Southern California Kish Magazine July 2011

2

3

4

5

kush 60

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.

60 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.

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.

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.

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

6

southern california’s premier cannabis lifestyle magazine

82

72 inside

98

12 | The Legal Corner by Stephen M. 16 | Hempful Hints: Surf Gear by Jake McGee 22 | The Orange County Fair by Valerie Fernandez 26 | Democrats Embrace MMJ by Patricia Smith 34 | Patients Out of Time by Al Byrne 38 | Living Well: Detox by Elaine Ruggieri 48 | This Month in Weed History: Hunter S. Thompson by Jake McGee 50 | MPP Liberty Belle Party by Jake McGee 54 | The Grow Room: Maximum Yields by Tyler C. Davidson 56 | The Health Report: Annual Physicals by Elaine Ruggieri 58 | Community is Changing by Mike “The Poet” Sonksen 64 | Strain Review: Exotic OG 68 | LEGALIZATION AND HOW CA WILL LEAD THE WORLD 76 | Growers Grove: The Rain Table Pt. II by Jade Kine 80 | SoCal Travel: Coastal Hikes by Mike “The Poet” Sonksen 86 | Free Summer Festivals by Jay Evans 88 | Know: The CBD Revolution by Dragonfly de la Luz 92 | The History of West Coast Hip-Hop by Mike “The Poet” Sonksen 96 | SoCal Concert Calendar by Dillon Zachara 103 | The Green Pages: Dispensary Directory

7

from the editors

j

z

kush

southern california’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 May, the Federal government got served; a coalition of activist groups including Americans for Safe Access (ASA), Patients Out of Time (POT), the CRC, as well as several patients, filed suit against the Federal government, demanding the Obama administration reclassify marijuana as medical marijuana. This is a result of a 9-year delay on a motion by the Feds refusing to reclassify marijuana.

And the Federal government finally responded…they said ‘nope…sorry…there’s no medical use, so there will be no re-classification.’

Initial response would be that this is a bad thing…but it’s not. Think about it for a second…this now means that it rests in the high court of the land…basically, by the DEA coming out and making that official statement, the road is now open to take this to court. Finally, testimony can be heard, facts that cannot be ignored can be presented, and rather than on taboos and biases, a decision can be based on those factors, and those factors alone.

Victims of the Federal misclassification including Mollie Fry and her husband Dale Schafer, both serving minimum five-year terms for using medical marijuana (see article on page 72), one of whom, Shafer, is literally dying as we type these words due to a lack of his medication, will no longer have to succumb to baseless statements and bigoted approach by the federal government. Time has run out for the Federal government to stop this ridiculous propaganda driven and baseless classification of cannabis. Soon it’s going to be up to the courts. Our efforts could have potentially set the foundation to take our stories and data and facts and figures to the, dare we say, Supreme Court.

This development came just weeks after the Cole memo, the one that was supposed to clarify the Haag memo that was supposed to clarify the Ogden memo, hit our inboxes and web browsers.

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 (see article on page 82). To date, sixteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of marijuana, with programs in various phases of development. Besides Colorado, the states are: Alaska, Arizona (who recently became the first state

To date, sixteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of marijuana, with programs in various phases of development.

A Division of Dbdotcom LLC Publishers | Dbdotcom LLC Editor in Chief | Lisa Selan Assistant Editor | Wasim Muklashy Chief Executive Officer | Bob Selan Business Development | JT Wiegman Art Directors | Robb Friedman, Joe Redmond Director of International Marketing & Public Relations | Cheryl Shuman Director of So Cal Sales | Cheryl Shuman Advertising Sales Reps | Amanda Allen, Amy DiIullo, Ed Docter, Denise Mickelson, Charlene Moran, Jason Moran, Ken Weger Designers | Avel Cupla, Marvi Khero Traffic Managers | Kevin Johnson , Alex Lamitie, Ryan Renkema, Jordan Selan, Rachel Selan Distribution Manager | Alex Lamitie Contributing Writers | Al Byrne, Chef Herb, Tyler C. Davidson, Dragonfly de la Luz, Jay Evans, Valerie Fernandez, AnnaRae Grabstein, Jade Kine, Sharon Letts, Stephen M., Jake McGee, Wasim Muklashy, Joe Rogoway, Elaine Ruggieri, Cheryl Shuman, Patricia Smith, Mike Sonksen, Dillon Zachara Accounting | Dianna Bayhylle

to officially file suit against the Federal government), 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 cities such as San Diego, Long Beach, Los Angeles and our neighbors in San Jose and Sacramento are all trying to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries in our communities. 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. But perhaps…perhaps soon, all these memos…the Cole, the Ogden, the Haag…all of it, we’ll finally be able to put behind us and file into the annals of propaganda along with Reefer Madness, the Drug War, and the rest of that nonsense.

So where does all that leave the present medical marijuana industry in California? For California it is business as usual. 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 88, 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 of you looking to milk as much of these hot summer months as possible, we have a few options: The Orange County Fair, which is coming to town for the 131st time (p 22), a day trip to hike one of our coast’s beautiful beaches (p 80), and, for those on a budget, we’ve even got an extensive list of FREE concerts and activities, which you’ll find on page 86.

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

8

Internet Manager Dailybuds.com | Rachel Selan Dailybuds.com Team | JT Kilfoil & Houston 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 mzail (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.

9

10

11

the LEGAL CORNER

by Stephen M.

“There’s a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious—makes you so sick at heart— that you can’t take part…and you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you’re free, the machine will be prevented from working at all.”

-Mario Savio

W

hile the passion and commitment of the 60s radicals may have dissipated with the passage of time, the power of the “machine”- that three tiered industrialgovernmental complex that determines the fate and fortunes of so many - grinds on, mindlessly chewing up the lives of those brave enough to challenge the status quo.

Given recent medical cannabis political developments at the federal, state, and local levels, patients and the industry they support may be the next to suffer needlessly upon the sharp-toothed gears of the machine.

While the billion dollar federal machine may be slow in ramping up to full speed, the counter-offensive launched by the Obama administration signals that it is all systems go at the federal level. The Drug Enforcement Agency, led by Bush-era holdover Michelle Leonhart, just rejected a request to remove cannabis from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substance Act. While this allows a legal challenge to the ruling to now go forward, the Obama administration just missed a critical opportunity to end federal prohibition.

Leonhart claims, “the known risks of marijuana use have not been shown to be outweighed by specific benefits in well-controlled clinical trials that scientifically evaluate safety and efficacy.” Everyone who pays half-way attention to this issue knows that she has in the past not only undermined attempts to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cannabis, but is also studiously avoiding existing evidence submitted to and supported by a ruling DEA administrative law judge that shows evidence contrary to her position. As a matter of fact, that same judge recommends policies contrary to her recent decision.

Welcome to the machine, indeed, Mr. Floyd.

On the other federal front, Obama’s chief law enforcement officers have sent letters, apparently at the behest of state officials, threatening everything from prosecution of state officials for carrying out state law (a dubious legal concept but effective in giving opponents an excuse to undermine sensible cannabis legislation) to increased federal involvement in medical cannabis crackdowns.

“Such conduct,” Asst. Attorney General Neronha wrote, “is contrary to federal law and thus, undermines the federal government’s efforts to regulate the possession, manufacturing and trafficking of controlled substances. Accordingly, the Department of Justice could consider civil and criminal legal remedies against those individuals and entities who set up marijuana growing facilities and dispensaries.”

To counter this onslaught, Rep. Barney Frank and Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, introduced a bill in Congress to remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances and treat cannabis like alcohol, which is the exclusive domain of the states.

This bill will most likely not pass, but is an indication that some within the machine are attempting to alter the rules by which it operates.

To illustrate the interrelated nature of the various government levels, recall that the explosion of collectives in Southern California was at least in part a response to a belief that the feds wouldn’t be prosecuting those in compliance with state law. But local collectives may soon have more to worry about than federal agents: Your local compliance and zoning officer might show up soon with a tape measure in one hand and a cease and desist letter in the other if recent legislation speeding through the California legislature is eventually signed by Gov. Jerry Brown

12

SB 847, sponsored by State Senator Correa (R-Santa Ana) and presently parked in an Assembly committee, is all but guaranteed to have the political momentum to land on the governor’s desk. SB 847 restricts any collective from being within 600 ft of a residence unless a local ordinance is already in place or a local government ordinance supersedes it. “While appearing reasonable, it is nearly impossible to find any place in San Diego that is 600 feet from a residential zone or residence,” expresses Cynara Vasquez, a political consultant familiar with the situation. Estimates show that “less than 10% of all collectives in the city would be in compliance with this new law.”

The ordinance is so sweeping that it has the potential to be a complete ban on state compliant medical marijuana collectives not only in San Diego, but a host of “other cities without local ordinances across California, including Fresno, Bakersfield, Chico, Irvine and others. It would force medical marijuana collectives deep into industrial zones, eliminating safe access to patients around the state” Vasquez explains.

The other bill, AB 1300 Sponsored by California Assemblyman Bob Menfield (D-Van Nuys), has already passed by the Assembly and is currently sitting on the floor of the Senate and poised for passage. AP 1300 empowers cities and counties to enforce local law related to the location, operation, or establishment of collectives. This bill is seen as a way for local governments to get around state protected rights of collectives under the Compassionate Use Act (CUA). Medical cannabis supporters argue that this is a de facto ban – and hence a law that violates the safe access provisions of the CUA. If Governor Brown signs this law, it will surely end up in litigation as well.

If discussion of the parade of ABs and SBs marching through our collective minds dulls the reader’s sense of outrage at the willful abuse of a system designed to protect the people’s rights, a quick look at the unfolding fiasco in Dana Point provides a harrowing story of petty tyrants with municipal treasures at their disposal to fight collectives and their patients. As reported in the Orange County Registrar, three collectives in the beach city south of Los Angeles have been ground down by the gears of power in posh Dana Point. City officials have shut them down without due process, used the courts in an attempt to drain their resources, and now the collectives are going toe to toe with the city in court.

At this point in the unfolding drama, a judge ordered The Point Alternative Care to close and says its founder must pay Dana Point $1.9 million in damages.

Beach Cities Collective – the collective with the most egregious assaults on its legal rights - has sued the city, along with city officials, for $20 million, alleging violations of due process, plus defamation, and conspiracy. This past May, another judge ordered Holistic Health to close and ordered its founder to pay Dana Point $2.68 million in damages. Holistic Health fired back and sued Dana Point for $30 million, alleging violations of due process. (The entire time line of this abuse of power can be found at the O.C. Registrar’s website).

So, as the Dana Point situations illustrates, the machine has kicked into high gear.

The recent shifts in policy stance at the federal level, coupled with overly restrictive and muddled state legislation, only emboldens those with their hands on the levers of power to ratchet up the pressure and squeeze what they can from citizens simply exercising their rights.

Apparently, the gears need oiling.

13

14

15

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.

16

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.

17

18

19

20

21

Did this month’s planned 405 closure have you all wound up and worried? Did visions of overheating cars, people screaming at the top of their lungs out of their car windows, and random acts of artillery kindness keep you up at night? Were you forced to figure out how to make the best of your single lane neighborhood street detours along with the other 10 million residents of our great city?

This was, by far, the biggest transportation test our city has had to undertake…the strain on our already congested ‘free’-ways was enough to give mother nature a hernia, but guess what…

WE MADE IT! And considering the fact that you’re reading this now (more likely than not while medicating for the unnecessary and unhealthy stress the weekend’s events may have caused you)…rest assured…it’s all over!

Yes…you’re still alive!

You’ve survived Carmageddon!!!!

So what better way to celebrate the passing of imminent demise than…a fair!!! Yes Angelenos…music, fried food, fun games, and ferris wheels. And it’s nowhere near the ‘405 between the 10 and the 101.’ As a matter of fact, it’s clear on the opposite end of town…Orange County. So yes, head south between July 15 and August 14 down to Costa Mesa for the annual Orange County Fair. This long-standing staple of the O.C. has entertained people of all ages with rides, games, concerts, attractions, and shows (and sideshows) of all kinds for more than 130 years!

Going to the Fair is part of life at any age. For kids, there are great new experiences like meeting gentle farm animals for the first time, feeling the strange sensation of cotton candy melting in your mouth, or trying to win a huge stuffed animal from one of the challenging games. With all the lights blinking, the bells whistling, the rides spinning, along with unique scents of various fried foods, combined with barbecue smoke and other confections filling the air - all of the senses will be working overtime - truly making for some lifelong memories.

For most everyone else, ranging from adolescents on, there are also many memories to be made at the Fair. Maybe you had your first kiss there, or held your boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s hand for the first time on a ride. Maybe you shared a moment over a funnel cake or deep-fried Snickers bar with your grandchild, or proposed to your future mate on one knee in front of the Tilt-A-Whirl.

22 22

These spontaneuous and unpredictable moments in life are usually the ones that make for the most memorable of memories. After all, the fair is a place where everyone can let their guard down for a few hours, forget about the rat-race, and be a kid again. This sentiment is what brings over a million visitors back each year. This is pure Americana at it’s best - and when it comes to the summer months, and fun with family and friends, this is the place to be.

Along with all the regular fun of the rides, attractions, great food, and novelties, there is, of course, the fantastic Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheater, which is adjacent to the Fairgrounds. The best thing about these Pac Amp shows is your O.C. Fair admission is included in your concert ticket. So, being that some of these shows are as low as $12-16, if you subtract the fair entrance fee, these great concerts can run less than your average movie theater ticket - wow!

Kicking off this year’s series is none other than the legendary Bob Dylan, opening night, July 15th. Fresh from dusting off his boots at his recent seventieth birthday, and proving that the Fair is fun for every age group, Bobby D. will surely run through rousing renditions of his reworked classics in this outdoor amphitheater. Additional headliners scheduled to perform include Chris Isaak, Selena Gomez, Melissa Etheridge, Bill Cosby, BB King, The Pink Floyd Experience, Chicago, Weezer, Huey Lewis & The News, Steel Pulse, Kansas & Blue Oyster Cult.

Check the site below for a full list and schedule.

Additionally, there are some smaller shows at “The Hangar,” a smaller venue adjacent to the fairgrounds that has a roster of great acts performing in conjunction with the Fair’s dates and throughout the summer. They have an extremely impressive lineup of tribute bands for everyone from Abba to Depeche Mode to Prince, Michael Jackson, and beyond.

So there you have it KUSH fans…this may just be your most local and affordable decompression get-away from all the madness…and celebrate your continued existence!

We’ll see ya’ at the Fair.

For more information, visit OCFair.com/2011 and PacAmp.com

23

24

25

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.

26

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

E T VO

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

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

34 34

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-

3535

36

37

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

38

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

39

40

CITY COMPASSIONATE

41

42

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.”

43

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.

44 44

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.

45

46

47

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 plat48 48

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.

49

On Thursday, July 7, 2011, the Marijuana Policy Project threw

the best party of the year, with their Liberty Belle Ball at the iconic Playboy Mansion. Sadly, Hugh Hefner was not in attendance, nor were there any orgies in the Grotto during the party.

There were, however, tons of industry leaders and other luminaries in the battle to legalize marijuana, enjoying live music from Fishbone and various DJs, amazing food spreads, and overall having a great time.

MPP Executive Director Rob Kampia made the rounds, celebrating with friends new and old. According to Kampia, “Tonight’s celebration brings together people from all over the country- patients, activists, celebrities, canna-business owners, investors, and marijuana aficionados. We’re united by a firm belief that our government’s draconian marijuana laws are far more harmful than the use of marijuana.This is our fifth party at the Playboy Mansion, and I think it’s probably the best of our five, in terms of attendance, energy level, profit margin, lack of logistical nightmares, etc.,” Kampia said.

Indeed, an impressive lot of notables turned up to celebrate MPP’s progress including Jason Gann - from the Australian (and now FX) smash hit “Wilfred”- who accompanied Kush Magazine’s very own Cheryl Shuman. Bob Selan, CEO of Kush and Board member of NCIA, the first cannabis industry trade association, was also in attendance. Additional notables in attendance included Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Reed Diamond, and Breckin Meyer from TNT’s “Franklin & Bash.” Guests were very interested in talking to people from the cannabis industry, including the main sponsor of the event GreenLife Medical Systems LLC, as well as The 420 Times, Canna Bank, Vapor Room, Bhang Chocolates, Berkeley Patients Group, WeGrow and LA Weekly. “We got invited to this party because MPP said because our brand has become so powerful,” said Mike Garcia from WeGrow.

“We’re very involved with the movement. We just got our 1,000th application for a franchise,” and according to Garcia, WeGrow is the only cannabis related business that has been given the permission 50 50

to start franchising throughout the country.

Garcia said his business is flourishing because they have the moxie to stand tall and proud, as they offer a grand superstore for everything one needs to grow medical marijuana. “Everyone else (other hydro shops) is hiding, and we’re the ones saying, ‘step out.’ Somebody has to step out there, and take the risk ahead of everybody else.

We’re doing that thing; we’re taking the risk.”

Thanks to organizations like MPP, the movement to abolish marijuana prohibition has gained more and more energy over the years, and the past year was no different.

“I think it’s going really well right now,” Kampia noted. “We’ve had four significant state victories in just seven months: Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, and Vermont. We’ve had this explosion of state-level victories, which would have been unheard of a couple years ago.

“So I think we’re doing really well, in terms of laws changing on the state level. On the federal level, it’s a give and take. You know, we have obviously our best legislation ever in Congress, but it’s not so clear on the federal level that things are going in the right direction.

It’s not a disaster and it’s not a dream, it’s somewhere in the middle.”

Randy Welty from San Diego, and one of the board members of the newly formed Patient Care Association of California (PCAC) also had good news to share. “The PCAC successfully executed on a referendum to stop the ban against collectives as a result of an onerous City of San Diego medical marijuana ordinance. Over 46,000 signatures were gathered in less than 30 days.” Welty exclaimed, “We’re very happy to report that it is going to end up passing as a referendum.” The next steps according to Welty are to prepare and initiative that will instruct the City Council as to how the medical marijuana community can partner with the city to allow for straight forward regulations that will also assure that patients will have safe access.

Welty stated that, “hopefully before it gets to the next initiative stage we will have the opportunity to sit down with the city council and negotiate an acceptable resolution.”

The struggles that are facing San Diego are not unique but are commonplace among many cities and states where MPP has been proactive in. To this end, Kampia and the MPP are showing no signs of slowing down. As Kampia continued - during breaks between performances by the hypnotizing Fire Groove - “Our flagship project over the next year and a half is the legalize marijuana initiative that is being promoted in Colorado, to end marijuana prohibition entirely, and to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol. That’s the #1 most important project for November 2012.”

Kampia further stated that, “In addition, we will continue to work on lobbying in Illinois, New York, Maryland and a couple of other states. We will of course assist in California and the state of Washington, with their two ballot initiatives. But we can’t do everything everywhere. One of the things that we pride ourselves on at MPP for the past 16 1/2 years is picking and choosing our battles. This means saying ‘yes,’ but also saying ‘no.’ We can’t say ‘yes’ to everything. In the next year and a half, we are saying ‘yes’ to Colorado, and then we’re going to help everywhere else that we can.”

As the party dwindled down, and guests were shuttled out of the Mansion grounds, a sense of true victory hovered over the area. We are winning this silly yet dreadful war.

51

52

53

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.

54

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!

55

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

56

57

58

59

Ray Mickshaw/FX

by Cheryl Shuman and Wasim Muklashy

60 60

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,

(continued on page 62) 61

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

62

63

Imagine lying on a beach in the Caribbean looking out into the vast, clear, open ocean and feeling a sense of tranquility, where nothing else surrounding you matters because you are lost in the current moment.

As I pack a bowl of this luscious strain and light the little hairs of the bud, I inhale the sweet smoke of Exotic OG and am immediately lifted into my own paradise. I have reached ultimate tranquility.

Appearance, Texture, and Scent

According to dictionary.com, something considered exotic is “strikingly unusual or strange in effect or appearance.” At first glance, the pure indica Exotic OG may not come off as the most aesthetically attractive strain…but upon closer inspection, it certainly proves to be ‘strikingly unusual.’ The small and fluffy popcorn nugs look as if they’ve been dipped in furry kief. The layer of white crystal-like trichomes adds a pleasant hue and texture to the celery-colored coli. Exotic OG possesses a very potent aroma, emitting a strong odor of a mild earthy, piney scent.

Effects

When smoking with close friends where we were all in our comfort zone, we were all very social with each other and we even engaged in intense intellectual conversation covering everything from the vastness of outer space to the psychology behind street photography. But once we got up and headed to an engagement where we were unfamiliar with many of the attendees, our social skills decreased quite noticeably. It was quite apparent that this was a medication that had two faces…if you were in your comfort zone, it highly magnified that experience…eloquence was not in short order and animated and emotional engagement seemed natural. However, once you are taken out of your comfort zone, it may cause you to recoil a bit, lending more to a sense of relaxation and being content (not necessarily a bad thing!).

To be fair and well-rounded, I gave the strain another go under a completely different circumstance. Piano being a hobby of mine, I decided to see how Exotic OG might help or hinder my performance.

I took a solitary hit, sat down behind the keys, and started playing.

64

Within just a couple of minutes, I was lost in the music and had blocked out all of my surroundings. I was immensely focused in what I was doing, and I was trying things I hadn’t tried before. I concluded that this strain absolutely enhanced my creativity. I was in a zone.

There was one last test. This was an indica after all, and more often than not, it’s the indica I pick up when it’s time to wind down and combat my insomnia.

And let me tell you, Exotic OG worked like a charm.

After two hits of this potent bud, I lied in bed and closed my eyes, falling into a deep pleasant slumber that did not end until my alarm interrupted it 8 hours later.

Exotic OG is an extremely potent marijuana strain.

Like many other indica strains found at medical marijuana dispensaries, effects of the Exotic OG medical marijuana strain often includes a strong, heavy Kush body high and a unique, slightly trippy psychedelic buzz characterized pleasant feelings of euphoria. The focus and energy experienced under the spell of Exotic OG was in full symmetry with whatever you may be doing at the time. As you have probably gathered from the words above, Exotic OG proved to be a very multi-faceted strain… it seemed like it helped enhance whatever activity, or lack of activity, you chose to engage in. While providing an inspiring gusto in conversation and creativity, it had an equally profound effect on helping me combat my insomnia.

This medication is very effective in treating glaucoma, ADD, Depression, Migraines, PTSD, Gastrointestinal Issues, Nausea, AIDS, Cancer, MS, Epilepsy, Muscle spasms, Alcoholism, Arthritis, and it’s appetite stimulation properties even combats Anorexia.

It is absolutely recommended that Exotic OG exist in your medicine cabinet. It offers a very unique and effective option for a myriad of symptoms and it’s certainly one that I would return to again and again, and I have no doubt you will too.

65

66 66

67

Legalization and How California Will Lead the World in Cannabis Centric Innovation By:AnnaRae Grabstein, CEO Steep Hill Lab, Member; Cannabis Law Institute Think Tank Advisory Board; NORML Women’s Alliance Steering Committee Joe Rogoway, Esq., Co-Founder Cannabis Law Institute; Member, Drafting Advisory Committee CCPR 2012

The legalization of cannabis in California will be the most significant event in the history of the cannabis plant. The possibility for scientific innovation in a fertile legal environment will have dramatic implications across the state. Advances in science, research, and the development of cannabis will be advanced through the creation of free flowing capital into this emerging and promising market.

This market, in turn, will inspire economic growth beyond the backdrop of social justice. To reap these massive benefits, we must all work tirelessly to repeal cannabis prohibition.

68 68

California is not only one of the most diverse ecological regions on earth, but it is also the global hub of scientific and technological innovation.

Because of this, we are uniquely situated to accomplish things that may have been inconceivable a generation ago. In the last decade, the great experiment of legitimized medical marijuana has yielded profound and astonishing results for the cannabis plant and those who consume it. Today, a medical cannabis patient can go to a dispensary, examine different varieties of cannabis, and determine which variety is best suited for their individual needs. This decision

69

is based on the labeling information that is generated through laboratories that test cannabis. Still, there is an enormous amount of scientific innovation to come.

Imagine the possibilities that will exist in a world of total legalization and regulation.

Cannabis testing laboratories can already accurately test for microbiological contaminants, pesticides, and levels of various compounds including THC and CBD. They are also working with breeders to develop cannabis strains with specific therapeutic applications through genetic hybridization. Because of these improvements, patient consumers are able to select varieties based not just on odor and appearance, but also based upon the levels of various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds which the consumer finds desirable. But this has occurred in a system of only partial legitimization bringing great risks to the people involved in this movement. While the progress made thus far has been game-changing, legalization will open the door to a new level of advancement in cannabis development which will likely carry over into the cultivation of other crops.

It is the scientific data produced through testing that many of the innovations we hope to realize will come to fruition. The development of cannabis strains with specific therapeutic applications will require scientific experimentation. This will necessitate data that is confirmed and refuted through the scientific process.

After rigorous scrutiny, the genetics of the cannabis plant will be sufficiently hybridized to create strains that serve a specific purpose. At the heart of this is the clinical testing that produces the objective data underlying nearly all innovation. California’s legal cannabis model will set the world standard for this type of experimentation.

70 70

generation of visionary entrepreneurship contributing to an entirely new prosperous market sector.

With the cannabis market flourishing, a variety of other social improvements are possible. Aside from the clear economic advantages gained through the addition of a new sector of the green economy, the collection of taxes and fees associated with the regulation of cannabis will also be immense. These new sources of revenue will fund our schools, our infrastructure, our parks, and even our government for generations to come. There will also be the tens of millions of dollars that are currently diverted into the machinations of cannabis prohibition going back into state coffers to pay for better things.

As all of these very exciting societal benefits are happening, something even more monumental will occur; Californians will no longer face the horrors of the criminal justice system because of cannabis.

Members of law enforcement will no longer be able to go into their homes, rifle through their possessions, or seize their person or property. Probation departments will no longer be able to search for the presence of cannabis metabolites in a person’s bodily fluids as a means for sanction. Courts and prosecutors will cease imprisoning people based on cannabis. When this happens, Californians will no longer fear the negative legal srepercussions of cannabis.

In so many ways, the vote to legalize cannabis will be more than merely a referendum on a single issue. It will represent a watershed moment in our democracy and a catalyst for positive social change and scientific innovation. It can be everything that California needs it to be. We can lead the world by example. But it is not guaranteed.

Cannabis legalization will aid scientific and technological innovation that will spur a cycle where capital investment funds the innovation and innovation justifies later investments. It is through processes such as this that markets boom and economies revitalize.

It is easy to sit back and wait for this bright future to unfold. It is much harder to work towards assuring this great outcome. Infighting and lack of vision doomed earlier attempts at legalization. We failed to convince others of the righteousness of our cause because, in part, we first failed to convince ourselves. This is a mistake that cannot be repeated going forward.

A favorable environment for research and development will encourage ancillary businesses and ultimately have far reaching economic benefits.

Entrepreneurship is a central tenet of American society but the financial crisis paired with a hostile prosecutorial environment has substantially impaired business formation. Legalization will empower a new

If you are still reading this, then you probably already believe that the path towards legalization and regulation is the right path for California. It is now your duty to ensure that others share that ideal and vote in favor of cannabis policy reform. The time is finally ours to make this Golden State green.

71

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.

72

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?”

74 74

“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

75 75

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.

76

(continued on page 78)

77

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

78

– 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

79

coastal hikes:

California is home to more people than any other state in America, and the Pacific Ocean is why. Even though most beach communities are developed and commercialized, there are still a few places along the coastline where you can camp or snorkel or just enjoy the landscape for itself. All due respect to the many great seafood eateries out there, but it heals the soul to walk on an empty beach, or at least a quiet one, without parking structures and fast food franchises vying for your attention. Though it’s hard

80

to believe, a few choice quiet slices of Southern California coast are still holding their ground from San Diego through Malibu.

Put on your hiking shoes and enjoy California!

Torrey Pines State Reserve in North San Diego is a botanical wonderland where three major plant communities thrive together on over 1700 acres. The sage-scrub, chaparral and salt marsh plant communities all intermingle over three miles of gorgeous coast-

Nestled between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach along Pacific Coast Highway is Crystal Cove State Park. Stretching over three miles of wooded coastline, Crystal Cove, like Torrey Pines, is a rare slice of uncut California. The landscape is one of the few undeveloped pieces of coast left in Orange County. Crystal Cove’s scenic bluffs, ravines, ridges and canyons will battle for your attention with the underwater park living in Crystal Cove’s waters. With tide pools, rocky reefs, kelp forests, sea lions, harbor seals, and occasional migrating grey whales, Crystal Cove’s archipelago proves a vibrant ecology.

The backcountry area of the park is a large expanse for hiking.

The Native Americans (Juanenos) that once inhabited this coast gathered wild berries, seeds and acorns in this area. A short walk reveals willow thickets, elderberries, sycamores, live oaks and shallow caves. Crystal Cove is an incredible place to explore the coast or watch the sun dip into the ocean.

Head north about 100 miles, and you’ll run into Point Dume, on the northern tip of Santa Monica Bay. The long bluff is crowned with rocks and forms a narrow pointed shape on the coast. Point Dume is the northern terminus for the coastline that is bookended on the south by the Palos Verdes peninsula. Like Palos Verdes, Point Dume’s distinct shape makes it visible from long distances. The distinct formations provide a great stop for rock-climbers, and the point’s swells have been praised and honored by surfers of all generations.

Tube snails, sand castle worms, shore and hermit crabs, anemones and sea stars can be found within Point Dume’s vibrant tide pools. If you come at the right time of the year you might even see migrating grey whales. And for a short homage to the location’s history, make sure to visit the small monument saluting British naval commander George Vancouver, the man who gave Point Dume its name when he sailed by in 1793.

It’s no secret that the further north you travel up the California Coast, the more engaging it becomes: the rolling hills of Lompoc, the massive boulder at Morro Bay, Big Sur’s redwood trees, Carmel conifers amidst Cliffside cabins, Monterey’s cypress trees on wind-torn ridges and fog hanging over houseboats in Sausalito, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The coastline in Stinson Beach and Bolinas is so epic that locals don’t want the secret to get out (ooops…sorry…). They purposely tear the sign down from the highway. line. The landscape is a photographer’s paradise packed with Torrey Pine trees on coastal bluffs, fields of wildflowers, jagged cliffs and long sweeping vistas.

The Torrey Pine is a rare tree that only grows in two places on Earth.

One is the Torrey Pines State Reserve and the other is Santa Rosa Island, one of the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara. The Torrey Pines are California icons on par with other symbolic shrubs like Joshua trees, cypress trees or Arizona’s Saguaro cactus. The Torrey Pines growing amidst the diverse ecosystem make the State Reserve especially popular with San Diego hikers and nature lovers. Be advised about occasional high tides and seasonal danger that intermittently occurs here. After all it’s the millions of years of constant pounding by the Pacific that have made the cliffs at Torrey Pines so picturesque.

Bolinas is technically only 15 miles north of San Francisco, but due to the winding roads and tucked away topography of Bolinas, navigating this route, chalk full of hairpin turns that hug thousand foot cliffs, takes almost an hour. Bolinas is famous for being off the grid. Sure enough, the one time I was there I couldn’t even get cell service…and that was a good thing. After all, the California coast is a bastion for those in need of beauty, peace and quiet, so the next time you feel the need to clear your head, get out…take a hike! New landscapes and environments energize fresh eyes, and fresh eyes give birth to new ideas.

--

Mike the PoeT aka Mike Sonksen is a Spoken Word Artist, Tourguide, Educator, Journalist, and Historian based in The City of Angels. mikethepoetla.tumblr.com/ www.youtube.com/user/MikeThePoet1

81

82

S

Vx 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.

83 83

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

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.

for-profit licensing of the production of cannabis.” He also reportedly 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.

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.”

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 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 megagrow scheme was clearly intended to be a for-profit venture, Haag’s response on that point was not inconsistent with the Ogden Memo.

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.

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.”

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.

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:

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

“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

84

“

...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*

85 85

Have you been called a “99er” lately (Google it…)? Have you found yourself picking through trashcans to get recycling money? Maybe you’ve applied for an EBT card recently, just so you can eat? Man, times are definitely tough, and seem to be getting tougher. They’ve got us in the habit of paying close to $4.00 per gallon, and before you know it, it will be $5.00. The price of everyday necessities have skyrocketed, and if you’re fortunate enough to have health care, you should thank your lucky stars. 9.2% of Californians are not working - college tuition is at an all-time high - and let’s face it, getting by in today’s day and age isn’t getting any easier. If any of these recent hardships have fallen upon you, then spending a night out (or any amount of money frivolously) on entertainment and good times may be well outside of your comfort zone. Well, KUSH magazine (aside from still being free) is thinking of you and your ailing pocketbook. We have comprised a comprehensive list of FREE concerts and events in the Los Angeles / Orange County areas, specifically with you (well, and some of us) in mind. And hey, who knows, by getting out and off the couch, you might just meet someone, make a connection, get a lead, land a job, or at least socialize in your local area. Remember…networking is half the battle, so spark one up and relax…we got you covered:

86

1. Summer Sessions Outdoor Music & Garden Concerts for Kids at The Getty Saturdays in July, Saturdays and Sundays in August, the Getty offers its Saturdays “Off the 405” concert and DJ series. Totally free – so is parking and tram after 5pm. This is like getting some free culture too. You can’t go wrong up at the Getty. And to top it all off, the gardens and views of the Los Angeles basin are breathtaking. (1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles; Getty.edu) 2. Jazz on the Lawn Concert Series This free Sunday Jazz series runs on the lawn of the Santa Monica City Hall thru August between the hours of 5-7 pm. A cool ocean breeze along with some cool tunes sounds like a pretty cool night, for free. (1685 Main Street, Santa Monica; AllAboutJazz.com) 3. Summer Sunset Music Festival in Culver City Featuring artists from around the world, this 13-week concert series runs from July through August every Thursday at 7pm, and covers everything from Jazz and Samba, to Swing and Bluegrass. This all takes place at the Courtyard at the Culver City Center of City Hall.

There is even free parking at the city hall structure. You can’t beat that! (9770 Culver Blvd, Culver City; CulverCity.org) 4. For more free Jazz, check out the Summer Jazz at Descanso Gardens on Thursday evenings, late June through mid August, 5:307 pm. This beautiful setting is just a bonus to all the free music. While this is only free with garden admission ($8/adults, $3/children), when you factor in an entire day of enjoyment, it really makes for a bargain. Check it out early, and stay late. (1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge; DescansoGardens.org) 5. Annual Music by the Sea Concert Series Wow! What a view! The Pacific Ocean is your backdrop here at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. Sundays in July from 12:00 noon – 5pm, bring your blanket and beach chairs, settle in and enjoy the variety of musical genres from week to week. All will get you dancing around, and all are free. (807 West Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro; MusicByTheSea.org)

6. Sunset Concerts Series at the Skirball Cultural Center Come celebrate the best in World Music from around the globe. Besides all the great tunes, the Skirball Galleries are free too. Come join the fun every Thursday between July 21 –August 25, doors open at 8pm.

Keep in mind that concertgoers need to show a dateof-concert Skirball parking stub, Metro pass, or taxi receipt for concert admission. Hey, you gotta get there somehow, right? (2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles; Skirball.org) 7. The Long Beach Municipal Band & Thursday Night Concert Series Come celebrate the 100th birthday of the longest surviving, municipally supported band in the country. Bring your picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs for this mobile concert series. It takes place July - August at 6:30 pm, at various parks located throughout the city. Check local listing for details. (LongBeach.gov) 8. Free Summer Folk Music at the Peter Strauss Ranch This sounds like a blast. The second Sunday of every month, June through September, you can enjoy the relaxing sounds of Folk Music, set in an old west movie set, at the Peter Strauss Ranch near Agoura, 3-5 pm.

Get there early and kick up some dust. (3000 Mulholland Highway, Agoura; TopangaBanjoFiddle.org) 9. For the 25th year, California State San Bernardino is hosting its Wednesday Night Concert Series. Running through the end of July, these free shows start at 7pm, and take place in the lower Commons. Some of the highlights include The Tornadoes (July 20) and Desperado, the infamous Eagles tribute band (July 27). There’s even free parking in Lot D, so grab some friends, some grub, and maybe a bottle or two.

-We at KUSH magazine understand that in these hard times, while we must help each other and stay informed, we must also balance that out with some rest and relaxation. We hope these events help you get through the hard times, so get out there, enjoy your summer, and remember…the best things in life are free!

87

88 88

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.

89

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.

90 90

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

91

“The underground began in earnest when hip hop was on the verge of losing its place as a socially relevant arts movement. It did not resurrect itself outside of other styles of hip hop but rather in discourse with them. As such, it added to and created hip hop’s counterpublic representations through unauthorized biography, critical artistic and linguistic expression, and think-tank ciphers. Through its presence in the ¬counterpublic, the underground re-created the political and social critique of early hiphop while developing new lyrical styles and standards to critique political and social symbols and promote artistic expression.”

Marcyliena Morgan “The Real HipHop,” Duke University Press, 2009

92 92

93 93

West Coast Underground Hip Hop blasted off in Los Angeles in the shadow of the gangsta rap explosion of the 1980s. The influence of NWA, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy E, spawned hundreds of copycat groups purveying the gangsta vibe. The birth of progressive underground hip hop in Los Angeles - the antithesis of gangsta rap - emerged in 1989 in a legendary hip hop workshop, the Good Life Cafe. Skills were the focus of the weekly open mic: Lyrical heavyweights only. Good Life emcees like Myka 9 & Aceyalone pioneered freestyling with multisyllabic rhyme schemes, raw metaphors & harmony going beyond anything heard before. Cut Chemist told me the first time he saw Myka 9 at the Good Life he felt like he was seeing a lyrical Charlie Parker. The Good Life is to Hip Hop what Minton’s Playhouse was for bop…the proverbial birthplace.

As Hip Hop evolved in the late 1980s lyricists became more skilled.

RAKIM, KRS-ONE, EPMD, KOOL MOE DEE, Native Tongues, ULTRAMAGNETIC Mcs, a few vanguards pushing the art. During this same era, while most of the West Coast followed NWA, a new avantgarde emerged in the Crenshaw District. The west coast underground, born at the Good Life Café and continued on at Project Blowed in Leimert Park, set a standard of lyrical excellence many other indie hip hop collectives continue to aspire to.

“Leimert Park’s very own Aceyalone - The one who made the whole world come off the dome.”

The Good Life/Project Blowed nexus is the birthplace of acts like Freestyle Fellowship, Pharcyde, Jurassic 5, Abstract Rude, Medusa, Myka 9, Busdriver, Darkleaf, Riddlore, Ellay Khule, 2Mex, Subtitle, Awol One, Nocando - the list continues. Influential underground hip hop crews and record labels like Def Jux, Rhymesayers, Anticon, Antipop Consortium, Living Legends and many other collectives inculcated the Good Life spirit and ran with it. 2Mex says in THIS IS THE LIFE, “The Good Life is as important as the Seattle music scene, the punk rock music scene, the New York punk scene, as important as the Southern hip hop movement, all of those movements, but of all of those scenes, it gets the least light.” After all these years, the influence of the Good Life and continuing on at Project Blowed can be put into proper context because of 2 fairly recent projects: the film documentary THIS IS THE LIFE & the book THE REAL HIPHOP.

THIS IS THE LIFE “This is the Life” is the 2008 documentary capturing the true spirit of the Good Life Café. The Good Life was located in South Los Angeles at Crenshaw & Exposition in a health food store. The weekly Thursday night open mic at the Good Life is one of the most important sites in the history of lyricism. B.Hall, the elder female owner of the Good Life demanded emcees refrain from cursing. She wanted them to think about their words and push forward. This was in complete opposition to the era’s current trend. What happened is emcees pushed their lyrics to new frontiers. Good Life regulars like Medusa, Myka 9, Aceyalone, Gangah K, Chali 2na, Chillin Villian Empire, Pigeon John, Volume 10, Figures of Speech, T-Love, Abstract Rude & 2Mex created a space where you had to lyrically come with it or you better pass the mic.

Skills were bottom line.

If the crowd objected to an emcee‘s flow they would chant in unison, “Please pass the mic! Please pass the mic!”

94

THIS IS THE LIFE was directed by Ava Duvernay (aka MC Eve from the group Figures of Speech). Ava’s dedication to telling the Good Life story came from her personal connection. After all, Figures of Speech were there performing each week, which lends credence to the film’s accuracy. Essentially, the film covers about 35 of the major participants of the Good Life movement. Hundreds of emcees performed there over the 5 years it was open, but the doc concentrates on the core members - telling the inside story of Freestyle Fellowship, Medusa, Jurassic 5, Chillin Villain Empire, Volume 10 and other great Good Life emcees. THIS IS THE LIFE has been featured in a dozen film festivals, taking home the Audience Award at the prestigious Langston Hughes African-American Film Festival in Seattle as well as the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Pan-African International Film Festival in February 2008.

One of the most poignant scenes shows Peace, from Freestyle Fellowship, being interviewed in a backyard. He looks directly into the camera and then points to a flowerbed next to him saying, “See that! We were like that. Dry ass dirt. Dry ass dirt with beautiful flowers coming out of it. We came from the underground.” Peace’s soliloquy on the no-nonsense focus of Good Life rappers conveys the blue collar ethic & spirit of underground emcees. Myka 9 says, “We had no idea we were making history.” They were too busy doing it to realize the importance.

Peace, Myka 9, Aceyalone & Self Jupiter, together known as Freestyle Fellowship, were the first group from the Good Life to receive a record contract. Their 1993 album INNERCITY GRIOTS birthed a generation of daring emcees. Hip hop historians consider it one of the most influential hip hop albums of the 1990s, hailing the Freestyle Fellowship as lyrical pioneers in the same way as Bebop musicians Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker & Lester Young. Aceyalone rhymes:

“The ones they got their styles from…but claimed they never knew.”

Most Good Life veterans considered Myka 9 the most technically skilled freestyler anybody had ever seen. Cut Chemist told me the first time he saw Myka 9 at the Good Life he knew he was watching the hip hop Charlie Parker. His melodic speed rapping yielded a generation of kids following his lead. Busdriver’s wicked delivery began when he was a very young man watching Myka 9. Even the great Chali 2na from Jurassic 5 says, “I wanted to be dope like Myka 9.” Myka 9 pushed boundaries with a rapid fire flow crunched with metaphors, vocabulary, melody & onomatopoeia. Bringing a rhythmic dexterity over the beat like Ella Fitzgerald scatting with Lester Young.

Freestyling! Jamming, emcees getting wicked. The ethos of the Good Life emitted technical wizardry & pure energy. As the 90s went on, their pure hip hop ethic spread worldwide. Freestyle contests, b-boy battles, emcee battles & competitions like Scribble Jam. The last few years at the Good Life were a circus. Not only was it packed to standing room only, but according to Chali 2na, hundreds of emcees would be battling outside in the parking lot as well. Before you knew it, 90210 celebrities were coming and several Good Life emcees signed record contracts.

Even though several Good Life regulars almost broke through into the mainstream, most of them remain underground heroes. THIS IS THE LIFE, captures the mojo of the Good Life era in all its glory.

THE REAL HIPHOP Following on the heels of THIS IS THE LIFE is a book echoing the same sentiments. Harvard pHd and founder of Hiphop Archive, Marcyliena Morgan’s book “The Real HipHop,” breaks down the linguistic anthropology of Project Blowed. Blending linguistic theory and music journalism, she writes a well-researched breakdown of hip hop’s widespread influence on popular culture and hip hop’s power in the reclaiming of language. Using 7 years of observing Project Blowed she pontificates on underground hip hop.

She covers the birth of hip hop on the East Coast and some prerequisite hip hop history, but the core of the book celebrates the language and culture of Project Blowed. Morgan’s subtitle captures it’s gist, “Battling for Knowledge, Power & Respect in the LA Underground.”

As the Good Life closed at the end of 1994, Project Blowed started a mile south on Crenshaw in Leimert Park. Founded by Aceyalone and Abstract Rude in 1994, Project Blowed has always been held in KAOS Network, a space owned by Ben Caldwell in Leimert Park. Filmmaker, educator, activist, community leader, Caldwell is a lot like B. Hall of the Good Life Café. Both were charismatic elders in the community – both were guiding youth by opening up their space to promote creative expression.

Following the 1992 Riots, South Los Angeles was alive with dialogue.

Folks had a lot to talk about it. The village of Leimert Park blossomed into a mecca for jazz, poetry & hip hop like a West Coast Harlem Renaissance. Project Blowed’s location in Leimert Park coincided perfectly with the creative fire emerging in the village. Project Blowed birthed many of the strongest voices.

Marcyliena Morgan’s access into Project Blowed’s inside circle was granted after the regulars kept seeing her. Morgan lived in Leimert Park for 7 years and recorded hundreds of Blowed sessions from 1994 to 2001. She rarely missed a week and took meticulous notes.

One chapter includes the complete lyrics of two rival crews battling.

She incorporates linguistic theory without being too esoteric. Morgan delineates dialects, listing lots of lyrics, especially Aceyalone and Medusa. Her breakdown reveals Project Blowed’s common threads with the work of Dave Chappelle, Sun Ra, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Marcus Garvey and Rastafarianism. Revealing Project Blowed‘s connection to the lineage of African-American greats, she not only demonstrates the linguistic power of underground hip hop, she shows its role as the next link in a long chain of voices expressing political and social resistance.

Morgan asserts that the inventive lyrical prowess demonstrated by Medusa, Myka 9 or Aceyalone represents what made hip hop great in the first place. In this way Project Blowed is Morgan’s example of quintessential underground hip hop. She declares that the underground created new lyrical styles and advanced the art. Considering Project Blowed’s worldwide influence, her thesis is supported. Morgan hails the purity of Project Blowed and that’s why she titled the book THE REAL HIPHOP. Many have wondered why the Freestyle Fellowship never followed on the success of their 1993 breakout album INNERCITY GRIOTS. In 1994, Self Jupiter went to jail before their European tour and the whole thing got called off. Freestyle Fellowship was put on hold and they all went solo. Aceyalone & Myka 9 both were signed to Capitol Records.

Aceyalone’s 1995 solo debut, ALL BALLS DON’T BOUNCE is a classic, though it never sold as much as it should have. Myka 9’s Capitol

recordings from the mid 90s have never been released. Myka 9 moved to New York in the mid 90s, rooming with Talib Kweli. Fellowship did a few follow up records after Jupiter was free in 1999 but they never regained the momentum they had after INNERCITY GRIOTS. Heads give big respect to Myka 9 but Aceyalone is equally giant.

Dude’s released 9 solo albums, including his latest ACEYALONE & THE LONELY ONES. This is a great title for Acey because he is a lonely one. The production is a throwback to the doo wop era. Hiphop jazz with Acey‘s twist - it’s a concept album.

Over the last 15 years at Project Blowed, Acey has hosted more battles than anyone in West Coast history as well as serving more fools than just about any emcee. That’s why he can say…

“Anywhere you go I am going to find you - And every time you flow, I’ll be right behind you - Just to let you know and constantly remind you - You can never be as dope as I am - God-damn...”

One popular urban legend is that when Aceyalone & Myka 9 were teens in the late 80s they saw Run DMC in LA eating at Wendy’s and immediately challenged them to a battle. RUN DMC declined, they could tell the two hungry young emcees were vicious. Acey & Myka 9 come like prizefighters with their lyrics.

“I never fold, even though my pokerface is old - The world’s cold, probably why I stay in battle mode - I would love to touch your ego European, Latin or Negro!”

Legendary Los Angeles street artist Mear One describes Aceyalone as a “Hip hop Frederick Douglas.” Aceyalone is a freedom fighter, a gladiator, one of the greatest emcees from Los Angeles. Though everyone celebrates Ice Cube, Dr. Dre or Snoop Dogg as the greatest rappers from Southern California, it can be argued that Aceyalone has had more longevity and influence than just about anyone: two decades of serving the community - Founder of Project Blowed - Original member of Freestyle Fellowship - purveyor of classics like ALL BALLS DON‘T BOUNCE & ACCEPTED ECLECTIC.” Aceyalone carries on the legacy of Leimert Park community artists like pianist Horace Tapscott, drummer Billy Higgins and poet Kamau Daaood. These artists focused on uplifting their community and nurturing the next generation. Aceyalone’s years of service at the Good Life Café and Project Blowed continue the tradition of passing the magic to youth in South Los Angeles. THIS IS THE LIFE and THE REAL HIPHOP, do an excellent job capturing the groundbreaking influence of Aceyalone, Myka 9 and their comrades from the Good Life and Project Blowed.

So now it’s our turn…to open our minds and expand our knowledge.

For this is our city…this is our home. Know who built us. Respect those who breathed life into our lungs. Recognize those who feed us…

Take the pieces of that broken ground and build.

Build.

Build.

95

Kush Concert Calendar

Southern California’s Live Music Preview: Steve Miller Band

July/August

7.21.11 @ The Pacific Amphitheatre

(Costa Mesa)

The Steve Miller Band was formed way back in 1967 in San Francisco, a band that came to fame in pretty direct conjunction with the true “hippie movement” of the late 60’s and 70’s. The band, led by Steve Miller on guitar and lead vocals, is well known by youngsters today for a string of mid-1970s hits that are staples of classic rock radio stations across the nation - including “Joker” and “Fly Like An Eagle.” Great chance to catch this sensational band at The Pacific Theater down in sunny Costa Mesa. They still put on a great concert, and this show should not feel like a “guilty pleasure” kind of thing...they’re legit. stevemillerband.com

Wallpaper + The Hood Internet 7.21.11 @ Detroit Bar (Costa Mesa)

Hailing from Oakland, Wallpaper makes loud, fun, booty-bass rap that’s best explained simply through listening (“Stupidfacedd” & “Indian Summer” are highly recommended). Joining him on this bill at Detroit Bar is Chicago’s The Hood Internet, prince of the Hype Machine with mashups of predominantly hip-hop tracks, that rival only Girl Talk in abundance. Wallpaper’s ‘Stupidfacedd” has seen recent attention and play from MTV (whatever it means on that network these days.) Wallpaper will tear your face off with an intense performance, and Hood Internet will be sure to put on a solid DJ set. Get ready for a sweaty, dirty dancing kind of night, and definitely don’t leave your dancing kicks at home. coolgenius.net; thehoodinternet.com

Soundgarden

7.22.11 @ The Forum

Seattle-bred rock band Soundgarden, the earliest of the grunge rock generation, are still touring!? Sweet. Chris Cornell and company come south in mid-July for a show at The Forum, a legendary venue to suit the rockers.

Soundgarden, signed to Seattle’s Sub Pop during their grungy heyday, achieved their greatest success

with the album Superunknown (1994), which debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and yielded two Grammy-winning singles: “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman.” They broke up in 1997, but got back together in 2010, and have been working on a new album, which should be a real treat. Don’t miss out on this opportunity some classics and hopefully some fresh material! soundgardenworld.com

Maroon 5 + Train + Gavin DeGraw 7.25.11 @ Hollywood Bowl

A pop powerhouse billing takes over on July 25th at always beautiful and majestic Hollywood Bowl. 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 show The Voice, taking the number one spot on iTunes less than 24 hours after premiering. Levine has really been getting himself out there lately, proving he’s a genuine, nice guy in addition to being a great singer, performer, handsome and funny dude. This is a great chance to get outdoors on a random Monday night in the summer, with wonderful live music for a memorable evening. Get there early to picnic, and bring plenty of wine ‘n’ weed! trainline.com; maroon5.com; gavindegraw.com

Cults 7.26.11 @ The Mondrian (West Hollywood) 7.27.11 @ Echo (Echo Park) 7.28.11 @ Center For The Arts (Eagle Rock)

Cults is a group of darling Californians based in New York, making high quality indie-pop tunes that get under your skin and stuck in your head. They came together in 2010, and 2011 seems to be the year that the world is going to start to know these musicians that formerly/ currently go to NYU. The band received a bunch of attention when they put out their Cults 7” EP on bandcamp. Songs like “Go Outside” and “You Know What I Mean” caught a lot of listeners’ attention and have had fans singing/swaying along for the last year as they’ve hit the concert and festival circuit hard. Their debut, self-titled album was released in June, and is really worth a few spins. Cults are joined by the bands Guards and Writer on some or all of these three late-July LA dates.... definitely a show worth the effort. cultscultscults.com

“LA Rising” w/ Rage Against The Machine + Muse + Rise Against + Lauryn Hill 7.30.11 @ LA Coliseum

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Rage Against The Machine. It was at Coachella, and turned out to be the inspiration for a life changing move from my comfy life in Seattle down to the fast paced hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. RATM has so much passion and energy in their live performance, the adrenaline will be running through your veins for days, weeks, months. With the “support” of Muse, Rise Against and Ms. Lauryn Hill, this is going to be an event of epic proportions. A true concert that may be hard to describe, but will never be forgotten. LA Rising at the LA Coliseum will be something you tell friends and family about for years. Get your tickets now! larisingfestival.com

This Page: Wallpaper Right From Top: Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Soundgarden, Steve Miller Band, Starfucker 96

Katy Perry + Robyn + DJ Skeet Skeet 8.05.11, 8.06.11, 8.07.11 @ Nokia Theatre (LA Live)

8.13.11, 8.14.11 @ Santa Barbara Bowl

This is a real superstar tour billing, if I do say so myself. Katy Perry, the world’s current Queen of pop music pairs up with one of the most respected dance-pop singers, Robyn. Rounding out and joining the party is Katy’s longtime friend and LA-bred DJ/producer Skeet Skeet. If you didn’t manage to snag tickets to any of these dates, they will also be playing down in San Diego around the same time, which just might be worth the trip down I-5. katyperry.com; robyn.com; eatskeet.com

Starfucker

8.11.11 @ El Rey Theatre

The Portland based indie electronic band Starfucker, or STRFKR for the language sensitive, have been pumping out great music since 2006. Their sound is accessible for fans of all kinds of music, and their live show is really, REALLY good.

All members are multi-instrumentalists, making for a very active and energetic stage performance. With two full lengths, three EP’s, and one B-side, they just released their latest of the full length, Reptilians. They have been known to have bad tour luck, with transport issues and other troubles (Ryan from the band got arrested at SXSW and they had to cancel several shows.) But finances and fortune seem to be looking positive for the dance-pop-rock band, this being their largest venue ever in LA. Big show for Starfucker, and they’ll most definitely deliver at the El Rey. facebook.com/starfucker

More Great Shows!

Ben Folds : 7.20.11 @ House of Blues (Anaheim); 7.21.11 @ The Wiltern Fitz & The Tantrums : 7.22.11. @ The Music Box Dolly Parton : 7.22.11, 7.23.11 @ Hollywood Bowl Queens of the Stone Age : 7.25.11 @ Fox Theater (Pomona) Sugarland + Sara Bareilles : 7.25.11, 7.26.11 @ Greek Theatre Chicago : 7.28.11 @ The Pacific Amphitheatre (Costa Mesa) A Perfect Circle : 7.28.11 @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Universal City) Blake Shelton : 7.29.11 @ The Pacific Amphitheatre (Costa Mesa) Peter Frampton : 7.30.11 @ Greek Theatre, 7.31.11 @ Santa Barbara Bowl, 8.03.11 @ Fox Performing Arts Center (Riverside) Yes + Styx : 8.02.11 @ Greek Theatre The Naked and Famous + White Sea : 8.02.11 @ The Music Box Matisyahu : 8.03.11 @ Club Nokia; 8.09.11 @ City National Grove of Anaheim Lykke Li : 8.03.11 @ Greek Theatre Weezer : 8.04.11 @ The Pacific Amphitheatre (Costa Mesa) Devo : 8.05.11 @ City National Grove of Anaheim Phish : 8.08.11 @ Hollywood Bowl Sia : 8.10.11 @ The Wiltern Ellie Goulding : 8.11.11 @ The Wiltern Adele : 8.15.11 @ Greek Theatre Death Cab For Cutie : 8.18.11, 8.19.11 @ Greek Theatre Sunset Strip Music Festival : 8.18.11 - 8.20.11 @ Various Venues on Sunset

97

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.

98

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.

99

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.

100

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.

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

101

102

The Green Pages

"Is your listing here? For new listings or corrections please contact us at: info@dailybuds.com� brought to you by dailybuds.com 103

The Green Pages

"Is your listing here? For new listings or corrections please contact us at: info@dailybuds.com� brought to you by dailybuds.com 104

The Green Pages

"Is your listing here? For new listings or corrections please contact us at: info@dailybuds.com� brought to you by dailybuds.com 105

The Green Pages

"Is your listing here? For new listings or corrections please contact us at: info@dailybuds.com� brought to you by dailybuds.com 106

The Green Pages

"Is your listing here? For new listings or corrections please contact us at: info@dailybuds.com� brought to you by dailybuds.com 107

The Green Pages List of Advertisers 20 Min Evaluation p 33

Irie Collective p 49

Adams and Hill p 10

Kelly’s Collective p 71

Affordable Evaluations p 53

Kush Korner p 49

Amsterdam Mart p 18 & 19

LA Container p 71

ASA p 91

LA Wonderland (Backcover)

Belmont Shore p 28

Long Beach 420 Medical Marijuana Evaluations p 69

Best Price Evaluations p 25 Best Price Evaluations I.E. p 24 Better Alternative Treatment p 66 California Compassionate Care Network p 45 California Herbal Healing Center p 57 Canna Care p 102 Chef Herb p 101 Chronic Pain Releaf p 55 City Compassionate Caregivers p 41 COI Evaluations p 13 C.W.S. p 47 Downtown Collective p 5 & insert Eden Therapy p 28 Evergreen p 30 Gold Caps p 67 Go Green SFS p 63 Green City Collective INC p 20 Green Collective p 23 Green Miracle Healing p 66 Green Victory p 112 & 113 Happy Medical p 13 HHC p 52 Harbor Area Caregivers Club HACC p 23 Hollywood Compassionate Caregivers p 65 Hollywood THC p 40

Medicine Man (centerfold) Meds Merchant p 59 MedStop p 31 Nature’s Holistic Alternative p 3 NCIA p 101 OC Medical Center p 109 Patients and Caregivers p 11 Rampart Discount Center p 110 & 111 Redmoon p 49 Reseda Discount Caregivers p 9 Santa Ana Patients Group p 36 & 37 Shamin Therapeutics p 93 Sunset Junction Organic p 21 SWHC p 4 The Bluegate Collective p 46 The Doctor p 17 The Olive Tree p 39 The Springs p 29 The Tree House p 28 True Healing Collective p 7 Urban Farmer Hydro p 20 Valley Holistic p 2 Western Discount p 14 & 15 Westside Discount Center p 27

Hot Spot p 114 & 115 Inglewood Health Services Center p 71

"Is your listing here? For new listings or corrections please contact us at: info@dailybuds.com” brought to you by dailybuds.com 108

109

1ST TIME PATIENTS RECEIVE OR FREE HOUSE 1/8 A FREE LIGHTER, FREE GRAM OF HOUSE KUSH, FREE KUSH JOINT, FREE BLUNT WRAP & FREE GRINDER WITH AN $35 1/8 OR MORE

TUESDAY FREE EDIBLE WEDNESDAY FREE JOINT WITH ANY 1/8TH DONATION

WITH MIN 60 DONATION not from 5 gram board

5 GRAM BOARD

AVAILABLE ON ALL STRAINS NO HAPPY HOUR NEEDED

MONTHLY OZ SPECIALS Heavy Hitter OG Skywalker OG King Louie OG Platinum Bubba Kush Platinum Blue Dream XXX OG Jack God’s Gift Silver Kush Bubba Grandaddy Kush

300 300 300 300 275 275 275 250 250

Cannot combine with other specials. Valid while supplies last. * Must Present Coupon *

Just Minutes from:

HOLLYWOOD | PASADENA | VALLEY | LAX 110

STARTING

AT 20

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-8 Sun 10-6

US 101 W. TEMPLE ST .

BEVERLY BLV D. W. 3RD ST.

ST.

1/8TH

1/8th / Oz. 55 / 375 45 / 325 45 / 325 45 / 325 45 / 325 45 / 325 45 / 325 40 / 300 40 / 300 40 / 300 40 / 300 40 / 300 35 / 275 35 / 275 35 / 275 35 / 275 35 / 220 35 / 220 30 / 200 20 / 150

N. ALVARAD O

STAFF

BLVD.

KNOWLEDGEABLE

S. RAMPART

FREE FIRE OG JOINT ON SUNDAYS ONLY FREE PARKING 30+ STRAINS EDIBLES FRIENDLY

Eighth & Ounce Specials Platinum Fire OG Fire OG Firewalker OG Kush King Louie XIII King Henry VIII Platinum Bubba Kush Platinum God’s Gift Super Skunk Grand Daddy Purple Blue Skunk Violator Kush King Bubba Kush Berry Pineapple Express Purple Cream Sour Diesel Silver Kush Durban Poison Mango Haze Orange Wreck

264 S. RAMPART BLVD. SUITE 272 B LOS ANGELES, CA 90057 111

112

113

114

115

116