THC olive oil and toast on each side until nicely browned and marked by the grill. Push down a little to get nice marks.

Brush the cut side of the romaine and grill for about 30 seconds, pushing down gently.

To serve, put each piece of bread on a plate. Top with two romaine halves, some of the cucumber, tomato, red onion, and the parmigiano.

Drizzle on the dressing and finish with a grind of black pepper.

Healthy Sweet Treat Gluten Free Ingredients 3/4 sweet rice flour 3/4 gluten-free flour blend 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 cane sugar 1/3 cup THC oil 1 cup water 1 tbsp vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 tbsp baking powder Directions Preheat oven to 350F. Spoon flours into measuring cup, level off.

Add cocoa powder to flour. Stir in sugar, THC oil, water, vanilla, salt and baking powder. Pour into oiled 8x8” glass baking dish.

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Bake for 30-35 minutes. Frost with butter cream frosting or sprinkle with powdered sugar for fast brownies!

Notes: Frost with vegan butter-cream frosting, or just dust with powdered sugar for fast, super-moist brownies. Sweet rice flour can be found in the Asian section of the grocery store.

Peanut Butter Chocolate cake Ingredients 1 low sugar cake mix 3/4 cup sugar free chunky peanut butter 2 tsp vanilla 1 tbsp sugar free caramel syrup 3 eggs 1 cup water 1/3 cup THC oil Frosting: 2 tbsp butter 3/4 cup no sugar chunky peanut butter, 4 tbsp skim milk 2 tbsp sugar free caramel syrup 1 tbsp vanilla 1 lb powdered sugar Peanuts to sprinkle on top, optional Directions Place peanut butter in a bowl, add THC oil and eggs then beat well.

Add cake mix and water, beat well, then add flavorings and mix. Pour into sprayed cake pans, bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until cake tests done. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes then place on racks to finish cooling. To prepare frosting, place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat until creamy and thick enough to spread on cooled cake.

Make sure to check out CannabisCookoffChallenge.com, where some of the top cannabis chefs, including our own Chef Herb, will compete for the title of ‘Best Medicinal Chef.’ Event will take place in Los Angeles, California on August 25 2011.

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List of Advertisers Alive Herbal Medicine p 19 Alternative Wellness Center p 30

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