THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE
F RE E / L E A F M AGA Z I N E S . COM
# 6 3 | J U LY 2 02 1
INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010
Enjoy your stay with your first 506 Merhar ave fairbanks ak
license number 20827
907-474-good www.goodtitrations.com
onsite consumption experience k next to walmart and lowe’s
Ask Your Budtender for that
Award-Winning Cannabis Wonder Woman
Black Rose
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Best Sativa Best Terps
SweetMatanuskaGreen@Gmail.com | SweetMatanuskaGreen.com Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive. Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence. There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
672 E END RD #B HOMER, AK | 844-225-7600 | 907-299-1829 | SHAWN@FRONTIERCBDS.COM
FRONTIERCBDS.COM
the concentrates issue
DANIEL BERMAN
budtender of the month
feature
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
BABYLON COMPANY LLC
46 TANNINS & TERPENES
YERBAE ENERGY & FIREWEED EXTRACTS
50 Exploring Hash History Did you know that hash has been used for literally centuries across cultures? Leaf Nation’s Bobby Black dives into the amazing history of the world’s first Cannabis extraction tech, revealing the secret of how hash became beloved.
////////// story by bobby black
JUl. 2021
feature
WORLD OF CANNABIS MUSEUM
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PRIMO, ANCHORAGE
24 EXTRACTOR SPOTLIGHT
O'HARA SHIPE
16 SHOP REVIEW
11 12 16 20 24 28 32 34 36 38 40 44 46 50 52
Country Cannabis
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EDITOR’S NOTE N AT I O N A L N E W S SHOP REVIEW BUDTENDER Q&A EXTRACTOR SPOTLIGHT STRAIN OF THE MONTH C O N C E N T R AT E S 1 0 1 HYDROCARBON CARTRIDGES S O LV E N T L E S S CANNABINOIDS EDIBLE OF THE MONTH TA N N I N S & T E R P E N E S CANNTHROPOLOGY STONEY BALONEY
O'HARA SHIPE
Jessica Brevard O'HARA SHIPE
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Alaska Leaf knows that Cannabis concentrates are a growing part of the Alaskan Cannabis community, and this month’s special issue will help shed a light on the variety of products out there on the market and what sets them apart from the rest.
O'HARA SHIPE
8
#63
[
JULY 2021
issue
Announcing the First Annual Alaska
The first independent Cannabis competition with no Cannabis sponsors, transparent judging and awards, and a FREE in-person Expo and Award Show coming late October to Anchorage!
Presented by ENTRY INFORMATION Complete Categories + Judging Info and Deadlines to be Announced August, with entries accepted through the month of September!
FLOWER Indica Sativa Hybrid CBD
PRE ROLLS Infused Traditional
CATEGORIES CONCENTRATES Hydrocarbon Dabs CO2 Distillate Solventless Cartridges CBD More
EDIBLES Drinkables Baked Goods Candies Tinctures
Special Awards to be announced!
TOPICALS Sprays Creams
For questions, please contact leafbowls@leafmagazines.com or reach out to your Alaska Leaf rep!
E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0
T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E
N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / A L AS KA L E A F / M A RY L A N D L E A F / CA L I F O R N I A L E A F / N O RT H E AS T L E A F
A B O U T T H E C OV E R This month’s cover art came to life through the vision of Eric Simpson of Simpson Solventless LLC, who molded the center shape out of full-melt bubble hash, and the other shapes and letters out of solventless THC-A crystalline. You could dab the cover. The creative photo was styled with the help of photographer and Content Director Tom Bowers, our hash expert Eric, Sales Director Nate Williams, and Creative Director Daniel Berman Zooming in from Leaf HQ in Seattle, to fully realize this aspirational image that spoke to the continued innovation of the California Cannabis industry.
PHOTO by TOM BOWERS @PROPAGATECONSULTANTS ART by ERIC SIMPSON @SIMPSONSOLVENTLESS
PUBLISHER
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY | FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MICHAEL AHMANN, PHOTOS BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES MAX EARLY, FEATURES STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS JEFF PORTERFIELD, DESIGN MIKE RICKER, FEATURES MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING O'HARA SHIPE, FEATURES + PHOTOS ERIC SIMPSON, COVER ART WEST SMITH, PHOTOS PACER STACKTRAIN, FEATURES JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN DAN VINKOVETSKY, FEATURES NATE WILLIAMS, FEATURES
WES@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR DANIEL BERMAN | VISUALS & DESIGN
DANIEL@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
STATE DIRECTOR JOSHUA STAHLE | AD SALES
JOSH@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM 907-317-2536
CONTENT DIRECTOR O'HARA SHIPE | EDITORIAL
OHARA@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
CONNECT WITH ALASKA LEAF Exclusive Cannabis Journalism @NWLEAF
|
@AKLEAFMAG
@NWLEAF
ISSUU.COM/NWLEAF FREE ONLINE ARCHIVE
ABNEY
Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Concentrates Issue of the Leaf! OUR CONCENTRATES ISSUE is my favorite of the year for one simple reason: I love dabs! My first dab was around 2011 – in the century old boiler room below the now closed Northern Cross Collective Gardens – and I remember feeling the oil touch the red hot nail as the vapor burst into my lungs with the force of a thousand bong hits. The world closed in around me and I felt the reverberation of raw THC as it pulsed through my blood and into my mind, sending me away for the next few hours, humming with a high that was unlike anything else. Over the last decade of publishing and working in Cannabis, I have personally seen the concentrate world evolve from homemade Rick Simpson Oil and open-blasted butane hash oil, to highly medicinal mono-cannabinoid extracts and vaporizable concentrates of all kinds, to being the precursor to a new world of edibles, topicals, capsules and more. For our Concentrates Issue we sought out the best examples of the different types of extractions, to share how they affect the body and the science behind the scenes.
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FOR OUR CONCENTRATES ISSUE WE SOUGHT OUT THE BEST EXAMPLES OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXTRACTIONS.
Concentrating Cannabis means exactly what it sounds like: taking a full plant and using a process or solvent to extract the purest essence of it. This makes it incredibly important to only consume high quality, pesticide tested concentrates. Quality concentrates have the ability to impart healing value that Cannabis flower alone cannot replicate, delivering a pure flavor and experience that captures the taste and effect of fresh Cannabis in a perfect dab. Look closely and you’ll see that concentrates cover every aspect of Cannabis – every product beyond flower – from medical to recreational uses and benefits. Our comprehensive Concentrates Issue covers the different extraction methods, terminology, ways to consume and much more. So take a dab, flip through this beautiful and informational issue, and learn something new that you can share with someone in need of Cannabis – as both a plant and a medicine. And as always, thanks for reading and sharing the Leaf!
-Wes Abney JUl. 2021
leafmagazines.com
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Alaska Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. We can offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s medicinal, recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis business, product or event within our magazine and on our website, LeafMagazines.com. Email josh@leafmagazines.com for more information on supporting Alaska Leaf!
WES
national news
legalization
12
MIDWEST
NEW BILL WOULD REVOLUTIONIZE FED DRUG POLICY
L
ast month marked the the 50th anniversary – on June 17 – of when President Richard Nixon declared the “war on drugs.” Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) and Cori Bush (D-MO) observed the occasion by unveiling the Drug Policy Reform Act (DPRA). The bill would end criminal penalties for drug possession at the federal level. It would shift the regulatory authority from the Attorney General to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Additionally, the DPRA would expunge records and provide for resentencing, and reinvest in alternative health-centered approaches. The bill also eliminates THE BILL ALSO many of the lifelong ELIMINATES MANY consequences associated with OF THE LIFELONG CONSEQUENCES drug arrests and convictions. ASSOCIATED WITH These include the denial of DRUG ARRESTS AND employment, public benefits, CONVICTIONS. immigration status, drivers’ licenses and voting rights. The DPRA also incentivizes state and local governments to adopt decriminalization policies. Last week, DPRA – in partnership with the ACLU – released a national drug policy poll that found 66% of American voters support removing criminal penalties for drugs and replacing them with health-centered approaches.
AMAZON WILL STOP POT DRUG TESTING FOR JOB APPLICANTS
leafmagazines.com
A
east coast
MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS IN MINNESOTA SEEK GUN RIGHTS
VIRGINIA’S CANNABIS LEGALIZATION LAW KICKS IN JULY 1
S
S
taunch conservatives and advocates of legal marijuana have formed an unlikely alliance in Minnesota to pressure the Legislature to allow medical Cannabis patients to own guns, reports KIMT 3. The more than 35,000 patients in Minnesota’s program can’t own guns as the law now stands because the federal government classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, on par with heroin. Gun-rights supporters and pro-legalization groups are lobbying for Minnesota to petition for an exemption. If they succeed, the Star Tribune reports, Minnesota would be the first of 36 states that allow medical marijuana in some form, to appeal directly to the federal government on behalf of enrollees. THE SOUTH
LOUISIANA GOVERNOR SIGNS DECRIM BILL
G
mazon will no longer test most job applicants for Cannabis use in the latest sign of America’s changing attitudes toward weed. Amazon, the second-largest private employer in the U.S., also says it now backs legalizing marijuana nationwide. “In the past, like many employers, we’ve disqualified people from working at Amazon if they tested positive for marijuana use,” the company said in a blog post in June. “However, given where state laws are moving across the U.S., we’ve changed course.” Marijuana users and advocates are cheering the news, but it may also bring relief to Amazon’s hiring managers: The company operates – and is rapidly expanding into – places where marijuana is legal. Amazon’s home state of Washington was among the first in the country to legalize marijuana for recreational use, back in 2012. The company is now building an East Coast headquarters in Virginia, where weed will become legal on July 1. It has also been expanding in New York, which legalized marijuana at the end of March.
overnor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana has signed into law House Bill 652, taking away the possibility of jail time for possession of small amounts of marijuana. It’s the latest shift away from Louisiana’s historically harsh stance on the herb. Edwards is a conservativeleaning Democrat who often moves in lockstep with the state’s sheriffs, and has long opposed legalizing marijuana. Gov. Edwards hailed it as a criminal justice reform effort. The decrim bill kept gaining strength in the two month legislative session that ended last week. Some viewed it as a make-good, after a GOP-sponsored bill to legalize Cannabis narrowly failed in the state House. The push indicated a growing willingness by the conservative Louisiana Legislature to look at loosening the state’s punitive laws surrounding marijuana.
tarting July 1, people in Virginia can smoke marijuana in the privacy of their home, but it will still be illegal to do that in a public space. It is also still banned on school property and in vehicles. Adults who are 21 and older will be allowed to have up to an ounce of Cannabis legally. That is about the weight of a pencil. Anyone caught with more than an ounce could face up to a $25 charge. Users will also be allowed to grow up to four plants per home. Virginia is not an open marijuana market, so people will need to be careful. When the law goes into effect, it will still be illegal to buy and sell marijuana until January 1, 2024, at which point retail sales are expected to begin.
FLORIDA’S SUPREME COURT BLOCKS INITIATIVE FOR THIRD TIME
F
or the third time in three months, the Florida Supreme Court dashed the hopes of Floridians who want to see expanded access to Cannabis. In a 5-2 ruling on June 17, the state’s highest court found a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana to be misleading. The initiative, titled “Regulate Marijuana in a THE STATE’S HIGHEST Manner Similar to Alcohol to Establish COURT FOUND A BALLOT INITIATIVE TO Age, Licensing, and LEGALIZE MARIJUANA Other Restrictions,” TO BE MISLEADING. would have also allowed Floridians to grow Cannabis at home. Had it reached the ballot, the initiative would have needed the approval of 60% of voters to become a part of the state Constitution. Attorney General Ashley Moody asked the court to weigh in on the ballot language in September 2019. It took the court the better part of two years to issue its ruling.
5.5m $23m $338m
JUl. 2021
patients in the USA now have authorized, legal access to medical Cannabis.
in additional funding was obtained in June by Seattlebased Cannabis startup Leafly.
in medical Cannabis has been sold in just over two years in Arkansas.
STORIES by STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA
“Why fly? When you can enjoy the most beautiful ride on earth”
ANCHORAGE TO HOMER June 1st-Aug 31st Monday – Friday Departs Anchorage Arctic & International – 724 W. International - Garrett’s Tesoro Cooper Landing Wild- man’s 300pm Soldotna Chamber of Commerce 500pm All times are approx. Stage Line Summer Schedule HOMER TO ANCHORAGE June 1st-Aug 31st Monday – Friday Departs Homer 830am 1242 Ocean Dr Soldotna Chamber of Commerce 1015am Cooper Landing Wildman’s 1115am
VISITING ALASKA
Sights seen from the road
SEWARD TO HOMER June 1st – August 31st Mon Wed Fri
Locally owned and operated by a Departs Seward 100pm lifelong Alaskan, Stage Line offers call ahead for pick up point passenger transportation, freight, parcel, and courier service, between Cooper Landing Wild- man’s 200pm Anchorage and the Kenai Soldotna 300pm Peninsula. Our schedule includes, All times are approx Anchorage to Homer, Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kasilof, Ninilchik, HOMER TO SEWARD Anchor Point. Homer to Seward, June 1st - August 31st Soldotna, Cooper Landing. And any The Stage Line PO Box 353 Anchor Point, Mon Wed Fri points in between! MP flag stops AK available! Private party charters Departs Homer 1242 Ocean Dr 900am The Stage Line 1242 Ocean Dr Homer, Ak available! Reasonable rates, saves 724 W International Anchorage, Ak of Commerce time and money for travelling or your Soldotna Chamber Staging points only 1030am 907-868-3914 907-235-2252 shipping needs. Cooper Landing Wildman’s 1130 E-mail: stage.line@yahoo.com One of the top 10 most scenic www.stagelineinhomer.com highways.
shop review
R EVI E W b y ALAS KA LEA F STA F F P HOTOS b y O ' HARA S H I P E @ S H I P E S HOTS
PRIMO ENVIRONMENT & VIBE Still in their first month of operation, Primo is buzzing with excited energy. Although the walls are currently awaiting adornment, the shop still feels comfortable and welcoming. The exterior of Primo is a beautiful nod to Alaska's wildlife and features massive window wraps of moose, flowers and marine life. It's a nice departure from the logo branding that usually covers exterior facing windows and walls. Inside the shop, you may spot a few elusive, wild cultivators dropping off products as Primo continues to stock its shelves.
PRODUCTS
16
Primo prides itself on its discerning palate for concentrates. A self-proclaimed "concentrate snob," Primo's owner personally samples every concentrate before deciding if it's up to snuff for his customers. Currently stocked with products from Cold Creek, Will's World, Herban Extracts, AKO and Choice Extracts, even the pickiest concentrate consumer is sure to find their new favorite. If you're in the market for edibles, you'll be blown away by Primo's selection. Primo is locked and loaded, from Dosed gummies to Hashade and High Dive Sodas to fill any edible hankering. They also carry an impressive 24 strains of flower from cultivators around the state.
HISTORY Opening Primo was a labor of love for its owner, who found himself caught in the middle of changing restrictions to dispensary building codes. Initially conceptualized in 2016, Primo was meant to be a cultivation in Houston, but when plans fell through, Primo's owner shifted his focus to building a dispensary hotspot for the underserved Anchorage Hillside. However, getting the doors open to Primo proved more difficult than anticipated. After 17 months and many barriers to entry, the shop finally opened in late June 2021.
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
BUDTENDERS One of the highlights of Primo is definitely its budtenders. All wellversed and longtime Cannabis consumers, Primo's budtenders are excited to help customers find their perfect product. Their friendly, happy disposition is contagious, and customers always leave with a smile. Primo is continuing to add to its staff, but their core budtenders are worth making the journey to the Southside to check out. If you’re lucky, you may even convince budtender Trinadee Barney to regale you with tales of some of her motocross battle wounds.
QUICK HIT Anchorage Hillsiders finally have a dispensary they can call their own. Conveniently located on Old Seward Highway, just past Huffman Road, Primo is the perfect post-work dispensary stop for concentrates, edibles and flower.
JUl. 2021
PRIMO 12870 OLD SEWARD HWY SUITE 105, ANCHORAGE OPEN 10AM-11:45PM DAILY (907) 336-2837
Primo budtender Trinadee Barney shows off her favorite strain.
If you're in the market for edibles, you'll be blown away by Primo's selection.
Cultivators David Nyberg of Arcticblue Farms and Tony Delarm of Sweet Matanuska Green bump into each other while checking out Primo.
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DOT COM WE ARE ONE
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FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @NWLEAF @OREGONLEAF @MARYLANDLEAF @CALIFORNIALEAFMAG @AKLEAFMAG @NORTHEASTLEAFMAG
interview
W H O ’ S Y O U R FAV O R I T E B U D T E N D E R ? T E L L U S W H Y ! E M A I L N O M I N A T I O N S T O R I C K E R @ L E A F M A G A Z I N E S . C O M
JessicaBrevard ALASKA LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH
COUNTRY CANNABIS 2323 TRUNK RD #3, PALMER COUNTRYCANNABISAK.COM
"A JOB IS GREAT WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND DON’T DREAD HAVING TO GO PUNCH A CLOCK SOMEWHERE."
20
@COUNTRYCANNABISAK (907) 745-HOME 8A-10P DAILY
CALLING PALMER HOME since she was a toddler, Jessica is into hanging out with her dog and working on stained glass in her free time. You’ll find her out and about soaking in the beauty of nature while scouring for agates and sea glass when it’s warm, and riding a snowboard when the Alaskan winter arrives. Follow her on Instagram @jessica.brevard YOU’VE RECENTLY REACHED THE LEGAL AGE TO CONSUME CANNABIS AND YOU’RE ALREADY WORKING ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE INDUSTRY. WAS THIS SOMETHING YOU’D BEEN ASPIRING TOWARD FOR A WHILE? Oh yes, I got
my handler’s card on my 21st birthday! Sarah and Jennifer, the owners of Country Cannabis, have been friends with my mother since I was seven years old, and when they started getting into this business, I found myself very interested. This is an industry I’ve wanted to get into for a long time because of the health benefits and for many other reasons, so it made sense to go to people I look up to for guidance. I UNDERSTAND YOU STILL LIVE AT HOME. DO YOU EVER CATCH FLACK WHEN YOU SIT DOWN TO THE DINNER TABLE SMELLING LIKE TERPS? My dad was killed in Iraq serving in
the United States Army in 2007, so I just live with my mom. She’s never been a smoker and although she never really wanted to admit it, I’m pretty sure she knew I smoked before my big birthday. She’s coming around, though, because with the help of Sarah and Jen, we’ve got her using edibles and she really likes it. DEEP RESPECT FOR YOUR FATHER. DO YOU THINK HE WOULD APPROVE OF YOUR WORKING IN THIS BUSINESS? Now
that it’s legal and I’m doing the right thing, I definitely think he would approve because it’s making me happy. WHAT LEVEL OF HAPPINESS DOES BUDTENDING BRING TO YOUR LIFE? A very high level. I’ve
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
had a ton of jobs and this one is by far my favorite. A job is great when you wake up in the morning and don’t dread having to go punch a clock somewhere. With every past job I’ve had that was always the case and with budtending, that is never an issue. I’m always excited to go to work, there is never a dull moment – I absolutely love it. I fit right in.
NOW THAT SUMMER IS HERE, WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE GREAT ALASKAN OUTDOORS? I’m gonna go picking blueberries
and do the usual mushroom hunting — foraging in general. I like looking for stuff.
HAVE YOU EVER FOUND A STRAY WEED PLANT IN THE FOREST? Not yet. I better some day!!
JUl. 2021
INTERVIEW by MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS
/greenjarak
@greenjar.ak
Check out our July Deals! Sundays - 10% off CBD Mondays - 20% off Glass Tuesdays - 10% off Solid Concentrates Wednesdays - 10% off Cartridges
907-631-3800
Open 7 days a Week from 9am-9pm www.GreenJarAk.com 4901 E. Blue Lupine Dr. Ste. E Wasilla, Alaska 99654 MARIJUANA HAS INTOXICATING EFFECTS AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING. MARIJUANA IMPAIRS CONCENTRATION, COORDINATION, AND JUDGEMENT. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY UNDER ITS INFLUENCE. FOR USE BY ADULTS TWENTY-ONE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. THERE ARE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSUMPTION OF MARIJUANA. MARIJUANA SHOULD NOT BE USED BY WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING.
CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE Advertising starting at $300 per month
Email us for more information on marketing your brand & company in AUGUST 2021 edition of Alaska Leaf: THE EQUALITY ISSUE!
Contact josh@leafmagazines.com for more information today! LEAFMAGAZINES.COM | #ALASKALEAF
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24
the concentrates extractor highlight issue
babylon
llc
company
JUl. 2021
IN A MICROSCOPIC 368-square-foot lab flanked by car mechanics on each side is the laboratory of Dave DeLuca. As the CEO of Babylon Company LLC, DeLuca is happy to live in the anonymity of his lab. Even his employees say they only have rare sightings of him, as he prefers to work in the wee hours of the morning.
"I
don't see him much, but we do talk on the phone all the time," laughs company General Manager Kenzy Ellerbe, seen above scooping freshly created sugar. It's an eccentricity that some might find off-putting. Still, within a few moments of meeting DeLuca, it is clear that he is a brilliant, passionate, and caring person who prefers to let his work speak for him. Although sometimes, you might need an interpreter to fully understand the principles that guide DeLuca's work. "I'll answer questions about what I do in quantum superstition," says DeLuca with a wry smile. If you're wondering what the hell "quantum superstition" is, you're not alone. Much of the work that DeLuca does is beyond the comprehension of the layman. But the process is less critical when it comes to understanding what makes DeLuca tick. At the core of his personality is a passion for humankind. "I went to school at the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in geology and a minor in chemistry. At that time, I viewed Cannabis from a side point. Then when we started to see the legalizations across the country, that's when I became more interested in the medical side of it. Firstly, looking at delivery methodologies and questioning how we can deliver THC in a more effective way," explains DeLuca. Initially, turning his focus towards finding safer
The company is known for their "sugar" concentrates. Babylon's focus is on purity and driving the science forward," says DeLuca. One way that DeLuca is fulfilling his mission for developing cleaner technologies is by quietly conducting research and submitting anonymous studies to dedicated research outlets around the world. "Putting my name on a paper isn't important to me. I want to see the industry continue to develop. I want to see other extractors continuously work towards improving their processes. Cannabis has the power to make a major impact on the overall health of its consumers. At the end of the day, that's what I care about. It's not about fortune and fame for me. I am very happy just being quietly behind the scenes," says DeLuca. While DeLuca is happy living quietly in the shadows, there is one area of Babylon's business that he is very vocal about. "I saw huge misrepresentations ways to imbibe Cannabis seemed "We want to be at in the female populations within Cannabis, right from the belike a departure from his original the forefront of ginning," explains DeLuca. "Like life plan, which included spending a lot of time with rocks. all things that we it started to roll as a boy's club only from day one. I knew I was "Originally, I wanted to be a are doing here." not going to start a business that mineralogist so I could go out way. I want there to be fair repand just pick up rocks and study CEO Dave DeLuca resentation. I want the feminine their molecular chains. As it turns voice to be heard. Because it should be." out, the chemistry of Cannabis is very similar to a True to his word, all of DeLuca's staff is female. rock. We actually based a lot of Babylon's meth"We want to be prevalent. We want to be at odologies, mission statement, and philosophy on the forefront of all things that we are doing here. the hermetic principle, which is to say, everything Moving things forward is something I am proud of," vibrates. That's why we do the things that we do. explains DeLuca. When we do our extractions, we are looking at Though DeLuca's staff is all female, when it comes these things on their molecular level, their atomic to the production side, every gram of concentrate level, their subatomic level. That's how we are able with Babylon's name on the label passes through to potentially make it better than what it already is," DeLuca's capable hands. says an excited DeLuca. "We keep telling him that he needs a female sciWithout a doubt, making things better is the entist prodigy to add to the team," says Ellerbe with ethos that drives DeLuca, and that extends to every a laugh. aspect of production – from the glass used to the Until the right prodigal woman appears, Babylon's heating mechanisms that cure Babylon's concenloyal customers can be sure that they are helping trates. further DeLuca's explorations into the untapped "Where some people in the clandestine or black potential of Cannabis with every purchase. market might use whatever they can get their hands on, we won't. We don't use instrument grade or industrial grade or anything that comes in a small can, and could be mysterious in any way. @BABYLONCOMPANY_ DeLuca studies molecular chemistry books in the lab.
STORY by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTOS by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS/ALASKA LEAF
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Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive. Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate vehicle or machinery under its influence. There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding. License # 3a-11638, 3a-23821
STRAIN OF THE MONTH LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
28
FROSTY BUDS CRACK OPEN EASILY TO REVEAL EVEN MORE FROSTINESS INSIDE.
GROWN BY TOP HAT CANNABIS JUl. 2021
GUMMY BEARS O
ne pop of Top Hat Cannabis’ Gummy Bears’ container, and you’ll instantly be transported to Candy Land. Unlike the game, though, you won’t find yourself stuck in Licorice Lagoon wondering why you can’t draw any decent cards. Instead, you’ll find yourself chilling with Princess Lolly in her Lollipop Palace, wondering why it took you so long to try this fantastic strain. Initially bred by Elemental Seeds, Gummy Bears combines Trueberry (True OG x Strawberry Banana/Blackberry) with Big Lemon. The mix of tart and sweet aromas takes your olfactory system on a colorful ride down memory lane, and this time, it’s a trip you’ll be happy to take. The flavor is probably best described as a berry lemonade and because it’s a mid-level hybrid, it won’t drag you too hard towards sedation. The flower’s super frosty buds crack open easily to reveal even more frostiness inside. In terms of packability, this hardy strain maintained a firm structure, which enabled us to enjoy every last bit. And enjoy we did … within minutes we found ourselves laughing a little harder at cat videos on YouTube and forgetting any of the worries that were plaguing us pre-toke. Our giggle fit slowly gave way to a mellow body high that was noticeable, but not debilitating. If you find yourself as in love with Gummy Bears as we are, we recommend giving Top Hat Concentrates’ cart a try as well – it’s become a personal favorite of the Alaska Leaf team, and we’re sure you’ll feel the same way. 19% THC | THCALASKA.COM | @THCALASKA
REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS
the concentrates issue
CONCENTRATES 101 DATING BACK TO THE LATE 11TH CENTURY, the original usage of Cannabis concentrates was for oral ingestion purposes, but since then, a lot has changed. Over the years, extract artists have continued setting the bar higher and higher by constantly pushing themselves to produce innovative ways to experience hash in different forms. These days, you can commonly find forms of extracts incorporated into topicals, pre-rolls, and of course, edibles. But the main question is: What defines something as an extract or a concentrate? These terms refer to a broad spectrum of products that contain higher levels of cannabinoids than are encountered in the Cannabis plant. They can be as solid as a rock like diamonds, or a liquid like honey – with some extracts getting their name from their appearance or consistency, such as badder, honeycomb and shatter. Below, you will find a guide to help you maneuver around the wide world of all things hash-related.
SOLVENTLESS
SOLVENTLESS CONSISTENCIES
BUBBLE HASH
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Utilizing water and ice, extract artists take their starting material, either cured plant matter or fresh frozen flowers, and carefully wash with a paddle in large buckets of ice water. This liquid is poured through a set of micron filters, meticulously separating the trichome heads. The extraction artist carefully removes the trichome heads from the filters to avoid breaking or damaging them. From there, the end product is either put into a freeze drier or air-dried to perfection.
SIX-STAR BUBBLE HASH Six-star bubble hash is the raw and unadulterated microns of trichome heads that provide the highest quality smoking experience. Six-star will usually be the higher microns, such as 73-120u, and looks like beach sand.
JUl. 2021
HASH ROSIN After the bubble hash has been freeze or air-dried, the product is placed in another micron filter specifically micronized to produce hash rosin. Using a high-pressure heat press, a micronized screen is used to refine the hash with pressure to secrete what is known as fresh press rosin.
FRESH PRESS
BADDER
ROSIN JAM
Fresh Press rosin is pure and unmixed, coming straight off of the rosin press into your jar, without any additional steps added. This product often looks very clear and transparent.
Badder has a texture that usually imitates cake batter, soft and palatable. Cold cure and heat cure techniques are applied to achieve this type of consistency.
Rosin jam is a saucy combination of both THCa diamonds and terpenes. By utilizing a combination of heat and pressure, extract artists have further developed a new way to smoke solventless.
FULL PLANT EXTRACT/RSO (RICK SIMPSON OIL) With the purpose to produce more minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN, full plant extracts were originally created by the pioneer Rick Simpson. This process was done by simply soaking Cannabis for long periods in hexane or ethanol. Once this process is completed, the hexane or ethanol is removed with heat or evaporation, leaving a full spectrum product containing many more cannabinoids than traditional concentrates. Innovators have since created a new version of FECO, utilizing advanced CO2 extraction equipment.
STORY by MAX EARLY @LIFTED_STARDUST/LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
HYDROCARBON BHO/PHO
Using the hydrocarbon known as butane, BHO or butane hash oil, was one of the first products to hit the common hash market. Propane is also used in this process, either in a mixture with butane or on its own. Working with highly evolved closed-loop extraction systems, the extract artist takes either cured or fresh frozen starting material and places it inside large steel columns for processing purposes. The gas is run through the material multiple times, extracting the terpenes, along with the plants’ fats and lipids. Once processed, this raw material is dewed to remove the undesirable components. From there, the product is dumped out in liquid form and then placed inside of a vacuum oven to purge and remove all solvents.
CO2
CO2 extraction uses highly sophisticated machinery that pulls high levels of terpenes amongst a broad spectrum of cannabinoids. Under controlled circumstances, supercritical CO2 dissolves substances into fractions that can be separated and removed. The end product is ideal for cartridges, edibles and dabbing purposes.
DISTILLATE
Cannabis distillate is created by using a combination of extraction processes. All distillate starts as final processed terpenes and THC. Different extract artists have their unique approaches, but most utilize a sequence of steam, pressure and heat, further refining the extract by removing any last impurities. This process is usually repeated until the final product is a light golden color. Ordinarily, distillate ends up making its way into edible products and cartridges.
HYDROCARBON CONSISTENCIES SHATTER
DIAMONDS
Shatter takes after its name, as this consistency of BHO is often very fragile and will break easily at the touch. Its appearance is clear and almost looks like glass.
Often dazzling and dancing with gleaming clarity and sometimes accompanied with colorful terpenes, THCa diamonds are as hard as a rock or, in this case, a diamond.
BADDER
HONEYCOMB
BHO Badder is a homogenized product combining cannabinoids and terpenes, that provides a very simplistic smoking experience. Similar to rosin badder, BHO badder appears soft and provides an effortless smoking experience.
Usually using cured material, honeycomb and crumble BHO look exactly how they sound. Both are whipped and can appear very soft, but disintegrate effortlessly when touched.
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the concentrates issue
HYDROCARBON ULTIMATE PURPLE CRUMBLE By Good Titrations
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WEDDING CAKE SUGAR WAX
By Canamo Concentrates
Bright crystals waft a deep and savory doughy flavor with notes of earthy kush that dominate the vapor, dropping heavy indica vibes that crash into the mind and body in a blissful, drooly high. @DAYOFTHEDABS_AK
Golden baddery wax featuring rich notes of berries and a palate warming sugary exhale, with a sedative high from the Purple parent strains delivering sweet flavor and stoney effects. @GOODTITRATIONS 72.54% THC | 0.22% CBD 1.6% TERPENES 86.29% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS
Hydrocarbon extracts are the most common and popular form of Cannabis concentrates on today’s market. This method of extraction utilizes solvents such as butane and propane to remove the desirable cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. These extracts are then purged to ensure the removal of any residual solvent and that nothing but pure Cannabis oil is left over. Hydrocarbon extracts are highly diverse and can exist in a wide variety of consistencies and textures, LEMON ICE PUCKER SAUCE as well as made from By Choice Extracts both cured or fresh frozen Pucker up for a kiss of Lemon material – the latter of Ice, with bright syrupy lemonlime complemented perfectly which is classified as “live with icy fresh zest in a beautiful resin” when in its final form. combination that vaporizers into a light, clean exhale that drops a kushy-meringue flavor on the palate and a zippy, uplifting high for the mind.
79.66% THC | 0.21% CBD 93.72% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS
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42.27% THC | 12.77% TERPENES
KOSHER ZKITTLEZ SUGAR WAX By Choice Extracts
Deep funky gas ignites from gorgeous crystals for a loud and sharp extract that has a surprisingly sweet, Zkittlez flavor on the exhale balancing the gas for a perfect hybrid dab that invigorates the mind while easing the body into chill mode. 77.71% THC | 6.09% TERPENES
JUl. 2021
SOUR AL SUGAR WAX
OG-18 SUGAR
CITRUS BLISS SHATTER
Soft waves of lemon mix with vanilla kush and sour gas for a unique, dessert flavored dab that melts on the palate and eases the mind into a relaxed, happy sativa high. @AKOFARMSLLC
Floral with sweet warming notes of citrus and diesel, this golden sugar melts into a sweet, sedating vapor that slows the mind and delivers a classic drooly and red-eyed, where are the snacks buzz. @GOODAKCANNABIS
Golden sticky shatter with citrus berry notes pre-dab, and a sweet syrupy vapor that brings a zippy, energetic, whistle-whileyou-work buzz. @COSMICCANNABISCOMPANY
71.31% THC | 0.17% CBD 7.75% TERPENES 83.76% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS
71.59% THC | 0.19% CBD 5.28% TERPENES 83.12% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS
71.49% THC | 0.18% CBD 4.63% TERPENES 84.98% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS
By AKO Farms
By GOOD Cannabis
By Cosmic Seaweed
SNOWCAPPED ROMANCE SUGAR By Babylon Company Light golden crumble honors this Alaskan band with tropical and earthy notes that brighten on exhale, with a happy-go-lucky sativa stoned energy. @BABYLONCOMPANY_ 79.07% THC | 0.18% CBD | 92.04% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS
BIO JESUS SHATTER By GOOD Cannabis
STRAWBERRY GOJI COOKIES
By Fireweed Extracts
Sweet strawberries dance with rich earthy cookies, which combine forces to unleash a berry-hash vapor that kisses the palate while delivering an uplifting, euphoric sativa high. @KREATIVEKONFECTIONSAK
Stable shatter shards that melt into a citrus-zest with a fuelly aftershock that perks the mind up while sedating the body in a happy, floaty high. @GOODAKCANNABIS 71.82% THC | 0.26% CBD 2.28% TERPENES 83.4% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS
GMO COOKIES SUGAR WAX By AKO Farms Sour and ripe gas rips into the nose with a hint of lemony sweetness to balance the dank richness of the GMO, which slams the palate in sour fuel and hits the body with a heavy, sweaty forehead and glued to the couch high. @AKOFARMSLLC 74.64% THC | 0.18% CBD | 6.02% TERPENES 88.58% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS
REMEDY X DINAFEM CHEESE EHO SUGAR WAX
MANGO MOJITO THCA CRYSTALS
Terpy and rich, this sumptuous sap is full of CBD and a wonderful flavor mix of cherry-lemon-cheese with a kush kiss at the end of a smooth exhale that relaxes the mind, easing tension while filling the body with a floaty, pain-free buzz. @AK_COLDCREEKEXTRACTS
Tropical waves of citrus and sandalwood burst from glistening diamonds, which transform into a heady mind-numbing vapor, adding an earthy-mint flavor to the exhale on this cocktail themed concentrate. @KREATIVEKONFECTIONSAK
By Cold Creek Extracts
57.97% THC | 15.12% CBD | 2.921% TERPENES
By Fireweed Extracts
LEMON COOKIES SHATTER By Good Titrations
Beautiful shatter with earthy lemon notes present in this stable oil, which melts lightly releasing a bright, syrupy sweet vapor that fills the mind with energy, while sedating the body in a classic hybrid buzz. @GOODTITRATIONS 72.43% THC | 0.25% CBD 3.08% TERPENES 89.04% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS
REVIEWS & PHOTOS by ALASKA LEAF STAFF @AKLEAFMAG
the concentrates issue
SUPER SOUR LEMON HAZE CBD 1:1
STRAWBERRY MANGO
ICE CREAM CAKE
Glacier Extracts prides itself on not just being pure, but being glacier pure. With investments in acquiring the most cutting-edge, high-end Cannabis extraction technologies, paired with classic mechanical extraction techniques, Glacier Extracts can consistently create pure, unadulterated cannabinoid extractions. With no added flavors, Super Sour Lemon Haze doesn't have the robust flavors of other oils – nevertheless, the potency of the oil left us with an enjoyable, uplifting buzz that carried us through hump day.
Good Titrations out of Fairbanks uses a state-of-the-art closedloop extraction process to get the best out of their concentrates. The results are oils that are purged to the minimum amount of residual hydrocarbons possible. Beginning with a strawberry flavored inhale and a noticeable mango-tasting exhale, this cart is perfect for harnessing summer vibes. The high left us giggly, energized and ready for a day of mountain climbing.
Scorpion Grass in Wasilla is a tour de force in Alaska's Cannabis market. Scorpion Grass is a vertically integrated company that boasts a grow, a dispensary, and its own concentrate manufacturing facility. With such a tight locus of control over their products, they are able to ensure premium quality. The cart's potent THC content helps ease tension from the mind and body while leaving you in a euphoric state of couchlock.
@HILLSIDENATURALWELLNESSAK 30.89% THC | 33.38% CBD
@GOODTITRATIONS 76.10% THC | 3.83% TERPENES
@SCORPION_GRASS 81.12% THC
By Glacier Extracts
CARTS! 36
By Good Titrations
ED'S BANANA WEDDING
By Great Northern Cannabis
Ed's Banana Wedding is an indica dominant cross between Wedding Crasher and Banana Punch. The smoke is smooth and leaves a slightly sweet aftertaste after hitting you with earthy notes. Although it's an indica, this oil didn't leave us feeling sluggish. Instead, we enjoyed a mellow high without the drowsy effects we had expected. It's a great midday toke when you need a little stress relief without being weighed down. @GREATNORTHERNCANNABISAK | 74.98% THC | 1.20% TERPS
BUBBLEGUM APPLICATOR
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By Herban Extracts
Encased in some of the most unique packaging we have seen, Herban Extracts' Bubblegum was an exciting CO2 oil to sample. The pen-shaped syringe is equipped with a precise dosing applicator that merely needs to be twisted to distribute the perfect amount of oil. With one of the highest terpene percentages in this year's concentrate edition, the sweet, fruity smell of bubblegum was easily detected through the packaging. An indica-dominant hybrid, Bubblegum left us wonderfully relaxed and happy the moment it hit our system. @HERBANEXTRACTSALASKA 62.3% THC | 9.5% TERPS
JUl. 2021
CHONG'S BLUEBERRY
By Midnight Sun
Tommy Chong is synonymous with Cannabis, so we had high expectations when sampling Chong's Blueberry cart, a collaboration with Midnight Sun. A cross between Triple OG x Blueberry, this indica dominant hybrid produces a sweet smoke that smells exactly like a big bowl of Crunch Berries. But unlike its cereal doppelganger, this cart won't amp you up. An excellent companion to a night filled with restorative sleep, Tommy Chong's Blueberry cart will have you happily counting sheep while you slowly drift off. @TOMMYCHONGCANNABIS 68.56% THC | 2.42% TERPS
By Scorpion Grass Extracts
SWEET MATANUSKA
TRIANGLE JUICE
By Midnight Sun
By Herban Extracts
Midnight Sun is renowned around the state for its high quality CO2 concentrates, and its Sweet Matanuska cart is a beauty to behold. Although this is not the most potent cart we sampled, its effects were some of the hardest hitting and fastest acting. One toke of this earthy strain sent us right to sleep before we could even make it to the bed. The only minor downside to their cart was the childproof packaging that can easily outsmart even the sober stoner.
Herban Extracts' Triangle Juice has a delightful citrus aroma that emanates from the very first sniff to the last exhale. The high was a little slower to hit, but once it did, the sedating effects of the cart took hold quickly. In an instant, all of the stress we'd been shouldering seemed to melt away – as did the pizza and ice cream we DoorDashed before passing out.
@ALASKAMIDNIGHTSUN 66.95% THC | 2.29%
@HERBANEXTRACTSALASKA 67.7% THC | 5% TERPS
CO2 extracts are considered among the cleanest forms of concentrates because by nature, CO2 is a gas at room temperature – meaning the end product will be residual solvent free. CO2 extracts generally retain a fuller and more complete Cannabinoid profile than their hydrocarbon counterparts as well.
SKYWALKER OG By Cosmic Seaweed Located on the beach in Homer, Cosmic Seaweed specializes in all things concentrates. From the vibrant sea-inspired packaging to the blue-tipped mouthpiece, it's clear that Cosmic Seaweed takes a lot of pride in their products. The Skywalker OG produced a robust cloud of puffy white smoke that was highlighted by both earthy and fruity notes. The high was somewhat slow to hit, but once it did, came on stronger than a bad Tinder date. You can expect to feel an intense cerebral high that will last for several hours. @COSMICCANNABISCOMPANY | 79.76% THC | 2.18% TERPS
REVIEWS by ALASKA LEAF STAFF @AKLEAFMAG | PHOTOS by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS
the concentrates issue
Solventless extraction methods are as old as the tradition of Cannabis consumption itself. The first form of Cannabis concentrate, charas, was hash that was removed from one's hands after harvesting the plant. Today’s techniques are far more sophisticated, but still utilize very basic principles to create flavorful and potent Cannabis extracts. The two most popular styles of solventless concentrates are the old school bubble hash, which is primarily used as a bowl topper, and hash rosin, which has skyrocketed in popularity over the last year.
SOLVENTLESS
TROPSANTOS 70-119U ICE MELTS By Cold Creek Extracts Ultra high end bubble hash takes love and time, and this delectable ice melt is full of orangeycookies-fuel that is sour, sweet and funky all at the same time. Bold and beautiful in hash form, this heavy resin producing strain is a cross of GMO x Tropicanna Cookies with genetics coming from a Washington hash maker, grown from soil for oil in Alaska. This super fine bubble hash consists of trichome heads, and can be consumed via a low temp banger dab or in a hash pipe with a screen, delivering a sour-orangeade-GMO vapor that is thicker than traditional dabs, but exceptionally clean – exhaling with a rush of stoney euphoria to the frontal lobes.
ICE CREAM CAKE KIEF ROSIN By Scorpion Grass Fresh squished into icing flavored cookies, this Ice Cream Cake has bright lemon-earthy-zest flavors that get the mouth watering pre-dab, which melts sensuously into a clean, solventless vapor that intoxicates the mind while relaxing the body in a “have your cake and eat it too” perfect dab.
@AK_COLDCREEKEXTRACTS
@SCORPION_GRASS | 81.37% THC | 2.06% TERPENES | 95.3% TOTAL
When Rick Simpson first developed a process to reduce all of the elements
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of the Cannabis plant down to a supremely medicinal extract, he introduced an unparalleled concentrate to the world. Originally dubbed Phoenix Tears by its devotees, Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) provides exceptionally therapeutic effects for patients looking for pain relief, help with sleep and
FECO
appetite stimulation, among other manifold benefits believed to be provided from consuming this uncut version of the plant and all of its compounds.
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MARMALADE CANDY KUSH By Great Northern Cannabis
These extracts are not
With eyes on every aspect of production, from the beginning of the growth cycle to processing, packaging and distribution, Great Northern Cannabis is known for their quality and consistency. A hybrid cross of Blueberry Cheesecake and Sour Tsunami, Marmalade Kush was originally bred for its medicinal properties. From the first inhale, you'll feel your stress melt away as the heady high wraps around your brain. Within a few minutes, that euphoric high turns into a boost of energy.
traditionally associated with
@GREATNORTHERNCANNABISAK | 78.02% THC | 0.93% TERPENES
products for the first time.
recreational use and it’s definitely recommended that the uninitiated follow the guidelines on the packaging when sampling these
DISTILLATE Distillate is distilled Cannabis, usually in oil form, that has been stripped of waxes, lipids, chlorophyll and other compounds in order to concentrate a single cannabinoid, usually THC or CBD. Distillate can be made from various types of concentrates, but is most often refined with ethanol.
JUN. 2021
GG #4 CARTRIDGE
Another one of Alaska's vertically integrated operations, By GOOD Cannabis GOOD out of Fairbanks boasts a top notch grow, manufacturing facility and dispensary. They also have some killer swag. GOOD's GG #4 comes in a beautifully packaged box and is contained in a pristine glass vial with elegant silver accents. The attractive golden amber color of the distillate is outshined only by the euphoric high we experienced. Like its namesake Gorilla Glue, GG #4 left us content and binging endless episodes of World Chase Tag. @GOODAKCANNABIS | 85.30% THC | 3.37% TERPENES
REVIEWS & PHOTOS by ALASKA LEAF STAFF @AKLEAFMAG
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the concentrates issue LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
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ALT. CANNABINOIDS WHEN IT COMES TO CANNABINOIDS, it’s safe to say that most consumers recognize the plant’s two most common: THC and CBD. But as the industry develops, so does our access to a growing array of options. Getting to know how each compound influences the endocannabinoid system can help you choose the most appropriate product for your needs. We won’t overwhelm you with all 100+ cannabinoids, but here you’ll find a few less common compounds that are starting to catch consumer attention.
JUl. 2021
THCA
THCV
THC-O-ACETATE
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the precursor to THC. It is primarily found in live or raw Cannabis and is mostly converted during the drying and smoking processes. This compound is technically non-psychoactive, but has displayed similar anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to THC.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is another naturally formed compound that varies in amount across cultivars. While much less abundant than THC, this cannabinoid has been shown to act as an anticonvulsant, neuroprotectant and appetite suppressor.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin acetate requires lab intervention to produce. This synthesized prodrug is converted from THC or THCa with the help of a few additional chemicals and is said to be up to 300% more potent than THC.
CANNABINOL
CANNABIGEROL
CANNABICHROMENE
Cannabinol (CBN) is a product of THCa/THC oxidation. It has a relatively weak effect on the central nervous system but is widely reported by consumers to cause sedation. Research suggests that this cannabinoid may even offer immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is non-psychotropic and primarily found in high CBD varieties. This promising molecule has shown scientific potential in reducing cancer cell growth, easing inflammatory bowel diseases, and treating intraocular issues like glaucoma.
Cannabichromene (CBC) is one of the most abundant non-psychotropic compounds in Cannabis. Like many other cannabinoids that influence the CB2 receptor, CBC has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It also possesses the ability to augment effects when co-administered with THC.
STORY by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA for LEAF NATION
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edible of the month
SPRUCE TIP
SPLASH
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Reviews TUNDRA BREWING The Alaskan edible market has been experiencing a significant boom in new companies and products recently, and Tundra Brewing is one of the latest on the market.
B
ased in Fairbanks, Tundra Brewing first hit the market in January 2021 with their Hibiscus Splash. They have since added Poncho’s Punch, Spearmint Spritz, and the brand-new Spruce Tip Splash to their menu. Spruce Tip Splash’s aroma is – you guessed it – exactly like running through a spruce forest. With such a powerfully woodsy scent and flavor, it goes without saying that this edible is best when mixed into a good cannabutter or cocktail. If you’re stumped on how to best incorporate this 10mg delight into something palatable, a quick internet search for spruce tip cocktails and mocktails will yield a cornucopia of options – including the scrumptious Forest Cocktail. Made from a shot of spruce tip liqueur, five milligrams of Tundra Brewing’s mixer, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and topped with lemon-lime soda, the Forest Cocktail is an incredibly refreshing summer drink. Of course, you can also skip the liqueur if you’d prefer a mocktail. Either way, what’s nice about Tundra Brewing’s petite servings is that you’re guaranteed a subtle, relaxed high that is perfect for date night – or a night Netflix and chilling with your cat. Apart from the versatility of Tundra Brewing’s mini mixers, what really has us jazzed about the company is the fact that they are proudly Alaska Native-owned. We can’t wait to see what the added diversity to Alaska’s Cannabis market means for future products! @TUNDR ABR EWI NG
"What’s nice about Tundra Brewing’s petite servings is that you’re guaranteed a subtle, relaxed high."
JUl. 2021
REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS
TANNINS & TERPENES LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
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T H E A RT OF PA I RI NG CA N N A BI S FIREWEED EXTRACTS MANGO AYAHUASCA THCA CRYSTALS & YERBAE MANGO PASSION FRUIT ENERGY DRINK While putting together the 2021 Concentrate Special, we learned a few things. One, there is a limit to how much Cannabis one should consume. Two, food delivery services are God’s gift to stoners. And three, not all energy drinks are created equal. On our third night of reviews, in desperate need of caffeine to counteract the potent indicas Alaska is famous for, we found ourselves perusing the energy drink aisle at Carrs. After days of evaluating concentrates on their purity, we figured maybe it was time to think of our energy drinks in the same way. That’s when we stumbled – literally – onto Yerbae’s Mango Passion Fruit sparkling water. This brightly flavored water is plant-based for sustainable energy and is produced with an eye for conservation. One can contains 160mg of caffeine – slightly more than your average cup of joe. But unlike the bitter, chalky flavor of coffee that leaves you craving water, Yerbae quenches your thirst while also feeding your desire to stay awake at work. After downing a can of Yerbae, we knew it would pair well with Fireweed Extracts’ Mango Ayahuasca THCA Crystals. The brightly colored crystals looked precisely like the rock candy we got at the Alaska State Fair as kids, which was a nice throwback. Equally edifying was the sweet mango aroma that emanated from the crystals as we filled our dab rig. Taking our first toke, we noticed that the smoke was pungent with notes of sour fruit and a faintly nutty aftertaste that complemented Yerbae’s somewhat sweet-and-sour flavor profile. Typically, we wouldn’t pair a potent indica strain with caffeine, but surprisingly, this combo worked well. The sedative effects of the crystals were held at bay, leaving a noticeable body high in their wake. The result was a relaxed but focused high that helped us power through the final hours of content creation for this edition. And to think people say the best ideas come when you’re fully alert and awake...
The result was a relaxed but focused high that helped us power through. 82.9% THC
JUN. 2021
REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS
cannthropology
WORLD OF Cannabis PRESENTS
HASHistory 50
When it comes to the history of hashish, the facts are as fascinating as the folklore. Hashish Smokers (1887) GAETANO PREVIATI
ISLAMIC ORIGINS
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It’s believed that the word hashish derives from the Arabic root word hasis, meaning dried grass or herb. The first historical records of hashish date back to the “Golden Age of Islam” in ancient Persia – sometime between the writing of the Koran in 632 and 900 CE. Unlike alcohol, which was forbidden by the Koran as a khmar (intoxicant), Cannabis was originally considered a medicine and therefore not prohibited. The earliest written reference to hashish appears to be in “The Book of Poisons” – a toxicology/astrology treatise by Iraqi alchemist Ibn Wahshiyya published in the 10th century. In it, Wahshiyya refers to a toxic concoction containing Cannabis extract and other aromatic herbs, which he claimed was lethal when inhaled. Another, more famous text from that period in which hashish is mentioned is the fabled “1001 Arabian Nights,” which even includes a story entitled “The Tale of the Hashish Eater.”
Sufi monks viewed hashish as a sacrament.
JUl. 2021
THE SUFI The earliest group to embrace hashish were the Sufis – a mystical branch of Islam that arose during the 8th century. Once called “the hippies of the Arab world,” Sufi monks believed that hashish assisted in elevating consciousness to achieve communion with Allah. For them, eating hashish was, according to one Muslim critic, “an act of worship.” One Sufi legend even claimed that it was one of the sect’s founders, Shayk Haydar, who
first discovered hashish. According to the story, after 10 years of reclusivity in his mountaintop monastery, Haydar ventured into the desert, where he discovered a “sparkling” plant and ate it. He returned to the monastery in a euphoric state, shared the plant’s magical properties with his fellow monks, then swore them to secrecy about it. While there’s no evidence that Haydar actually made or used hashish, the Sufis did eventually embrace it as a sacrament. THE HASHASHIN Though Cannabis resin was referenced centuries earlier, the word “hashish” wasn’t reportedly seen in print until 1123 – in an Egyptian pamphlet accusing a group called the Nazari of being “hashish-eaters” (a derogatory term used to denote undesirables). Another mystical branch of Islam founded in 1090, the Nazari were based in a mountaintop fortress in northern Iran called Alamut Castle and ruled over by their founder, Hassan-i Sabbah – a.k.a. “The Old Man of the Mountain.” Sabbah created an elite squadron of warrior-spies called the Fidai, who he sent out on covert espionage and murder missions. The Fidai were allegedly so devoted to him that they’d Hassan-i Sabbah (above), and The Fidai at Alamut.
sacrifice their lives at his command. Sabbah allegedly brainwashed his fanatics by feeding them copious amounts of hashish – a practice that supposedly earned them their notorious nickname: Hashashin (Arabic for “hashish users”), from which we derive the modern word “assassin.” In fact, no evidence exists that they ever used hash; nevertheless, the legend stuck – thanks in part to the writings of Marco Polo. Though Genghis Khan’s armies killed off the Hashashin in 1256, they didn’t kill hashish’s appeal; on the contrary, many Arab historians credit the Mongols’ invasions – and the resulting Sufi refugees – for spreading hashish throughout Iraq, Syria, and Egypt during the 13th century. INTO EGYPT The first record of hashish in Egypt comes from a Spanish-born Muslim botanist named Ibn al-Baytar, who in 1227 observed Egyptian Sufis swallowing charas balls in Cairo. There was a park there called the Gardens of Kafur where Sufis and other poor stoners congregated, grew Cannabis and made hashish – that is, until 1266, when King al-Zahir Babar outlawed hashish, destroyed the gardens, and threatened anyone caught with it with prison and “de-teething.” Eventually, concerns over moral decline led Sunni authorities to declare hashish illegal under Islamic law, essentially condemning the Sufi as heretics. Regardless, hashish use continued to expand; it wasn’t until four centuries later, however, that it would make its mark on Europe. ENTRÉE FRANCE In 1798, French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt. Since alcohol was banned in the Muslim country, his soldiers had no access to wine and instead adopted hashish as their intoxicant of choice. Hashish smoking among the troops became such a problem that in October 1800, General Jacques-François Menou banned Cannabis across Egypt. But when the French troops were driven out by Anglo-Ottoman forces in 1801, they brought the hash back home with them. By that time, most French citizens had heard of hashish, thanks to Antoine Galland’s translation of “The 1001 Arabian Nights” published a century earlier. The stories sparked a romantic fascination with hashish in France’s collective imagination. Over the next two centuries, that love affair only grew – fueling a creative explosion that culminated in the formation Grand meeting room at Les of the infamous Club Club des Hashischins. des Hashischins. Founded in 1844, Les Club des Hashischins was a private social club in Paris where the literary, artistic, and intellectual elite of the day would gather to get high. Dressed in Arabic attire, they’d hold séances and drink coffee laced with a green paste called dawamesk made with butter, nuts, spices, and of course, hashish. FROM PRESCRIPTION TO PROHIBITION During the 19th century, medical research and experimentation with Cannabis flourished across Europe. Studies were written, compounds were extracted, and a number of hashish-derived remedies were formulated. But most medical professionals, still operating under old misconceptions that it
The counterculture movement of the 1960s introduced hashish to the New World. induced violence and insanity, avoided studying hashish. This kind of misinformation helped bring an end to the burgeoning medical marijuana field and usher in the new age of global prohibition instituted in the 20th century. While most associate America as the architect of pot prohibition, it was actually Egypt that originally led the charge for its international embargo. Both Egypt and the US attempted (unsuccessfully) to add hashish to the list of prohibited drugs outlined in the League of Nations’ International Opium Conventions of 1912 and 1925. Nevertheless, by the late 1920s, nearly 60 countries had outlawed hashish. THE HIPPIE TRAIL The counterculture movement of the 1960s introduced hashish to Eden Hash Center—a popular the New World. Starting in the late ‘50s, thousands of beatniks and stop on The Hippie Trail. hippies embarked on pilgrimages to the great hashish capitals of WORLD OF CANNABIS MUSEUM the East in search of primo smoke – rechristening the old Silk Road as “The Hippie Trail.” Some, like Travis Ashbrook of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, smuggled tons of hash back to the US to power the psychedelic revolution. Others brought the art of hash making into new areas, like Morocco; though Cannabis had been grown in the region for centuries, until then it had only been smoked with tobacco. In the decades that followed, however, Morocco’s Rif Valley would become the world’s largest producer of hashish. Just as the Hippie Trail was subsiding, Amsterdam – which had recently undergone its own social revolution – became the new hub for hashish. Hash from all over the world was smuggled in and sold at the city’s hundreds of Cannabis coffeeshops. It was amidst this happening hash scene that another former Hippie Trail traveler by the name of Mila Jansen invented a revolutionary new resin collection method that used ice water rather than hand-scraping or dry sieving – creating the first ever “bubble hash” (aka ice hash, full-melt) and earning her the honorific “Hash Queen.”
Hashish assortment lithograph (1970).
HASHISH TODAY Though still widely popular in WORLD OF CANNABIS MUSEUM Europe, demand for hashish in the US has declined dramatically over the past few decades – due largely to the rise of the more potent hydrocarbon concentrates (dabs). In fact, you’d be hard-pressed (pun intended) to find any traditional hash for sale in US dispensaries, with one notable exception: the old-school hashish made by Frenchy Cannoli. Like those old Hippie Trail pilgrims, Frenchy spent his youth traveling to many of the world’s great hash centers and mastering the classic techniques, which he now teaches to a new generation with his “Lost Art of the Hashishin” workshop series. Thanks to the passion of master hashishin like him, hashish’s history will undoubtedly live on for centuries more.
Demand for hashish in the US has declined dramatically over the past few decades.
For more on the history of hash, listen to Episode #13 of our podcast at worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology. Story and photos originally published on worldofcannabis.museum and reprinted with permission.
STO RY b y B O B BY B LAC K @ CAN N T H RO PO LO G Y for LEA F NAT IO N
MORAL DILEMMAS
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leafmagazines.com
by Mike Ricker
here she was, standing over a fresh dog poop, looking down upon a thin strip of sidewalk grass along a quiet suburban road holding her only bag, bulging and tied off. The Rhodesian Ridgeback at the end of the leash, quite unfortunately, just unleashed an unexpected second helping. To leave or not to leave – that is the question that I ask of Steve. Maybe she has a favorite uncle named Steve, I don’t know. It rhymed. Is there anyone in America who doesn’t know someone named Steve? It doesn’t matter. Regardless, she is faced with a conundrum. You find a small stash on the bathroom floor. You scan the room, concluding that six of them are potential contenders. The nugs are juicy. Do you announce to the patrons of Patron that one of them has potentially lost their imperative sack, or do you hightail it out of the parking lot and fill your coughers? You scan the motley crew for bloodshot eyes while the dank scent effervesces through the pants pocket to the nostrils like a trail from Pepe Le Pew’s tail. It is as if the universe itself is checking your pulse to determine if the moral compass is deserving of her positive karma, and worthy of continuing to inhabit her fruitful loins of perfect symmetry. Every one of us, at least once in our lives, has been apprised to this test. You clutch the bag and address this reckoning by announcing to the entire venue that someone has lost their weed and you are ready to bestow it to the rightful owner. A man comes to you and admits that he, indeed, had dropped the bag and hadn’t noticed until that moment, upon realizing that his pocket is empty. He takes the Cannabis gratefully. He offers to smoke a bowl with you outside, to which you politely accept. You have made a new friend. His name is Steve.
JUl. 2021
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