Jun. 2021 - Alaska Leaf by Northwest Leaf / Oregon Leaf / Alaska Leaf / Maryland Leaf / California Leaf / Northeast Leaf

THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE

F RE E / L E A F M AGA Z I N E S . COM

#62 | JUNE 2021

INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010

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the GLOBAL issue

#62

[

JUNE 2021

issue

budtender of the month The Herbal Cache, Girdwood

[

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE CANNABIS LAWS

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE EXPLORING KRATOM

58 Amsterdam’s Reefer Culture Known as one of the Cannabis capitals of the world, Amsterdam has a long and unique history of accepting and also rejecting Cannabis. Leaf Nation’s Bobby Black unravels the complicated city’s take on Cannabis Culture.

////////// story by bobby black

JUN. 2021

feature

WERNARD BRUINING

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

SHOP REVIEW GREEN GROWCER

ADOBE

Claudia Della Mora, co-founder and managing partner at Black Legend Capital, on Cannabis as a global commodity, the challenging but rewarding path forward for the growing industry, and what the future holds for companies and our community.

22 11 E D I T O R ’ S N O T E 14 N AT I O N A L N E W S 18 S H O P R E V I E W 22 B U D T E N D E R Q & A 24 G A R D E N H I G H L I G H T 28 H I G H LY L I K E LY 32 S T R A I N O F T H E M O N T H 36 G L O B A L P E R S P E C T I V E 38 G L O B A L C O M M O D I T Y 42 G L O B A L C R A C K D O W N 44 G L O B A L S T R A I N S 46 R E C I P E S 48 E D I B L E S 49 PA I R I N G S 50 C O N C E N T R AT E S 52 T E C H R E V I E W 54 G L A S S A R T S P O T L I G H T 56 A LT E R N AT I V E M E D I C I N E 58 C A N N T H R O P O L O G Y 60 S T O N E Y B A L O N E Y

O'HARA SHIPE

feature

O'HARA SHIPE

CLAUDIA DELLA MORA

Carmen Graves

the GLOBAL issue

garden tour

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

MERCY TREE OF ALASKA CO-FOUNDER BASHALL REDZEPI SHOWS OFF PACKAGED BUD.

JUN. 2021

PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS/ALASKA LEAF

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 For The Leaf’s first-ever Global Issue, we tapped the artistic prowess of Maine-based illustrator Cody Muir, who has become known for his surreal and futuristic editorial cover pieces for clients like The Washington Post, BBC Science Focus, Seattle Met, and Politico Europe. “I was excited to be approached by the Leaf team with the Global Issue’s cosmos-inspired theme since it gave me a chance to make something truly atmospheric,” he says. “Finding a visual method to express Cannabis’ global importance throughout history was a blast.”

ILLUSTRATION by CODY MUIR @MAGICMUIR CODYMUIR.COM

PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTORS

WES ABNEY | FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS MIKE GIANAKOS, FEATURES CODY MUIR, ILLUSTRATION MIKE RICKER, FEATURES MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING MIKE ROSATI, PHOTOS ZACK RUSKIN, FEATURES O'HARA SHIPE, FEATURES + PHOTOS PACER STACKTRAIN, FEATURES JAMIE VICTOR, ILLUSTRATION DAN VINKOVETSKY, FEATURES NATE WILLIAMS, FEATURES BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES

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

Check out the first-ever animated version of our June 2021 cover by heading over to our Instagram page!

ABNEY

Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Global Issue of the Leaf ! CAN YOU IMAGINE a day in the future where Cannabis and hemp are traded on the New York Stock Exchange? Where container ships carry bulk biomass, flower, distillates and finished products like edibles and vape pens, along with the usual haul of bananas, shoes and cars around the world? That future is closer than we think – Cannabis legalization is quickly becoming a global issue, and like all developing markets, is full of enough opportunities and restrictions to make your head spin. I believe that someday I will be able to smoke hash from Spain while eating an edible delicacy from Denmark, while using a transdermal patch for pain from Canada in the comfort of my Seattle living room, or consumption lounge of my choosing. This reality is closer than we think, but also faces a ton of hurdles before my stoner’s delight dream becomes reality. While a lot of pot gets shipped around the world currently, it definitely isn’t legal or regulated, and that means we have a lot of policy to craft as the industry goes from the U.S. dominated states’ rights program, to a universally legal substance.

CANNABIS LEGALIZATION IS QUICKLY BECOMING A GLOBAL ISSUE, AND LIKE ALL DEVELOPING MARKETS, IS FULL OF ENOUGH OPPORTUNITIES & RESTRICTIONS TO MAKE YOUR HEAD SPIN.

Along the way we need to decriminalize all possession, release all non-violent Cannabis prisoners, and find a way to make the global market equitable for all players and consumers. Does that sound like a lot to do? There’s so much more to global legalization than most think, and while it isn’t going to happen quickly, the seeds of change are being planted now. To celebrate this impending change we released our first ever Global Issue, where we explore the history of Cannabis strains, look at the global legal outlook on Cannabis, and explore the reality of turning our plant from a drug into a commodity. So what’s next? While the future is only a day away, we can all take a big bong hit and celebrate our local Cannabis, and use our voices and votes to help end the war on drugs and bring freedom to our people. In my lifetime, Cannabis has gone from super illegal to medically acceptable to completely legal to buy and grow in many states. I can only imagine what the future holds for our plant and our planet as acceptance for Cannabis spreads like a weed. As Jack Herer said, “I don’t know if hemp is going to save the world, but it’s the only thing that can.”

-Wes Abney JUN. 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

All Things Cannabis For All People PODCAST leaflifepodcast AVAILABLE NOW:

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#115 LEGAL CANNABIS IN MEXICO #116 COMING OUT OF QUARANTINE #119 PARENTING AND CANNABIS

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Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 or older. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.

DOT COM WE ARE ONE

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national news

CAPITALISM

THE FEDS

PHARMACY CHAIN RITE AID IS ‘LOOKING AT THE MARIJUANA BUSINESS’

ALABAMA GOV. SIGNS MEDICAL CANNABIS LAW

ite Aid CEO Hayward Donigan in May said that “everyone is looking at the marijuana business.” “There is complexity to that, but (we’re) certainly keeping an eye on it,” she said at THE PA-BASED PHARMACY CHAIN The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival. HAS CARRIED HEMP-DERIVED The pharmacy chain, based CBD PRODUCTS in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, has SINCE 2019. carried hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products since 2019. Donigan said Rite Aid is looking at more homeopathic options in addition to traditional pharmaceuticals. He added that the chain has had all of its pharmacists re-certified as integrative pharmacy specialists. “Pharmacists are trained in alternative therapies,” Donigan said. “They are not just trained on traditional medicine.”

west

WYOMING TRIBE MAY LEGALIZE MEDICAL CANNABIS

T LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

mmj

he Eastern Shoshone General Council met May 14 to discuss legalizing medical Cannabis on the Wind River reservation in Wyoming, reports the Rocket Miner. Several resolutions were passed – resolutions are law on the reservation – including the authority to move forward with a medical marijuana commission to regulate, oversee and operate tribal-owned cultivation and extraction facilities for Cannabis-related products. The Northern Arapaho Tribe voted the previous weekend in favor of decriminalizing marijuana. The Eastern Shoshone General Council will reconvene June 12 to finish the process of voting on whether to legalize medical marijuana on the reservation. The General Council consists of all adult members of the tribe, while the Business Council is made up of elected officials.

additional Cannabis growing facilities will be authorized by the DEA.

JUN. 2021

states currently allow the recreational use of Cannabis by adults.

M DEA WILL ALLOW MORE FACILITIES TO GROW CANNABIS FOR RESEARCH

oving to end the University of Mississippi’s decades-long monopoly on supplying marijuana for U.S. research, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said in May it will soon issue licenses to a number of growing facilities, reports Science Magazine. Since 1968, only one operation, located on the campus of Ole Miss, has been licensed to supply Cannabis to medical researchers who want to explore its value for treating conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. The DEA announced on its website that it had sent a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to three manufacturers that had applied for licenses to grow Cannabis for research studies. The memos came six months after the agency published a final rule describing how exactly the program would work. This could mark a “WE WERE EUPHORIC. huge shift after years THIS IS A VICTORY of delayed license FOR SCIENTIFIC FREEDOM,” SAID applications. Although DR. SUE SISLEY. consuming marijuana is legal for medical purposes in 36 states and for recreational use in 17 states, consumption remains a criminal offense under federal law. “We were euphoric. This is a victory for scientific freedom,” said Dr. Sue Sisley, president and principal investigator at Scottsdale Research Institute, which received one of the DEA agreements to be able to grow Cannabis for research. In 2019, SRI sued the DEA to force it to end its years of delay in processing license applications.

edical marijuana has come to the Heart of Dixie. Alabama Gov. Kaye Ivey in May signed a medical marijuana bill into law. More than a dozen conditions, including autism, cancer, terminal illness, depression, epilepsy, panic disorder and chronic pain would allow a person to qualify. Despite not allowing any smoking, and prohibiting patient use of Cannabis flowers and banning growing, the move represents progress for this deep-red state. Daily total THC dosages are also limited to just 50 milligrams, which will certainly come as bad news for chronic pain patients, those fighting cancer, and others. “This is a major step forward for Alabamians,” said Karen O’Keefe at the Marijuana Policy Project. “Rather than being subjected to arrest and criminal penalties for using medical Cannabis, this new law will enable patients who are suffering from illnesses and medical conditions to safely use and access medical Cannabis, a treatment option that is accessible to so many of their fellow Americans. We applaud the legislature for passing and Gov. Ivey for signing the Compassion Act.”

ARTHRITIS, MIGRAINES AND REGIONAL PAIN ADDED TO OHIO MMJ

hio’s Medical Board has added three existing conditions to qualify to buy medical marijuana, reports the Associated Press. The panel had earlier this year determined that arthritis, chronic migraines and complex regional pain syndrome fall into the existing category of chronic or intractable pain. State residents must obtain a physician recommendation under the state’s 22 qualifying conditions and register to become eligible to buy marijuana flower and other products at the state’s 52 dispensaries. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy voted last month to make more dispensary licenses available to deal with patient complaints about lack of access and high prices. Three of the state’s 31 medical marijuana districts, all in Western Ohio, have no dispensaries.

37 60 64

states now have medical Cannabis laws; 11 states have CBD-only laws.

percent of Miss. residents favor a special session to reverse a block on MMJ.

percent of Connecticut voters favor legalizing marijuana in a 2021 poll.

percent of Americans say Cannabis should be legal for medical/rec, or both.

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“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

GREEN GROWCER ENVIRONMENT & VIBE Green Growcer’s interior is spotless and well laid out to accommodate both the newbie and the well-versed Cannabis consumer. The relaxed vibe makes it easy to get lost in the dispensary’s enormous selection of CBD products that proudly hang on a back wall. If you’re lucky, you may also have the pleasure of being serenaded by Chef Bombshell, Green Growcer’s resident singing chef.

PRODUCTS

In addition to a plethora of glassware and CBD products, Green Growcer has a wide array of niche strains from smaller grows around the state. Some of their flower and pre-roll suppliers include Green Go, Green Degree and Sweet Matanuska Green. But the real jewel of Green Growcer is their selection of edibles which features fresh products from in-house Cannabis connoisseur, Chef Bombshell. Pick from budders, drinks and THCyrps to add flair to your culinary expeditions. Or dive into gummies from Dosed and MoMo’s, and candies from Kreative Confections and Lady Grey. If concentrates are more of your thing, Green Growcer has products from Cosmic Seaweed, High Tide Farms, Einstein Labs, Cold Creek Extracts and Will’s World, to name a few.

HISTORY Green Growcer didn’t have the most advantageous grand opening. COVID numbers were spiking in mid-September 2020, just as the dispensary welcomed its first customers. Sadly, Green Growcer didn’t escape unscathed – shuttering its doors for two weeks shortly after opening. But you can’t keep a good Cannabis crew down and it wasn’t long before they found their stride, and most importantly, their customer base.

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

BUDTENDERS When it comes to Green Growcer’s budtenders, the focus is on education. Through an in-house training program, as well as a well-versed GM, the dispensary seeks to be a beacon for the curious Cannabis consumer. Budtenders are encouraged to sample new products and to read up on the latest tech and terpene advancements. So, whether you’re a seasoned smoker searching for something new or new to Cannabis entirely, Green Growcer is the place to go.

QUICK HIT Located on prime real estate, just across the street from Anchorage’s southside Costco, Green Growcer is the perfect place to fill up on flower, edibles, and even tobacco before hitting the open road.

JUN. 2021

GREEN GROWCER 301 E DIMOND BLVD, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA OPEN 9AM-MIDNIGHT DAILY @GREENGROWCER907 AKGREENGROWCER.ORG (907) 312-8420

The real jewel of Green Growcer is their selection of edibles which features fresh products from in-house Cannabis connoisseur, Chef Bombshell.

You can’t keep a good Cannabis crew down.

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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

Carmen Graves ALASKA LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH

"I DO WELL WITH THE BEGINNERS, OR PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T USED IN YEARS, BECAUSE I PREFER LOWER PERCENTAGES."

THE HERBAL CACHE 158 HOLMGREN PL, GIRDWOOD, AK GIRDWEED.COM @THEHERBALCACHEAK (907) 783-0420 OPEN 10A-10P

A GIRDWOOD NATIVE who loves getting out of Alaska to see the world, Carmen has traveled to Costa Rica, Southeast Asia and Mexico, and has even tried weed in South Africa (it wasn’t legal, btw). Having grown up with Brent Carse who owns the shop, she doesn’t mind helping her buddy out and being the newcomer behind the counter. Follow her on Instagram @carmengraves HOW DID YOU VENTURE INTO THE CANNABIZ? YOU’RE A SELF-PROCLAIMED OCCASIONAL USER OF CANNABIS, BUT YOUR PARENTS ARE LONGTIME STONERS, RIGHT? It’s kind of funny, I’m not that

great at reviewing products when we get samples at the store. So, I take them to my parents for help, and together we get the right descriptions. Talk about family bonding! IF YOU’RE NOT A BIG STONER, HOW DOES THAT AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO ADVISE ON CANNABIS WHEN BUDTENDING? Most people that come

in just want the highest percentage of THC and to just get as high as possible – that’s not my sweet spot. I do well with the beginners, or people who haven’t used in years, because I prefer lower percentages. I mean, I eat about 2.5mg of an edible and I’m good – total lightweight. But I think a lot of people are, too, and I can relate. Everyone is different. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT YOU WHEN YOU’RE IN YOUR SWEET SPOT? It’s

when I still have control of my thoughts. And as a budtender it’s important to be aware that many people are looking to us for information, and there needs to be trust that we’re not going to advise them to try something that will make them uncomfortable – so I’m hyperdiligent about that.

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

IT REALLY IS ALL ABOUT GETTING PEOPLE THE RIGHT DOSAGE, OR THE RIGHT STRAIN, ISN’T IT? Yep,

experimenting is important for people to find where they are most comfortable. SO, YOU AND THE OWNER OF THE SHOP GREW UP TOGETHER. DID YOU KICK HIS ASS IN DODGEBALL? No (laughs),

we’re both really passive people, we’re not the kind that are going to kick anybody’s ass. We’re both pushovers. I found some old footage the other day of my fourth birthday at Chuck E. Cheese and he was there, so it goes way back.

JUN. 2021

by MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ | PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS/ALASKA LEAF

garden highlight leafmagazines.com

MercyTree ofAlaska Co-founder Bashall Redzepi, left, and Head Cultivator Colin Koenig.

JUN. 2021

ONE OF the cardinal rules of small business ownership is not going into the business with friends and family. Although you may have the best of intentions and the highest of hopes, what starts as a seemingly safe, mutually beneficial project, can turn everything from minor annoyances and squabbles over money into horrific nightmares.

Signature strain Mercy Fruit Haze won Best Sativa in the 2018 Cannabis Classic.

"Yeah, everyone thought we were crazy Cannabis are undewhen we decided to go into business niable, and you can "If we could tell together," says Mercy Tree of Alaska visually see it helping co-owner Bashall Redzepi. people. How could our customers But Redzepi didn't just go into business you not want to do with one friend. He jumped into the fire one thing, it's that something with your headfirst and now co-owns and operates life that could really we are really Mercy Tree with four longtime friends – help people?" asks Colin Koenig, Brian Hewes, Chad Creepassionate about Koenig. ger and Larry Herndon. It is that desire to Cannabis and we produce consistent, "I think what makes us special is that we all have a hand in operating the business. notch Cannabis love what we do.” top It's not one guy running things. So, we that drives all facets -Head Cultivator Colin Koenig butt heads sometimes, but we have a lot of Mercy Tree, startof respect for each other and the expering with the building tise each person brings. That's what makes our that holds their grow. dynamic a little bit different," explains Koenig. Situated in a nondescript 1950s building in Although friendship initially brought the Mercy Downtown Anchorage's industrial area, Mercy Tree crew together, there is a much deeper bond Tree's operation breathed new life into a decaying that solidified their desire to cultivate Cannabis. landmark. Both Redzepi and Koenig's mothers had battles "We rehabbed the entire building and electrical. with cancer. Sadly, Redzepi lost his mother to We basically built a building within a building," stage-four cancer, while Koenig's mother continexplains Redzepi. ues to defy the odds. And when Redzepi says they built the building, "[My mom] didn't consume Cannabis, but her he isn't exaggerating. Mid-construction, the team friends in her support groups did, and I actually ran out of money and had to resort to using spare started caregiving with Cannabis for some of her parts and a lot of elbow grease to finish. friends,” says Koenig. “The medical benefits of "We had a lot of people to prove wrong, and we

weren't going to give up on opening the grow, no matter what it took. Of course, you can kind of see where our drywalling started," says Koenig with a laugh. Naturally, their hands-on approach didn't stop with the drywall. Koenig hand-waters each of the 800 plants in the operation's 2,700-square-foot grow space. Asked if he would ever consider automating his feedings, Koenig didn't mince words. "Automation tends to make people lazy. We hand-water just because we need to spend time in the garden. If it were automated, we wouldn't be in there as much. This way, we're spending at least an hour a day in each room, and we can keep an eye on everything to make sure there are no problems creeping up," says Koenig. In addition to their hands-on approach with the plants, Mercy Tree also has a focused eye on sustainability. The building's electric air conditioners provide consistent heat during the winter and summer, thereby eliminating their need for gas. They also recycle their condensate and are able to reclaim nearly 50% of the water used to feed the plants. While Redzepi insists Mercy Tree has "unintentionally gone green," it's clear that they don't do anything without intention. That includes selecting the right genetics – and they have the award to prove it. In 2018, their signature strain, Mercy Fruit Haze, took home the award for Best Sativa at the Alaska Cannabis Classic. However, they aren't resting on their laurels. Mercy Tree currently has 12 available strains, as well as genetics from an additional 12 plants – with plans to keep expanding their menu. Nonetheless, you can be sure that whatever they put out, it will be high quality. "If we could tell our customers one thing, it's that we are really passionate about Cannabis and we love what we do. I look forward to coming in here every day to spend time with my ladies, and we're not doing this to get rich. It's nice to be able to provide for our families by growing Cannabis, but ultimately, we're doing this for the love of the plant. And I think that reflects in our product," says Koenig. MERCYTREEAK.COM | @ALASKAMERCYTREE

STORY by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTOS by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS/ALASKA LEAF

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highly likely

Highly Likely highlights Cannabis pioneers who paved the way to greater herbal acceptance.

Phil Jackson

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

Phil Jackson is one of the most recognizable personalities in the NBA. He played 12 seasons in the league and won two championships as a player. As a coach, he won a record 11 titles (most notably with the Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers franchises). Much has been made of Jackson’s coaching style, which seemed to meld aspects of Eastern philosophy into the rugged competition structure of professional basketball.

most fans already knew. And it’s not surprising coming from Phil Jackson, a coach who took a hands-on approach with so many of his players. He mentored them not just in the ACKSON IS CERTAINLY CONSIDERED to be one of the greatest coaches of all time, known game, but in life as well – often giving his players books for his unorthodox approach to mentoring and motivating his players. And while on spirituality and philosophy to read like “Zen and the he’s often considered to have hippie “tendencies” (he’s an avid Grateful Dead fan), Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” “Siddhartha” and texts by he’s not known for being a recreational Cannabis user like so many other Nietzsche. NBA personalities. That reputation, however, changed a bit after a spate of Then, at the 2016 American Express “Teamed Jackson is certainly interviews that Jackson gave in 2016. Up” event, Jackson and one of his most considered to be Jackson was on a publicity tour of sorts at that time for his book “11 Rings: famous former players, Shaquille O’Neal, got The Soul of Success” – while Cannabis and the NBA were very much in the news together for a sit-down moderated conversation. one of the greatest because of positive comments Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr had made When the subject turned to Jackson’s famous coaches of all about Cannabis and player health. During an interview with the show, “We Need meditation sessions with his players, Shaq had time, known for his to Talk” on CBS Sports, Jackson talked about his own experience with Cannabis in a story to tell. Apparently, these sessions would unorthodox approach the ‘70s after a back surgery. "I was smoking marijuana during that period of time," always feature incense being burned to set the to mentoring and Jackson said. “I think it was a distraction for me as much as a pain reliever. But I mood, so to speak. One day, Shaq noticed a never thought of it as ultimately a pain medication for that type of situation." familiar smell to one of the incenses. "It smelled motivating his He then went on to discuss marijuana usage more broadly among current NBA just like weed," O'Neal said. "I said, ‘Coach, players. players. "We have tried to stop [marijuana use] in the NBA. I don't think we have Is this weed?' He said, 'No, it's sage – it's the been able to stop it. I think it still goes on and is still a part of the culture in the cousin of Cannabis.'" NBA. It is something that we either have to accommodate or figure out another way to deal Whether or not that story is truly about Cannabis or with it." incense – we don’t know. But one thing is for sure: When It’s this sort of attitude that has made Jackson so beloved among players in the NBA. His someone as respected as Phil Jackson speaks out favorably tolerance and acknowledgement that Cannabis is a “part of the culture” is just stating what in support of Cannabis, we all benefit.

JUN. 2021

STORY by PACER STACKTRAIN for LEAF NATION

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MEDUSA IS AN INDICA AND WE DID GET STONED

GROWN BY SWEET MATANUSKA GREEN JUN. 2021

Greek mythology, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons. With a face so beautiful, she lured men to gaze into her mysterious eyes – and when they dared to sneak a peek – they were turned to stone. All "stoned" puns aside, it's not a bad metaphor for Cannabis. So, when a strain pops up with such an enticing name, there's no way we aren't going to tempt fate and take a look. True to her name, Sweet Matanuska Green's Medusa is a beauty. Packed with color – featuring rich, green-tipped nugs with purple and furred orange hairs – her most mesmerizing trait is her prominent, icy crystals. It almost felt like a sin to even touch the buds, let alone break them apart. But when we did, they broke down nicely as we eagerly packed our bowl. Like the mythological creature's perplexing nature, Medusa's flower presented quite the quandary when trying to nail down the flavor profile. Initially, we picked up on floral and earthy notes, which would explain her parentage of a three-way cross of Misty, White Widow and Skunk. However, the longer we sat with our first toke, the more we noticed the subtle hints of spicy, yet fruity, undertones of the strain. The spice was a pleasant surprise at the end of a very smooth draw. Although Medusa is an indica and we did get stoned – that's the last pun, we promise – we didn't find ourselves stuck in couchlock. Instead, Medusa left us with a relaxing body high and a peaceful head high. We were going to share the artistic fruits of our high, but decided it best to keep our attempts at drawing lady heads packed with snakes under wraps. After all, you might find yourself locked in a perpetual state of laughing if you gaze at the hot mess that is our drawing skills.

MEDUSA 28.77%% THC, 2.97% Terpenes | sweetmatanuskagreen.com

REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS

the GLOBAL issue

L A B O GL PECT I V E P E RS

UNITED STATES

at home and s rm fo re s e in exam nabis laws n LEAF NATION a C n o rt o p re pecial abroad in this s d. around the worl

THE U.S. HAS EXPERIENCED A FLURRY OF PRO-POT REFORM SINCE ELECTION DAY IN 2020 AND FOUR STATES – NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, VIRGINIA AND NEW MEXICO – PASSED LEGALIZATION LEGISLATION IN JUST THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 2021!

Currently, 17 states and the District of Columbia have legalized Cannabis for adult use, while 36 states (and D.C.) have approved medical marijuana programs. More than 237 million Americans now live in a state with some form of legal Cannabis. While individual states have spearheaded the recreational and medical marijuana legalization movement, beginning with California’s landmark Prop. 215 in 1996, it is possible the federal government may soon follow suit. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced plans to introduce a measure that would legalize marijuana federally, removing it from the CSA and its insidious designation as a Schedule I narcotic. It’s true that President Joe Biden favors decriminalization and would likely prefer to see Cannabis rescheduled rather than descheduled. However, Senator Cory Booker, who is working with Schumer on the federal legalization bill, believes that Biden would back the legislation. And with a slight Democratic majority in the legislature, there really is a chance that Cannabis is legalized in the United States this year – an unthinkable scenario just months ago.

WITH THE U.S. ON THE VERGE OF HISTORIC CHANGE, LET’S SEE HOW THE REST OF THE WORLD IS HANDLING MARIJUANA-LAW REFORM: NORTH AMERICA

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CANADA

After first approving medical Cannabis more than 20 years ago, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana in October 2018 when the aptly named Cannabis Act took effect. The adult-use law legalized possession of up to 30 grams of pot. The Cannabis Act also established retail sales and rules for home cultivation. While Canada’s provinces create their own guidelines for retail (and can also opt out of personal cultivation), online sales are legal throughout the country. Provinces also set the minimum age for consuming Cannabis, which varies from 18 to 21.

MEXICO

In 2018, the Supreme Court declared prohibition to be unconstitutional and tasked lawmakers with creating a legalization law. Earlier this year it appeared that Mexico would finally join the ranks of recreational Cannabis countries. However, while legalization legislation passed both chambers, the bill has stalled in the Senate, as lawmakers failed to meet the deadline set by the court. A special session could be held later this year to pass the bill but at the moment, legalization in Mexico remains up in the air. Personal possession of pot has been decriminalized in Mexico since 2009 and a medical law allowing for the use of marijuana with less than 1% of THC was passed in 2017.

JUN. 2021

MIDDLE EAST

ISRAEL

There is a long history of Cannabis in Israel, as many consider the country the birthplace of marijuana research. Israeli Professor Raphael Mechoulam discovered THC in 1964. Since then, Israel’s dedication to Cannabis research has made the country a global leader in the field. Israel boasts a strong medical marijuana program that began in the ‘90s. Recreational Cannabis is partially decriminalized for possession of up to 15 grams.

LEBANON

In April 2020, Lebanese lawmakers legalized the cultivation of marijuana for medical use. The policy change, which officials say was financially motivated, made Lebanon the first Arab country to allow Cannabis cultivation. Legislators also legalized growing industrial hemp. The U.N. considers Lebanon one of the world’s top producers of pot and its crops could be worth up to $1 billion annually. ASIA

SOUTH KOREA

While recreational Cannabis remains highly illegal, South Korea passed a landmark law in 2018 that made it the first country in East Asia to approve the use of medical marijuana. The program is quite strict, requiring a doctor’s recommendation as well as approval from the government to obtain medical Cannabis. And, only pot-based medicines like Sativex, Epidiolex, Marinol and Cesamet are allowed. AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

Thanks to a Constitutional Court ruling in 2018, personal consumption, possession or cultivation of Cannabis in private is legal in South Africa. Medical Cannabis is also legal and a doctor can prescribe pot for any condition. Prescriptions are filled at registered pharmacies.

ZIMBABWE

In 2018, Zimbabwe legalized the cultivation of medical Cannabis. However, it took nearly a year for the first license to be awarded (in exchange for a $46,000 fee). While the medical program is struggling, it calls for high quality Cannabis to be mailed to qualified patients by licensed producers.

EUROPE

SOUTH AMERICA

The Czech Republic decriminalized possession of up to 10 grams of pot and home cultivation of up to five plants in 2010. Lawmakers approved a medical Cannabis law in 2013, which allows for patients to obtain 180 grams of marijuana per month by prescription through pharmacies.

The country decriminalized possession and private consumption of small amounts of Cannabis in 2009. In 2017 the government approved CBD for medicinal use, and in 2020 President Alberto Fernández expanded the program to allow home cultivation of medical Cannabis. The new law also permits pharmacies to sell pot products (like oils and creams), which must be covered by insurance for any patient with a prescription.

CZECH REPUBLIC

DENMARK

Despite the famed Freetown Christiania neighborhood, which became famous for tolerated Cannabis sales, marijuana remains illegal in Denmark. However, the country began a four-year pilot program for medical Cannabis in 2018. The government is allowing the marijuana used in the program to be grown locally through a special permit.

GERMANY

Germany legalized medical Cannabis in March 2017, but the program is extremely strict. Only seriously ill patients qualify for a prescription. The government licenses companies to cultivate Cannabis for the limited medical program.

IRELAND

While recreational Cannabis remains illegal in Ireland, the country is experimenting with medical marijuana in the form of a five-year pilot program approved by the health minister. Seriously ill patients failed by conventional treatment would qualify for “compassionate access to Cannabis for medical reasons.”

ITALY

ARGENTINA

BRAZIL

Cannabis remains illegal in Brazil, and those caught with small amounts are subject to community service and conscripted education on the effects of drugs. While medical marijuana has been allowed since 2015, it is reserved for terminally ill patients. In 2019 the program was expanded to include sales through pharmacies.

CHILE

Despite widespread support for, and use of, Cannabis in Chile, pot remains illegal in the South American country. Nonetheless, there have been pro-pot reforms over the years. In 2015, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet removed marijuana from a list of dangerous drugs, where it had been classified along with heroin and cocaine. The move allowed Cannabis to be sold at pharmacies. Additionally, home cultivation for personal use of recreational or medicinal marijuana has been decriminalized.

COLOMBIA

Possession of up to 20 grams of Cannabis has been decriminalized in Colombia since 2012, and in 2015 the country approved home cultivation of up to 20 plants. That same year, Colombia legalized medical Cannabis and established dispensaries. Most recently, in 2019, the Constitutional Court overturned a ban on public consumption.

ECUADOR

Personal use amounts of Cannabis and hash are decriminalized in Ecuador and possession of up to 10 grams is essentially legal. The Ecuadorian government legalized medical marijuana in Sept. 2019.

Medical marijuana was legalized in Italy in 2013. Shortly thereafter, the government announced that the Italian army would grow the Cannabis for the country’s medical pot program. In February 2021, the health ministry granted a license to a private company to grow medical Cannabis. Prescriptions are only available to qualified patients and marijuana is available through pharmacies. Recreational Cannabis is decriminalized in Italy and as of 2019, home cultivation for personal use was legalized.

URUGUAY

THE NETHERLANDS

The Australian government legalized medical marijuana federally in November 2016, after changing the Narcotic Drugs Act to allow for the cultivation of Cannabis for medicinal purposes. However, the rules for pot patients in Australia differ depending on the jurisdiction. While parts of the country have decriminalized pot, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) became the first jurisdiction to legalize Cannabis in January 2020. While still federally illegal, the ACT law allows for the possession of up to 50 grams and home cultivation of as many as four plants per household.

Everyone’s favorite pot vacation spot; yet most don’t realize marijuana is illegal in Holland. Cannabis is tolerated by the government and sold at coffeeshops. Possession of up to five grams is decriminalized. Public consumption at coffeeshops is allowed.

PORTUGAL

In 2001, Portugal became the first country to decriminalize all illicit drugs, including Cannabis. Currently, those in possession of up to 25 grams of marijuana or five grams of hash face no criminal or civil penalties. Portugal legalized medical Cannabis in 2018, establishing sales through pharmacies. Growing marijuana remains illegal.

In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana. The following year, lawmakers approved home cultivation of up to six plants and cultivation clubs allowed growers to work together to produce 99 pot plants a year. In 2017, Uruguay implemented its dispensary program, consisting of 16 licensed pharmacies approved for retail sales.

DAB UNDER

AUSTRALIA

CARIBBEAN

BARBADOS

Barbados legalized medical Cannabis in 2019 and also allows registered Rastafarians to legally use marijuana through the Sacramental Cannabis Bill.

JAMAICA

In 2015, Jamaica legalized medical Cannabis and decriminalized possession of up to two ounces. Personal cultivation of up to five plants is allowed, as is the sacramental use of marijuana by Rastafarians. Jamaica faced a Cannabis shortage earlier this year due to a drought and increased demand.

STORY by MIKE GIANAKOS @MIKEGEEZEEY/LEAF NATION

the GLOBAL issue

CANNABIS CA CANNABISCANNABISC CANNABIS W 38

THE GLOBAL COMMODITY

hat will it take for Cannabis to become a global commodity, and what does success imply for the current and future marketplaces that are selling Cannabis in the U.S. and beyond? I zoomed with Claudia Della Mora, the co-founder and managing partner at Black Legend Capital – an investment and advisory firm based out of Los Angeles and an expert in international Cannabis legalization – to explore what the future holds for the plant, the industry, and our ability to consume Cannabis internationally.

CANNABIS AS A COMMODITY Traditionally, a commodity is the raw material that makes up finished products like petroleum, sugar or rice that can be traded internationally in large quantities with little restrictions, with pricing based on supply and demand as prices fluctuate. Commodity potential within the Cannabis industry includes THC flower, hemp biomass, THC/CBD distillates or isolates, and crude oil. While these have potential as bulk commodities and to one day be traded on the exchanges, there are three essential pieces to the puzzle that must be made to fit before Cannabis products can be sold as commodities globally. While most U.S. companies see the future of Cannabis as a commodity coming from federal legalization, the real barrier to global trade is the United Nations Drug Treaty. “Cannabis needs to get to a point of international legalization to have a commodity status, and that will require a type of standardization and minimum requirements for products to be traded and sold,” said Claudia Della Mora. “Although everyone looks at the U.S. as the biggest market, it’s only the biggest developed market, but it’s not going to be the biggest manufacturing market. I do believe when everything is federally approved, Cannabis will be cultivated in low labor cost countries like China, Mexico, Columbia – so those countries will be very important while people buy from them.”

JUN. 2021

Claudia Della Mora, Black Legend Capital co-founder and managing partner.

CANNABIS

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IN TERNATION A L L EG A L I Z A T I ON

ANNABIS CANNABIS SCANCAN SO S T ANDARDIZA TION

For Cannabis to be treated as a commodity, there must be universally accepted standards for products. Currently, every state in the U.S. has different standards, as does each country across the globe. For there to be import/export of products, standards for quality, testing, ingredients and many other factors must be determined. There will be different standards for medicinal/ pharmaceutical grade and recreational Cannabis, including cultivation, processing and the end user product. PR IC E T RANSP A REN CY

There has to be a benchmark for prices, with differentiation, just like with the oil and gas industry. Once there are standards agreed upon internationally, there can be pricing set for types and grades of products, which would allow the ability for trade on a global commodity scale. “In order to be a commodity, a product must be freely traded and sold,” said Della Mora. “Oil is a benchmark for pricing, but gas is refined from oil and priced locally. One interesting thing is that raw materials are sometimes a minor cost of the cost of the finished goods – sugar costs very little by the pound, while a two-liter bottle of Coke is above two dollars with little added expense.” THE THREE VERTICALS OF THE INDUSTRY

While it is easy to think about the Cannabis industry as one giant melting pot, there are actually three distinct divisions that come from the same plant: industrial hemp, medical Cannabis and recreational Cannabis. Recreational Cannabis is like the alcohol or consumer packaging industry with lower regulations, medical Cannabis

is similar to pharmaceuticals in terms of regulations and expectations, and industrial hemp can be used for either industrial applications, pharmaceutical grade medical products, or even recreational use. This is a complex web of overlapping products, and it’s important to understand how each vertical has a different function on a global level. INDUSTRIAL HEMP & CBD

Hemp is the only aspect of the three that is today at a commodity level globally, with import and export being legal in the U.S. at under .3% THC, or .2% THC in the European Union. As a commodity, hemp-derived CBD has crashed in prices globally, and the value continues to fall as supply outstrips demand and more farms come on-line globally to produce industrial hemp and CBD. MEDICAL CANNABIS VS . R E C R E AT I O N A L

MMJ is a very specific aspect of the commoditization of Cannabis because processors use THC and CBD raw materials that are specialized, not just anything random. They often require specific ratios of cannabinoids and for the products to be grown or processed in a specific way, like European Union Good Manufacturing Processes certified. These raw materials are also used for specific types of treatments. When you get down to specifics, the real difference between recreational and MMJ is not the end user, but the standards used to classify what category the Cannabis falls under. Apart from regulations like quality control or specific dosing, the only difference between MMJ and recreational is the label on the jar. G L O B A L DE MA N D

Although the global pandemic may have caused an up-tick in Cannabis consumption over the past year, the numbers appear to be here to stay. “Americans legally purchased $17.9 billion of legal Cannabis in 2020, not including the black market or states without legal Cannabis,” said Della Mora. “Which is $7.2 billion more than was bought in 2019 – so the pandemic saw a massive increase in sales – with the combined medical/rec market projected to reach $23 billion annually by 2025. Globally, the value is estimated at $130 billion by 2025, with Mexico alone estimated to be a $60 billion market.”

While there are U.S. based companies that have hundreds of employees and millions of dollars in revenues, even the largest U.S. producer/processor is woefully undersized and unprepared for a global Cannabis market. The market conditions that currently exist domestically have created an environment that has made Cannabis a cash crop in America, but this will not necessarily be the case long term. At the center of this bubbling market is the American idea that Cannabis producers have an inherent value that will make them ripe for acquisition from multinational companies, or that the products and brands they produce have enough domestic value and demand that there will always be a warm market for U.S. companies to sell their products domestically. However, this rose-tinted optimism has new competition on the horizon. “A small number of companies can already supply all the commodity input needed to meet global demand for CBD,” explained Della Mora. “THC is limited state by state in the U.S., currently with high demand, but there is no sense in producing Cannabis in expensive countries or in climates not friendly to cultivation. Small producers might want to provide their knowledge, distribution networks and sales relationships to larger companies that will ultimately produce Cannabis in Mexico or elsewhere. That is the primary value that a small cultivator in the U.S. can provide to a large company once Cannabis is legal globally.” In short, the current state of global legalization works in the producer/processor’s favor in the U.S., as does a lack of federal legalization. Even if the U.S. legalizes before the U.N., a national legal market would likely hurt small to medium U.S. producers in the long run, as they try to compete against multi-state operators and the rush of investment from major corporations. “Of course, I don’t want to sound like a downer, and no producer/processor wants to hear this as they continue pouring money into companies, especially when there is domestic demand,” said Della Mora. “But from an entrepreneurial view, you have to understand your clientele before starting a business – and I think a lot of people are not sophisticated enough to make good decisions long term.” CAN AMERICAN GROWERS COMPETE? >>

CANNABIS

while the U.S. currently dominates the Cannabis conversation, it is far from the center of the world when it comes to pot’s future as a commodity. And while the U.S. can legalize at the federal level, that doesn’t mean they can export it lawfully. “It has to be the United Nations moving Cannabis to a U.N. Schedule II or III – that would allow countries and investors to create a market for products to be sold legally,” said Della Mora. “Right now to import and export MMJ, a narcotic license is necessary and it has to be compliant to the 1961 U.N. convention.”

THE CURRENT STATE OF GLOBAL LEGALIZATION WORKS IN THE PRODUCER/ PROCESSOR’S FAVOR IN THE U.S., AS DOES A LACK OF FEDERAL LEGALIZATION.

STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/LEAF NATION | PHOTO by BLACK LEGEND CAPITAL

Continued from previous page

CANNABIS

THE GLOBAL ISSUE

CANNABIS - THE GLOBAL COMMODITY

Listen to Leaf Life Podcast Show #115 Legal Cannabis in Mexico, with guest Claudia.

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

CAN AMERICAN GROWERS COMPETE IN A GLOBAL MARKET?

products. ‘Made in America’ could be the stamp that keeps U.S. companies alive – just like the demand seen in the United Kingdom for Australian products that follow the commonwealth trade history of other commodities.” In the European Union and most of the developed world outside the U.S., local governments As noted previously, with commoditization control commodities like minerals and natural comes standardization, meaning that Cannabis resources, and issue permits to companies to in Mexico or Columbia will have to follow the extract, refine and sell these products. From a same rules, regulations and standards as Cannaregulatory standpoint, the less companies involved bis grown in the U.S. In reality, all Cannabis will the better, as it takes fewer resources to regulate be regulated similarly globally, meaning that the and hold accountable a couple massive compasame standardized quality will come from counnies than a large number of smaller companies. tries with more favorable growing climates and This means that globally the market is already lower production costs, which will make it very tilted in favor of huge companies, especially those difficult for U.S. domestic producers to compete with experience in other industries. abroad. The biggest hope for U.S. growers will “In Germany, three companies won the right be local demand, and the potential for the U.S. to cultivate because it is a no-brainer for the Government to impose tariffs or taxes that make government to work with three companies instead competition easier for U.S. growers producing the of dozens, with less management and risk, and same quality of products as those in other parts of everything being provided the world. easily in big amounts on a silver “I think that there will be consum“THERE’S ALWAYS platter,” explained Della Mora. ers domestically and globally that “So any little company would be OPPORTUNITY want to choose ‘Grown in Amera waste of time for a regulating ica’ products versus those grown WHEN THERE ARE government.” in South America or elsewhere,” LIMITATIONS, SO I Nonetheless, Della Mora sees explained Della Mora. “Not all, opportunity within the complex but there will be those who choose ALWAYS ENCOURAGE web of global Cannabis. domestic products if regulations ENTREPRENEURS “There’s always opportunity allow disclosure of where the raw when there are limitations, so I material comes from, like in food/ OR BRIGHT MINDS always encourage entrepreneurs beverages/clothing. If those trends TO THINK ABOUT or bright minds to think about follow, there will be a portion of the SOLUTIONS,” solutions,” she said. “Because consumers that prefer locally-made

JUN. 2021

CANNABIS

when you provide a solution, it’s a good investment of time. Obviously, whoever finds solutions in the meantime is going to make a lot of money, because it’s going to be a few years at least before full commoditization. Eventually, what we would like is for a real commodity situation, for Cannabis to be traded globally – and whoever is first to figure this out will take the market.”

espite the challenges facing American companies on a global market, Della Mora is hopeful that the changes in international law will lead to a greater acceptance of Cannabis as a safe recreational drug and medicine, which will continue to create new opportunities for companies in America and around the globe. “My hope is that it will be federally and internationally legal, so that everyone can use it recreationally,” said Della Mora. “But I really hope that this plant can be recognized medicinally and wellness-wise everywhere, because it really does help. We are discovering that Cannabis consumption might even help or protect against viruses like COVID, so we need more research and acceptance. I really hope that people who use Cannabis for medicinal uses can do so without the stigma and ignorance, and that there is going to be global information awareness so that people can learn more about this amazing plant – not from the point of view of stoners, but from medical practitioners working to save lives.”

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STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/LEAF NATION

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the GLOBAL issue

Signs in Amsterdam warn against smoking Cannabis in public.

AMSTERDAM’S

COFFEESHOP CRACKDOWN

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OR THE PAST HALF-CENTURY, Amsterdam border municipalities (where many rowdy tourists enter has been considered the Cannabis capital from neighboring countries like Germany, France, Britain of Europe, if not the world. Long before and Belgium) rather than in Amsterdam, where weed legalization seemed possible here in Ameritourism comprises a significant portion of the city’s econca, Amsterdam’s coffeeshops were the only omy. Sadly though, it looks like that’s about to change. place where one could buy and consume Earlier this year, Amsterdam’s first female mayor Femmarijuana openly without fear of criminal repercussion – ke Halsema, proposed, among other things, enforcing thanks to the Netherlands’ policy of “soft drug” tolerance the wietpas ban in the capital for the first time. In a letter (gedoogbeleid). But over the past decade, that tolerance to the city council on January 8, Halsema outlined a sehas eroded due to the right-leaning Christian national ries of policy changes regarding the city’s Cannabis ingovernment and complaints from the citizenry. dustry. Aside from the so-called “residence criterion,” the Just before the pandemic, tourism to Amsterdam was proposal would also institute new licensing requirements at an all-time high – averaging nearly 2 million to legalize the supply chain – allowing THE LOSS OF visitors per month – half of whom were there, shops to purchase their Cannabis legally at least in part, to visit some of the city’s 166 from government-approved sources (thus CANNABIS Cannabis coffeeshops and/or infamous Red Light eliminating the problem of illegal “backTOURISM IS District. Residents have long decried the throngs of door” suppliers who are often connectSURE TO HAVE ill-behaved tourists who reportedly piss, puke, lited to organized crime) and keep more A DEVASTATING ter, shout and fight in their streets, and seeing the stock on-premises. However, these new EFFECT ON THE city tourist-free during the COVID lockdown has requirements would also limit the number only spotlighted these “overtourism” complaints. of locations each coffeeshop brand can CITY’S ECONOMY To address these “quality of life” concerns, the operate and eliminate over half of the Dutch government began taking steps to reduce tourism: remaining coffeeshops in the city. banning new hotels and tourist-targeted businesses As expected, coffeeshop owners are pushing back (such as Red Light tours and souvenir shops), restricting hard against these measures. Joachim “Joa” Helms, Airbnb rentals and increasing their “tourist tax.” In 2012, co-owner of the legendary Green House coffeeshop and they introduced the “wietpas” (weed pass) policy, which spokesman for the Dutch Cannabis Retailers Association banned non-residents from visiting coffeeshops; howev(BCD), says that the coffeeshop industry is being unfairly er, until now, the policy has been enforced primarily in targeted for the problem of misbehaving tourists.

JUN. 2021

“People who come to smoke weed aren’t the ones causing the disturbance,” he asserts. “Usually, it’s guys being loud on the street and being drunk – and those aren’t typical coffeeshop people.” So if drunk people are causing most of the problems, BCD representatives argue, why not ban tourists from bars? They also point out that the ban will only exacerbate the very criminality officials claim to be concerned about. “If you want to prevent an illegal market, then coffeeshops are essential,” says Helms. “Every smoker that’s not allowed in a coffeeshop is one that buys his weed from an illegal dealer!” According to them, the tourist ban is bad policy for several reasons: It endangers tourists by exposing them to shady street dealers who also sell hard drugs, carry weapons and rip people off; it funnels revenue from Cannabis sales into the hands of criminals, rather than regulated, tax-paying businesses; and it forces tourists to consume their Cannabis out in public, rather than inside designated shops, thus exposing passersby to their smoke. “With the US and Canada legalizing, Cannabis culture is only getting bigger and bigger,” Helms observes. “So instead of closing shops to tourists, we should embrace what this city was always known for and legalize. That’s the best, most obvious solution.” As of now, plans to relocate the Red Light District from the city center to a new “sex zone” on the outskirts of town are already underway, and the Cannabis control proposal is on track to take effect next year. Even if the ban does go into effect, however, many predict it will be short-lived, as the loss of Cannabis tourism is sure to have a devastating effect on the city’s economy – not just the coffeeshop owners, but also hotels, tour operators, restaurants and other businesses. Hopefully, a fairer compromise can be negotiated that addresses residents’ legitimate concerns, while still allowing tourists to continue enjoying Amsterdam’s world-renowned coffeeshop culture.

STORY by BOBBY BLACK @BOBBYBLACK420 for LEAF NATION

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the GLOBAL issue

THE WIDE WORLD INDICA

MATANUSKA THUNDERFUCK

Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Valley is the origin of this classic strain that is commonly referred to as MTF. Popular since the 1980s and known to produce different effects in different users, this cultivar is a bit of a wild card. Those familiar with the varietal claim it is one of the most potent and complex strains in existence.

SATIVA

JACK HERER Jack Herer

is the name of both a legendary Cannabis activist, and an equally renowned, energetic and notoriously flavorful thin-leaf varietal hailing from Amsterdam. Bred from a threeway cross of Haze, Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk, breeder Sensi Seeds created the strain in the mid‘90s in honor of the great activist. This spice, pine and citrus forward cultivar is known to produce a heady, cerebral and creative high.

INDICA HYBRID

DJ SHORT BLUEBERRY

44 INDICA HYBRID

OG KUSH

Legend has it that DJ Short scoured Central America and Southeast Asia to find the genetics that would eventually be bred into the renowned DJ Short Blueberry, also known as the True Blueberry. The purported lineage of the strain is Highland Thai, Oregon Purple Thai and Afghani. While the strain has international roots, the legwork to breed the strain was done in Seattle, Washington.

leafmagazines.com

The OG Kush has a truly wild history behind it. Reportedly, the strain originated in Florida in 1991 and in 1996, Josh D flew wet cuts from Florida to Los Angeles, California where it exploded in popularity amongst both consumers and celebrities. At one point in time, outrageous prices of SATIVA $6,000 to $10,000 per pound were MAUI WOWIE being paid to Hawaii is known to be home acquire this to some incredible tropical especially hefty ganja, as well as some smoke. prized genetics. Maui Wowie is a classic thin-leaf varietal that is arguably the most famous of the archipelago’s cultivars, bursting onto the scene after making its way stateside in the 1970s. Maui Wowie features a mango, lemon-lime, pine-forward aroma that is known for its euphoric and mellowing effects.

HYBRID

MONTANA SILVERTIP

This sparkling cultivar is Montana’s shining gem and a rare, but special cultivar. With storied lineage that is said to be a Grand Daddy Purple x Silver Kush cross, this heavy-duty hybrid packs a powerful punch, delivering characteristics of both the body-high-leaning GDP and the uppity zip of the Silver Kush.

SATIVA

NYC SOUR DIESEL

SATIVA

ACAPULCO GOLD

Mexico’s most famous Cannabis strain and arguably the world’s best known sativa, Acapulco Gold is a musky, tropical, haze-esque landrace strain that exploded in popularity in the 1960s and was touted as the first “connoisseur pot.” Though rare, it can still be found in old heads’ gardens along the West Coast and beyond.

The exact lineage of NYC Sour Diesel is a bit muddled, thanks to two versions of the strain existing. The original version was most likely a Chem Dog plant that was unintentionally pollinated by another plant in the same room in Staten Island, New York sometime in the early 1990s. Later, Soma Seeds got a cut of the Sour and put out their version – which many referred to as Grapefruit, thanks to its aroma and flavor that called the fruit to mind.

SATIVA

RED CONGOLESE

Popularized in California, this hybrid is derived from landrace strains from two different continents – South America and Africa – producing a notably stimulating, creative and motivating cultivar. The strain has a strong tendency to produce focused and functional effects, coupled with a high degree of mental clarity, making it an excellent choice for daytime consumption.

SATIVA HYBRID

DURBAN POISON

JUN. 2021

Durban Poison is a special landrace varietal originating from the South African port city of Durban. The strain is a classic thin-leaf varietal and produces a buzzy, energetic and motivating high via a piney, lemon-lime and musk-forward smoke. Rumor has it that the strain was popularized by Cannabis greats Ed Rosenthal and Mel Frank in the late 1970s.

OF WEED STRAINS

INDICA

HINDU KUSH This strain

is named after the mountain range stretching through Afghanistan from Pakistan to Tajikistan, which is the area this cultivar is indigenous to. Hindu Kush is a short and bushy plant that produces thick, hefty and tree-like colas. The strain has a reputation for producing stunningly dark purple and black leaves, and is commonly known to create a couch-locking, heavy-handed body high for the user.

HYBRID

SHIATSU KUSH

Originally bred as an heirloom strain, Shiatsu Kush hails from the Japanese island of Amami Oshima. This rare varietal was originally brought to the Americas by legendary seed bank BC Bud Depot, known for its deeply relaxing effects and complex terpene profile that tends to present with prominent notes of cedar and menthol.

STORY by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/LEAF NATION

CANNABIS HASN’T ALWAYS BEEN THE HIGHLY DEVELOPED, HYBRIDIZED AND SELECTIVELY HUNTED PLANT THAT IT IS TODAY. Once upon a time, certain Cannabis strains existed solely in specific regions throughout the world. As the popularity and value of the plant rose, so did cultivators’ interest in diversifying their product lines – thus beginning the development of our modern day Cannabis cultivars. Select growers took this niche interest and began traveling internationally, hunting for new varietals from select regions around the world. These growers, many of whom eventually changed their focus from cultivation to breeding, helped usher in a new era for the plant and the community around it.

WE CULLED TOGETHER SOME O F T H E T O P ST R A I N S F R O M AROUND THE WORLD TO SHOW HOW CANNABIS’ I N T E R N AT I O N A L R O O T S H AV E S E T T H E STA G E F O R A N E W G LO B A L M A R K E T.

cooking with Cannabis

SUNNY & SWEET SUMMERTIME TREATS two servings

MALTED-CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE 2 1 3 1 2 2

cups chocolate milk, or dairy free milk small banana, sliced tablespoons malted milk powder tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder teaspoons canna-coconut oil heaping tablespoons chocolate syrup

1. Put all the ingredients except the chocolate syrup in a blender. Blend on medium

12 servings

LEMON BARS Baking spray 1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened ¼ cup canna-butter, softened ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar 2 eggs 1 cup sugar zest from two lemons 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon flour ¼ teaspoon salt

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

R EC I P E S by LAU RIE WOLF | P HOTOS by B RUC E WOLF

speed until smooth. 2. Divide the smoothie 1. Preheat the oven to 340°F. Spray an 8 or 9-inch square pan with the cooking spray and set it aside. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, unsalted butter, canna-butter and confectioner’s sugar. 3. Using your fingers, press the crust evenly into the prepared pan. 4. Bake the crust until it is light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Leave the oven on. 5. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the remaining ingredients until fluffy. 6. Put the filling into the cooled crust. 7. Bake until the filling is set, 25 to 30 minutes. 8. Cool completely.

12 servings

1. Preheat the oven to 340°F and spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with the cooking spray. Set aside. 2. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, canola oil and canna-oil until creamy. Add the eggs, buttermilk and zest, mixing well. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. 4. Fold in the pistachios. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. 6. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan – set on a wire rack before turning out to cool completely on the rack.

JUN, 2021

ORANGEPISTACHIO BREAD Baking spray 1 cup sugar ½ cup canola oil ¼ cup canna-oil or butter 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup buttermilk 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon cinnamon pinch of salt ¾ cup shelled pistachios

between 2 glasses and stir 1 heaping tablespoon of chocolate syrup into each.

It’s sunny and we can be outside without a mask. In many cases, we can be inside without a mask. Isn’t that just the greatest news? Hugging feels so good. Work to be done, but we are on the right track. Now get your Cannabis game on and step into the kitchen to make some magic happen. The lemon bars are sweet and tart and divine. You will love them. I like them frozen for a bit, a great chew and frosty feel. The orange pistachio bread is a great way to start the day on a high. Perfect with tea, coffee or golden milk (reach out if you want the recipe). If you are a malted milk ball fan, this smoothie has your name on it. These recipes were infused with a strain from Re-Up farms – a “peaceful” strain named Raspberry Tart. Upon checking, I found that my mood was upbeat and my stress level reduced considerably. The infusion is floral and citrusy, and pairs well with the featured recipes.

#We a rA M ask #Dont FearT heEdi ble #EatYourCannabi s #Happy Birthd a y Bruce | La uriea nd Ma ryJa ne.com

edible of the month

Reviews REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS

Bake and Wake

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

Energy Drink "The high we experienced was decidedly heady, and while we had the energy to power-clean our floors with a toothbrush, we didn’t have the coordination."

EINSTEIN LABS

EINS T EINL ABSAK.COM EINS T EINL ABSAK

8 fl oz, 42mg THC per bottle (10-servings)

JUN. 2021

EINSTEIN LABS dropped their brand new Bake and Wake Energy Drink on 4/20, just in time for every stoner’s favorite holiday. But they didn’t just make a small Instagram post about the release – they teamed up with local businesses for a scavenger hunt to find one dollar redemption cards for their new edible. The creative product drop and trippy tie-dye branding made it clear that this was something we were going to have to get our hands on. And man, are we glad we did! Encased in an ice-cold glass container, Bake and Wake is aesthetically a delight to behold. The fluorescent green liquid immediately transported us back to the ‘90s when anything that tasted good – Surge, Squeezit, Kool-Aid Burst, Otter Pops and Sunny D – was neon-colored. Upon opening the bottle, we were hit with the sweet scent of kiwi and strawberry, blended with the earthy dankness of Cannabis. It was everything we never knew we wanted. Taste-wise, Bake and Wake is similar to a sugar-free Red Bull with subtle hints of a weedy aftertaste. If you’re not an energy drink lover, don’t let that turn you off. Bake and Wake is surprisingly pleasant to sip on, and the combo of THC and caffeine is well worth giving a shot … or maybe two. That said, you do want to take it slow. The high we experienced was decidedly heady, and while we had the energy to power-clean our floors with a toothbrush, we didn’t have the coordination. We’re pretty sure the dog is still traumatized from witnessing that debacle, but c’est la vie – we had a great time testing out Bake and Wake and are looking forward to picking up another bottle.

GUEST SERVICES' IT'S IT AND CAFECITO BONITO CREMA DE TEQUILA COLD BREW

GUEST SERVICES IT'S IT FLOWER

22.41% THC | ENERGETIC SATIVA HYBRID @CAFECITO_BONITO_AK

REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

nchorage's newest hotspot, Cafecito Bonito, is already known for its horchata lattes, cafe de olla and agua de Jamaica, but owner Star Rodriguez-Northcutt pulled out all the stops for our June Tannins & Terpenes Pairing with Guest Services' It's It. Affectionately named Crema de Tequila Cold Brew, Rodriguez-Northcutt's custom drink features a Mexican Chiapas cold brew roasted by local coffee company Uncle Leroy's Coffee. Unlike traditional coffee, the cold brew is smooth with a slightly fruity aftertaste that cuts through any bitterness. However, the real star of the show is the drink's cold foam topper, splashed with a hint of Crema de Tequila agave syrup. The foam's consistency is akin to Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme and is so good, you might have fantasies of diving into a pool filled with it. When it came to pairing this beauty of a drink, we knew we would have to bring out the heavy hitters. This is why we knew we had a winner in It's It from Guest Services in the Valley. Combining the genetics of Gelato 45 and Mint Chocolate Chip, this flower is sure to bring a smile to your face from the first sniff to the last puff. Popping open the canister, the first smell that hits you is a sweet, fruity aroma with subtle hints of mint, cream and pine. Follow that first deep inhale with a swig of the cold brew, and you may find yourself in nirvana. On the first draw, the sweetness of the strain takes front and center. As you inhale, the sweetness slowly gives way to the acidic, fruity side of the strain. Upon exhale, the flower then gives a nod to the other half of its parentage, as you are left with a minty aftertaste tingling the back of your throat. The flower's hearty bud structure breaks perfectly into smaller pieces that will leave little waste behind, so you can enjoy every last bit. But tread carefully when trying this pairing. The combination of cold brew's caffeine and the 22.41% THC found in It's It means that the high When it came hits hard and fast. Within moments to pairing this of your first toke, you will start to beauty of a drink, feel another-worldliness in your head. Don't worry – it's not a bad we knew we episode of Ancient Aliens – it's would have to just the pairing working its magic. Although, we can't promise that bring out the you won't blast off into orbit when heavy hitters. the high fully sinks in.

tannins & terpenes

T H E A RT OF PA I R I NG C A N N A BI S

concentratE OF THE MONTH

The American hunger for nostalgia reaches a fever pitch when combined with weed, and no strain embodies a throwback, feel good treat like a full spectrum toke of Gummy Bears. THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE ARE THE SWEETEST,

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

GUMMY BEARS TOP HAT CONCENTRATES

JUN. 2021

and since gummy bears are mainly food coloring and sugar, we prefer the scrumptious and smokable version to the overly chewy, second-rate candy. In true journalistic transparency, this writer also hates candy corn and Tootsie Rolls, but if a breeder accepts the challenge, they will be consumed in Cannabis form. Would a candy corn strain taste like disappointment? These are the kind of happy, spacey thoughts that filled my mind after puffing on the delicious Gummy Bears CO2 from Top Hat. Gummy Bears was bred by Elemental Seeds, combining Trueberry (True OG X Strawberry Banana/Blackberry) with Big Lemon for a citrus berry smash rich in resinous hash flavor and heady effects. Top Hat’s full spectrum extraction captures a range of cannabinoids and terpenes with no added glycols or anything artificial, delivering the purest Cannabis oil with a vibrant, cannabinoid-rich buzz. First tokes from the green-tipped cartridge are syrupy on the inhale, covering the palate in a berry lemonade flavor full of hashy notes. The clouds of vapor are light on the lungs and exhale easily, warming the chest while sending a rush of euphoria that settles right behind the eyes. The sugary aroma makes it impossible to not take several fat tokes, which quickly lead to heavier effects coating the body like a warm blanket. Looking at the test results rich in CBD, CBG and CBC, it’s no surprise that this extraction has unique mind and body effects that are much more pleasant than a simple high THC oil. Within minutes we found our heads floating above a relaxed body, with stress and pain melting away and making room for a content, take on the day or the couch type of attitude. There’s really no wrong time to eat a gummy bear, and the same can be said for this concentrate in convenient cartridge form. We found the buzz energetic enough for morning use while still being stoney and euphoric, which is a perfect way to end a long summer day that stretches into the midnight sun hours. So have a treat that is naturally calorie free, and let the nostalgia of smoking Gummy Bears fill your lungs and mind with a sunny, summertime buzz.

The sugary aroma makes it impossible to not take several fat tokes, which quickly lead to heavier effects coating the body like a warm blanket. 73.06% THC, .53% CBD 1% CBG, .6% CBC | THCALASKA.COM

REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS

reviews

TECHNOLOGY ALPHAPEN BRNR LABS

THE BATTERY

BRNRLAB.COM | @BRNRLAB

Introducing the BRNR Alpha – a premium vape pen at a price that anyone can afford.

“One of the safest, sturdiest, smoothest-pulling vape pens I’ve ever hit.”

THE PORTABILITY and discretion of a good vape pen make it an indispensable alternative to the desktop dab rig. But most of the vape pens on the market tend to fall into two categories: the cheap, disposable types that don’t last long and may or may not be off-gassing toxic fumes; and the higher-end vapes, which are better quality and typically come with a heftier price tag. But now, you can have the best of both worlds with the new Alpha Vape from BRNR Labs. The BRNR Alpha has a sleek, spaceage design that’s available in four different colors: pink, blue, space gray and black. There’s no button to press – activation is triggered by inhalation. There’s also no light to show it’s on, instead using haptic feedback (a subtle vibration) to let you know it’s working. It comes with a Grade-A battery that’s compatible with any standard 510-threaded cartridge, a refillable glass AVD cartridge, an aluminum sheath, an adapter ring (to adjust the sheath height for longer cartridges), and a micro-USB charging cord. Let’s take a look at each of these components more closely:

Alpha features a Grade-A battery, meaning it has met the strictest of safety and quality standards. Unlike B and C-Grade batteries, Grade-A batteries have a longer life and are less likely to leak or explode. The bottom of Alpha’s battery features a micro-USB port for charging and a tiny switch used to toggle between the two heat settings: low and high. Since there’s no button, there’s no messing around trying to remember how many clicks or which colored light corresponds to which setting. When set to low, the atomizer heats to the temperature where the terpenes just begin to vaporize, preserving as much flavor and aroma as possible – perfect for highterp sauce carts. On the high setting, it heats to just below the temperature where any off-gassing might conceivably occur – delivering a heavier hit that’s optimal for highTHC distillates. Both temperatures are sensor-controlled by BRNR’s proprietary Smart Pulse Technology – a sophisticated algorithm that sends automated intermittent pulses of power to the atomizer, rather than constant heat. This prevents the device from overheating and reduces stress on the ceramic core, extending its life.

THE CARTRIDGE

Alpha Pen comes equipped with an AVD (Advanced Vapor Devices, BRNR’s sister company) cartridge constructed using only the highest quality and safest materials available. All components within the air path – including a pure nickel and kanthal heating element, the zero-absorption borosilicate glass chamber, and the clean ceramic core – are certified non-toxic, non-reactive and inert. Thanks to AVD’s extensive quality control and testing, their carts are considered the new gold standard for many top-name concentrate producers.

THE RESULTS

In the final analysis, Alpha is one of the safest, sturdiest, smoothest-pulling vape pens I’ve ever hit. It provides strong, steady hits with no overheating and long battery life. It’s built to last years rather than months, which not only saves you money, but is also better for the environment. And with its one-year warranty and the very reasonable price point of just $25, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better vape pen for your money.

REVIEW & PHOTOS by BOBBY BLACK @BOBBYBLACK420 for LEAF NATION

glass art

Inside Tammy Baller’s New Studio (In A Skatepark)

TAMMYBALLERGLASS

Tammy Baller is known for her amusing cartoon-character-inspired functional glass rigs and bowls she creates as one of the top glassblowing artists in the country. She was raised in Upstate New York where she fell in love with creating art during high school. Her talents got her into RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) and she was instantly fascinated by their Glass Fabrication building. She eventually dropped out of college, got into a little bit of trouble, and then rebounded by pouring all of her energy into creating her unique and whimsical glass pieces. Tammy’s boyfriend is an avid skateboarder and collector, and her new studio on his property is surrounded by several rideable pools and skate ramps. During the summer, skaters catch air right outside the picture window – while we discuss Tammy’s glassblowing career and her plans for the future. Tammy is very involved in both functional glass events and art festivals all around the country, and you can often find her demonstrating blowing glass with poise and passion. She has trained and inspired numerous other glass artists in the Northeast and beyond. “I like to make people smile and be happy,” says Tammy. “And if I can make something that makes me laugh, that’s what truly inspires me!”

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

Tammy is very involved in both functional glass events and art festivals all around the country.

JUN. 2021

@tammyballer

STORY & PHOTOS by CHARLES TAGGART @KINDBUD.PHOTOS for LEAF NATION

alternative medicine LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

KRATO

It was an unseasonably cold February night in 2018 when I found myself in one of Alaska’s roughest neighborhoods. Indistinct shouting and blaring police sirens cut through my anxiety as I approached a wooden lean-to lit by only a neon green sign that read “Smoke Shop.” When I opened the creaky front door, I was greeted by dim fluorescent lights and a slew of unsavory characters who were probably just as confused by my presence as I was. But we were all there for the same thing: kratom.

erived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree that is native to Southeast Asia, kratom has been consumed for centuries. An herbal cure-all of sorts, kratom is said to treat everything from impotence to stomach bugs, as well as ease pain and anxiety. While the plant has a rich history in Eastern medicine, it is relatively new to the Western consciousness. First introduced to Europe in the early 19th century by Dutch botanist Pieter Korthals, the plant has yet to gain wide acceptance in the United States, in part, because of misinformation. So, why has this humble plant become so demonized in the United States? According to Mac Haddow, a Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the American Kratom Association, the answer is relatively straightforward. “It’s probably an outgrowth of the [FDA] bias against all-natural products. They hate homeopathic products, and they hate plants and anything that doesn’t require a ‘New Drug Application,’” says Haddow.

JUN. 2021

The problem, Haddow believes, is akin to the FDA’s response to vitamin supplements in the ‘90s. In 1991, the Nutrition Advertising Coordination Act was introduced, in which the FDA would have the power to tighten the regulations regarding supplement labeling. The Act was shot down and replaced by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994 during the Clinton Administration. Under the DSHEA, a dietary supplement cannot be approved or authorized for investigation as a new drug, antibiotic, or biologic unless it was marketed as a food or dietary supplement before such approval or authorization. This distinction becomes important when it comes to the ability of kratom producers to market or advertise their product as being able to treat illness. More importantly, it stifles one major sector of kratom consumers: those trying to beat their opioid addiction.

STORY by O’HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS/ALASKA LEAF

Interview with Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the American Kratom Association

Effects

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT KRATOM AND THE COMPANIES BACKED BY THE AMERICAN KRATOM ASSOCIATION, VISIT AMERICANKRATOM.ORG.

Illustration by Adobe/Irissca

Used in small doses, kratom works as a stimulant – similar to drinking an energy drink. In large quantities, kratom can have an analgesic effect as it binds to the body’s natural μ-opioid receptors

hen used in small doses, kratom works as a stimulant – similar to drinking an energy drink. In large quantities, kratom can have an analgesic effect as it binds to the body’s natural μ-opioid receptors (MOR). Unlike prescribed opioid drugs such as Tramadol and Percocet, the bond kratom forms to the MOR are weak – reducing the likelihood of forming an addiction, making it a possible answer to the opioid crisis. “The difference is significant because kratom doesn’t give you that reinforcing high, so therefore, it doesn’t have addiction liability. What happens with traditional opioids is that they go to your respiratory system, and that’s what accounts for the majority, or the vast majority, of opioid overdoses. You literally suffocate. Kratom has no significant impact on your respiratory system,” explains Haddow. Suppose Haddow is correct in his assertions, and kratom can wean those addicted to prescription opioids of their affliction. Why is kratom currently classified as a Schedule I drug alongside Cannabis, heroin, LSD, ecstasy, meth and peyote? In this, Haddow is succinct. “[The FDA] has expansive power, and they disseminate propaganda about [kratom]. They infect the whole discussion from a public policy standpoint by citing a string of deaths that were previously attributed to kratom, but have since been refuted,” says Haddow. The most damaging narrative to come from the FDA concerns the death of nine Swedes in 2010. Two years later, the original cause of death was redacted by The National Board of Forensic Medicine in Sweden. While kratom was detected in the systems of the deceased, the Board determined that it was not the primary cause of death, but rather, it was the adulteration of the consumed kratom. “Kratom in its pure state is not dangerous,” insists Haddow. Just like Cannabis, the problem is not the plant itself. It is the mismanagement of the product by smoke shops and other entities that saw the analgesic effect of kratom and thought, “Maybe we can mix it with some things.” On this, Haddow and the FDA agree. “As we work to combat the opioid crisis, we cannot allow unscrupulous vendors to take advantage of consumers by selling products with unsubstantiated claims that they can treat opioid addiction or alleviate other medical conditions,” wrote acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D., in a June 2019 press release. Without tight regulations and rigorous testing protocols, consumers can be putting themselves at risk by consuming kratom. But that doesn’t mean that we should throw out the baby with the bathwater. As a 2020 Johns Hopkins led survey of 2,798 adult kratom users in the United States revealed, kratom is worth the investment of creating stringent regulations. In the survey, 87 percent of those consuming kratom to treat opioid dependence reported relief from withdrawal symptoms. Even more remarkable, 34 percent of addicts were free from opioids after a year. “It’s just like the FDA’s response to supplements. The solution was not to ban them. The solution was to make sure that they were regulated properly. And that’s what kratom needs, which is why we advocate at the state level right now for the kratom Consumer Protection Act, which essentially says you cannot adulterate it; you can’t synthesize the alkaloids, you have to manufacture properly and label it properly,” says Haddow.

cannthropology

WORLD OF Cannabis PRESENTS

Amsterdam’s Reefer Revolution 58

How a handful of activists and entrepreneurs transformed the Venice of the North into the Cannabis capital of the world.

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

If there’s one city in all the world most associated with marijuana, it is undoubtedly Amsterdam. For decades, the city has been known for its liberal attitudes toward Cannabis … but it was not always this way. The Dutch policy of Cannabis tolerance—and the resulting coffeeshop industry— traces back to a handful of counterculture visionaries in the late 60s and early 70s who pushed back against the powersthat-be and paved the way for the thriving Cannabis culture that followed. THE PROVOS Like America’s Diggers and Yippies (whom they influenced), Amsterdam’s Provos (short for provoceren, meaning “to provoke”) were a leftist group that combined political protests with absurdist street theater in an attempt to goad authority figures into making public fools of themselves. One of their founders was a performance artist and anti-tobacco activist named Robert Jasper Grootveld. Starting in the early 1960s, Grootveld and his Provos launched a guerilla war against the tobacco industry, as well as a pro-pot disinformation campaign called the “Marihuettegame” (marijuana game). The premise was to score “points” by tricking police into arresting you for legal substances that looked similar to weed to demonstrate their ignorance about it. Those points could then be redeemed for real weed at the Afrikaanse Druk Stoor—an underground drug shop they opened in the Jordaan in 1963.

JUN. 2021

Dutch pot pioneers: Kees Hoekert and Provo Jasper Grootveld of the Lowland Weed Company selling Cannabis plants on their houseboat The White Raven. COURTESY COR JARING LOWLAND WEED COMPANY After the Provos disbanded in 1967, Grootveld partnered with a kindred spirit by the name of Kornelis “Kees” Hoekert. Like Grootveld, Hoekert was a disgruntled tobacco addict who’d switched to smoking weed and hash. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much Cannabis available in the Netherlands at that time—just imported black-market hash, typically of questionable quality. Remarkably, it was Hoekert who first realized that Cannabis didn’t need to be imported—it could actually be grown anywhere, including there in Holland. So in 1969, he and Grootveld bought a kilo of hemp seed pigeon feed from a pet store and began planting it everywhere—in the forests, in the parks, by the airport, and even in front of police stations. More significantly, though, they grew thousands of plants out on the deck of Hoekert’s houseboat (The White Raven) and began selling seeds and plants as the Lowland Weed Company. The plants had no THC and weren’t suitable for smoking—it was just political theater designed to educate and trick authorities into creating a bogus scandal. But since Holland’s Opium Act (their version of the Controlled Substances Act) only forbade the sale of dried Cannabis leaves, not seeds or live plants, the police never took the bait. Nevertheless, they achieved their desired result: The police’s lack of action led people to conclude that Cannabis was now legal to grow in the Netherlands—making the Lowlands Weed Company the country’s first “legal” Cannabis merchants. The publicity also drew Cannabis enthusiasts from around the world to the White Raven. It became such an attraction that a hippie tour

called the Magic Bus began stopping there twice a day, bringing tourists below deck for a smoke, a cup of “high tea,” and a speech from Kees or Jasper. Meanwhile, a similar scene was playing out across town, where a hippie chick named Mila Jansen (known today as “The Hash Queen”) had opened a boutique/teahouse called Kink 22 where customers were served a joint alongside every cup of tea sold. MELLOW YELLOW Soon, others would build upon the Cannabis teahouse concept. The first was a 23-year-old hippie friend of Hoekert’s named Wernard Bruining. Tired of dealing hash out of their apartment, Bruining and his roommates Amsterdam’s first coffeeshop, commandeered a the Mellow Yellow. vacant bakery outside COURTESY WERNARD BRUINING the city center and in 1973, opened Amsterdam’s first official coffeeshop. They called it the Mellow Yellow, after the Donovan song based on the urban myth of smoking banana peels to get high—an inside joke they believed only stoners would get. Their plan was simple: Rather than haggling over prices for arbitrary amounts of hash and grass wrapped in foil as was the custom, dealers at the Mellow Yellow sold standard quantities packed in clear bags at set prices, so customers knew exactly what they were getting. To avoid detection, their rotating group of dealers would sling sacks from a leather satchel while disguised as customers. RISE OF THE COFFEESHOPS Naturally, it wasn’t long before other entrepreneurial-minded stoners followed Bruining’s lead. In April 1975, Mellow Yellow regular Maarten Brusselers opened his own coffeeshop, the Rusland. Next came the Bulldog—opened that December by sex shop owner Henk de Vries, who applied a new level of business acumen to the model. Within months of those first shops opening, the Dutch government made a fateful decision—one that would ultimately catapult Cannabis culture in Amsterdam from underground to mainstream. In 1976, they amended the Opium Act to create two distinct classes of drugs: “hard drugs,” considered dangerous to the public good; and less harmful, non-addictive “soft drugs,” under which hash and marijuana were classified.

Old-school Bulldog poster and a 1981 Lowland Seed Company promo. COURTESY WORLD OF CANNABIS MUSEUM AND WERNARD BRUINING

Amsterdam didn’t just pioneer sales and social use of Cannabis—it was also at the forefront of genetics and cultivation. Then, four years later in 1980, they went even further—announcing a pragmatic new harm-reduction policy of Cannabis “tolerance” (gedoogbeleid). After that, Cannabis use and sales—though still technically illegal—would now be decriminalized, thus paving the way for the rise of the coffeeshop industry. In the two decades that followed, the number of coffeeshops in Amsterdam grew exponentially—up to 400 in 1990, then 750 in 1994. In an effort to manage the “wild west” situation unfolding, in October 1994 the Netherlands established a new regulatory system for coffeeshops called the AHOJG criteria (a Dutch acronym), which imposed some basic rules: no advertising, no hard drugs on the premises, no disturbing of the peace, no minors, and no large quantities (daily limits of 500 grams per shop and five grams per customer). THE GREEN TEAM Amsterdam didn’t just pioneer sales and social use of Cannabis—it was also at the forefront of genetics and cultivation. After the Mellow Yellow mysteriously burned down in 1978, Bruining traveled to America in search of sinsemilla—returning the following year with new genetics and a hippie farmer from Oregon by the name of “Old Ed” Holloway. Together, the two set out to “make Holland the Jamaica of Europe”—establishing the first commercial cultivation operation in Europe and selling their harvests to the coffeeshops. Next, Bruining brought in his old friend 59 Hoekert as a partner to launch the Lowland Seed Company—the first commercial Cannabis seed company. Before long, some of the world’s top pot breeders were showing up wanting to join their “Green Team,” including Ed Rosenthal, Sam the Skunkman (developer of the groundbreaking Skunk strain), and Nevil Schoenmakers (who later co-founded the Seed Bank and Green House cofThe genetics feeshop). The genetics Master growers: Soma, Wernard developed in and sold developed in from Amsterdam by these Bruining, Old Ed Holloway, and and sold from legendary breeders would Ed Rosenthal in Amsterdam Amsterdam by serve as the basis for most around 1996. of the popular strains of these legendary COURTESY WERNARD BRUINING today.

breeders would serve as the basis for most of the popular strains of today.

AMSTERDAM DETHRONED Unfortunately, after decades of increasing Cannabis tourism (including the annual Cannabis Cup events each November), the Dutch government began taking steps to reign in the coffeeshop industry. In 2008, they enacted a rule prohibiting shops within 250 meters of a school—forcing 43 shops to close. Then in 2012, they passed the wietpas (weed pass) rule that effectively banned tourists from coffeeshops (for more on this, see this month’s special section). These new restrictions, coupled with the meteoric rise of legal Cannabis in the US, have essentially dethroned Amsterdam as the world’s Cannabis capital. Nevertheless, the city’s groundbreaking policies and pioneers have undeniably paved the way for the Cannabis freedoms and phenotypes we now enjoy in America.

For more on Amsterdam’s Reefer Revolution, listen to Episode #12 of our podcast at worldofcannabis.museum/podcast. 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

MOSQUITOES SUCK

leafmagazines.com

by Mike Ricker

ou work your ass off and deserve a vacation. You save, plan and prepare, while exerting double the energy for the chance to finally check out and head for that sandy paradise for a classic decompress. So, when the bags are loaded with your scene safely in the rearview, a healthy exhale loosens the shackles. But there’s still the travel – the scramble to the airport for the obligatory grope from TSA, the uncomfortably close proximity to unsavory strangers, and the cultural barriers that add to uncertainty. Eventually, you settle in, figure out food and acclimate to the surroundings, as the echoes of your three-ring life finally begin to wither into inaudible static. Here, the suit noose is unknotted and traded for sandals in sand, memorable breezes and a fresh day at the beach. You’ve earned this break. The quietude of ocean whispers is palpable, accentuated with unapologetic sunshine and careless laughter. This is the perfect time for a spliff with a freshly hacked coconut served chilled, rightfully accompanied by a bamboo straw. This is your oasis of fluffy clouds and salt. A deserved respite to create open space in the crowded turnstile mind and begin the healing, so that you can return refreshed and recharged. This time is for you. This is where you relish in your accomplishments and reflect with gratitude. Suddenly, what do you hear? It’s a buzz – a fly, a mosquito? No, it is much bigger. “Is it someone’s music down the beach?” you ask, as the equivalent to a scratching needle down the vinyl breaks the hypnosis of your ambience. This is a dissonant tone, replete of anything remotely enjoyable. It is high, but nothing enters the periphery, until there, creating a smudge on your perfect horizon is a propeller plane lugging a banner that advertises a discount buffet. The invader, you surmise, probably cut a deal with the local sleazeball governor to rent the view, essentially putting a moustache on your Mona Lisa. It is that moment that you realize there is no escape from the dirty pickpockets who scour the empty corners lurking for nefarious opportunities – the junk mailers, scam callers – and the perpetrators of personal space. It is that moment that you realize nothing is sacred anymore.

JUN. 2021

F O L L OW @ R I C K E R D J | G E T T H E AU D I O V E R S I O N & EV E RY E P I S O D E AT L E A F M AG A Z I N E S . C O M

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